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The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast (Grant Park)

01/23/2012 in Grant Park, Hotels, Inman Park, Random Musings, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Over my birthday weekend, Kevin took it upon himself to make plans.  Shocked, I was, shocked!  And, v. pleased.  :)

He arranged for a number of excellent meals over the weekend, but my favorite thing we did was have a little stay-cation at The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast in Grant Park.

Here’s the Q+DD on The Social Goat:

The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast is located in downtown Atlanta, and is in the community surrounding the oldest city park, Grant Park.  The park was established in 1882 when Lemuel P. Grant gave the city of Atlanta 100 acres and the city acquired an additional 44 acres to create a park for its citizens, eventually developing Atlanta’s largest historic neighborhood.  A failed circus traveling through town in 1889 was purchased and animals were placed in what is now Zoo Atlanta for spectators.  In 1892, the circular painting of the Battle of Atlanta was exhibited in the park and is now housed in the Atlanta Cyclorama.  Just one block from the park, guest can enjoy all the attractions and much more while the stay at The Social Goat.

the social goat exterior

The Social Goat was originally built in 1900 as a Queen Anne Victorian to accommodate 13 children.  Once a working farm and homestead, the house was located on a large piece of property that eventually was sold to make way for suburban building.  This property is now 3/4 of an acre and once again has a miniature barnyard.  Residents include two nigerian dwarf goats named “Sherman” and “Tallulah”, three cats named “Monkey, Leon, Tanuki”, three black spanish turkeys, 12 chickens, and plenty of goldfish and koi that inhabit the pond.  The Social Goat welcomes you with southern hospitality, and invites you to stay and relax on their little city farm.

Prior to our stay at The Social Goat, I hadn’t heard about this bed + breakfast before, so I was super impressed that Kevin had booked our stay at such a unique place!  When we arrived, we took a brief tour of the house – which was beautiful. 

Here’s a peek:

We moved in our bags, quickly changed + headed to Barcelona Wine Bar in nearby Inman Park for an EXCELLENT dinner. 

barcelona wine bar

The next morning, Kristy (The Social Goat owner + innkeeper) made us breakfast in the dining room.  She borrowed eggs from the chickens on her farm behind the house.  The breakfast was DE-licious.  A true feast.

Finally, it was time to meet the animals!  This was the biggest highlight for me!  We hung out with the most friendly, dog-like, dwarf goats named Sherman + Tallulah. 

I. fell. in. LOVE!! 

They, however, were slightly less interested in us, and way more interested in my bright purple jacket.  Oh well.  Still soooooooo unbelievably cute!

Then, we met the roosters who had woken us up in the morning.  This one is named Fabio. 

Kevin and I did not make friends with the turkeys.  They were jerks.

We really could have played with the animals all day…

The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast truly deserves the positive reviews and praise it’s received on Yelp!  I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a little getaway within the city.  It was such a unique experience – one that I know I will never forget.  I just loved!

More info on The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast here: Gobble til ya Wobble!

Miss you, Sherman + Tallulah…

xx, L

The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast
548 Robinson Ave.
Atlanta, Georgia  30315
404.626.4830
http://www.thesocialgoatbandb.com/

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Parties and Promo Codes!

12/22/2011 in Deals + Steals, Hotels, Parties by Lauren | No comments

Happy holidays everyone!  ‘Tis the season for overindulging and what better way to celebrate the season than with these 2 fabulous upcoming parties?  Better yet – a hookup for discounted tix!

1. Bagel Bash 2011

 

Kosher Chameleon will continue the time-honored tradition of gathering single people who, on the night before Christmas, aren’t caroling, drinking hot wassal or um… cooking a ham… for a little dancing, a little schmoozing, and of course, some bagels. 

Also featuring DJ Jazzy “Bagelsteingoldbaumschwartzberg” and lots of cash bars.

A message from your grandma: “Go!  What else are you doing?  G-d forbid you might meet someone!  Oy gavalt!”

Use promo code KraselskyBagel for $5 off your ticket!  Click HERE to get yours now.

2.  Spiral New Years’ Eve: The Kings Ball

 

Ring in 2012 Spiral style at the Kings Ball!  Spiral pays homage to the Big Easy at it’s annual new year’s party this year at Westin Atlanta North in Perimeter  (OTP?  No big D!) featuring:

  • 6 different party areas including the Grand Ballroom
  • 5.5 hours of OPEN BAR (and plenty of ‘em to avoid lines!)
  • Gourmet catered buffet with carving stations, pasta, mini Spanish Wraps, a “fancy shmancy” baked potato bar, veggies and desserts
  • Dance the night away with Cover Band MOBY DICK (80’s and 90’s dance music)  and then DJ Jazzy J and DJ Wats spinning a mix of 80’s, 90’s, Top 40, Hip Hop, Classic Rock till 2:30AM
  • Laser Light Show  (oh yuesss?!)
  • Midnight champagne toast
  • Krispy Kreme donuts after midnight
  • Free coat check and parking and….
  • $99 Spiral hotel room rate.  No drinking and driving, kids!

