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OTP w/ Purpose.

08/23/2010 in Suburbs, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

On Sunday morning, Slick + I ventured OTP to meet the Rishel’s for brunch + to see their new Smyrna-diggs and meet their adorable new puppy, Rowdy.  Fact – I am in love with Rowdy. 

how could you not love this little guy??

I went into a bit of restaurant-related-panic-mode when we agreed to do brunch OTP, but Mich quickly reminded me that my beloved Muss + Turners* is relatively close to their new place.  Yes, ma’am! 

*Note:  The last time I went to M+T’s was after I’d been out of work for a week with e. coli (from Las Margaritas on Cheshire Bridge – FYI).  M+T’s “Gobbler” was the first real food I could eat for almost a week.  It was like magic.  No joke.

Muss + Turners

Anyway, Slick and I left about 30 minutes early from my condo in Midtown to make sure that we weren’t too tardy for brunch – and we got to M+T’s w/ a surprising 10 minutes to spare.  As soon as we walked into the restaurant, we were bombarded with the delicious aroma of smoked meat.  We asked the host what it was, and he informed us that it was one of the day’s brunch specials: Hot Bacon on Bacon on Bacon Fat Biscuit Action.  Ummm, incredible!

As everyone perused through the brunch specials + extensive lunch menu, including very creative items in categories i.e. “FISH + Things that Swim,” “Divine SWINE,” “CHICKEN + Things with Wings,” and “BEEF & Things that Eat Grass” (also cute: “Yesterday’s Soup”), I sipped on some v. strong coffee and read the restaurant’s promotional Labor Day Lobster Bake Special:

Sounds like a deal to me!

Everyone ordered brunch items, but I just had to go with the Gobbler again.  How could I not after it rescued me from my Saltine-diet following my e. coli nightmare?  Plus, it’s mouthwateringly amazing…

Gobbler =Shaved house-roasted turkey breast served with Bubby Muss’ Ritz cracker stuffing, Swedish lingonberry coulis and thyme aioli on a toasted challah bun.  On the menu, they call it “THE sandwich.”  They are correct.

the gobbler

If I wasn’t going to order that, I was really considering “Swify Biscuits” on the brunch menu: Two bacon buttermilk biscuits with local/organic Berkshire pork (from Riverview Farms) slow-smoked, pulled, tossed in house BBQ, topped with horseradish slaw and Nueske’s applewood bacon w/ two fried eggs + a side of fruit salad.  I am pretty sure I just gained four pounds writing that out.

We ate like kings (queens = me + Mich). 

Afterwards, we drove around Smyrna a bit, and I have to admit – it’s kind of cute!  Muss + Turners may not be nearly as convenient to us ITP-ers as a number of local brunch spots, but it’s a heck of a lot better than most others.  Dare I say that it’s absolutely worth the drive?  Oh, I dare.

Muss + Turners: I apologize for forgetting about you, old friend, after all you’ve done for me.  I’ll be back v. soon.

xx, L

Muss + Turners
1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE
Smyrna, GA  30080
770.434.1114
www.mussandturners.com

Muss & Turners on Urbanspoon

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EVOS-lutionary Eating

06/23/2010 in Deals + Steals, Midtown, Suburbs, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 3 comments

Dana is about to get hitched in a little over a week, and she’s been incredibly busy running around to take care of last minute wedding-related errands.  We usually see each other pretty frequently for lunch, but with work picking up for me and her wedding errands, we decided that if we were going to meet, it was going to have to be for a super fast lunch during the week.  She was working downtown and I am in midtown, so we decided to meet at EVOS at the bottom of the Viewpoint building since neither of us had tried it yet and we were both itching to go.

the bride-to-be + me

I’ve blogged about it before, but as a reminder:  EVOS is an alternative fast food franchise (also in CA, FL and NC) specializing in healthy and environmentally sound eats, featuring soy, veggie, turkey and salmon burgers, fruit smoothies and their signature Airfries.  They Airbake (of course) their Airfries instead of deep-frying, which saves us 50-70% of the fat.  Also, they cater.  Awesome.  The company website describes the restaurant chain as “inspired, energetic, real, philanthropic, culturally plugged in, adventurous, respectful, fresh and forward thinking.”  Even before I actually went, I wanted to give this restaurant a hug.

