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In Case You’re Hungry this Week…

03/08/2010 in Buckhead, Events!, Inman Park, Restaurant Weeks, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 4 comments

Please do not forget that it is BUCKHEAD RESTAURANT WEEK. I can’t wait to eat at Anis tonight! I’m feeling very French already...

You know, in Paris they're just "fries"

I know it’s late notice, but the INMAN PARK SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK is also 03/08 (today!) through 03/14!

The Q+DD on IPRW: You know the drill. Great restaurants at a crazy discount. One week only! Although, as a good-karma extra, this Spring, the event will benefit the Believe In Me Foundation, which supports the education and welfare of children with autism and is led by Chef Shaun Doty.

Bonus: $1 raffle tickets will be sold and will go towards the charity.  The Winner will win an hors d’ouerves, beer and wine party for 30 people hosted by Kevin  Rathbun.  Each participating chef will create an appetizer, chooose beer and wine, and celebrate the evening  with thirty of the winner’s friends.  

As in IPRWs past (view my previous post here) the restaurant discounts are in tiers:

$15: Fritti, Pure Taqueria, The Albert, North Highland Pub (dinner for 2)

$25: Wisteria, Parish Food & Goods, Fritti, Park’s Edge, Rathbun’s, Sauced, Shaun’s, Zaya Mediterranean Cuisine

$35: Kevin Rathbun Steak, Sotto Sotto

I must admit: I am SHOCKED that I can even THINK about food after the amazing amount of homemade Pizza Rolls and Milk Duds I consumed at our friend Meredith’s fabulous Oscar party last night…

= LK on the red carpet

xx, L

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BACONFEST

03/06/2010 in Events!, Festivals, Highlands, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

Yeah, you heard right…  I’m talking about the other white meat.  A whole lot of it, too.

peace out, wilbur

DAD’S GARAGE THEATRE PRESENTS
THE 10TH ANNUAL BACONFEST
SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010
 
The Annual Fundraiser Features Local Bands: Futureshock, Mike LaSage and the Stumbling Troubadours, The Jaguars, Nine Inch Neils, Baron Saturday of Judi Chicago DJ Set, and Performances by Dad’s Garage House Bands, The Fingering Brothers and Bases Loaded
 
Tickets On Sale Now + All Proceeds to Benefit Dad’s Garage Theatre Company


 
THE Q+DD ON BACONFEST: 
The 10th Annual Dad’s Garage BaconFest, a one-day event featuring live music, improv, games, beer, bacon and more, will be held on Saturday, March 27 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Dad’s Garage Theatre Company in Inman Park.  A neighborhood tradition, each year BaconFest raises funds for the treasured mid-sized theatre that is devoted to elevating awareness about the arts in Atlanta.
 
Founded by Dad’s Garage co-founder George Faughnan in 1995, the meat-centric festival has grown to cult-like status, attracting a diverse and devoted legion of Atlantans each year.  Building its following off a simple foundation of combining bacon, beer and bands, the festival also includes nonstop games.  Past favorites include; Hunt an Improvisor, Guitar Hero Challenge, fortunetelling, X-rated face painting, and a malt liquor taste test challenge.  Live music performances at this year’s event include local artists: Futureshock, Mike LaSage and the Stumbling Troubadours, The Jaguars, Nine Inch Neils, and a special DJ set by Judi Chicago’s Baron Saturday.  Dad’s Garage’s house bands The Fingering Brothers and Bases Loaded will also make appearances.
 
In addition to the fun and games at BaconFest, festival goers can bid on an array of silent auction items donated by local businesses.  This year’s silent auction will feature items donated by Dad’s Garage, Alternative Apparel, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Only You Tattoo, Third Half Studios, and many more.
 
Tickets for the 10th Annual Dad’s Garage Baconfest are sale now and are available from $15 to $45.  Dad’s Garage will offer three ticket level categories: General Admission, Mid-Level and VIP.  Mid-Level and VIP tickets will be available in limited quantities at $35 and $45, respectively.  The VIP ticket will include a special improv performance following BaconFest at 5:00 p.m.  Advanced tickets can be purchased online at the Dad’s Garage Ticket Office or at the gate the day of the event.

Visit www.dadsgarage.com for additional information, updates and directions. 


