Join Atlanta’s Evan Melcher, nominated for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year, in his quest to raise money for LLS.

On May 19, 2012, Evan is hosting an exclusive screening of Martin Scorsese’s Academy-Award winning film, Hugo. The event begins at 7:00 PM with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception, followed by a lively live auction (who doesn’t love the excitement of a live auction?) and the film screening.

Tickets are just $99.00 each and attendance is limited to the first 125 ticket-buyers. (If you cannot attend but would like to donate, you can do so by clicking here.) To reserve your tickets, please email Judi Neiss at judineiss@yahoo.com or call 404-401-4988. Get your tickets now, as they are going quickly!

WHERE: Cinema for a Cure at Cinevision – a private, exclusive screening of HUGO, to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

D.B.A. Barbecue owner Matt Coggin posted this poster this morning on Facebook, along with this caption: “Tonight! If I ever donated a gift certificate, food, cash, or time to your charity, school, church, dog shelter, kickball team, walk, school play, then please come support my coworker that needs your help. No red tape just immediate financial relief.”

It’s heartwarming inspiring to see the way a community can rally around a complete stranger…a.k.a. the person who cooks your meal every time you dine at D.B.A.

Plan to dine out tonight – Tuesday, May 1, 2012, and head on over to D.B.A. Barbecue and support George and his daughter and help them rebuild after this tragedy. All proceeds go to George, including raffle proceeds!

WHERE: D.B.A. Barbecue – 1190 Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
404-249-5000

D.B.A. Barbecue on Facebook | D.B.A. Barbecue on Twitter

Wowza – now this sounds amazing!

Chef Ron Eyester and Rosebud are hosting the first Mother Clucker: A Fried Chicken Festival on Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 2:00 until 6:00 PM.

What does that mean for you? Well, for just $35 per person, you can experience 12 great local chefs who are lined up to fry up their most creative versions of Fried Springer Mountain Chicken.  Set up in a tented lot next to Rosebud in Morningside, participating chefs will fire up the fryers and present their best breaded work. Encouraged to work with any part of the chicken and challenged to produce their own unique interpretation of fried chicken, it’s sure to yield some tasty and creative fried chicken dishes! You’ll be able to wash it all down with some of Atlanta’s own Sweetwater Brew and tasty Jim Beam cocktails, featuring Jim Beam Red Stag Spiced, Red Stag Honey Tea, Devils Cut and Jim Beam White Label. My mouth is watering already…

Tickets are still available but are limited. You can purchase yours online by clicking here.

If you’re interested in volunteering as a helping hand please contact Katherine@rosebudatlanta.com.

WHERE: Mother Clucker: A Fried Chicken Festival at Rosebud - 1397 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306
404-347-9747

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to preview three new works by stand-out choreographers, presented by the Atlanta Ballet. It was a fun evening with just a snippet of each work – enough to whet my whistle and let me know that this weekend’s performances are not to be missed!

This weekend – March 23 to 25, 2012, you have four opportunities to catch these three new works in The Man in Black: An Evening of Three Works. The three new works are edgy, unconventional – not what you’d expect, especially if you have any pre-conceived notions about what ballet “should be.” I brought a good friend of mine, who describes herself as “not a fan” of ballet, along to the preview and her mind was immediately changed. If you think you know what the Atlanta Ballet offers, here’s a chance to change your own mind!

The three works being presented this weekend are:

• The Man in Black –Music by Johnny Cash, Choreography by James Kudelka. Delivers imaginative choreography over hits and hidden gems by rockabilly legend Johnny Cash.
• 1^st Flash – Choreography by Jorma Elo, Music by Jean Sibelius. Astonishes with speed and athleticism and demonstrates why he was singled out as a “talent to follow” in The New York Times‘ Year in Review.
• Moments of Dis – Choreography by Juel D. Lane, Music by Quentin “E.Q.” Johnson. Examines the implications of the prefix “dis”: Sometimes we become disillusioned, disrespectful, or dishonest with our personal choices in life. When we start to discern what is the truth, we can truly explore and manage our psyche.

A country music legend, one of the most sought-after choreographers in the world, and an explosive modern performance make this March weekend not-to-be-missed.

The performance dates/times are Friday, March 23 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; and Sunday, March 25 at 2:00 PM. All performances are at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and tickets start at just $20.00 (up to $120.00). Go to www.atlantaballet.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

WHERE: The Man in Black: An Evening of Three Works with the Atlanta Ballet - Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Big congratulations to our friends at No. 246 in Decatur! 

From all day on Sunday, March 25 through lunch service on Friday, March 30, No. 246 in Decatur will be temporarily closed to the public due to film production. A movie called A.C.O.D. will be filming at the restaurant during this time. No. 246 Owners and Chefs Ford Fry and Drew Belline apologize for any inconvenience to guests and the restaurant will re-open for dinner service on March 30 at 6:00 PM.

A.C.O.D. (Adult Children of Divorce) focuses on a young man who discovers he was enlisted many years ago in a study about divorced children and when he’s ushered into a present day follow-up study, it creates new havoc for his family. The comedy stars Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, Jessica Alba, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jane Lynch, and is directed by Stu Zicherman.

