Simply Buckhead June 2023

Mack Wilbourn is an Atlanta restaurant legend. Through 34 years and 10 franchises, Mack has trusted First Horizon banker Mark DiLuzio to help him build a restaurant portfolio, now thriving exclusively in the Atlanta airport. It’s no wonder why they call Mack the “Mayor of Atlanta’s Airport” and why Mack turned to Mark when it came time to talk about getting some new passion projects off the ground.

A lot can come from a conversation between a client and his banker.

Like sparking a legendary franchise liftoff.

our friend, Lauren

Right when I walked through the door, I knew I was in trusted hands. I knew I was going to get things done the right way. Now, I smile constantly!

In my job, my smile is the first thing people notice. They are always telling me, "your teeth are beautiful".

Hands down, I would do it all over again!

FINDING A HOME. CURATING A LIFESTYLE.

EVERY

EVERY

PROUD TO PARTNER WITH ARDENT LOANS

Ardent Loans is a small, boutique, family-owned business. We know how important a home is to you and your family. With decades of experience, we are here to ensure your home loan is right for you. We shop multiple banks for the best rates, low closing costs and fast, common-sense underwriting. With over $800 million in closed loans and hundreds of repeat clients, we work hard to ensure we will be your go to mortgage lender for life. 100% of our business is repeat client and referrals based which tells you our service is second to none.

STYLISH

CULTURE

58 ON STAGE At Home With History

A short documentary tells how a classic Buckhead mansion lives in the modern world

60 LITERARY Creating a Legacy

A practical guide for generational businesses

62 TASTEMAKER Craft Champion Melissa Martin encourages your DIY decor

63 EVENTS

Places to go and things to do

FAMILY

COVER STORY

66 Simply Delicious 101 things to eat, drink and see in Buckhead and beyond

DELICIOUS

76 REVIEW

High Praise

Fia Restaurant at The Burgess Hotel is a global wonder

80 DRINKS

Waste Not Mixologists bring the kitchen into the bar

82 FOODIE JOURNAL

The Art of The Board

From a new Sandy Springs outpost, the Charcuterie Chick offers gourmet boards and educational workshops

84 TASTEMAKER

Cultural Cooking

Nadia Deljou’s Delle Dining merges food, music and heritage

A

86 Featured Restaurants

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

BEHIND THE COVER

A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

92 Scene

It’s rare that you don’t see a person, whether a model or a local community member with a cool story, on the cover of Simply Buckhead. But for our foodthemed cover package, we knew it had to be a drop-dead gorgeous image of a mouth-watering dish. We tapped Palo Santo, a sexy new supper club-style restaurant on the Westside led by Mexico City-born chef Santiago Gomez, as the location. Gomez created one of his signature dishes, aged carnaroli rice, colored a verdant green thanks to mellow poblano peppers, topped with palo santo-smoked scallops, Parmigiano Reggiano and black truffles. Photographer Erik Meadows snapped away as the chef orchestrated the perfect plume of smoke for our cover. We dare you not to look at it and crave a bite.

Editor'sLetter

Some people have strong memories tied to scent or music; a smell or song will take them right back to a poignant memory in a flash. For me, food does that. Some of my favorite memories are tied to the dishes I was sharing with family or friends. I vividly remember the fresh, delicate tuna tartare I shared with my now-husband on our first date at a sinceclosed restaurant in Midtown; a bite of the veal and ricotta meatballs in house made pomodoro sauce at Pricci never fails to take me back to my wedding rehearsal dinner; and every time I order the pork banh mi at Lee’s Bakery on Buford Highway, I’m transported to a little restaurant in Hoi An, Vietnam nine years ago. My fellow food lovers can probably relate.

If so, I know you’ll enjoy this edition of Simply Buckhead dubbed “The Foodie Issue.” Rather than creating a “best of” list or reviewing restaurants—something we do in every issue—we’ve put together 101 things to eat and drink in Buckhead and beyond. Some you may know; others may come as a surprise. For example, did you know that The Chastain, high end by any standards, has a delightful kid’s menu, or there are secret dishes at Marcel, Kyma and NFA Burger, and all you have to do is ask? We hope reading our culinary-themed cover feature will whet your appetite for exploring our area’s spectacular food scene.

Throughout the rest of the issue, plenty of stories engage and inspire. Amy Meadows explores expert ideas for how to stay fit and healthy over the summer; Lauren Finney Harden’s “Trending” page offers inspiration for ways to upgrade your dining room chairs to make a decor statement; and Emily Foley shares how to shop our area’s biggest retail sales.

Bon appetit!

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355

simplybuckhead.com

For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895

Joanne Hayes

Publisher and Founder

Sonny Hayes

Chief Financial Officer

EDITORIAL

Giannina S. Bedford

Managing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Senior Contributing Editor

Alan Platten

Creative Director

H.M. Cauley

Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karina Antenucci

Chelsie Butler

H.M. Cauley

Carly Cooper

Emily Foley

Lauren Finney Harden

Mickey Goodman

Angela Hansberger

Michael Jacobs

Amy Meadows

Hope Philbrick

Ashton Pike

Gillian Anne Renault

Claire Ruhlin

Ginger Strejcek

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Erik Meadows

Joann Vitelli

SALES & ADVERTISING

Cheryl Isaacs

Senior Account Executive

Michelle Johnson

Account Executive

Layal Akkad

Graphic Designer

DIGITAL

BHG Digital Website Development Management

Mike Jose Director of Audience Development

LEGAL

Scott I. Zucker

Legal Counsel

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

resides in Brookhaven with her hus band, Blake, and their cat, Ava. Since graduating from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, she’s held various editorial roles, including editorial director at trade publication BizBash and an editor-in-chief at Modern Luxury. When she’s away from her desk, Ashton finds joy discovering new coffee shops, buying fresh flowers from Trader Joe’s and keeping up with the latest Netflix series.

PROUD SPONSOR OF

—Chris Tuff

GET GLOWING

Boosting beauty around the city, Faced The Facial Studio now has a third Atlanta location at Buckhead Village, offering expert skincare in a luxurious setting with customizable treatments, transparent pricing and flexible scheduling. Services range from a 30-minute

NEWS CLIPS

REEL-TIME NEWS

Want the scoop in Sandy Springs?

Check out the city’s social media feed on Friday afternoons. The newly launched “Inside Sandy Springs” video series provides an overview of news, events and projects happening in and around the city. The colorful coverage ranges from the latest public art exhibit at The Gallery at City Springs at City Hall (with artists rotating every three months) to City Council’s approval of the development budget for the new police headquarters and municipal court, with project construction set to begin this summer and scheduled completion

facial for $70 to a 50-minute Platinum HydraFacial for $285. The studio is open daily with extended weekday hours until 9 p.m.

“We work really hard to continuously deliver a client experience that balances result-driven treatments, professional guidance and upscale relaxation,” says founder/

in December 2024. Hosted by Xanthe Tilden, the short clips are posted on the city's social media channels. sandyspringsga.gov @cityofsandysprings

BREAKING BREAD

Rising to the occasion with hometown bragging rights, Atlanta Bread is ringing in its 30th year with a sweet and savory spot at Sandy Springs’ Perimeter Center. The newest location of the nationally franchised bakery cafe, founded here in 1993, boasts a menu of fresh-baked bread, crispy pastries and handcrafted sandwiches. Chow down on a

CEO Ansley Bowman, who worked in the fashion industry before returning to her hometown of Atlanta in 2019 to launch Faced, sparked by her own skincare needs. “We are proud to have built a diverse clientele ranging from teenagers facing breakouts for the first time to the young professional who is a facial newbie to mature clientele wanting to focus on aging gracefully.”

Top treatments include LED light

Turkey Bacon Avocado, veg out on a Super Med Bowl, opt for an omelet with a side of roasted potatoes, or try one of the hearty soups served in a cup, bowl or bread loaf. Elevating fast casual dining in a mod, 2,600-squarefoot space, the restaurant seats 80 in the dining room and 40 on the patio, with two private meeting spaces available for reservations.

“We have been fortunate to serve our patrons for 30 years,” says Basil Couvaras, vice president and chief operating officer at Atlanta Bread. “Since the very first Atlanta Bread, we have been dedicated to preparing timeless, no-

therapy that uses low wavelength lights to improve fine lines, wrinkles, redness, hyperpigmentation and acne; microdermabrasion, a deep exfoliation that resurfaces the top layer of dead skin cells and promotes new collagen; and lymphatic drainage, an anti-aging technique that detoxifies the skin and reduces puffiness while increasing collagen and elastin production.

“Our estheticians are here to provide professional grade treatments that our clients cannot perform at home to achieve changes and glowing results,” says Bowman, who recommends monthly facials and a seasonal HydraFacial (the perfect pre-event treatment with no downtime) for better complexions. “Maintaining a consistent skincare regime is key.”

