Never heard of it??  Allow me to enlighten you…

Memphis: A New Musical is loosely based on Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips, one of the first white DJs to play black music in the 1950s.  She’s a black singer whose career is on the rise, but who can’t break out of the segregated clubs of 1950’s Memphis, Tennessee.  He’s a white radio DJ whose love of music transcends race lines and airwaves.  When the two collaborate, her soulful music reaches radio audiences everywhere, and the Golden Era of early rock ‘n’ roll takes flight.  But as things start to heat up, whether the world is really ready for their music – or their love – is put to the test.  Memphis won the Tony Award for “Best Musical,” along with three other awards, at the 2010 Tonys.

Read more about Memphis here: I can’t WAIT to see THIS!

Soooooo, I’ll be there on opening night - what about YOU?   

Ticket information here for Memphis’ quick stint at the Fabulous Fox Theatre: Show running from 1/31 – 2/5!

theatres just don't get more magnificent than the fox...

This show is going to be so great!  (Now, we just need to work on The Book of Mormon (oh please, oh please!) to travel down south, and I’m pretty. much. set.) 

xx, L

Y’all know how much I heart my second home in Atlanta, Exhale Spa.  Y’all know.  (And, welcome LK!  So happy you’ve joined!!) 

Well, I had my first facial at Exhale last week and JUST when I thought I couldn’t love it any more there, I fell even more head over heels!

It was the absolute greatest facial.  The greatest!  The one I got was the 60-Minute True Facial w/ a Cool Beam Treatment. 

Here are the deets:

True Facial: Enliven your skin with our customized facial appropriate for all skin types.  We use a layer of our most coveted mushroom enzyme mask to lift away all dull, tired skin and reveal a fresher, brighter version of you!  Trust that all of your need will be thoroughly addressed in this one hour facial – a true transformation!

Cool Beam Treatment: Monochromatic coherent light penetrates into the dermis sparking a physiological collagenic growth spurt.  This healing therapy inflates fine lines while simultaneously reducing post-surgical inflammation and decreasing hyperpigmentation and cystic acne.

My therapist, Kathryn, was absolutely amazing, too.  I highly, highly recommend getting a facial at Exhale.  My skin has been glowing since and feels like silk!

Also newsworthy at Exhale is…one of my favorite Atlantans + fitness gurus, Anne-Marie Berte, Manager of Guest Experience for the spa.  Do you know her?  Do you know her?  You should!  Y’all have seen me reference her in every single one of my Exhale-related posts, but you guys REALLY need to know how awesome Anne-Marie is! 

anne-marie berte

In addition to all her responsibilities at Exhale, she is also the ambassador for the 100 Women Project, the Lease Luxury Properties lifestyle & wellness concierge, and all around excellent person.  Anne-Marie is really into brand marketing and promotions, and is constantly working to connect people and create relationships and cross promotions for brands.  She has a contagiously positive and uplifting personality – this girl is going places, people!! 

super-fit, A-M!

Stay tuned for more Anne-Marie awesomeness – you are sure to see her around the ATL as the “fit girl blogger” bringing you up to date on the latest and greatest workouts to try, studios, and healthy lifestyle tips!

Love, love, love Exhale + Anne-Marie!  Just the best in 2012. 

xx, L

Exhale Atlanta
Anne-Marie Berte, Manager of Guest Experience: amberte@exhalespa.com
1065 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.720.5000
http://www.exhalespa.com/Locations/GAtlanta/Default.aspx

Two years ago, we celebrated in Orlando at Disney for my very first visit.

Last year, we trekked out to Kansas City to watch the ball drop.  An excellent time was had.

THIS year, Kev + I are the hosts and we’re ringing in the New Year in Atlanta!  (Expectations are high.)  Sooooo, we’ve decided to celebrate with Yacht Rock at Park Tavern!

If you’ve ever seen Yacht Rock perform, you KNOW that we’re in for a great time!

And, Park Tavern is an awesome place to celebrate any holiday.  PT always throws a solid party…

NYE with Yacht Rock is an all-inclusive event.  Drinks and food are covered all night and into the wee hours of the morning.  There will be live music with Yacht Rock Revue & Atlanta’s best DJ spinning in the Piedmont Room overlooking the Midtown skyline.

Highlights include:
- Open bar: premium liquor, beer, wine and champagne
- Live music + NYE countdown with Yacht Rock Revue
- Gourmet food including hors d’ouvres, carving station, NYE specialties along with plenty of sides + salads to keep your energy up and dancing into the New Year.
- Sushi display
- Toast & get toasty with smores for dessert
- Midnight breakfast buffet including all your favorites + fresh Krispy Kreme donuts
- Photo booth
- NYE favors
- Champagne toast at midnight
- Coat check

This party is where it’s at on Saturday, so get your tickets NOW: NYE w/ Yacht Rock Revue!

