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Aria. Dinner at Buckhead’s Finest.

01/24/2012 in Appetizers, Buckhead, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

I ate too much over my birthday weekend.  FACT.

Also FACT: My most delicious meal was eaten at Aria. 

This Buckhead institution is known for its delicious food, excellent service, extensive wine list, and super-exclusive wine room table.  It’s a restaurant that I think of for celebrations.  Turning 30 was an appropriate one.  I was treated to this fantastic dinner by my fantastic friend, Gorms.  You are going to be so disgusted impressed by how much we ate!

We began our feast by polishing off Pastry Chef Kathryn King’s Warm Focaccia Bread and a glass of pinot gris.  If there was a such thing as a winter coat made out of bread – I’d want it to be this bread. 

Next up was Aria’s Creamless Celery Root Soup with black truffles and parmesan.

Potato and Goat Cheese Ravioli with lamb and mushroom bolognese and reggiano parmigiano followed.

Warm Lobster Cocktail with butter braised Maine lobster, broccoli, and black truffle potatoes were next.  This was incredibly delish!  Gorm’s favorite, in fact.

For entrees, we shared the Blue Ridge Mountain Trout with sweet potatoes, black trumpet mushrooms, Maine lobster, and white corn…

…and the Painted Hills Ranch Natural Beef Short Rib with celery root whipped potatoes, tender carrots, sugar snap peas, and celery hearts.

They were cooked to perfection.  So many lovely flavors!

Dessert began with a sensational Warm Apple Tart with caramel ice cream to share…

…and ended with a delightful birthday plate of chocolate surprises!  :)

The meal was OUT OF THIS WORLD (as predicted)!  If you have something to celebrate – celebrate here.  I would also tell you to order exactly like we did.  We had such a nice variety of savory and pastry, and I really feel like it was an excellent sampling of Aria’s menu.  I’ve never heard anything negative about this restaurant, and I only have very positive praise to add!  So well done! 

Enjoy, restaurant-goers!  And, thank you Gormsie, for such a delicious night!

xx, L

Aria
490 E. Paces Ferry Rd. NE
Atlanta, Georgia  30305
404.233.7673
www.aria-atl.com

Aria on Urbanspoon

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Ritz Carlton Lodge Weekend (1 of 2): Linger Longer Steakhouse

11/09/2011 in Guilty Pleasures, Holidays, Hotels, Out of Town, Vacation, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 1 comment

Kevin + I didn’t dress up this year for Halloween.  We didn’t go to the Florida vs. Georgia game, either.  This year, we spent the last weekend of October at the gorgeous Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.

The Ritz Lodge is located in Northern Georgia, just 75 miles east of Atlanta on the shores of Lake Oconee – Georgia’s second largest lake.  A decidedly Southern retreat, the resort is situated in Reynolds Plantation, a 10,000-acre golf and lakefront community.

happy halloween weekend to us!

happy halloween weekend to us!

There are so many incredible things I want to tell you about the resort, but I could never fit them all into one post…  Soooooo, you’ll just have to wait for more! 

It was our very first time visiting the gorgeous property + we had the most amazing weekend!

the ritz carlton lodge

This post will focus on our f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s. dinner at the Ritz’s Linger Longer Steakhouse.

linger longer exterior

Kev + I had 9 p.m. reservations at Linger Longer, so we zipped from Atlanta to the Ritz, dropped off our car + bags at the hotel and hitched a ride to the restaurant from a super friendly Ritz Lodge driver who saved us from having to walk over in the brisk cold.  (Thanks, super friendly driver!)  When we arrived and walked into the door, I immediately felt warm.  Linger Longer’s interior is cozy-elegant and exceptionally welcoming.  It was pretty much like the warmest hug EVER.

linger longer bar

linger longer dining room

linger longer dining room

The newly rebuilt (it burned down a few years ago…) Linger Longer Steakhouse is located in the Oconee Golf Course Clubhouse adjacent to the Ritz Lodge.  Known for creating simple yet flavorful fare, Executive Chef David White has created a comforting contemporary menu of American steakhouse classics.  All seafood is overnighted directly from Boston, and meats are premium cut.  In addition, more than 20 herb varieties are grown in the resort’s on-site herb garden.  Linger Longer’s extensive wine list emphasizes reds from around the world, as well as varietals from Georgia’s own Persimmon Creek Vineyards, with more than 40 wines by the glass.  Visit Linger Longer’s menu here. 

