What's cooking this week? 

TWO WEEKS TO SAVE GREEN ON GRASS-FED BEEF AND MORE DURING WHITE OAK PASTURES SALE


The DishThrough January 31, White Oak Pastures is offering some of their most popular poultry and grass-fed beef at special prices. Plan your menus to include rib-eye steaks, $8.84 (14 oz.); New York strip, $7.24 (12 oz.); and beef tenderloin, $9.27 (8 oz.). Save $2 per pound on ground beef in five-pound frozen, vacuum-sealed chubs at $20 per chub. Poultry savings aren't paltry either:  large stewing hens are $12.99 per 4.5+ pound bird; each eight-way cut bird is $9.49; whole guinea are $12.99 per 2.5-pound bird; and ground turkey and ground chicken run $4.89 per one-pound pack. White Oak Pastures meat is available at Atlanta-area Publix supermarkets and Whole Foods Markets; however, sale items are only available online.

WINE IS FINE, BUT A PINT AND PLATE IS TRULY SPECIAL ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT ATKINS PARK TAVERN IN VIRGINIA HIGHLAND


The DishWednesday night wine specials are catchy, but Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland is not going to let them monopolize hump night. The tavern is offering a hearty alternative, a new Pint and Plate special every Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Guests can hoist the perfect pint of craft beer and savor a chef-prepared plate. The price depends on the pairing, which changes weekly and will be offered until it runs out. This week's Pint and Plate features an ahi tuna burger with black sesame, scallions, teriyaki-ginger mayo and arugula served with hand-cut fries and paired with Sweetwater IPA for $14.


Atkins Park Tavern - Virginia Highland
:  794 North Highland Avenue; 404-876-7249.

JCT. BAR TEAMS UP WITH COBBIE'S SAUCE FOR SHEPHERD CENTER FUNDRAISER ON THURSDAY

 

The DishThis Thursday evening, January 19, JCT. Bar is hosting a sweet and saucy fundraiser for the Shepherd Center with Betty and Billy Hulse, the makers of Cobbie's Sauce.  For $9, you'll get three pork sliders with Cobbie's Sauce, and all proceeds will be donated to the Shepherd Center, a non-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord and brain injuries. The dedicated Shepherd Center staff helped Billy Hulse after he experienced a spinal cord injury in 2009. Billy's mother, Mary Cobb "Cobbie" Hulse, poured a lot of love into the recipe for the all-natural, gluten-free sauce that she created more than 60 years ago, and the Hulses are pleased to share sales proceeds with the hospital that continues to give them hope. Try it and find out how to purchase some to douse on chicken, pork, beef, fish and shrimp at your house.

 

JCT. Kitchen & Bar:  In Atlanta's Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road; 404-355-2252.

KEVIN GILLESPIE TOURS FOOD CO-OPS ACROSS U.S.A. FOR STRONGER TOGETHER "CO+OP" VIDEO SERIES -- WORLD PREMIERE AIRS THIS WEEK


The DishLet the International Year of Cooperatives begin with the world premiere of "Co+op," Stronger Together's video series hosted by Kevin Gillespie. As the
co-owner and executive chef of Woodfire Grill and Bravo "Top Chef" finalist discovers, the way to a man's heart is truly through his co-op to his stomach. Gillespie travels to food co-ops across the country -- from grocery store aisles to fields -- and talks with people who have a passion for food. Follow along and see why these individuals and their communities are stronger together. Watch the first three episodes when they air on Saturday, January 21 at 8 p.m. on www.strongertogether.coop/premiere then follow along with the series throughout the year. Take a look at more inspiring co-op stories from around the globe at www.stories.coop.

