The Dish
In This Issue
Makan Dine Out and Demo
Orpheus Dinner at no. 246
Sailing to Denver at Atkins Park
Dragon Con Specials
Restaurants Open on Labor Day
Southern Chef Potluck
G's Midtown Brunch
"30 Under 30" in Atlanta
#foodgram
Appetizing Aperture
What's New on Pinterest
 
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. 
 
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Stop at Makan for Dine Out for the Decatur Farmers Market on August 26, Learn How at EAV Farmers Market Chef Demo on August 28 

 

   

Vibrantly hued veggies star in food photos on the Makan website and Instagram, testimony to the Decatur restaurant's dedication to locally grown produce. Come see and eat these colorful and tantalizing dishes during Dine Out for the Decatur Farmers Market on Tuesday evening, August 26. Farm-fresh, vegetable-laden dishes at Makan include grilled kalbi-style steak with sautéed vegetables, kimchi and rice, rice cakes with local tofu and vegetables or just a plate of seasonal veggies. A percentage of the night's dinner proceeds goes straight to the farmers market's outreach program and doubling SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) purchase capabilities for low-income families within the community. Make dinner reservations online.  

 

Ah, so inspired? The Decatur Farmers Market is open Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. And, Makan executive chef George Yu will be at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market leading a chef's demo on Thursday, August 28 at 4:30 p.m. Drop by to shop and nosh your way through the market from 4-8 p.m.

 

Orpheus Brewing Beer Dinner at no.246 on August 27 

 

                              

Six miles separate no. 246 in Decatur and Orpheus Brewing hunkered down near Piedmont Park. Getting together for dinner and beer is just the neighborly thing to do. Join these two for a five-course dinner prepared by no. 246 chef Andrew Isabella complete with Orpheus Brewing pairings on Wednesday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m. The Orpheus lineup includes Hop Experiment #1, a Hallertau Blanc IPA; Wandering Blues, a blueberry sour; Lyric ale, Orpheus' newest year-round hop saison; Atalanta, the brewery's signature tart plum saison; and a specialty brew crafted solely for no. 246. $55 per person. For reservations, call Hop City at 404-350-9998. 

 

 Band Together with Sailing to Denver and PBR at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland Live Music Night on August 28

 

 

Refusing to let summer melt quietly away, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland closes out its August live music series with one last concert this Thursday, August 28. Local band Sailing to Denver takes its strong vocals, harmonies and strings to the stage in the restaurant's bar area beginning at 10 p.m. Sponsor Pabst Blue Ribbon beer pops the top on giveaways and swell swag. No cover charge, just plenty of hot tunes and cold brews. 

 

Downtown Restaurants Post Out-of-this-World Ideas for Dragon Con, August 29 - Sept. 1  

 

 

Caped avengers, Klingons, Trekkies with pointed Spock ears and damsels in flowing gowns filling downtown Atlanta sidewalks can only mean one thing: Dragon Con has flown in for the weekend. The annual convention of more than 50,000 sci-fi, fantasy and comic book fans leads to some fun and interesting character/superhero/people watching this Friday through Monday, August 29 - September 1, especially at Saturday's 10 a.m. parade. Dragon Con-gregants and Atlantans wanting starry views, cocktails, small plates and live music can head to Nikolai's Roof where Kristin Tinsley performs in the restaurant's lounge at 8 p.m. nightly, Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31. Tinsley's rich, deep vocals have been compared to those of Natalie Merchant and Stevie Nicks. No cape, can't fly? Take the elevator 30 floors up to the top of the Hilton Atlanta for this superhero-worthy experience! Back down toward earth on ground level, Trader Vic's Atlanta woos Wonderwomen and Supermen with Thursday night music and $6 mai tais. Pop exotica, Polynesian and Hawaiian tunes can only mean Big Mike's Tongo Hiti is in the house on August 28. Both Nikolai's Roof and Trader Vic's will be serving the special Dragon Con-themed cocktail Dragon Juice - a blend of rum and pineapple, orange and cranberry juices ($7).

 

Shazam! Ray's in the City has a super offer for Dragon Con participants -- a 20 percent discount for those who come to dine in their costumes over the dates of August 28 through September 1. Come to think of it, those outfits might not be classified as costumes for Dragon Con-ners who are really into their characters. Land here for succulent hand-cut steaks, made-to-order sushi and fresh seafood flown in daily as well as classic cocktails and other libations. Listen up: there's live music at Ray's in the City on Thursday and Friday nights from 6-10 p.m. and Sundays from 5-9 p.m. 

 

Relax! These Restaurants are Ready for You on Labor Day

 
                                                    

Maybe you're returning from an end-of-summer getaway or perhaps your ideal Labor Day holiday agenda excludes stops in the grocery store and kitchen. Good to know Atlanta restaurants are open on Monday, September 1 and able to handle holiday weekend hankerings.