ABOUT DAD’S GARAGE THEATRE:
Founded in 1995, Dad’s Garage Theatre Company has grown from a small volunteer led organization to a thriving mid-size theatre led by professional artistic and administrative staff that includes over 300 volunteers and performers.  We now entertain more than 30,000 people each year at our two-theatre facility in Inman Park, public events across the state, and at improv festivals across the continent.  In addition to outrageous original productions, Dad’s Garage produces improv shows 52 weeks per year, educates young improvisers in a year-round high school outreach program, and facilitates on-site classes and workshops for the general public.  Dad’s Garage is committed to elevating the awareness of the arts in the Atlanta community through the production of original theatrical works, education and the creative outlets found through improvisation.

BACK TO ME…
My good buddy, Goldie, makes his famous BACON EXPLOSION on the most special of occasions.  Ironically, Goldie + I are friends from Jewish sleep-away camp…

goldie + me

Although I hear about it all the time (does it reeeeeeeally exist?), I’ve not yet had the supreme honor of feasting on this artery-clogging beast. 

Goldie's BACON EXPLOSION!!

not kosher

However, I am positive that BaconFest 2010 will be an absolutely excellent substitute! 

Gosh, I’m the world’s worst Jewish girl…  :)

xx, L

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Lind$ay + Ke$ha = BFF

03/03/2010 in Britney Spears, What we're Listening To by Lindsay | 7 comments

I have a pretty huge girl crush on Ke$ha… 

I mean, she’s a bit on the trashy side compared to my other girl crushes – but she’s got some serious attitude and I’m digging it.  Ke$has (pronounced KESH-a) is like a really bad girl version of Katy Perry.  She’s like a highly functioning clone of Britney Spears in her psycho era.  (Love you, Brit!  Glad you’re back to normal.)  She’s had a hard life, too, even living in her car at one point.  Admittedly, Ke$ha need a hair brush + she might be a little crazy….she broke into Prince’s house a few years ago to give him a demo.  But, I guess we all have our moments…  Whatever.  Who am I to judge?  To me, Ke$ha kind of epitomizes the starving artist who moved to L.A. to make it big…but she actually did.  And, she’s way young – only 21 years old.  That in itself is pretty impressive. 

I dig the dollar sign in her name, and for the purpose of this post I’ve adopted it in mine.  Ke$ha refers to her style as “garbage-chic” – Keith Richards is her inspiration – and I have to say, I kind of dig it.  I’d probably never model my personal fashion after hers, but I appreciate her unique look.  I also like the Clockwork Orange inspired make-up she sports around her right eye. 

Her song, “Tik Tok,” is excellent for my elliptical workouts and is always stuck in my head.  According to Billboard, “Tik Tok” is the longest running number one debut single by a female artist since 1977.  Way to go, Ke$ha!  Also, today I saw the music video for “Blah Blah Blah” and it’s as awesome as the song.  A little punk + a little rap + mostly nonsense + lots of attitude.  I like it. 

Although I am positive that Britney will never be replaced in my iPod, I’ve really enjoyed adding this bad girl to my playlists.  Listening to her music helps me to “wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy…” 

xx, Lind$ay

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Hush Puppies + Hand Dryers

03/02/2010 in Grant Park, Midtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 7 comments

As previously mentioned in my Antico post, Mich + Justin were in town from NYC last week.  Since they hadn’t met Slick yet, we made plans to join them for dinner one evening.  They were staying in Grant Park, and so we thought it made sense to go some place local.  The first restaurant to pop into my mind was Six Feet Under. 

whoops!! - accidentally brought the remote to dinner in my purse. fact: i am the world's greatest roommate.

Which reminds me, I love Six Feet Under in Grant Park for exactly five reasons:

5 - Oyster Shooters
They have them and I think that’s awesome.  My favorite is the Six Feet Under: Absolut Peppar, Bloody Mary mix + Oyster, but the Bloody Bass-tard and the Oyster Kamikaze are really fun, too. 

Oyster Shooter

Check out a list of Six Feet’s Oyster Shooters here:
http://www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com/index.php?id=drinks

4 – The Best Hush Puppies in the History of the World. 
They are absolutely delish.  I like mine a bit underdone.  I’d eat hush puppies over french fries or onion rings any day – although I’d prefer not to have to choose.

Six Feet Under's shrimp + scallops in parchment + the remainder of my hush puppies

3 – Proximity to Oakland Cemetery
I love, love, love Oakland Cemetery – it’s easily one of my favorite attractions in Atlanta.  There are so many interesting, historic people like Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones + Maynard Jackson buried there.  I think it’s so fun to go on a walk through the garden cemetery on a pretty day and admire all the old crypts.  A few drinks at Six Feet Under afterwards makes for a really unique date*. 