Dana and I both ordered the Steakburger + Airfries. The Steakburger was a bit on the dry side, but was still good enough to finish - and we certainly felt better eating it than we would have any other fast food hamburger.  The Airfries were delicious.  They did not taste lowfat at all, even though the restaurant insists that they are.  I’m still not 100% convinced, though…

EVOS steakburger + airfries

EVOS steakburger + airfries

When I got up to refill my fountain soda + get some more ketchup for our Airfries, I saw a flier with EVOS’s daily specials listed on it, AND I’d like to share that w/ y’all:

(Refresh) Mondays:  Receive a FREE Regular Shake or Drink with the purchase of any Hand-Tossed Salad.

(Truly Awesome) Tuesdays:  Receive a FREE Regular order of Airfries & Drink with the purchase of an EVOS Original Steakburger.

(Wrap-it-up) Wednesdays:  Receive a FREE Regular Shake with the purchase of any Wrap.

(Thankful) Thursdays:  Receive a FREE Organic Cookie with the purchase of a Warm Veggie Chili Value Meal.

Isn’t alliteration fun, kids?!

(Hot Dog It’s) Fridays:  Receive a FREE 2nd Hot Dog with the purchase of an Adult Hot Dog Value Meal.

(Shake-it-up) Saturdays:  Receive a FREE Shake with the purchase of a Shake of equal or lesser value.

(Family Fun) Sundays:  Receive a FREE Kids Meal w/ drink with the purchase of any Adult Meal.

These are pretty good deals, and EVOS is worth a try – especially if you take advantage of one of the freebies listed above.  I don’t think that this chain is for everyone, but I will probably eat there again when I want to splurge on a fast food, basic hamburger + fries, but I don’t want to destroy my diet for the week or feel guilty about it. 

I’m definitely interested to know what y’all think.

xx, L

EVOS– Midtown 
855 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30308
www.evos.com

Evos on Urbanspoon


EVOS – Sandy Springs 
5590 Roswell Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA  30342
404.252.4022
www.evos.com

Evos on Urbanspoon

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Once Upon a Medieval Time(s)…

05/20/2010 in Suburbs, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

As previously mentioned, I bought Groupons for Slick + I to go to Medieval Times, and then successfully strong-armed a few friends into join us.  We went to the Atlanta castle on Saturday evening and IT. WAS. AWESOME!!  :)

Here’s the Q+DD:

evidently Medieval Times is INSIDE of the mall - not quite as sexy as anticipated, but we rolled with it.

the boys supported the blue knight b/c blue is for boys...

...and since there was not a hot pink knight, the ladies opted for the yellow one.

we drank massive Medieval beers (then promptly shattered the glasses in the back of my car afterwards by accident or because we are tough. you decide.)

mr. b and slick were still able to rock their faux-hawks even with their Medieval crowns on. we creatively renamed the hairdo: crown-hawk. you're welcome, Vidal Sassoon.

lindsay ate with her hands...

...and so did lauren. (surprisingly, the food was kind of really good. quote me and i'll come after you.)

the show was pretty cool. jousting is intense.

so intense, in fact, slick got a little Medieval-y stressed out.

we were a pretty rowdy group - yelling at/ for the knights, drinking enormous beers and throwing our crowns around...

MAN DOWN!

our serf, ron, was pretty rad. he filled us in on all the juicy Medieval gossip.

we got to meet the king (we = total VIPs)...

...and finished off the night with a Medieval DANCE PARTY. that's right.

Medieval Times is a seriously fun date.  We used the Groupon, but still I think that it’s pretty economical for food and a show at only $49.95 per person (regular price).  Currently, they are running a special for $34.95, which is even better.  If you register online, you can get a free feast (they offer a vegetarian feast, too) + tournament for your birthday! 

P.S. On Saturday, someone in the crowd was there for his bachelor party!  We all got a kick out of that…

Here’s the link to the Medieval Times Atlanta Castle: http://www.medievaltimes.com/atlanta.aspx

xx, L

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA  30043
866.731.9313
www.medievaltimes.com

Medieval Times on Urbanspoon

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I can’t wait for Saturday because…

05/12/2010 in Suburbs, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 6 comments

…we are going to MEDIEVAL TIMES!

OMG OMG OMG

A few months ago, the Atlanta Groupon Gods smiled upon me and sent out an awesome deal for MEDIEVAL TIMES. 

thank you

I yelled from my computer “SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!,” proceeded to shut my office door and then e-mailed all of my Atlanta nearest and dearest to plea for them to buy into the Groupon with me.  Shortly thereafter, the deal was on (hooray!) and I had successfully rallied seven excellent friends to accompany me for a MT dinner and tournament!  (The Groupon get us a “royalty upgrade,” too!  I mean…that’s just how we roll.)