Alllllll that AND $20 off your ticket with promo code LKfest.  What more could you ask for?  Click HERE to get yours now.

Happy happy, darlings!

xx, L

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Ritz Carlton Lodge Weekend (2 of 2): Heaven Found in the Georgia Woods

11/10/2011 in Appetizers, Chocolate, Cocktails, Event Space, Holidays, Hotels, Out of Town, Spa, Vacation, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 4 comments

So, continuing from yesterday… Kevin + I spent Halloween weekend at the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.

As a recap, the Ritz Lodge is located in Northern Georgia, just 75 miles east of Atlanta on the shores of Lake Oconee – Georgia’s second largest lake.  Luxury merges with quintessential Southern hospitality at the stunning 251-room resort.  Nestled in the woods, the Ritz Lodge is surrounded by water on three sides, offering commanding lake views.  Draped in beds of ivy and edged by towering pines, blooming crepe myrtles and colorful caladiums, the five-story main building fronts the glistening lake, while six separate lakeside cottages and a presidential house with four master suites overlooks the Oconee Golf Course.  Lodge guests have full access to a complete gamut of activities and amenities, including a state-of-the-art Spa, tennis, two swimming pools, two full-service marinas, hiking trails and 99 holes of championship-caliber golf.

model view of the lake oconee area

We arrived late on Friday evening, but just in time to have the most delicious dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse.  We checked in, grabbed another drink at the Lobby Lounge bar, and then headed upstairs to check out our room. 

When we woke up in the morning, we realized that we were on Club Level (holla!).  And, we had a private terrace with an outstanding lakeside view! 

Check out THIS gorgeousness:

ritz carlton lodge

room w/ a view

We spent a significant amount of the morning sitting on our balcony staring at our breathtaking view of Lake Oconee and the Ritz Lodge grounds.  It was the most relaxed I’ve been in a long time.

When our hunger finally got the better of us, we walked over to Club to get some grub (I totally recommend staying on Club Level*) + then we went out exploring. 

*Club Level: The Ritz Carlton Club Level features both deluxe guest rooms and suites, with a spacious lounge and personal concierge and staff, as well as four complimentary food and beverage offerings daily: continental breakfast, a light snack, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails + evening cordials.  The Club Level is accessible only with a special key.

Just look at how magnificent the property is:

the set up for chiminea dining

heated infinity pool overlooking lake oconee (my favorite part of the whole property)

hot tub

We were overtaken by our beautiful surroundings + so many amazing amenities.  We walked a bit further, and then Kev dropped me off at the Ritz Lodge Spa for my Long Winter’s Nap treatment. 

The Spa is an adventure in and of itself.  An expansive 26,000 square feet, the Ritz Lodge Spa is adjacent to the hotel and features 19 private treatment rooms, one couples spa suite, four wet treatment rooms – including one hydrotherapy room – male and female relaxation areas with lockers and changing facilities, an indoor lap pool, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, a relaxation terrace, a full-service salon + a spa boutique.  Named one of America’s top resort spas by Conde Nast Traveler, this state-of-the-art sanctuary offers more than 90 health and wellness treatments, many of them utilizing ingredients indigenous to the area, such as rosemary, pine, fir and geranium, and extracts gleaned from gemstones such as smithsonite and malachite.

Here’s a peek inside:

spa lobby

spa pool

spa relaxation lounge

It was heavenly, to say the least.

My treatment, the Long Winter’s Nap, was perfect for the chilly October afternoon.  Here’s the description: A blend of essential oils add to this traditional hot stone massage to create a relaxed dream-like state, melting away stress and muscle tension.  Continue the sweet dreams with a nap that enhances the repair process.  Um, yes, I’ll take two!  (Kidding.)  It was SO enjoyable – I definitely recommend.

By the time I left the Spa it was pushing up to the Florida vs. Georgia game, so Kev + I scooted over to Gaby’s by the Lake to stake out seats. 

Gaby’s is a newly-renovated outdoor venue offering sweeping views of Lake Oconee, as well as a full menu of casual favorites and cocktails throughout the day.  Guests are seated at the water’s edge and can catch a spectacular sunset most evenings.  “Come-as-you-are” attire for lunch and dinner.