Faced also carries an array of skincare brands, including iS Clinical, Augustinus Bader and Image Skincare, with membership discounts for products and treatments. n

FACED THE FACIAL STUDIO facedfacialstudio.com • @facedfacialstudio

fuss comfort food that is made from scratch with the best ingredients. We are consistent and simple in what we do, and we hope to deliver high-quality food and focus on the community for many years to come.”

atlantabread.com • @atlantabread

GREEN SCENE

When it comes to environmental sustainability, Chamblee is going the distance. The city is not only recertified as a Green Community from the Atlanta Regional Commission, but it went platinum—a level reached by only four other cities and two counties in the metro area.

Among the measures that scored Chamblee top-notch points in the ARCs nationally recognized voluntary certification program: obtaining third-party sustainable building certification for new developments over 20,000 square feet; tracking energy use of city buildings through ENERGY STAR, an energy efficiency program run by EPA and DOE; and setting minimum standards for pest management, landscape materials and fertilizer application through a sustainable landscaping policy. All of these are exemplified by Chamblee’s new City Hall.

chambleega.com • @chamblee.ga

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD AT NEW BUCKHEAD STUDIO

Caring for Caregivers

NaanStop Payback

When Neal and Samir Idnani were growing up in Nashville, their mom was a standout at dinner parties because she brought the best dishes to share. “Her food was so popular that we wondered why Americans didn’t eat more Indian food,” Neal says.

To test their idea of opening a restaurant, they translated their mom’s “a little of this, a little of that” to actual recipes for fresh, homestyle Indian food, then opened a food truck in Los Angeles.

NaanStop was an immediate success. But the brothers longed to return to their Southern roots and found a location near Georgia State University. Additional restaurants in Atlantic Station and Buckhead followed.

“During COVID-19, we wanted to find a way to stay open and make people happy through food, so we set up a table in my yard where neighbors could pick up food. We posted it on Facebook and people

showed up in a big way,” Samir says.

To give back to the community, they decided to host family meal pop-up fundraisers at neighboring schools and donate 10% percent of sales. “We recently expanded the program to three times a week at all three locations. Customers pre-order complete meals for four online and pick them up at specified drive-through locations. To date, we’ve raised more than $30,000 for schools and nonprofits,” Neal says.

At 29, Atlanta singer/songwriter

Vince Zangara became a full-time caregiver to his dad who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Overnight, the life he led evaporated, and he lost many of his friends. Their journey lasted 14 difficult years.

Zangara was shocked and angry when he couldn’t find resources for respite care and medical equipment that wasn’t paid for by insurance, and he wanted to raise money to help other family members caught in the web. “Caregiving is extremely isolating, so I wanted to do something that was uplifting and brought people together,” he says. With the help of musician friends, he put on the first annual Alzheimer’s Music Fest in 2013.

This year’s event at the historic Buckhead Theatre celebrated its 10th year and merger with Friends of Disabled Adults and Children that

provides home medical equipment and other services at low or no cost.

The concert line-up was the biggest yet and included Grammy award-winner Arrested Development, Cowboy Mouth, Cracker and Gurufish, and topped its goal of $75,000. Ninety percent of the proceeds went directly to the mission.

“We’re now year-round with four fests a year at larger venues, golf tournaments and breakfasts with Santa and have a 64,800 square foot warehouse in Tucker with more than 35 employees,” Zangara says.

A Gala with a Difference Bring on the funk

The annual Artistic Affair at the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody has never been a traditional gala. This year’s 30th anniversary celebration on March 24 amped up the fun with a lively, funky fundraiser to provide arts education and outreach for students of all levels.

“In 2022, we decided to stage it outdoors at the center, and gale force winds sent us scrambling for every A-clamp we could find to hold things down,” CEO Alan Mothner says. “This year, we opted for Factory Atlanta in Chamblee so we didn’t have to worry about the weather.”

More of an art experience than a gala, guests were encouraged to come dressed in artsy, outlandish attire. The event featured a DJ, magician and fortune tellers, along with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar.

Live and Almost Live (silent) auction items ranged from a Shortbarrel and Old Fourth Distillery experience for 10 and an invitation for six at Atlanta United’s Gullwing Suite to artwork from Spruill Center faculty members.

“Class fees and gallery sales make up 75% of operation costs,

but we rely on the gala so we can continue to provide arts education in 20 mediums and offer scholarships to kids and adults in need,” Mothner says. “Art is a great medium for building communities, and arts centers like ours try to foster social connections.”

Quite simply, people who choose our community want much more than just a beautiful place to live. They want engaging social opportunities, fine dining, impressive fitness & wellness programs, and expert care services should the need arise. They want someone who really understands.

Meet the team and see how our experience makes all the difference in your experience at The Piedmont.

CHRIS TUFF

Buckhead motivational speaker and best-selling author wants to change the world one authentic connection at a time

After graduating from Vanderbilt University in 2003, I had 64 failed job interviews. I landed at Moxie in Atlanta as one of their first employees, and I made several lateral moves within the company. That included being one of the worst copywriters in advertising history for a year and a half. But in 2006, thenCEO Kris Pinto threw me a bone and told me that if I could create a viral video, the agency would give me my own department around trendspotting in the new social media space. I asked, “What’s a viral video?”

I learned that if your video got a million views, it was considered viral. I decided to secretly record my proposal to my now-wife, Julie, using a hidden camcorder and a concealed cameraman with a wireless mic. I pretended to sprain my ankle as we jogged down Valley Road off of Habersham and, because this was before YouTube, posted it to my

personal website. The video ended up getting 11 million views. That was my first taste of where passion, profession and purpose all overlapped.

I left Moxie for my own failed startup and then joined 22Squared where I was in charge of diversifying the company into the digital and social realm. Before I turned 30, I became the firm’s youngest partner and was crushing it; I upgraded my lifestyle, traveled the globe, worked with renowned tech giants such as Mark Zuckerberg and played the game pretty well. Then a moment hit me in 2016, and everything came tumbling down. I couldn’t look in the mirror because I wasn’t living my life in an authentic way. I had built my career around the idea that social media would make the world a more connected place, and I was living in a place of total disconnection. I was disconnected from my family, my work environment and

the 400 employees at 22Squared. At that moment, I decided to take a month off, stop contact with nearly everyone and make three main changes in my life.

First, I changed my metric of success, which had always been to beat my two older brothers at the game of life. The new metric became about making an impact in the world on a daily basis. Second, I doubled down on my relationship with my wife and two daughters. I wanted to be present and connect with them at our home in Chastain. Lastly, I poured into the largely young employee base at 22Squared; instead of being the rainmaker at the company, I decided to help guide those employees on their journeys. With that last change in mind, in 2019, I wrote a USA Today national best-selling book, The Millennial Whisperer, that shows companies and leaders how to work with and motivate our country’s most diverse generation.

I was still at the agency, but I recognized that I had started a new journey. I knew I had to go all in on my purpose to make the world a more connected place. In 2022, I wrote another book, Save Your Asks, that is a call to action to turn every interaction into an authentic connection. At the beginning of this year, I walked away from my safety

net at 22Squared. I’m now a keynote speaker and am exploring so many unique and unexpected opportunities. For instance, after I met radio show host Bert Weiss at an executive retreat, we launched Pionaire, a podcasting network that helps creatives use their voices and find success in the podcast space. I also began collaborating with Bonneau Ansley, one of Buckhead’s most prominent real estate agents, to help him bring his best-selling book, Brokering Billions, to the market; we now host the Brokering Billions podcast together to share tips that help leaders take their businesses to the next level. I’m also starting to produce documentaries, which is a medium that I love; it’s such a tangible way to tell stories that can inspire people.

I often think back to my third grade report card. The only positive thing it said was, “Chris’s enthusiasm is contagious.” When I took that pivotal month in 2016, I visited a psychiatrist to try to figure things out. At the time, I was a very social drinker, and he told me to stop—that I didn’t need it. He then turned to me and said, “Take what you were born with—this enthusiasm and this optimism—and go change the world.” That’s exactly what I want to do. n

Quay The DL Gradient Sunglasses ($65)

Australia-based brand Quay has become synonymous with exuberant eyewear. Case in point: this purple pair that instantly turns up the drama with winged square frames.

Cue “Lavender Haze” by Taylor Swift.

Nordstrom • 404.442.3000 nordstrom.com • @nordstrom

Made in the Shades

Nothing says summer quite like these bold sunnies hitting the shelves this season. STORY: Ashton Pike

Warby Parker Pink Nebula Sunglasses ($95)

Released just in time to channel Margot Robbie before Barbie releases in July, this vibrant-pink pick is from Warby Parker’s new limited collection formed with famed rapper A$AP Nast. The oblong-shaped shades are made from hand-polished cellulose acetate and can double as prescription glasses.

Warby Parker • 404.479.9755 • warbyparker.com • @warbyparker

LOEWE Raised Logo Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($310)

Adding to its best-selling Curvy collection, LOEWE debuted these new shades for spring/summer 2023. Creative director Jonathan Anderson revisited the classic cat-eye to give it a playful, puffed-up look and toneon-tone lenses that balance irreverence with timelessness.

Neiman Marcus 404.266.8200 neimanmarcus.com @neimanmarcus

Fendi 25th Anniversary

Baguette Sunglasses ($550)

Paying homage to the iconic Baguette handbag designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997, the luxury brand’s new collection of foldable sunglasses is a modern reinterpretation of the classic cat-eye style. While the 25th anniversary collection comes in a few different hues, opt for Shiny Green to steal the show this summer.

