We had a great time!  The three main festival highlights for me were:

3 - Seeing Bob Schneider for FREE on the Summerfest Main Stage!

the best.

2 – Cheesecake-on-a-stick-dipped-in-chocolate-and-sprinkles.  (ohhhh yeaaaaa.)

not for festival-beginners...

1 - Lorri Honeycutt’s Big World Photo.  BWP was my favorite vendor, by far, this year at Summerfest!  Lorri absolutely stole the show with her unique + whimsical photos.  She’s so talented – and is from Austin, so that certainly didn’t hurt!  I had no problem with taking a 15 minute break from desperately seeking shade + cold beverages at Summerfest to peruse her booth and admire her creative brilliance.  Love!

Definitely check her out:  www.bigworldphoto.com
BWP slogan:  “Art that makes you think, then smile.” 

(her store in NC)

Do I really have to wait 365 days until next year’s Summerfest?!  Ugh…

P.S.  The awesome reader who spotted me at Bob’s show and came over to say “hello” - YOU rock.  Thanks for making my afternoon!!

xx, L

If so, you should definitely head on over to the Virginia Highlands for their annual Summerfest!

i heart this festival.

I’ll be there on Saturday…  (As if you needed another reason to go.)

come find me!

Here’s the Q+DD on Va-Hi’s Summerfest:

When:  Saturday, June 5, 2010 (10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) + Sunday, June 6, 2010 (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm.)

Where:  Virgina Avenue b/t North Highland Avenue + Park Drive

Admission:  FREE!  (Donations to the Virginia Highlands Civic Association are appreciated.)

Weather:  Predicted to be a bit cloudy, which is amazing for this event b/c it’s always super hot since Virginia Ave. slopes downward and doesn’t get much of a breeze…

Artist Market:  More than 200 artists!  Media includes: painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, textiles/ fiber arts, photography and graphics.

Additional Information:  http://www.vahi.org/summerfest.html

BIG NEWS!  My favorite Texas singer songwriter, Bob Schneider, is performing on the Main Stage at Summerfest @ 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.  You do NOT want to miss him! 

bob!

Here’s the rest of the music lineup…

SATURDAY
12:00 p.m. – Swamp Funk Quartet
1:30 p.m. – Lindsay Rakers Band
3:00 p.m. – Ryan Horne
4:30 p.m. – BOB SCHNEIDER!
6:30 p.m. – Tonic

SUNDAY
12:30 p.m. – Nic Cowan
1:30 p.m. – Crane
3:00 p.m. – Michael Tolcher
4:30 p.m. – Mike Doughty

See you there!!

xx, L

However, I can be swayed by a little extra credit which is why, even days later, Linds and I were STILL talking about…

…the chili cheese fries at Diesel Filling Station.

This thing was EPIC. Nearly the size of my head. Witness:

As Lindsay said, “This is the real deal.”

So here’s the Q+DD on Diesel: It inhabits the spot where “Dish” used to be in the Highlands which actually used to be a filling station back in the day. (Hence “Diesel,” duh!) and it’s a little bit pubby, a little bit restaurant-y, and a little bit late-night hangout-y

(Hours listed: M-F 4p – “late”, Sat 11a – 3a, Sun 12p – midnight)

The vibe is less posh than Dish, but we dug the laid back atmosphere and thought it was pretty appropriate for that strip of the Highlands. It’s the perfect place for a bite before (or after!) you have your broody black + tan at the Dark Horse, belt your little heart out at Metalsome at the 10 High, groove to the funky band playing at Limerick Junction, or do whatever it is you do at any of the other bars in the area.

Plus, with all the events they have going on, it could be your entire destination! View their calendar of events here.

Bonus: It’s going to be extra-awesome in the summer! It was a little chilly the other night when we went, but just looking at their awesome patio made me feel outdoorsy!

