In This Issue

Ray's Restaurants Spring Menu

Passover Products at Whole Foods Market

Bantam + Biddy Crescent Avenue Slider Night

Atlanta Dogwood Fest VIP Experience

Vinings Wine Stroll at Old Vinings Inn

King + Duke Launches Brunch

Nikolai's Roof Sponsors Full Course Classic

Easter at Atlanta Restaurants

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Appetizing Aperture

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ABOUT THE DISH

Looking for the latest restaurant openings, 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.

up-to-date on new and ongoing restaurant events around Atlanta!

Whole Foods Market "5% Day" Benefits The Giving Kitchen Today, April 8

You heeded last week's call to prepare your Whole Foods Market shopping list especially for today, April 8. It's "5% Day" at Atlanta-area Whole Foods Markets, and The Giving Kitchen will receive 5 percent of the day's net sales at all eight local stores, including Harry's Farmers Market locations. The Giving Kitchen was inspired by an outpouring of support from the city's hospitality network when Atlanta chef Ryan Hidinger was diagnosed with late-stage cancer in December 2012. This homegrown nonprofit provides grants to members of Atlanta's restaurant community facing unanticipated hardships and crisis situations.

Spring Brake for $3 Drinks and Oysters at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Patio Party on April 9

Half the town's gone south for spring break. Let them crowd the beaches. There's a seat for you at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Patio Party in Buckhead on Wednesday, April 9 from 5-7 p.m. Slurp down three for $3 grilled garlic Parmesan oysters and $3 mango mojitos, Fireball shots or Sam Adams drafts. No sand kicked in your food or sunscreen sliding into your eyes on this Gulf Coast. Toast that thought with a $4 glass of TBK white wine and soak in live band tunes. Call it a season opener for outdoor living seven days and nights a week. Try all six new cocktails and new tastes, such as crispy ahi tuna roll, smoked salmon carpaccio, ahi tuna ni�oise, coconut fried shrimp and salmon, smoked salmon club sandwich, citrus seafood Cobb salad or lobster linguine. Live music every night! Ah, that's livin' The Big Ketch life.

Three Courses for $32, Wine Pairings for $15 on Ray's Restaurants' New Spring Menu

How soon can you book dinner? Ray's Restaurants executive chef Mike Fuller has just released his new seasonal prix fixe menu available at Ray's on the River, Ray's at Killer Creek and Ray's in the City. Quite a catch of spring's freshest flavors, the three-course menu is priced at $32 per person (excludes tax and gratuity). Add sommelier-selected wine pairings for $15 per person. Starter choices include crab-corn fritters with green tomato jelly, soup du jour or heirloom tomato salad (+$3). The entr�e slot boasts spring lamb ragout with black pepper pappardelle and roasted spring onion, grilled shrimp with glazed pork belly and spring pea succotash or pan-seared halibut with crispy caper piccata and lemon-artichoke risotto (+$4). For dessert, pick PB&J cheesecake, chocolate-raspberry mousse cake or spring fruit sabayon (+$2). Wine pairings by course are Cuvaison chardonnay or Cartlidge & Browne pinot noir; Vavasour sauvignon blanc or Brancaia "Super Tuscan;" and "Ravenna" semi-dry riesling.

Make Way for Matzo and Fill Your Passover Cart - Naturally, at Whole Foods Market