Fendi • 404.846.5923 fendi.com • @fendi.com

Kenzo Round Sunglasses ($330)

The classic panto shape was reimagined by Kenzo’s creative director, Nigo, for his sophomore spring/summer collection that mixes Western and Japanese influences and includes this bold, vintage-inspired style in a fiery red hue. Saks Fifth Avenue • 404.261.7234 saksfifthavenue.com • @saks

OPULENCE ON THE RIVER

True luxury awaits in New Orleans

I’m greeted in the lobby of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans by an enormous chandelier, the centerpiece of the Chandelier Bar. Made from 15,000 Bohemian crystals imported from the Czech Republic, it sets the tone for my two nights here: glamorous and impressive, and a world away from my hectic last few weeks.

When one thinks of the Crescent City, indulgence might be the first word that comes to mind, and with the hotel's arrival, the city’s pipeline to luxury has expanded. Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, which opened in 2021, is the only AAA five-diamond property in Louisiana. A $500 million renovation turned the former World Trade Center into 341 guest rooms and 92 residences.

While the hotel offers exclusive experiences, such as the Streetcar Experience to be Desired featuring a private streetcar ride through the Garden District, I’ve forgone any major plans. Time alone is a luxury.

I take a stroll down Julia Street to familiarize myself with the Warehouse District, and I indulge in fantasies at the Ashley Longshore

Studio Gallery and Leontine Linens in the Garden District. Back in the French Quarter, there’s perfumery Tijon, where private sessions for custom scents entice the cognoscenti, plus endless rows of antique shops offering up the best of the best for astute collectors. I work up an appetite while exploring.

It’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to food in the city.

The Grand Dames of New Orleans culinary dining scene—Arnaud’s, Galatoire’s, Commander’s Palace, Brennan’s—are all lovely additions to an itinerary, but so are the new school places Gianna, Bar Marilou, The Elysian Bar and the two restaurants at the hotel, Miss River and Chemin á la Mer. I dine at the hotel, excited to see the newest iterations of two beloved New Orleans chefs.

Chef Alon Shaya’s Miss River has expertly turned-out dishes such as a crab omelet and foie gras pain perdu (heavenly with a proffered glass of Sauternes), plus buzzworthy menu items such as caviar and ice cream made with Creole cream cheese ice cream and imperial golden osetra caviar. All are served in a

light, bright and glossy space. Shaya is at the restaurant while I dine and is as gracious and thorough as ever.

Upstairs, Chemin á la Mer provides sweeping views of the Mississippi River alongside Donald Link’s modern take on Louisiana cuisine, such as boudin-stuffed beignets and Australian W.Black wagyu skirt steak. The dining room is dark and dreamy, a mise en scène ripe for a romantic night. Alone, I take a seat at the bar where I am perfectly happy to munch on blue crab boulettes while I have a pleasant chat with the bartender.

If food is the crest of my time here, then the spa is the denouement, where all my loose ends are ironed out in a gratifying massage. The hotel’s spa is the exclusive partner of Biologique Recherche in the city, with four facials available alongside signature treatments. I make a

mental note that the spa offers a Southern Gentleman treatment, inspired by the Sazerac, the Big Easy’s most famous cocktail. A foot massage with citrus stimulates, and a deep tissue massage features rye whiskey oil. A Sazerac is served, too.

As my trip comes to a close and I look out over Vue Orleans, the indoor-outdoor observation deck atop the hotel featuring 360degree panoramic views, I feel as if I’ve unlocked the true secret to luxury: time to myself. I’ll leave one of my favorite cities and return to my family fresh and ready, and for that I am grateful. n

Personality on Parkway

The Darwin brings a stylish new option to Old Fourth Ward

Ihave lamented the lack of boutique hotels in Atlanta. When visitors who prefer smaller hotels ask where to stay, it’s been the same handful of options. Now, with the arrival of The Darwin, there’s one more independent hotel to add to the list.

Located in Old Fourth Ward in what used to be the two-star, dated Stratford Inn, The Darwin exemplifies all the changes going on in the neighborhood, a point woven through the visual storytelling of the hotel. Origami cranes, which represent change, are stenciled across the hotel’s facade, for example, and a John Lewis mural by local artist Lauren Pallotta Stumberg greets guests above the main lobby lounge area. There’s art by Atlantan Travis Love, a coffee program featuring Decatur’s Radio Roasters and a custom bar by East Point-based woodworking company B10 Union. All were concepted by owner Shyam Patel and carried out by Brookhaven-based architecture and design firm C+TC Design Studio. Speaking of transformations, I am in search of a good night’s sleep in my old neighborhood, so I head up to my accommodations. The Darwin has 111 rooms, including five themed suites. From options like the

Glam Night Out (lots of mirrors for getting ready) and the Audiophile (records and record player), I’ve chosen the Library Suite overlooking the hotel’s central courtyard. It’s a large room with floral wallpaper, channeled headboards and plenty of space for me to stretch out, including a nook with two swivel chairs and a small bookshelf. If I had more time here, I could see myself curling up in one of the chairs and browsing Arthur Blank’s Good Company, which I found on the shelf.

Instead, I head down to Ponce City Market, a mere half mile away. The Darwin offers electric bikes, but

I choose to walk my old stomping grounds. After securing a delicious falafel sandwich from Bibi Eatery on the first floor, I enjoy the short walk back, marveling at how much the neighborhood has changed in the four years since I’ve lived here.

When I reach the hotel, a large Labrador mix greets me with his owner, which is a pleasant surprise. While I’ve opted not to bring my four-legged friend, The Darwin is a dog-friendly hotel, complete with a small dog park on site. And while I’ve brought neither my husband or child, a family-friendly bunk room screams intown family sleepover

that I mentally clock for next time. Upon waking, I grab a pastry (fresh from Alon’s Bakery) from The Darwin’s Baked and Brewed menu. There’s also a night-time cocktail and tapas program featuring snacks such as a charcuterie board, truffled popcorn and pizzas. Rested, well-caffeinated and well-fed, I’m ready to confront the rest of my day back in Buckhead. It might have only been a 5-mile trek, but it felt like I was on planet cool, if only for a night. n

Q&A with Atlanta Intown Expert, Samantha Jones

Real Estate Advisor with Engel & Völkers Atlanta, a Global Brand with over 1,050 offices in 31 countries and 5 continents

Specializations: Land for New Devlopment, Entertainment and Film Industry, Relocating for Celebrities

2021 and 2022 Engel & Völkers Ruby Elite

2022 Atlanta REALTORS® Association Top Producer

Q: What is the best advice you would offer to a buyer or seller who is entering the market but has concerns about current rates?

A: I think it’s wise to realize buyers are still actively looking for homes, but there’s a shortage of inventory due to limited construction between 2007 and 2012, which resulted in a loss of over 54% of builders. This shortage, combined with increased demand from people moving here and investors with cash to invest, has kept prices stable. It’s a good time for buyers to act, as interest rates may decrease soon, leading to bidding wars and price hikes. By purchasing now and potentially refinancing later, buyers can escape rising rent prices and enter the homeownership market.

Q: Do you think there has there been a noticeable increase relocation within the film industry in Atlanta following the COVID-19 pandemic?

Q&A

A: There has been a significant increase in relocations within the film industry and international businesses. I am currently working with film producers and a boutique entertainment law firm based in Atlanta, serving high-profile clients worldwide - VividIP. We are constantly searching for properties all over Georgia, from scenic mountains and lakes to farmland and elegant estates that can replicate locations like Tuscany. I’m always seeking homeowners interested in allowing film production on their properties. Additionally, since 2020, several international businesses have added Georgia to their portfolio, investing in industrial properties, offices, warehouses, and homes for their employees. Atlanta is being praised as a logistical solution between Europe and Asia. One company, after investing in offices in metro Atlanta and commercial properties in Augusta, experienced a 25% growth last year. They’ve already expressed their interest in further real estate investments in the coming years.

Q: Are there any emerging trends or opportunities in land development that you have noticed?

A: I am witnessing a rise in land demand as developers search all over Georgia. Atlanta, with ample expansion opportunities, attracts businesses worldwide, leading to job creation. Custom home builders like Paces Builder Group in Atlanta are in high demand for constructing homes on private lots. I have sellers offering land in North Georgia and prime lakefront lots for custom builders, with buyers interested in timberland and mitigation land. Development activity is increasing, but may not meet the demand soon. Patience is needed while waiting for increased inventory. Seize available opportunities in the meantime.

THE NAMESAKE

Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Atlanta delivers on its brand promise

When I heard Nobu Hotel Atlanta was opening, I knew it was big news. I recognized the name (mainly from mentions in movies, I’ll confess) and heard Robert De Niro had a role in the brand. How could it not be cool? So when the 152-room property, Nobu’s 15th location, opened its doors in Buckhead, I had to check it out. It lived up to the hype. Here’s why.

The location: Situated a stone’s throw from Phipps Plaza, the hotel anchors Buckhead’s new, luxury mixed-use development, One Phipps Plaza. Walk to high-end shopping and the newly opened

food hall Citizens Market, which is right across the green space and plaza from the hotel’s front doors.

