Atlanta Events

Make Mondays sing with a really fantastic evening out! Francine Reed is performing at Cafe Circa in the Old Fourth Ward and the reviews have been amazing!

In honor of the nights Reed is singing, executive chef Hopeton S. Hibbert will offer a $20 2-course dinner that includes a choice of app or dessert and an entree, or just take a seat at the bar and order one of Cafe Circa’s signature cocktails and enjoy a memorable performance.

Upcoming Shows:

Monday 4/11, 4/18, 4/25

Time: 7-10pm

Be sure to make a reservation and revel in enjoying a great night out during the week!

Francine Reed, one of the hottest R&B, gospel, jazz and blues vocalists of today. Originally from Chicago, Francine began singing professionally as a child in her family’s gospel group. Her solo career took off when she moved to Georgia in the 1990’s. Her debut CD, Can’t Make It Own My Own (1996), received the prestigious W.C. Handy Artist of the Year and Song of the Year nominations.

With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, chocolates will be a must for the special people in your life. Not just for the ladies, get some gourmet treats for the men and kids in your life too at these amazing local chocolate shops!

Cacao - Inman Park

Some of the best chocolate in the country is made at Cacao here in Atlanta by artisan chocolate maker Kristen Hand. Tons of rave reviews from top publications/websites including Conde Nast Traveler, Atlanta Magazine, Knife & Fork, Travel & Leisure, Southern Living, Details, Daily Candy, and Food & Wine Magazine.

Picks for Valentine’s include their famous Love Bars, Handcrafted Truffles, Caramels, and to drink: Azteca Aphrodisiac Sipping Chocolate. Guaranteed to set the mood for love! Get the full menu here.

Sugar-Coated Radical - Atlanta

Taria Camerino’s sustainable, fair trade chocolates are the new hot thing on the Atlanta foodie/sweets scene. I got my first taste of their delicious and elegant confections at The Broke Socialite’s Sugar Coma Festival last fall and was thrilled when they finally opened a storefront in December. Part retail store, part artist workshop and part art gallery, there is always some new experience to immerse yourself in at Sugar-Coated Radical. Keep up with their latest events and treats through their website and on their Facebook page. Buzz is that for Valentine’s Day she will be doing a chocolate and beer pairing for The Brick Store in Decatur!

Chamberlain’s Chocolate Factory - Norcross

For those OTP, check out Chamberlain’s! They have been in the Atlanta area since 1986 and feature handmade classic chocolates including Truffles, Toffee, Chocolate Covered Caramels, and Chocolate Bark. Kid faves include chocolate covered gummy bears.

Maison Robert - Chamblee

Owner Robert Reeb is a third generation âtissier-confiseur-glacier, trained in France and Switzerland. He and his wife opened Maison Robert here in Atlanta in 1977 as a pastry and confection shop that featured a small tea room. Since then they have scaled down to concentrate on their artisanal chocolates. Offerings include a wide variety of classic Truffles, Candied Orange Peels, Hazelnut Buchette, Rocher, Rum & Kirsch Fondant, and Vanilla Marzipan. They also have pastries, including the colorful French Macarons, Tartlettes and Mousses. So if you are looking for a sweet dessert to finish a romantic dinner, be sure to give them a ring!

Alon’s - Dunwoody/VaHi

I love the chocolates case at the Dunwoody location of Alon’s and both have incredible desserts to tease your sweet tooth! Get a box of their house-made truffles, chocolate covered caramels, and chocolate bark. Take some of the pressure off dining at home with one of their delicious desserts! Their chocolate mousse is divine.

Schakolad Chocolate Factory - Alpharetta/Sandy Springs

Baruch Schaked, co-founder of Schakolad, has been a chocolate maker since 1969. He began his career as a chocolatier in Argentina while working for his father-in-law, Gustavo Bar, who was the owner of one of South America`s largest chocolate factories. Originally founded in 1995 in FL, there are two locations now in the Atlanta area where you can purchase their 70 different varieties of truffles, ganache, marizipan, and praline confections. The chocolates are made fresh at each store and they are Kosher-certified.