*Attention Boys: This is not okay for a first date.  Repeat: Not okay for a first date + know your audience.

Oakland Cemetery

2 – The Staff
I have absolutely nothing profound to say here.  The service is good.  The staff kind of reminds me of a crew of shipmates.  I think that is cool and theme-appropriate for Six Feet.  That’s all.

what’s a pirate’s favorite letter??


1 – DYSON HAND DRYERS!!
Have y’all tried these yet?  Fact: Dyson Hand Dryers are the most powerful hand dryers in the whole wide world.  I’m a little obsessed with Dyson vacuum cleaners – so spotting these babies at Six Feet made my day!  (It doesn’t take much to excite me, obv.) 

Six Feet Under's Dyson hand dryers

I’m just saying…what else could you possibly ask for in a restaurant? 

Although the Grant Park location is my favorite, Six Feet is also located in West Midtown near the Atlanta Humane Society.  The West Midtown location has a great rooftop patio that I’ve really enjoyed in the summer for drinks. 

xx, L

Six Feet Under – Grant Park
437 Memorial Drive SE
Atlanta, GA  30312
404.523.6664
www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com

Six Feet Under on Urbanspoon

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Sayonara Winter Olympics…

03/01/2010 in PSAs, Random Musings, Sports, What we're Watching by Lindsay | 3 comments

My prayers have been answered: The 2010 Winter Olympics are finally OVER!!

I have never been so uninvested in pop culture before…

Not to sound uncultured or un-American or anything – but the Winter Olympics ruined my life for the past two weeks.  I do not care about curling. 

Since they started on February 12th, I’d been counting down the minutes until they blew out the torch and I could finally be reengaged in evening programming I am actually interested in.  (For the record: I’m normally glued to the Summer Olympics…) 

What I really want to know is:

How’s the weather in Scranton?

What is Liz’s junk food of choice today?  Shells + cheese?  Doritos? 

Ooooh, I just can’t take the suspense any longer!!

(Also, where has this show been?  I really need a weekly dose of Barney…)

what's the deal, CBS? you don't run the Olympics...

My point is that I’ve just really missed you, Primetime NBC. 

And, I’d like to be the first to officially welcome you home!  Hooray!!  :)

xx, L

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Trend Alert! Hipster Puppies

02/23/2010 in Pampered Pooches, Random Musings by Lindsay | No comments

How hip is your pupster?

(this one takes the cake!)

I mean…this is the most amazing blog I’ve come across since, well, we started the Q+DD!  AMAZING!!  :)

Check out more hipster heartbreakers like these guys + submit your pup @
http://hipsterpuppies.tumblr.com/  These pooches are just too cool for school!

This weekend, Slick and I were finally ready to move on from our beloved Reggie, and we adopted Big Red.  We hope he leads a much longer life than poor, old Reg!

Big Red

(Someone please get me a puppy…)

xx, L

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Trend Alert! Puppy Tweets

02/15/2010 in PSAs, Pampered Pooches, Random Musings by Lauren | 2 comments

So, I’ve been on Twitter for the better part of a year now and I have to admit…I don’t think I fully get it yet. In fact, just yesterday I learned what a “hashtag” is. (Thanks, @GCohen85!) But I’m learning. One thing I know for sure? I LOVE TWITTER. Although I’m certain that the creators of the technology had a more sophisticated purpose in mind, I really enjoy “tweeting” my whereabouts and random thoughts (@LaurenKAtlanta: just caught up on HIMYM. Barney’s suit song + dance just changed my life 7:03 PM Jan 13th) and reading my friends’ (@Lindsaywhat44: combating the rainy day with lunch @ Ra, drinks @ Ecco + book club tonight! 6:56 AM Feb 2nd).

You can follow me here and Lindsay here if you haven’t already!

I check in with Twitter as often as I check in with Facebook. Having access to it on my Blackberry is particularly helpful when I am, say, killing time at the hair salon or waiting in lines or while trying to look v. busy and important before meetings.

I also learn a lot of stuff! Some of my favorite “tweeps” include @womensweardaily (fashion + celebrity sightings), @jennfalik (beauty + style expert), @ATLCheap (great deals around town) @FoodieBuddha (only the most awesome food blogger in town), @lululemon (trust me on this one) or @lululemonbhead, and @Oprah (Yes, Oprah.)

Ok, but today? I learned about something so ridiculous its awesome. Mattel is set to release Puppy Tweets, a high-tech toy that will allow dogs to “tweet” via sound and motion sensor.Per the LA Times, “Attached to a dog’s collar, the plastic tag randomly generates one of 500 canned tweets when it detects barking or movement and automatically posts an update to Fido’s own Twitter page.”

