Snippet of the email exchange:

FB: “The Modern Woman.  She eats Smart Ones?”

Linds: “Of course we do!  (Lean Cuisines, to be exact…)  I really loved this.  Thanks!  ”

Me: “I. Die.”

Linds: “and i thought i was the only one who used crayons at work…”

Me: “and pretended to type…”

Happy weekend to all you workin’ gals out there!

xx, L

The 28th Annual Virginia Highland Summerfest is this weekend, folks! 

The Q+DD on VaHi Summerfest:
When: 6/4 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. & 6/5 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Summerfest takes place along tree-lined Virginia Avenue, in the heart of the historic + charming Virginia Highland neighborhood.  (Between North Highland Ave. and Park Dr.) 
Tickets: FREE ADMISSION – donations to the VaHi Civic Association are appreciated.
Buzz: Regularly recognized by local media as one of Atlanta’s best neighborhood festivals + consistently revered by art professionals as one of the best artists’ markets in the southeast, Summerfest is a great event for the entire family.
Arts: The juried artists’ market features work + exhibits from more than 220 of the best artists in the southeast and beyond, in a variety of media including painting, clay, glass, jewelry, photography, printmaking, fiber, wood, metal + mixed media.
Music: The 92.9 Dave FM music stage will feature a variety of renowned local musicians, along with nationally acclaimed singer songwriters.

summerfest '10

And, and, and….I will be there!  Hooray!!

Click righttttt HERE for more info about Summerfest.

dave fm stage at summerfest

Summerfest is a seriously solid festival.  I always end up buying something awesome, eating something fried and terribly delicious + having a great time at it.  The only way that Summerfest could get any better is if there are going to be food trucks this year.   For sure King of Pops (love!) will make an appearance, but I’m talking about FOOD TRUCK food trucks.

Which brings me to one of my favorite parts of last weekend when Loren + Seth (congrats on your engagement guys!) and Slick + I chased down (from Little Five Points to Midtown) two of the trucks remaining in the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race.  We found out that they were filming in and around Atlanta from our friends, Mr. Casey + Foodie Buddha.  Once we did a little research on the contenders, we knew that we were going to set aside time to find them. 

On the show, food trucks travel across the country seeing which can sell the most food.  At the end of each stop, the food truck that made the least money goes home.  Atlanta was the last stop before the finale in Miami.  Hardcore readers may remember that I recently tried the Nom Nom truck in Palm Springs, which was runner up in last year’s The Great Food Truck Race.  I guess that this is sorta becoming my thing…

We only had time to sample two trucks, both of which were fan-freaking-tastic + we plan to root for on the show.  Here’s what we ate:

Truck #1: Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese (Boston, MA) 

(Slick ordering from Roxy’s.)

Oysters ROXYfeller.  Cute.

Grilled CHZ: Vermont cremont cheese, proscuitto de parma + quince.

Grilled CHZ: Private stock cheddar, foie gras, applewood bacon + peach preserve.

So nice…

…it got photographed twice!

We were in cheesy heaven.  And, I got a Roxy’s t-shirt which I proudly wore to the gym yesterday!  Somehow, we found inner-hunger, strength, whatever you want to call it, to check out The Lime Truck up the street.

Truck #2: The Lime Truck (Irvine, CA) 

Crab + Bay Scallop Ceviche.

Green Curry Tofu Quesadilla.

Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos.

Blistered Shishito Peppers.

And, the coolest part of all is that we got to see them filming!

Even now, I’m still stuffed.  Total.  Both trucks were SO good and for such different reasons.  There is a time and place for a loaded grilled cheese.  Likewise, there is a time and place for creative, fresh fish + tofu.  Last weekend, it was time for both. 

Don’t miss Summerfest this weekend in the Highlands.  And, if they have food trucks – I’m sure I’ll see you there.  Play on, players + good luck to Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese + The Lime Truck! 

xx, L

Cafe Agora - Buckhead

Upon arriving at Cafe Agora, Slick introduced me to Al and he slid two glasses of tap H2O in our direction.  I told Al that it was my first time at the Cafe, which had come highly recommended from Slick.  Without saying much, Al walked to the back and came out with a small maza plate of hummus, baba ganoush, ezme, kisir + piyaz and eggplant salad, as well as a small plate of spanakopita.  He sternly informed us that we had to finish everything on the plate if we wanted to eat dinner there.  (It didn’t take long for me to realize that this isn’t a man you want to argue with… ) Instead, I mentally prepared myself to ingest large quantities of Mediterranean food over the next hour and a half – whether I wanted to or not.

As soon as some more of our Eat Squad arrived, we sat down at the somewhat rickety, unassuming tables in the small restaurant and waited to order.  When the server approached our table, he brought over a large version of the maza plate w/ warm pita for the table to share – a nice welcome gift from our friend, Al.