River Street Sweets - Phipps Plaza/Gwinnett Place Mall/Mall of GA

Started in Savannah, GA, the Atlanta locations opened in 1999 & 2001. Their famous sweet are southern Pralines, but also feature fudge, truffles, chocolate covered apples, pies & cakes.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, here’s a quick guide on some great shows/events for couples in any stage of their relationship! The good news - the dreaded 2/14 is actually on a Monday this year, so many events/shows are happening the weekend prior. Restaurant prix fixe and holiday special menus are a couple posts down!

Kudos to those newly dating who don’t try to avoid this needlessly pressure-filled holiday. Everyone gets caught up in the hype and fret about what it ‘means’, so here are some fun places to just relax and have a good time with a new love-interest or keep the sparks flying with your current flame!

Dad’s Garage - Show: Best Love Story Ever Told. Thurs/Fri nights 10:30pm. $10+. Nothing is ever serious at Dad’s and the couples who stay together always seem to credit a lifetime of laughter. Grab a casual dinner at nearby Fritti, Pure Vida, Parish or P’Cheen prior to the show!

Valentine’s Day - Dad’s Garage a Trois! Mon 2/14 8pm. $25+. Laugh it up with a significant other, or two! Finally, being a third wheel has its benefits! Add a 2nd date for only $3 with 2 paid tix! Evening features Valentine’s themed improv sketches, songs and more!

Valentine’s at the High. Sat 2/12 6-10pm. Free for members/$25pp/$40 couple. Salsa dance lessons, champagne/desserts for purchase, book signing, live music and more. Special French Cabaret themed Valentine’s Day event in honor of the new “Toulouse-Lautrec & Friends” exhibition.

All You Need is Love - Paul McCartney Tribute from Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 2/11 & 2/12. $22+. Classic songs performed, McCartney portrayed by Tony Kishman, one of the stars of Beatlemania.

Tommy Blaze - The Punchline. 2/10-14. $15+. Laugh about the differences between men and women with Tommy Blaze, critically acclaimed comic know for his relationship humor from his ‘He Said/She Said’ tour.

Valentine’s in the Garden - Atlanta Botanical Garden. Sat 2/12 7-11pm. $30pp. Cocktails (cash bar), desserts, dancing to live music in the lush gardens. Thanks to Buckhead Betty on a Budget for the head’s up on this event!

Love Stories Tour - Oakland Cemetery. Sat 2/12 & Sun 2/13 at 4pm. $10. Take a trip back in time with this one-hour tour that explores the many love stories of Historic Oakland Cemetery. Enjoy learning about love symbols on the monuments and more.

Atlanta Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty - Cobb Energy Ctr. 2/11-13. $28+. A classic fairy tale set to elegant dance.

Martinis and IMAX Valentine’s Celebration - Fri 2/11 6:30-11pm. Michael Brown Quartet performs, new Blushing Valentini drink added to the menu! Special Sweetheart package available ($40 members/$45 non-members) - includes 2 IMAX tickets, bottle of wine or champagne and a dessert to share.

Valentine’s Dinner Hands On - The Cooks Warehouse. Sat 2/12 6:30-9:30pm. $75. Couples work alongside Chef Peter Rubin to create a fantastic dinner. Lobster Mac & Cheese, Beef Tenderloin, Molten Chocolate Ganache and more!

Valentine’s Ballroom Nights - The Fox Theatre. Mon 2/14 8:30pm/Free lesson at 8pm. $30. Dance the night away with the one you love to the swingin’ sounds of Joe Gransden and his 17-piece Big Band! Match this with dinner at the Livingston Restaurant at the GA Terrace and you have a great night to remember!

Give Love, Make Chocolate - Cacao Atlanta. Multiple sessions on 2/12 and 2/13. $25+price of chocolate by weight. Hands on chocolate making session at Atlanta’s top chocolate boutique!

A really cool event is coming to town - the Nuclear Cowboyz! Freestyle motocross at its best and I have 2 pairs of tickets to give away!

The freestyle motocross 12-city tour will be here in Atlanta on Saturday, February 5th at 6:30pm at Philips Arena and is guaranteed to be a rocking good time.

The show - Freestyle Chaos - tells the legend of two powerful freestyle motocross tribes called the Soldiers of Havoc and the Metal Mulisha, whose survival in their post-apocalyptic world is told through gravity defying and fearless freestyle motocross aerial feats. It’s the ultimate battle for world supremacy and you can be there!

