Happy Hour

You are currently browsing the archive for the Happy Hour category.

Detox/Retox and a GNO

01/19/2012 in Events, Exercise, Guilty Pleasures, Happy Hour, Health, PSAs, Where we're Eating by Lauren | No comments

Yesterday did not start off great. 

You see, I walked out to my parking garage to find my back left tire…

Flatter than a pancake.

I managed to get to the Costco in my neighborhood at Town Brookhaven, and after waiting for an hour and a half for Costco Tire Center to open, I was informed that though the puncture from the NAIL I drove over could be repaired, my tire was essentially mulch on the inside and would have to be replaced.  HOWEVER – they didn’t have the tire I needed in stock at that location so they fitted my car with a lovely donut and instructed me to high tail it to the Perimeter Costco to get this blessed tire. 

In the 5.6 miles between the two Costcos…apparently I rolled through a stop sign and was promptly pulled over by a motorcycle cop. 

Yep.  

However, alls well that ends well because it just so happens that my evening was so spectacular that it quite literally saved the day. 

Check out my two-step remedy:

Step 1.  Core Fusion® Cardio at Exhale Mind Body Spa in Midtown. 

I decided I had mooched off Lindsay’s Exhale membership for long enough so I called up our buddy Anne Marie to get myself my very own membership!  Yay!

Linds has been preachin’ the gospel about Exhale for a while, but as a reminder, the Q+DD on Core Fusion® Cardio is this: It’s a “calorie burning, sweat inducing, body sculpting, power-packed fitness experience, masterminded by the co-creators of Core Fusion®, Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito. Merging cardio with intense strength and flexibility moves, this 60-minute class generates maximum calorie burn, resulting in defined abs, sculpted legs, and high, rounded glutes.”

I am here to tell you it was ridiculously tough and I felt like a bazillion bucks when I finished. 

After our class, Linds, our girlfriend Stef, and I met a handful of our fabulous friends for the BEST thing that ever happened to Wednesdays (and also step 2 in my remedy.)

Step 2.  LADIES NIGHT at Piola!

 Reminder: if you are a lady, EVERY Wednesday, you can enjoy BOTTOMLESS wine or sangria with the purchase of an entrée or a pizza.  I suggest both. 

 

I’d also suggest ordering absolutely ANYTHING with the Catupiry cheese.  ET turned me on to this amazing soft cheese from Brazil and it pretty much just makes everything better. 

There you have it, ladies.  Straight from LK.  There is nothing a little detox/retox and a GNO* can’t fix.

Happy Thursday, friends.  It’s ALMOST the weekend.

xx, L

*Girls’ Night Out.  Duh.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In an Effort to be Skinny…

12/01/2011 in Cocktails, Happy Hour, Health, Holidays by Lauren | No comments

Here’s a bulletin from the Department of the Obvious: A great way to limit your calorie intake is to limit your alcohol intake.

Here’s a follow-up bulletin from the same department: That is a huge bummer. 

Particularly around the holiday season.

Can I get an AMEN?  

Never fear, my friends.  Check out what’s made it’s way onto my bar, into my freezer, and into my life:

Here’s the Q+DD: Voli light vodkas are, on average, between 25% and 40% lower in calories than the leading brands and come in all kinds of delish flavors (in addition to regular “lyte”).  Yep – lemon, raspberry cocoa, espresso vanilla and, my personal favorite, orange vanilla.

Now, I’m not one for flavored vodkas usually BUT- the Orange Vanilla mixed with diet ginger ale tastes just like a delicious creamsicle cocktail.   It’s like a dessert in a glass, and with fewer calories!

As Voli points out, “In a world where things add up, it’s nice to start subtracting.”

Everything in moderation!  (Even moderation?)

xx, L

Tags: , , , , ,

Wine Tasting in the ‘Burbs

07/14/2011 in Events, Happy Hour, Sandy Springs, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

I could probably count on one hand how many times I’ve been OTP over the past six months.  Kicking and screaming, I tell you…  HOWEVER, Slick + I just willingly purchased tickets with some OTP friends of ours for this awesome wine tasting dinner at Three Sheets in the ‘burbs and I’m really excited! 

