Buy Tickets Now to Plant Yourself in Milton's Seed to Fork Garden Dinner Series

Willy's Mexicana Grill Brookhaven Spins $5 Burritos and Lunchtime Prizes for April 30 Ribbon Cutting

Burritoheads, Willy's Mexicana Grill in Brookhaven's Cherokee Plaza has grande-sized plans tied to their official ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30. All day long, $5 buys one of Willy's plump burritos at the Brookhaven location. Sample their new flour tortillas and sweet sopapillas while you're there. Spin the prize wheel at lunch or dinner and see what comes your way. Easy enough to sneak up Peachtree from your Buckhead office to join in the fun!

Avoid the Crush -- Purchase Tickets for Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival Starting May 1

The early bird is sure to procure tickets to JCT. Kitchen & Bar's Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival storming Atlanta on July 20. Tickets go on sale May 1, and history attests they'll go fast. Things could get dicey for tomato-loving, ticket-picking procrastinators. This year's sixth annual event rolls over to The Goat Farm, allowing elbow room aplenty for at least 42 chefs and 15 mixologists to squeeze, muddle, roast and toast. Be caught red handed and be thankful for summer's juiciest fruit. First, buy tickets.

March of Dimes Dining Out Atlanta on May 2 Turns Grown-up Food and Wine into Healthier Babies

The March of Dimes 30^th annual Dining Out Atlanta spreads out over our "fare" city on Friday, May 2. Aria, Article 14, Gunshow and The Optimist are four of the 50 or so restaurants taking part in this event geared toward funding research and programs to help all babies enter the world healthily. Each site on the list hosts one table where guests enjoy that restaurant's unique four-course VIP menu and wine pairings. Individuals or companies ante up $1,000 to $1,500 for each table of 10 and proceeds support the March of Dimes. Purchase a table or donate online. How awesome to live and dine in a city with big hearts and big tables!

In this Saturday's "Run for the Roses," both JCT. Bar and The Oyster Bar at The Optimist earn spots in Atlanta's winners circle by hosting Kentucky Derby parties featuring Bulleit Bourbon on Saturday, May 3 from 4-7 p.m. Beverage director Eduardo Guzman and Bulleit are lining up rich, oaky flights of Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Rye and Bulleit 10 Year for $15. Four signature Kentucky Derby cocktails pack some kick at $10 each: mint julep, old fashioned, Kentucky 75 and the Brown Derby. Talk shop with Bulleit brand ambassadors who are eager to spill liquor legends and lore. JCT. Bar guests can graze on bar bites, such as "angry" mussels, pimento cheese, truffle Parmesan fries, barbecue pork terrine, deviled country ham rillettes, JCT. burger and shrimp and grits. At The Oyster Bar at The Optimist, purebred feed includes small plates of seafood gumbo, smoked fish dip, seared octopus, roasted asparagus, lobster roll and wood-roasted oysters. Ladies, fancy hats are welcome at both parties. Gents, join in the "Derby Duel" between the two restaurants - wear a necktie to JCT. or a bow tie to The Optimist. Hard to predict the Derby outcome, but all bets are on a fabulous time at either of these fetes!

Root for Spring with Bourbon and Bites from Article 14 and Glenn's Kitchen at May Day at Serenbe on May 4

A sure-fire sign of spring is May Day at Serenbe, a spring gambol that's one year shy of being a decade-long tradition. Serenbe Farm's May Day Celebration spreads over the Chattahoochee Hill Country community this Sunday, May 4 from 1-4 p.m. Look at all of the opportunities guests "May" do: take to the sky in hot air balloon rides, saddle up for pony rides, chill out to live musical performances, view artisan demonstrations, partake in eats and sips from Atlanta restaurants and breweries in the tasting tent and, of course, dance around the maypole. Now, about those tastings. Midtown's Article 14 will pour bourbon and Glenn's Kitchen has delicious small bites that show off this Downtown Atlanta restaurant's talent. An idyllic afternoon at this eco-conscious farm sustains your springy step all week!

Gunshow Chef de Cuisine Joey Ward Targets Spring Produce at Grant Park Farmers Market Demo on May 4

Photo by Caroline Petters

Gunshow guests know the Glenwood Park restaurant thrives on scoping out the market's freshest, turning it into a daily procession of innovative dishes. Chef de cuisine Joey Ward, aka "kitchen dude," finds energy in the challenge of being resourceful with seasonal ingredients. He'll share some of his ideas while manning the demo spot at this Sunday's Grant Park Farmers Market. Shop the market from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and fill your basket with spring's irresistible greens, herbs, fresh-baked goods and more. To experience the full bounty of Ward's kitchen prowess, reserve a seat at Gunshow by clicking here.