***BONUS***  LOOK FOR ME AT PARK TAVERN totally rockin’ out to Yacht Rock…

…and I will give a fist pump + one of these super rad Q+DD koozies to the first three people who wish me a “HAPPY QUICK + DIRTY DIRTY NEW YEAR!”

Your drinks have never looked so fashionable…  I can’t think of a better way to toast 2012!

Q+DD koozies: so hot right now.

See y’all at Park Tavern!  Wishing a fun NYE to all! 

xx, L

We stepped + repeated, drank a few of STK’s signature martinis, watched very bendy dancers put on quite an interesting STK-inspired performance, and we hobnobbed with some big shot Atlantans, including Mr. Peter Thomas (satisfying my RHOA spotting for the month).  Thank you very much. 

Q+DD @ STK

It was an excellent way to toast the opening of this NYC-based restaurant (with locations in L.A., Miami + Vegas) that has positioned itself as a “steakhouse for women.” 

STK’s space on 12th and Peachtree is GORGEOUS.  Very modern + plush.  I was particularly impressed with the signature white horns grazing the bar wall.  So cool. 

And, we were really pleased with the small bites we sampled over the course of the evening.  STK’s sliders were seriously delish.

We’re super excited about STK!  This place is going to kill it.

xx, L

STK Atlanta
1075 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.793.0144
http://www.stkhouse.com/

The holidays are here!  For the entire month of December, you can find the perfect gifts and enjoy all the holiday experiences that Midtown has to offer! 

The kick-off reception was last night (and it looked like fun!), but there’s more! 

12/2 + 12/3: Local Gifts + Treats Pop Up Shop at MidCity Lofts (West Peachtree at 6th St. between Tech Square + Renaissance Hotel).  Vendors include: Olive, Pieces of Me, Lisa Jill Jewelry, Kristi Hyde, and JuneBug.  To compliment your shopping experience, enjoy treats from Sinless Cocktails + Rockin’ Cupcakes!

All Month Long: Midtown’s holiday festivities continue! 
- Ice skate in Piedmont Park at Park Tavern
- Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s “Garden Lights - Holiday Nights” installation
- Visit the ”Picasso to Warhol” exhibition at the High Museum of Art
- See “A Christmas Carol” at the Alliance Theatre
- Get tickets for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Fox Theatre
- Revisit the story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at the Center for Puppetry Arts
- Hear “Handel’s Messiah” at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

More info below…

December may be 31 days long, but you’ve got A LOT to do.  It’s going to fly by! 

Happy Holidays from the Q+DD!

xx, L

I had seen it under-construction for a while, but didn’t realize that it opened until recently when Kev came home from a haircut at Mint.  He burst into our condo and raved about New York Butcher Shoppe for the following 20 minutes.  He was talking rapidly, but I caught that he walked into NYBS after his haircut and didn’t want to leave because it “smelled UNBELIEVEABLE in there.”  He was particularly impressed with their assortment of prepared dinners; “all you have to do is pop them in the oven, Linds!”  He made me promise that we could give them “a ton” of business.  (This coming from the guy who would eat a Lean Cuisine every night if I didn’t intervene.)  “Sure – absolutely we will,” I said.  Eh, it was fun seeing him so excited about a new business + the place sounded great.  So welcome, NYBS, to the neighborhood!  I hear that we’ll be signing over our paychecks to you very soon… 

Have you visited NYBS yet??

Here’s the Q+DD on New York Butcher Shoppe:

NYBS is a unique shopping experience for customers seeking top-quality products and exceptional customer service at great prices.  We’re a high quality market with an emphasis on personal customer care.  The prices are as good or better than supermarket prices, but at the New York Butcher Shoppe, customers enjoy personal service and expert advice on cooking, grilling and meal planning.

From certified Angus beef steaks and incredibly prepared chicken cordon bleu, to fresh seasonal vegetables, pastas, sauces, wines and more, NYBS is the perfect place to experience cooking bliss.  We are way more than just a butcher shop.  We take pride in the quality of what we serve and the care in how we serve it.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you walk in the door at the selection of products we have.

NYBS

The D’Elia family established the New York Butcher Shoppe in 1999 on Ben Sawyer Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  Bill D’Elia is originally from Brooklyn, NY where he began learning the butcher trade at age eleven.  His career has been in the grocery industry since 1970, primarily in butcher and meat areas.  The store in Mount Pleasant quickly grew in popularity, and the concept began franchising in October of 2003.