Thanks to the lovely Sue Rodman and Feld Entertainment - you have the chance to win one of two pairs of tickets to see the show!

Two ways to enter:

1. Via Twitter post: “Hey @ATL_Events, I want to go Nuclear on 2/5 at the @NuclearCowboyz motocross show!”

2. Email me the same phrase!

It’s just that easy. Winners selected by random draw on Friday 1/28/11, so be sure to enter today!

Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. The traditional offerings come in the form of flowers, candy, romantic dinners, and here in Atlanta we have a ton of fantastic restaurants with special menus just for the occasion. Reservations are a must, so book today!

La Tavola - $49/pp. Good on Monday 2/14. 3-course Valentine’s menu with one of the entree options being Chef Craig Richard’s fantastic Pumpkin Risotto that I fell in love with at #MoltoMonday. Their dessert options are also incredible, highly recommend the Meyer Lemon-Olive Oil cake. Delish.

Cafe Circa - $40/pp. Good on Monday 2/14. Enjoy a special 3-course prix fixe dinner created by Chef Hopeton Hibbert that includes a complimentary glass of champagne, as well as some delicious app/entree and dessert options such as petit salmon filet, roasted scallops and a mouth watering double chocolate rum pound cake!

Rosebud - Good on Sunday 2/13 5:30-9:30pm & Monday 2/14 5:30-10pm. Fall in love over Chef Ron Eyester’s (aka The Angry Chef) fantastic menu and selection of a la carte holiday specials available. Toast your love with JJ Smooth’s Aphrodisiac Elixir or selection of champagne and enjoy some of the seven amazing starters such as a Braised Duck and Pistachio Crepe or Nantucket Cape Scallops with champagne-citrus butter w/local grits. Six delectable entrees, including Cocoa Dusted Filet of Beef Tenderloin with Fois Gras Potato Gratin, Vanilla and Sage Roasted Pork Loin with local grits and Braised Oyster Mushrooms, Crab Stuffed Trout with Sweet Potato Hash & Pistachio Beurre Blanc and will have you both floating on a cloud all the way home.

South City Kitchen Midtown/Vinings - $39.95/pp. (Good on Monday 2/14) 3-course meal in the southern tradition. Famous fried green tomatoes, buttermilk fried chicken, shrimp & grits, she-crab soup, and sticky toffee pudding are just a couple options! Get ready for true southern romance.

Pacci ‘Queen of Hearts’ Party - (Thursday 2/10 6-9pm). Valentine’s social for both couples and singles. Drink specials, complimentary apps, Tarot Card readings, raffle prizes and relationship expert/columnist Blane Bachelor will be on hand to answer all your questions about love!

W Hotel - Perimeter - Vampy Valentine’s Specials - $38 per couple. Includes 2 signature Valentine’s ‘elixirs’ (aka cocktails) and a dessert to share. Desserts on the list are chocolate dipped dark chocolate and hazelnut cake drizzled with pomegranate syrup, a parfait of blood orange and milk chocolate with a rich scoop of vanilla ice cream or a white chocolate and raspberry devil cake. Extend the romance with a stay package for $129+, includes cupcakes, champagne, more.

W Hotel Downtown - Perfect Proposal Package - $525+ per couple. Includes a 10 minute helicopter ride over Atlanta, dinner for two at BLT Steak, bottle of champagne in your studio suite, and complimentary valet parking. Or you can create your own experience a la carte!

Pure Vida - $85 per couple. Good on Monday 2/14. The Valentine’s package includes a selection of six tapas (with all the aphrodisiacs highlights), one dessert and bottle of wine to share.

Livingston Restaurant - $55/pp. Good on Monday 2/14. Chef Zeb Stevenson is featuring a special 3-course meal with a champagne paired with each dessert selection. Or create your own menu, as the regular dinner menu will also be available.

The Shed at Glenwood - $45/pp. Good on Monday 2/14. This special holiday 3-course menu from Chef Lance Gummere includes complimentary champagne! Menu to be posted soon!

