Nava Brunch Preview - Blogger Brunch

NAVA Brunch Preview

NAVA
Nava Brunch Menu
(More photos at bottom of post)

I went to a Blogger Brunch at Nava with Mom to preview their new brunch menu with other Atlanta Food Bloggers. They just recently started serving brunch, and it was an amazing experience. I had never been there before, although I had heard great things about its luxurious details and Southwestern Cuisine. Basically, many restaurants you visit serve run-of-the-mill cuisine that you could probably easily make at home. At Nava, every bite elicits an “OMG!” reaction. I am not joking.
We loved every bite of our meal, and the other bloggers seemed to as well.

Nava Restaurant is known for its bold Southwestern flavors, prime Buckhead location, and comfortable environment with excellent service. The Executive Chef is Ryan Delesandro. Ryan has a lot of experience with Southern and Southwestern Cuisine. He lives in Alpharetta, and practices mixed martial arts. The décor at Nava is a gorgeous southwestern theme, and there is also an outdoor seating area. You can order a bottle of Prickly Pear Margarita with enough for several drinks, and lounge out on the beautiful patio eating an unforgettable brunch while watching the well-heeled Buckhead atmosphere.

Below is the Brunch Preview Menu I sampled, all of which was fantastic. Click here for the full Nava Brunch Menu. Nava Brunch Menu

When you first arrive at Nava and are seated in the casual, yet opulent ambience, servers bring you a basket of warm cornbread shaped like corn sheaves, and made from blue corn, with a large square of fresh butter. You will also get a basket of corn chips, and three gourmet salsas. We had Mango Habañero, Avocado Tomatillo, and Chipotle Tomatillo. Then, you should probably try one of their margaritas like the Prickly Pear, which is made with Cuervo Gold Tequila; or the GA Peach Bellini, or the Peach Payaso Mojito. My favorite of all was the Spiced Flower, which is mixed with Hangar One Chipotle Vodka, and is surprisingly tasty and spicy.

After brunch, we were treated to some desserts, which were heavenly. Just listen to what they were – Key Lime Pie with Guava Ice Cream, Chocolate Mud Pie with Kahlua Ice Cream and Black Cherries, and Blue Agave Cheesecake with Prickly Pear Sorbet. To die for!! Everything on the menu was just perfect. Really. I was so impressed with Nava, and I can’t wait to go back.

Nava Taco Trio – Baja Fish Taco, Chipotle BBQ Brisket Taco, Shrimp and Grits Taco

Johnny Cakes – Spring Tree Maple Syrup, Thick Cut Apple Wood Smoked Bacon

“Bacon” & Eggs – Crispy Pork Belly, Masa Gorditas, Chorizo, Chipotle Aioli, Pan Fried Farm Eggs, Citrus Arugula Salad

Sonoma Jack Cheese 3 Egg Omelet – Tequila Sour Cream, Rojo Mole, Pico de Gallo, Yukon Potato & Chorizo Hash Browns

Salmon & Eggs – Short Smoked Salmon, Soft Poached Farm Egg, Spinach & Goat Cheese Hash, Chipotle Lime Hollandaise

Cocktails

GA Peach Bellini – Natural Peach Puree and Sparkling Wine

Peach Payaso Mojito – Bacardi Peach Red Rum, Fresh Mint & Lime, Cranberry Juice

Blood Orange Mimosa – Natural Blood Orange Puree, Sparkling Wine

Spiced Flower – Hangar One Chipotle Vodka, St. Germaine, Champagne

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival - May 19th-22nd

ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Buy Tickets

The first Atlanta Food and Wine Festival begins today. It will showcase authentic foods, wines and spirits from across the Southern region, from May 19 - 22, 2011. The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival will be the first luxury festival in the nation dedicated exclusively to Southern food and beverage traditions. The Festival will highlight the best of the region from Texas to West Virginia and the states in between, building upon three key themes: old traditions, new traditions and imports and inspirations that have influenced Southerners in the kitchen.

Inspired by the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, the Atlanta Festival will take the best elements of other national festivals, build upon them and then infuse a spirit of honoring the regional food culture. Leveraging the expertise of a Founders Council of the best Southern culinary talents, the Festival will offer carefully-designed seminars, demonstrations and tasting experiences, representing the unique flavors of the region. The festival “will unite leaders of their craft – barbecue pit masters, award-winning chefs and mixologists, Master Sommeliers, fry cooks and local growers – to provide Festival guests the opportunity to sip, savor and learn about the best of Southern food and beverage traditions."

Festival programming will be complimented by tasting and learning opportunities
provided by wine makers and chefs from other southern regions around the world like
Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece whose southern European food and wine
traditions have influenced local flavors and techniques.

Midtown Atlanta will serve as home to the Festival, which will open to ticket holders on Friday with seminars and special connoisseur programming. Saturday will include seminars, demonstrations, the opening of the Tasting Tents, and a number of special events around town. The grand finale will begin Sunday morning with additional demonstrations and the Tasting Tents. I will be there on Saturday. Hope to see you there!

Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta - New Menu Launch

Hard Rock Café Atlanta
Velvet Underground
(Additional Photos at bottom, including Shakira's pants)

Dan and I were lucky enough to be invited to a special Hard Rock Café Media Dinner to taste the new and improved lighter Hard Rock Café menu last week, and it was a really cool experience. Hard Rock is rolling out 12 new healthier menu options. We ate, drank, were merry, and we learned a lot. For instance, I didn’t know that there are 170 Hard Rock Cafés around the world!

The atmosphere in the Velvet Underground private room was luxury rock and roll, and the food was great! The Velvet Underground room is available for private parties and corporate events, and you can order from a banquet menu and request extras such as a potato bar or carving station. I loved the décor – lots of rich woods, red, and copper, with a gorgeous pink marble bathroom.



Dina, Jennifer, and Elise were our super sweet PR Diva hostesses at the party, and Chef Anna spoke to us about each course as it was served. The servers were all friendly, hip men and women, and took wonderful care of all of us. Meanwhile, the expert bartender Dimples mixed up delicious cocktails. We also met the new manager of the Hard Rock Café Gatlinburg, Trisha, and we watched a film about Hard Rock’s philanthropy, which is extensive.

I am impressed by Hard Rock’s commitment to “Love All, Serve All,” and by their new menu, and I have to say I love their swag! I have been to Hard Rock before – last time at a Librarian luncheon, where I got a very cool guitar keychain. I love their pins and shirts, bags, etc. We also got a 40th Anniversary pin since it’s been 40 years since the first Hard Rock Café was started by two Americans in London. I always have a good time there! I guess I am a rock & roll girl.

Here was our menu for the evening -

Cocktails – All of the drinks were expertly made. We had a Red Passion (The best!) and a Hurricane. You get to keep the glasses!


Hors D’Oeuvres

Bruschetta – Great bruschetta – ciabatta with tomatoes and shaved parm.

Crab Cakes – Wonderful! Served with an adorable tiny fork and fantastic dill sauce.

Smoked Salmon Crostini – Another lovely nosh with the amazing dill sauce.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Crisp, fresh wraps with mouth-pleasing peanut sauce.


Entrees

Anti-Cobb Salad – Light, fruit-topped salad with Balsamic Tangerine dressing.

Greek Salad – Nice version of the classic, and I love the classic!

Sliders – Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich, Legendary Burger, Legendary Turkey Burger

The sliders were all tasty – We liked them all, but my favorite was the Legendary Burger with candied bacon and a thick Vidalia onion ring. Dan’s favorite was the Grilled Mahi Mahi.

Grilled Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce with Ratatouille
Tender chicken with spinach leaves, mushrooms, and Romano cheese. Very nice.

Grilled Chicken Marsala
Another tender, delicious chicken dish – loved the Marsala sauce.

Twisted Macaroni & Cheese
My favorite! I am a sucker for mac & cheese. This was a spicy take on the classic with cayenne and red bell pepper.


Desserts

Assortment of Mini Desserts: Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Cheesecake, Mixed Berries and Cream.

Yum, Yum, Yum, Yum, Yum! Need I say more? These were all scrumptious, and we cleaned the glasses even though we were stuffed. I think I liked the Chocolate Peanut Butter shot the best.

Thanks Hard Rock Staff! Hard Rock Café Atlanta Rules!

Photo Captions: Velvet Underground Private Room, Shakira's Pants, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich, Anti-Cobb Salad, Hard Rock Cafe Desserts

Atlanta Foodies News - Week of May 15th

Mystery Dinner Theater at Callaway Gardens on Saturday, May 21, 2011 – Mystery Dinner Theater Package

Song of the South Live Music Series every Wednesday at Canoe Restaurant – Canoe Restaurant

Artist Gregor Turk’s Show Shift opening from 6-9 on May 19th Astolfi Art

Yoforia now open at Perimeter Pointe - Yoforia.com


Mystery, Surprises, Food and more at Callaway Gardens

Dust off your Deerstalker cap and polish your favorite monocle, ‘cause Callaway Gardens needs your detective skills for “Showdown at Northspoon”. At this mystery dinner theater, guests will join the Sheepling siblings as they learn who will inherit Northspoon, the family ranch. Who successfully met the goal set forth by their deceased relative for the big inheritance? The drama on the ranch continues to grow as the moment of truth approaches. Can you figure out “whodunit” before dessert is served?

The Mystery Dinner Theater will include opportunities to interact with the cast while you dine on delicious cuisine from the Callaway Gardens culinary team led by Executive Chef Joe Malone. Guests selected just before the show will receive reading parts and will be cued to deliver their award winning performances. Expect a few surprises and activities to add to the fun, and solving the mystery comes with token prizes for the winning team.

“Showdown at Northspoon” takes place at Callaway Gardens on Saturday, May 21, 2011. Packages start at $115* and include accommodations at the Mountain Creek Inn, a reception,Mystery Dinner Theater, and admission to Callaway’s world-class Gardens. Visit in October for a Vampire themed mystery dinner.