The NYBS concept is founded on the principles of outstanding customer service and the highest quality product, in a clean and inviting atmosphere.  Our line of hand cut steaks using Premium Angus Beef, prepared entrées, side dishes, salads and dips are always fresh and fill a unique shopping niche for our customers.  We also offer fresh sausages, frozen pastas, vegetables, hard-to-find grocery items, and a top selection of fine wines and cheeses.

a peek inside NYBS

NYBS sounds AWESOME – it’s very clear why Kev is such a big fan!  I can’t wait to visit ASAP.  I bet they have a number of great items we could add to our holiday celebrations. 

In the meantime, here’s some more info about NYBS:

Take a NYBS store tour: Where’s the beef??
Check out their menu: What’s cooking, good lookin’?!
Oooh, they cater, too: NYSB on the move!

Welcome, welcome again!  I’m looking forward to meeting you soon, NYBS.  (I have a feeling that we’ll be your most enthusiastic customers…)

xx, L

New York Butcher Shoppe
985-C Monroe Drive
Atlanta, GA  30308
404.343.3614
www.nybutcher.com

Ecco
40 7th Street NE
Atlanta, GA  30308
404.347.9555
www.ecco-atlanta.com

It always reminds me a little of my beloved Austin to see the trucks crammed together in Midtown like one big food truck trailer park of deliciousness. 

One truck, in particular, caught my eye yesterday: WOW! Food Truck.

We got in line + in a flash of pre-ordering online due diligence, I found out that the WOW! Food Truck is Atlanta’s first truck specializing in Venezuelan arepas. (Then, I had to look up “arepas.”  Don’t judge…)  They are savory grilled corn cakes stuffed with slow roasted meats.  WOW! is also known for their delicious donuts which Creative Loafing listed on their Top 100 Bucket List .  Okay, yes yes yes!  I was ready to eat.

Here’s a glimpse at their menu:

And here’s the full Q+DD on the WOW! Food Truck:

Once upon a time, several years ago, Wendy Cross was visiting her brother (yep - that brother!) in NYC.  She asked him where she could go to get a quick bite that was really good but wouldn’t break the bank.  He quickly replied that there was an arepa bar around the corner and she should check it out.  After realizing that the word “arepa” wasn’t some sort of sophomoric attempt of him being funny, she found herself at the little restaurant eating her first arepa.  “WOW!  These are amazing” were the first words exclaimed after her first bite.  Wendy wondered…why isn’t anyone making these in Atlanta?!!  She knew at that moment it would be her mission to bring these wonderful savory stuffed corn cakes to her peeps in the ATL.  Now, all she needed to do was find a restaurant to partner with so she could bring her arepa food truck dreams to fruition. 

After interviewing several restaurateurs, she knew that the girls at Duck’s Cosmic Kitchen in Decatur would be the perfect match.  Their dedication to using only the freshest ingredients, making everything from scratch, and not owning a microwave won her over.  Wendy started to sell her arepas as a special at the restaurant while the truck was getting ready for its big debut, and after selling out the first day, they knew they were onto something good, and the rest as they say, is history!

I happen to love that story.  And also, the truck has a pretty serious paint job that I found super impressive…

Frankly, all of the menu looked interesting to me, but I was on a mission to try an arepa + a shrimp cake.

From left to right:

Chicken Sofrito Arepa: savory Venezuelan griddled corn cakes stuffed with slow roasted meats + topped with their famous creamy cilantro jalapeno “kicky” sauce.

Crispy Shrimp Cakes: panko-crusted, perfectly seasoned shrimp cakes served with “kicky” sauce alongside organic stone ground cheese grits.

Kevin and I couldn’t believe how delicious they both were!  And, really filling, too, for very little $$$.  We are going back next week for more.  Why can’t it be Midtown Street Food Monday – Friday??

If WOW! is that good, I can’t wait to see what Duck’s is all about…

WOW! Food Truck on Facebook!
WOW! Food Truck on Twitter!
WOW! Food Truck on the Internets…
WOW! Food Truck’s Menu – Yum!

Find it.  Try it.  Trust. 

xx, L

WOW! Food Truck
Location Varies
404.626.0390
http://www.wowfoodtruck.com/

And, at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, no less! 

Gorms + I are celebrating completing the 3-Day tonight by dropping by Ecco to say “hello!” to our man, Eric, and then heading to the Fox to get our best Mamma Mia on!  Oh yes, there will be dancing.