As they said, the tweets are pre-written and randomly chosen (Such as, “I finally caught that tail I’ve been chasing, and . . . OOUUUCHH!”) and are triggered by a device attached to your dog’s collar which communicates with your computer.

Imagining Olive’s hypothetical Twitter page REALLY cracks me up.

I think it would read like this:

@OliveSchmolive “Mommy needs a new “get ready to go out” iTunes playlist. There’s only so much “Party in the USA” one dog can take…”

@OliveSchmolive “Who cares about the 64,000 toys I have laying all over the apartment floor? This Prada stiletto is delicious!”

@OliveSchmolive “Don’t mind me, I’ll just be barking at the Pomeranian across the hall. All Day. Long. #getsomeearplugs”

@OliveSchmolive “I’m eating boiled chicken and white rice while Mommy eats a veggie burger over the sink. There is something wrong here and I LIKE it!”

or

@OliveSchmolive “Had a spectacular time at brunch on the Café di Sol patio. Got to debut my new pink collar and met the cutest Jack Russell! Date next week at the dog park!”

Olive and her bestie, @OscarMeyerson!

Maybe Olive will trade a few yaps for tweets?

What would your dog say?

xx. L

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Attention: Last Minute V-Day Plans

02/12/2010 in Holidays, Parties, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 8 comments

If you are a frequent Q+DD reader, you’ll know that I love holidays – and pretty much any reason to celebrate.  I even like not-so-sexy holidays.  For instance, Passover got morphed last year into Lindsay + Lauren’s B.P.E. (Best Passover Ever).  It was 80’s-themed and all…

The B.P.E.

B.P.E.

the charoset was jussssst right...

the charoset was jussssst right

Valentine’s Day (candy + roses) definitely falls into my top five favorite holidays list, alongside St. Patty’s Day (green beer + socially-acceptable pinching), Halloween (costumes + candy…again), Thanksgiving (turduckens + football) and New Year’s Eve (champagne + overpriced parties). 

Happy V-Day!

Happy V-Day!

Sadly, I do encounter quite a few people who are not that “into” V-Day.  Some people just don’t have the spirit.  I hear them say, “why should I be forced to tell my (insert: girlfriend/ fiance/ partner/ wife) that I love them more on this day than any other - yadda yadda yadda?”  To which I simply respond, “because Hallmark tells you to!  Hello!”  Call me brainwashed – whatever – but I’m totally buying what Hallmark is selling.  I love everything about this holiday!  Chalky conversation hearts, under-clothed babies with bows + arrows, oversized V-day cards, pristine red+ pink roses…I love it all.

Which brings me to my point: no matter if you’re a V-day lover or hater, here are a few ideas for the weekend if you have not already made plans:

A Love Supreme:  Nothing says, “I love you,” like sushi, well, that’s our philosophy at least.  Head to Genki Noodles and Sushiin Buckhead or The Prado for a low-key, romantic Valentine’s Day dinner featuring a special “Cupid Roll” and “Love You Long Time” flirty cocktail.  Detailed info below. (http://www.genkiatl.com/)

Valentine’s Day is for Suckas:  Boycott this Hallmark holiday and reclaim romance for the real world at P’cheen International Bistro & Pub!  Saturday, February 13 infuse a little humor into your night…sip on “Cupid Got Shot(s)” while you bust out your best Molly Ringwald moves during the teary eyed dance party courtesy of DJ Feri.  Since the kitchen is open until 1:00 a.m., you might even find a date that you can spoon-feed the “Broken Heart” dinner specials to. (http://www.pcheen.com/)

Tainted Love:  Give love a chance during Gold Room’s retro throwback “Tainted Love” party on Saturday, February 13th.  Enjoy a night of dancing as DJ Andre Perry spins favorites from the 70s, 80s and 90s.  Try the “Roses are Red, Violets are Blue” and “Chocolate Covered Raspberries” specialty cocktails.  Single guys and gals can try to get lucky in love by picking up a red wrist band at the front door as their official “single signal” for the night.  (http://www.goldroomatl.com/)

Shop To Your Heart’s Content:  If you’re still searching for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift, Limon Verde offers beautiful hand-made unique and affordable gifts for that special someone.  To sweeten the deal, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Red Cross.  And, the Shops Around Lenox have a bundle of sweet deals through Valentine’s Day. (http://www.limonverde.com/)
(http://www.octaneemail.com/shopsaroundlenox/020210/)

Valentine’s Day Supper Club:  Sun In My Bellyis hosting special Valentine’s Day dinners Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m.  Both evenings will have one seating featuring a four-course meal created by executive chef Allison Lueker, complimentary specialty cocktails and live music by Nicole Chillemi.  In addition, each party will receive a signature floral bouquet from Foxgloves + Ivy Floral Design Studio to take home. $50.00 per person. (http://www.suninmybelly.com/)

A few other V-Day ideas can be found right there:  HERE.

