ORDER RED RIBBON "COCKTAILS FOR A CURE" AT PACCI AND BE A H.E.R.O.
 Tie one on -- a Red Ribbon-themed cocktail, that is -- at Pacci Ristorante, a Kimpton Restaurant. You'll help raise funds for the HIV/AIDS service organization H.E.R.O. for Children (Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out for Children, Inc.) with every glass. Now through World AIDS Day on December 1, 2010, Pacci and all Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants nationwide will donate $1 for each one of the three "Cocktails for a Cure" purchased. Jacques Bezuidenhout, Kimpton's master mixologist, developed the three $10 cocktails for this year's Red Ribbon Campaign. Rouge shakes up fresh raspberries with Belvedere Vodka, Grand Marnier, Campari and fresh orange juice; Ruby Red blushes from Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka, Lillet Blanc, fresh grapefruit juice and simple syrup muddled with ginger coins and sparked with club soda; and VS Smash is a heady mix of Hennessy VS, Grand Marnier, 10-year Tawny Port and lemon juice muddled with pineapple and dusted with grated nutmeg. Money raised will go to non-profit H.E.R.O. to help fill the "quality of life care" gap for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS across our fair state of Georgia.
Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW, adjacent to the Hotel Palomar; 678-412-2402.
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MEET AND GREET WITHOUT THE MEAT: COOKBOOK AUTHOR KIM O'DONNEL VISITS THE COOK'S WAREHOUSE MIDTOWN TONIGHT
 Meat eaters, abstainers and those who live in a house divided will find they share a common interest in the food world when they come to Kim O'Donnel's October vegetarian cooking class at The Cook's Warehouse at Ansley Mall on Tuesday, October 12. Carnivores, bear with us. O'Donnel is a lifelong meat lover who will show you how satisfying plant-centered meals can be . . . so fulfilling, she's authored a book about it -- "The Meat Lover's Meatless Cookbook: Vegetarian Recipes Carnivores Will Devour." The trained chef and nationally recognized online food personality/journalist abhors fake meat, preferring to put her Institute of Culinary Education background to use creating fantastic real food. Register online for the 7 - 9 p.m. class ($50). She'll prepare beets and greens quesadillas, roasted red pepper soup and shepherd's pie with chard-lentil filling and onion gravy.
The Cook's Warehouse, Ansley Mall: 1544 Piedmont Road, NE (behind Blockbuster); 404-815-4993.
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YOU SWIRL, GIRL! PINKBERRY MARIETTA OPENING PARTY IS THURSDAY NIGHT WITH FREE FRO YO FOR EVERYONE
Everyone's pretty in Pinkberry! They're smiling over the swirl of Pinkberry grand opening excitement and the wake-up-your-mouth contrast of tart frozen yogurt, natural flavors and fresh fruit ingredients. Spoon up free Pinkberry and take in tunes from DJ Black Dominoes at the opening party for the new Marietta Pinkberry in Merchant's Walk Shopping Center this Thursday night, October 14 from 6 - 10 p.m. There will also be several chances to win FREE Pinkberry for a year: either be the first person in line when the party starts at 6 p.m. or enter your name for the three drawings that night. Another reason to smile is that sweet and tangy Pinkberry is made from nonfat rBST hormone-free yogurt so it's good for you.
Pinkberry will officially open for business on Friday. Then, you can get a swirl for now and a 25-ounce swirled-to-order and packed-on-ice Pinkberry Take Home. If you're looking for something Pinkberry to do right now, sign up to be a Pinkberry Groupie or find Pinkberry on Facebook and Twitter. The new store will be open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Pinkberry Marietta: 1281 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta; 770-977-9770.
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EIGHT DISHES PAIRED WITH EIGHT BEERS BREWS UP A FUN OKTOBERFEST FRIDAY NIGHT AT AQUA BLUE
 When Oktoberfest in Germany is but a dream, Aqua blue steps in with an easy-to-swallow reality -- an outdoor beer festival sponsored by Eagle Rock Distributing Company and celebrating fine food and fall brews this Friday, October 15. The prix fixe menu pairs eight tapas dishes with eight different beers, along with music by The Moonlight Band -- all for $44 per person (includes tax and gratuity). On the menu are hoisin BBQ ribs, sweet and spicy tuna roll, spicy pumpkin soup, smoked lamb lollipops, fried Gouda ravioli, oatmeal-crusted chicken tenders, Port-Salut beef sliders and a mocha German chocolate brownie. Beer pairings will include Magner's Irish Cider, Mothership Wit, Magic Hat #9, Southern Tier 2XIPA, Red Hook Late Harvest Autumn Ale, Southern Tier Harvest Ale, Magic Hat Hex and Kona Pipeline Porter.
Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.