Why not plan ahead and make your post-filming weekend reservations now, either by calling No. 246 at 678-399-8246 or making your reservation online via Open Table. No. 246 serves lunch daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM., and dinner on Monday to Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 to 11:00 PM, and on Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 PM.

Thanks to our friends at Melissa Libby & Associates for the scoop!

WHERE: No. 246 – 129 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA

No. 246 on Facebook | No. 246 on Twitter

It’s St. Paddy’s Week and it’s definitely my favorite time of year. Every year, I look forward to my eating St. Patrick’s dinner at my parents’ house, the entire kitchen filled with the aroma of corned beef and cabbage, potatoes boiling on the stove, hot soda bread dripping with butter… Okay, now my mouth is watering; how about yours?

Menu from Fadó's 2011 Bushmill's Tasting Dinner: still makes my mouth water.

Last year, we had the pleasure of attending the Bushmills Whiskey Dinner at Fadó Atlanta, and we’re so excited to be heading back for an encore tonight. It’s become a part of our St. Patrick’s Day repertoire.

TONIGHT – Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 7:00 PM – Fadó, Atlanta’s most famous authentic Irish pub & restaurant, presents a Bushmills whiskey tasting and five-course dinner! With with special guests Tower Beer, Wine and Spirits of Buckhead and co-host Rich Sullivan from 92.9 Dave FM, a portion of the proceeds to benefit the local Atlanta Chapter of St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a childhood cancer charity funding the most promising research to help find cures for kids with cancer.

Kevin Mulcahy, a certified Master of Whisky, is back again this year to explore the world of Irish Whiskey or Uisce Beathea (ish ca-ba-ha), known as the “Water of Life.” Fadó’s chef, has created a unique five-course menu, each dish created to complement the whiskey it’s paired with.The menu looks just as scrumptious as last year’s:

First course: Bushmills 10 yr Single malt,
paired with Salmon Bites, traditional cold oak-smoked salmon on crisp boxty “blini” with capers, onions, light horseradish sauce and lemon

Second course: Bushmills 16 yr Single malt,
paired with Lamb and Blue Cheese Sliders, topped with caramelized onion

Third course: Bushhmills Honey (brand new in the market!),
paired with Hot Brie Rarebit, buttery flavored warm brie on toasted baguette with apple onion relish, honey and green onion dressing

Fourth course: Bushmills 1608 Anniversary Edition,
paired with Rasher and Irish Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms 

Fifth course: Whitebush Pickleback and mini cheesecakes for Afters
(not necessarily paired!)
Never had a Pickleback? You’re in for a treat…click here to read more about it! 

It’s a unique opportunity to sample a variety of Bushmills whiskeys and learn about them from a true Master of Whisky. For just $39.95 per person, this limited-seating experience is sure to be a fun and exciting night!

Seating is limited and reservations are required. There are very few seats remaining, so to snag one for yourself you need to call Fadó today at 404-841-0066! I hope you’ll call and plan to come out tonight – enjoy a great dinner with us and help support the local Atlanta Chapter of St. Baldrick’s Foundation!

WHERE: Bushmills Whiskey Dinner and Tasting at Fadó – 273 Buckhead Avenue, Atlanta, GA
404-841-0066

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This weekend is your last chance (for this year, at least) to take a tour of some of the best restaurants that Buckhead has to offer by sampling their menus with $25- and $35-prix fixe menus at Buckhead Restaurant Week. Through March 4, 2011, Buckhead’s favorites offer you this unique chance dine out and check out some amazing menus – sometimes at a fraction of their regular prices!

Choose from 38 (WOW!) restaurants, each offering 3-course menus (appetizer, entrées and dessert) – try something new, visit an old favorite, pick a different place for every night! Great for a date night, a client dinner, a girls’ night out or just a spontaneous “let’s go out to eat tonight” evening.

Participating restaurants include: 10° South*, Aja Restaurant & Bar, Anis Café & Bistro*, Aria*, Atlanta Fish Market, Bistro Niko*, Bricktop’s, Buckhead Bottle Bar, Buckhead Diner, Cantina Taqueria and Tequila Bar, The Capital Grille*, Coast Seafood & Raw Bar, Dantanna’s* (both $25 and $35 menus), Davio’s*, FLIP, Georgia Grille, Imperial Fez* (both $25 and $35 menus), Kyma*, La Fourchette*, Latitude*, Market, Mosaic* (both $25 and $35 menus), Nava, Ocean Prime*, Paces 88*, Palm Restaurant*, Portofino, Pricci* (both $25 and $35 menus), Prime* (both $25 and $35 menus), Ruth’s Chris*, Seasons 52, Shula’s 347 Grill* (both $25 and $35 menus), Southern Art*, Tantra, Tavern 99, Ted’s Montana Grill, The Mansion on Peachtree*, and The Cafe at The Ritz-Carlton*. (Note: restaurants notated with * are offering $35 menus – all others are $25.)