The design: Step through the front doors of the hotel, and a sense of calm falls over you. It could be the soothingly illuminated wooden folding screen with handcrafted abstract flower petals that descend from the ceiling or the dark slate, teakwood and mood lighting that reduces visual stimuli to the brain. Whatever it is, the moment I walked in, I felt more air enter my lungs. Designed by New York City-based Rockwell Group, the hotel takes inspiration from nature and Japanese arts and crafts in a

combination that is modern and minimalist, yet warm. Wood tones, Japanese ikebana arrangements and abstract art adorn the public spaces. Guest elevators open to reveal red and gold textured resin walls with a black brushstroke reminiscent of the “O” in the Nobu logo. Room corridors are moody, with carpets inspired by folded silk and glowing room signage next to traditional Japanese woodblock prints. Each corridor dead ends into a folded paper art piece reminiscent of an obi sash or fan. My favorite artwork was a rhombus-shaped cluster of Japanese Raku ceramic pottery on the fifth floor. Inside guestrooms, simplicity is king with grass cloth wall coverings, sleek wood built-ins, white linens and lantern-like light fixtures. One of the few pops of color comes from

the lounge chairs upholstered in an orange patterned fabric. The black and gray bathroom is warmed up with a custom wood screen shielding the toilet. It’s the kind of room you feel like you could retreat to for days and exit from in a Zen-like state.

The food: One of the biggest draws of the property is its 10,000-squarefoot restaurant on the hotel’s main floor where a menu curated by the world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa serves Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences. Beginning with cold dishes such as yellowtail with jalapeno, “chu-toro truffle carpaccio” and “tiradito Nobu style,” guests experience artistically prepared sashimi with Latin American flavors such as cilantro and rocoto chili paste. The menu also offers crunchy tacos (choose from tuna, salmon, lobster, wagyu, tomato ceviche or caviar nori), kushiyaki skewered meats, nigiri and sashimi and tempura. The main hot dishes bring some of the classic plates Nobu has become famous for, including black cod with miso. Dessert delivers more expert creations, including a tableside flambéed baked Alaska with guava gelato and Valrhona chocolate fondant cake bento box with matcha gelato. Yum. I expected Nobu to have an “air” about it, but the dining experience was casual and fun with an eclectic crowd ranging from dressed-up couples to birthday groups. What’s more, our server was an expert in her recommendations and answered novice questions eagerly and without judgment, reminding us of the Japanese ritual to never pour your own sake. n

Calls Destiny

A GARDEN HILLS HOME BECOMES THE PLACE THE MCGILL FAMILY IS MEANT TO BE

Erica and Brendan McGill are attorneys who both worked at Alston & Bird, but they didn’t meet at work. Instead, they crossed paths at a 2011 Yacht Rock Concert. After getting married in 2013, the couple lived in a charming three-bedroom, two-bath bungalow in Virginia-Highland. Brendan purchased the 1,800-square-foot home while he was still single. Soon the couple added to their family, daughter Harper in 2014 and son Jack in 2016. They were running short

on space and trying to decide whether to sell or renovate when their realtor called to say someone was interested in buying their home. Plus, the realtor added, there was a new six-bedroom home in Buckhead he thought would be perfect for them.

“We never listed the house; the buyers made an all-cash offer, and we were done,” Erica says. “This house was brand new, and they were just finishing construction, so we picked out all the finishes, from the subway tile to the light fixtures.”

Since closing on their new residence in April 2017, the McGills have continued personalizing the interior. With the help of Bowdre Longo of Bowdre Longo Interiors, whom Erica was introduced to by a neighbor, they’ve filled the home with furniture and decor that reflects an understated elegant style.

“Erica and I had so much fun joining forces on each of these spaces,” Longo says. “Our ultimate goal was to produce comfortable, durable, yet elegant and serene spaces that could withstand the test of time.”

Don’t be fooled by the offwhite sofas and showroom-like appearance: This home is as much for kids as adults. In addition to the two McGill children, now 9 and 7, the family often hosts Brendan’s extended family, including his kids’ five cousins, two who live down the street, for dinners and movie nights.

Neutrals dominate the McGill's home, from the living room and kitchen to the bedrooms.

“A home should be welcoming and feel warm, like a good foundation for making good memories, and be conducive to entertaining and hosting people for the holidays,” Erica says.

The glamorous formal dining space is where many holiday meals take place at the Agustin dining table by Tritter Feefer below the Visual Comfort chandelier. Weekday entertaining is in the all-white, open kitchen, done in quartz countertops, Visual Comfort pendants and Thermador appliances. Nearby, a round RH table and chairs offer a casual eating spot.

“When we purchased the house, it was a little more contemporary than my natural style, but I’ve tried to make it look polished and chic, but welcoming,” Erica says.

The inviting living room with Gabby Home furnishings—Helena Sofas upholstered in Sunbrella fabric and Theodore coffee table—

“Erica and I had so much fun joining forces on each of these spaces.” — Bowdre Longo

faces a wood-paneled fireplace recently painted white and flanked by side tables showcasing photos of the McGills’ cherished memories. Off the main living area is one of Erica’s favorite spaces: the screened porch where the family enjoys alfresco movies and dinners while overlooking the backyard and surrounding trees.

“It’s like a house in the trees because of that whole wall of windows,” Erica says.

Another of Erica’s favorite spaces is her daughter’s room. Upstairs, Harper’s magazineworthy bedroom features furnish-

ings from Worlds Away and RH, as well as a cozy alcove with a Villa & House desk and shelving that displays her LEGO creations. Even the spacious closet, designed with matching storage bins and silver accessories, is pictureperfect. Jack’s room is connected to Harper’s via a Jack-and-Jill bathroom that’s also a show-ready space with modern pendants from Rejuvenation above the white nightstands from Worlds Away.

Completed just this month, Erica and Brendan’s bedroom follows the home’s neutral palette with grays and whites. The couple’s Pottery

Barn bed is surrounded with pieces from Hickory Chair and Highland House, and a bench from Bungalow Classic reupholstered in Schumacher fabric. The walls are covered in a light blue-gray grasscloth and adorned with a commissioned art work by Nashville-based Katie Madden, whose work Erica discovered while on vacation in Rosemary Beach.

“As parents, we all deserve a space of our own to take a deep breath and recharge. That was our goal for the master bedroom: to walk in and instantly lower your shoulders and relax,” Longo says.

“The pale blues and light whites offer a calming, serene space while still keeping your eye interested

with the different details.”

Awash in marble, the master bathroom is just as stunning as the bedroom. The white and gray backdrop highlights the views of trees through high rectangular windows that bring in natural light while protecting privacy.

After finishing her bedroom and the basement gym (completed during the pandemic), Erica feels a huge sense of accomplishment. It doesn’t mean she’s done tweaking, however. She is working on a main

level “music room”—Erica comes from a musical family, and both kids play piano. She also predicts the basement au pair suite will one day become a media space.

“When I think about our home, the word that comes to mind is grateful,” Erica says. “I’m grateful for the family and friends that gather within its walls, and I’m grateful to Bowdre for making the space a beautiful, warm and welcoming place where we can relax and recharge with the people we love most.” n

ERICA’S FAVORITE DESIGN DETAILS

1. Reading nook in Harper’s room. “The shiplap accent wall is charming, and Bowdre did such a wonderful job creating a cozy, quiet space for Harper to curl up with a great book.”

2. Jack’s pendant lamps. “They’re fun, unique and most importantly, extremely practical, as Jack likes to keep a lot of toys on the nightstand.”

3. Back porch. “It’s the perfect place to entertain family and friends, which we love to do. Plus, when you’re out there in the summer, it feels like you’re living in a tree house.”

4. Master bedroom. “After a long day, it’s a wonderful place to retreat. The soothing fabrics and colors that Bowdre used throughout the room, coupled with Katie’s incredible art, make the whole space feel like a relaxing and calming oasis.”

HEAT BUSTER

The summer heat has our home working overtime to keep us cool. But cranking up the air conditioning adds up to more dollars on the energy bill. Here, we get some tips from Georgia Power spokesperson Amanda Arnold on how to beat the summer heat without breaking the bank.

1. Swap out or clean dirty air filters. Unclean filters can block airflow, making your system work harder to keep you comfortable. Also make sure to clear spaces around air returns and supply vents to prevent airflow blockage.

2. Switch up your cooking habits.

The oven can cause unnecessary heat inside your home. Consider cooking on outdoor grills, in the microwave or with an air fryer.

3 Close curtains and blinds during peak heat, typically from 2 to 7 p.m., to keep the sun’s rays out. Also, check caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors for signs of wear.

4 Use ceiling fans and keep an eye on air conditioning use A ceiling fan allows you to raise the thermostat setting by as much as 4 degrees Fahrenheit and remain comfortable. But when you leave the room, remember to turn the fan off.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR SUMMER

5 Have a pool? Pool pumps use a significant amount of energy when running constantly. Minimize the number of hours the pool pump operates to keep the pool clean and invest in a timer to control the hours of operation.