Look, plz:

Doesn’t that sound delicious?!  Grilled cheese + wine seems totally divine. :)

I’m looking forward to checking out Three Sheets, too.  Click HERE for more info on their events.

xx, L

Three Sheets
6017 Sandy Springs Circle
Atlanta, GA  30328
404.303.8423
www.threesheetsatlanta.com

Three Sheets on Urbanspoon

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fancy Summer Snow Cones @ the Ritz Downtown

06/22/2011 in Cocktails, Downtown, Guilty Pleasures, Happy Hour, Hotels, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Odds are that you’ve already heard the shaved ice scoop about the fancy summer snow cones at the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (Downtown) from Atlanta Magazine and Daily Candy, but the Q+DD would also like to jump on that train…

Every day from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Atlanta Grill or Lumen lobby bar at the Ritz Downtown, chef Brian Jones is offering boozy snow cone cocktails for $12!   These sweet summer treats are made with locally sourced fruit purees.  And, here’s what you can expect to see on the menu:

Watermelon with Lime + Anejo Tequila
Passion Fruit with Lemon + Bourbon
Blackberry with Honey + Moonshine  (yep, you read that right!)

Dang, Ritz-Carlton, you sure are sexy this summer!  I CAN’T WAIT to try these!!  :)

xx, L

Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (Downtown)
181 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA  30303
404.659.0400
http://www.ritzcarlton.com

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Q+DD 2 Year Blog-iversary Was A BLAST!

06/17/2011 in Cocktails, Events, Happy Hour, Highlands, L+L Report, Parties, We can BLOG!, What we're Doing by Lindsay | 5 comments

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us last night at Pura Vida to celebrate the Q+DD 2 Year Blog-iversary!  We had so much fun with y’all!

And, we seriously heart Pura Vida.  It was our favorite Q+DD happy hour yet!!

We’d like to extend a very special thanks to Hector + Leslie Santiago for embracing all the Q+DD excitement and allowing us to invade their incredible restaurant for the evening!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Q+DD + the Santiagos

An excellent time was had by all.

Slick + Greg…

…and lots of our amazing friends + readers!  Thank you all so much for your support!

Another big THANK YOU to Pura Vida bartender extraordinaire, Paul Calvert, who did a phenomenal job taking care of our thirsty Q+DD happy hour-ers!  You rock, Paul.  We loved the shout out on the cocktail menu, too!  The best.

Finally…DID YOU GET ONE OR WHAT?!

the Q+DD has koozie FEVER!

They’re the hottest summer fashion accessory for your beverages.  Just look:

Drinks just don’t get sexier than that… 

Thanks again for celebrating with us last night + toasting to many more Q+DD-filled years to come!  :)

xx, L

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wiener Wednesdays @ JCT Bar

03/24/2011 in Appetizers, Cocktails, Deals + Steals, Events, Happy Hour, Westside, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 4 comments

Today is Slick + my two year anniversary.  (Goooooo us!) 

A little over two years ago, we had our very first date at JCT Bar.  The wine flowed, choirs sang, doves flew…eh, well…not really, but it was a pretty darn awesome date.  :)

Pictured below are my gorgeous A-Day flowers from Twelve in Midtown.  So pretty!

If you have a hot date and are looking for a cool spot, Slick + I would both suggest JCT Bar.  If you don’t have a hot date but still want to check it out – here’s your excuse:

Wiener Wednesdays at JCT Bar!
West Midtown Salutes Sausage on Hump Day

Starting April 1, JCT Bar will begin serving three different preparations of wieners with various toppings for a mere $3 each on Wednesday evenings.  (Otherwise sold Tuesday – Saturday for $4.50 each.) 

The wiener selections will change, but include super fun options such as the following: Smoked Coca-Cola BBQ wiener with Vidalia onion relish; Cider-braised fennel + onion wiener with Sweet Grass Dairy Asher Bleu cheese; Chicken liver wiener with apple butter, house mustard + tiny pickles; and the “Corn Dog” wiener with hush puppy crispies, green tomato relish + remoulade.

The rooftop JCT Bar located above JCT Kitchen in Atlanta’s Westside Urban Market accommodates 60 people inside and 100 on the 2,000 square foot skyline terrace that overlooks the neighboring historic + functioning railway.  JCT Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Just when I thought that Wednesdays couldn’t get any better…

xx, L

JCT Bar
1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.355.2252
www.jctkitchen.com

JCT Kitchen on Urbanspoon

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Breaking Bread in Brookhaven.

