TODAY'S TWO-FOR-ONE: MARLOW'S TAVERN OPENS IN EAST COBB AND OFFERS "LOBSTERS & LIBATIONS"

East Cobbites, you can now stay near home and still enjoy a night out (or lunch)! Marlow's Tavern officially opens today in the Merchants Walk retail center at the corner of Highway 120 and Johnson Ferry Road.  Immediately likable, this new neighborhood eatery (located across from the movie theatre near Kohl's) will be your go-to haven for good times, gourmet pub fare and wines, spirits and brews at a variety of price points.  Marlow's dark wood accents, large cozy booths and communal tables make everyone feel warm and welcome, even with winter's harsh drop in temperature.

And speaking of Marlow's Tavern, don't miss your chance to grab some luxury by the tail without breaking the bank during "Lobsters & Libations" at all Marlow's Tavern locations.  Positive feedback following last year's event was overwhelming! Marlow's staff dives in eagerly again, creating dishes definitely worth clawing into. "Lobsters & Libations" runs through December 31.

Marlow's Tavern:  Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; 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; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033; and East Cobb at 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 208, 770-977-7747.

OH, NO YOU DON'T!  PACCI RISTORANTE ENFORCES A "NO PEEKING" POLICY FOR SEALED SURPRISE PROMOTION

Okay, so maybe at home, you un-tape, peek and reseal the gifts, but not at Pacci Ristorante.  Pacci, a Kimpton Restaurant, is a no-peeking zone during December's "No Peeking" promotion.  Guests dining at Pacci will receive a sealed envelope containing an undisclosed prize, and the envelope must remain sealed until the next time they dine at Pacci. 

When that time comes, their server will open the envelope to reveal the surprise within -- perhaps 50 percent off a meal at Pacci, a free entrée at Pacci, a cocktail party for eight people at AltoRex Rooftop Lounge, a weekend stay at Hotel Palomar or another desirable prize.  Prizes may be redeemed through the end of February (excluding Valentine's weekend February 12-14).

IT'S TURKEY TIME AT WHITE OAK PASTURES

Thanksgiving isn't the only holiday that deserves a big, beautiful bird for dinner.  White Oak Pastures is once again offering its Free Range Bronze turkeys for purchase over the holidays.  In case you haven't heard, these special birds are roamers on the farm and are not subjected to antibiotics or added hormones.  They have their own niche in the farm work force as grazers and fertilizers along with the large ruminant (cows) and small ruminant (sheep) animals. 

Order your turkey now -- last day for shipping is Tuesday, December 21.  The birds are available in three sizes: small (15 pounds or less) for $99, medium (16-20 pounds) for $120 and large (21+ pounds) for $140.  Because the turkeys are raised in a natural setting, the farm cannot guarantee specific weights.  There is an additional $30 flat-rate shipping fee on all turkeys (regardless of size).  Free Range Bronze turkeys can be ordered online or by calling 229-641-2081.

YEAH! BURGER CUSTOMERS GROW GREEN FOR GEORGIA ORGANICS FARM-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAM
 

The push to bring healthier foods to our school children is growing, and YEAH! BURGER is teaming up with Georgia Organics to help nurture the program.  During the week of December 20 - 24, YEAH! BURGER customers at both the Westside and Virginia Highland locations will be asked if they want to donate $1 to Georgia Organics for the non-profit group's farm-to-school program.  Sure, they'll get a memento for their contribution.  Even better, they'll know they're helping American children and farmers work together for healthier school lunches.  Got a minute?  View this CNN clip for more background information on the topic. 

YEAH! BURGER - Virginia Highland:  1017 North Highland Avenue; 404-437-7845.
YEAH! BURGER - West Midtown:  1168 Howell Mill Road, Suite E; 404-496-4393.

HEADS UP!  SPICE MARKET THROWS THE (COOK) BOOK AT GIFT CARD PURCHASERS, AND IT'S A TERRIFIC CATCH

Spice Market, located inside the W Atlanta Midtown, is throwing in a long-lasting and extremely appetizing bonus with gift card purchases of $100 or more.  A copy of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's latest cookbook, "Asian Flavors of Jean-Georges," will be theirs when they complete their purchase through Friday, December 24.   