We were impressed from the moment we walked in.  But, even more impressed with the exceptional service.  The food, oh the food!, simply sealed the deal!

It had been a long week for us both, so Kev + I started off the meal with a round of cocktails.  I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was the single most delicious Gimlet I’ve ever ordered!  I’m not going to tell you how many more I had over the course of the night.  I just won’t.

Shortly thereafter, we ordered up the Tuna Tartare to share.  Perfection.  Very similar to Steel’s famous Tuna Tower, Linger Longer’s tuna tartare was also best knocked over and mixed around on the plate.  The fresh tuna was accompanied by crushed avocado, soy-lime dressing and a crispy won ton.

We devoured it and quickly moved on to the Linger Longer Loaded Wedge Salad: bacon, tomato + maytag blue cheese.  It was also very tasty.

Entree time!  Kev and I both ordered 9 Ounce Filet Mignon Oscars.  The Oscar add-on tops off the filet with crab fondue, asparagus + bearnaise sauce.  I selected Potatoes Lyonnaise as my side.

Kev opted for the Garlic Steak Fries.  (Gotta love him!)  :)

Both of our filets were totally OUT OF THIS WORLD!  Kev said that his was “the best steak he’s had in Georgia,” and I kinda have to agree with him.  They were delicious!  And, the Oscar add-on is absolutely the way to go.

For dessert, we ordered the White Chocolate Souffle.  It was spectacular.  That’s all I can say.  I don’t care how full you are; you have got to order it! 

Everything was so fantastic – we really didn’t want the meal to end.  And, it didn’t!  Our server brought over Peach Cotton Candy on a Stick as a final special treat.  What a whimsical way to finish off such an exquisite dinner!  We really enjoyed that special touch.

We went into dinner knowing that the meal would be good – heck it’s the Ritz - but we had no idea HOW good.  Kev and I were floored – and we agreed that we would surely make the drive in from Atlanta to eat there again! 

Close to midnight, we had the friendly driver scoop us from the restaurant and bring us back to the hotel so that we could officially check in for the weekend.  When we finally made it into our room, we were greeted with a few thoughtful surprises from our beloved Gorms!  (Thanks, Gorms!)

By this point, we weren’t sure how the weekend could get much better than the incredible meal we just ate, but the truth is that dinner was merely the tip of the iceberg! 

More to come, more to come… 

xx, L

Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
Linger Longer Steakhouse
1 Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, Georgia  30642
706.467.7196
http://ow.ly/7osh7

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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Colony Square!

10/26/2011 in Chocolate, Guilty Pleasures, Midtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

A little birdie brought me a box of cupcakes yesterday + boy oh boy were they GOOD!  I’ve just gotta brag about them…

They were from Holly’s Cupcake Shop in Colony Square.  (Who knew that there was a cupcake shop there?!  I guess you learn something new every day…)  Apparently, Holly’s has been serving East Atlanta since 2009, but recently opened their Midtown location in CS.

Before I opened the sweet-smelling box, I carefully reviewed the accompanying Holly’s pamphlet.  I honestly couldn’t believe how many cupcakes were listed: 33 flavors!  So many seriously delicious choices.  Just listen to some of these: coconut snowball, margarita, cookie monster, rocky road, samoas, strawberry lemonade + buckeye brownie.  Talk about a creative variety!  (No lie, my mouth is watering from just writing out the flavors…)

Holly’s cupcakes are handmade so no two are exactly alike, but all of them are baked from scratch from only the highest quality ingredients.  With over 30 flavors ranging from the simple to the sublime, along with seasonal and holiday selections, there is absolutely something for everyone at Holly’s!

