Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

In the middle of Downtown Atlanta, you can find the green oasis of Piedmont Park, and its crowning jewel, the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This time of year is a great time to visit, because Garden Lights, Holiday Nights starts this weekend and continues through January 9^th.

There is a new Tunnel of Light, “a nearly 100-foot-long immersive corridor of scintillating illumination, leading visitors from the radiant Ice Goddess in the Cascades Garden, beneath the Canopy Walk, and back to the Fern Dell’s hovering galaxy of pulsating stars.” The Ice Goddess was stunning with Ice Storm Trees surrounding her.

I tried the Rudolph, a drink with champagne and cranberry as I walked through the park. You can also sample wine and warm beverages and snacks, or dine at Linton’s. The s’mores fire pits are now in the Levy Parterre, with its amazing view of the Midtown skyline.

I sat for a while and watched the gorgeous Orchestral Orbs dance to seasonal music with colorful choreography on the Great Lawn. Children and adults can see the toy trains running as well, and kids all ages can decorate and take portraits as snowmen and gingerbread men at the Decoration Station. There is even a Kiss Me arch for romantic moments. There is always something wonderful for everyone at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I can’t wait to visit again.

Mason Tavern in Decatur - Wine Down Wednesdays

Can't wait to try this new restaurant in my home town of Decatur!

Mason Tavern seeks to "bring a fresh take on tavern food using locally sourced ingredients, seasonal inspirations and influences from a diverse Atlanta dining scene. The bar offers locally brewed beers, approachable yet thoughtfully crafted cocktails and quality wines by the glass.

A large central bar built from railroad ties anchors the space while distressed chocolate leather booths make for an intimate setting that is accented by charred woods, polished metals and hickory table tops. Industrial garage doors bring in natural light and extend the patio dining experience indoors." Sounds awesome!

2015 Halloween Events in Atlanta

It's Halloween Time in Atlanta!

Here's a great list of 2015 Halloween Events for ADULTS on Access Atlanta

and a great list of 2015 Halloween Events for KIDS on Atlanta.net

and some more upcoming fun!

W Atlanta Downtown Smoke and Mirrors Party - Oct. 31 (ATL)
A costume event that will be judged on Instagram ...
"Like" @WATLDowntown on IG, Tag us in your costume pic and use #WATLDowntownHalloween2015
Guest with the most 'organic likes' wins a Fabulous Overnight Stay and a BLISS massage *extra points for sharing on  Facebook and Twitter!

When

Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 9:00 PM - Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM (EDT) - Add to Calendar

Where

45 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW - 45 Ivan Allen Junior Boulevard Northwest Atlanta, GA 30308 - View Map  

Boo At The Zoo, Now - Oct. 31 (ATL) 

Bring the family for a spooktacular time at Zoo Atlanta. On Saturdays and Sundays from now till Halloween, the zoo offers a costume contest, a corn maze, Halloween crafts and games and dance party. Boo at the Zoo is free for zoo members and children under the age of 3. Non-members gain entry with a general admission ticket. Click here for more information.

Atlanta Asian Film Festival, Now - Oct. 24 (ATL)

The Atlanta Asian Film Festival features films that celebrate the Asian-American experience. Join us for dramas, comedies, and even comedy-horror films that present a kaleidoscopic and diverse perspective on what it means to be Asian-American. See individual films for $8 a piece or buy an all-access pass for $25. More information online.

Evening with Veuve Cliquot at STK - Tonight

Hello Atlanta Foodies! This event's happening tonight! Guests are invited to enjoy an exciting, champagne-infused evening featuring a DJ, photo booth, calligrapher, games, giveaways, and gourmet bites created by STK’s Executive Chef Mark Alba. 

Each hour “Veuve on the Clock” specials will be announced, offering guests a chance to partake in a variety of champagne specials. From 6 p.m. to 6:59 p.m., champagne lovers can indulge in Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Non-Vintage Rosé for just $6; from 7 p.m. to 7:59 p.m., the price rises to $7 and so on until the clock strikes 9 p.m. Those party goers that stay for dinner will receive 15% off their check and also have the opportunity to purchase a magnum bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label for $150. 