02/01/2011 in Brookhaven, Happy Hour, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

On Sunday night, Slick + I met the Barocai, Rosh + Z and Gorms at Kaleidoscope Bistro + Pub located in Village Place Brookhaven for an early dinner and drinks.  The restaurant choice was based on Gorms’ glowing recommendation – which I will always trust without question.  She really knows her stuff.  Other than Haven and Valenza, I haven’t eaten at too many restaurants in Brookhaven, but I continue to be pleased with what that neighborhood has to offer.  Kaleidoscope totally hit the spot.

kaleidoscope bistro + pub - brookhaven

Here’s the Q+DD on Kaleidoscope:  Recently opened by a few former Buckhead Diner folks, including executive chef Joey Riley, the idea behind the name is that every time you look into a kaleidoscope you see something colorful and different.  That concept is applied to their own menu.  They call their cuisine “global comfort food,” as both the food + drinks are ever changing.  The restaurant features seasonal items and daily specials.

kaleidoscope interior

Upon arrival, we sat down at a large, wooden community table + had no trouble selecting a few delicious (and gorgeous, I might add) appetizers to start us off:

Ahi Tuna Tartare: avocado, tomato, coriander, feta, yuzu.

Thai Style Beef Jerky: bird’s eye chilis, lime, roasted rice.  (My fav!)

Springer Mountain Chicken Wings: kaleidoscope sauce, bleu cheese.

For entrees, we took the owner’s expert recommendations:

Slick selected the Mahi Tostado: green chili grits, guajillo charred tomato sauce, tomato/ feta and avocado salad.

Z got the Sage Roasted Pork Porterhouse: brussels, fingerlings, mustard, pancetta.

Rosh opted for Azalea’s Famous Whole Sizzling Catfish: chinese black bean sauce, pickled ginger, lime.  She won the prize for the most creatively plated dish!

The rest of us went with the Award Winning Kaleidoscope Burger: pimento cheese, slaw, green tomato chow chow, bread and butter pickles.  How could we not?  This burg was awarded the Judges’ Choice for “Best (Meat) Burger” in July’s Battle of the Burgers in the Virginia Highlands!  It was SO great + well-complimented by the tasty Pub Fries cooked in duck fat.  (Don’t judge…)

So, next time you’re in the mood for comfort food + boutique wines or fine craft beers from around the world, give Kaleidoscope a try.  Not only is the food stellar + the staff friendly, but it’s also a pretty solid hangout.  Get there early, though, it was packed on a Sunday night + they don’t accept reservations.  I’ll certainly be back!

I’ve gotta say – Brookhaven is kinda bumpin’…  :)

xx, L

Kaleidoscope Bistro + Pub
Village Place – Brookhaven
1410 Dresden Drive, Ste. 100
Atlanta, GA  30319
404.555.1212
www.k-pub.com

Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub on Urbanspoon

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!

11/12/2010 in Events, Happy Hour, Midtown, PSAs, What we're Doing by Lauren | No comments

(Break out your flair.)

A few notable things before the weekend:

  • National Holiday: It’s DK’s birthday.  I’m so excited to see her tomorrow and I would like to refer you to the post I wrote about her on this day last year.  Also known as my all-time-favorite post on this blog: Motherly Advice.

Hollywood.

Tomorrow morning, Greg and I (and a zillion of our nearest and dearest) will be walking on team Strides for Susan in the 2010 PurpleStride Run/Walk in memory of Susan Goldberg – a phenominal woman - mother to 2 of my most favorite gingers + a darling brunette, wife of Edward, one of the most adorable people you will ever meet, and sister of the co-chair of the event, Nancy Freedman.  It’s not too late to donate to this amazing cause!  Click HERE.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

xx, L

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Ladies Night Out @ East Andrews

11/03/2010 in Buckhead, Events, Happy Hour, On the Street, What we're Doing, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | No comments

Heads up, ladies!  Lynn Lilly, a good friend of The Q+DD, is throwing a fa la la la la fabulous event for you next week @ East Andrews…

Andrews Entertainment Complex has teamed up with Souper Jenny to host Fa la la la la Fabulous Ladies Night Out, Buckhead’s first shopping extravaganza on Wednesday, November 10th from 6pm-10pm at 56 East Andrews Drive.  Andrews Entertainment Complex will be turned into a fashionista’s playground with a host of local boutiques, jewelry vendors, spa services and much more. The Souper Jenny Flying Soup Mobile, along with fellow food trucks, will offer ladies a variety of flavorful, wholesome and inexpensive fare.