As soon as we walked in, we fell in love with Gaby’s.  It was so open and casual, and had large TV screens over the bar for us to watch the game.  I’m OBSESSED with Gaby’s chairs - incredibly comfortable and such a cool design!

We ordered beers + the housemade potato chips with bourbon BBQ, blue cheese and Vidalia onion dips.  The bartender also threw in a bowl of boiled peanuts.  We were set.

We met some friendly folks at the bar who were also rooting for the Gators + we became fast friends.  However, Kev couldn’t bear to see his Gators lose, so we eventually closed out our bill and decided to head back to Club to see what was going on in there. 

We stopped to take this picture along the way:

We ate dinner in Club, poured some wine + headed downstairs to the campfire for 8:00 p.m. S’mores!  All the kids staying at the resort (and Kevin and I, naturally) got in line to prepare our special evening snack over the campfire.  We had such a fun time doing this + pretending that we also had a kid around somewhere making s’mores…  Kids at heart?!  Yeaaaaaaa! 

We went back up to Club, poured some more wine (don’t judge), changed into our swimsuits + ran down to the hot tub to spend the next few hours hanging out outside and enjoying our last night on the property.

In the morning, we were both feeling pretty gluttonous.  So, we decided to go for a walk on the Oconee Trail after breakfast in Club. 

Our walk was eventful. 

We got about 5 miles of exercise on the winding trail…

We saw the leaves turning on the towering Georgia pine trees…

Kev whittled a walking stick (that now calls our condo balcony home)…

And, we plotted how we could stay at the Ritz Lodge F.O.R.E.V.E.R.!! 

(We couldn’t come up with a way…  We are already dying to go back.)

It was so hard to leave, but it only took us about an hour and a half to get back to Atlanta + now we have such great memories from our relaxing weekend in the Georgia woods. 

If you haven’t been to the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation – you absolutely MUST go!  There is so much to do there; perfect for adults and kids alike.  The Ritz Lodge is a relaxing Southern paradise that makes you feel so far away from your worries and stressors, but it’s merely a 75-mile drive from Atlanta!  Visit soon! 

Oh, also, (as if there isn’t enough to do there already) the Ritz Lodge is building an ice skating rink on property for winter!  More info here: WINTER AT THE RITZ LODGE.

xx, L

Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
1 Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, Georgia  30642
706.467.7196
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ReynoldsPlantation/Default.htm

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Ritz Carlton Lodge Weekend (1 of 2): Linger Longer Steakhouse

11/09/2011 in Guilty Pleasures, Holidays, Hotels, Out of Town, Vacation, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 1 comment

Kevin + I didn’t dress up this year for Halloween.  We didn’t go to the Florida vs. Georgia game, either.  This year, we spent the last weekend of October at the gorgeous Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.

The Ritz Lodge is located in Northern Georgia, just 75 miles east of Atlanta on the shores of Lake Oconee – Georgia’s second largest lake.  A decidedly Southern retreat, the resort is situated in Reynolds Plantation, a 10,000-acre golf and lakefront community.

happy halloween weekend to us!

happy halloween weekend to us!

There are so many incredible things I want to tell you about the resort, but I could never fit them all into one post…  Soooooo, you’ll just have to wait for more! 

It was our very first time visiting the gorgeous property + we had the most amazing weekend!

the ritz carlton lodge

This post will focus on our f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s. dinner at the Ritz’s Linger Longer Steakhouse.

linger longer exterior

Kev + I had 9 p.m. reservations at Linger Longer, so we zipped from Atlanta to the Ritz, dropped off our car + bags at the hotel and hitched a ride to the restaurant from a super friendly Ritz Lodge driver who saved us from having to walk over in the brisk cold.  (Thanks, super friendly driver!)  When we arrived and walked into the door, I immediately felt warm.  Linger Longer’s interior is cozy-elegant and exceptionally welcoming.  It was pretty much like the warmest hug EVER.

linger longer bar

linger longer dining room

linger longer dining room

The newly rebuilt (it burned down a few years ago…) Linger Longer Steakhouse is located in the Oconee Golf Course Clubhouse adjacent to the Ritz Lodge.  Known for creating simple yet flavorful fare, Executive Chef David White has created a comforting contemporary menu of American steakhouse classics.  All seafood is overnighted directly from Boston, and meats are premium cut.  In addition, more than 20 herb varieties are grown in the resort’s on-site herb garden.  Linger Longer’s extensive wine list emphasizes reds from around the world, as well as varietals from Georgia’s own Persimmon Creek Vineyards, with more than 40 wines by the glass.  Visit Linger Longer’s menu here. 