Purging the house of chametz for Passover clears the shelves for restocking with the abundance of naturally delicious Passover foods and products at Whole Foods Market. As you would expect, Whole Foods Market standards mean products sold are free from artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners or hydrogenated fats. Organic, all-natural kosher choices abound at special holiday savings. The all-essential matzo becomes exciting when options include Yehuda organic whole wheat matzo from Israel, slightly sweet Streit's egg matzo, Streit's Shmura matzo and Streit's organic matzo ball mixes, including gluten-free options. Kedem gourmet tilapia gefilte fish with sliced carrots is the first gefilte fish made with tilapia and found exclusively at Whole Foods Market. Avvio organic grape juice is available only during Passover -- stock up on bottles of this 100 percent Concord grape juice. Meaty main dishes start with Kosher Valley fresh or frozen whole young turkeys and chickens and ground turkey and chicken selections. These flavorful birds are processed in accordance with kosher law. Sweets have their place, especially dairy-free Fox's U-bet natural dark chocolate syrup, the first ever fair-trade, all-natural chocolate syrup. Harrison's Sweet Shoppe fruit slices and jelly rings are the only kosher-for-Passover jellied candies on the market.Make brownies using Yehuda matzo cake meal and Harrison's Sweet Shoppe bittersweet chocolate chips or mix up a cheesecake crust with pine nuts and Aviv organic matzo crumbs. Glick's Finest gluten-free macaroons are a Whole Foods Market exclusive in vanilla, or enjoy them in other popular flavors, such as chocolate chip, chocolate, almond or coconut. All-natural Harrison's Sweet Shoppe soda is a festive sipper. Keep Matzolah whole wheat maple nut granola and Nancy's organic yogurt (another WFM exclusive) on hand for fast kosher breakfasts and snacks. Rounding out our staples list are B&B tomato sauce with mushrooms, a Whole Foods Market all-natural version of Streit's potato pancake and Zeta extra-virgin olive oils, culled from some of the oldest orchards on earth! History, traditions and fresh foods meet for Passover at Whole Foods Markets.

Slide into Bantam + Biddy on Crescent Avenue for Thursday through Saturday Slider Deals

Photo by Brandon Amato

If Peeps wore buns, they'd be the sliders at Bantam + Biddy on Crescent Avenue. Granted, the Midtown restaurant's sliders are not brightly colored or marshmallowy sweet, but they are irresistibly cute and savory and might include organic pulled pork, Buffalo chicken with blue cheese, meatloaf with plum tomato sauce, piri piri chicken or fried green tomato with goat cheese. These little bundles of protein are on the $3 special menu Thursday nights from 5-9 p.m. Nocturnals, hop back over on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to close for $2 late-night sliders. Either time frame, Bantam + Biddy sliders peck the heck out of Peeps paired with beer or wine!

Brush Up on Backyard Barbecue & Brews with G's Midtown and Tin Lizzy's Cantina at Atlanta Dogwood VIP Tasting Tent Experience

Frame this weekend's artsy 78^th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival outing with a palette of adult beverages, 'cue and picnic yums at the Backyard Barbecue & Brews VIP Experience. The big tent tasting event is open this Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, from 1-5 p.m. overlooking the Main Stage entertainment in Piedmont Park. A showcase of local craft beers, wines, moonshine, grill skills, barbecue and picnic fare from G's Midtown, Tin Lizzy's Cantina and other Atlanta restaurants awaits to be eaten, imbibed and appreciated. Food tastings, table seating, corn hole, lawn bowling and that cherished access to private restrooms are all part of the experience. Purchase one- or two-day VIP or Platinum VIP tickets online for $25-$85 per person until April 11.

Old Vinings Inn on Vinings Wine Stroll Itinerary on April 12

Old Vinings Inn presents irresistible appetizer and wine pairings for those enjoying the 6^th annual Vinings Wine Stroll on Saturday, April 12 from 1-7 p.m. Choices include spring herb chimichurri steak on a stick ($8) paired with Chalone pinot noir, Monterey, 2011 ($9); seared scallop with summer squash and cornbread panzanella ($8) paired with Fritz sauvignon blanc, Dry Creek Valley, 2012 ($9); and truffled lobster mac & cheese fritters ($8) paired with Manifesto "Unoaked" chardonnay, California, 2012 ($9). Register at Noche from 1-6 p.m. then stroll between four restaurants, stopping in each for food and wine specials and enjoying entertainment, as well as a 50/50 raffle along the way. The event is presented by Atlanta Wine Tours, and a portion of the proceeds benefits the Lupus Foundation of America team of Purple People Eaters. Tickets are $6 in advance, $12 at the door.