“We will have vendor tables set up on the second level of the East Andrews courtyard as well as on the main level with many of the Andrews Square merchants also staying open during the event,” said Lynn Lilly, Andrews Entertainment Complex Director of Sales & Special Events.  “Souper Jenny’s parking lot will be the location for the food festival and there will be a bar set up on the 8 Traxx porch as well as beer, wine and specialty cocktails at Cellar 56 and East Andrews.”

Vendors include: Poppy’s Boutique, Kangaroo Pouch, Now & Again, Sugar Lilly Bakery, Dang Chicks, Blast 900 Fitness, Palace Jewelers, Silpada Jewelry, All that Glitterz, BU True Glow Tanning, Raw Denim, Stella & Dot, Emerlyn & Ester, Lulo Bags, Christian Burton Fine Jewelry, Beijo Bags, BeautiControl, Bazzl Jewelry, Fasion Rebirth, A Clothes Encounter, Tastefully Simple, Mel Boteri Bags, Cozy in PJs, Lamaj De Amor, with more to be added.

Andrews Entertainment Complex is the perfect spot for an exciting night on the town with something for everyone!  Guests can begin with a signature cocktail at East Andrews Bar, enjoy a bite at the Cellar 56, catch a game at Stout Irish Sports Pub, listen to a DJ in the domed courtyard, dance at 8 Traxx, have a nightcap & cigar at Prohibition or grab a light night slice at Sal’s Pizzeria.

This event sounds like SO MUCH FUN!  We’ll see you there, ladies!  :)

xx, L

East Andrews
56 East Andrews Dr. NW #10
Atlanta, GA  30305
404.869.1132
www.eastandrews.com

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

AOL City’s Best – Vote Today!

10/13/2010 in Happy Hour, PSAs, Random Musings, Reminders, We can BLOG! by Lindsay | No comments

In case you haven’t heard, The Quick + Dirty Dirty recently received Creative Loafing’s 2010 Best of Atlanta – Best Blog + Best Bloggers awards!

HOORAY!

Thanks so much to everyone who voted for us!  We are SO honored!

(P.S.  Here are some photos from our victory happy hour at the Nook.)

Thanks again, everyone!  :)

Did you enjoy voting?  Still want to cast a vote for something? 

voting is super sexy

Exercise your right!  I mean, it’s not like just ANYONE can get up and vote.

sorry, martha...

Well, voters, here you go:

AOL recently announced the launch of the 2010 City’s Best program, providing a guide to the best local food, entertainment and lifestyle options in 25 major U.S. metropolitan markets.  Atlanta has been selected as one of the featured cities!  With a commitment to providing the highest quality and most relevant information at the local level, City’s Best editors and writers in Atlanta have visited and selected the best food, entertainment and lifestyle venues, creating a high-quality local directory of listings.  Now, AOL is engaging Atlantans to vote for – and ultimately determine – the “best of the best” that Atlanta has to offer!

How to Vote:  Beginning today, Atlantans are invited to join the quest for its “City’s Best” by visiting www.citysbest.com or downloading City’s Best applications for iPhone and Android to vote for their favorite businesses within a variety of food, entertainment and lifestyle categories.  Joining Atlanta, the other metro-markets selected for AOL’s  2010 City’s Best launch include: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Twin Cities + Washington, DC.  

Voting Period (October 13 – November 30):  City’s Best voting kicks-off today, October 13, and will run through November 30.  Individuals will “vote” for their favorite spots from a list of top 10 businesses in specific categories.  A winner will be determined for each of the categories in Atlanta and announced on December 14.  Categories were selected based on local popularity and general public interest to ensure participation from the greatest number of people.  Categories include:

  • Best After Work Bar
  • Best BBQ
  • Best Beer Selection
  • Best Boutique’s/Women’s Clothing
  • Best Breakfast/Brunch
  • Best Burgers
  • Best Cheap Eats
  •  Best Children’s Clothing
  • Best Chinese Restaurant
  • Best Cocktails
  • Best Day Drinking
  • Best Desserts
  • Best Dive Bar
  • Best Family Friendly Restaurant
  • Best Hook Up Spot
  • Best Hotel
  • Best Irish Pub
  • Best Italian Restaurant
  • Best Live Music
  • Best Mexican Restaurant
  • Best Movie Theater
  • Best Night Club
  • Best Pet Culture
  • Best Pizza
  • Best Places to Get Dumped
  • Best Romantic Restaurant
  •  Best Salon
  • Best Seafood
  • Best Soul Food
  • Best Spa
  • Best Sports Bar
  • Best Steak House
  • Best Tattoos/Piercing
  • Best Thrift Shop