We were impressed from the moment we walked in.  But, even more impressed with the exceptional service.  The food, oh the food!, simply sealed the deal!

It had been a long week for us both, so Kev + I started off the meal with a round of cocktails.  I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was the single most delicious Gimlet I’ve ever ordered!  I’m not going to tell you how many more I had over the course of the night.  I just won’t.

Shortly thereafter, we ordered up the Tuna Tartare to share.  Perfection.  Very similar to Steel’s famous Tuna Tower, Linger Longer’s tuna tartare was also best knocked over and mixed around on the plate.  The fresh tuna was accompanied by crushed avocado, soy-lime dressing and a crispy won ton.

We devoured it and quickly moved on to the Linger Longer Loaded Wedge Salad: bacon, tomato + maytag blue cheese.  It was also very tasty.

Entree time!  Kev and I both ordered 9 Ounce Filet Mignon Oscars.  The Oscar add-on tops off the filet with crab fondue, asparagus + bearnaise sauce.  I selected Potatoes Lyonnaise as my side.

Kev opted for the Garlic Steak Fries.  (Gotta love him!)  :)

Both of our filets were totally OUT OF THIS WORLD!  Kev said that his was “the best steak he’s had in Georgia,” and I kinda have to agree with him.  They were delicious!  And, the Oscar add-on is absolutely the way to go.

For dessert, we ordered the White Chocolate Souffle.  It was spectacular.  That’s all I can say.  I don’t care how full you are; you have got to order it! 

Everything was so fantastic – we really didn’t want the meal to end.  And, it didn’t!  Our server brought over Peach Cotton Candy on a Stick as a final special treat.  What a whimsical way to finish off such an exquisite dinner!  We really enjoyed that special touch.

We went into dinner knowing that the meal would be good – heck it’s the Ritz - but we had no idea HOW good.  Kev and I were floored – and we agreed that we would surely make the drive in from Atlanta to eat there again! 

Close to midnight, we had the friendly driver scoop us from the restaurant and bring us back to the hotel so that we could officially check in for the weekend.  When we finally made it into our room, we were greeted with a few thoughtful surprises from our beloved Gorms!  (Thanks, Gorms!)

By this point, we weren’t sure how the weekend could get much better than the incredible meal we just ate, but the truth is that dinner was merely the tip of the iceberg! 

More to come, more to come… 

xx, L

Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
Linger Longer Steakhouse
1 Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, Georgia  30642
706.467.7196
http://ow.ly/7osh7

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Bienvinedo a Miami

08/23/2011 in Events, Hotels, Parties, Vacation by Lauren | No comments

It’s been 3 weeks and I have to tell you… I’m still thinking about my time in MIAMI!  I definitely wanted to let you guys know about all the amazing stuff we got into in case you’re planning a trip there soon!  (Or better yet…a Bachelorette Weekend!)

Every part of the weekend was marvelous, but if I had to distill the amazingness down to 5 key points they would be as follows:

1. Hotel Gansevoort – OK, so I may be a tiny bit biased.  When I lived in NYC, I spent far too much time and FAR too much money sipping cocktails on the roof deck of Hotel Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District…and I don’t regret a single minute or a single cent of it.  So when I checked in to the Miami location, all that good nostalgia came rushing back the second I saw the logo.

But the enormous and gorgeous rooms, top tier customer service, inexplicably green tea scented air and the fact that there is a BIG DROP in the lobby I think more than support my positive feelings.

(For those of you who don’t know about Big Drop – it is only one of my FAVORITE stores in the whole wide world.  I could go on and on.  I got the most spectacular yellow dress and turquoise earrings and could have happily left the rest of the contents of my wallet there as well.  Click HERE for more information and locations)

Also worth noting were the TWO pool scenes they had going on.  We spent the majority of our time at the 3rd floor pool, gazing out from the infinity pool to the ocean while lounging 12-deep on cushy beach chairs while delightful servers brought cocktails, frozen fruit, and ice cold water.  It was so serene and blissful, I never wanted to leave.

The other pool option? The roof deck.  I am here to tell you that there was a line around the block to get up to the roof deck pool and it was full of ladies in stilettos and bejeweled cover ups and dudes with hair product.  I was intrigued so my girl Ashley and I went up for a little walk-through and that party was BUMPING.  People dancing in cabanas, standing shoulder to shoulder in the pool, bottle service, the whole 9.  It was rumored that several famous athletes and Justin Bieber were there that weekend and if they were…I either didn’t recognize them or see them, but suffice it to say – a total 180 from the oasis on the 3rd floor, but just as awesome.