Canoe's Song of the South live music series at the outdoor river bar features live local artists every Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. throughout the spring. The Song of the South music series features all new musicians that are better than ever. Guests can relax in the riverside Adirondack chairs, gather around the River Bar, savor their aperitif and listen to local artists. Chef Carvel Grant Gould’s “River Snacks” features tasty, inexpensive treats, and of course, the bar will serve a variety of local beers, signature river cocktails and wines by the glass. The River Bar will be open daily, weather permitting, just in time for the beautiful spring and summer Georgia weather.

Song of the South Music Schedule
Wednesday, May 18 Sam Thacker
Wednesday, May 25 Tim Brantley
Wednesday, June 1 Ben Deignan
Wednesday, June 8 Scotty Cram

Canoe has been featured in notable publications such as Bon Appétit, Food and Wine, Gourmet, The Wine Spectator, and the New York Times.

Yoforia is now open at Perimeter Pointe

Gregor Turk - whose show Shift will open at the White Provision gallery, Astolfi Art, on Thursday, May 19 and run through June 30. Astolfi Art
Turk`s work typically references mapping and place-making and often incorporates elements of institutional markers, signs, symbols, iconography and pictograms (see awesome map of Miami that he gifted us and which we proudly hang at LLPR). The new series features panels and sculptures that are all pairings of trapezoidal shapes in the blues and greens found on world maps. Turk has permanent public art installations in the International Concourse at the Atlanta Airport and in the Jacksonville Airport. His work is included in the JPMorgan Chase Art Collection in New York and numerous other public and private collections. The opening is Thursday, May 19 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tempura Chicken Strips - Tyson Grilled and Ready

I volunteered to try out Tyson Grilled and Ready Chicken for a FoodBuzz Tastemaker Event, and here is my recipe idea for the Tyson Chicken Strips, since I love tempura. (stock photo)

Tempura Chicken Strips with Tyson Grilled and Ready Chicken

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 pinch salt
1 cup water
1 egg yolk
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 bag Tyson Grilled and Ready Chicken Strips - thawed (22 oz.)
2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1.Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.Whisk flour, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. Make a depression in the center of the flour. Stir in the water and egg yolk. Mix just until moistened; batter will be lumpy. Stir in egg whites.
3.One at a time, dip chicken strips into the batter to coat. Carefully place a few strips at a time into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 1 1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
4.Dip in hot mustard, ginger or duck sauce, and enjoy! (Adapted from a recipe by S. Sundt on Allrecipes.com)

Marietta Greek Festival 2011 - May 13, 14,15

The Marietta Greek Festival is next weekend! I am very excited about going, because I have never been to a Greek Festival before. I have heard that the festival is a lot of fun.

2011
Marietta Greek Festival


ADMISSION
Only $3!





When
• May 13, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• May 14, 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• May 15, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Where
On the grounds of the Holy Transfiguration
Greek Orthodox Church
3431 Trickum Road
Marietta, Georgia 30066
770.924.8080

• FREE PARKING
• FREE SHUTTLE
• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
plus a chance to win TWO ROUND-TRIP TICKETS TO GREECE!!!

Please note: no animals or pets are allowed, except those registered for the disabled.

And the best part - the Homemade Greek Food and Greek Beers and Liqueurs! Greek Beers and Liqueurs like Ouzo and Metaxa, Sampler Platter, Souvlaki Platter, Greek Salad, Gyro Wrap, Saganaki, Spanakopita, Chocolate Baklava, and Greek Meatballs for the kids! Greek Festival MENU

Also, there will be an Agora with shops, Folk Dancers at the “Zorba Show,” and Tours of the Beautiful Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church.

For more information, visit the Greek Festival Official Website or call the festival hotline at 770-924-8080.

Mother's Day Events in Atlanta

Happy Mother's Day! Here is a list of restaurants with special Mother's Day events, and other happenings around the city today.

There is a Mother’s Day Storytelling Event on the square in Decatur starting at 3 p.m. May 8. Storytelling Event Page

Mother's Day at Serpas
Serpas has a menu of updated comfort cuisine from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Sunday Supper will not be served this week.
For reservations call 404.688.0040

Mother's Day at SOHO
SOHO Restaurant will be serving a special brunch Sunday 11:00a to 9:00p
SOHO, Atlanta GA

Mother's Day Lunch at Sufi's
Mother's Day lunch at Sufi's "a taste of Persia" 11:00a to 3:00p
Sufi's Atlanta, Atlanta GA

Mother's Day Brunch
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has a three-course lunch 11:30a to 3:00p

Open Table – Make a Mother’s Day Reservation - Restaurant Availiabilities

Music Events Today
Northside Drive Baptist Church’s Music on the Hill series continues with a concert of Trios by Dvorak and Brahms at 3 p.m. May 8.

The Atlanta Wind Symphony offers a program titled “City Music,” which will take listeners on a musical journey through London, Paris, New York and other metropolises at 3 p.m. May 8 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Spring Concert includes works by Barber, Respighi, Copland and Liszt. 3 p.m. May 8 at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Comedy
This Mother’s Day Celebration is all about the laughter as comedians Arnez J, Earthquake and Lavell Crawford are joined by host MC Lightfoot. At 7 p.m. May 8 at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center.


Some events courtesy of www.accessatlanta.com

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!