DID YOU KNOW? Georgia Power offers energy assistance programs to those who need help paying or reducing their monthly energy bills. Programs such as Project Share allow customers to make small donations to help neighbors in need and have Georgia Power match $1.50 for every dollar given. n

georgiapower.com • @georgia_power

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Inspired by the bowls once used to make and knead dough, this piece was modernized with a sleek, high gloss, white plant-based wax to give it a distressed look. Crafted from reclaimed wood, the rustic bowl can be displayed on its own or filled with fruit or other decorative items. Available for $225 at étuHOME. etuhome.com • @etu.home

Jackson Fine Art has relocated across the street from its previous location to a custom-built, 4,000-squarefoot gallery at 3122 East Shadowlawn Ave. Designed by Siegel Construction and Fathom Architecture, the new space retains the home-like ambiance of Jackson’s former space but with expanded exhibition, office, inventory, library and meeting spaces. The gallery celebrated the March opening of its new space with inaugural exhibitions of works by Cooper & Gorfer (below), Sheila Pree

n The more than a century old, hand painted wallpaper company Grace Studio has joined forces with Atlanta-based Weezie Towels

The collaboration showcases Gracie Studio’s patterns Sapphire Silhouette and Indigo Garden on Weezie’s bath and hand towels, a women's robe, a tissue box cover and a recently launched shower curtain. The collection is available online and in the Weezie flagship store in Buckhead’s Andrews Square. Prices range from $84 for a bath towel to $600 for a shower curtain. weezietowels.com • @weezietowels

n Peachtree Hills’ Spalding Nix Fine Art hosts its spring art show through July 7. The exhibit showcases the works of Katherine Sandoz, Scotty Peek, Susan Maakestad and David Boyd. spaldingnixfineart.com @spaldingnixfineart

TOV Ada Gray Velvet Chair ($547)

From the female-founded furniture brand TOV comes the beautifully geometric yet comfortable Ada Gray Velvet Chair. It can function as an armchair at the head or foot of the table, or look cylindrically chic around a round dining table. If gray feels too pedestrian, it’s also available in black and pink velvet.

Bloomingdale’s Lenox Square • 404.495.2800 bloomingdales.com @bloomingdales

Crown Blue/Green Velvet and Wood Dining Chair ($379)

Designed in Italy by Balutto Associati, a father-daughter design team, this velvet and wood chair is a study of opposites: light and dark, soft and hard, function and beauty. Featuring responsibly sourced wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, it’s a CB2 exclusive that could take a dining room to the next level.

CB2 • 404.260.7264 • cb2.com • @cb2

Take a Seat

Wallpaper has been a primary designer-favorite way to inject personality into a dining room. While that still holds true, the lowly dining chair has been upgraded to superstar status in recent years as a place to add serious personality. Decked out in interesting wood tones, unique legs and enough upholstery choices to keep your head spinning, it’s the dining chair’s time to shine.

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Arteriors Barbana Chair Ocelot Embroidery ($2,015)

Featuring a hand-forged iron body with pin-thin legs, Arteriors’ Barbana Chair in Ocelot Embroidery is a sculptural masterpiece. A solid cushion and bolster back done in a cream and brown animal print embroidery bring the chair to life, but it’s also available in four additional neutral upholstery options if that’s your style.

Mathews Furniture + Design • 404.237.8271 mathewsfurniture.com

• @mathewsatl

Oval Back Louis XVI Side Chair (from $1,099)

If a more traditional dining chair appeals, try an upgraded version such as the Oval Back Louis XVI Side Chair from Ballard Designs. The chair is endlessly customizable, with hundreds of fabric options such as floral prints, nubby neutrals and rich velvets. There are also five wood finish options, making for a chair that can fit seamlessly into any decor. Ballard Designs 800.536.7551 ballarddesigns.com @ballarddesigns

Herman Miller Eames Dining Chair Metal ($1,145)

Own a piece of design history in Herman Miller’s Eames Molded Plywood Dining Chair. It's customizable with options for upholstery or plain wood, five finishes, 17 fabric choices, and four leg styles. The original design was conceived in 1946 and has since become one of the most iconic representations of midcentury modern design. If you’re not feeling it in the dining room, the chair is the correct height for a desk as well.

Design Within Reach • 404.841.2471 dwr.com • @designwithinreach

WEAVING MAGIC

Buckhead fabric artist Isobel Mills brings her flair to fabric, wallpaper and more

Buckhead resident Isobel Mills Prescott always knew she wanted to do something creative as a profession, and she particularly loved decorative arts and interiors. She moved out west to study ceramics at the University of Denver but quickly decided the category and lifestyle weren’t for

her. While the experience solidified the fact that she wanted to be an artist, she realized the University of Georgia had more of what she was looking for in a program.

She entered the school’s fabric design program where it all clicked.

“I discovered I could manipulate fabric like I could manipulate clay,”

she says. This exciting and rigorous study path was formative to creating her textile and fiber art techniques.“I found my voice in design,” she says. She now uses that voice for Isobel, her line of spirited textiles. Here, she explains her point of view.

You founded your eponymous fabric collection in 2018. How would you describe it? My designs are playfully sophisticated, and the patterns and colors

are fun. I love to see them in nurseries and other elevated settings as well, such as living rooms or primary bedrooms where the homeowner is down for a little cheerfulness through movement, color and scale. Currently, I have 90 fabrics, most of which are either 100% Belgian linen or a cotton and linen blend. You can shop them on my website or in person at Travis & Company at ADAC.

What’s in your latest collection?

I sketch, paint and create almost every single day and then edit it down to see what makes the most sense in a new collection. My latest collection—about 16 new fabrics— has a lot of saturated colors and patterns that I think are easy to get lost in. I love Leo, a tightly repeating line sketch compressed together to mimic fur. It’s a whimsical interpretation of a naturally occurring pattern and comes in fun colors like matcha, lagoon and wisteria.

What’s new this year?

This spring, I debuted a complementary wallpaper line, something I worked on throughout my entire pregnancy (my daughter is now an infant). It’s based on a trip my husband and I took to Morocco. The colors, shapes, shadows, sounds and overall majestic feeling it left me with were the inspiration behind this wallpaper collection. I wanted to capture the magic of Morocco. I am also able to offer a performance ground option, too, which I am so excited about. It’s probably my most asked question, so I am happy to finally be able to deliver!

You also do fiber art?

Yes! I capture natural elements like fish, crabs, shells and more. It takes hours of fiber techniques like applique, pleats, embroidery, knots and ruffles to create depth in a twodimensional space. My latest piece is a chameleon and took about 60 hours to complete, but it’s worth it for me. I make art I want to touch. I’m a textural person, and everything I make is about visual and physical texture and the blending of fiber materials. n

— Evonya Easley

Above: Look out for Friends and Family sales at the Lenox Square anchor stores.

Left: At the annual Abbey Glass sale, you can save money on dresses for all your summer special occasions.

Below: You can always count on finding something fabulous at Tootsies and you can count on their summer markdown sale.

SUMMER SALE SHOPPING

SAVE

THE DATE!

The kids are out of school, the weather is plenty hot, and the official first day of summer hits this month, which means it’s time to let your summer fashion out to play. If you notice your summer wardrobe needs a little refresh, summer sales are the best way to ensure your closet is popping for the season without breaking the bank. Here, we tap fashion stylist Emily Loftiss to get her tips for navigating summer sales like a pro. “My brand is ‘Everyday Glam’, so my entire outlook on life is finding ways to look glamorous on a bud get, and that means sales,” she says.

1.

Do Your Research

“There’s nothing worse than buying something only to see it go on sale a week later, so find out when your favorite stores are having their sales and plan your shopping around those dates.”

2:

Make a List

“To be the most efficient, do a walk-through of your closet and

That will help you stay on task once you’re in the store, so you don’t only buy that colorful kaftan for your beach trip but also the denim shorts you need, too!”

Arrive Early

When you’re sale shopping, it’s not the time to be running late. Getting to the sale first not only means that you’ll get the best selection, but according to Loftiss, it could also save you money down the road: “If you snag your correct size, then there’s no need to get the items tailored,” she says.

Upgrade Your Whites

“White clothes are a staple for the season, but they get dingy easily and often lose their crispness after one season,” Loftiss says. “Definitely sale shop for necessities like the perfect white tee, white denim and white linen pants that you need to re-purchase each year.”

Have Some Fun

“Summer fashion is all about fun—neon, bold prints, print mixing and eye-catching accessories. Make strong choices when you are shopping, so you will have a fun array of options to pull from when you’re getting dressed all summer long.”

Keep an eye out for these annual summer sales:

Bloomingdales Friends and Family Sale: June

Macy’s Friends and Family Sale: June

Abbey Glass: Annual July 4 sale (expect up to 25% off July 1-4)

Tootsies Summer

Markdown sale: July

Ann Mashburn: end of July

Sid Mashburn: end of July

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: July 17-Aug. 6

6:

Think Long Term

“Bold summer accessories like neon earrings or a scarf with a bright print are perfect to pull out when the weather first warms up, so you feel ready for the sudden spring-like temps. Plan ahead during summer sales to make sure you have those bold accessories on hand for the beginning of the next warm season, too.” n emilyloftiss.com

Saving money is always in style

Dealing with Rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory condition in which certain triggers cause redness, most commonly in the middle of the face. “Inflammation, flushing and blushing can lead to pustules, sebaceous hyperplasia [small whitish/yellowish bumps], spider veins and a ruddy complexion,” says Dr. Rutledge Forney, dermatologist at Dermatology Affiliates, which has several locations including one in Buckhead. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for rosacea, but you can manage it by using the right products or treatments for your individual skin. If you are dealing with rosacea’s unwanted symptoms, Forney has the following recommendations.