I totally snapped this with my iPhone like a nerd.

Hotel Gansevoort South Beach…I love you.

2.    The Big Pink – We did some good eating in Miami, but I really got a kick out of the Big Pink.

It’s this total beach place with huge long family style tables running from end to end and the portions are ridiculously enormous.  I got a chopped salad and I’m sure the entire contents of a produce section of a grocery store made it onto my plate.

Looking down the table I also saw mounds of French toast, omelets, French fries, and all kinds of other delicacies sure to cure the damage we did to ourselves the night before at the W Hotel.

Struggle Street

3.    Taverna Opa – These people are professional partiers.  If you are bringing ANY kind of group situation to Miami, I think Taverna Opa should be on your list- no question.

We parked our party at one of their sturdy wooden tables and for a mere $25/per person, they brought us mounds and mounds of delicious Greek food and threw stacks of paper napkins at us as we danced on the tables and generally had a ball.  Opa is always a good, rowdy time.

Bachelorette approved!

4.    Sushi Samba – I’m sure you’ve all been to a Sushi Samba in one city or another.   I had NO IDEA they had such a cute price fixe menu for a group! There was literally something for everyone.  We started with edamame and salads and the regular fare and ended with a platter of amazing sushi, but we had some very interesting stops along the way such as sea bass on skewers and grilled octopus – it was absolutely perfect.   When can you open a location in the ATL, Sushi Samba?

5.    Fontainebleu/Arkadia– We did a fair amount of partying that weekend, and it was very hard to pinpoint my favorite lounge, but we really had a great time at Arkadia in the Fontainebleu Hotel. 

We got a table and totally felt like VIPs as we bypassed the enormo line and sashayed right down stairs to a freezing cold, almost totally empty club.  We really appreciated both the temperature and the moment of quiet before the place totally filled with people and we had a blast dancing on floor, the banquettes, and everywhere else.

I will admit, I could have had fun just about anywhere with the group in attendance, but that weekend in Miami was something special…

Next up?  Bachelorette weekend for my girl EZ in HOUSTON this weekend!

Further bulletins as events warrant…

Get ready, Houston!

xx, L

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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

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Rev up Father’s Day @ Park 75 w/ Harley-Davidson

06/15/2011 in Events, For Men, Hotels, Midtown, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Looking for something fun to do with Dad to really show him how much he means to you? 

Head to the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta for a Father’s Day brunch at Park 75 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 19.

Remind Dad how important he is at Park 75′s Father’s Day brunch, where the normal Sunday brunch menu has been altered to ensure that Dad gets his favorite foods!  There will be a buffet with two carving stations, mashed potatoes, delicious vegetables + tons of Dad’s favorite manly sides.

Father’s Day shifts into fifth gear as Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson in Conyers will be providing four motorcycles for the event just for Dad’s entertainment!  Two motorcycles will be on display at Park 75, and with a valid motorcycle license + proper clothes (long sleeves, long pants + leather shoes), two of the Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be available for a test drive with Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson sales and promotions director Joseph “Guido” Cardillo.

If you think your dad deserves something special this Father’s Day, give him a unique day that he is sure to remember for years to come! 

me @ the harley-davidson convention (don't ask.)

Cost is $65 per person including complimentary valet parking.  For reservations, call 404.253.3840.

Sounds like so much fun!  :)

xx, L

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
75 Fourteenth Street
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.881.9898
www.fourseasons.com

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Warning: Serious Update OVERLOAD!

05/05/2011 in Baby Chic, Beauty, Buckhead, Cocktails, Deals + Steals, Events, Exercise, Festivals, Guilty Pleasures, Hair, Hotels, Inman Park, Maintenence, Midtown, On the Street, Out of Town, Random Musings, Spa, Trader Joe's, Vacation, Vendors, What we're Doing, What we're Reading, Where we're Eating, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 5 comments

Oy.  You might need to sit down for this one.

I didn’t post for an entire week + now I feel like there’s almost too much to update you all on and it’s not exactly stringing together clearly…  So bear with me, folks.  I’m just going to lay it all out there + make of it what you will. 

The weather is getting gorgeous, the hemlines are getting shorter + there are more and more reasons to play outside, try new restaurants + spring into summer!  (I feel like I just wrote an Old Navy commercial.)

Ready or not – here I go!  Wheeeee…..

Ms. Reynolds, Sayako + I recently recruiter summit-ed at Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park, which has been all over Urban Spoon, etc., and we really enjoyed it!

Pictured below are our sandwiches, all of which are meant to be eaten in multiples (i.e. you don’t order just one sandwich – they are small-ish) at only $4.00 a piece.