 

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland will be open from 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. and serving brunch as well as its popular lunch, dinner and bar menus. Labor Day brunch specials include fried chicken biscuits with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, tomato gravy and stone ground grits ($11) and chorizo and egg tacos ($8).

 

In Midtown, Bantam + Biddy in Ansley Mall will be open during normal hours on Monday, September 1 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call in and order to go for an at-home feast. Sibling eatery Bantam + Biddy on Crescent Avenue will be open as usual and offering Labor Day brunch until 3 p.m.

 

Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will be open and offering its usual lunch and dinner menus packed with all-natural chicken dishes, burgers, wraps, Green Biddies (salads), Little Biddies (children's menu), smoothies, cocktails and more.

 

In the heart of Midtown, Communitas Hospitality restaurants HOBNOB, 10th & Piedmont and G's Midtown will all be open on Labor Day, September 1. HOBNOB opens at 11 a.m. to offer its regular menu as well as brunch specials. Brunch is the only way to go at 10th & Piedmont, which opens at 11 a.m. It's business as usual for G's Midtown -- drop in on Monday for dinner or drinks.

 

Hearth Pizza Tavern in Sandy Springs will be open per usual from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Take advantage of Hearth's weekly Monday mussels special and half-priced bottles of wine. Delivery and carry-out provide more easy options.

 

Most Legacy Restaurant Partner restaurants will be open and providing food and fun on Labor Day. Head downtown and stop by Der Biergarten, Game-X, Glenn's Kitchen, Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria, SkyLounge and STATS.

 

Those celebrating the day near the Mall of Georgia in Buford will be glad to know that Parma Rustic Tavern will be open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Stop in to satiate big appetites with Parma's new menu featuring five signature pies all baked to perfection in the brand new stone oven. Topped with fresh tomato, mozzarella, Romano, basil, oregano, olive oil and garlic, the Donna Rosa is a simple, yet satisfying pie to try. If you prefer a meatier dish, The Buford Drive pizza may be more of your choosing. This pie is smothered in tomato cream sauce, then layered with tasty chicken sausage, sun-dried tomato, red onion, roasted red pepper, roasted crimini mushrooms and a dash of basil pesto.

 

If the real beach doesn't fit into your weekend, dock at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead for a lunch or dinner of fresh seafood, "Buckhead's best grouper sandwich," crisp salads and of course, cold beverages. Hang out on the covered deck or inside. On Burger and Brew Mondays, $10 buys the Steakburger Royale or TBK veggie burger plus a side item and any draft beer, save half on a dozen oysters from 4-6:30 p.m. and count on live music nightly.

 

Smokebelly, Buckhead's newest place to go hog wild over smoked meats, will open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and keep on smokin' through 10 p.m. on Monday night. Belly up for Sunday fun at their Labor Day weekend Q & Brew Lawn Party starting at 5 p.m. on August 31. They'll be roasting a whole hog, turning up the volume with live music and pouring $5 craft cocktails and $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon beers. 

 

Let Ray's Restaurants do the cooking and enjoy 20 percent off your bill when you print or show this flyer on Monday, September 1. Ray's in the City hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Ray's on the River covers noon-8 p.m. and Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. On Sunday, August 31, enjoy a relaxing glass or two of wine with friends as Wine Down Sundays features more than 40 selections priced at half off each bottle at Ray's on the River (5-9 p.m.) and Ray's at Killer Creek (12:30-9 p.m.).

 

With 11 metro Atlanta locations, all open as usual on Labor Day, there's a Marlow's Tavern close at hand to fuel up your holiday activities with hearty American food and beverage favorites.

 

Looking for the perfect gathering spot for the whole gang on Labor Day? Head to Ormsby's in West Midtown. Enjoy classic tavern fare, imbibe in an extensive selection of craft beers and classic cocktails and get in the game with backgammon, bocce, darts, pool, shuffleboard and more.

 

The Pig & The Pearl in Atlantic Station will be open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Protein up on slow-smoked meats and raw bar selections and enjoy craft cocktails, local craft beers and carefully selected wines to complement your meal.

 

For the best sushi this side of Tokyo, bring your friends to RA Sushi. From signature rolls like Tootsy maki and RA'ckin' roll to Japanese fusion dishes, innovative cocktails and lively music, there's always fun to be had at this Midtown hotspot.

 

Open regular hours on Labor Day, Tin Drum Asiacafé locations rock their woks to bowl you over with Asian takes on classics, street noodles, tacos, salads and more. Labor more, ask for chopsticks; to labor less, opt for a fork or spoon.

 

All seven Tin Lizzy's Cantina locations will be open as usual on Labor Day and serving crowd favorites such as nachos, Tin dips, quesadillas, tacos, skillets and salads. Unwind even more with a few drafts, bottled and craft beers, and specialty margaritas.