Avoiding Flare Ups

Observe your skin to discover what causes a flare up. Common things include stress, alcohol, spicy foods, hot foods and beverages, sun exposure, hot or cold weather and certain skin care products. “Each individual will have their unique triggers. There

are at least 35 different triggers that have been identified in different studies,” Forney says. She suggests avoiding what makes you flush and using medication, if needed, to reduce the chance that a new or unknown trigger will produce a flare.

Selecting Over-the-Counter Products

Several OTC products, including cleansers and moisturizers, can help reduce baseline redness. Forney says these will be labeled “redness reducing.” She notes that sulfur-based products work very well for rosacea pustules. However, most salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide products, as well as some retinol products, can irritate rosacea-prone skin unless the skin is very oily.

Choosing Sunscreen

Sun protection is paramount for anyone with rosacea. Consider wearing a hat and buying a mineral sunscreen for your face, neck and chest.

“Rosacea-prone skin tends to react to heat, and the chemical sunscreens

actually produce a small amount of heat in the skin as the chemical process occurs. For that reason, mineral sunscreens are often more comfortable for rosacea patients.”

Finding the Right Prescription

Numerous prescription treatments for rosacea range from pills to creams to cleansers. “Typically, a combination of prescription med-

ications can reduce the redness, eliminate the bumps and prevent flares,” Forney says.

Considering Lasers

The most beneficial treatment for the redness and prominent veins of rosacea may be lasers, such as the Vbeam and IPL, that target tiny blood vessels under the skin. Generally, at least three treatments are required, notes the National Rosacea Society. “The disease process continues, and lasers will have to be done again in a few years, but medical treatment can increase the time between laser treatments, which are not covered by insurance,” Forney says.

Visiting a Dermatologist

If you notice chronic skin redness, seek out a dermatologist for a diagnosis and to help you navigate products and treatments that are right for you. n

A dermatologist weighs in on what to do

Good Energy

Crystals make pretty home decor and jewelry, but some people believe their value can go beyond the aesthetic. While there isn’t strong scientific evidence to back up their healing “powers,” crystals have been used in the holistic and alternative medicine communities for many centuries. It is said they have energies that can help balance the body’s energy field.

Shanique Worthey, CEO of I’m S.H.E. (Soul Healing Energy) in Ansley Park, is a reiki healer and oracle reader who offers both in-studio and mobile services, and often works with crystals in her practice to enhance her clients’ energy and remove blockages.

“Set an intention for what you want to improve and use the associated crystal to help manifest it,” Worthey says.

Curious if they’ll work for you? The best way to use crystals, Worthey advises, is to keep them on you, such as in your hand, pocket or piece of jewelry. Use them as a tool during meditation, place them on you during a nap or bring them to everything from interviews to difficult conversations with loved ones. You can also put them on a bedside table to improve sleep or in an office space to enhance creativity or focus.

But which one to choose? Worth-

ey offers the following examples based on the seven chakras, or energy centers in the body.

Root Chakra

Related to: Grounding

Location: Base of spine

Associated colors: Red and black

Energizing crystals: “Obsidian and black tourmaline help remove negative energy and are great for when you need to balance out.”

Sacral Chakra

Related to: Creativity and the reproductive system

Location: Below belly button

Associated color: Orange

Energizing crystals: “Moonstone helps things like fertility and sexual energy. Carnelian is great for building self-confidence and motivation for creativity.”

Solar Plexus Chakra

Related to: Walking in your power

Location: Stomach

Associated color: Yellow/gold

Energizing crystals: “Pyrite can help manifest abundance and wealth and prosperity, while citrine boosts self-confidence, will power, overall happiness and wellbeing.”

Heart Chakra

Related to: Matters of the heart and mood

Location: Heart

Associated colors: Green and pink

Energizing crystals: “Unakite contains both green and pink colors. It helps regulate feelings and mood, as well as maintain peace and harmony in personal or work life. Rose quartz promotes love, self-love and deep inner healing. Moss agate helps to level out mood swings.”

Throat Chakra

Related to: Communication

Location: Throat

Associated color: Blue

Energizing crystals: “Labradorite and

blue quartz are two crystals that help get your thoughts clear and banish fears and insecurities so the other person can receive your message. Blue agate also allows you to express your truth.”

Third Eye Chakra

Related to: Clarity, memory and psychic ability

Location: Between the eyebrows

Associated color: Purple/indigo

Energizing crystals: “Amethyst is associated with wisdom, spiritual awakening and healing from grief. Sodalite removes negative energy to have a clear connection with and guidance from the higher self. Kyanite helps with memory and dream recall.”

Crown Chakra

Related to: Connecting with divine wisdom

Location: Top of head

Associated color: White/iridescent

Energizing crystals: “Clear quartz is like the master healer. It actually aligns all of your chakras. When it opens up the crown chakra, it aids in alignment with spiritual self, understanding your purpose. White howlite is great for sleep, as it reduces anger and anxiety that makes you toss and turn.”

For some, crystals go beyond decor

During the pandemic when shops were closed, I began hosting virtual shopping parties. I would bring on a vendor, and my clients could shop going because people really enjoyed it. I’ve also done fashion shows before, but I didn’t want to do another one until I could figure out an innovative way to do it. With Innovate & Curate, we added a technology component and did something that Guests who purchased VIP tickets 2 virtual reality headset, and they watched the fashion show through else, and it was as if each model was modeling for you personally. It was like having a front row seat. When you took the headset off, you could chase the dresses or items you had just seen. We wanted to marry technology and the metaverse with retail and e-commerce. It was more than a fashion show; it was an experience.

FASHION FORWARD

order a stylist on demand. It’s called

wanted to bring the person with the clothes to you. I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to have access to a stylist who can use their expertise to help you with your wardrobe. I wanted to bring together technology and the human touch to give you a confidence. It’s about how it makes you feel and how people react to you. When you feel good about yourself,

Rehab for Pets

Page 53

“Successful resolution of PTSD will dramatically improve the pet’s quality of life.” — Mark Spivak

Building Healthy Food Relationships

How parents can nurture good practices

Every child is different: One might eat everything under the sun, whereas the other refuses anything but chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. “The first step in helping your child build a healthy relationship with food is knowing their tendencies then adjusting your tactics and seeking professional help if they or you need it,” says Natalie Hill, a registered dietician at Atlanta Pediatric Nutrition Inc. and GI Care for Kids in Sandy Springs. No matter if you’re in the infant or teenage phase of parenting, medical professionals have good baseline recommendations. Hill offers the following advice.

Role Model

Modeling behavior, such as eating a healthy diet that focuses on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, is highly impactful. “Kids are such sponges; they watch everything we do,” Hill says. “Parents can say that all foods are good foods, and there are some we should have in moderation and some that we should be more cautious about.”

Baby Bites

If your child is an infant or young child up to age 6, the best thing you can do is introduce them to everything. “We often have it in our heads that they have sensitive palates, but you don’t have to stick with bland foods. Even if babies refuse the food at first, it can take up to 12 introductions to decide if they like something,” Hill says. She advises to continue to introduce the food and have their plate look like yours or an older sibling’s.

Hunger Cues

Hill suggests having a set schedule for meals and snacks, separated by two to four hours. This is important for children to learn how to better self-regulate if they are hungry or full. Also remember that a plate should consist of appropriate portion sizes that are about the size of your child’s closed fist. “Vegetables are unlimited, though,” she says.

Picky Eaters

This may go against your parental instincts, but as long as you have a healthy child, Hill says, “Never

offer alternatives to non-preferred foods.” She notes that your job as a parent is to always make sure the kids have healthy, well-rounded meals with at least one favored and one non-favored food on the plate. “They need to learn that ‘If I’m picky, I’m going to be hungry.’ Stick to your guns on that even if they don’t eat the foods they don’t prefer for 24 to 48 hours.”

Sensory Aversion

That said, pickiness is different than sensory or texture aversion. “If a kid can’t cope with textures and is having a visceral reaction to multiple foods, such as gagging if something touches their mouth, tensing up, looking uncomfortable or looking like they’re going to vomit, it’s time to pull in a feeding therapist to help them adjust to textures,” Hill says.

Pre-Teen and Teen Tummies

Support this age group with healthy choices at home. “You can’t control what they eat outside of the home, but you can make sure all the foods they have at home are healthy. There aren’t Cheetos puffs in the pantry to grab,” Hill says. If you feel that pre-teens or teens need some guidance about healthy food choices, having it come from a medical professional rather than mom or dad could be a great starting place.

