steak tartare w/ miso-soy glaze, sesame aioli + quail egg

It’s legit.  That’s all.

xx, L

Abattoir
1170 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.892.3335
www.starprovisions.com

I really, really LOVE this. 

Of all the gorgeous items I’ve bought from Anthro + loved dearly over the years, a furry friend might just be what I’ve been needing most…  I will definitely be there!   

xx, L

Anthropologie – Howell Mill
1207 Howell Mill Road NW
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.355.4889
www.anthropologie.com

KILLER TOMATO!!

This spectacular, tomato-themed event brings together some of the South’s best chefs, farmers + mixologists to join forces to benefit Georgia Organics.  (Last year’s festival raised a whopping $17,000 for the organization!)

Top Tomato Ford Fry, owner and executive chef of JCT. Kitchen & Bar and co-owner of the soon-to-open No. 246 in Atlanta, is heading up the celebration + turning JCT. Kitchen & Bar into a tomato sanctuary that will also span the upstairs bar and outdoor courtyard area.  This year’s festival has been expanded to include an additional 400 tickets for a total of 1,400 available for attendees + will spread out over the Westside Provisions District bridge to feature more chef and mixologist participants. 

Participating chefs include:

Jay Swift of 4th & Swift
David Larkworthy of 5 Seasons Brewing Company
Anne Quatrano of Abattoir, Bacchanalia, Star Provisions, Floataway Café and Quinones
Gerry Klaskala of Aria
Todd Ginsberg of Bocado
Carvel Grant Gould of Canoe
Shane Touhy of Dogwood
Hugh Acheson of Empire State South, Five and Ten and The National
Matt Palmerlee of Farm 255
Cooper Miller of The Feed Store
Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club
Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen & Bar
Bruce Logue of La Pietra Cucina
Craig Richards of La Tavola Trattoria
Zeb Stevenson of Livingston
Steven Satterfield of Miller Union
Donald Sargent of Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream
Drew Van Leuvan of ONE. midtown kitchen
Andrew Smith of Ormsby’s
Hector Santiago of Pura Vida
Kevin Rathbun of Rathbun’s, Kevin Rathbun Steak and Krog Bar
Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene and Holeman & Finch Public House
Gary Mennie of Table 1280
Ron Eyester of Rosebud and The Family Dog
Scott Serpas of Serpas True Food
Jenny Levison of Souper Jenny
Christopher Neff of Sprig
Eddie Hernandez of Taqueria del Sol
Joe Truex of Watershed
Patric Bell of West Egg Café
Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill
Shaun Doty of Yeah! Burger

Each featured chef will be paired with a local farmer to create a yummy tomato dish for attendees to sample, while the featured mixologists listed below will stir up their own signature cocktails.

Participating mixologists include:

Kevin Bragg of 4th and Swift
Heather Miller of Abattoir
Erik Meadows of Bacchanalia
Kellie Thorn of Empire State South
Virginia Ramsey of Floataway Café
Andy Minchow of Holeman & Finch Public House 
Lara Creasy of JCT. Kitchen & Bar
Miles MacQuarrie of Leon’s Full Service
Stuart White of Miller Union
Brian Stanger of Top Floor
Paul Calvert of Sound Table (our buddy!)

High-profile judges including CNN Features Editor Cybil Wallace, Food & Wine Restaurant Editor Kate Krader, Bon Appétit Restaurant Editor Andrew Knowlton, and registered dietician, food journalist + nutrition expert Carolyn O’Neil will be choosing the best dish, best beverage and best table decorations.  The festivities will also include live entertainment from The Spazmatics + local chef band Five Bone Rack.

Tickets now cost $55 for Georgia Organics members + $60 for the general public.  After July 1, tickets will be available for $70 per person.  Get ’em here: KILLER TOMATOES ON THE LOOSE!  

