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FOR BETTER OR WURST: NATIONAL BRATWURST DAY IS TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
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Ormsby's Bratwurst
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Bratwurst, the bigger, "badder" brother to the lowly hot dog, takes center stage on National Bratwurst Day, Tuesday, August 16. Honor the occasion by swinging into New York Butcher Shoppe locations in Alpharetta, Dunwoody or Sandy Springs and picking up some top-notch brats to grill at home. Non-DIYers, head out to Ormsby's and let their brat-masters take the heat for you. Ormsby's has an entire menu section dedicated to "Bangers, Links & Wieners" ($5-$11). Order "bangers & mash" and you'll be treated to house-made bratwursts dressed up with mashed potatoes and green beans. The hearty Guinness-braised bratwurst commands attention, decked out with kraut and stout mustard on a pretzel roll. Other tubular meats include chicken tomato sausage, spicy lamb merguez with tzatziki, and the natural Angus beef hot dog, dressed their way, your way or naked. And, don't forget to cheer the "wurst" part of the day with a beer or cocktail!
New York Butcher Shoppe: Dunwoody at 2458 Mt. Vernon Road; 770-399-6328. Sandy Springs at 4969 Roswell Road; 404-303-0704. Alpharetta at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road; 678-624-0047.
Ormsby's: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.
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DREW BELLINE OF NO. 246 PALS WITH DREW VAN LEUVAN AT ONE. MIDTOWN KITCHEN "SUMMER CHEF SERIES" ON AUGUST 17
 On Wednesday, August 17, No. 246 Chef/Partner Drew Belline visits Drew Van Leuvan of ONE. midtown kitchen to stir up a scrumptious five-course dinner as part of ONE.'s "Summer Chef Series." Chef Van Leuvan will prepare the amuse, first and fifth courses, and Chef Belline takes care of the second, third and fourth courses. Cocktails, wine or beer are creatively paired with each course. $75 per person covers the meal and beverage pairings. Make reservations for the 7 p.m. dinner through ONE. midtown kitchen at 404-892-4111.
ONE. midtown kitchen: 559 Dutch Valley Road; 404-892-4111.
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ONE HOT TOPIC -- COLUMBUS DEPUTIES TAKE TO THE ROOF OF KRISPY KREME TO RAISE DOUGH FOR CHILD WITH RETT SYNDROME
 Muscogee County marshals must be hoping the Krispy Kreme "Hot Now" sign will pertain to the fresh, hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts...and not to the temps on their store-top perch during their "Deputies and Doughnuts" fundraiser this Saturday. Being hot is a small discomfort compared to the challenges 7-year-old Rhiannon Griggs faces as she deals with Rett Syndrome. The genetic neurodevelopmental disorder prevents Rhiannon's brain from communicating with her body - she can't speak and needs help feeding, dressing, walking and tackling basic daily activities. The deputies' goal is to raise money to buy Rhiannon a mobility stroller, which costs $3,000. To do so, they'll park themselves on the Krispy Kreme roof from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 20. Customers who donate money will get a sweet treat in return, ranging from a free Original Glazed doughnut to a complimentary doughnut party for generous corporations, organizations or individuals donating $1,000 or more.
Krispy Kreme: 6761 Veterans Parkway in Columbus, Ga.; 706-320-2124.
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RAY'S AT KILLER CREEK EXECUTIVE CHEF TRACEY BLOOM AND OTHER BRAVO "TOP CHEFS" COMPETE AT NEW ORLEANS HOPE GALA ON AUGUST 20
 Bravo "Top Chefs" Tracey Bloom, Ed Cotton, Betty Fraser and Hosea Rosenberg are getting together for a rematch of sorts to help fight cancer at the American Cancer Society's (ACS) 11th annual Hope Gala. The fundraiser will be on August 20 at 8 p.m. at The Shops at Canal Place in New Orleans. Bloom is the executive chef at Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta. In a contest sponsored by Cox Communications and Lagenstein's, the chefs will continue their "Top Chef" competition by vying to create the "Best Dish" at the gala. Event guests can expect an elegant night filled with cuisine from some of the Crescent City's best restaurants, live and silent auctions, a Champagne & Diamonds raffle and live music by The Bucktown All-Stars. Eleven members of the community will be honored with the ACS's Spirit Award for significant contributions in the fight against cancer. Tickets are available at NewOrleansHopeGala.org.