Here were my sexy six: caramel apple (my fav!), red velvet, chocolate-chocolate, vanilla chocolate, margarita + hummingbird. 

I don’t want to tell you how many I ate.  I just don’t.  A lady has to keep some secrets, y’all.  But, I will tell you that I had some help (LK + our fav. bartender at Ecco: Eric) and that we thought they were simply spectacular!  The cupcakes were really flavorful, moist + the icing wasn’t overpowering at all.  Our favorite part was, hands down, the hidden cream in the middle!

You guys have gotta try these cupcakes!  They are just so decadently divine.  Check out Holly’s Cupcake Shop online HERE or visit Colony Square ASAP.  The secret is out!  :)

xx, L

Holly’s Cupcake Shop
1197 Peachtree Street – Colony Square
Atlanta, GA  30361
404.815.1180
http://www.hollyscupcakeshop.com/

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Top Chef: Just Desserts Season 2!

08/31/2011 in Random Musings, What we're Watching by Lindsay | No comments

Mrs. Wolkove + I have a friend from our Texas summer camp who is a contestant on Top Chef: Just Desserts Season 2! 

In case you didn’t watch it last season…Top Chef: Just Desserts is a spin off of Bravo’s Top Chef featuring pastry chefs competing in a serious of culinary challenges focusing on pastries and desserts.

Top Chef: Just Desserts Season 2 Cast

Anyway, our friend Amanda Rockman (pictured below) is a contestant on TC: JD this year and she KILLED IT in the first episode last Wednesday winning both the Quickfire + Elimination Challenges!  Way to go, Amanda!

Isn’t she the cutest, little pastry chef you’ve ever seen or what?!

Catch Amanda on Wednesday nights (tonight!) on Bravo at 10:00 p.m. EST/ 9:00 CST.  We can’t wait to see how the season unfolds!   

xx, L

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One Eared Stag: My New #1!

08/18/2011 in Cocktails, Inman Park, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

The Caseys, Slick + I had ourselves a little double on Saturday at One Eared Stag in Historic Inman Park. 

Attention: It’s my new favorite Atlanta restaurant.  #1!  You guys, it’s AMAZING.

Chef Robert Phalen + the folks behind Holy Taco in East Atlanta Village opened One Eared Stag in the old Shaun’s space.  The restaurant still looks a lot like Shaun’s, as you’ll see below, but now it’s covered with somehow hipster-y animal heads mounted on the wall.  Lindsay likes.  Witness:

We were seated next to this guy.  Hello!

When we sat down and were handed the drink menu, I was stoked to see that they offered a Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer + lime) on their cocktail menu. It’s one of my new fav. go-to cocktails. The bartender made an excellent one, too.

my moscow mule

Our meal, the service and the overall experience were insanely good + I seriously can’t wait to go back to One Eared Stag.  Their menu changes daily and features lots of local and seasonal items in small plates, big plates + sides.  Here’s what we ate…

Fancy mozzarella + pesto small plate.

Mouthwateringly delicious muscles.  Some of the best I’ve had in a long time.

OMG!  Pig ears w/ a fried egg.  I ate that!  And, it was g.o.o.d.

For my entree, I had the seafood stew.  I really, really enjoyed it and strongly recommend.

Jess had the pasta dish w/ bacon.  Everyone ate off of her plate because it was so tasty.

Slick is on a chicken kick for some reason, so he ordered…chicken.  I didn’t taste it, but he said it was “the bomb” at least three times.  Trust Slick.

 

Sam ordered chicken liver.  I DO NOT like chicken liver AT ALL.  But, he said that it was some of the best he’d ever had.  Gross, but cool – I guess.

