What's cooking this week? 

KEEP HOLIDAY SPIRITS MERRY AND BRIGHT WITH DOUBLE ZERO SPIRITS TASTING ON DECEMBER 21

The DishSpirit lovers and rich flavors will unite at Double Zero Napoletana on Wednesday, December 21 for a tasting of various spirits including select Scotches and rums. Beginning at 7 p.m., the Sandy Springs haven for Italian fare and fun will host a tasting lineup that includes Brugal 1888, Macallan 12 Year, Macallan 17 Year Fine Oak and the exclusive Highland Park 25 Year. Cost is $39 per person and includes light antipasti. Make reservations for this unique opportunity by calling 404-991-3666.

Double Zero Napoletana:  5825 Roswell Road, NE; 404-991-3666.

RAY'S AT KILLER CREEK HOLDS TEDDY BEAR RAFFLE FOR PRIMUS SANDERS... RIGHT IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY GIVING

 

The DishBuy a raffle ticket for a chance to bring a teddy bear home from Ray's at Killer Creek on December 23. One lucky person will be able to take the huggable bear home and slip it under the tree. Everyone shares in the joy of knowing they're helping Ray's employee Primus Sanders in his struggle to cover the medical and rehab bills brought on by a serious accident. Tickets are $5 each or three for $12, and all proceeds go to the Primus Sanders Foundation.

 

Ray's at Killer Creek:  1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.

CHICKEN AND THE EGG MENU IS LOADED WITH DISHES AND DRINKS TO GIVE COMFORT AND JOY

The DishPut away the tropical beach brochures and browse the menu at Chicken and the Egg in Marietta to plan a cold weather escape route. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus are loaded with one tummy-warming dish after another. Pimento cheese fritters, buttermilk fried oysters, calamari and rock shrimp fish fry or a cup of roasted tomato soup are must-try starters, and black-eyed pea "hummus" is said to bring good luck in the New Year ($4.50-$9). Daily lunch blue plates bring a meat and two veggies for $9 and include rib-sticking recipes for meatloaf with tomato gravy, fried chicken breast, chicken and dumplings, beef tips and rice, fried catfish and more -- plus veggie choices of mashed potatoes, green beans, black-eyed peas, baby carrots, braised greens and mac and cheese. The list of hefty sandwiches features the grilled cheese on brioche with tomato soup combo; the Farm House burger with cheddar, a fried egg and bacon; the FGT burger (fried green tomato); the veggie-piled "Plant;" the Georgia shrimp po' boy and a BLT with FGT ($9-$11). 

Dinnertime brings out a colorful beet salad with tart apples and candied walnuts; a pear and pecan salad with arugula, shaved fennel and blue cheese; and a Caesar with grilled Georgia shrimp ($5-$14). Southern supper entr�es please with sweet Georgia shrimp and grits, country-fried ribeye, duck breast with roasted root vegetables and Gouda grits, trout, short ribs, portabella stroganoff, spicy bayou pasta and more ($14-$19). Sweet finales include "coffee & donuts" of beignets and caf� au lait cr�me br�l�e, a peppermint ice cream sandwich, sticky toffee pudding and chocolate buttermilk cake with vanilla ice cream ($5-$6). Brunch has a filling combo of traditional morning dishes such as crab cake Benedict plus steak and eggs, as well as lunch and supper favorites ($4.50 - $14). These are just a few morsels -- more dishes, drinks and $5 "Peeps" menu for little ones 12 and under are on the website.

Chicken and the Egg:  800 Whitlock Avenue in Marietta; 678-388-8813.

SAY SO LONG TO 2011, HELLO 2012 AT ATLANTA RESTAURANTS

 

The DishPartiers, if you want to whoop it up with live entertainment, champagne toasts and kisses at midnight, we have options. Those of you who envision a peaceful fine dining experience, Atlanta restaurants can fulfill your wish. And, if you are working New Year's Eve or want to celebrate after you do that resolution run or polar bear jump, you, too, are covered. Happy New Year!

 

After achieving Elvis' "Blue Christmas" music overload, it's time to move on to a totally different tune in Aqua blue's Blue Year's Eve. The Roswell restaurant is planning a prix-fixe, three-course menu plus an � la carte menu available at three seatings -- 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Start with Maine lobster bisque or jumbo lump crab salad then choose pan-seared sea bass, scallops and shrimp with baby spinach, winter corn, bacon and lentils or five-spice New York strip and crispy shrimp with lobster whipped potato and jumbo asparagus. Sweet plate choices are classic cr�me br�l�e or warm chocolate cake. $49 per person; $69 with chef's wine pairing. Stay on for the DJ and party favors, and raise a champagne toast at midnight. For reservations, call 770-643-8886.

 

The tables are set for an elegant four-course dinner at Aria, one of Buckhead's finest restaurants. Executive Chef/Owner Gerry Klaskala has a first course in mind then lets you choose from several options for the remaining courses. At $85 per person, tax and gratuity not included, seats will go quickly. Reservations are strongly suggested; call 404-233-7673.

