So, as you know, this weekend Lindsay went to DC.

As expected she saw lots of DC friends including

Anjali and Dana

and Sir Soren

PRESH!

What she didn’t know she’d be seeing was:

A ’62 Bentley

Kevin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND he put a ring on it!  The proposal happened at the Senate Reflecting Pool

To drinks at Poste Brasserie

To dinner and dessert at Central Michel Richard

It was a picture-perfect night!

Best wishes for an amazing, wonderful, magical, laughter-filled life, Lindsay and Kevin!

I could NOT BE HAPPIER!  You’re perfect and I just love you both.

xx, L

P.S. I am SURE special thanks go to DC residents and extra special friends Anjali and Captain Kurt!

I am really looking forward to some serious girl time with these lovely ladies + blog regulars:

pretty little anjali

ENB

dana dana dana

And, I can’t wait to meet THIS handsome man!! 

sir soren!

I hope everyone has a great weekend + gets to enjoy the gorgeous Atlanta weather!  See y’all on the flip!

xx, L

flip cup champion (what, what!)

Well then, you may be v. interested to hear about THIS:

On Sunday, May 15, Atkins Park Tavern in the Virginia Highlands will host a cornhole tournament from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the back parking lot of the restaurant to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training.

The event will also feature live music from Homefront, cold beer from Sweetwater Brewery, lunch + dinner specials cooked in the Big Green Egg + a raffle.  (Oh, how I love a raffle!) 

Registration fees cost $25 per person for a single entry or $50 for a team of two + 100% of the participants’ registration fees will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Participants will receive one complimentary Sweetwater beer with registration.  Raffle items + team prizes include a hot air balloon ride, restaurant + bar gift certificates, a Sweetwater cornhole set, Sweetwater brewery tour passes and more.

yeaaaaaaaaah!

Participants must compete in teams of two + those who are interested can call 404.876.7249 or stop by the restaurant to pre-register with the manager on duty.  All singles will be placed with another single to make a team.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged; however, teams who wish to register the day of the event need to arrive by 1:30 p.m. to be placed in the brackets.  Play begins at 2:00 p.m. for all teams + a prize will be awarded to the winning team!

I do enjoy a good cornhole touney – especially when the proceeds go to such a worthy cause!

Come join the competition at Atkins Park on Sunday! 

xx, L

Atkins Park Tavern – Virginia Highlands
794 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA  30306
404.876.7249
www.atkinspark.com

Taverna Plaka

I hadn’t been to T. Plaka in maybe five years + I’d completely forgotten how much fun it is!  After the three hours we spent there, I’m convinced that it should be on everyone’s list for a bachelor/ bachelorette party, places to go when you have friends in town, or special (fun NOT romantic) occasion!

Dana had about 20 people out to celebrate with her + even before we could order drinks and get a bit crazy, one of the belly dancers brought her up on top of the table to get her Greek grove going!

happy birthday, dana!

The energy was great!  Then, all of the ladies were called up to participate in what to me seemed like a big Greek hora around the restaurant while everyone clapped + danced to traditional music.  Paper napkins were thrown everywhere with shouts of “OPA!”

OPA!

And, Ouzo shots…don’t forget those bad boys! 

"shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots - 'erbody!"

 By this time, we’d all worked up an appetite…  T. Plaka’s menu is pretty extensive, so my end of the table decided to do the $25 per person Mezedes: special chef menu for parties of two or more with all plates served family style.  It was the easiest choice + seemed like a good way to taste a bunch of dishes.

The first thing they brought out for the table was do-it-yourself hummus.  Slick worked on ours + it was super delish!  Fingers in the bowl + all…

Then, they brought out a cold spreads platter (eggplant, red pepper and cucumber spreads) and a Greek village salad.  All were sufficiently yummy, but we didn’t focus on them long because the flaming cheese (saganaki) was next! 

The server lit the cheese at the table + set it down while it was still flaming a bit.  It was pretty exciting to watch when you were a few drinks in…  M. Reynolds, Slick + I really enjoyed the cheese, but Cute Cari and Jordana described it as a “cheese version of tofu” – way too bland for them.  That was fine, though, because it meant more for us!

Before we knew it, the rest of the meal was out on the table + we were overloaded with delicious plates of spanakopita, chicken and beef kabobs, gyro meat, rice pilaf, and moussaka. 