Linds and I both enjoyed our meals (even though we were both surprised we could eat ANYTHING after the sheer volume of chili cheese fries we put away…)

I went with the Toasted Veggie Sub (marinated portabella, roasted tomatoes and roasted red peppers with pesto and mozzarella) and Lindsay chose the BBQ Pork Sandwich:

peace out, wilbur

DAD’S GARAGE THEATRE PRESENTS
THE 10TH ANNUAL BACONFEST
SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010
 
The Annual Fundraiser Features Local Bands: Futureshock, Mike LaSage and the Stumbling Troubadours, The Jaguars, Nine Inch Neils, Baron Saturday of Judi Chicago DJ Set, and Performances by Dad’s Garage House Bands, The Fingering Brothers and Bases Loaded
 
Tickets On Sale Now + All Proceeds to Benefit Dad’s Garage Theatre Company

 
THE Q+DD ON BACONFEST: 
The 10th Annual Dad’s Garage BaconFest, a one-day event featuring live music, improv, games, beer, bacon and more, will be held on Saturday, March 27 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Dad’s Garage Theatre Company in Inman Park.  A neighborhood tradition, each year BaconFest raises funds for the treasured mid-sized theatre that is devoted to elevating awareness about the arts in Atlanta.
 
Founded by Dad’s Garage co-founder George Faughnan in 1995, the meat-centric festival has grown to cult-like status, attracting a diverse and devoted legion of Atlantans each year.  Building its following off a simple foundation of combining bacon, beer and bands, the festival also includes nonstop games.  Past favorites include; Hunt an Improvisor, Guitar Hero Challenge, fortunetelling, X-rated face painting, and a malt liquor taste test challenge.  Live music performances at this year’s event include local artists: Futureshock, Mike LaSage and the Stumbling Troubadours, The Jaguars, Nine Inch Neils, and a special DJ set by Judi Chicago’s Baron Saturday.  Dad’s Garage’s house bands The Fingering Brothers and Bases Loaded will also make appearances.
 
In addition to the fun and games at BaconFest, festival goers can bid on an array of silent auction items donated by local businesses.  This year’s silent auction will feature items donated by Dad’s Garage, Alternative Apparel, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Only You Tattoo, Third Half Studios, and many more.
 
Tickets for the 10th Annual Dad’s Garage Baconfest are sale now and are available from $15 to $45.  Dad’s Garage will offer three ticket level categories: General Admission, Mid-Level and VIP.  Mid-Level and VIP tickets will be available in limited quantities at $35 and $45, respectively.  The VIP ticket will include a special improv performance following BaconFest at 5:00 p.m.  Advanced tickets can be purchased online at the Dad’s Garage Ticket Office or at the gate the day of the event.

Visit www.dadsgarage.com for additional information, updates and directions. 

ABOUT DAD’S GARAGE THEATRE:
Founded in 1995, Dad’s Garage Theatre Company has grown from a small volunteer led organization to a thriving mid-size theatre led by professional artistic and administrative staff that includes over 300 volunteers and performers.  We now entertain more than 30,000 people each year at our two-theatre facility in Inman Park, public events across the state, and at improv festivals across the continent.  In addition to outrageous original productions, Dad’s Garage produces improv shows 52 weeks per year, educates young improvisers in a year-round high school outreach program, and facilitates on-site classes and workshops for the general public.  Dad’s Garage is committed to elevating the awareness of the arts in the Atlanta community through the production of original theatrical works, education and the creative outlets found through improvisation.

BACK TO ME…
My good buddy, Goldie, makes his famous BACON EXPLOSION on the most special of occasions.  Ironically, Goldie + I are friends from Jewish sleep-away camp…

goldie + me

Goldie's BACON EXPLOSION!!

not kosher

However, I am positive that BaconFest 2010 will be an absolutely excellent substitute! 

Gosh, I’m the world’s worst Jewish girl… 

xx, L

Remember her?

…I am just not into Valentine’s day. I know.  It’s shocking given my absolute adoration for any kind of holiday (usually Linds and I are in the same boat on this subject) but there’s something about V-Day that isn’t for me. Weird because I love pink, love hearts, love candy…well, I just love cheesiness in general.