Nothing Says "Love You Mom" like Cooking (and Doing the Dishes). Mother's Day is May 11

She's rounded up your toys, your socks, your paper trail and much more over the years. While we feel mom deserves hugs daily, a momentous meal out can do wonders for her love tank in lieu of planning-shopping-cooking away the day. Spend those extra hours doing something healthy together, such as walking or running with mom in Race for the Cure at Lenox or the Congenital Heart Walk at Stone Mountain Park, both on Saturday, May 10. Work up an appetite? Keep the "mom"entum going with a special meal at one of Atlanta's beloved restaurants.

A Sunday drive or walk in Midtown leads to the Mom's Day brunch buffets at 10^th & Piedmont and G's Midtown on May 11 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Brunch is $22.95 per person. Reservations: 10^th & Piedmont, 404-602-5510; G's Midtown, 404-872-8012.   

Aqua blue in Roswell knows that a mother's love is limitless, so they're breaking out the buffet on Sunday, May 11 from 10:30 a.m.-3:30p.m. Begin with $15 bottomless mimosas and you're on your way to the starting lineup of chilled shrimp, a variety of sushi and a smoked salmon display. Customize brunch with made-to-order omelets and eggs Benedict or kick it into high gear with blackened fish in lobster sauce, rotini primavera, carved strip steak and bone-in ham. Indulge in delectable desserts and a chocolate fountain. The buffet is $29.95 per adult and $9.95 for children ages 4-12. Children under four eat free. Reservations: 770-643-8886.

Diners in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood can take mom to Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar for brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Start with deviled eggs and shaved prosciutto or go all out with bacon-wrapped dates and blue cheese. Deciding among brunch mains is difficult with the likes of pork belly Benedict with mustard hollandaise and Grand Marnier French toast with applewood smoked bacon. For more information or to make a reservation, call 404-876-7249. atkinspark.com   

Both Bantam + Biddy locations are serving mom-worthy feasts from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday, May 11. 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. Her favorites on the regular menu also are available. Ansley Mall extracurriculars include a spring festival with a make-mom-a-card table and farmers market in the mall from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 404-907-3469 for the Ansley Mall location and 404-835-6450 for the Crescent Avenue location.  

Mom rules the roost at home and at Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station this Mother's Day. Enjoy a Southern-inspired brunch from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. including a build-your-own-biscuit option with fluffy cheddar biscuits ($6) as well as a delicious mountain of fried chicken and waffles with honey butter and maple syrup ($12). Information: 404-588-1888.  

A HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern Mother's Day includes bottomless mimosas for $16.95, live music on the patio from 1-4 p.m. and a brunch menu that indulges with apple cinnamon pancakes topped with candied pecans, the HOBNOB French toast of strawberry-stuffed challah bread and maple cream cheese or hits a lighter note with a healthy frittata made of egg whites, tomatoes, spinach, baby portobello mushrooms and a side of seasonal fresh fruits and honey vanilla low-fat yogurt. Reservations: 404-968-2288.

Treat mom to a fancy meat and three at JCT. Kitchen & Bar this Mother's Day. From 5-9 p.m., the whole family can enjoy gourmet comfort food for $24 per person. Each diner chooses one fancy meat, such as black skillet fried chicken, and the table agrees on three side dishes to share family style. Every table receives deviled eggs and warm biscuits with apple butter to begin, as well as a helping of farm stand salad. Round out the meal with the dessert of the day and don't forget to tell mom how sweet she is. For more information or to make a reservation, call 404-355-2252. jctkitchen.com   

She'll dine like a queen at King + Duke in Buckhead as she orders from their brunch menu on Mother's Day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dine inside or on the patio. Definitely make reservations: 404-477-3500.    

Just north of the city in beautiful Crabapple, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails' chef Derek Dollar presents a prix fixe Mother's Day brunch menu. $32 per person for adults and $16 per person for children 12 and younger. Rather do dinner? Reserve a seat for Milton's prix fixe dinner menu, $35 per person. Email heather@miltonscuisine.com to reserve a table. Information: 770-817-0161.

In Decatur, No. 246 adds flower power to their brunch service with a kids' build-your-own-bouquet flower station. Impress mom with sweet ordering skills and choose brioche zeppoles, a deep-fried dough ball with syrupy pecan praline ($6) or the favorite breakfast pizza topped with farm eggs, crispy prosciutto, caramelized red onion and herbs ($16). Information and reservations: 678-399-8246.