I went once in high school, but I’ve wanted to go back ever since this guy dressed up in full MT knight regalia in the movie, Garden State…

"you're just a fast food knight..."

Well anyway, the time is FINALLY upon us!  Saturday is MEDIEVAL TIMES day!  (I’m incapable of writing “MEDIEVAL TIMES” in lower case due to my extreme excitement overload.)

 

I’m actually looking forward to making the long trek OTP to see this oasis:

home sweet home?

I fully intend on wearing one of THESE all night:

yes!

I can’t wait to see THIS:

fighting for my honor...

And meet THEM:

hello!

And best of all, eat with my hands!!*

Well, I tried, this picture is of Ethiopian food - couldn't find a better one. Don't fret, though, I'll take nine million pictures of us eating with our hands on Saturday! Promise.

*Side note: When I was a kid and my dad would catch me eating with my hands at the dinner table, he’d always ask me “What are you – a viking?!”  Well guess what, Dad, obviously I am:

exhibit A

exhibit B

I’m really looking forward to getting all medieval and such…but really, the greatest part is that I can be totally laid back during the tournament because no matter which knight wins or loses – I get to leave with my Prince Charming Slick…

that's right

I hope you are all ready for a full report on Monday.  (Is it Saturday yet?!)

xx, L

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA  30043
866.731.9313
www.medievaltimes.com

Medieval Times on Urbanspoon

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Incredibly Bold Statements

02/18/2010 in Midtown, PSAs, Random Musings, Suburbs, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 11 comments

When it comes to pizza, I’m really not kidding around. 

this is my serious face

I’ve said it many times before, but I’ll say it again:  For the past five years, Shorty’s has been my favorite pizza place in Atlanta.  Nothing could hold a candle to it.  I’d happily eat there two – maybe three – (don’t judge me) times a week.  Happily.

Well, on the Fourth of July this year, I was sipping some Firefly and catching some rays beside the Post Chastain (Acapulco) pool with friends when dinner was mentioned.  I suggested Shorty’s, because “it is the best pizza in town.”  A friend’s fiance quickly chimed in that he considers himself to be a distinguished pizza connoisseur and that Vintage Pizzeria is, in fact, the best pizza in town.  Riiiiiiight. 

I wasn’t up for an argument in my tipsy + sunburned + America-loving state, but I doubted that he was anywhere remotely close to correct.  His bold statement did, however, spark my interest…

It’s taken us a while, but on Sunday, Slick + some friends and I finally tried Vintage Pizzeria.  (Afterwards, I made everyone see The Wolfman.  I’m still really sorry, guys…) 

Vintage Pizzeria

Here’s what I liked about Vintage:  I thought the pizzeria’s random location nearby the Chamblee MARTA station right off from Peachtree Industrial’s sprawling car dealerships was kind of cool.  I honestly didn’t know there was anything interesting in that area that would appeal to a demographic aside from sleazy car salesmen.  Vintage Pizzeria sits directly across the street from railroad tracks and an adorable little dessert trailer called the Frosty Caboose that serves ice cream and a few other sweet treats.

At Vintage, we ordered Carmen’s Own + the Hawaiian pizza* (my favorite) + some wine/ beer.  They pour well at Vintage – just FYI.  :)

Vintage Pizzeria

Vintage Pizzeria

*Note: Why is it that photos of pizza always look like the “what to watch out for” mole pictures at a dermatologists office?  Always – ick.

I have to say that I wasn’t incredibly impressed with Vintage’s decor or atmosphere, but the pizza was above average.  Definitely not the best in town, but possibly a nice alternative to Shorty’s.  I’ll give it that – although, I never thought I needed one.  That is…until I went to Antico Pizza Napoletana with close friends in from New York yesterday.  (I’m so sorry, Shorty’s…)

Antico Pizza Napoletana

Antico is, hands down, the best pizza I’ve ever had in my entire life.  (How’s that for a stand alone statement?!)

I’ve eaten pizza in Italy, New York, Chicago – everywhere that I would think is important, and frankly, Antico is it for me.  I am well-aware that I talk up a lot of restaurants on the blog, but Antico is different.  You have to try it immediately.  (No exclamation point is needed.  This is simply a statement of fact.)  For those who don’t live in Atlanta, come into town and visit me and I’ll take you.  Deal?  Done.