This is what I look like at a Britney Spears concert.

You’d think that I’d be all about the cheesiest holiday of the year, but I’m just not.  I loathe red roses, can’t stand prix fixe menus, and my favorite Valentine’s gift ever was also the most irreverent:

Pink Chucks. Delivered to my office. Amazing.

That’s why I think this is g.e.n.i.u.s.:“To El with Valentine’s Day!” at The Original El Taco in the Highlands!

Tomorrow and Sunday, El Taco will be offering $2 Miller High Lifes, $4 Hornitos Mischieve tequila shots, and $5 champagne mojitos and house margaritas!

Girls will get a chance to spin the Wheel of Taco for prizes like Natural Body Spa and Helmet Salon gift cards.

Also present on Sunday: a photobooth (!!!) and a tarot card reader.  I’m sorry, but tacos + cheap margaritas + photobooth + spa products + fortune tellers?  GET OUT OF MY HEAD, Fifth Group! That is a combo MADE for LK.

Plus, if you didn’t make dinner reservations weeks ago, GOOD LUCK with that!Happy un-Valentine’s to my fellow singletons!xx, L

fat free, right?

So, I’m just sittin’ here patiently waiting…  In the meantime, we’ve all been invited to celebrate Mardi Gras on February 6th at Rosebud!

Rosebud is turning the afternoon of Saturday, February 6th, into a celebration of indulgence!  They will have beads, masks and plenty of food + drinks!  A delicious five course set menu includes turtle soup, crawfish + andouille sausage crepes, tasso scrambled egg + french fry po’ boy, buttermilk fried oysters sardou and crispy creme doughnut bread pudding.  Yum!  The Spencer Garn Trio, a three piece jazz funk band will be playing in the restaurant during brunch, too!

Brunch begins at 1:30 p.m. and is $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity. 

Reservations are required: 404.347.9747.

Just another fun reason to celebrate + overeat!  (Not that I need an excuse, obviously.)  Plus, purple and green are totally my colors.  Now, back to that King Cake…

xx, L

Rosebud
1397 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA  30306
404.347.9747
www.rosebudatlanta.com

= Lauren

Of COURSE we hit up all my go-to spots: Holeman + Finch, Top Flr, and Treehouse as well as some new favorites (I’m looking at YOU, Pacci and La Pietra Cucina.) But when you have a full-fledged Yankee in tow…clearly BRUNCH is the best place to leave your southern-fried mark.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you….THE BATTLE OF THE BRUNCHES!
Round 1: Friday at Murphy’s
I’ll admit, I have been known to sneer at the crowds of people lined outside Murphy’s on the weekends on my way to somewhere else I have decided is cooler. (“What? Do they think that’s the only place in town that knows how to fry an egg?“) but I am here to tell you that given the option (and a weekday off of work) that is exactly where we went.

Even though, at 2pm, the meal we ate that day was legitimately “lunch,” I still went with my go-to Murphy’s brunch order: Linda’s Omelet (spinach, onions, mushrooms and cheddar cheese) and A chose the grilled chicken sandwich (avocado, pepperjack, fried onions, and mayonnaise, on a multigrain bun) both were delicious. Another strong lunch choice: the lobster cobb (Maine lobster, tomatoes, avocado, bacon, aged gouda, egg, and roasted garlic herb dressing. DELISH.) In fact, come to think of it, I have never had any food I didn’t enjoy at Murphy’s.

If you do go for ACTUAL brunch, there is an amazing assortment of Benedicts and frittatas and other egg dishes as well as grits and waffles and pancakes and other carb-y deliciousness (Hello, challah french toast!) Not to mention the complimentary bread basket…complete with muffins and biscuits. Oh and the coffee…the coffee! Their coffees and espressos are absolutely divine.

I also really love the vibe at Murphy’s. It’s homey and southern…but still chic.

Nice work, Murphy’s. I guess those lines are warranted after all…

Round 2: Saturday at Rosebud
Listen, if you happen to find yourself waking up at noon…starving…and without a brunch reservation in this city, as we did on Saturday, remember that Rosebud in Morningside is the city’s best kept brunch secret. Fact.