 

Jess + I probably had more than a few drinks…

And then it was dessert time!

As I remember it, the dessert that Sam + Jess shared was grilled french bread covered in Nutella w/ whipped cream + strawberries.  It was pretty simple, but truly divine.  DIVINE.

Slick + I opted for the panna cotta.

They were both good, but Jess + Sam’s was better.

We were STUFFED + we all agreed that it was an absolutely fantastic meal. 

When we left, Slick met this guy outside of the restaurant: a 187 lb. Great Dane named Simon.  He was enormo!  :)

Welcome OES to my new #1 spot!  I’ll be back very soon!

xx, L

One Eared Stag
1029 Edgewood Ave.
Atlanta, GA  30307
404.230.6177
www.oneearedstag.com

One Eared Stag on Urbanspoon

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Challenge Your Taste Buds @ Sheik Burritos n Kabobs!

08/17/2011 in Beauty, Cheshire Bridge, Hair, Maintenence, Midtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Two weeks ago now, I got a keratin treatment and bunkered up for the following two days of processing until my hair transformed into a pretty princess mane.  Slick dragged me out for lunch one afternoon under the condition that we were going to go some place that he promised I would enjoy + where I wouldn’t run into anyone who I knew.  We went to Sheik Burritos n Kabobs.

Sheik serves fresh Persian and Southwestern cuisine, and they make an effort to use local and organic foods.  Slick had dined at Sheik once before and remembered really enjoying it and wanting to bring me as soon as he had the opportunity to choose a restaurant (which is nearly always my job).  I had never even noticed the restaurant, which is situated on Piedmont Ave. near Cheshire Bridge - an area I pass multiple times a week.  It’s a small space, but there is a lot going on in there + I knew I liked it as soon as I walked in and saw the King of Pops served here sign!

Sheik’s walls are covered with a whimsical Persian mural.  This is my favorite section…

Slick ordered Sheik tea over ice with honey and we listened closely as our enthusiastic server walked us through the unfamiliar menu.  As this was my very first Persian food experience, I needed a bit of hand-holding to make sure that I knew what I was getting into. 

Our server suggested that we start off with chips and eggplant with herbs dip.  The eggplant’s texture and flavor was unusual to me, but in a good way.  The small cup of dip was not around for long!

After much deliberation, Slick + I deferred to the server to select our entrees.  He split two tasty burritos between us. 

On the left: La Dirka-Dirka – lamb sirloin, bad-man-jon, and red spinach served Persian style (wrapped in Persian flat bread with Basmati rice and yogurt).

On the right: La Camelback – local chicken breast, feast-n-june, Persian salsa, maroon and gold beets, and feta in a whole wheat tortilla.

They arrived with chips and a small cup of Persian salsa: tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, mint, olive oil + citrus.

We very quickly devoured both burritos.  They were delicious and filled with unique flavors. 

I think it’s important to challenge your taste buds, AND I think it’s important to have a restaurant that you can escape to when you have a keratin treatment slathered all over your head + you don’t want to see anyone you know.  Sheik was a perfect escape for both.  Keep an eye out for it on Piedmont Ave.  It’s a gem and worthy of a visit.  Heck, it’s King of Pops and Q+DD approved!  You can’t really beat that…  :)

xx, L

Sheik Burritos n Kabobs
1877 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
404.975.4314
www.sheikburritos.com

Sheik Burritos n Kabobs on Urbanspoon

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Brownies for Swimsuit Season

07/29/2011 in Chocolate, Health, Random Musings by Lindsay | 2 comments

Y’all, these are pretty awesome…

They aren’t quite as “healthy” as 100 calorie packs, but they’re a heck of a lot better than your grandma’s brownies + a tasty way to satisfy your summer sweet tooth!

Here’s the Q+DD on SnackWell’s Rich Vanilla Creme Brownie Bites:
Serving size: 1 package
Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 26g
Protein: 2g

I strongly suggest putting them in the refrigerator.  They are delicious as a cold snack.  One more month of official swimsuit season to go…JUST sayin’.  Pick them up at your nearest grocery.