Finally, in anticipation of the Clicquot En Route truck’s arrival, STK will be serving a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label or Non-Vintage Rosé paired with STK’s signature truffle fries out of custom Veuve Clicquot mini-mailboxes, available for $19, the entire week leading up to the event. To make a reservation or to learn more, visit www.stkhouse.com.

Beef Stew with Red Gold Tomatoes

Beef Stew with Red Gold Tomatoes

I learned to make Beef Stew the other night! My husband is a classically-trained chef, and I was excited to learn a new recipe from him. We made his own recipe, but it was similar to this Beef Stew Recipe at Red Gold.

We used Red Gold tomato paste and added some Red Gold tomatoes for an extra delicious tomato flavor. It was so easy to make, and soooo yummy! I highly recommend trying this recipe. Let us know how you like it if you try it!

Red Gold has a Grilling Sweepstakes, too, where you can win a Big Green Egg here. Have fun cooking this summer!

Mother’s Day 2015 Events and Restaurants in Atlanta

Mother’s Day 2015 Events and Restaurants in Atlanta (and more)

Atlanta Botanical Garden Mother’s Day Tour

The 31st annual Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 9 –10. Benefiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the tour spotlights 12 private gardens in metro Atlanta, including Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Midtown, Decatur, and Dunwoody. Tickets for the self-guided tour, held each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., are on sale online, at the Garden, and at select area retailers. They are $25 in advance (Garden members $20) and $30 on days of the tour, and are valid both days. For more information visit atlantabg.org.

Georgia Aquarium Moms Get in Free - On Mother’s Day, Mom should relax, put up her feet and not worry about a thing all day! While that may never happen, Georgia Aquarium still wants to treat all Moms with FREE admission* and special gifts on Sunday, May 10, 2015. Mom will receive complimentary Total Ticket admission with purchase of one child’s admission… or adult or senior admission (we know that “children” come in all ages!)   Mom’s free ticket can be picked up at the ticketing window when you arrive. All other admissions in your party, may be purchased in advance online, saving you even more money than walk-up ticket pricing. When your party arrives, mom will receive a special Mother’s Day card from Georgia Aquarium containing other gifts and discount offers while supplies last.

IKEA Restaurant - Sunday, May 10, 2015 Mother's Day Brunch
All-You-Can-Eat 9:30am-6pm (revised hours, to be corrected on our website before the weekend) Show mom your appreciation this Mother's Day by treating her to a delightful day out, All-You-Can-Eat, Mother's Day Brunch. Join IKEA for this spread of mummy tummy pleasers. TICKETS are on sale now in the restaurant and Swedish Food Market. Adult $15.99 (IKEA FAMILY Members $11.99) Kids 12 & Under $4.99 (IKEA FAMILY Members $2.99).

ONE. midtown kitchen is opening early! Enjoy a Mother’s Day worthy brunch from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. If treating your Mom to dinner is your family’s tradition, ONE will serve dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. To make your reservations today, call ONE at 404.892.4111 or visit onemidtownkitchen.com.

TWO urban licks Join TWO urban licks for a fiery Mother’s Day brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Is brunch too early or you? Mother’s Day dinner will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Make your reservations today, call 404.522.4622 or visit twourbanlicks.com.

TAP Feast on TAP’s brunch menu along with added chef specialties. They will be serving brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., where moms will receive a complimentary mimosa. If brunch isn’t your thing, join them for dinner from 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. For more information, visit tapat1180.com or call 404.347.2220. 

PARISH will be serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Mother’s Day. Raise a toast to Mom! Mother’s Day dinner will be served from 5:30 to 9 p.m. To make your reservations, call 404.681.4434 or visit parishatl.com.

Cooks & Soldiers - http://cooksandsoldiers.com/
This Mother’s Day, experience all the flavors of the Basque region with a meal fit for a queen at Cooks & Soldiers. Start the day off with some of Spain’s best pinxtos before diving into the small plates and postres to share. The restaurant will be serving from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 404-996-2623 for reservations.