As always, it was an amazing call. Please see my previous post here. Their brunch is out of this world and I have never had to wait for a table. We weren’t able to score a patio table but we were happy as clams drinking our coffee and chowing down on our delicious food. I got the crab cake Benedict (which was unbelievable) and A got…wait for it…The Big Nasty (it’s a sandwich.) This thing is a masterpiece: fried chicken, scrambled egg, smoked bacon + cheddar on a bun. I mean…wow. Just wow.

We were so full when we left that we didn’t eat again until 11:00pm and although we didn’t have brunch cocktails, I assure you their drink list is quite impressive. Another strong contender…

Round 3: Sunday at Mary Mac’s Tea Room

As the pièce de résistance, I saved Mary Mac’s for last. As a true-blue southern girl from Alabama…I LOVE my “meat + 3s.” Plus, A had never experienced sweet tea and didn’t believe me that okra was an actual vegetable The horror!

The Q+DD on Mary Mac’s is this: It was opened in 1945 by a woman named Mary McKinsey who decided to use her good Southern cooking to make money in the tough post-World War II days. However, in those days, a woman couldn’t just open up a restaurant, so many female proprietors used the more genteel Southern name of “Tea Room.” There were at least 16 other “Tea Rooms” that popped up in the Atlanta area, but Mary Mac’s is the only one that remains.

As an extra special awesome BONUS: Katie and Brian were in town and joined us!

It was an awesome experience. Our server was so charming and sweet and brought us each a complimentary order of the Pot Likker Soup after I mentioned that I read about it in Garden and Gun magazine. (and blogged about here.) FYI: Pot Likker (or Pot Liquor) is the liquid that is left behind when you boil greens (collard, turnip, etc.) and it’s often seasoned with pork or turkey. At Mary Mac’s its served with a little piece of homemade cornbread that you can crumble into it…kind of like a super southern matzah ball soup?!

When it was time to order, we grabbed our stubby pencils and scrawled our orders on our sheets. A and Brian got fried chicken and meatloaf, respectively, and my seestah and I both got vegetable plates. (tomato pie, collard greens, black eyed peas and fried green tomatoes for me and fried okra, cheese grits, creamed corn, and collard greens for Katie)

Y’all: our food was fabulous (once I silenced the nagging calorie-counter in my head). Very authentic and just perfect. PLUS – in the middle of our meal, this adorable elderly lady came over to ask us how we were enjoying our meal and gave us all backrubs! As she left, she distributed her card which read, “Jo Carter: Goodwill Ambassador.” Amazing. All-in-all, I would say my mission was accomplished. A even choked back an ounce or two of sweet tea and I left feeling victorious (not to mention completely stuffed.) I may never eat again…

Katie and her Pot Likker

The winner? We’re all winners at brunch, my friends. But I may have to give this one to Mary Mac’s. It’s been an Atlanta tradition for 60+ years and my mama always taught me to respect my elders.

Happy brunching…y’all!

xx, L

= Lindsay

This weekend, I had a number of friends in town and was determined to see everyone.  Many of them have previously lived in Atlanta and I wanted to give them reasons to consider moving back, so I had to take them to some of my new-ish favorite spots.  Here’s the VERY Q+DD #2 on where we played this weekend:

THURSDAY

Holeman + Finch: We went for drinks, small plates and the scene.  The bartender made killer gimlets for me and tasty apple jacks for my drinking companions.  (Apple jack = 2 oz. of apple brandy, 1/2 oz. of curacao, 2 dashes of angostura bitters, ice and pour into a chilled glass with an apple garnish.)  Not right for my taste buds, but others loved.  We decided at 9:30 p.m. (way too late) that we had to have one of their late-night burgs.  Sat in agony as the restaurant filled with the delicious aroma of grilled beef and grew hostile as we watched Buckhead bankers eat half of their burgers and then discard.  Next time we will order early…