Ecco - $50/pp. Good on Monday 2/14. 3-course meal that includes their famous fried goat cheese appetizer and a chocolate truffle tasting for dessert. Decadent

Canoe - Good on Monday 2/14. Lovers can enjoy a romantic view of the Chattahoochee River and order a la carte from a tasty menu with filled with holiday specials and enjoy wine pairings. Stroll the lighted garden after dinner hand in hand.

Spice Market - $30/pp. Good on Sunday 2/13 & Monday 2/14. Create your own lover’s menu! Pick one appetizer, entree and dessert from Spice Market’s fantastic menu! Steak or lobster - add $8.

One Flew South - Good every night! Long distance relationship or just a couple on the go? Meet up at Hartsfield-Jackson in Terminal E on Valentine’s for a gourmet & romantic dinner! The One Flew South booth was swarmed at Jazzoo last year, fantastic food!

H. Harper Station - $40/pp. Good on Monday 2/14. Special Valentine’s Menu is a 3-course meal that includes oysters on the half shell, petit filet with bourbon glaze and vanilla poached lobster tail. Dessert options include a chocolate and cherry bread pudding or a coconut, passion fruit and rose parfait.

La Viegne at Montaluce Vineyards - $75/pp. Good on Monday 2/14. What is more romantic than dinner at a vineyard? Whisk your love away just an hour north of the city to enjoy the views of the N. GA mountains. Executive Chef Steven Hartman is preparing a multi-course dinner with wine pairing options.

Bocado - Good on Monday 2/14. In addition to the already amazing dinner menu, Chef Todd Ginsberg with be preparing some signature specials to celebrate the holiday.

HOBNOB - $45/pp, optional champagne pairing for $25/pp. Good on Monday 2/14. For Valentine’s Day, HOBNOB will feature the regular menu at dinner, as well as a special 4-course prix fixe menu.

Spring - $40/pp, with wine $60/pp. Two seatings on Monday 2/14 at 6:30-7pm & 9-9:30pm. Special 3-course menu prepared by Chef Robert Elliott.

10 Degrees South - $50/pp. Good on Monday 2/14. Special 3-course menu ‘Taste of South Africa’ experience. Options include calamari, spring rolls, mahi mahi, filet mignon, and top it all off with a delish molten chocolate lava cake!

For more Valentine’s Dining Options, please check out the extensive list at OpenTable.com and make your reservation!

During the flurry of the holiday season, many may have missed this feature in the New York Times blog last month singing the praises of Candice Reynolds and her Red Queen Tarts, a new foodie phenom started right here in the Atlanta area!

For the last couple weeks, I’ve seen Red Queen Tarts pop up all over the social media space, on Twitter and Facebook, and also read praises of these artisan ‘pop-tarts’ from local foodies Tami from Running With Tweezers and Michael Erickson of the Fifth Group.

I had my annual Winter Tea coming up and thought what better treat to go with tea than these lovely tarts. After all - wasn’t the Mad Tea Party in Wonderland - the very world ruled over by The Red Queen of Hearts?

I placed my order and was so excited to meet Candice in person. Turns out she used to be the head chef at one of my fave tea rooms - Tea Leaves & Thyme in Woodstock! Check out my post about great tea rooms in the ATL area.

I couldn’t choose between all the fantastic flavors such as Lemon-Blueberry, Roasted Pumpkin, Chocolate Hazelnut, Fall Glo Cranberry, Red Ruby Marmalade, Port Poached Pear, Prosecco Fig & Brie, and Cinnamon Apple Tatin - so I ended up ordering one of each! Luckily I had several excited guest to share these with, so they went pretty fast.

The resounding faves of the table were the Prosecco Fig & Brie (this might have been fixed since we had quite a few fig fans), the Roasted Pumpkin and the Port Poached Pear - but honestly they were all incredible. I grew up on Ruby Red Grapefruit in Texas, so the Ruby Red Marmalade took me back. Tart bite, but with the sweet crust, it was really incredible. I also love anything with hazelnuts, so her Chocolate Hazelnut tart was perfection and Candice makes all the spreads by hand! Perfect with a cup of steaming hot cocoa or tea.