Antico is located in a nondescript space off of Hemphill and 14th, sandwiched between Georgia Tech’s campus and Atlantic Station.  When I walked in, I was greeted by an Italian employee and directed to the hanging menu above the register.  My friends and I decided to share a Margarita pizza with pepperoni*.  We ordered, grabbed some sodas and then seated ourselves at a communal table in the kitchen.  At first, I thought it might be strange to have overflow seating in the restaurant’s kitchen, but I LOVED it!  We got to watch the Antico employees (mostly Italians) kneading the dough, making the pizzas and throwing them into the brick ovens  – all while loud music was bumping throughout the kitchen’s speakers. 

Ovens @ Antico

Brick Ovens @ Antico

Our pizza was delivered to us on a cookie sheet and IT. WAS. AMAZING!  Truly amazing! 

Margarita Pizza @ Antico

The sauce and dough were particularly tasty, while at the same time not overpowering or too filling.  The cheese tasted incredibly fresh and the pepperoni was thinly sliced and crispy.  You just don’t get more authentic than this!  The only problem, though, was that we completely devoured it within minutes.  We immediately regretted not ordering more.  

*Note: A number of people were eating the Bianca pizza (w/ ricotta + buffalo mozzarella) and it looked awesome.

Antico is open Monday – Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – Until Out of Dough.  How cute is that??

I love Antico’s pizza!  I really do.  Shorty’s, sadly, is a thing of the past for me.  (Farewell, old friend.)  As far as I’m concerned, there is only one place worthy of eating pizza at in Atlanta now – and that is Antico Pizza Napoletana.  I’ll see you there very soon.

xx, L

Vintage Pizzeria
5434 Peachtree Road
Chamblee, GA  30341
678.646.0400
www.vintagepizzeria.com

Vintage Pizzeria on Urbanspoon

Antico Pizza Napoletana
1093 Hemphill Ave.
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.724.2333
www.anticopizza.it

Antico Pizza Napoletana on Urbanspoon

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Merry Christmas to ME!

12/23/2009 in Suburbs, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 5 comments

After a slight hair emergency (don’t worry. It’s ok now.) derailed my original plan to spend the day in McDonough with Kindredly, I found myself starting my journey to the southside at 4:00pm. Two days before Christmas.

Yes, traffic was a nightmare but me give you 5 reasons it was the best night…ever.

5. The drive, the DRIVE! As you know, I am strictly an ITP kind of girl, but I felt my mood lift almost instantly as I drove down to McDonough. There is just something about rolling hills and meadows and horses that does it for me! If you are feeling a little uptight, a drive down to the country will do a body good. Trust.

4. I FINALLY got to see Chez Kindredly. I wasn’t shocked to see that she has the MOST adorable home I have ever seen.

tip of the iceberg

tip of the iceberg

The girl has a major talent, I would move into that house tomorrow. Plus, I finally got to meet Mia and Marley, their amazing beagles.

Ash + Marley

Ash + Marley

3. QT with JG. Kindredly has the most adorable hubs ever. As the superintendent of  Canongate Golf Club (please click here to see his amazing work) JG knows just about anything there is to know about grass. And constellations. And all kinds of other useful things. Just ask him.

Knowledgeable.

Knowledgeable.

2. Christmas Lights Tour. I finally got one! And this was totally the way to do it. There were big gorgeous plantation homes with tasteful candles and beautiful wreaths and twinkly white lights and darling little  ranch homes Griswald-esque with with primary-colored strands of lights, multiple illuminated manger scenes, and even enormous blow-up Christmas Winnie the Poohs. Loved it.

1. El Durango. I said it. We drove into Griffin so that I could experience El Durango. Ash + JG only went there about 4 nights a week when they lived in Griffin and I have been hearing about it for 3 years now. I am here to tell you it was everything I dreamed it would be and more. JG got the Cowboy Chicken (it’s not on the menu, y’all.) But it was some kind of cheesy rice with amazing chicken on top which he kindly let me dip my tortilla chips in more than a few times and Ashley and I split the chicken nachos. I don’t know how to explain it, but they were so good that I think they were seasoned with magic. In fact, I am sure of it. PLUS: the wait staff and owners are now personal friends of the G’s and totally treated us like family. I loved it and I can’t wait to go back. If you ever find yourself in Griffin, I am begging you to check out El D. Tell ‘em Ashley sent you.
El Durango
(770) 229-1555
650 N Expwy
Griffin, GA 30223

El Durango on Urbanspoon

OK, I am off to sleep, but Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

See ya at the Bagel Bash!

