What's cooking this week? 

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?  HOW ABOUT MARLOW'S TAVERN AND AQUA BLUE FOR SHARE OUR STRENGTH'S DINE OUT FOR NO KID HUNGRY 

Share Our StrengthLove it when someone has a dinner idea for every night of the week...and adding a way to nourish others in the process ups the yum factor.  Join Americans across the country in dining out in the Dine Out for No Kid Hungry through Saturday, September 24.  More than a thousand restaurants nationwide are participating in Share Our Strength's fundraiser to help alleviate childhood hunger in our nation by 2015.  Here in the metro area, Aqua blue in Roswell and all Marlow's Tavern locations are among the fabulous and friendly restaurants on the 75+ list.  They'll ask guests to donate $1 or more toward the cause.  In return, guests will receive one $5 bounce-back card to use on their next purchase at the restaurant.   


Aqua blue
:  1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886. 
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; East Cobb at 1311 Johnson Ferry Road (across from the movie theatre and next to Kohl's department store), 770-977-7747; and Cumming at 410 Peachtree Parkway, 770-886-3666.

RIBS & WHISKEY HOOK UP WITH DRUNKEN CHICKEN ON SAUCY MONTHLONG MARLOW'S TAVERN MENU

Ribs & WhiskeyPigs don't fly every day nor does the Marlow's Tavern Ribs & Whiskey event come often or stick around long.  Only available through October 24, the saucy Ribs & Whiskey menu ($3-$23) boasts "A Pig with Buns," "Kickin' Chicken" verde soup, slow-cooked St. Louis-style Jack Daniel's-glazed ribs and "Drunken Chicken" dazed with Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Liqueur and nestled up against jalapeño corn grits. Lick your fingers when pulling apart a half or full rack of ribs on their own or in a "hookup" with the aforementioned "Drunken Chicken."  Marlow's smoke-house flatbread and "A Pig with Buns" both pile on the slow-roasted pulled pork, crispy tobacco onions and chipotle BBQ sauce.  BBQ Blazed Cobb salad tops a crisp field green foundation with BBQ chicken, Roma tomatoes, apple-smoked bacon, sweet corn and black bean salsa, slivered red onions and BBQ Gorgonzola dressing.  Jack Daniel's finds its way into the glaze on the "Saucy Catch" of grilled fresh Atlantic salmon, and Honey Jack makes a splash in bourbon bread pudding for dessert. There's no holding back the Jack in rib-ticklin' drinks ($8-$9) such as "A Kick from Ginger," Georgia peach lemonade and the Tennessee whiskey tasting.  Sweetwater Georgia Brown, Red Rock ginger ale and several wine selections ($3-$9) also pair well with the saucy specials.  For mild-mannered folks, Marlow's regular menu also is available during the Ribs & Whiskey event.

SMALL PLATES ARE BIG NEWS AT FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR 

small plates"One of the best things about being executive chef at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is discovering new food trends," says Fleming's Executive Corporate Chef Russell Skall. On Wednesday, September 21, Fleming's will introduce a trend well worth discovering:  Small Plates that embrace the Mediterranean tradition of enjoying a variety of lighter selections.  Size-wise, the plates are more substantial than appetizers yet smaller than full entrées. They're ideal dinner preludes to share, to choose as alternatives to larger entrées, to serve as a nice switch from the usual while socializing with friends on the patio or to accompany a quick glass of wine at the bar.  Look forward to sliced filet mignon on shiitake risotto or skewered with Gorgonzola-bacon fondue and mozzarella and sweet tomato salad; jumbo shrimp scampi skewers with chimichurri dipping sauce and avocado citrus salad; New Zealand petite lamb chops and pistachio-mint pesto; New Bedford scallops in Meyer lemon-honey glaze with baby carrots, green beans and asparagus; Ahi tuna skewers with wasabi aioli and homemade wonton chips; or Fleming's lobster tempura with arugula, jicama and apple salad. Small Plates will broaden your Fleming's perspective, adding the Perimeter restaurant to your "most-visited" list for a light meal, drinks and good conversation as well as being your Perimeter go-to destination for fine dining, business dinners and special occasions. 


Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
:  4501 Olde Perimeter Way in Perimeter Place Village; 770-698-8112.