They were all really good, but we had to finish them fast because Dana was back on the table in the blink of an eye dancing + holding an adorable Sugar Sugar birthday cake!  Sugar Sugar cakes are the very best in town + Dana’s was even better (if that is even possible) as it was accompanied by some of T. Plaka’s seriously scrumptious baklava.

Shortly thereafter, T. Plaka turned into a full-on club bumping Usher + Kesha tunes.  I think we were all caught a bit off-guard when the traditional Greek music transitioned to Top 100, but we embraced it for approximately 15 minutes before we called it an Ouzo-laced evening. 

T. Plaka is way more fun than I’d remembered it + I can’t wait to throw a party there or take friends who are in town.  With so many restaurants in Atlanta that seem like carbon copies of each other, T. Plaka is the perfect place to spice up your routine! 

Opa + happy birthday, Dana!

xx, L

Taverna Plaka
2196 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA  30324
404.636.2284
www.tavernaplakaatlanta.com

5- Your kitchy facade + adorable decor makes me smile.

4 - Your 50′s-attired waitresses.  Just love them.

3 – Your wheat germ pancakes.  So healthy, so delicious!

2 - I think it’s really rad that you’re named after the cafe in To Kill a Mockingbird.

1 - You are such a great place to meet up at for a Sunday brunch!

In the six years I’ve lived in Atlanta, I’ve been to the OK Cafe many times – but only ever for brunch.  While I know that I need to go for lunch + dinner at some point, the OK Cafe has successfully satisfied Sunday morning cravings for loaded omelettes + tasty pancakes + an adorable atmosphere for years – and will for years to come! 

You’re so much more than just OK, OK Cafe! 

xx, L

OK Cafe
1284 W. Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA  30327
404.233.2888
www.okcafe.com

st. pat's 2009

st. pat's 2010

Green beer + pinching strangers…count me in! 

However, I do absolutely love Halloween.  It’s an incredibly close #2.  And, I take it VERY seriously. 

cat (boring, but whatev.)

jailbird martha

kanye west + gold digger

electric socket (plug: not pictured)

tex mex

viking

million dollar baby

military pin-ups

Costuming takes commitment + months of planning, people.  However, this year my costume has already been decided for me.  I’m not quite sure how I feel about that yet, but I am definitely excited for what we have planned…

I’m going w/ Slick + co. to the Florida vs. Georgia game in Jacksonville! 

So, I will be pretending to be a Florida fan for the entire holiday weekend!  It will absolutely take a serious commitment on my behalf to pull this one off.  It is going to be SO fun!   My challenge now is to somehow make jorts + a mullet super cute.   I really just want to fit in…

hot

Or, I’ve been contemplating these as backups:

super sexy ref

Vertical stripes are flattering, but I am a little concerned that I might get cold.  In case the weather plummets, this may be a solid alternative outfit to consider:

full gator

I don’t know.  I just really wish they made this in my size:

I know I’ll be able to come up with something to fully demonstrate my commitment to the holiday, but I’m kinda hitting a road block.  I’m almost a month and a half away – the pressure is on!

Go Longhorns Gators!  

PSA:  For those staying in Atlanta for the #2 best holiday of the year, it’s time to dust off the ol’ thinking cap and start working on your creative costumes!  The clock is ticking. 

And, I will judge you.  Fact.

pets are just too easy...

Hooray for Halloween 2010! 

 xx, L

Syracuse + Skaneatles:

d's wedding

hellloooooo from heaven

N. Georgia Mountains:

gorgeousness @ lake burton, but watch out for...

...this guy. eek!

Columbia (SC):

levin wedding @ columbia museum of art

dancing machines

Random Arkansas:

Even random-er New Jersey, where I really hope to see:

my fav. gym-tan-laundry homies, the cast of Jersey Shore!

(Love things + people + awesomeness from New Jersey as much as I do?  If so, you may want to know about Jersey Shore’s Mike “the Situation’s” first stab at literary excellence: http://tiny.cc/gj75j!  I digress…)

I’ve learned a few things here and there throughout my travels, and I am confident that I can reduce some travel-related stress with just five points to remember below:

5-  If you are flying out of or connecting in Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport and need food or want to waste away a few hours at a bar while waiting for your departure, head directly for Terminal E.  They have my favorite food selections, including some healthy options, and a really great wine bar located right next to the duty free store = dangerous.  Also, Term. E has the only fine dining restaurant in the airport, One Flew South, for you fancy-pants travelers, you.