See ya at the Bagel Bash!

xx, L

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“Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend…”

11/04/2009 in Jewelry, Suburbs, Tricks of the Trade, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 2 comments

…but if you can’t wear diamonds all the time, I suggest you get bedazzled at Francesca’s Collections in the Vinings Jubilee!

4We all know that I can’t resist a good deal and that I love mixing cheap jewelry + nice jewelry, so Francesca’s is absolutely heavenly to me. I used to shop there all the time in Dallas + Austin, loved dropping by the one at The Summit in Birmingham, but I did flips when I stumbled across the one at Vinings Jubilee in Smyrna! (We just need one ITP now. Immediately.)

Here’s the Q+DD on Francesca’s Collections:

Since opening its first store in 1999, Francesca’s Collections has become one of the fastest-growing women’s fashion retailers in the country. This privately held company, with locations in over 28 states, provides its shoppers with an eclectic, carefully chosen assortment of treasured items. Francesca’s provides this unique shopping experience to our patrons by taking its inspiration from travelers who search the world for beautiful luxuries and gifts to bring to their friends and family. When shoppers visit Francesca’s they will find that each boutique is a treasure chest overflowing with gifts, apparel, home accessories, and jewelry that reflect the most fashionable styles and desired items from all over the world. (www.francescascollections.com)

Francesca's Store Front

Francesca's Store Front

The store reminds me of an updated version of your grandmother’s jewelry box and it’s just as exciting when you stumble across some amazingly unique-looking necklace, bracelet or ring. Although the store’s focus is on jewelry, Francesca’s also carries a really nice selection of clothes, picture frames, purses, scarves and random trinkets. It’s an excellent place to find a special gift for a friend or waste away an hour or so trying to conjure up an outfit to match some of Francesca’s adorable accessories.

Inside Francesca's

Inside Francesca's

Francesca’s is surprisingly reasonably priced for the quality and durability of it’s jewelry, and there are always great sales to discover in the back of the store. It’s virtually impossible to leave empty-handed. Drop by today!

Here are all the Georgia locations.

img_0397

xx, L

Francesca’s Collections
4300 Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30339-5703
(770) 431-9672
http://www.francescascollections.com/index.jsp

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TOMO Arigato, Mr. Roboto

07/23/2009 in Suburbs, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 1 comment

My daddy always told me to avoid, at all costs, Mexican food north of Oklahoma. He’s a wise Texas man – just like my favorite Texan, Kinky Friedman:  http://bit.ly/3MVGhq.  Side note: Kinky Friedman’s Guide to Texas Etiquette: Or How To Get To Heaven Or Hell Without Going Through Dallas-Fort Worth is an excellent read!! http://bit.ly/cClm8z

In a similar vein, I also strive to avoid sushi (my #2 favorite food to pizza) when I am away from (1) big cities or (2) cities close to water. But, as previously blogged, I found myself in Smyrna over the weekend and, well, it was dinnertime. After a long day of baking, Dana and I opted for lighter fare for dinner and started debating sushi restaurants. Then, a light bulb went off – I was in the general vicinity of Tomo!

Here’s the Q+DD on Tomo and why you should seriously consider OTP sushi:
Tomo is the creation of Chef Naito, who comes to us from Nobu in Las Vegas. It’s located on Cobb Parkway in a strip right outside of the adorable Vinings Jubilee. It’s an intimate restaurant and less foo-foo than some of the Midtown sushi restaurants that may focus more on atmosphere than sushi quality.
yum yum yum!

yum yum yum!

Although it’s a schlep for those of us ITP, the sushi was incredibly fresh – even on a Sunday! (Note: Many sushi restaurants only get fish deliveries on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which are the best days of the week to get your fish fix.) Dana and I split a few rolls, but our favorite was their House Special Roll (with tuna, yellowtail, salmon, whitefish, smelt egg, eel and avocado). De-lish! Best of all, their amazing fish is priced for the suburbs (which helps make the amount of gas you use to get out there seem much more reasonable). After being so anti-suburban regarding my sushi consumption, I left the restaurant not just full but looking forward to my next visit!
 
 
xx, L
 
Tomo
3256 Cobb Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30339-3896
(770) 690-0555
 

Tomo on Urbanspoon

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