 

Holiday merry making continues on New Year's Eve at Atkins Park - Smyrna with a champagne toast at midnight and music from The Good People. Starting at 5 p.m., guests can sit down to a chef-prepared, four-course meal for $48.50 per person, tax and gratuity not included. Reservations: 770-435-1887.

 

Across town at Atkins Park - Virginia Highland, guests can sip Absolut Vodka drink specials while listening to music from Rare Form DJs. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Special menus will be available at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve and at 11 a.m. on New Year's Day. Reservations: 404-876-7249.

 

No need to break any New Year's diet resolutions when guests indulge in the rich pre-resolution menu Briza is offering on New Year's Eve. On the last night of 2011, pamper your palate with dishes such as vanilla butter-poached lobster and Kurobuta pork belly "carbonara" and leave no morsel behind!  $75 per person. Reservations: 678-412-2402.

 

Marietta favorite, Chicken and the Egg, is celebrating New Year's Eve with a three-course menu. After a lagniappe of Georgia shrimp and grit cake, choose tempting items like crispy pork belly, lobster and praline bread pudding to complete your meal. The cost is $35 per person, and sparkling wine will be available to purchase by the glass or bottle. For reservations, call 678-388-8813. 

 

Usher in 2012 with three courses of southern Italian dishes on the prix-fixe menu at Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs. Dinner will be served from 5 - 8 p.m. and costs $55 per person. Each guest receives a gift bag containing a split of Prosecco, champagne flutes and a special gift from the Castellucci Hospitality Group. Reservations:  404-991-3666.

 

Talk about being pumped up for 2012! Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Dunwoody is giving guests three opportunities to celebrate New Year's Nights at Fleming's:  Thursday, December 29 from 5 - 10 p.m., Friday, December 30 from 5 - 11 p.m. and Saturday, December 31 from 4 - 11 p.m. Mo�t and Chandon Imp�rial champagne will be served from magnum bottles all night, each night. A special New Year's celebration menu with three exceptional steak and seafood entr�es, each priced at $69.95, will be available in addition to the regular menu. Reservations: 770-698-8112.

 

For an early taste of 2012, enjoy a "taste" and three courses of Chef Ford Fry's Southern favorites at JCT. Kitchen & Bar. The $65 four-course menu includes samples of hickory-roasted Berkshire pork tenderloin and "chicken stand" fried Georgia quail. Dinner will be served from 5 - 11 p.m. Reservations: 404-355-2252.

 

In Decatur, the New Year's Eve menu at No. 246 offers a great example of how to step out beyond the expected in 2012. Try something unexpected such as squid ink spaghetti with Dungeness crab and braised Brasstown beef cheeks -- two of the items on their special $55 per person New Year's Eve menu. Dinner is from 5 - 11 p.m. Reservations: 678-399-8246.

 

Rockin' RA Sushi looks out for those who work on New Year's Eve by throwing a New Year's Eve Remix party -- on New Year's Day!  From 8 p.m. to close on Sunday, January 1, guests at the Midtown restaurant and bar can nosh on Sunday Night's Flying Fish Lounge specials with select sushi, appetizers and tapas priced from $2-$7 and drink specials starting at $3. For more information or to RSVP, visit Facebook.

 

Pick your party at Ray's Restaurants. Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta is offering a special appetizer menu and three different prix-fixe menus from 5 - 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Reservations: 770-649-0064. Downtown, city dwellers can head to Ray's in the City's to celebrate over one of three prix-fixe menus. Reservations:  call 404-524-9224. Ray's on the River is hosting a classic night of dinner and dancing at the restaurant's riverside pavilion. Ring in the new year enjoying the special menu, five-piece band, champagne toast, party favors and a balloon drop. Festivities start at 8 p.m. with dinner service at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $95 per person, or purchase a table for 10 guests for $850. Tax and gratuity are not included in pricing. More information and reservations: 770-955-1187.

 

Toast first! At Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown, the bar and lounge bubbles with specials on champagne from 4 - 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The restaurant itself will serve a New Year's Eve five-course menu for $68 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations:  404-724-2550.

 

Everyone knows that the pre-party is just as important as the main event on New Year's Eve. That's why Truffles Grill in Buckhead is getting the night off to a tasty start from 6 - 9 p.m. with complimentary heavy hors d'oeuvres. Need a drink to practice your midnight toast? Try one of the restaurant's $5 Absolut specialty martinis. Reservations: 404-364-9050.

 

Carnivores, vegetarians and pescatarians will all find dinners to please among Woodfire Grill's three special five-course menus on New Year's Eve. The regular and pescatarian menus are priced at $115 per person, and the vegetarian menu is priced at $105. Wine pairings also are available for $6 per course for a half glass or $12 for a full glass. Reservations are required:  404-347-9055.

DOES YOUR DONKEY KONG PASS MUSTER?  FIND OUT AT ATKINS PARK-SMYRNA CLASSIC NINTENDO TOURNAMENT

 

The DishNintendo gamers:  Atkins Park - Smyrna has a Tuesday night tournament series in the works especially for you "controllers" out there. Classic Nintendo "Game Night" starts at midnight every Tuesday night through January 31, 2012. Dig Dug and football are already in play. Mario Kart, Punch Out and more are coming. Sure, there will be specials and prizes. Start warming up those thumbs and come on out... before it's game over! For more information, call 770-435-1887.