So buy local and support yet another innovative chef in Atlanta! Red Queen Tarts are packaged 6 per box, $19.00/box. To order Email Candice or call (770)789-5258 to place an order. Local Atlanta delivery or US/Canada shipping is available. PayPal/cash/checks accepted!

I’ve been to several theatres and performances here in Atlanta, but had never checked out a show at the Actor’s Express until last weekend when I caught a preview performance of their latest offering - Broadsword.

The story description seems pretty straight forward:

Former members of the heavy metal band Broadsword reunite for a funeral. Richie, the band’s former guitarist, has recently been declared dead after having been missing for six months.

I’m thinking character study, dreams lost, maybe a little Eddie and the Cruisers where we wonder if Richie is really dead or has faked his own death? I was definitely intrigued!

In Broadsword, you find for yourself starting out in a very common setting that takes a really crazy turn into the supernatural. Rock n’ Roll meets The Grimm Fairy Tales in this modern mystery. I was engrossed the entire time and was really disappointed when the show ended because I wanted to see more.

Fantastic performances by talented Atlanta actors Justin Welborn, Stacy Melich, Dolph Amick, Rial Ellsworth, and city newcomer Bryan Brendle. Also, taking a turn in the mysterious role of the Man in White is Chris Kayser, who you may know as having played Ebenezer Scrooge for the last 21 years at the Alliance Theatre!

So for a fun evening out, grab some food/drinks at nearby 5 Seasons Westside, Octane, or some of the great restaurants in the White Provisions District area, and immerse yourself into a rockin’ mystery with Broadsword.

Plays: Weds-Sun until 2/12

Cost: $25+ (save $2 if you purchase online)

Directions/Park: The theatre was a little hard to find since it was my first time, so be on the look out for Entrance 1 or 2 to the King Plow Arts Center parking lot on the right off Marietta. Comp valet (Entrance 2) or self parking (Entrance 1).

UPDATE! Special Event - the Ultimate Guy’s Night Out!

Hop City and Actor’s Express team up for a fun night! Beer Tasting & Broadsword, hosted by Hop City Somelier, Christopher Reid.

Date: Thurs 1/27 6:30pm (beer tasting) and 8pm (show)

Price: $20/$15 with Broadsword ticket

When someone would bring up Park Tavern, I’d always think the same things. That it’s right on the park, the $1 beer ‘when it rains, we pour’ promotion, all the parties I’ve attended there, great bar for hanging out and drinking, ice skating at The Rink, but never did I think ‘Park Tavern is a great place for sushi’.

Well, my thinking has been changed quite effectively by Chef Chapin Vilasineekul and a wonderous experience with a Himalayan Salt Block!

The sushi at Park Tavern is pretty amazing. It’s important to know that the fish is overnighted from the Honolulu Fish Market, who are down at the docks in the early am picking out the best fish and sending it straight to Atlanta. Park Tavern is one of the only restaurants in the world to have access to the best and freshest fish through this market and also one of the only restaurants to feature seared rare kobe that is 100% waygu beef. When creating his new sushi menu Chef Chapin Vilasineekul was adamant that Park Tavern feature only the best.

One of the cool new additions to the menu is the Salt Block Experience, which is fantastic for a group of friends or a great date idea. A Himalayan Salt Block is heated to 700 degrees in the oven and stays hot at your table for 30 minutes. Much like fondue or Korean BBQ, you create your own meal by searing sashimi fish and the previously mentioned top of the line kobe beef on the block to enjoy custom sushi hand rolls.

The Salt Block Experience is $29 per person and includes edamame, mixed green salad with ginger dressing, sushi rice, seaweed wraps, beef, fish and seasonings to make your own hand rolls.

So now, when someone says Park Tavern, I’ll definitely think ‘great sushi’!

It’s Day 2 of being on ‘Snowcation in Hothlanta’ (check in on Foursquare!) and the city has been crippled with 6+ inches of snow, topped with a layer of ice that together have created a pretty insane transportation situation.

So I’ve been chilling at home, working remotely and also getting caught up on some projects that I hope will make 2011 even cooler.

But for those who have cabin fever, here are some places that are actually open today for dinner/food/entertainment. Thanks to Creative Loafing Food and ToNeToATL and all the business on Twitter/Facebook for posting their updates!