GROW! SCREENS AT DOCUFEST ATLANTA 2011 ON SEPTEMBER 22


Grow!There's a fresh young crop of farmers sprouting up across the U.S.  Hardly raised in the Little House and Farmer Boy lifestyle, these college-educated young adults are scattering from the urban, corporate scene to rural, agrarian digs.  GROW!, the film,captures the energy, independence and perseverance of 20 young farmers as they seek meaningful, sustainable lives down on the farm.  Filmed on 12 farms throughout the state of Georgia, the film will be showing at DocuFest Atlanta 2011 on Thursday, September 22 at 8:30 p.m. at The Goat Farm Arts Center.  Tickets are $5 each and will be available 30 minutes before the screening on a first-come, first-served basis at the box office. 


The Goat Farm Arts Center:  1200 Foster Street, Atlanta.

MUSIC MIDTOWN ENDS AFTER COLDPLAY.  THE WEEKEND PLAYS ON THROUGH BREAKFAST BUFFET AT SPICE MARKET

Music MidtownColdplay is the last group to perform at Music Midtown on Saturday, September 24, capping a full day of outdoor concerts in Piedmont Park.  The weekend is not over until after you've refueled with hot Southern grits and scrambled eggs on the special post-concert breakfast buffet at Spice Market, located inside the W Atlanta-Midtown.  The breakfast buffet opens at 7 a.m. and fills up guests through noon.  For $19 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), guests can fill their plates with farm-fresh scrambled eggs, Southern grits, breakfast potatoes, pork sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, granola and assorted cereals.  Juice, coffee and tea are included.  Come for breakfast, even if you're not staying at the W Atlanta-Midtown.  Restaurant guests will receive complimentary valet parking for up to three hours. 


Spice Market:
  In the W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550.  

WHAT TO DO WHEN A PIG TURNS TWO?  THE IBERIAN PIG IS THROWING AN ANNIVERSARY BASH ON SEPTEMBER 26 

Iberian PigFeeling right at home in Decatur from the get-go two years ago, The Iberian Pig and the Castellucci restaurant family and staff have become even more enthralled with the culture, education, self expression and hospitality vibrating through town.  The bistro is inviting Decatur residents and visitors to join in the two-year anniversary and appreciation celebration beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 26.  Wallow in all of the night's offerings:  live music by a Spanish trio and Tyson Bittrich; the unveiling of a massive Hense mural by the artist at 7 p.m.; $3 Sherry Cañas -- a small Spanish snack and sherry; $6 glasses of sangria, cava and craft cocktails; and $5 "Haute" dogs all night. Suckling pigs will be slow roasted all day and carved in the dining room as tapas ($10).  Call ahead if you want to reserve one solely for your table; $280 covers pig, salad and sides for 8-12 people and a bottle of wine.  Chefs will cut into Jamon Iberico de Bellota.  Aged for 48 months and procured when the bistro opened two years ago, it's the rarest and highest quality Jamon Iberico available! Try some at $18 per ounce.  For the first time, The Iberian Pig will serve that Spanish treasure, paella, priced at $16 for two and $32 for 4 people.  Chef Chad Crete has lots more up his toque.  Although reservations are suggested, go ahead and pop in if you're in the neighborhood.


The Iberian Pig:
  On the square in Decatur at 121 Sycamore Street; 404-371-8800.

WHATCHA GONNA DO AT 3 A.M., MATE?  WATCH THE RUGBY WORLD CUP AT Fadó Irish Pub & RESTAURANT 

FadoAccording to the Rugby Football Union, the IRB Rugby World Cup is the third-biggest sporting event on the planet, right up there with the Olympics and FIFA World Cup Soccer.  The matches are underway in New Zealand, continuing through the final on October 23.  Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant has your back with a full game-viewing lineup posted on the Fadó website sports page.  The Buckhead pub will even show matches that air at 3:30 a.m. Atlanta time for ardent fans and insomniacs!  Who needs sleep when you can cheer with friends over food and drink at Fadó?  If you do need sleep, come back for the replays!


Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant:
  273 Buckhead Avenue; 404-841-0066.

ONLY TWO WEEKS TO GO PLUM CRAZY OVER SPECIAL RA SUSHI COCKTAIL 

RA SushiGo ahead and call it what it is...Plum Crazy!  RA Sushi's newest cocktail, is only available through Friday, September 30.  The lightly sweet and refreshing plum concoction unites plum wine, muddled orange and elderflower liqueur. 
  


Pick this plum for $8 while you can because the season is short, and you'll go plum crazy if you miss out.


RA Sushi:
  1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.