The Cherry Classic, made with American Spirit Whiskey

February has been super-busy for me – I know I’m looking forward to some a great date night with my hubby this weekend. I’m thinking this is a perfect time for me to visit some restaurants I haven’t been to in awhile! What restaurants will you be visiting for Buckhead Restaurant Week?

And while you’re out and about, be sure to ask for the Signature Cocktail of Buckhead Restaurant Week, the Cherry Classic, made with Atlanta’s own American Spirit Whiskey. It’s a refreshing homage to Atlanta’s Coca-Cola, blended with the newly released on the market, American Spirit white whiskey – a must-try for Buckhead Restaurant Week!

Reservations are strongly recommended and you can make them easily online via OpenTable.

WHERE: Buckhead Restaurant Week – various restaurants throughout Buckhead

Someone once told me, you learn something new every day – today I learned that Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia-Highland is Atlanta’s oldest continuously licensed tavern. Now that is definitely something to celebrate!

To commemorate turning 90 next month, Atkins Park Tavern is hosting a special Prohibition Dinner on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. Featuring dishes that hearken back to the tavern’s roots, each course paired with a special cocktail, the Prohibition Dinner is the perfect way to celebrate with Atkins Park! The menu will include:

• Speakeasy snacks such as Devils on Horseback, Welsh rarebit, deviled eggs and salt roasted nuts – paired with a Black Velvet

• Clams Casino – paired with Terrapin cask conditioned rye pale ale (brewed with orange peel by Terrapin Owner/Brewmaster Spike Buckowski)

• Medallions of lamb, sauce chasseur and asparagus au gratin – paired with an Old Fashioned

• Chocolate Charlotte with burnt almond caramel – paired with a Mint Julep

One of my favorite books of all time is Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s whimsical, it’s fantastical, it was made into one of my favorite movies of all time: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, as in the original 1971 version (not the creepy and downright strange 2005 Tim Burton version).

And now, there’s an opera – The Golden Ticket – being presented by the Atlanta Opera, March 3, 6, 9 and 11, 2012. Premiered by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts on June 13, 2010, and with sets provided by the same, The Golden Ticket is a comic two-act opera sure to delight audiences of all ages. If you’re unfamiliar with the story: A young boy named Charlie finds a “golden ticket” admitting him into Willy Wonka’s top-secret chocolate factory where he encounters chocolate rivers, inflating blueberries, magic elevators and other delights.  It is set in an unknown but familiar city, some time in the recent past, when factory automation was less commonplace and technology more haphazard than it is today. The Golden Ticket is a poignant tale about wishes coming true.

I am so looking forward to seeing this production – I will be back to tell you all about it before Opening Night. But until then, take my word for it – if you are a fan of Willy Wonka like I am, this is one event you do not want to miss!

Performances are:

• Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 8:00 PM
• Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 7:30 PM
• Friday, March 9, 2012 at 8:00 PM
• Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 3:00 PM

Approximate running time is 2.5 hours, with one intermission. Tickets start at just $21.70.

WHERE: Atlanta Opera presents – The Golden Ticket at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

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Photo credits: Courtesy of the St. Louis Opera

On Sunday afternoon, I had the enormous pleasure to meet and listen to an incredible author whom I had previously only known through the pages of her book. Deborah Scroggins, the winner of Georgia Author of the Year for her book, Emma’s War, is in town for her new book, Wanted Women – Faith, Lies, and the War on Terror: The Lives of Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Aafia Siddiqui.

I am lucky enough that we have a mutual friend, Danica Kombol, who was hosting a small event at her home. When I received the invitation last week, I immediately rush-ordered Wanted Women from Barnes and Noble. Though I have not yet had a chance to finish reading it, here’s what I’ve loved about the book so far: it’s an intimate look at the lives of two women through the eyes of a female journalist, and this was a chance to hear Deborah speak about her experiences researching these two polarizing figures.

Deborah Scroggins is a name you should know if you are a reader of contemporary nonfiction and stories of compelling women. She has won six national journalism awards for her reporting from Sudan and the Middle East. She is a former correspondent for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and has published articles in Granta, The Independent, Vogue, and Glamour. Plus, she’s an Atlanta native.

Wanted Women is a riveting look at militant Islam, Muslim women’s rights, and the war on terror—brought into focus through two lives on opposite sides: activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali and religious extremist Aafia Siddiqui. The book has met with rave reviews in publications such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Economist. Scroggins’ tales of her experiences in Pakistan and The Netherlands while researching the book are fascinating and the information she uncovered makes for a can’t-put-it-down-read.

You have two chances to hear Deborah Scroggins speak about her book Wanted Women this week in Atlanta. See below for details on her two public appearances on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 and Thursday, February 23, 2012.  Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear Deborah Scroggins speak and get your copy of Wanted Women.

WHERE: Deborah Scroggins Book Events in Atlanta

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Georgia Center for the Book/DeKalb County Public Library - 215 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA
7:15 PM - free – open to the public

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Emory University – Cox Hall Ballroom, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA
5:30 PM - free – open to the public