Film: Plaza Theatre (5pm & 7pm shows)

Drinks: Cypress Street (open until 2:30am), The Porter, The Brickstore, Taco Mac (various - call first to make sure yours is open), Smith’s Olde Bar, James Joyce, Square Pub, The Graveyard

Warm Up: The Shed (4-10pm), La Tavola (5:30pm), DBA Barbeque, Rosebud (limited menu starting at 4:30pm), South City Kitchen Midtown (5pm), El Taco (5pm), Dr. Bombay’s Tea Room, San Francisco Coffee (Morningside), Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft (Buckhead), Bakeshop (Midtown), P’Cheen (limited menu - 4pm), Six Feet Under (Grant Park), Murphy’s (open until 5pm), Livingston’s (5-10pm), Empire State South (5:30pm), The Mercantile (Candler Park), Atkins Park (Smyrna), Marietta Diner, Waffle House (all locations!), NY Pizza Exchange (Vinings), Meehans (Vinings), Einstein Bagels (Vinings), Phipps Tavern (Buckhead), Au Pied de Cochon (Buckhead), McCray’s Tavern (Smyrna), BLT Steak (“5 at 5” Happy Hour! $5 menu of small plates from 5-7pm), No Mas Cantina (open until 6), Iberian Pig (6pm), Ray’s in the City (4pm), So Ba (East Atlanta Village), Eastside Lounge (EAV), HOBNOB, New York Prime (4pm drinks/5pm dinner), California Dreaming (Kennesaw), Diesel (4pm), Max Lager’s (Downtown), H. Harper Station (5pm), Einstein’s (Midtown), Fado Irish Pub (Buckhead), Sun Dial (6-10pm), Monterey (Suwanee)

*Photos via AP and The AJC

During the holidays there is a big push for donations to food banks and food drives, but the need doesn’t stop after Christmas is over.

I’ve been a fan of what the Atlanta Community Food Bank has been doing and was excited to hear about their Supper Club program. It’s a pretty basic concept - eat at great restaurants on a certain night each month and 20% of the night’s sales goes to benefit ACFB. You get great food and the ACFB gets a donation. Easy!

This month’s ACFB supper club event is being held on Tuesday 1/18 at Farm Burger in Decatur.

Farm Burger hit the ATL food scene last year with a big splash and has already made several Top Burger lists both locally and nationally. Known for their 100% grassfed, antibiotic and hormone-free beef burgers, they also offer veggie and chicken burgers.

So if you have been looking for an excuse to try out Farm Burger, or are already a fan, come on out and support a great cause with a really good burger!

I’ve been a huge fan of the High Museum for some time now and was excited when they offered a Groupon for a discounted annual membership last year. I jumped on it and have enjoyed attending several events there over the past year, including the one that’s about to leave forever - Dalí.

Fantastic collection and overall experience, with the recent addition of The Persistence of Memory, one of his most famous pieces. Learn about the man behind the mustache in a really cool event this Saturday night - Dalí ‘til Dawn.

Roam the galleries of the High at midnight on Saturday and get in for only $5!! Ever seen the sun rise from *inside* the High? Now’s your chance!

Want to meet up with fellow Dalí fans attending? Anna of @WebAnna is getting a crew together at midnight at the High Museum Shop!

A new year means an entire calendar’s worth of new Atlanta Events! Here are a couple I’m looking forward to that are happening in the next couple months….enjoy and Happy New Year!

Bring It On - The Musical at The Alliance Theatre. 1/15 - 2/20. $25+. The pop culture phenom cheer movie hits the boards in this new musical version.

Atlanta Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty - Cobb Energy Ctr. 2/11-13. $28+. A classic fairy tale set to elegant dance.

Brew Your Cask Off - Sweetwater Brewery. Sat 3/5 6-10pm. $35+. 80+ craft brewers compete for awards. Ticket gets you samples of all the craft casks and Sweetwater’s brews.

Dogwood Festival - Piedmont Park. 4/15-17. FREE! One of Atlanta’s largest arts and music festivals, featuring hundreds of artists from around the country, a Kids Village, Frisbee Dog competition, live music, and more. “Friends of Dogwood Pavilion” is a ticketed event (Sat/Sun 1-5pm) that features food/wine samplings and an upscale hospitality experience in the Greystone event space. Ticket price is TBA.