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DOUBLE ZERO INTRODUCES COCKTAIL AND PERONI SPECIALS, NEW CURTAIN WALLS AND HOSTS CARUSO & MININI WINE TASTING ON AUGUST 23
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Photo by Mai & Bri
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When the new Castellucci Hospitality group restaurant Double Zero Napoletana opened in Sandy Springs, we told you all about the handcrafted brick ovens from Stefano Ferrara and fine "00" flour...but there is so much more to love about this upscale southern Italian place! Check it out by coming in for one of the new daily drink specials available Sunday through Thursday: $4 specialty punch and Peroni on draft plus a $6 "Specialty Cocktail of the Day." Sit down at one of the big bar-height tables and order some tempting small plates from the menu to share with friends. Adding a more intimate feel to the restaurant's sizable dining area are plush, brown curtains that extend from the pizza oven to the patio doors. The curtain "walls" divide the sweeping space into snug dining areas and absorb noise. As a result, guests will now experience a more intimate dining experience primed for convivial conversation at their table.
On Tuesday, August 23, Leonardo Nicotra from Caruso & Minini in Sicily, Italy is coming to Double Zero to lead guests through a four-course wine tasting at 7 p.m. The tasting -- not dinner -- begins with cantaloupe and prosciutto bruschetta paired with Caruso & Minini Inzolia '08. Next up, Caruso & Minini Grillo Timpune '08 served with rancini -- lemon saffron risotto croquettes with peas, red pepper scamorza cheese, roasted yellow pepper coulis and Meyer lemon honey. Course three features Double Zero's much-loved Margherita pizza topped with DOP San Marzano tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP and basil and served with Caruso & Minini Nero D' Avola '07. The event ends with strawberry Napoleon of fresh strawberries, lemon crème and strawberry basil compote in puff pastry. $39 per person (excluding tax and tip). Make reservations in advance by calling 404-991-3666.
Double Zero Napoletana: 5825 Roswell Road; 404-991-3666.
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GROTH VINEYARDS WINE DINNER BRINGS NAPA VALLEY TO ARIA ON AUGUST 24
 Marco Esposito from Groth Vineyards & Winery will be at Aria for a wine dinner on Wednesday, August 24 at 7 p.m. The five-course dinner will feature four wines from the Napa Valley Oakville AVA winery: Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2010;Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2009; Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley 2008; and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley 2007. Family owned and operated Groth Vineyards & Winery was established in 1982 and spreads over the 121-acre Oakville Estate and the nearby 44-acre Hillview Vineyard. $120 per person (all inclusive). Call 404-233-7673 for reservations.
Aria: 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead; 404-233-7673.
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A BLISSFULLY DELICIOUS WEEKEND IS YOURS AT CORKS & FORKS, AUGUST 27-28 AT THE GRANT PARK SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL
 Made in the shade alert: time for the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival and its highly popular Corks & Forks - a Fine Food & Wine Event! The two-day gastronomic adventure spans the weekend of August 27 and 28 and gives attendees an opportunity to pamper their taste buds with a wide array of dishes whipped up by Atlanta's top chefs. Atkins Park Tavern, Ormsby's and Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown are all participating in the outdoor fun and food festival. White Oak Pastures Owner Will Harris will also take part in the exciting festivities as a judge in the Corks & Forks steak cook-off competition on Saturday. During this special showdown, three chefs will compete to see who can cook his top-quality grass fed beef the best! For the top chow opportunities, be there early and stay for the afternoon -- hours are 1 - 5 p.m. each day. Festival goers over age 21 (picture ID, please) will be able to taste some of the best wines and craft beers/ales to hit Atlanta shelves this year. Corks & Forks tickets are $35 per day or $60 for both days. Purchase tickets online through 5 p.m. on Friday, August 26 -- after that, get them at the gate. Corks & Forks will be held under large covered pavilions, rain or shine! Other Grant Park Summer Shade Festival activities include live entertainment on three stages, a 5K Run, a family fun zone and a Saturday night movie outdoors.