GENKIVD

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, EVERYONE!  And, stay warm – this is going to be a snowy one in Atlanta!  :)

xx, L

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The World is your Oyster

02/10/2010 in Events!, What we're Doing by Lauren | 2 comments

It’s that time again!

This SATURDAY, February 13th is Midtown’s Original OysterFest!oyster12pm at the Park Tavern in Midtown Atlanta

Here are 5 reasons you should attend:

5. Discounted tickets. When you buy your tickets at www.spiralentertainment.com enter promo code “kraselsky” (no caps) for $5 off. They are currently $20 online right now and will likely increase Thursday night at midnight.

4. If it rains, as it did last year, it’s an excellent excuse for WELLIES: wellies(Last year some dude stopped me to tell me my “kicks” were “whimsical” and that he appreciated that.)

3. Live music. Performances by Nine Inch Neils (Neil Diamond Tribute Band), Justin (80’s and 90’s cover band), and Gurufish (Funk, R&B, Rock.) So, ummmm, you’re pretty much covered.

"Haaaaands....holding haaaands....."

"Haaaaands....holding haaaands....."

2. It’s the day before Valentine’s day and every restaurant in town will be on a prix fixe menu while you are downing OYSTERS. oysters

Steamed. Fried. However you like ‘em (as long as you don’t like ‘em raw.) There will be other food there too, obvi. Bonus: they also won’t make you leave clutching a single red rose in your paw.

1. It is really, REALLY fun and the whole city of Atlanta will be there. Fact. Plus, one of my favorite pictures of all time was taken at Spiral’s Oysterfest last year. Witness: oysterfest1
Soooooo…..see you at the Park!

xx, L

Park Tavern
www.parktavern.com
500 10th St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 249-0001

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The Snug Life

02/07/2010 in Events!, Guilty Pleasures, What we're Doing by Lauren | 4 comments

Snuggie Pub Crawls. They’re everywhere these days.
snuggiepubcrawl2Sorry, Joanna and Ash, apparently we did NOT come up with that idea and if we did, we certainly didn’t execute quickly enough because you can barely walk down the street these days without hitting a wall of Snuggie-clad bar-hoppers.
snuggiepubcrawlgroupsnuggiepubcrawl1snuggiepubcrawlcheerNow, I guess if you’re going to wear a blanket to a bar, it definitely makes sense to wear one with sleeves.  You just can’t argue with that logic. I mean, how else could you shoot pool?
CIMG1359Give a high five?
snuggiehighfiveEven hold your cocktail?!
snuggiecocktailYou couldn’t, my friends.  You couldn’t.

Plus, if you order now, your Snuggie will come with a book light that can also double as a mini flashlight…which could come in handy in dimly lit pubs! CIMG1357I actually can’t believe bar crawling wasn’t Snuggie’s original purpose. Yep, Snuggie pub crawls are all the rage and last night?  I jumped right on that bandwagon.

I couldn’t just go with the standard edition blue.  Luckily, as you know, Snuggie is really branching out. Check out the latest from Milan:
snuggierunway I imagined myself a Project Runway contestant while fashioning my Snuggie dress… please witness my Snuggie couture:

That. Just. Happened.

That. Just. Happened.

In this chilly February weather, I was snug as a bug in a rug in my Snuggie.  I loved it.  Everyone at Twain’s loved it. In fact, I may work it in as a regular part of my wardrobe.   Otherwise, I might wonder: snuggietshirtHave a Snug-tastic day, everyone!

xx, L

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Yessssssss.

02/05/2010 in PSAs, Random Musings, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

Please tell me that I am not the only one excited about this:

The New Dip + Squeeze Heinz Tomato Ketchup Packet

The New Dip + Squeeze Heinz Tomato Ketchup Packet

“The ketchup packet has been around for more than 40 years, and complaints about it for nearly as long: too messy, too small, too hard to open. Now ketchup giant, H.J. Heinz, is unveiling the first major packaging change to the to-go condiment. The new design has a base that’s more like a cup for dipping and also a tear-off end for squeezing, plus it holds three times as much ketchup than a traditional packet.