ANNUAL FEATHERFEST HOLDS POULTRY DISH POLL. VOTE ON EGG-CEPTIONAL APPETIZERS AND ENTR�ES AT AREA RESTAURANTS


The DishTwenty-thousand poultry fans are alighting in Atlanta January 22 - 27. No need to be chicken or take cover. They're migrating through the Georgia World Congress Center for the annual International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo. Featherfest will draw them out for nourishment on egg-ceptional appetizers and entr�es that include poultry meat at more than 50 Atlanta restaurants including
La Tavola Trattoria, The Original El Taco, Ray's in the City, South City Kitchen - Midtown and Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown. Gather a gaggle of roost mates (flighty friends, too) and flock along to dine then rate the dishes from one "rotten egg" to "eggs-traordinary" at Atlanta.net through January 26. Who knows, you might win an iPod nano for your eggs-cellent opinions.

YEAR OF THE DRAGON ROARS INTO SPICE MARKET WITH CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIALS AND LUCKY RED FORTUNE COOKIES

 

The DishChinese New Year falls on January 23 this year, and Spice Market is on fire with excitement in anticipation of an exhilarating Year of the Dragon. The restaurant within the W Atlanta-Midtown is decorated for the celebration and fired up with specials for Sunday, January 22 and Monday, January 23. Come for complimentary nibbles in the bar area and try the four-course tasting menu for $28. Toss back flame-quenching beer and cocktail specials including $3 Tsing Tao beer and $5 - $7 specialty drinks. Open a lucky fortune cookie yielding future savings. Symbolic dishes fill the tasting menu:  a fragrant mushroom egg roll symbolizes wealth; chili-garlic egg noodles representing long life come with seared shrimp and star anise; the wish of abundance comes with a fish dish of wok-fried grouper with napa cabbage, water chestnuts and cucumber; and a sweet, rich life should be yours after eating Ovaltine kulfi made with caramelized banana and spiced milk chocolate sauce. Hold on for your red fortune cookie. From January 21 through February 29, each guest will receive one in a fun twist on the traditional red envelopes symbolizing good luck that are given out at Chinese New Year. Cookies contain vouchers for complimentary items or discounts to be used on future Spice Market visits. Among these are complimentary appetizers or desserts, 25 percent off an entire check, 50 percent off wine, a buy-one-get-one-free entr�e, a complimentary five-course chef's tasting menu or a complimentary one-night stay at the W Atlanta-Midtown. Sounds like the Year of the Yummies is headed your way!

 

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

LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FRENCH MACARONS AND MACAROONS AT THE COOK'S WAREHOUSE CLASS ON FEBRUARY 11

 

The DishOh, the difference an "o" makes. French macarons are a delicate confection with a luscious filling. Unlike macaroons, there is no coconut involved. Instead, macarons have a lovely meringue of egg whites, sugar and almonds. Master the macaron with Chef Kathryn Gordon at a pre-Valentine's class on February 11 at The Cook's Warehouse at Ansley Mall. The author of "Les Petits Macarons:  Colorful French Confections to Make at Home" will lead a hands-on class where you'll learn how to make your own macarons and share the fabulous desserts with other participants. Primed for Valentine's Day, the menu features pink almond macarons with popcorn pastry cream, coconut macarons with strawberry guava pat� de fruit, and cocoa macarons with blackberry white chocolate ganache. Additionally, Gordon's book will be available to purchase.  Cost is $75 per person. More details and registration are on The Cook's Warehouse website

 

The Cook's Warehouse - Ansley Mall:  1544 Piedmont Road, NE (behind Blockbuster); 404-815-4993.