Brunch Out at King + Duke Beginning Sunday, April 13

Photo by Tuan Huynh

The word's out. Add King + Duke to your list of places to relax over Sunday brunch! Beginning April 13, Ford Fry's home for hearth cooking will serve Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the dining room and out on the see-worthy street-side patio. A peek at the menu reveals smoked fish board with capers, onions, spring onion schmear and house butter crackers; Dutch baby pancake with fruit of the moment and salted maple butter; and "Campfire" North Georgia trout and potato hash with fried eggs and grilled spring onion. Cocktails and other adult beverages? Exactly what a king and a duke would want with their brunch!

Nikolai's Roof Bogies Down with Lunch for Golfers in Full Course Classic Golf Tournament Benefiting Atlanta Community Food Bank on April 15

Georgia golf greens are on our minds. The Masters tees off in Augusta this week, and the 26^th Annual Full Course Classic benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank will draw philanthropic golfers to Roswell's Settindown Creek Golf Course on April 15. In golf vernacular, we hope the day's play is below par. Event sponsor Nikolai's Roof is providing box lunches for golfers and delectable specialties for the post-tournament reception. The ACFB is sure to be the biggest winner of the sold-out tournament. The day's food, game and camaraderie will provide financial assistance to the ACFB's annual distribution of 45 million pounds of food and groceries to partner agencies in 29 metro-Atlanta and North Georgia counties.

Easter's On Its Way into Atlanta Restaurants

Good news! Easter's late entrance means warmer days and blooming gardens and patios for Easter pictures and outdoor dining -- and more time for Atlanta restaurants to plan out holiday brunches and dinner menus.

In Virginia-Highland, rise to brunch at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing through 3 p.m. or enjoy dinner until midnight on Sunday, April 20. Deviled eggs and shaved prosciutto make the menu at both meals. The indecisive may be challenged by scrumptious choices, including pork belly Benedict or Grand Marnier French toast for brunch and house-made pappardelle Bolognese or herb-roasted chicken for dinner. Reservations: 404-876-7249.

Both Ansley Mall and Crescent Avenue locations of Bantam + Biddy are loaded with goodies for Easter feasters. From 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 20, a special menu offers honey-glazed ham, stewed black-eyed peas, braised collard greens, fresh cornbread and a choice of sweet potato pie or carrot cake, all for $20. Bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for the over-21 set are $10 until 3 p.m. The regular menu is also available. Reservations: Ansley, 404-907-3469; Crescent, 404-835-6450.

Westsiders, hop into Chocolate South for special Easter chocolates. Choose from decorative eggs in a variety of flavors, ranging from peach tea with milk chocolate to lavender with dark chocolate, as well as large eggs filled with Kona coffee ganache. Mrs. O'Hara bonbons hint of lemon verbena (just like Scarlett's mom) and have the added distinction of cute little chick embellishments for Easter ($3). For a larger dose of festive flair, opt for Honey Bunny or Kona Cottontail chocolate rabbits that are more than five inches tall and filled with honey ginger ganache and Kona coffee ganache, respectively. Toss in some decorative spring bars in mint or almond flavors ($4) for a sweet holiday. For more info, call 404-815-8859.

Both G's Midtown and 10^th & Piedmont will host Easter brunch buffets on Sunday, April 20 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for $22.95 per person. Scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes, pancakes, French toast and brunch classics segue into farfalle pesto, rice pilaf, roasted pork loin and shrimp in vodka gravy, plus a bevy of sides from grits to Greek salad. Reservations: 10^th & Piedmont, 404-602-5510; G's Midtown, 404-872-8012.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown is serving their regular menu all day, plus brunch specials from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Bottomless mimosas are $15, and favorites include the build-your-own-brunch option and HOBNOB French toast made with strawberry-stuffed challah bread and maple cream cheese. Reservations: 404-968-2288.

King + Duke in Buckhead invites guests to enjoy their new brunch menu on Easter Sunday from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended: 404-477-3500.

In historic Crabapple, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails hosts a family-focused pre-Easter brunch on Sunday, April 13. The restaurant is offering brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., followed by an Easter egg hunt on the lawn compliments of the Crabapple Community Association. Families can sign up to have pictures taken with the Easter Bunny by photographers from Blencoe & Co. Sign up now at blencoeandco.com. For more information, call 770-817-0161.