“The packet has long been the bane of our consumers,” said Dave Ciesinski, vice president of Heinz Ketchup. “The biggest complaint is there is no way to dip and eat it on-the-go.”

Heinz has long struggled to find a design that lets diners dip or squeeze ketchup that could also be sold at a price acceptable to its restaurant customers. For this effort, it bought its design team a used minivan two years ago to test if their ideas really worked while eating on the road.

Heinz sells more than 11 million cases of its ketchup packets in the U.S. every year and it will continue to sell the traditional packet. The new packet is in test markets in the Midwest and Southeast and will roll out at select fast-food restaurants in the fall.

Heinz is still working out prices with customers but said packets will cost a little more than regular packets.

Will they catch on? It’s hard telling, but the news may cheer up some ketchup fans like Matt Kurtz, a 22-year-old student who finds the problems are as ubiquitous as the packets themselves.

The self-proclaimed ketchup aficionado became so annoyed two years ago after spilling ketchup on his jeans while on a road trip, he started one of hundreds of anti-ketchup packet groups on Facebook. He dubbed it “Prop 57″ as a gentle poke at Heinz, saying it is to “draw awareness” to the packets’ shortcomings.

“I said ‘There has to be a better way’,” he said.”  (www.usatoday.com)

 Okay, back to me.  I’m sorta accident prone and have always thought that ketchup and mustard packets (which I use liberally) are as dangerous for me to open as martini glasses are for me to hold.  I think the new packet is fantastic!  My dry cleaner, however, will be very disappointed to hear about this…  Thank you, Heinz!

xx, L

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All The Rage…

02/04/2010 in Athens, Sports, What we're Doing by Lindsay | 8 comments

Bocce ball is so hot right now.  All the cool kids are playing it.

i_love_bocce_ball_hat-p148205265103380533trur_210

Leon’s has a court, Ormsby’s put theirs inside and now a construction crew is ripping up the outside of the 999 Peachtree building preparing for the new Hugh Acheson restaurant, Empire State South’s, court.  (He’s the chef I love from Five & Ten in Athens!)  Friends, it is time to become an expert on bocce ball.

Bocce Ball

Bocce Balls

Here’s the Q+DD on Bocce Ball:

Bocce is a precision sport belonging to the boules sport family, closely related to bowls and pétanque with a common ancestry from ancient games played in the Roman Empire.  Developed into its present form in Italy, it is played around Europe and also in overseas areas that have received Italian migrants, including Australia, North America and South America, initially amongst the migrants themselves but slowly becoming more popular with their descendants and the wider community.  The sport is also popular in the former Yugoslavian countries of Slovenia, Croatia (predominantly in the coastal regions), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro.  Bocce ball is traditionally played on natural soil or asphalt courts approximately 20 to 27 meters in length and 2.5 to 4 meters wide, sometimes with wooden boards of approximately 15 centimeters in height surrounding the court.  Bocce balls can be made of metal or various kinds of plastic.  Unlike lawn bowls, bocce balls are spherical and have no inbuilt bias.  (www.wikipedia.com)

Court @ Ormsby's

Court @ Ormsby's

Now that you know what it is, here’s how you play it:

A game can be conducted between two players, or two teams of two, three or four.  A match is started by a randomly chosen side being given the opportunity to throw a smaller ball, the jack (called a pallino or a boccino in some areas), from one end of the court into a zone about 5 meters in length, ending 2 meters from the far end of the court.  If they miss twice, the other team is awarded the opportunity to place the jack anywhere they choose within the prescribed zone.  The side that first attempted to place the jack is given the opportunity to bowl first.  Once the first bowl has taken place, the other side has the opportunity to bowl.  From then on, the side which does not have the ball closest to the jack has a chance to bowl, up until one side or the other has used their four balls.  At that point, the other side bowls its remaining bocce balls.  The team with the closest bocce ball to the jack is the only team that can score points in any frame.  The scoring team receives one point for each of their balls that is closer to the jack than the closest ball of the other team.  The length of a game varies by region, but is typically from 7 to 13 points.   Players are permitted to throw the ball in the air using an underarm action.  This is generally used to knock either the jack or another ball away to attain a more favorable position.  Tactics can get quite complex when players have sufficient control over the bocce ball to throw or roll it accurately. (www.wikipedia.com)

 raos_bocce

Well, there you go.  Now you’re officially cool.  You’re welcome.

xx, L

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