 

Atkins Park Tavern - Smyrna:  Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Road; 770-435-1887.

NO. 246 CHEF'S COUNTER SEATS ARE NOW ON FLEX TIME TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR WEEKNIGHT SCHEDULE

The DishA No. 246 Chef's Counter benefit is chatting with Chef Drew Belline as he prepares your five-course dinner. During these conversations, Belline discovered his guests loved the counter dining but had some scheduling issues with the 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. seating times. After work, they couldn't always get to the Decatur restaurant by 6:30 p.m. -- and sitting down at 9:30 p.m. on a weeknight was just too late. Easily solved!  Now, four lucky people (two couples or a foursome, etc.) can make Monday through Thursday night Chef's Counter reservations for a time convenient for them. This move alleviates any weeknight stress so diners can relax and enjoy their five-course, Italian-inspired meal created by Chef Belline and his team. Same up-close kitchen view, chef conversation and $50-per-person cost. Weekends bring on two seatings at 6:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., allowing eight guests to savor the experience. Reserve seats by calling 678-399-8246.

No. 246:  129 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue; 678-399-8246.

DON'T MISS THE BOAT FOR FOOD, WINE AND THE MONACO GRAND PRIX ON THIS FOOD AND WINE CRUISE WITH THE Cha�ne des R�tisseurs

The DishFabulous cruise food is legendary, but just wait until you hear about the Fine Food and Wine Cruise casting off May 20-28, 2012 in partnership with the international gastronomic society Cha�ne des R�tisseurs. The Mediterranean Gala Cruise features a visit to Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix and culinary delights from Celebrity Chef Art Smith, executive chef and co-owner of Table fifty-two, Art and Soul, Southern Art, and LYFE Kitchen restaurants. Three hundred Cha�ne members and their guests can fill an entire Windstar Wind Surf ship for an eight-night, private yacht experience featuring 4,000 incredible bottles of wine and special tasting dinners. Guests fly into Rome for the cruise that docks in Monaco for time trials and the race and makes ports of call with excursions at Portoferraio, Portofino, Cannes and St. Tropez before ending up at Nice, France for home-bound flights. The super-inclusive package includes gourmet meals with wine pairings, additional food and wine tastings, live entertainment, seminars, cocktail parties, water sports, airport transfers and more. With its casual atmosphere, adventures and educational lineup, the cruise is truly an instance of "pampering without pretense". Since only 146 cabins are available, interested cruisers are encouraged to register as soon as possible at www.finefoodandwinecruise.com. Cruise rates start at $3,950 per person. For more information, call 800-218-6031 or email [email protected]. Cruise on over to check them out on Facebook, too! 

THERE'S A REASON WHY ALFREDO'S HAS BEEN HERE FOR 37 YUMMY YEARS.  YELPER GIVES SCRUMPTIOUS SYNOPSIS

 

The DishNo flash in the pan restaurant, Alfredo's has been a Morningside landmark since 1974 (we looked it up on their website). When Katie W. yelped so enthusiastically, we felt compelled to remind y'all about this stalwart sensation along eclectic Cheshire Bridge Road. Parents coming in for the holidays?  Here's your spot!

 

I love this place! I finally went here for the first time and I want to go back once a week, except that I'd probably gain 50 pounds. I love the old-school look of the place, the friendly staff, the wine list that is quite affordable and the giant entrees that come either over pasta, with a side of pasta or with vegetables. I also like the basket of garlic bread even though it's super buttery and I mostly avoid it.

My entree was the shrimp marinara over spinach, not pasta. It was huge and I took half of it home. I also had the Salad alla Rita, which was a fantastic $3 side salad. I tried the fried calamari, which was very good, and also a stuffed mushroom, which was good but not something I would normally order.

The service was attentive and great, we spent a lot of time there but still got our food quickly and they were really nice about bringing out the birthday cupcakes we had brought for our little party.

I'll definitely return! I may take my parents here when they're in town.


Alfredo's:  1989 Cheshire Bridge Road;
404-876-1380.

EAT IT AND TWEEP: NJ TO ATL TRANSPLANTS HAVE PLENTY TO TWEET ABOUT BETWEEN BITES


The Dish

We are in awe. Chris and Karen have three munchkins under age four, and they find time to write, snap pictures and even fix something good for dinner. They do all of that with such love and wry humor that they've turned it into a Twitter account (@thepeche) and blog phenomenon called The P�che. Have fun with it. They do!  Karen has her own Twitter (@mrsdewinter). Just so ya know.  

 

Sample Tweet: There is a game in which you feed treats to a plastic toy dog. The goal is to make the dog poop. Of course my kids want it.


OUR APPETIZING APERTURE OF THE WEEK 

 

Appetizing Aperture     

  

This week, we're loving these delicious after dinner drinks featuring Patron XO Caf� at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food! A sweet way to finish any meal, for sure. 

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 page, follow AtlantaDish on Twitter or call 404-816-3068.
Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Email:[email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~