FRIDAY

Pacci:  Went with friends for a nice end-of-the-week dinner @ this new restaurant located at Hotel Palomar, and was pleasantly surprised with my meal.  I didn’t expect too much from this restaurant for some reason and ended up being pretty blown away.  We all shared the beef and tuna carpaccios and thought they were delicious and well-garnished.  I wasn’t a fan of my grilled caesar salad – and I would not recommend it.  However, my beef short rib gnocchi and Slick’s scallops were absolutely incredible.  The two best entrees I’ve had in months.  For dessert, we ate brownie smores that I whipped up on Thursday evening when I was channeling Betty Crocker.  (More on that later…)  Service at Pacci is good, but slow, particularly for drinks – so visit the restaurant when you aren’t in a rush.  Love spending time @ Hotel Palomar, too. 

After dinner, we wanted to head upstairs for drinks at AltoRex, but it was closed. Instead, we went to:

MidCity Cafe: Very scenester.  Slick didn’t know what to make of all the men wearing fitted blazers over printed t-shirts.  The bartenders pour with a heavy hand.  Seems like a great place to start off a night in Midtown!

RiRa: Was a great place to end a night in Midtown with car bombs galore!  Enjoyed their fun band and finally saw the back-back room.  I’m a big fan.

SATURDAY

TOP FLR: What can I say?  I am a creature of habit.  I love TOP FLR and I love celebrating there.  My friends from out of town have read numerous blog postings on the Q+DD about my undying love for this restaurant – so we had to check it out.  I had the usual: the mussels and the tuna tartar.  Other folks enjoyed the hanger steak, the scallops and the ravioli.  Don’t forget to try a Pimm’s Cup or a Cynar Blood Orange off of their creative beverage menu!

TOP FLR

St. Regis Bar: Later, we made our way over to the St. Reg hotel to see the end of the Georgia vs. Auburn game and get all mingle-y with Atlanta society.  Instead, we drank delicious (and expensive – believe we referred to it as liquid gold) cocktails and tried to guess-timate how old all the botox-ed up socialites were.  The St. Reg Bar definitely provides interesting people watching.  Did not spot Josh Duhamel, but I did lose my debit card…

SUNDAY

Shorty’s: Everyone who reads the Q+DD has heard more than enough about this place.  It was incredible – as always.  Really hit the spot after three consecutive nights out.  Love the rocket salad.  Then, headed to Piedmont Park to walk around and catch some rays with Miss Kim. 

Apres Diem + Midtown Arts Cinema: Had an early dinner on the Apres Diem patio and enjoyed their Las Moras Malbec before rushing into MAC just in time to catch the previews before Where the Wild Things Are.  Although I know it is just as bad as wearing a band’s t-shirt to the band’s concert, I arrived at Apres proudly sporting my Where the Wild Things Are shirt from Urban.

T’was a fun-filled weekend!  No bizarre new places – nothing too out of the box.  Still perfect.

Hope everyone else got to enjoy the pretty weekend, too!  Off to Rosebud for lunch…

xx, L

(Please don't sue me, Michael, for lifting your photo. Thanks!!)

If not, you should.  Michael is a man in the know.  And, I kinda feel like he’s becoming a close and trusted friend out of sheer proximity…he just doesn’t know THAT yet!  I hear from him almost as much as any of my family members – and I talk to them on a daily basis.  Michael does PR for Fifth Group Restaurants (which are some of my favorites around town: Ecco, South City Kitchen, La Tavola, etc.) and I get two – maybe three – group messages on Facebook every day from him about various fantastic Fifth Group happenings.  As a member of the “Fifth Groupies” Facebook group (join! join!), I received the message pasted below from Michael yesterday about some really fun holiday time-ish Fifth Group deals:

Fifth Group Restaurants is proud to team with performances at The Fox Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre to offer you a great evening out. For one low price you can enjoy a fixed price dinner or brunch at one of our restaurants and a top notch performance at one of Atlanta’s finest performing arts venues.