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SUMMER GRILLING RECIPE CONTEST LEADS TO OCTOBER 16 WINNERS CELEBRATION AT MARLOW'S TAVERN IN TUCKER
 Steve Hartsock wins a Big Green Egg for his blue ribbon-winning Big Daddy's BBQ grilled meatloaf in this summer's "Red, White and Brew" grilling recipe contest at Marlow's Tavern. This Saturday, October 16 from 3 to 5 p.m., Marlow's Tavern in Tucker is honoring contest winners with an open-to-all celebration featuring complimentary tastings of all winning recipes, drink specials and live music. In addition to tasting Hartsock's meatloaf, guests can try out recipes from the runners up: Jonathan LaLiberty's famous inside out burger; Jason Gates' root beer BBQ pork sandwich; peachy smoked pork loin from Lauren Cox; the teriyaki burger with chili ketchup from Lisa Mary Anglese; and Lisa Rodebush's grilled green beans.
Prizes will be presented to the winners, who were chosen by Marlow's Tavern Co-Founder and Executive Chef John Metz. Top winner Hartsock has the honor of seeing his meatloaf on the tavern's fall/winter menu and knowing that Special Olympics Georgia will receive a donation each time a Marlow's guest orders his dish. The five runners up will each receive a $50 Marlow's Tavern gift card and a "Red, White and Brew" limited-edition t-shirt.
Marlow's Tavern-Tucker: 4156 LaVista Road; 678-987-1197.
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RAY'S AT KILLER CREEK ROLLS OUT NEW SUNDAY BRUNCH MENU OCTOBER 17
 That early morning chill makes tossing back the covers to carpe diem a daunting task -- unless you know there's a Sunday brunch at Ray's at Killer Creek waiting for you after the paper/shower/dress routine. The award-winning Alpharetta restaurant has a new à la carte Sunday brunch menu for its guests starting this Sunday, October 17. Chef Tracey Bloom's new menu features yums such as delicious mascarpone-stuffed brioche French toast, green eggs and ham, steak and eggs and a homemade veggie frittata. Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The sun will be well up by then...hint, hint.
Ray's at Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road; 770-649-0064.
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RAY'S ON THE RIVER HOSTS TRIMBACH WINE DINNER ON OCTOBER 18
 Ray's Restaurants Corporate Executive Chef Tom McEachern has put together the ultimate autumnal menu for the upcoming Trimbach wine dinner slated for Ray's on the River on Monday, October 18. Maison Trimbach has been making fine French wines in the French region of Alsace since 1626. The five-course dinner includes pairings of Trimbach's 2008 vintage. McEachern starts the evening with hamachi tartare, a warm scallion compote and caviar, paired with Trimbach Pinot Gris, Reserve followed by a seafood sausage with peppered pineapple vinaigrette paired with Trimbach Riesling. Miso-glazed sea bass with kimchee and steamed rice finds friendship with Trimbach Gewurztraminer. The next course, seared venison with elderberry gastrique and roasted root vegetables, is a warm companion for Trimbach Pinot Noir, Personelle. Alsatian apple and plum strudel add the final sweet fall note. $85 per person, all inclusive. Make reservations by calling Julie at 770-952-4209 or by email.
Ray's on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road in Sandy Springs; 770-955-1187.
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WOODFIRE GRILL POURS HIRSCH WINES FROM SONOMA AT OCTOBER 20 WINE DINNER
 Woodfire Grill is legendary for its devotion to using locally grown and produced ingredients. That said, you know Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/Partner Kevin Gillespie has a fabulous five-course menu planned to go with the wines of Sonoma, California's Hirsch Vineyards on Wednesday, October 20. Gillespie has four savory courses and a dessert in mind to go with the following Hirsch wines (in order of courses): Cep Rose, 2008 Hirsch Vineyard Chardonnay, 2008 Hirsch "M" Pinot Noir, Hirsch Bohan Dillon Pinot Noir, 2007 Hirsch San Andreas Pinot Noir, plus a dessert wine. Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. There are only 19 seats open to the public, so don't think about it too long. Make reservations now with your credit card for the $160 per-person, all-inclusive dinner by calling the restaurant at 404-347-9055.
Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.
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SUTRA LOUNGE MIXES UP COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE ON OCTOBER 22 FOR THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
 Just a week before Halloween, Sutra Lounge Atlanta's Cocktails for a Cause has all the makings of a fun treat of a night out with goodies and a good cause in mind. And, at $10 per person for admission, the price is right for the 7 - 10 p.m. party and auction on Friday, October 22. Party goers will enjoy $3 draft beer, $7 cocktail specials, a raffle ($5 per ticket/five for $20) to win an $800 VIP table at Sutra, Whynatte prize packs, Atlanta Braves merchandise, Hawks/Thrashers tickets and merchandise, a Mary Kay cosmetics basket, salon services and products, restaurant gift certificates or a personal training session. A "Date Auction" only adds to the thrills! The first 100 people to sign up in advance receive a free raffle ticket. Seventy-five percent of party proceeds will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services.
Sutra Lounge Atlanta: 1136 Crescent Avenue, NE; 404-607-1160.