And we're giving Dish readers a chance to WIN a cookbook of their own.  Simply name the holiday treat using two Spice Market menu ingredients that we've disguised below and submit your response to atlantadish@gmail.com by Friday, December 17.  We'll draw one winner from all correct entries.  For example, can you guess what you would be eating if you made a batch of "Galangal Brioche"? Ginger Bread, of course!

Name the holiday treat:  What would "Berry Chutney Pavlova" be?

RAY'S RESTAURANTS HAVE SCRATCH-OFF HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS FOR PATRONS ITCHING FOR A DEAL

Ray's Restaurants (Ray's on the River, Ray's in the City and Ray's at Killer Creek) is giving scratch-and-save gifts to restaurant patrons this month, while supplies last.  Each scratch-off card holds the chance to win special prizes including 15 percent, 20 percent or 25 percent discounts and dining cards worth $50, $100 or $250.  The surprise scratch-off gift cards will be given to guests at the end of their meal and can be used from Saturday, January 1 through Monday, February 28.  (Not valid with any other Ray's offer.)

RA SUSHI REWARDS FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

Every Tuesday in December, RA Sushi is offering its "Friends With Benefits" lunch special.  Bring a friend to lunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and get one lunch for FREE!  This offer is only valid on RA's lunch specials and the complimentary lunch must be of equal or lesser value.  Don't forget to let your server know you want the "Friends With Benefits" special when you visit. 

SEE WHAT'S ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE AT ATLANTA RESTAURANTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Aqua blue is offering a three-course holiday menu priced at $25 from 4 to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve only.  The Roswell restaurant also will be serving its regular menu.  Haul out the kitsch:  Atkins Park - Smyrna is celebrating Christmas a little early with its "Tacky Sweater Party" on Friday, December 17 at 10 p.m.  Enjoy live music and cash prizes for the tackiest in attendance!  Atkins Park - Virginia Highland is one of the few restaurants open on Christmas Day to welcome its neighbors.  Doors open at 6 p.m. Christmas Day, and the special holiday menu is $20 for adults, $15 for young adults and $8 for children under 10 years old.  For an elegant dinner on Christmas Eve, sit down to an incredible five-course menu at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse.  The savory selection from Executive Chef Bennett Hollberg is priced at $58 per person or $78 with wine pairings.  Spice Market, located inside the W Atlanta Midtown, is another top dining destination that is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Come either or both days for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. or dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.  Feliz Navidad, y'all!  For the first time ever, Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food will be open during regular hours on Christmas Eve.  The Buckhead location will be open from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and the Perimeter location will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU... AND NOT TO BE BASHFUL, FOR US AS WELL

Here at Melissa Libby & Associates, we see a lot of tempting foodie gifts to give -- and to lust after for ourselves.  For giving, we're stocking our Santa bag with cookbooks that lend themselves to mouthwatering reading and must-try recipes.  Maybe we'll even throw in some of the ingredients to our favorite dishes with the books.  "Atlanta Cooks at Home" takes you into the home kitchens of some of Atlanta's tops chefs and wine experts.  Entertaining is a cinch when you heed their advice on everything from themes and menu planning to wine pairings.  "Southern My Way" by Gena Knox is perfect for those who love the South and its culinary traditions done in a fresher, lighter way and who want to give a welcoming gift to friends from up north or abroad.  Watch this clip from WTOC in Savannah as their hosts open up the book with author Gena Knox and discuss the traditions and hospitality shown beautifully from cover to cover. 

Melissa can just taste the memories of growing up in the South's MoonPie culture.  In her stocking, she'd like to find the paperback "100 Years of Nostalgic Southern Folklore - A Book of MoonPie Memories" by Steve Langston.  Melissa notes, "If you're browsing the MoonPie website, please note that anything else on it is fair game as well."

Nicole is craving a six-month subscription for UGA Bulldog Blend coffee.  The coffee is roasted by Jittery Joe's in Athens, Ga. and is shipped in 12-ounce vintage cans.  Says Nicole, "This gift brings together two of my favorite things: coffee and UGA!"  Forty percent of the proceeds go directly to the UGA Alumni Association to support alumni programs for her alma mater.  Jittery Joe's selects the top one percent of beans from at least 18 different countries and roasts them in small batches to allow for greater quality in their blends.