WINE CLUB, STEAK AND SHEPHERD'S PIE TOP LIST OF SEPTEMBER FEATURES AT NEW YORK BUTCHER SHOPPE


NYBSLet's start with September's Certified Angus Beef and Wagyu beef specials and early week specials and then move on to New York Butcher Shoppe's Wine Club.  Visit your nearby
New York Butcher Shoppe for Certified Angus Beef strips at $11.99 per pound and Wagyu sirloin steaks, priced at a mouthwatering $12.99 a pound.  Sought-after Wagyu beef is known for the tenderness, flavor and juiciness incurred by unsaturated fat marbling. Tailgaters, grab some NYBS award-winning chili at $8.99 each and get a free eight-ounce container of pimento cheese dip to use as an appetizer or chili topper.  Homemade shepherd's pie at $6.99 each comes to the rescue of many a weeknight menu planner.  And this week's early week specials -- offered Monday - Wednesday -- include bone-in and boneless pork chops for $2.99 per pound (limit 10 chops per customer).  For the week of September 26, look for boneless chicken breasts for $2.99 per pound (limit three pounds).   


Nice to pick up high-quality meats and top-notch wines in the same stop, and New York Butcher Shoppe has both -- and a Wine Club.  The first Wednesday of each month, NYBS chooses and gives two wines with tasting notes to Wine Club members.  Members also receive a 10 percent discount on all wine purchases.  Wine Club membership is $29.99 per month with a three-month minimum. For even more savings, buy five months and get one month free! This month's two featured wines for Wine Club members are Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna DOC, 2008, a white blend of 90 percent Vermentino and 10 percent other Sardinian grapes, and youthful red San Polo Rubio IGT, Toscano 2009 made from Sangiovese Grosso. 


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.

YELPER LIVED IN TEXAS, NOW HE LIVES FOR TSUNAMI TAQUERIA ASIAN BBQ AND BAJA TACOS 

YelperYelper Rick V. found Taqueria Tsunami tucked away behind other businesses in his own corner of Buckhead.  Luckily, he veered off the norm and stumbled upon this taco-rific place with his kids, so they can vouch for it in the family friendly category. 


Outstanding Tacos - Some of the best I've had.  Tasty homemade tortillas topped with thoughtfully-prepared and well-executed options.  I ordered the Asian BBQ Short Rib and the Baja Tacos - delicious and enjoyable from the first bite to the last.  Also ordered chips and queso for the table as a starter - fantastic, zesty, and great texture.

I lived in Texas for 8 years, so I've had some pretty great tacos.  Taqueria Tsunami delivered one of my best taco experiences - ever.  I'll also note that we went here with my two kids (8 & 6 years), who were happy with the food and the environment (while not catering specifically to young ones - no special menus or coloring supplies - I'm fine with it) was completely family-friendly.  Do not hesitate to come here with the family.  The interior is airy, light and beautifully designed - simple and elegant.

Most amazingly, I've lived in the neighborhood for 3 years - until today I had *no idea* that there are multiple levels of businesses that were on the back side of the low-slung building across from the Georgia Grille.  Make an effort and search out Taqueria Tsunami - delicious food, friendly service and a great environment.


Taqueria Tsunami:
  2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-963-5049. 

EAT IT AND TWEEP:  THIS TROT LINE HOOKS UP THOSE FISHING FOR SOUTHERN CULTURE IN ATLANTA, AND IT'S A BIG CATCH 

TweepAnyone who's used a trotline to fish or go crabbing knows you have to bait the hooks.  The Trot Line (@TheTrotLine) uses intriguing nuggets of Southern culture unearthed right here in Atlanta to bait and hook readers into coming back for more.  Contributors on Twitter and The Trot Line blog include writers, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies and more who immerse themselves in our local Southern culture.  Bless their hearts!  Fill up your tall, sweet tea and link in for a visit. 


Sample Tweet:
Glad we just moved to Marietta... There's new brew in town! http://ow.ly/6tjtu#craftbeer

OUR APPETIZING APERTURE OF THE WEEK 

 

White Oak Pastures plate

 

  
Current craving: this scrumptious plate of White Oak Pastures chicken (and all the fixings, of course) served up from Jim 'n Nick's BBQ at the recent grand opening party for the farm's new poultry abattoir!
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.
 
Melissa Libby & Associates is an Atlanta-based public relations firm specializing in the restaurant, retail and hospitality industries.
 
For information about these and other great Atlanta restaurants, go to www.melissalibbypr.com, check out our Facebook fanpage, follow AtlantaDish on Twitter, or call 404-816-3068.
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