Dessert Decisions

Developing a healthy relationship with food includes dessert. “You don’t want it to become a fear food or point of contention. The key is that they get something, but there is some nutritional benefit to it,” Hill says. For example, offer a frozen yogurt bar that has some protein in it instead of ice cream, or oatmeal cookies over Oreos. n

REHAB FOR PETS

Caring for dogs and cats with PTSD

Have you ever heard the theory that pets can look like their owners? In the same vein, they can also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder just like humans.

According to Mark Spivak, head trainer at Sandy Springs-based Comprehensive Pet Therapy, dog and cat brains are structurally similar to human brains with the same neurotransmitters.

“Their brains and ultimately their emotional state and behavior can be negatively impacted by acute or chronic traumatic experiences whereby they may subsequently develop PTSD,” he says.

Origins of Pet PTSD

The reasons behind this condition can include chronic neglect or abuse by an owner, bullying from another animal in the household or an attack. Spivak says CPT has also treated animals who developed PTSD after observing damage to their home during a tornado and

that experienced long exposure to loud alarm systems after a burglar entered while owners were away.

Symptoms & Signs

“Dogs and cats may both exhibit a symptom profile similar to humans with PTSD,” says Spivak, who adds that indicators include avoiding stimuli relevant to the traumatic event; becoming less confident, energetic and playful; and being more aloof. He says cats and dogs suffering from PTSD can also exhibit hypervigilance, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, irritability, panic and/or aggression.

Care & Treatment

According to Spivak, treating pets with PTSD is a three-pronged approach. The first step is to reduce generalized anxiety through a mix of holistic, homeopathic, quality of life and nutritional solutions.

The second step is exposure therapy, which Spivak says is essentially teaching the pet to calmly tolerate

progressively greater levels of stimulus exposure and to educate the animal to respond with productive coping behaviors.

“For example, instead of a pet escaping, avoiding or responding with aggressive posturing, we encourage it to calmly explore, focus attention on the owner or divert activity toward a game of fetch or tug,” Spivak says. “We may also counter condition, where we create an association between the stimulus and high-value food whereby the pet ultimately changes its perception of the stimulus from threatening to pleasant.”

The third step is stimulus management, which Spivak says can minimize the likelihood the cat or dog will observe exposure beyond his/her threshold level.

“If a client’s dog develops PTSD after an attack by a neighbor dog, we may walk the client’s dog in another area within the neighborhood or at least 50 feet from other dogs,” Spivak says. “We will maintain this minimum distance until the client’s dog handles

all contacts with composure. Then, gradually, we will bring the dog closer, but only when it is ready.”

Cats may require less physical activity than dogs, but they may need to learn to wear a harness or leash for certain activities so they feel more secure and cannot escape during the desensitization drills. Other solutions for cats may include elevated “safe spots” in the home, as well as shifting litter box and/or feeding stations.

What You Can Do

To help a cat or dog suffering from PTSD, Spivak says the first step is to contact an organization like CPT so it can assist with designing and implementing a behavior modification program. “Successful resolution of PTSD will enhance the pleasure owners receive from their pet and will dramatically improve the pet’s quality of life,” Spivak says. “In cases of aggression, behavior modification will create a safer outcome for family members, the pet and other people and pets in the community.”

A Taste of Summer

The warmest months of the year are here, and you’re ready to have your toes in the sand and a cocktail in your hand. Of course, while it’s time to have fun in the sun, it’s important not to abandon healthy eating habits during the lazy days of summer. Local dietician Cheryl Orlansky has some tips and insights to help you stay on track so you can “seas the day” this season.

Why is it so difficult to eat healthy during the summer?

We often get off of our regular schedule. We may have frequent travel, which is a challenge in itself, and we also have events like weddings, concerts and festivals that

are based around socializing, eating and drinking. Anything outside of our routine can throw us off.

How does the heat affect how we eat?

When it’s hot, we don’t feel like being in the kitchen for hours cooking meals. So we actually may end up eating a bit lighter, like having gazpacho or a salad with grilled chicken, which can be great. But the best thing about summer is that so much produce is available to us. We are surrounded by great produce at local farmers markets and even the grocery store. And when we eat fruits and vegetables, we eat more fiber. They are also very hydrating because they’re full of water and have antioxidants, vitamins and

minerals. So during the summer, we have a chance to eat a lot healthier.

How can I keep up with healthy eating habits on vacation?

It’s really about your mindset and often depends on where you go. For instance, if you’re going on a cruise, you know you’re going to be faced with all-you-can-eat buffets. Just recognize it for what it is and know you’re going to eat differently than you do at home. If you’re staying in accommodations that

have a kitchen, you can purchase items at the grocery store, eat in for breakfast and pack lunches; then you can go out and have some really fabulous dinners. If you happen to be in Europe, where large lunches are more common, you can opt for a light breakfast and a light dinner instead. You have to adapt—and counterbalance with activity. Whether you tour a city on foot or by bike, play golf or tennis, hike a mountain or swim, plan to move your body when you know you’re going to be eating more calories.

How can I keep a positive attitude about my eating habits this summer? We have this relationship with food and often consider it to be good or bad. Food is all good. Food is one of the biggest enjoyments in life. It’s more about our patterns of eating, including how much we eat and when we eat. We have all of these food decisions we have to make, but we have to remember that food should be pleasurable. We just have to think about our eating, and now is the time to set some really good patterns. n

A licensed dietician shares seasonal tips for eating well

STORY: Amy Meadows

“No one has ever left without a finished project.” — Melissa Martin

AT HOME WITH HISTORY

use it in a way that is modern,” Li says.

Ahouse designed by legendary Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze doesn’t come on the market every day, let alone one that underwent a renovation by architect Stan Dixon, interior designer Tammy Connor and landscape architect John Howard. So real estate agent Jessica Li knew she needed to do something special for 175 Blackland Road.

A walk-through video wouldn’t do, nor would one showing actors pretending to be at home in the 10,000-plus-square-foot Buckhead mansion built in 1939. Li decided her first Shutze listing deserved a documentary, one that would remain available through YouTube long after she sold the house. She turned to Fokel Films, with which she had worked on promotional videos in the past.

“Of course the house is beautiful, but it’s so much more than that,”

she says. “There’s so much depth to it, and I really wanted to make sure that was brought to life.”

Dixon, Howard and contractor Nick Breiding agreed to speak on camera about the renovation, which began soon after the new owners bought the house for $2.95 million in mid-2012 and continued into 2014.

Dixon, now an 11-time winner of the award named for Shutze from the Southeast Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, had never worked on a Shutze house.

“We approached this project with a lot of care,” Buckhead-based Dixon says. “There had been a lot of additions and alterations, and we really wanted to take it back to its original glory.”

The house was well maintained, he says, but needed some wood lightened here and some trim re-

paired there. Intricately carved cupboard doors similar to the originals replaced simpler, newer ones in the dining room. An addition had cut off the natural light to the kitchen, so the renovation opened a wall to bring in the sunlight and provide a view of the pool and back yard.

By consulting Shutze’s original drawings at the Atlanta History Center, Dixon found the original owner skipped some of the architect’s plans. So Dixon replaced the wood floor in the entry hall with the marble Shutze wanted.

Dixon added a few of his own touches, such as a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a library wall. “We did it in the spirit of what we thought Philip Shutze would’ve done.”

Sustainable additions included reclaimed materials and geothermal and water reclamation systems.

“They really showed how to take traditional classical architecture and

The trick for Fokel Films’ Demetrius Thomas and Jason Knotts was to find the moments that tell the story of a house that is both a part of Tuxedo Park’s history and the vibrant center of a modern family’s life.

“It’s pulling from a lot of different areas that we have to package into one 15-minute documentary,” Thomas says.

Part of the solution was to use the house as a co-star for the interviews, Knotts says. “There’s not a bad room to shoot in.”

Li hopes the film broadens appreciation for Shutze’s traditional humanist architecture. Plus, she says, “It’s a little homage to the owners and to the future owners just so nothing is lost.” n

A short documentary tells how a classic Buckhead mansion lives in the modern world

6/22: BIG (1988)

6/29: 80 FOR BRADY

7/13: TOP GUN: MAVERICK

7/20: MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU

Creating a Legacy

Financial books have a reputation for being dry as dust, but First Generation Wealth: Three Guiding Principles for Long-Lasting Wealth and an Enduring Family Legacy breaks the mold. Along with being reader friendly, the book by Robert Balentine and Adrian Cronje offers practical guidance on creating generational businesses that endure.

“We wrote the book to help wealth creators think through what it takes to build a meaningful legacy and support future generations,” says Balentine, chairman of Buckhead wealth management firm Balentine LLC. The statistics are alarming. Seventy percent of the second generation and 90% of the third squander their inheritance, and the business fails.

“It’s the ‘shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves’ phenomena, a phrase recognized in

business circles around the world,” Balentine says. “The first generation is the grinder who works dawn to dusk to ensure the business’ success. The second reaps the rewards and becomes accustomed to wealth. The third only knows the spoils of that wealth and spends it all until there’s nothing left to pass to the fourth.” Balentine knows firsthand. His great-grandfather built Balentine Packing Company in Greenville, South Carolina, and the company was once the largest privately owned meat packer in the Southeast. It continued to thrive under his three sons, but things went awry 60 years later when dozens of family shareholders lived off the company’s cash flow and divided the family. By the time the company reached Balentine’s father, there was nothing left, and it was sold for a fraction of its prior worth. Two

years later, it went bankrupt.

