START SWOONING AND SWIRLING -- PINKBERRY OPENING PARTY ON JUNE 24; FIRST GEORGIA STORE OPENS JUNE 25 

On your mark, get set, swirl!  Pinkberry opens its first Georgia store this Friday, June 25, at 2937 Cobb Parkway, SE in the Akers Mill Shopping Center.  From 6 - 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, the top tart frozen yogurt-ery will roll out the pink carpet for the store's grand opening party.  Yogurt lovers, come on over for free yogurt and music by Black Dominoes.  The party pairs sweetly with the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation to raise funds for its educational outreach program, ARTSBRIDGE.

On Friday, yogurt fans will be tickled Pinkberry to know they can finally spoon into the Pinkberry yogurt they've been craving. The premium frozen yogurt is made with real nonfat yogurt and nonfat milk, all rBST hormone free.  Pinkberry is just as picky about their other ingredients and toppings.  Grade-A fresh fruit is hand cut daily.  There's no high-fructose corn syrup in the organic gummy bears.  The honey-almond granola is all natural, the pomegranate juice is 100 percent pure, and chocolate shavings come from premium Belgian chocolate.  Pinkberry swirls up six distinctive frozen yogurt flavors:  pomegranate, coconut, chocolate, mango, the sweet and tangy signature original and the new seasonal flavor, watermelon.  Pinkberry is certified by the National Yogurt Association and carries the Live & Active Cultures seal. 

Pinkberry's yogurts, smoothies and parfaits are customizable with add-ins from the fresh fruit and dry toppings bar.  Fruit parfaits layer Pinkberry original frozen yogurt with five layers of fruit and granola. These are definitely refreshing new options for breakfast, snacks, lunch or dessert!  

Locals -- sign up to be a Pinkberry Groupie and receive news and discount offers.  Even better, if you sign up before June 25, you will be entered to win a year of free Pinkberry!  Still have a craving for more Pinkberry info?  Make sure to follow Pinkberry on Twitter (@pinkberryswirl) and on Facebook.  Atlanta Pinkberry Franchise Owner David Beall is elated that the Atlanta opening date is here... and with these blazing hot days, so are we! 

Pinkberry:  2937 Cobb Parkway, SE, Suite 102, in the Akers Mill Shopping Center; 770-661-2995.

POMMES FRITES, CAVIAR AND SPARKLING WINE.  SURELY ECCO HAS FRIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN, AND YOU CAN, TOO

Save the ketchup for the ballpark. Ecco is frying up sublime pommes frites and throwing a Fried and Gone to Heaven party from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 24.  Ecco's extraordinary French fries are extra crispy outside, light on the inside. Piled high, they create an exquisite nest for cool crème fraîche and decadent caviar, and partner perfectly with the accompanying five sparking wines from around the globe.  $30 per person (plus tax and gratuity); Ecco takes 15 percent off your dinner check if you stay on for dinner. Reservations are limited, call today:  404-347-9555.

Ecco:  40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555.

EQUALLY WED MAGAZINE SAYS "WE DO" WITH PARTY AT ALTOREX ROOFTOP LOUNGE

How do you announce you're taking the plunge? Equally Wed same-sex wedding magazine is doing it on the rooftop at AltoRex Rooftop Lounge atop the Hotel Palomar in Midtown.  Join the party on Thursday, June 24 from 7 - 10 p.m.  The bash is complete with signature cocktails and complimentary hors d'oeuvres from Pacci Ristorante, prizes from Atlanta hot spots and a raffle benefiting Georgia Equality.  RSVP to rsvp@equallywed.com or 404-768-8146.

AltoRex Rooftop Lounge: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.

SHAUN DOTY IS BACK AT PIEDMONT PARK GREEN MARKET ON JUNE 26

Shaun Doty is drawn to green markets like basil to garden-ripe tomatoes and mozzarella.  And speaking of tomatoes, he'll be preparing a summertime favorite -- gazpacho -- this Saturday, June 26 at the Piedmont Park Green Market.  You'll find Doty slicing and dicing from 11 a.m. until noon under the patio at the Piedmont Park Community Center.  After that, head home to try out his techniques or enjoy brunch or dinner that night at his restaurant, Shaun's in historic Inman Park.

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

DON'T BE BOOKISH ABOUT ENJOYING GREAT BEERS AND PUB FRITES AT LEON'S FULL SERVICE, YELPER ADVISES

There's something relaxing about dining by yourself with a great read, and yelper Adam K. has found the perfect Decatur spot at Leon's Full Service to cozy up with a good story and a tasty beer.  Read between the lines and order up!

This is by far one of my favorite places to in Decatur. It's also one of the few places I can go where I can sit at the bar, order a beer, read my book, and not get a strange look for doing so.

Speaking of beer, like its big bro, Brick Store, Leon's always has a great selection on tap. As for food you can't go wrong with just about anything on the menu, and of course their Pub Frites (with various dipping sauces) are just great.

The atmosphere is open and friendly while keeping a little bit of a contemporary edge. The staff is very friendly, and always happy to have chat with you.

My only complaint is that their vegetarian choices are rather limited, and while my wife would like to come more often; there's only so many times you can eat the same two menu items.

Leon's Full Service: 131 E. Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur; 404-687-0500.