This festival is sure to be a blast! 

xx, L

JCT. Kitchen & Bar
1198 Howell Mill Road NW
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.355.2252
www.jctkitchen.com

Please enjoy:

I don’t think I could love this store any more if I tried. 

xx, L

Jonathan Adler
1198 Howell Mill Rd.
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.367.0414

http://www.jonathanadler.com/

Case in point, after lunch on the Westside yesterday, I mosied into Anthro’s Howell Mill location to kill some time + look around.  (Never a good idea for the wallet…)  Shortly thereafter, I walked out with three adorable vases for my bedroom:

curvy chrysanthemum vase

rose of sharon grand vase

anemone mezzo vase

And a replacement of my favorite candle in my living room:

voluspa japonica candle tin

Here are a few other items I have my eyes on…

austin's flora measuring cups

wise 'ol cookie jar orange

antiqued giraffe taper, bending

gulping guppy ring dish

paper sketch green vases

Have I mentioned that I am allergic to flowers??  I’ll take a decorative vase any day, though.   

Anthropologie’s home section is so fun to casually peruse while on the hunt for a special something for a housewarming party, a birthday (check out their jewelry section, too), or simply a cute any-day-that-ends-in-”Y” gift. 

Check out Anthro’s Westside location or visit their home section online. 

xx, L

Anthropologie (Westside location)
1207 Howell Mill Rd. NW
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.355.4889
http://www.anthropologie.com/

…but a v. close #2 just popped right up in Atlanta at the Westside Urban Market!

Jonathan Adler - Atlanta

Jonathan Adler’s new showroom in Atlanta made my weekend…and put a little dent in my bank account…but mostly made my weekend! 

JA was very busy on Saturday + I didn’t feel right taking pictures inside his gorgeous new Westside spot, but here’s a sneak peek inside the L.A. store:

So lovely!  So energizing!  So inspiring!  I fell totally head over heels in love with JA’s bright colors and whimsical knick knacks!

I wanted to buy e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. (West Elm + CB2 who?? I mean, really.), but only had a couple of minutes to pick up some adorable doodads for our humble abode.  Here’s what I grabbed…

A Snake Trivet:

Mr. + Mrs. Muse Salt + Pepper Shakers:

(Which was a hard decision because there were so many cute ones to choose from…)  JA’s Salt + Pepper Collection below:

And, I really wanted this Enamel Bracket Frame, but I am waiting for them to get the orange one in stock:

I’m also obsessed with JA’s bedding, but that’s for another day…

This store is AMAZEBALLS + it’s going to be very hard for me not to run in there on a weekly basis during lunch.  Love, love, LOVE Jonathan Adler! 

Welcome to the A, JA! 

xx, L

Jonathan Adler
1198 Howell Mill Rd.
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.367.0414
http://www.jonathanadler.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xx, L

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

embracing mexican culture

I am pretty well-versed with regard to Atlanta’s Mexican cuisine + frequent many local Mex restaurants, but I rarely go to Rosa Mexicano.

When it first opened, I was there all the time guzzling down their signature pomegranate margaritas, but as Atlantic Station started to grow, I lost interest.  The food was consistently good + the drinks were always well-made, don’t get me wrong, I just really got over the initial excitement.

Well, it’s back – big time.  Slick and I went with his family this weekend, who were all in town from JAX.  We hadn’t intended on eating at Rosa Mexicano, but close to dinner time the JAX crew decided to check out our H&M (since they don’t have one) + it just made sense to eat nearby. 

When I think of Rosa, the first thing that comes to mind is their Tableside Guacamole - which out of towners love and is always fun to watch (+ delicious, I might add).  We ordered up some of that to share + went to TOWN.

rosa's tableside guac

For an additional starter, we selected the Flautas de Pollo: three rolled crispy chicken tacos topped with salsa pasilla de Oaxaca, salsa verde, queso fresco + crema.  They were so incredibly delicious, we all wished we’d ordered more!

I was starting to get full + wasn’t in the mood to completely stuff myself, so I opted for Rosa’s Tortilla Soup for my entree: pasilla chile soup with grilled chicken, avocado, shredded cheese, crema + crispy tortilla chips.  Slick was initially pretty disappointed with my uncharacteristically anti-climactic order, but quickly changed his mind when he took a bite.  It’s was SO good!  Whether you order it as your entree or to accompany something a bit more substantial, you are guaranteed to enjoy it!  It’s light (broth based – not cream), but filling, and was seriously YUM.