One Flew South (Terminal E)

4- Go through security in the first class + medallion gate.  I am a Delta medallion flyer and always go through the security gates all the way to the back of Delta’s check in area, and I have NEVER had anyone ask me to show them proof of my status.  Don’t be a schmo, if you are in a rush to make your flight, take advantage of a faster line for security.  I promise I won’t tell on you…

don't do it.

3-  Need a last minute mani/pedi before the big trip, but don’t have much time?  No problemo.  Head on over to the XpresSpas in Terminals A + C for some quickie pre-flight spa services.

XpresSpa (Terminals A + C)

2-  Why waste $30 to check your bags when you can just be a thoughtful packer and save yourself some dough?  Carry on your baggage whenever possible – particularly if you are flying Delta, which has the highest incidence in the airline industry for losing traveler’s baggage.  Slick lost his luggage on Delta five times out of the last eight flights he’s taken.  Fact. 

Ladies:  Do not EVER pack your make-up or a bridesmaid dress.  Trust me – it’s never worth the risk.

delta hates you, slick

1-  Talk to your neighbor(s) on the plane – at least for a little while.  You never know who you’ll meet.  I’ve had friends who have met people who have set them up on dates, helped them to network for jobs and made some pretty cool random connections – even if it’s just a new book recommendation.  Who knows, you may even find a friend to chow down w/ at One Flew South in Terminal E… 

pleased to meet you - i am your new friend, lindsay.

Just, please, watch out for snakes.  (Don’t say I didn’t warn you, oh weary travelers…)

Snakes on a Plane

Safe travels this summer.  See y’all around Hartsfield-Jackson! 

xx, L

One Flew South
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
600 N. Terminal Parkway (Terminal E)
Atlanta, GA  30320
404.816.3464
www.oneflewsouthatl.com

congrats guys!!

However, when we weren’t busy with our numerous wedding festivities…

posing for pictures

spending time w/ the bride

being awesome

getting ICED (thx, slick...)

…we passed the time chowing down at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que!  There wasn’t a whole lot to do in Syracuse, but Dinosaur kept us busy + stuffing our faces for hours – and we anticipated each return over the weekend!

Salt Lick + Fat Matt’s, who??  Seriously.

Here’s the Q+DD on Dinosaur Bar-B-Que:

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a restaurant, blues venue, and biker bar in Syracuse, New York.  Opened in 1983 on Willow Street in downtown Syracuse, it specializes in authentic barbecue using a wood-fueled barbecue pit.  The restaurant markets its sauce, pulled pork, chili, and baked beans at local supermarkets, and at Wegmans, Fairway, D’Agostino’s, Price Chopper, and Shaw’s Supermarkets across the Northeast.  Two additional locations have also opened in Rochester, New York (in the old Lehigh Valley Railroad Station) in 1998, and Harlem, New York in 2004.   In May 2009, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que was voted America’s best barbecue in ABC’s Good Morning America poll, beating out entrants from across the United States.  Approximately 4,000 out of the 7,500 participants in the poll selected Dinosaur Bar-B-Que as the best in the nation.  (www.wikipedia.com)

Words do not do it justice.  You must witness…

I know I can be a bit of an exaggerator from time to time, but I MEAN it when I say that this was some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had.  It was even better than it looked!  I can’t believe how much I ate there - I really can’t.  The ribs.  Oh, the ribs! 

P.S. You can buy the Dinosaur cookbook + BBQ sauce online here:  DINOS!

Point of this prehistoric post:  Next time you are in NY, you absolutely must, must, MUST make a point to visit The Dinosaur!  Honestly, booking a special trip for it might be necessary…  DO NOT pass up an opportunity to get down and dirty w/ some BBQ there!  Trust me. 

RARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

xx, L

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
246 W. Willow Street
Syracuse, NY  13202
315.476.4937
www.dinosaurbarbque.com

(the ones that look like ants running around are my personal fav)

Well, look no further!  Check out the Atlanta Citysearch July 4th Guide here:  FIREWORKS!!

LK + Slick + I will be traveling up to Syracuse, NY this weekend to watch these two loooove birds tie the ol’ k-n-o-t.

dana + scott

Congrats D+S!  We can’t wait! 

Even though we won’t be in Atlanta to celebrate with all of y’all, we wish you many sticky R+W+B popsicles…

don't forget your shout wipes!

…and we hope you have as much fun on your 4th as Dana had at her bachelorette party!

yeahooooooo!

(Just please don’t end up like this dude…)

eek! orange jumpsuits are NOT flattering, ladies.

Happy 4th, everyone!  Be safe + have lots of fun! 

xx, L

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

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