Once we polished it off, the server took our orders.  Everyone except for Foodie Buddha and I got the Agora Mixed Grill (mixed plate of meats).  FB and I ordered the Gyro.  (Honestly, I didn’t really have a choice – I was told (or commanded may be the better word?) by Al to get it.)  Sure – whatever he says.

LISTEN TO AL!!  I loved it.  It was awesome.

I was concerned that the gyro was going to be fatty, but I seriously didn’t find an ounce of fat on it.  Instead, when I unwrapped the aluminum foil holding my huge gyro together, it overflowed with meat, lettuce, onions and tzatziki.  It was delicious, and I ate all of it.

Al brought over a large plate of pistachio baklava for dessert.  I thought that it was pretty greasy, but it was certainly tasty and we didn’t have a problem finishing it.

What a fun experience!  That’s really what it was – an experience.

Al isn’t for everyone – I will say that.  I’m not sure how my father would feel about Al forcing a forkful of food in his face…  And, I kind of think that Al arbitrarily makes up his own prices when you approach the register, which is more than a little eyebrow raising – frankly I’m not sure it’s even legal.  Regardless, I got a kick out of him, and the Cafe Agora gyro has been summoning me back ever since I left on Sunday.  I definitely recommend checking this place out, and please send Al my regards when you do.

xx, L

Cafe Agora
262 E. Paces Ferry Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA  30305
404.949.0900
www.cafeagora.com/index.htm

Aside from Whole Foods-prepared Viet. spring rolls, I’d never eaten Vietnamese food before.  (It’s always interesting not having a benchmark for which to compare new foods or restaurants, but that’s kind of the point of Eat Squad, I guess.) 

This ES session, we had the honor of food blogger FB joining us.  We all sat down at a large round table at the restaurant and perused the extensive menu.  I was pretty overwhelmed, so I asked Mr. B. – who has experience with Viet. food – to order for me.  On his and our friendly waitress’s recommendation, we decided to eat family style and order a number of tasty dishes, a few of which we had to prepare + cook ourselves. 

Below are a few pictures of our meal:

the "create your own spring roll" spread

fish + meat for the spring rolls

waitress showing cari how to prepare the spring rolls

my spring roll didn't really cut it...

cold pot w/ fish, veggies + broken rice (my fav.)

waitress stirring the cold pot and explaining to us the history of broken rice - a famous Viet. peasant dish

i went back for thirds - it was delicious!

veggies to cook in hot pot

fish to cook in hot pot

beef to cook in hot pot

hot pot cooking on our table

mmmmmmmmmmm!

I really enjoyed this meal.  In preparation for my upcoming vacations, I am kinda watching my waistline (only kinda) and I didn’t feel guilty at all about what I ate.  To me, Vietnamese food is like a healthier version of Thai food.  I definitely want to get it again, but I’d like to consider trying some other Viet. restaurants around town.  For the Eat Squad members who had eaten Viet. before, they said that Bamboo was good – but not the best in town.  Whatever the case, I’m happy to know that I like Viet. food and I look forward to trying it again soon.

The next Eat Squad gathering will take us to Cafe Agora in Buckhead for some Mediterranean cuisine.  Stay tuned…

xx, L

Bamboo Grill & Hot Pot
4646 Buford Highway St.
Atlanta, GA  30341
678.580.1727

me + martini

But, I have three critical martini-related rules. 

(Please take note if you plan on ever ordering me a drink..)

Rule #1:  Under no circumstance do I want olives anywhere in or around my drink.  Ick!  HATE olives.  It’s a shame, too, because olives adore me…

Rule #2:  I want to be able to taste the vodka in my martini.  I am an adult – I am not 19 years old and I don’t want to be consuming mostly liqueur.  Thank you very much!  (A few too many nights at Carlos + Charlies in Puerto Vallarta put me off of sweet drinks fo’ life…)

Rule #3:  If I am drinking a martini, I’m going to be seated.  The martini glass is an incredibly poorly designed alcohol vehicle.  Further, I wear heels when I go out – but I am not great in them.  I’m telling you, I know my limitations, you do not want to be anywhere near me when I have a martini glass in my hand and I’m standing up.  I spill them when I’m sitting down!  So please bring the drink to me at a table and we won’t have to worry about our clothes making an immediate dry cleaning trip in the morning. 