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Briza, Ecco, RA Sushi, South City Kitchen Midtown and Spice Market PARTICIPATE IN MIDTOWN RESTAURANT WEEK, AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 4
 The sixth annual Midtown Restaurant Week is coming up, ready to pre-empt any 5 o'clock grocery dilemmas during the week prior to Labor Day -- Saturday, August 27 through Sunday, September 4. Now's your chance to enjoy dinner at those unexplored restaurants or return to some of your favorites. Prix-fixe menus touting three awesome courses will set you back only $25 or $35 (not including beverage, tax or gratuity) . . . no extreme couponing needed. We're headed to Briza, Ecco, RA Sushi, South City Kitchen Midtown and Spice Market in the W Atlanta- Midtown. Drool over their menus, see the complete list of participating restaurants and make your reservations at OpenTable.
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AQUA BLUE SHAKES UP CLASSIC COCKTAILS, ADDS MODERN TWISTS ON NEW COCKTAIL MENU
 Saying "I'll have what she's having" at the Aqua blue bar will bring new-fangled classics to your cocktail glass! The mixologists at the Roswell restaurant and bar are waking up the classics with refreshing contemporary spins. The new cocktail menu is brimming with new takes on old favorites, such as a strawberry and lemongrass margarita, the Ginger Sidecar, Basil "Southside" and the "AB" Manhattan. For something daring, go with Bees Knees (Leopold's Gin, thyme honey syrup and lemon), Vesper (DH Krahn Gin, Kettle One Vodka, Cocchi Americano and peach bitters), Ginger Tea (Absolut Wild Tea Vodka, tamarind syrup, fresh lemon juice and Barritt's Ginger Beer), Tommy's Favorite Sangria or Summer Squared (Square One Basil Vodka, fresh cucumber, honey dew melon, soda and cane sugar). The new cocktails are priced from $8 to $10. Additionally, Aqua blue continues to offer a big variety of brews, wines and sake to satisfy everyone in your group!
Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886. |
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YELPER ECSTATIC ABOUT OMG TACO IN LITTLE FIVE POINTS
 Korean tacos? If anyplace has them, it has to be in Little Five Points. Yelper Mike Y. has found them at OMG Taco, and they've just about put him over the edge and into ecstasy land. Good thing they're legal.
Nom Nom Nom... Korean tacos!!!
Awesome addition to the L5P area. I never really chose to eat in little 5 before. I used to just grab drinks and snacks at the porter or get really filthy and jam a double bypass down my gullet. Now i can have the best of both worlds with OMG being open. It's a funky place with a lot of street art all over the facade and interior. Seems like they took the taco trucks so popular in L.A. and brought it over to Atlanta. I know they're not the first, but so far they're doing it the best. Wasn't really too fond of Hankook taqueria so OMG was a nice surprise.
They have a small menu, but they give options with the toppings. All the meat options are taken from Korean staples such as spicy pork, marinated short ribs, chicken, fish, and even tofu. One of my favorite additions is the ability to add fried kimchi to any of the above tacos or burritos. I swear to god if I still did drugs I would be here all day and night. F*** Cheetos!
I went with a group of 6 and we pretty much ordered multiples of everything on the menu. My favorite was the spicy pork taco and burrito. It's a good mix of a little sweet and spicy. Their Fries were also orgasmic. They topped it with spicy pork bits, lettuce, a cool white sauce, and lettuce. The amazing thing is that with all these toppings the fries were still crispy! Loved it!!!
The bar is cool. They have the usual suspects of Blue moon and PBR, but since it's inspired by Korean tacos they also have sochu (soju) available. the bartenders are not afraid of trying funky mixes with them. It's a dangerous mix because sometimes the concoctions are so sweet you slam them down without realizing how strong they are. Trust me...the Sochu hangover is mean bitch in the morning.
Now i need a nap....
OMG Taco: 1126 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points; 404-343-3860. |
EAT IT AND TWEEP: THE SOUTHERN TRIFECTA @JENNIFERVCOLE
 Jennifer V. Cole loves the Southern trifecta: pork, bourbon and cornbread. Never thought about that as a trifecta, but it makes total sense her way and throws some tasty tweet (@jennifervcole) fodder out there. That she is an editor at Southern Living adds credibility to the love-the-South gene! Y'all come to her Tales from the Road blog while you're at it.
Sample Tweet: Puttin' up! Heirloom tomato sauce from the garden. Or, as I'll call it this winter: summer in a Mason jar. #canning
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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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