We tried the New Bomb Turkey: turkey, arugula, avocado spread + baconaisse; The Hambo: prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, apple + reduced balsamic; and the Castro: slow-roasted pork, ham, fontina cheese + yellow mustard. 

I love this place for a casual lunch and strongly recommend trying it out!

Victory Sandwich Bar
280 Elizabeth Street
Atlanta, GA  30307
770.676.7287
http://www.vicsandwich.com/
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Victory Sandwich Bar on Urbanspoon

Next up, Bloomingdale’s just started showing some gorgeous turquoise-y blue stone necklaces.  So cute for summer!  Here’s a shot of the one I bought on Monday.  It’s my new favorite accessory.

Moving right along…

On my Palm Springs/ L.A. flights, I started reading John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces.”  I will admit that I fall in love with most books I read + can’t put them down until they’re finished, and that remains the case with this Pulitzer Prize winner.  It’s so thoughtfully written and a great (albeit very wordy) read.  The story of how the book came to fruition after JKT’s suicide is super interesting, as well. 

Let’s talk food trucks.

Slick + I got tacos at Tex’s Tacos recently, the new food truck in Buckhead, which urbandaddy.com dubbed the “Antonio Banderas” of food trucks.  Cute.

Tex’s is a fully-equipped kitchen + restaurant on wheels serving up an array of “Nueva Texicana” eats w/ “style + grace.”

While I’ll admit that they weren’t the best tacos I’ve ever eaten, they did the job.  Tex’s will be a goldmine for late night Buckhead frat boys who need to cut through the alcohol a bit before stumbling into bed.  And it’s not just stationed in Buckhead, which is why food truckin’ is so exciting.  Check out Tex’s schedule here: http://www.texstacos.com/

Speaking of food trucks…  When I was in Palm Springs, the Nom Nom truck drove up from L.A. and I got to try it!  Not familiar w/ the famous Nom Nom truck?

It’s a L.A.-based mobile food truck specializing in Vietnamese food, especially banh mi.  Nom Nom was the runner-up in season one of the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race.

Their food is RIDIC. 

On Easter Sunday, Slick + I had a date night at Ecco, one of my favorite Midtown restaurants to order up a load of small plates + drinks.  (Also, to potentially spot the Vampire Diaries cast…)

As usual, our meal was predictably delicious.  To accompany it, I ordered a glass of pinot gris.  Slick, however, ordered one of the most interesting cocktails I’ve ever seen.  Here’s the description of it from the menu:

ZAFARAN: Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin, housemade Shindeldecker tonic + a custom icy hot cube will remind you that, while temptation is a reality, there are repercussions in all things we do.

It was so different and had a very special, unique flavor.  You guys have to try it!

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again.  I’m obsessed with mochi ice cream.  Recently, I’ve been satisfying my sweet tooth with an all natural strawberry flavor found at Trader Joe’s.  Um, yum!

Y’all, today is Thursday which means…

So, back to food trucks + street food.  Can we?  Thanks. 

My favorite Midtown Street Food Thursday vendor is definitely The King of Pops!

I get so excited when I see the Pops cart!  And you know who else does…

slick: king of the mountain (stone mountain, that is)

He LOVES KoPs!  Our favorite flavors are: Mexican Chocolate, Banana Pudding, Sea Salt Chocolate + Pineapple Ginger.  You must, must try a pop!

It really is perfect popsicle weather, too.  Speaking of perfect weather, I had it in California.  The entire week was truly gorgeous!  Although the main purpose of my trip was to meet Mrs. Wolkove’s adorable new addition to her family, I did have time to enjoy the outdoors when I went on a hike at Fryman Canyon Park located in the Santa Monica Mountains with Mrs. W’s madre.  The views were amazing + the workout was seriously intense.  I work out quite a bit in Atlanta, but I almost never go hiking.  I have to say that my legs were throbbing the morning after our hike.  If anyone knows of good hiking spots in Atlanta, please let me know. 

Even while hiking in the heat, my hair looked pretty perfect.  (OMG, what a bragger!)  But, I have to credit that to Daniel Carter at Mint Salon who does my 2-day keratin treatments.  (LK goes to Mint, too, for hers.)  Daniel is a fantastic stylists who has also started to do my cuts + color.  If you happen to be looking for a new stylist, I highly recommend Daniel!  Tell him you heard about him on the Q+DD!