Quote from Someone Important:  “City’s Best is a unique opportunity for Atlanta residents to engage in their community and be a part of recognizing outstanding local businesses for the exceptional services they provide,” said Natalie McNeal, AOL Southeast Regional Editor. “City’s Best is where neighbors and experts find and share what is best in their city.  And who else would be better suited to decide Atlanta’s best food, entertainment and lifestyle venues than Atlantans and local experts who experience the quality of these businesses every day.” 

Vote away, readers.  Vote away!

xx, L

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

TWHS: Tonight!

10/13/2010 in Events, For Men, Guilty Pleasures, Happy Hour, Parties, PSAs by Lauren | No comments

I couldn’t be more excited. (Yes, pink was necessary.)

TONIGHT is Date Night Magazine’s “That’s What He Said” panel discussion and PARTY and if you haven’t bought your tickets…do it NOW! (Advance ticket sales end TODAY – Wednesday – at 3pm but will be available at the door as well.) Click HERE for tix.

Here’s what you get:

“Real Talk” from a panel of (VERY attractive) single men about dating/relationships/men/women/you name it starring:

Wes Hayden from ABC’s Bachelor Pad and The Bachelorette. You know, they say love don’t come easy.  Well, Wes said that.  Actually, he sang it.  A lot. And who knows…he just may sing it tonight!

He's like the mah-dan day Shakes-peahe!

Jamie Bendall from The Punchline Comedy Club: I hear he’s got jokes.

Southside Steve from Rock 100.5’s The Regular Guys. His ponytail is said to have hypnotic powers.

Don't stare directly at his luxurious locks

Dwayne “Dubelyoo” Wright, “The Art Bishop” You gotta love a man who knows his way around a canvas.

The panel will be moderated by Atlanta’s very own Blane Bachelor (local celeb, all-around cool girl and author of On Being a Bachelor)

How cute is she?

Tickets include grub from P’cheen (you know how we love P’cheen), Café at Pharr (um, HELLO – my FAVORITE) at Atlanta Chocolate Fountains (more than just a chocolate foundain company, apparently!)

Plus “Whippets” (It’s a drink: Whynatte Latte + Whipped Cream Vodka), Sangria and three kinds of beer brews.

PLUS – access to Atlanta Contemporary Art Center’s newest exhibition (it just opened Friday!).

Deets:
$20 advance, $25 cash at door
$40 VIP, hang out with Wes and take home an autographed photo.

I hope to see you there!

(In the meantime, I will be warming up…in case Wes asks me to duet. Mi mi mi mi mi….)

xx, L

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

And the winner is…

09/23/2010 in Events, Happy Hour, L+L Report, PSAs, We can BLOG!, What we're Doing by Lindsay | 11 comments

…The Quick + Dirty Dirty!  :)

Today is the day we’ve been waiting for!  Creative Loafing’s Best of Atlanta results are finally IN! 

Thanks to our loyal readers, the Q+DD was voted Best Local Blog!

We also cleaned up in the Best Local Bloggers category: Lindsay Roberts + Lauren Kraselsky.

We are SO honored...

...and extremely EXCITED!

Ms. Kraselsky also received runner-up for Best Local Female Actor!

We couldn’t be happier!  :)

THANK YOU so much to everyone who reads the blog + supports us + voted!  Throughout our reign this year as Best Local Blog, we are highly unlikely to cure cancer or solve world hunger, but we absolutely promise to keep you entertained + constantly up on what’s going down in Atlanta! 

For more thanks from the Q+DD, please visit our Gratitude page!

Thank YOU + YOU + YOU! Yes, YOU!

And, it just so happens that we are throwing a happy hour tonight @ The Nook!  Please come celebrate with us!  Pink Q+DD shots are def. in order…

Thanks again, and we’ll see you tonight!! 

xx, L + L

Tags: , , , , , , ,

« Older entries

Categories

Lauren’s Tweets

Lindsay’s Tweets