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SEE CHEF/AUTHOR GENA KNOX OUTDOORS AT COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE'S COUNTRY LIVING FAIR AT STONE MOUNTAIN PARK OR INDOORS AT FIVE & TEN IN ATHENS
 Out or in, doesn't matter where, but Gena Knox and her newly released cookbook "Southern My Way" ($34.95, Atlas Books) are definitely in demand! First, she'll have a booth at the three-day Country Living magazine's Country Living Fair at Stone Mountain Park Friday, October 22 through Sunday, October 24. Knox will give cooking demos on the Country Living kitchen stage at 11 a.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday. Find her signing her book in the Country Living book signing venue adjacent to the Country Living General Store from 2 - 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Along with Knox, there will be lots of artisans, country skill demonstrations, antiques and food at this colorful event. Rain or shine -- exhibits are under cover. Sounds like a perfect way to take in a beautiful October weekend outdoors. Purchase tickets in advance ($12 daily/$15 weekend pass) or at the door ($15 daily/$20 weekend pass). Early bird passes also are available.
Two days after the fair, Hugh Acheson, chef/partner of Five & Ten in Athens, Ga., is hosting a book launch dinner party for Knox on Tuesday, October 26 starting at 7 p.m. Chef Acheson has invited Knox over to celebrate the release of her latest book, "Southern My Way," which goes fork in hand with the night's chow. The four-course dinner (optional wine pairings are $25 extra per person) features boiled peanut hummus with sesame crackers or pimiento cheese with crostinis (Cava, Conde de Subirats, Spain, NV); a choice of roasted beets and arugula with goat cheese ranch or shaved Brussels sprouts salad with peanuts and pecorino (Macon la Roche Vineuse, Alain Normand, Burgundy, France, 2008). Entrée choices include crisp panko-dusted catfish, lemon emulsion, spicy tomato chutney, Nora Mill grits and fennel slaw (Sauvignon Blanc, Mount Nelson, Marlborough, NZ, 2009); grilled bacon-wrapped quail with creamed corn, collards, pickled okra salad and tarragon jus (Santenay, Thomas Morey, Burgundy, France, 2007); or White Oak Pastures beef meatloaf with buttermilk whipped potatoes, Brussels sprouts and fall chowchow (Merlot, Robert Sinskey, Carneros, CA, 2006). For dessert, select seasonal fruit crumble with vanilla bean ice cream or Thomasville tomme with toasted pecans, honey and baguette. $45 per person; add $25 per person for optional wine pairings. For reservations, call 706-546-7300.
Five & Ten: 1653 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA; 706-546-7300.
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OCTOBER IS FOR GOBBLIN' UP LAMB BURGERS AND PASSION FRUIT SHAKES, THE MONTHLY SPECIALS AT YEAH! BURGER
 True, you can order these specials all month long at YEAH! BURGER, but why wait? Start gobblin' now! The Burger of the Month, the flavor-rich lamb burger, features naturally raised Niman Ranch lamb seasoned with rosemary and garlic and topped with homemade basil mayo ($7.99). Chase it with October's chilling passion fruit shake, high in potassium, fiber and beta carotene and made with Straus Family Creamery organic soft-serve ice cream from Marin County, Calif. ($5.49). Leave the trick-or-treating to the kids. We're going to YEAH! BURGER for the really good treats like these!
YEAH! BURGER - West Midtown: 1168 Howell Mill Road, Suite E; 404-496-4393.
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SPICE MARKET CAN MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY WISHES COME TRUE WITH COCKTAIL RECEPTION SPECIALS
 Spice Market has a holiday party idea that's simply brilliant as far as throwing a sparkly holiday party while keeping an eye on the bottom line. Host a two-hour holiday cocktail reception at the global restaurant and lounge in the W Atlanta Midtown for only $45 per person, including tray-passed hors d'oeuvre, wine and beer. Each holiday booking receives a complimentary champagne toast. Book from $1,500 to $5,000 or more in food and beverage and earn gifts from bonus points to dinner for two or a one-night stay at the W Atlanta Midtown. To nab this deal, book by October 31 and hold your party between November 1 and December 31, 2010. Call 404-724-2550 for more details.
Spice Market: 188 14th Street; 404-724-2550.
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EVERY DAY IS YELPER'S PARADISE AT CANTONESE NEW PARADISE RESTAURANT
 Yelper Carlos C. makes it super easy to order dinner at New Paradise Restaurant on Buford Highway. He lays out his top five choices so you, too, can order up an evening in paradise, to eat in or to go!
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EAT IT AND TWEEP: FROM CHOCOLATE AND BLACK-EYED PEAS TO GLUTEN FREE, ALISON LEWIS OF INGREDIENTS, INC. TWEETS IT ALL
 Drop in on this fresh blog and find all kinds of food info. Alison Lewis tweets for those who prefer shortcuts. And boy, does Lewis have a long list of ingredients in her own life recipe: food TV and media spokesperson, recipe developer, cookbook author, mom, food blogger, food educator, food photographer/stylist, nutritionist and president of Ingredients, Inc. in Birmingham, Ala. -- and lots more. Visit her blog, Ingredients, Inc., to add an extra dash of healthy, family friendly recipes and a generous shake of entertaining ideas to your bookmark list!
Sample Tweet: Fall Fest Salad Recipe: Black-Eyed Peas Salad over Arugula with Lime Chipotle Vinaigrette http://t.co/Lv1BWef via @AddThis
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| 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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