Sweetwater 420 Fest. 4/15-17. Free/$5 for beer wristband. Live music, food, art, 5K race, and brews!

Atlanta Steeplechase - Kingston Downs. Sat 4/16. $38+. Enjoy a classic day at the races at this annual event. My recommendation having been a couple years now is to buy the general admission ticket and just get there early and set up along the race track fence with your tent/tailgating set up. It’s about an hour north of Atlanta, so just plan on spending the day up there. There are horse and Jack Russell Terrier races, a ladies Hat Contest, airshow, parade and more!

Inman Park Festival. 4/29 - 5/1. FREE!! Fantastic annual neighborhood arts festival that features a Tour of Homes, artist booths, children’s activities, live entertainment, food, and more!

Atlanta Film Festival. 4/28 - 5/7. $10+ (Fest Pass Cost TBA). The region’s largest and longest-running film fest, the ATLFF features more than 150+ new independent, international, animated, documentary and short films selected from more than 1,800 submissions from around the world. Special events, panels and parties! I’ve volunteered several times for the ATLFF and if you’re a film lover like me - it’s a great experience.

Taste of the Highlands - John Howell Park. Sat 4/30. Ticket cost TBA. The best restaurants of The Highlands come out to showcase their fantastic food! Live music and more. Went to this event last year and had a great time - highly recommend it!

BlogHer Food Conference - Westin Peachtree. 5/20-21. $298+. Annual social media conference for food writers/stylists/enthusiasts comes to Atlanta this year!

Atlanta Jazz Fest - Piedmont Park. 5/28-30. FREE! One of the country’s largest free jazz festivals, this event features jazz legends and up and comers to the scene throughout May, but with show stopping performances over Memorial Day weekend.

Checking out the December 2010 issue of Atlanta Magazine has been a blessing and a curse. The annual ‘Best of Atlanta’ issue was chock-full of awesome features on local trends, restaurants, shopping, people, and events.

It was the beginning of a list of must-visit places around town for me in 2011 and a validation for the ones I’ve already discovered and loved. Here’s my restaurant list of been there, want to do that….

Been there, love them:

Restaurants/Bars:

Rosebud (brunch review) - I keep going back to Rosebud for brunch and bringing friends who have yet to experience the awesome food of Chef Ron Eyester. To-do for 2011: Try the dinner menu and go to a music-themed event.

Bocado - Killer burger, but also fantastic for lunch, dinner or just drinks. Great bar and beer selection being right across the street from ATL brew powerhouses 5 Seasons (below), Octane and HopCity.

Fritti - I was excited to finally grab some slices of delish pizza at this Inman Park staple in December. Great for a group or casual dinner, I’ll be back to try some more of their offerings this year!

Parish - Fantastic upscale comfort food, great service and I really loved their spin on the classic TV dinner. Another great Inman Park foodie fixture.

La Tavola (Molto Monday review) - The deal on Monday is pretty hard to resist, but I went off the $10 menu to try Chef Craig’s pumpkin risotto and it was amazing. Dessert sampler is a must for a group or date. 

5 Seasons Westside - I’m a huge fan of 5 Seasons Westside for a number of reasons. Great beer from Brewmaster Crawford Moran, open event space with the bar on the second floor/patio and a fantastic menu from Chef David Larkworthy. Triple threat!

Pacci - I was first introduced to Chef Keira Moritz at Taste of Atlanta in October. Her dishes were some of the best of the event and it lured me into the restaurant for a second taste, which turned into a fantastic lunch. Great location in Midtown and comp valet parking at Hotel Palomar.

Baraonda - I’ve been going to Baraonda for years, it’s a great little Italian place I keep coming back to in Midtown, especially if I’m attending an event at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. From the pastas, wines, small plates, pizza and excellent service (and cute waiters!),  I’ve never had a bad experience here and love it. Validated parking in deck across the street.

Urban Pl8 - One of the advantages of being friends with foodies is that they clue you into all the best places to eat around town, which is how I found Urban Pl8. Really amazing and rotating menu that features fresh local, seasonal ingredients. Their peach/mozzarella balsamic salad in the summer was amazing and the maple roasted sweet potatoes on the menu now are out of this world. Go!