Here’s the Q+DD on Mamma Mia:

Longing to discover the identity of her true father before she exchanges her wedding vows, the daughter of a once-rebellious single mother secretly invites a trio of paternal candidates to her upcoming wedding on the small Greek island in which she lives.

Mamma Mia is based on the songs of ABBA – a Swedish pop/ dance group active from 1972–1982.  ABBA was one of the most internationally popular pop groups of all time.

Mamma Mia awesomeness below…

Get your Mamma Mia tickets here: SUPER TROUPER! 

You have to act fast, though, because the show is only in town from tonight through November 6!

So go…”see that girl/ watch that scene/ diggin’ the dancing queen!” 

xx, L

Ecco is a seasonally-inspired European restaurant in Midtown that LK + I frequent.  It’s also cooked up quite a reputation recently for its celebrity customers…  The food is fantastic, the wine is out of this world – and the bar, in particular, is one of our favorite places to hang out + people watch.  So naturally, we HAD to interview Eric for The Quick + Dirty Dirty Bartender Challenge!

Eric, who is originally from DC, started working in the hotel and restaurant biz while in college.  He began bartending in 1983 + enjoyed it so much he’s stuck with it since.  Simply, bartending makes our lovely Eric happy.  He joined the Fifth Group in 2005, and he helped open Ecco with the company in 2006.  Eric is a trainer for Fifth Group, which keeps him super busy, but he makes sure to take four days off every month to travel and visit friends + family.  This month, he’s headed to Anna Maria Island off the coast of Florida for some well-deserved R&R! 

Now, if you do the math (he started bartending in 1983…), Eric’s age may suprise you.  But let us tell Y’ALL, he looks f.a.n.t.a.s.t.i.c.  Witness: 

So, LK + I DRILLED him for his secret to fabulousness: lots of H2O, lots of rest, a glass of wine every night, sunscreen twice a day + working out six or seven days a week.  (Eric teaches spinning at local gyms.) 

Chit-chatting with Eric is always splendid, but finally it was time to get down to business with…

THE DIRTY DIRTY DOZEN QUESTIONS

1 – Please state your name + place of employment for the record.

Eric Aarons.  Head bartender at Ecco.

2 – What’s your drink?

Most often wine.  But if I do have a cocktail, it’s a Hanger One martini – straight up, extra dry, extra cold, with a twist.

3 – What drink do you hate to be asked to make?

Any variation on one of my signature cocktails.  They are my creations.  Please don’t insult me by rewriting my recipes.

4 – What’s the best story you’ve heard in your bar?

I’ve been behind the bar for twenty-nine years.  I could write volumes.  A true professional keeps those stories confidential.

5 – Describe your clientele in three words.

Sexy.  Savvy.  Fun.

 6 – If you’re not drinking at Ecco, where are you drinking?

At home.  Sitting on my balcony.  With my dog, Buddy, in my lap.  Taking in the Midtown skyline.

buddy!

7 – If your bar was personified in a celebrity, who would it be?

George Clooney.  Sexy (again).  Stylish.  Talented.

8 – Imagine you were stranded on a desert island + wanted to start a bar from scratch.  You can bring 4 bottles and 1 type of glass.  What would they be?

Three bottles of H2O for survival.  One bottle of grain alcohol to light a fire, send smoke signals + get rescued!  You can keep the glass – I ain’t stayin’!!

9 – Currently, what is the most popular drink at your bar?

“GiGi Says…”  I just won a national contest with this cocktail: http://www.hangarone.com/blimp-tour/entry/14.  It is my spin on a ginger gimlet.

(Side note: LK + I looooove “GiGi Says…”)

10 – What is your favorite area of town?

Midtown.  It’s where I live, work + play.

11 – What is your secret weapon?

Depends on my target.  I have an arsenal…

12 – The name of the cocktail is “The Quick + Dirty Dirty.”  What’s in it?

Hanger One vodka martini with juice from San Agostino olives topped with a medley of three delicious olives all imported from Italy: San Agostino, Gaeta + Calabrese.

Thanks so much to Eric for participating in The Quick + Dirty Dirty Bartender Challenge!  Visit him soon at Ecco – and wave to us at the bar.  (Odds are LK + I will be sitting there sippin’ our “GiGi Says…”) 

WHO’S NEXT???

Do you have a recommendation for our next contender?  Are you a mixologist we need to meet? 

E-mail us at thequickanddirtydirty@gmail.com or tweet us up at @Lindsaywhat44 + @LaurenKAtlanta!

Maybe we’ll see YOU next on The Q+DD Bartender Challenge!

xx, L+L

Ecco
40 7th Street NE
Atlanta, GA  30308
404.347.9555
www.ecco-atlanta.com