Happy, happy Friday!

xx, L

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Fancy Summer Snow Cones @ the Ritz Downtown

06/22/2011 in Cocktails, Downtown, Guilty Pleasures, Happy Hour, Hotels, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Odds are that you’ve already heard the shaved ice scoop about the fancy summer snow cones at the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (Downtown) from Atlanta Magazine and Daily Candy, but the Q+DD would also like to jump on that train…

Every day from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Atlanta Grill or Lumen lobby bar at the Ritz Downtown, chef Brian Jones is offering boozy snow cone cocktails for $12!   These sweet summer treats are made with locally sourced fruit purees.  And, here’s what you can expect to see on the menu:

Watermelon with Lime + Anejo Tequila
Passion Fruit with Lemon + Bourbon
Blackberry with Honey + Moonshine  (yep, you read that right!)

Dang, Ritz-Carlton, you sure are sexy this summer!  I CAN’T WAIT to try these!!  :)

xx, L

Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (Downtown)
181 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA  30303
404.659.0400
http://www.ritzcarlton.com

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Strawberry Pimm’s Cup for Summer

05/31/2011 in Appetizers, Cocktails, Guilty Pleasures, Highlands, What we're Cooking, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

Slick + I met Rosh + Z for dinner at Floataway Cafe on Friday night.  We ordered cocktails + Rosh and I both jumped at the Strawberry Pimm’s Cup.  (Neither of us had tried a Pimm’s Cup before, but we were feeling a little adventurous.)  I finished it WAY too fast – but with purpose.  It was so unbelievably delicious!  A perfect match for my summer fruit lovin’ palate…

We loved.  Look how pretty, too:

floataway cafe's strawberry pimm's cup

It would take some work, but this is a drink that would be a hit at a dinner party.  Definitely a crowd pleaser. 

Impress Your Friends w/ a Strawberry Pimm’s Cup:
Two ounces of Pimm’s
Two large strawberries (use a third if strawberries are not enormo)
Five mint leaves

Muddle all of that together and either strain (if you don’t like chunk) or pour directly into the glass (if you are chunk-friendly).

Top it off with homemade lemonade soda.  For every ounce of lemon juice add 3/4 an ounce of sweetener.  To the lemon concoction, add an equal amount of soda water on top.  Pour into muddled ingredients.

Drink + enjoy!  :)

You guys.  It is a.m.a.z.i.n.g.  No lie.

And, so was the rest of our meal.  All was splendid!  Here’s what we ate:

First
Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna Crudo, Blood Orange, Chili (my fav.)
Crispy Young Squid, Sweet Onions, Asparagus, Lemon
Wood Grilled Chicken Livers, Red Onion Jam, Sourdough (decided I don’t care for chix livers…to put it nicely)

Second
Wood Grilled Hanger Steak, Pommes Frites (x2)
Wood Grilled Georgia Quail, Caramelized Sweet Onions, Shallot Mostardo, Champagne Gastrique
Margherita Pizza with Chorizo + Farm Egg

Dolci
Toffee Cake w/ Vanilla Gelato (SUPER delish!)

Truly a delightful meal.  Recommend Floataway from top to bottom!

xx, L

Floataway Cafe
1123 Zonolite Road NE
Atlanta, GA  30306
404.892.1414
www.starprovisions.com

Floataway Cafe on Urbanspoon

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DO NOT Skip Dessert @ ESS.

05/25/2011 in Appetizers, Guilty Pleasures, Midtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

I’ve been blogging about Empire State South too much.  I know it.