Everyone else ordered larger entrees which looked + smelled wonderful.  I heard a bunch of forks scraping plates towards the end of the meal…

During dinner, I sipped on a margarita (which they make v. strong), but I must tell you that one of my favorite Mexican drinks is featured on their menu: A Michelada.  You NEED to try it – especially sitting on their patio on a sunny day!  It’s a Mexican beer cocktail with Tecate, fresh lime juice + spices served over ice in a glass with a salted rim.  I was very pleased to see it on their menu. 

rosa's michelada

Slick’s family loved the restaurant + commented on how hip they thought the atmosphere was and how excellent the service was that we received.

post-meal pic

While I was leaving the restaurant, I felt a bit remorseful for neglecting it for so long.  The food is exceptional (albeit pricey for Mexican – and I’m not always in the mood for “black tie Mex”) + I always leave very pleased.  I really do like this place!  I’m so glad I rediscovered Rosa, and I definitely plan to be back soon.

For Men: Drinks + appetizers at Rosa followed by a movie at the Regal theatre across the street makes for a great date!

P.S. Don’t forget about Rosa’s super-fun I Rocked the Guac cooking challenge event!  It’s still one of my favorites + Rosa is great to work with for corporate + social events.

xx, L

Rosa Mexicano
245 18th Street NW
Atlanta, GA  30363
404.347.4090
www.rosamexicano.com

Celebrate Carnivale @ King Plow Arts Center on Friday, February 18!

Be transported to Rio de Janeiro + greeted by dynamic street performers!  Slip into a vibrant world filled with dancers, live music, interactive gaming boots (including palm and tarot card readers), a photo booth and more!  A decadent VIP area will raise the temperature to sultry South American heights with burlesque performances by Minette Magnifique + music from DJ Mike Zarin of CaZ.  The event will also include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a chocolate fountain (uh…IN!), a raffle + a silent auction.

(you had me at chocolate fountain...)

Funds raised at Carnivale will directly support Actor’s Express.  What’s Actor’s Express?  Click ME, Click ME to find out!

Pricing options for all budgets:

Samba: $60
Includes Carnivale entry for one, two drinks + two booth tickets.

Ipanema: $90
Grants Carnivale entry for one, unlimited drinks and entry to VIP area + five booth tickets.

Bossa Nova: $150
Provides Carnivale entry for one, unlimited drinks, unlimited booth tickets, entry to VIP area, one raffle ticket + one ticket to an Actor’s Express production.

Tickets are available online at www.actors-express.com or by phone at 404.607.SHOW.  Get ‘em while they’re HOT, HOT, HOT! 

This is the perfect excuse to dust off the ol’ dancin’ feathers you’ve been storing in the back of your closet…

Or, you can certainly opt for a slightly-muted masquerade motif like I proudly adorned when I celebrated Carnivale in Spain…longer ago than I will ever admit.

Carnivale in Cadiz, Spain

(You could also dress like a normal person…but what’s the fun in that?!)

Attention Gentlemen: I think that this would be an amazing date – particularly if you are just starting to see someone and want to be creative + interactive.  There will be so much going at King Plow (palm readers, tarot cards, street performers, silent auction, DRINKS, etc…) + it is absolutely guaranteed to be a blast! 

ALSO - If you aren’t ready quite yet to go all out for V-Day with that special someone – make a date for THIS instead!  (Flash back to my first V-Day with Slick after dating for a month + he took me to see Gran Torino.  Excellent movie, but serious V-Day FAIL.)

“People in the party are HOT, HOT, HOT!”  Never. gets. old…  “I’m hot, you’re hot, he’s hot, she’s hot…” 

xx, L

I do.

That episode came to mind when my friend Ksenia suggested West Egg Café for a regular ol’ workday lunch and, up until this point, West Egg has strictly been a breakfast spot for me.

(Note: I am aware that the proper conjugation of breakfast and lunch is Brunch.  Duh.  But I was in a suit so it felt more dinner-y and I really wanted to bring up Scrubs today so sue me.)

Back to lunch. If someone can tell me something more delicious than a fried green tomato and pimento cheese BLT on toasted challah, I wish they would tell me what it is because this thing was ridiculous!  Witness:

Ksenia selected the “West Side Turkey Club”: Sweet tea basted turkey breast, bacon, Swiss cheese, cranberry Dijon mustard, mayo, and field greens on wheat.  
I love West Egg and it’s new-ish location in White Provisions.  The good news is, for lunch, it’s not quite as crowded! Plus, they serve breakfast ALL day and, you know…xx, L

West Egg Cafe
(404) 872-3973
1100 Howell Mill Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
www.westeggcafe.com