Double Zero Napoletana - http://www.doublezeroatl.com/
This Mother’s Day, brunch specials will feature pork belly benedict made with pickled vegetables, calabrian hollandaise and Many Fold Farms hour egg, steak pizza with scallions, roasted tomato, garlic, mozzarella, crispy potatoes and egg, bourbon French toast served with orange marmalade and maple and a pastry basket including a freshly made assortment of muffins and croissants. The restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 404-991-3666 for reservations.

The Iberian Pig - http://www.theiberianpigatl.com/index
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Iberian Pig for special meal right in the heart of Decatur. Enjoy iconic dishes such as the jamón Ibérico benedict and the tortilla Española or enjoy your picks from the new spring menu. Call 404-371-8800 for reservations. 

Sugo - http://www.sugorestaurant.com/
Celebrate Mother’s Day family style at Sugo. To celebrate this special day, Sugo will be opening at noon. For more information or for reservations, please call 770.817.8000.

THE SPENCE  A special a la carte brunch will be served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Special offerings include our featured mimosa and bloody mary bar. To make reservations for this special day, call 404.892.9111 or visit thespenceatl.com.

LOBBY BAR AND BISTRO Brunch courtesy of Lobby Bar and Bistro - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.            $39.95 for adults                $19.95 for children ages 5-12       Children under 5 are complimentary       (Tax and gratuity are additional)  To make your reservations today or for more details, please call 404.961.7370.   *Menu details available upon request.

ROOM AT TWELVE - Brunch at ROOM at Twelve -    11 a.m. – 3 p.m.                                $39.95 for adults $19.95 for children ages 5-12             Children under 5 are complimentary       (Tax and gratuity are additional)  To make your reservations today or for more details, please call 404.418.1250.

F&B Atlanta is redefining happy hour with the debut of its $25 all-you-can-eat mussels special. Join the local French favorite for endless orders of flavorful mussels, a refreshing Hoegaarden beer and an order of pommes frites for just $25 every Tuesday, beginning Tuesday, May 12. Executive chef Philippe Haddad and owner Fabrice Vergez have come together once again with this new offer.

Book - The ZiNG! Thing “Points South”, the first book in a family of exploratory episodes in regional cuisine, is officially available nationwide. Authored by Trish Rogers, founding partner with Oregon winery R. Stuart & Co, and Todd Rushing, a partner in the nationally acclaimed, Atlanta-based, Concentrics Restaurants, The ZiNG! Thing “Points South” book utilizes the Zing! principles using the actual chemistry in wine and food pairing. The Atlanta book signing will be held at The Neighborhood Café at Parish on Saturday, May 9^th from 5-7 pm. Guests will enjoy ZiNG! and not-so-ZiNG! food and wine pairings while meeting and mingling with the authors. The Zing! Thing “Points South” is available for purchase on Amazon for $14.99. 

W Atlanta Downtown on May 14, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30pm in their Living Room with DJ sets by REE DE LA VEGA and art exhibit by Monique Monet, to help raise money and awareness for HRC's initiative. The event is free and donations to the HRC marriage equality are welcome. A portion of the proceeds from the bar sales will also be donated to HRC’s fight for marriage equality in all 50 states.

Tickets to Taste of Atlanta 2015 Just VOTE for your favorite finalist. After thousands of entries we present the Tasters Vote finalists!  One of these restaurants will win a complimentary tent at Taste of Atlanta 2015. Vote for your favorite up to one time per day through May 12th. As a "thank you" each entry earns you one chance to win a pair of Taste of Atlanta tickets.

Back in the High Life Again

Hey Atlanta Foodies! Sorry we've been gone so long. I miss it! I'm getting back in the high life again -- love that song!

You see, I am a very creative person who requires lots of creative time, and I had a baby two years ago. That baby is the best thing that ever happened to us, but the past two years have been spent entirely on learning to be a mom. Now I have got the hang of it, I'm ready to get back to blogging. I also highly recommend the amazing blog written by our friends, Marie and Grant Goggans called "Marie, Let's Eat!". They are awesome!

I will start posting again next week. Looking forward to it! Have a great weekend! :)

Becca