Mint Salon
Stylist: Daniel Carter
404.724.9669
www.mintsalon.net

Since we’re focusing now on “maintenance,” I’m really looking forward to my spray tan today at RAW Organic Bronzing Studio.  (LK is a fan, too!)  I adore the owner, Tiffany Terranova, and have been very pleased with my tans!  They are made from 100% organic ingredients that are actually beneficial to the skin.  Read more about RAW Organic Bronzing Studio here: LK’s post about RAW.

And, RAW is conveniently located right next door to Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park!  Bringing it all together.  :)

Skipping around skipping around…

I’m in the market for a french press.  I drank french pressed coffee several times during my L.A. trip + don’t think I can go back to my Keurig any more.  It’s like two entirely different planets of coffee!  This Bodum one is pretty cute.  (Hint, hint.)

OH!  And isn’t this the most precious picture you’ve ever seen or what?!  Mrs. Wolkove, her one week old (who obv. cannot fit into those yet) + I all rock the glitter TOMS!  Love.

We’ll focus on this much more as it draws closer, but who’s pumped for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival?! 

THIS event is going to be nothing short of incredible.  Can’t wait! 

More info here: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

And finally (have I worn you out yet?), the Q+DD has some very special news to share!  One of our best readers, Jessica Gorman: Concierge at the Ritz Carlton – Buckhead, was featured in the newest edition of The Atlantan Magazine!

Click here to see the article mentioning Jess on page 36 of the new issue today!  (Reading Instructions for the Online Version: Click on the link mentioned in the previous sentence.  Type in page 36.  Full screen view + click magnifying glass to zoom in.  Silly technology…)  We are very proud of you, Jess!

So…did you get all that?!  It was pretty beastly.  (TWHS? Sorry, mom…)

There WILL be a quiz later.  It’s great to be back! 

xx, L

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Atlanta’s Hotel Restaurant Week: 4/2-4/9

04/04/2011 in Deals + Steals, Events, Hotels, Restaurant Weeks, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Shouldn’t they spread these weeks out a bit?

Atlanta’s Hotel Restaurant Week (HRW) will celebrate its first annual week-long evening dining event this month.  It is geared toward attracting diners to hotel restaurants – a great dining option with a number of excellent Atlanta hotels to choose from. 

HRW is expected to attract thousands of diners, so make reservations early to secure your table for this exciting food event!  There are no passes to buy or coupons to carry – diners simply make a reservation at the hotel restaurant of their choice and select from a special three course dinner menu for $25, plus tip + tax. 

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
Park 75
Room
The Mansion on Peachtree
Livingston
Lobby
Spice Market
Paces 88
Eleven
BLT Steak
Au Pied de Cochon

Visit Atlanta’s Hotel Restaurant Week’s website for more information + to make a reservation!  Bon appetit!

xx, L

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More on Cocktails

02/13/2011 in Cocktails, Events, Holidays, Hotels by Lauren | 2 comments

ALERT: Whiskey Blue and Whiskey Park (inside the W Hotels in Buckhead and Midtown, respectively) are featuring a brand-spankin’ new signature cocktail for the month of February called the Sweet Tart! Flirty, pink, and perfect for Valentine’s Day (a day just made for drinking heavily)…

You can get one mixed for you at one of the Whiskeys…or shake one up for your sweetie at home by following this simple recipe:

1 ½ oz Stoli Raspberry
1 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 bar spoon full of Strawberry Jam
Shake well and strain into a martini glass.
Fill the rest with champagne. Garnish with a lemon!

BONUS: Show up at Whiskey Park this Wednesday, February 16th and you can sip one with Topher Grace and Teresa Palmer – stars of the upcoming 80s throwback film “Take Me Home Tonight!”

But don’t forget your legwarmers or hair crimpers…because Whiskey Park is doing it right with a full-blown 80’s bash starting at 8pm!

A+ to the Gerber Group for rounding up all my favorite things: cocktails, the 80’s, movie premiers, and Things. That. Are. Pink. Kudos!

xx, L

Whiskey Blue
3967 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30326

Whiskey Park
188 14th Street Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30361

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Top 10 of 2010

12/30/2010 in Beauty, Guilty Pleasures, Hotels, Maintenence, Nails, Product, Tricks of the Trade by Lauren | 1 comment

Two weekends ago I found myself in fabulous Miami without a care in the world except for the fact that I left my shampoo and conditioner in Atlanta (high-class problems, yeah?)  It wouldn’t have been SUCH a big deal except for the fact that after all these Keratin treatments – the list of what I CAN’T use on my hair is about as strict as the diets we’re all planning for January 1. 

Luckily, the gift/sundries shop at the Loews is like a one-stop-shop for necessities for millionaires…and chic splurges for working girls like myself…and I discovered Archipelago Boticario de Havana hair products there! 