ADULT HOME SCHOOL? CHEF PATRIC BRINGS COOKING CLASSES TO YOUR KITCHEN

The DishOptions for supper club, girls night in, birthday parties and the like have just become more delicious than ever thanks to Chef Patric and the interactive, hands-on cooking classes he will lead in your own kitchen. Meet with Chef Patric Bell to discuss your event, then let him work up ideas and do all of the shopping. Chef Patric was born and raised in the South and has been drawn to the Southern kitchen since childhood. He's piled on quite a repertoire of skills since graduating summa cum laude from the Art Institute of Atlanta's School of Culinary Arts. Seven years as executive chef at West Egg Caf� in Atlanta's trendy Westside have brought on heaps of awards and recognitions -- including "Best Breakfast" from Creative Loafing and one of the "Best Breakfasts in Georgia" in Southern Living magazine. (Hmmm, a breakfast cooking class, now that will wake your friends up.) Now Chef Patric brings his joy for cooking and gift for teaching to your kitchen. Classes are priced per person (average $50 - $70 per student), based on the theme, foods required and number of recipes provided. The ideal class size is eight to 12 people with a minimum of five people. The host/hostess fee is waived for any class of 10 or more. Call 404-384-3386 or email for more information. We say, school's in session!

DOUBLE ZERO NAPOLETANA ADDS SECOND MONDAY NIGHT PIZZA MAKING CLASS SO GUESTS CAN MAKE MORE DOUGH

The DishWe all want to make more dough, and Double Zero Napoletana has found a way to help pizza lovers achieve this goal. On Monday, February 27, the Sandy Springs restaurant will hold two seatings -- at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. -- for its popular monthly pizza-making class. Guests really will roll in the dough as they learn the nuances of making high-quality pizza dough, dressing out their pizza and baking it in the restaurant's hand-crafted Stefano Ferrara ovens. Can't do that at home! 

 

Only 15 attendees per class; $39 per person includes class, a glass of wine and your personal pizza creation. Mark your calendar for future dates of March 19, April 23 and May 21. 

 

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

MAYBE HE'S NOT A SUGAR DADDY, BUT YELPER HAS FOUND HER THAICOON

 

The DishYelper Lauren M. wasn't looking for riches, sweets or even a decent bar. Her quest was for affordable and delectable sushi. With the discovery of Thaicoon & Sushi Bar near Emory, she's found a perfect match.

 

I finally found a good, reasonably-priced sushi restaurant in Atlanta! This place looks like a hole-in-the-wall, staggered on the corner of a strip mall at the edge of Emory University, but it is well worth the trip inside. 


I ordered a combo plate featuring a California, Tekka (tuna) and J.B (salmon with cream cheese) roll, which included a cup of Miso.  


The Miso had a thick stock and a generous portion of tofu and seaweed, instead of the usual smacking and watered-down broth. The rolls were very fresh and hearty, with good portions of fish. With a soda, my bill was a measly $15. For the quality of sushi, I would have expected to pay $20-25. 


Service was prompt, friendly and professional, and I enjoyed the dive-y vibe. 


The only downside to this place is that it doesn't have a bar, but that never inhibited me from a good sushi meal.  


I will definitely be back to try more of their menu!

 

Thaicoon & Sushi Bar:  1799 Briarcliff Road, NE; 404-817-9805.

EAT IT AND TWEEP:  KRISTEN TAPS OUT DINE & DISH OUT IN KANSAS, AND THOSE MIDWESTERNERS ARE JUST AS HOSPITABLE AS SOUTHERNERS


The DishAfter following Kristen on Twitter (@DineandDish), we can definitely see why Dorothy was eager to leave Oz and get back to her Midwestern roots. Those Midwesterners are so darn friendly and sharing. Picture your screen as a backyard fence. Pour your coffee and absorb as Kristen dishes out bits on food, her kitchen and her kids via Twitter and her Dine & Dish blog. The only thing missing is Auntie Em.  

 

Sample Tweet{New Post} Solve the 5 O'Clock Dinner Dilemma with Buffalo Chicken and Black Bean Wraps... http://fb.me/1BLHYJvDL

OUR APPETIZING APERTURE OF THE WEEK 
 

Appetizing Aperture     

 

A fortune cookie is always a sweet ending to a meal. We love unraveling the words of sage advice and wisdom. At Spice Market, these fortune cookies will be an even sweeter treat from January 21 through February 29. Open one during Chinese New Year to reveal a special surprise from the restaurant!

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.
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