Historic Old Vinings Inn offers a bountiful Mother's Day buffet from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 11. The hot buffet displays chicken breast with spring pea risotto and eggs Benedict, as well as various vegetables and sides, while a carving board offers marinated flank steak with chimichurri or herb-crusted leg of lamb with horseradish cream. Sweet as mom, the dessert table pleases with assorted truffles, miniature fudge cakes and seasonal fruit cobbler. $30 for adults and $15 for children. Information and reservations: 770-438-2282.

Midtown event spot Olmsted opens its doors for a special Mother's Day brunch buffet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., priced at $38 per adult, $12 for children age 12 and under. Sip fresh-squeezed lemonade and juices and complimentary white peach Bellinis while forming a buffet strategy. Mini yogurt parfaits and seasonal fruit, smoked salmon bagel plates and cooked-to-order omelet stations tempt. Save room for the dessert buffet featuring Meyer lemon meringue tarts and strawberry rhubarb cobbler. Reservations: 404-443-8431.

Ray's Restaurants loves mom. On Mother's Day, Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs is offering their award-winning buffet from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. with brunch, lunch or dinner options as the day progresses. $42.95 for adults; $21.95 for children ages five to 10. For preferred seating, call 770-955-1187. In Alpharetta, Ray's at Killer Creek is serving a buffet from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $34.95 for adults; $17.95 for children ages five to 10. Regular dinner menu available from 5-9 p.m. For preferred seating, call 770-649-0064. Take mom downtown to Ray's in the City for a Mother's Day buffet from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. or regular menu service from 5- 9 p.m. The buffet is $34.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages five to 10. For preferred seating, call 404-524-9224.  

St. Cecilia in Buckhead hosts a special Mother's Day brunch on Sunday, May 11 from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mom has lots of savory and sweet à la carte options, such as the crowd-favorite agnolotti with red wine-braised beef short rib; Block Island swordfish; savory fontina "melt" with mushrooms, frisée, prosciutto and a fried egg; and ricotta pancakes with fresh strawberries and orange blossom. Grace the table with a flower arrangement she can take home; pre-select one for an additional fee. Reservations and information: 404-554-9995.

Mom means a whole lot to you. Naturally, you'll want to put some thought into how to show your love and appreciation. Whole Foods Market comes right alongside you with marvelous-for-mom recipes and ingredients, prepared items for an easy meal or picnic, and DIY or grab-and-go giftables. Wake her with something scrumptious found in Whole Foods' Brunch Basics recipe roundup. For a lazy Mother's Day, make one stop to gather everything from Presto Prosecco ($10.99) and juice for mimosas to bakery-fresh breads and desserts, prepared salads, cut fruits and numerous hot and cold specialties. She's totally into tea? Bake a batch of Earl Grey shortbread and mix up homemade dried fruit and herb tea -- two creative ideas found on the Homemade Mother's Day Treats page. Try the bear hug and hand-off maneuver after filling a colorful and reusable WFM bag with coffees, chocolates, wines, yums and gifts she'll love to use. No dust-collecting tchotchkes here, only pampering goodies such as Good Soap by Alaffia, Pacifica Persian Rose candle, Mineral Fusion sheer moisture lip tints or Whole Foods Market lavender sink caddy hand soap and lotion duo ($2.49-$14.99). Your globally conscious mom will be glad to know the Whole Trade products she's enjoying also help others. So many ways to love on mom...and that's the "whole" idea.

Join Taste of Atlanta for Dining Out with "Chef" at CineBistro on May 6

Be among the first in Atlanta to see "Chef," a film about a chef who loses his restaurant job and opens a food truck, starring Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara and John Leguizamo. Before the screening, enjoy tastings from local Atlanta chefs, beverages and a silent auction that begins at 6:30 p.m. The film begins at 8 p.m. Stay in your seats after the screening for a live Q&A broadcast from New York City featuring John Favreau and film critic Peter Travers. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and can be purchased online. Proceeds from the event benefit chef Terry Hall's Legacy Lives On fund. CineBistro is located at Town Brookhaven, 1004 Town Blvd., Atlanta 30319.

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Appetizing Aperture

Warm weather forecasts salad days are here. Substantial salads that overflow with crisp veggies and fortifying proteins that fill you up without inducing a nap. Citrus Cobb salad on the dinner menu at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill epitomizes said salad. Shrimp are just chillin' with fresh crab, beached atop crunchy romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, diced eggs, crumbled bacon and Meyer lemon vinaigrette. Gluten-free and one hearty-har-har of an entrée salad for $13.95.

What's New on Pinterest

Admittedly, many items shown on our Mucho Mexicano board include the word "margarita." Si, we're lush with libations but also with diversions such as margarita Chex mix and boozy margarita lime cake. Crock pot Mexican stuffed peppers, easy chicken tamale burrito bowls and Mexican quinoa salad with grilled chicken give away that we do think outside the rocks and salted rims.