DINNER & A SHOW WITH SOUTH CITY KITCHEN MIDTOWN
& THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Wynton Marsalis – November 19 & 20; showtime 8:00 p.m.
Handel’s Messiah – December 5; showtime 8:00 p.m.
Log onto http://www.facebook.com/l/7aced;www.atlantasymphony.org/dinnerandconcert or call Russell Wheeler at 404-733-4807 for more information.

DINNER & A SHOW WITH SOUTH CITY KITCHEN MIDTOWN
& THE ALLIANCE THEATRE
The Second City: Peach Drop, Stop & Roll – November 17, November 24, December 1, December 8; showtime 8 p.m.
Log onto http://www.facebook.com/l/7aced;www.alliancetheatre.org to order tickets.

BRUNCH & A SHOW WITH SOUTH CITY KITCHEN MIDTOWN
& THE FABULOUS FOX THEATRE
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – November 22; showtime 3 p.m.
Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker – December 20; showtime 2 p.m.
Log onto http://www.facebook.com/l/7aced;www.foxtheatre.org/dinner_broadway or call Janet Potash at 404-881-2103 for more information.

BRUNCH & A SHOW WITH SOUTH CITY KITCHEN MIDTOWN
& THE ALLIANCE THEATRE
A Christmas Carol – November 29, December 6, December 13, December 20; showtime 2:30 p.m.
Log onto http://www.facebook.com/l/7aced;www.alliancetheatre.org to order tickets.

DINNER & A SHOW WITH ECCO
& THE FABULOUS FOX THEATRE
Young Frankenstein – January 27; showtime 8 p.m.
Log onto http://www.facebook.com/l/7aced;www.foxtheatre.org/dinner_broadway or call Janet Potash at 404-881-2103 for more information.

Sounds great to me!  Thanks again, Michael, for all the info!

xx, L

Outside Bagel Palace

At Bagel Palace, the menu is long, the staff is adequately friendly and totally down with a few order alterations and the coffee is hot.  It’s always busy, but I’ve never had to wait for a table.  Located close to Emory, there are enough college students in there after a long night out to make me feel comfortable going in shorts/ t-shirt and w/o make-up.  There are enough families eating there to make it feel cozy and sufficiently neighborhoody. 

I always order the same thing – #13.  Two eggs over easy, pumpernickel bagel w/ light plain cream cheese and hash browns.  Coffee and water.  Please and thank you.  Upon checkout, it’s hard for me to resist purchasing one of their close-to-perfect black and white cookies peering out from behind one of their numerous glass cases.  I usually don’t resist…  The meal is cheap.  What more could you ask for from a Sunday brunch??

Bagel Palace

My favorite part about the experience, however, is Bagel Palace’s extensive bagel and cream cheese selection.  Always brings to mind Forrest Gump: 

“There are shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo.  Pan-fried, deep fried, stir-fried.  There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich.  That’s about it.”

Bubba + Forrest

At Bagel Palace, you have your selection of the following:

Bagels
Plain
Poppy
Sesame
Cinnamon Raisin
Sun-Dried Tomato
Seven Grain
Whole Wheat
Egg
Pumpernickel (my fav.)
Everything
Salt
Onion
Garlic
Blueberry
Rye
Also: Bialys + Minis

Cream Cheese Flavors: (Regular) Plain, Vegetable, Scallion, Herb, Lox, Sun-Dried Tomato + Basil, Cin-Wal-Raisin, Van-Wal-Raisin, Strawberry, Blueberry, Peach Pecan, Jalapeno, Horseradish, Salsa, Green Olive + Pimento/  (Light) Plain, Vegetable, Scallion, Lox, Lox + Scallion, Apple Cinnamon, Lemon Pineapple, Honey Walnut.

Impressive, I know.  Next time you roll out of bed on a Sunday and want a substantial brunch, but can’t find your comb, a toothbrush or matching clothes – don’t forget about Bagel Palace!  See you there soon - I’ll be the one in cute sweats and enormous sunglasses.

xx, L

Bagel Palace + Deli
2869 N Druid Hills Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-3924
(404) 315-9016