Decatur residents can visit No. 246 on Sunday, April 20 for brunch service from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., a personal visit from the Easter Bunny, and two rounds of egg dyeing and Easter egg hunts (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Eggs stand out on the menu in breakfast pizza or classic deviled farm eggs with peperonata, anchovy and dill. Professional photographer Emily Schultz will be on hand taking photos of the day's activities. Parents can access the photos for free through an online photo gallery. Reservations: 678-399-8246.

Old Vinings Inn offers an Easter buffet from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 20. The hot buffet includes chicken breast with spring pea risotto and eggs Benedict, as well as various vegetables and sides. Cocktail shrimp and a seasonal fruit selection are offered alongside pimento cheese spread and pearl pasta salad with fresh herbs, peanuts and citrus dressing on the cold buffet. Visit the carving station for a slice of marinated flank steak with chimichurri or herb-crusted leg of lamb with horseradish cream and follow up at the dessert table stocked with truffles, miniature fudge cakes and seasonal fruit cobbler. $30 for adults and $15 for children. Reservations: 770-438-2282.

Midtown dwellers rejoice! Olmsted opens its doors for an Easter brunch buffet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and a children's Easter egg hunt. $38 per adult and $12 for children age 12 and under covers spring favorites, including fresh-squeezed lemonade and juices plus complimentary white peach Bellinis for the adults. Light options, such as mini yogurt parfaits and seasonal fruit, will be on display alongside smoked salmon bagel plates, cooked-to-order omelet stations, Southern fried chicken and salads galore. Strawberry rhubarb cobbler and Meyer lemon meringue tarts star on the dessert buffet. Reservations: 404-443-8432.

Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs is offering their award-winning Easter buffet from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 20. Enjoy an egg-cellent variety of dishes and snap a memento in the Shutterbooth photo booth. $42.95 for adults, $21.95 for kids five to 10 years old and children four and under eat free. Preferred seating: 770-955-1187. In Alpharetta, Ray's at Killer Creek is serving a buffet from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the regular menu is available 5-8 p.m. Buffet is priced at $34.95 for adults, $17.95 for kids ages five to 10 and children four and under eat free. Preferred seating: 770-649-0064. Ray's in the City serves its Easter buffet from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the regular menu is available 5-7 p.m. The buffet is $34.95 for adults and $17.95 for children five to 10 years old. Preferred seating: 404-524-9224.

In Buckhead, Ford Fry's St. Cecilia hosts a special Easter brunch on Sunday, April 20 from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The � la carte menu consists of popular items, such as crowd-favorite agnolotti with red wine-braised beef short rib and Block Island swordfish, as well as brunch favorites, including ricotta pancakes with fresh strawberries and orange blossom and a delectable fontina "melt" with mushrooms, fris�e, prosciutto and a fried egg. In observance of the holiday, St. Cecilia is closed for dinner. Reservations: 404-554-9995.

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Hummingbird sighting on Instagram @hummingbirdhigh. Put the binoculars down, ornithologists, you. Michelle created and named her blog after moving to mile-high Denver, Colo. and attempting to bake her favorite Hummingbird Bakery cupcake recipes. When the petite cakes fell flat, she learned to wing it and adjust. Now she lives in Portland, Ore. The name, however, still flies.

Appetizing Aperture

Spoon or hand? Soup or roll? Lunch, break or dinner? RA Sushi Bar Restaurant springs for three April specials on its menu: five kinds of spicy or crunchy hand rolls ($3 each), chicken udon soup ($5) or Zen tofu soup ($5). Excellent picks, all. Gonna be a toughie to decide. Might need to visit several times before April 30!

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Never turn up your nose in the face of a pound of garlic. Always look on the bright side. Smile, hit our Pinterest board and say, "Gimme Some Garlic, please." When life gives you garlic, make 40-clove garlic chicken, roasted garlic hummus or homemade potato garlic gnocchi.