Moving on…

I love Holeman + Finch.  (This all ties together, I promise.)  I just love it.  The food is excellent, the scene is superb and I really like the staff.  They are hipster w/o the grease + cut off jean shorts.  And, they are super friendly and attentive.  The high boys in the bar are my favorite location at Holeman to plop down + have a few drinks and small plates. 

holeman

So, I’m there on Friday w/ EZ, Ms. Meri + Loren (not Lauren) and we’re ordering our second round of drinks when our server informs me that my go-to-Gimlet is kind of a boring order.  I quickly assess him and realize that (1) he is wearing skinny jeans (funny + appropriate hipster-waiter attire, which I applaud) and that (2) I’m fairly certain he looks like he knows what he is talking about, so instead of taking offense – I ask for his expert advice.  I made sure he was clear re. my three martini-related rules and he said he’d run with it.  A few minutes later as we were all digging into the Holeman 10:00 p.m. burger that we’d patiently been waiting for since 8:00 p.m., our server came back to the table with my drink.  BIG problem.  He tells me there’s gin in it.  Gin??  I don’t drink GIN.  I drink VODKA!  Needless to say, I’m incredibly skeptical…

However, all it took was one magical sip to win me over.  I like gin!  Who would have thought?!

certainly not us...

I mean it when I say that this was the best drink I’ve had in my life.  It was like flying.  Like a day at the beach.  Like winning a new car on The Price is Right!!  

"one dollar, bob!"

The drink was an AVIATION.  Sayonara, Gimlet, you’ve officially been replaced…

behold its majesty

My old partner in crime, Mindy, is in town and last night we cooked dinner for her family, and then scooted over to Ormsby’s.  We were there for one drink + a meet up w/ the famous FB, when I heard the Aviation summoning me from Holeman.  So, at 11:00 p.m. on a Monday night we headed to Holeman for a late night burger + a few Aviations.  I’m addicted. 

It really is the most amazing drink.  You don’t taste the gin too much, it’s not too sweet at all and it’s surprisingly refreshing.   (“it’s magically delicious!”)

mindy + me + martini = perfection. (math is fun!)

You have to try an Aviation immediately.  Order it @ Holeman tonight.  Seriously!  Or, learn how to make it yourself + impress your friends:

Ingredients:

2 oz of Gin
1/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Dash of Creme de Violette (optional)
Flamed Lemon Peel for Garnish (optional)

Directions:

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled w/ ice
Shake shake shake…
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish
Sip + Enjoy!

How to Make an Aviation Video: http://bit.ly/93rnBF

If this isn’t love, I don’t know what is.

xx, L

Holeman & Finch Public House
2277 Peachtree Road NE Ste. B
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.948.1175
www.holeman-finch.com

Nassau, Bahamas

It’s a double edged sword, really. Being at the beach in the middle of the winter is divine…but December is usually a time for big comfy sweaters not bikinis so I am trying to catch a little bit of anorexia will power. Is it contagious? Should I maybe get a supermodel to breathe on me?

Care to share a Diet Coke from the same glass, anyone?

Needless to say, I am left with mere memories of deliciousness past whilst I graze on my rabbit food.

Today, I am meditating on a recent trip to Morelli’s with the FoodieBuddha.

The Buddha routinely rolls his eyes when I swoon for Yoforia and Tasti D. Newsflash: he has OPINIONS about food. Who knew?

He insisted I experience Morelli’s Ice Cream (please see his post here) and I’m SO glad I did!

The Q+DD is this: Morelli’s is this little bitty hole in the wall on Moreland Avenue (I suggest you bring a boy if you go at night. IJS.) that specializes in out-of-the-ordinary ice creams. They’re also dishing out other homemade goodies such as sorbets, gelatos, smoothies, frappes and even crepes and waffles! As we walked up to the counter and I checked out my choices, my head almost exploded. Jalapeño Coconut. Dulce de Leche chunk. Strawberry Cheesecake. Red Bean. Ginger Lavender. I sampled e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. and everything was amazing.

The adorable (and patient) little girl behind the counter also had us sample her own personal batch of chocolate bourbon ice cream (which was SURPRISINGLY bourbon-y and delicious) before we decided on our order. I chose strawberry cheesecake and he got straight up strawberry (which was probably a better choice) and we both had some kind of peanut butter deliciousness but neither of us can remember what it was exactly. I don’t know if it was the fact that I haven’t had real ice cream in a decade or what, but this stuff was mind-altering.

Here are a few other flavors you may find on their rotating menu: Death by Chocolate, Red Bean, Karachi Kulfi, Maple Walnut, Avocado, Feta…the B was super disappointed that they were not offering his favorite, Sweet Corn, the night we visited.

BONUS: As if the outside-the-box (carton?) flavors weren’t enough! They run hilarious specials. For example: after 6pm on Monday you can kiss your significant other for 20% off your purchase and Tuesdays you can dance for 15 seconds for the same. Loves it.

Good times. Amazing ice cream.