McCall pines for Gemini Jams.  "My favorite is the pineapple upside down cake jam, which makes a great ice cream topping or a spread for biscuits and bread," tips McCall.  "Over the holidays, I'm also going to try using it as a ham glaze. You can even use Amanda's jams to mix into beverages.  The Sound Table uses the pineapple-habanero jam for their Gemini Handshake cocktail, which is how I first learned about Gemini Jams!"

Meryl's wish also will appeal to campers, hikers and picnickers -- Glacier SS Nesting Wine Glasses.  "This is what I want this year," reflects thoughtful Meryl, "because camping shouldn't mean drinking wine out of a Nalgene bottle." 

Caryn is effervescent over the ability to add carbonation to her favorite beverages with the iSi Twist 'n Sparkle from Williams-Sonoma, "because everyone can enjoy a little bubbly!"

Mandy and Caryn must have been comparing lists!  Mandy hankers for a Soda Stream so "I can get creative with making my own sodas!"  As you can see, we have quite a bubbly team in our office!

Tuan wants what all real men want for the holiday season, a digital electric turkey fryer, "because everything is better fried - not greasy, fried," says Tuan.

Intern Erica has fallen in love with the blue model of the tea-and-crumpets apron from Anthropologie.  She looks forward to "feeling fancy while I bake oodles of delicious goodies." 

Intern Melissa must be a real cut up in the kitchen.  She is setting her sights on a Williams-Sonoma OXO V-blade mandoline.  "I've been wishing for a mandoline ever since I first discovered them," explains Melissa.  "They're a fun little kitchen gadget that any cooking-friendly person should possess. From ribbons to waffle fries, mandolines make cooking prep a breeze!"

YELPER MUST GO BACK TO THE IBERIAN PIG IN DECATUR BECAUSE HE COULDN'T TRY IT ALL IN ONE VISIT

The Iberian Pig is on the square in downtown Decatur.  You can bet Yelper George H. is heading back for seconds because while he and his group ploughed though some well-chosen tapas and really good Rioja, they couldn't fit the entrees in.  Next time loosen your belt, George. 

Dinner at the Iberian Pig was really wonderful. It started out a little too rushed, but turned into a progression of delicious Tapas, pretty good drinks, and a great concept for dessert that didn't quite deliver.

Starting the meal with the meat and cheese plate was perfect, but ordering this as soon as sit seems to be the only way for the food not to arrive with the rest of appetizers. We ordered the platter with Chorizo Cantimpalo, Lomo Embuchado, and Idiazabal D.O.. The Idiazabal made me really sad that I did not visit the Basque region in Spain but will do next time. The plate had a delicious aioli that did not separate or become too oily at any time. The bread was nicely toasted.

We really didn't want to skimp on the Tapas. Run down on what we ordered: (I'll break it down to Yelp star points)
Ensalada de Marcona **** (4) - Nicely balanced, not over dressed and really fresh tasting.
Tocino con Manzana (Pork Belly) ***** (5) - Perfection, sweet, savory.
Manchego Mac 'n' Cheese *** (3) - Cheesy w/o a real bite to it.
Pork Cheek Tacos ***** (5) - Crispy exterior, perfectly cooked pork inside.
Eggplant Fries ***** (5) - Dry (In a good way, not greasy)
Braised Veal Shank Ravioli **** (4) - Small Portion, delicious veal. (2pcs)
Octopus "Ceviche" **** (4) - Refreshing, but a tad too wet.
Salchicha 3-ways **** (4) - Chorizo won this 3 way battle.

The meal was great and our waitress Christina made sure that we tried all the right things. Really appreciated the service and it was probably the best I have had in Atlanta, and comparable to Woodfire Grill.

The lack of perfect star rating comes from the Churros which my dining guests thought were undercooked and doughy in the center. I just though the chocolate dipping sauce was way too bitter. Either way I look forward to coming back and moving onto main course next time. The Rioja also won out as the best drink of the night.