First, it was my extreme excitement about it opening (I’m a big Five & Ten – Athens fan).  Then, I focused on the ESS bocce ball court – later discussing how I could eat there for almost every meal out of convenience (I work in the building) maybe even a bit more than desire.  My tune changed shortly thereafter.  I went for lunches + drinks with friends every so often and started frequenting ESS for brunch.  And, yes, I still think that the Jalapeno & Bacon Biscuit w/ confit pork, poached eggs, arugula, balsamic onion jam + hollandaise mousseline (did you get all that?) is one of the best brunch items I’ve ever eaten anywhere!  We’ve had some ups + downs, but now I’m proud to announce that I’m officially ON the ESS bandwagon. 

Mr. Casey + I went to ESS for dinner on Monday with a large group of colleagues.  Our meal was delightful.  We started with the house charcuterie, crisp pork belly + “kind of local” cheeses.  We also ordered up the In Jars: pork rillette, smoked trout mousse, pickles, pimento cheese, bacon marmalade + boiled peanut hummus served…wanna guess?  I selected the trout special for the evening (the last one in fact - I suppose they call it “special” for a reason) and it was one of the most enjoyable dinner entrees I’ve had in at least the past three months.  If trout is on special at ESS – get it.  I also tried someone’s kimchi rice grits and thought they were very tasty.

Can we focus a bit on dessert now?  I mean, enough about the savory already…

Dinner was a bit of a celebration so we figured that dessert all around was in order.  I asked the server what his favorite dessert was + in retrospect, I’m not really sure why I did that because I already knew that I was planning to order the fried strawberry pie.  How could I not?  Fried. Strawberry. Pie.  Right?!  Anyway, he listed two other items and I told him, “Oh, that’s great – I’ll take the FSP.”  And I was so happy I did.  Our table was mostly split between these two incredibly delicious desserts:

Fried Strawberry Pie: picked strawberry and buttermilk ice cream.

Peanuts + Coke: Coke soft serve and peanut funnel cake.

Now, I’m certainly not about to receive an award for my achievements in iPhone photography or anything (I realize those pictures are v. dark), but ESS should win some sort of award for those desserts!  Both were super delicious + a spectacular way to cap off the meal.  Even two days later it’s hard for me not to think about them without my mouth watering…  (That sounds gross, but it’s true.) 

The only thing keeping me from not running down to ESS after work and ordering up the FSP or Peanuts + Coke to go is that I’d like to try to fit this…

…into bikini bottoms at Lake Lanier this weekend.  I am hoping that that will not be a problem. 

ESS is great.  The desserts are out of this world.  If you haven’t tried, try.

Do it.  Do it.  Do it! 

xx, L

Empire State South
999 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.541.1105
www.empirestatesouth.com

Empire State South on Urbanspoon

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Local Loot!

05/14/2011 in Events, Guilty Pleasures, On the Street, PSAs, We can BLOG!, What we're Doing by Lauren | 3 comments

Ok, I had to come home and bust out a quick blog post because I did some local shopping this morning and I’m so happy with my spoils!

Stop 1: Peachtree Road Farmers’ Market

Seth (Seth says!) and I busted it over before the crowd got crazy and I scored some delicious Tuscan kale (which I plan to cook tomorrow night in a recipe he taught me), along with my farmers’ market favorites: Emily G’s Jam of Love (raspberry jalapeño) and some chipotle bacon from Pine Street Market (duh).  I even got a little baggie of treats from Taj Ma-Hound Bakery for Dogs for my little Olive!

Check it:

2. Stop 2: Food Blogger Bake Sale at Phipps

Ok, the hours are officially 10-2, but I feel lucky that we got there at the opening because it was already mobbed!

Stop reading this post, and get in the car before all the treats are gone!

Everything looked amazing – it was positively overwhelming to make a choice!  Doughnut muffins?  Cranberry cobbler cookies?  Salted caramel brownies?  OMG.

I ended up with the following:

Peanut krispie pops, orange-yogurt mini loaf, marscapone cream sandwich cookies

Deeelish!