…sssssssssssigh….

xx, L

Morelli’s Ice Cream
749 Moreland Avenue Southeast
Atlanta, GA 30316-7000
(404) 622-0210
www.morellisicecream.com

2. SHOPPING.  After I left Maura, I was in such a good mood that I proceeded to SPEND. ALL. MY. MONEY.  If you are looking for my benjamins, you can find them at the following places: Mitzi and Romano, Paper Source, Barney’s Co-Op and, of course, Nordy’s.

Mitzi + Romano in the Highlands

3. Super Amazing Chili Cookoff. I found FoodieBuddha (crying in his cocktail over Michigan’s loss…) and we made our way to the Atlanta Brewing Company for the 3rd Annual Liberty Park Chili Society Cookoff hosted by Jimmy who writes the blog Eat It Atlanta.

(Sidebar: Y’all.  I have blog friends now.  !!!!.)

The scene at Atlanta Brewing Company

It. Was. Awesome. There were a GRILLION different kinds of chili.  Traditional chilis, creative chilis, superspicy chilis, chocolate-based (mole) chiles, chilis with all kinds of fabulous toppings (hello, pimento cheese on chili!) chilis with various proteins: beef, chicken, turkey, venison, bison, bean (vegetarian)….I mean…I was on chili overload.  The best part for me, though, was the shameless lobbying that each charismatic chili chef was doing for their own chili.  Loved it. I think it was safe to say that equal parts moxie and chili were served that evening.  The Buddha felt like personality weighed heavily on the way he would cast his vote and I had to agree.  Eventually all votes were cast…

brilliant. I straight up stole this picture from Eat It, Atlanta.

And tallied…

(counting ballots)

The ultimate winner was, as I predicted, Cowboy Hat Chili. Dude had on a cowboy hat and reminded voters of his moniker as he doled out ladlefuls.  Sage advice from the musical Gypsy, “you gotta get a gimmick if you want to get ahead…”

"Don't forget Cowboy Hat, y'hear?"

Jimmy + friends raised a chunk of change for Project Open Hand and everyone seemed to have a blast…I know we did!

My new chili friends. Hi!

4. Post-Chili Beverages. The Buddha and I decided to wash down our chili with a few drinks at the Bookhouse on Ponce.  Y’all: I adore this bar. It’s low key and cozy and funky and just a perfect little place to hang out.  We were, of course, NOT eating, but the menu looked pretty darn good.  Gastro-pubby.  You know.

I ordered a flight of delicious beer, mostly selections from the specials menu:

hand-crafted beer thingy

and FB got a super-manly Cape Cod:

Our adorable server. The umbrella was a nice touch, thanks!

Fab fab fab.  Thanks for taking me, FoodieBuddha! Even though you make me take pictures by myself, you’re a riot and you show me great places, so I forgive you.

The BookHouse Pub
(404) 254-1176
Ponce de Leon Place
Atlanta, GA 30306
www.thebookhousepub.com

5. Face-time with 4 Gorgeous Faces. Bonus!  On my way home, I popped over to Eclipse di Luna to say a quick hello to these lovely ladies…

…before they danced the night away at the newly-opened Gold Room on Piedmont.

It was a fabulous little Saturday…have I mentioned I love this city?

xx, L

Lego Sushi!

Amazing.

Which reminded me that I heard the company that builds and operates Legoland theme parks is scouting four sites in metro Atlanta for its LEGOLAND Discovery Center concept, described as an indoor attraction and Lego retail store, which could be open as soon as spring 2011!

Which reminded me that back in August I heard that a belated birthday celebration was held for President Obama at Legoland Chicago.

Lego Barak and Michelle!

Which reminded me of this picture I stumbled upon recently:

Obama's likness in sushi!

You see how I brought it full-circle?

xx, L

PS. I didn’t know how to work this in here, but Linds, Slick and I found this to be equal parts hilarious and disturbing. Enjoy:

One night only! One night only!

No?

Ok, well, for one night only, this Saturday, October 17th, SCAD will be holding a photography exhibition at Atlantic Station (Atlantic Drive + 18th Street, directly above Doc Greens.) from 6-10PM.

From the SCAD Photography Exhibition blog:

Come to the SCAD Atlanta Photography Exhibition – this is a juried show with over 100 photographers, students, faculty, staff & alumni participating with a variety of photographic based works.

This photographic event is held in conjunction with Atlanta Celebrates Photography and the Society of Photographic Educators Southeastern Annual Conference.

The event was co-curated by Judith Pishnery, Marlene Hawthrone-Thomas, Deidre Tyree Smith, Taylor Lupton, Gabrielle Sirkin, Jennifer Jacoby and Eric Mason.

Exhibition Space provided by Atlantic Station. Refreshments provided by the 19th Street Cafe, Boneheads and Rosa Mexicana.

xx, L

PS. Thanks Foodie Buddha!