The Shed - The Shed holds a special place in my heart. I started going to their famous Weds $3 Slider Night back in 2009 and had my first Tweet Up there early last year. Owner Cindy Shera is just a fantastic person and couple that with amazing food from Chef Lance Gummere, and you’ll be calling The Shed your go-to restaurant for all occasions!

Star Provisions - I had been in the parking lot of Star Provisions many times over the years, going to other restaurants, but never wandered in until meeting Tim ‘the Cheeseman’ Gaddis on Twitter. Now I can say I really have enjoyed all my lunches at Star Provisions with both friends and co-workers. Both the retail and cheese shops are dangerous - really cute home decor and delectable offerings like Phickles Pickles and artisan cheeses/meats. 

The Original El Taco - I went to El Taco on a Sunday when it was snowing and between this very rare weather condition and really good food, I’ll never forget the experience! Friendly staff and great food, pop into El Taco and try their new lunch menu! 

Souper Jenny - A restaurant that warms your soul and one of Atlanta’s food truck pioneers in 2010, Souper Jenny is just awesome. Themed dinner nights, the Flying Soup Mobile, great food and a simple concept keep people (and myself) coming back again and again. Tip: Cash only!

HobNob - I need to get back to HobNob this year for drinks & noshes. Their pretzel with warm cheese & beer dip is legendary and their 3 cheese sauce Mac & Cheese is just insane. Great beer selection for those into craft brew and conveniently right across the street from Smith’s Olde Bar. Catch drinks/dinner and a show right on the corner of Piedmont and Monroe.

Lunacy Black Market - Chef Paul Luna is an Atlanta food legend and his latest restaurant downtown is a physical extension of an amazing chef and person. Great food, casual atmosphere, and you feel like you’ve stepped into his living room as he comes out of the open kitchen to talk about his food. There is this mystic demeanor about him that makes you think he really knows what the meaning of life is all about.

The King of Pops - Not a restaurant per se, but Steve Carse made a huge mark on the ATL food scene in 2010 with his homemade gourmet popsicles. Whether it’s at neighborhood festivals, farmer’s markets, or their original location at corner of North and N. Highland, there wasn’t a cool event in town that didn’t have the tasty treats available. My faves are Banana Puddin’, Chocolate Sea Salt and Mexican Chocolate. Sooo good! Shout out to Nick, my favorite popsicle guy!

The Porter Beer Bar - Everyone talks about The Brick Store Pub as the end all when it comes to beer bars in Atlanta and I agree they do rock (Belgium bar - woo!), but I’d also say The Porter in the heart of Little 5 Points may be even a little better since they have a killer beer list AND fantastic food. This is what they were talking about when they coined the term Gastropub. Delish and addictive Belgium fries, goat cheese fritters or Sweetwater’s spent grain bread are great drink and nosh options for the bar. Sitting down for dinner, grab the 1/2 lb Cheeseburger, Fish & Chips or one of their daily specials - which are spectacular.

P’Cheen (review) - I really admire how when you walk into a restaurant you get a feel for the owners and the chef’s style right away. Great food & music in a casual neighborhood bar setting, P’Cheen has something for everyone. BBQ on Mondays, Date Nite special on Tues, Low Country Boil on Weds, and rocking all week long.

Burger Boutiques - so many - they deserve their own section! Burgers can be a very personal thing, so try them all. I’ve enjoyed: Flip Burger, Farm Burger, Yeah! Burger, The Counter, & Googie Burger.

Need to visit in 2011:

Empire State South, Park’s Edge, Sotto Sotto, R. Thomas Deluxe Grill, Woodfire Grill, Super Pan Latino Sandwich Shop, Antico Pizza, 4th and Swift, Varasano’s Pizza, The Sound Table, Bistro Niko, Social, Spice Market, H. Harper Station

Burgers: George’s, Grindhouse Killer Burgers (going this week!), Holeman & Finch (10pm burger - tried a sample at Taste of Atlanta, but want the full experience), Ann’s Snack Bar (classic!)

Are you hungry yet? Let me know if I left off a must-do restaurant from my list!