The pops I’m bringing with me to Watershed tonight for Adrienne’s birthday, but the mini-loaf by Z Tasty Life was delicious alongside our bacon and coffee and I’m saving these bad boys for later:

I also got the opportunity to meet some of my favorite bloggers like Running With Tweezers and The Broke Socialite (love you! mean it!) and see our girl Wendy of @ATL_Events! You guys did a GREAT job and I am sure you’ll raise a ton of dough for Share our Strength!  Nice work!

It was a truly awesome Atlanta morning!

xx, L

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Warning: Serious Update OVERLOAD!

05/05/2011 in Baby Chic, Beauty, Buckhead, Cocktails, Deals + Steals, Events, Exercise, Festivals, Guilty Pleasures, Hair, Hotels, Inman Park, Maintenence, Midtown, On the Street, Out of Town, Random Musings, Spa, Trader Joe's, Vacation, Vendors, What we're Doing, What we're Reading, Where we're Eating, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 5 comments

Oy.  You might need to sit down for this one.

I didn’t post for an entire week + now I feel like there’s almost too much to update you all on and it’s not exactly stringing together clearly…  So bear with me, folks.  I’m just going to lay it all out there + make of it what you will. 

The weather is getting gorgeous, the hemlines are getting shorter + there are more and more reasons to play outside, try new restaurants + spring into summer!  (I feel like I just wrote an Old Navy commercial.)

Ready or not – here I go!  Wheeeee…..

Ms. Reynolds, Sayako + I recently recruiter summit-ed at Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park, which has been all over Urban Spoon, etc., and we really enjoyed it!

Pictured below are our sandwiches, all of which are meant to be eaten in multiples (i.e. you don’t order just one sandwich – they are small-ish) at only $4.00 a piece.

We tried the New Bomb Turkey: turkey, arugula, avocado spread + baconaisse; The Hambo: prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, apple + reduced balsamic; and the Castro: slow-roasted pork, ham, fontina cheese + yellow mustard. 

I love this place for a casual lunch and strongly recommend trying it out!

Victory Sandwich Bar
280 Elizabeth Street
Atlanta, GA  30307
770.676.7287
http://www.vicsandwich.com/
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Victory Sandwich Bar on Urbanspoon

Next up, Bloomingdale’s just started showing some gorgeous turquoise-y blue stone necklaces.  So cute for summer!  Here’s a shot of the one I bought on Monday.  It’s my new favorite accessory.

Moving right along…

On my Palm Springs/ L.A. flights, I started reading John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces.”  I will admit that I fall in love with most books I read + can’t put them down until they’re finished, and that remains the case with this Pulitzer Prize winner.  It’s so thoughtfully written and a great (albeit very wordy) read.  The story of how the book came to fruition after JKT’s suicide is super interesting, as well. 

Let’s talk food trucks.

Slick + I got tacos at Tex’s Tacos recently, the new food truck in Buckhead, which urbandaddy.com dubbed the “Antonio Banderas” of food trucks.  Cute.

Tex’s is a fully-equipped kitchen + restaurant on wheels serving up an array of “Nueva Texicana” eats w/ “style + grace.”

While I’ll admit that they weren’t the best tacos I’ve ever eaten, they did the job.  Tex’s will be a goldmine for late night Buckhead frat boys who need to cut through the alcohol a bit before stumbling into bed.  And it’s not just stationed in Buckhead, which is why food truckin’ is so exciting.  Check out Tex’s schedule here: http://www.texstacos.com/

Speaking of food trucks…  When I was in Palm Springs, the Nom Nom truck drove up from L.A. and I got to try it!  Not familiar w/ the famous Nom Nom truck?

It’s a L.A.-based mobile food truck specializing in Vietnamese food, especially banh mi.  Nom Nom was the runner-up in season one of the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race.

Their food is RIDIC. 