(If you knew about this line and didn’t clue me in – shame on you!)

This fabulous little discovery made me start thinking about all the wonderful products  I found in 2010 and in case you missed the posts (or in case I forgot to write them…) here are my official Top 10 Beauty Products of 2010:

10.  All-natural shampoos.   I’ll go ahead and start with Boticario de Havana, but I can’t leave out Prive Concept Vert, either. 

The product comes out like shaving cream and expands with a touch of water.  You get a big bang for your buck and it smells divine!  Both of these duos are incredibly healthy for your hair and 100% safe for chemically treated tresses of any kind.  

9.  Trish McEvoy Waterproof Lash Curling Mascara - I am usually a drug-store mascara girl – normally, I can’t tell even the fanciest mascara from good ol’ Great Lash… until I met this little gem from Trish.  I swipe it on in the morning and it’s still going strong without a single smudge whenever I remove it. 

(Honorable mention: Trish McEvoy Line Refiner: this is my secret weapon for looking fresh as a daisy all day and all night!  It’s like a drink of water for your face!)

8.  OPI Axxium “No-Chip” manicure – it’s pretty much the only manicure I get these days…I only have to go 2x a month as opposed to my regular 4 and since my nail color absolutely never deviates from light pink, French, black, and sometimes grey or red, this is PERFECT for me.   Even for the gel colors, the best manicure in town is still at Lily’s…fact. 

New Year's Eve manicure

7.   Bliss Lid + Lash Wash – all you need is a cotton pad and a tiny bottle of this stuff and your eye makeup doesn’t stand a chance.  It works on even the smokiest of eyes. 

6.  Redken Extreme Anti-Snap leave-in conditioner – my genius hairstylist recommended this drugstore brand product and it’s made a huge difference in the health of my hair.  Plus, it goes on ultra-light and doesn’t weigh my hair down – I barely know it’s there!

5.  MAC Mineralize SPF 15 makeup – this is the first foundation that my skin doesn’t turn orange.  And it feels so smooth and fantastic.  Bonus: if you collect 6 containers and return to Mac, you get a free blush or lipstick! 

4.  Unite Dry Shampoo – Saved. My. Life.  Bonus: It’s also good for adding texture when your hair is supa-dupa clean, like right out of the shower, and is too slippery to hold a style.   

3. Clairsonic Mia Face cleansing brush – check out my previous post HERE, but it’s basically a Sonicare toothbrush for your face…and made by the same people.  It’s easy, it’s thorough, and your face will feel phenom.  Trust.

2. L’Occitaine Almond Shower Oil is responsible for the BEST 5-8 minutes of my day.  This delicious lather leaves my skin SO incredibly soft and I smell like a bakery but not as sickenly sweet.  I demand that you try this immediately.   

1.  Brazilian Blowout – I think my #1 for 2009 was definitely the Keratin treatment, but the Brazilian Blowout provides the silky-smoothness I crave without the 3 days of torture while the product sits in your hair.  Miracle!  (I still get mine done at Mint Salon in Midtown.)

And that, as they say, is that!  Here’s to a happy, healthy, BEAUTIFUL 2011! 

I can’t wait to see what’s to come! 

xx, L

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We Wish you a Merry Christmas!

12/24/2010 in Cocktails, Deals + Steals, Event Space, Holidays, Hotels, Parties, PSAs by Lauren | No comments

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! In the spirit of the holidays, Lindsay and I would like to extend the traditional Q+DD Christmas greeting…y’all!

Please enjoy:

Oh, and for all you techies out there - check out my Holiday Card I made for my office!

If you happen to be in town tonight, please don’t forget about “Chinese Food and a Movie” at Whiskey Blue at the W Hotel Buckhead!

Reminder: there will be an OPEN CIROC VODKA BAR from 9-11, passed Asian-themed bites, and awesome old-school movies on the big screen. (I heard rumors of Space Balls and Airplane) $5 off tickets with promo code “LaurenK” Click here for tix!

I’ll also be making an appearance at the Bagel Bash at Park Tavern.  For $5 off your Bagel Bash ticket, enter discount code “LKBagel.” Click here for tix.

After all of that X-mas Eve revelry I’ll DEFINITELY be ready to kick back and do nothing for a few days at DK+DK’s!  (And maybe do a little shopping as well!  For all of our lovely Birmingham readers – Gus Mayer IS open the day after Christmas!)  Can’t wait…

Merry Christmas everyone!

xx, L

P. to the S. Don’t forget about New Year’s: Spiral’s Party on Peachtree at the new, gorgeous Peachtree 200!  $10 off with promo code “kraselskyNYE” Click here for tix

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