 

Feel like firing up the grill this Labor Day? Pick up some White Oak Pastures pastured poultry or grass-fed beef or lamb at area Whole Foods Markets. Whole Foods also is your one-stop shop for natural and organic foods, seafood, wine and more.

 

Southern Chef Potluck Spreads Out Over Serenbe on September 7

 
 

Chances of jiggling Jello salad at this potluck are slim. Atlanta's top chefs are contributing sides to the groaning board at the 5th annual Southern Chefs Potluck slated for 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, September 7 at the Inn at Serenbe. Chefs flocking south of town for this Wholesome Wave Georgia benefit include Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere of Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy, E.J. Hodgkinson of JCT. Kitchen & Bar, Drew Belline of no. 246, Adam Evans of The Optimist and Todd Richards of The Shed at Glenwood and The Pig & The Pearl. Randy Lewis, of Gypsy Kitchen and The Southern Gentleman, both opening this fall in Buckhead, is also adding sides to the spread. Main dishes for the event feature White Oak Pastures meats. The Southern Chef Potluck is the largest fundraiser of the year for Wholesome Wave Georgia, a nonprofit organization that helps increase access to healthy, locally grown food for Georgians. Buy tickets online; $125 per person (plus small service fee). 

 

G's Midtown Features New Weekend Brunch Options: 10P Bloody Mary Brunch in a Jar, Bottomless Mimosas and Bellinis and Build Your Own Brunch

 

                           Credit: Clayton Morey

 

You're not alone if you're asking "What's a 10P Bloody Mary Brunch in a Jar?" The answer lies on the new brunch menu at G's Midtown: the jar brims with house-infused pepper vodka, house-made bloody mary mix, pickled okra, stuffed olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, celery and a skewer of signature chicken and waffles. Covers the food groups and then some for $16. "All You Care to Drink" mimosas and Bellinis at $16.95 each with food purchase will tickle the fancy of champagne lovers. The solid menu of mains ($6-$16) is packed with ideas for every appetite: a Farmhouse croissant sandwiching country ham steak, fried egg and smoked cheddar; "The King" challah French toast stuffed with peanut butter and bananas; a veggie-plumped garden omelet; 10P signature chicken and waffles; and the Southwestern Sunrise burrito blanketing flank steak, scrambled eggs, potatoes, salsa and more. Orchestrate your plate and "Build Your Own Brunch" by selecting two, three or four side items such as two eggs any style, applewood smoked bacon, turkey sausage, buttermilk biscuits, stone-ground grits or vodka tomato gravy ($7-$11). Brunch stretches from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. So many options and only two days in the weekend. Now that's a problem.

 

Zagat Releases "30 Under 30" Who are Making a Difference in Atlanta's Restaurant Scene

 

                                       Layla Walk, King + Duke

 

Zagat has just announced this year's list of "30 under 30" in Atlanta's food and beverage world. Can't peg this crew, which counts chefs, sommeliers, servers and entrepreneurs on its roll. Commonalities? Enthusiasm, dedication, fresh ideas, talent and being shy of age 30. Matthew Crawford is on the list. He helped open St. Cecilia and serves as assistant general manager and sommelier at the Buckhead hot spot. Michele Tenggara, server at Umi, loves to help guests negotiate the menu of Japanese dishes and watch their expressions as they bite into "the most delicious thing ever." Layla Walk, chef de cuisine at King + Duke, is a soft-spoken powerhouse passionate about acquiring culinary knowledge and sharing it with her peers. As chef de cuisine at Gunshow, Joey Ward serves as a right-hand man to Kevin Gillespie and thrills to befriend both Southern culinary traditions and modern innovations. Congratulations! 

 

#foodgram

 

 

The team backing @Behindfoodcarts relishes every amazing morsel obtained from food trucks, handcarts and other mobile meal modes. They run Saveur's "Best Culinary Travel Blog" (www.behindthefoodcarts.com) and motored the USA mapping out the "Food Truck Road Trip: A Cookbook."
 
Appetizing Aperture

   

     

Everyone has his or her favorite tomato sandwich. At Ormsby's, it's the Madison ($8). Thick, grilled slices of country sourdough soak up the sweet juices of roasted tomatoes. A little saltiness from prosciutto and white cheddar's tangy bite harmonize with the tomatoes under a Gruyere cheese melt. Plate neighbors include a pickle and choice of house-cut fries, ale-battered onion rings, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, steamed broccoli, quinoa salad or green salad. Add $1.25 for Ormsby's mac and cheese. 

 

What's New on Pinterest

        

 

    

Make like a banana and split over to our Let's Go Bananas board for baked banana wontons with coconut caramel sauce, banana Nutella popsicles and banana bread scones, just to name a few. This potassium-rich fruit is so versatile and appealing, all we can say is "love ya bunches!"