On Easter Sunday, Slick + I had a date night at Ecco, one of my favorite Midtown restaurants to order up a load of small plates + drinks.  (Also, to potentially spot the Vampire Diaries cast…)

As usual, our meal was predictably delicious.  To accompany it, I ordered a glass of pinot gris.  Slick, however, ordered one of the most interesting cocktails I’ve ever seen.  Here’s the description of it from the menu:

ZAFARAN: Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin, housemade Shindeldecker tonic + a custom icy hot cube will remind you that, while temptation is a reality, there are repercussions in all things we do.

It was so different and had a very special, unique flavor.  You guys have to try it!

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again.  I’m obsessed with mochi ice cream.  Recently, I’ve been satisfying my sweet tooth with an all natural strawberry flavor found at Trader Joe’s.  Um, yum!

Y’all, today is Thursday which means…

So, back to food trucks + street food.  Can we?  Thanks. 

My favorite Midtown Street Food Thursday vendor is definitely The King of Pops!

I get so excited when I see the Pops cart!  And you know who else does…

slick: king of the mountain (stone mountain, that is)

He LOVES KoPs!  Our favorite flavors are: Mexican Chocolate, Banana Pudding, Sea Salt Chocolate + Pineapple Ginger.  You must, must try a pop!

It really is perfect popsicle weather, too.  Speaking of perfect weather, I had it in California.  The entire week was truly gorgeous!  Although the main purpose of my trip was to meet Mrs. Wolkove’s adorable new addition to her family, I did have time to enjoy the outdoors when I went on a hike at Fryman Canyon Park located in the Santa Monica Mountains with Mrs. W’s madre.  The views were amazing + the workout was seriously intense.  I work out quite a bit in Atlanta, but I almost never go hiking.  I have to say that my legs were throbbing the morning after our hike.  If anyone knows of good hiking spots in Atlanta, please let me know. 

Even while hiking in the heat, my hair looked pretty perfect.  (OMG, what a bragger!)  But, I have to credit that to Daniel Carter at Mint Salon who does my 2-day keratin treatments.  (LK goes to Mint, too, for hers.)  Daniel is a fantastic stylists who has also started to do my cuts + color.  If you happen to be looking for a new stylist, I highly recommend Daniel!  Tell him you heard about him on the Q+DD!

Mint Salon
Stylist: Daniel Carter
404.724.9669
www.mintsalon.net

Since we’re focusing now on “maintenance,” I’m really looking forward to my spray tan today at RAW Organic Bronzing Studio.  (LK is a fan, too!)  I adore the owner, Tiffany Terranova, and have been very pleased with my tans!  They are made from 100% organic ingredients that are actually beneficial to the skin.  Read more about RAW Organic Bronzing Studio here: LK’s post about RAW.

And, RAW is conveniently located right next door to Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park!  Bringing it all together.  :)

Skipping around skipping around…

I’m in the market for a french press.  I drank french pressed coffee several times during my L.A. trip + don’t think I can go back to my Keurig any more.  It’s like two entirely different planets of coffee!  This Bodum one is pretty cute.  (Hint, hint.)

OH!  And isn’t this the most precious picture you’ve ever seen or what?!  Mrs. Wolkove, her one week old (who obv. cannot fit into those yet) + I all rock the glitter TOMS!  Love.

We’ll focus on this much more as it draws closer, but who’s pumped for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival?! 

THIS event is going to be nothing short of incredible.  Can’t wait! 

More info here: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

And finally (have I worn you out yet?), the Q+DD has some very special news to share!  One of our best readers, Jessica Gorman: Concierge at the Ritz Carlton – Buckhead, was featured in the newest edition of The Atlantan Magazine!

Click here to see the article mentioning Jess on page 36 of the new issue today!  (Reading Instructions for the Online Version: Click on the link mentioned in the previous sentence.  Type in page 36.  Full screen view + click magnifying glass to zoom in.  Silly technology…)  We are very proud of you, Jess!

So…did you get all that?!  It was pretty beastly.  (TWHS? Sorry, mom…)

There WILL be a quiz later.  It’s great to be back! 

xx, L

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