Cronje’s family has a similar history. “I grew up in South Africa, and entrepreneurship and family businesses run in my blood,” says Balentines CEO. “My family built two profitable businesses in shipping and farming, so I know the pain points and the blind spots. They are classic examples of the same phenomena.

“Entrepreneurs have to be intentional and keep the lines of communication open to avoid the minefields. We often hear from unhappy founders who are reluctant to let go and delegate responsibility to their children. But if they want them to be good decision makers, they have to give them a chance to fail and learn from their mistakes.”

The book Balentine and Cronje wrote together offers practical tips to help legacy businesses endure. “First, money doesn’t define who

you are,” Balentine says. “Don’t mistake wealth for legacy. Second, distinguish between your family business and the business of family. How are you managing it? Third, see the world through the next generation’s eyes and model gratitude. Teach by example by donating generously to good causes.”

Both men are eminently qualified to write this book. Balentine has 40 years of experience advising families on wealth and legacies. He and his father founded Balentine & Company that grew to become the largest independently owned wealth management firm in the South. He’s received numerous awards as a top wealth manager. He also founded Southern Highlands Reserve, a nonprofit arboretum and research center in North Carolina where a 78-foot red spruce was selected as the 2022 Capital Christmas Tree.

Cronje, a founding partner at Balentine, studied economics at England’s Cambridge University, considered the birthplace of macroeconomic studies. He was working at Schroders Wealth Management in London before moving to Atlanta where he became senior vice president and chief investment strategist at Wilmington Trust prior to co-founding Balentine. He’s a chartered financial analyst and member of Vistage Worldwide. He also serves on the board of The Journal of Wealth Management and is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at local universities. n

A practical guide for generational businesses

Craft Champion

Melissa Martin encourages your DIY decor

Brookhaven resident Melissa Martin wants to help you get crafty. Her love of DIY began as a child and became a longtime hobby but, at first, not her business. It wasn’t until she was in her 25th year as a medical malpractice underwriter that a friend brought her to an AR Workshop. It was at this boutique, DIY home decor workshop that she had her “aha!” moment.

“I always wanted to have my own business. The minute I walked into the store, which was in Milton, I heard bells,” Martin says. “I [knew] I was going to open my own franchise location one day.”

In October 2020, Martin opened AR Workshop Chamblee. Here’s what she has to say about her entrepreneurial debut.

So, you opened in year one of COVID. How did that go?

The company, which will turn 6 this June and has more than 150 franchises nationwide, is pretty amazing. On the turn of a dime, they were like “OK, COVID is beginning. Let’s start a DIY to-go line.” It was so successful, it helped stores keep their doors open. We still sell the kits that come packed up with everything you need for your project of choice, from paints and paint brushes to wood and pillows.

What else has been successful for you as a new business?

The bulk of what we do is our three-hour scheduled workshops. We have lots of different projects to choose from, including pillows, chunky-knit blankets and candle pouring. Our wood projects are the most popular—custom cornhole boards, pet beds, frame signs, trays, lazy Susans, charcuterie boards and

STORY:

Karina

Antenucci

more. We also have done a lot with camps and birthday parties. In our second year of camps last year, we made the top 10 AR stores list [for sales] nationwide.

What if someone is not particularly crafty?

No one has ever left without a finished project. It’s foolproof. We have everything in raw form for the customer upon arrival and help them with painting, staining, stenciling and even power tools if needed. And if you don’t want to DIY, we can make the item for pickup. We create a lot of personalized realtor-closing and wedding gifts.

What are some best sellers in your retail boutique?

We have a unique location in an old antique building with a dedicated retail space. To me, boutique means

unique. We sell Sea Lily jewelry, a line made out of piano wire; Candles and Cream lotion candles that turn into lotion you can scoop out as they burn; vintage-looking, handmade handbags by Glenda Gies; pottery from local artisan Tiffany Russell. We carry a little bit of a lot of different stuff.

What kind of crafts do you personally like to create?

My favorite thing is jewelry making. I’ve been making beaded jewelry for 15 years. My mother has passed, but she loved it so much and would wear it all the time.

What is your goal for AR Workshop? I want to get the word out about us and make AR a household name. When people find us, they love us. Some customers have returned 15 times or more. With so many things offered, you can choose something different each time. After every five projects, you get one free. n

AR WORKSHOP CHAMBLEE

470.208.3399 • arworkshop.com/chamblee @arworkshopchamblee

TEAPOTS, TUREENS, TABLESCAPES

GOING BACK IN TIME WITH CHINESE ART

Two years after the Atlanta History Center opened in 1926, noted Atlanta architect and Georgia Tech grad Philip Trammell Shutze built a house next door, the Swan Coach House, that has become a focal point of the West Paces Ferry property.

A man of exquisite taste, a prodigious collector and an eccentric, Shutze is the now the focus of the center’s exhibit “The Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life” that features a sampling of the porcelain, art and furniture he collected after retiring in the late 1940s.

Shutze was the architect of many large and beautiful homes, but he never owned a house of his own. In 1958, he settled in a two-bedroom apartment on Peachtree Street and filled every room with a collection big enough for a museum. He liked to make use of the centuries-old treasures that he collected, sitting in 18th century chairs and using a 200-year-old pot as an ashtray. He didn’t cook but owned a 340-piece dinner service that he stored in the dishwasher, the guest bathtub and the never-used stove.

The exhibit includes some rare pieces, among them a pair of boar’s head tureens made in China in 1763. Had Shutze filled them with hot soup, he would have seen steam rising from the boar’s nostrils.

To bring the exhibit to life, museum curators have re-created Shutze’s apartment with the original paneling, his favorite chair and one of his elaborate table settings. Shutze preferred martinis over tea, but nonetheless he collected teapots. More than 30

of them are on display, most of them manufactured in China and Europe at the end of the 18th century.

The exhibit also explains the difference between porcelain and pottery, and how both are made. A companion to the show is the Philip Trammell Shutze Architectural Drawings collection. More than 490 of his drawings are digitized and available to browse online. n

atlantahistorycenter.com/exhibitions/mandarin-shutzea-chinese-export-life • @atlantahistorycenter

Live Latin Music

Dance salsa at Eclipse di Luna

It’s like karaoke, but for dancing. That’s how Daniel Zillweger describes salsa nights at the Buckhead and Dunwoody locations of Eclipse di Luna. Zillweger is director of operations for the Spanish-inspired tapas restaurants where live Latin music is featured every night. “You don’t need a partner,” he says. Just let loose and have a good time. Eight years ago, a dance instructor approached him about offering salsa lessons at the Buckhead location. He said yes, and they were a hit. Now every Wednesday night in Dunwoody and on Thursdays in Buckhead, patrons can enjoy dinner, dancing or both. Instructor Williams Rodriguez (pictured) also offers Cuban salsa lessons during weekend brunch every third Sunday in Dunwoody and the fourth Sunday in Buckhead. Classes are free and start at 7:30 p.m. in Dunwoody and 8:30 p.m. in Buckhead, but you may want to head over early for dinner or stay late for an order of calamari. n

eclipsediluna.com

Love And Murder At The Circus

If you’ve ever dreamed of running away with the circus, Water for Elephants might be the must-see musical for you this summer. Based on the the best-selling historical novel of the same name, the world premiere show opens June 7 at the Alliance Theatre. The musical takes audienc es on an adventure with a second-rate traveling circus where Jacob Jankowski, orphaned and adrift, lands after jumping onto a mysterious train. He gets a job, marries and finds a home with the circus, but when the charismat ic ringmaster August asks Jacob and his wife to train the new elephant, Rosie, August’s cruelty threatens to derail Jacob’s life again. Set in the Great Depression, the show is an Alliance Theatre world premiere production directed by Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo)

Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher) by the award-winning PigPen Theatre Co. Through July 9. Tickets are $25-$78; teens $10.

alliancetheatre.org/production/2022-23/ water-for-elephants • @alliancetheatre.org

BUZZ

SANDY

SPRINGS

FARMERS MARKET

June 3, 10, 17, 24

citysprings.com/farmersmarket

Stock up on organic produce, fresh breads, eggs and more at this popular outdoor market. Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. next to City Hall.

POSSUM TROT 10K AND 1 MILE FUN RUN

June 17

chattnaturecenter.org/specialevents/possum-trot-10k-event

This Peachtree Run qualifier features a flat course alongside the Chattahoochee River. Prices vary. Race day registration 6 a.m.

THE HAMILTONES AND FRIENDS

June 18

ticketmaster.com/anthonyhamilton-tickets/artist/893200

This Father’s Day concert at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre features Grammy-winning vocalist Anthony Hamilton and his backup singers. Enjoy their unique take on hip-hop and R&B. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $50.

DUNWOODY 4TH OF JULY PARADE

July 4

dunwoodyga.org/ dunwoody-4th-of-july-parade

If you’re not doing the Peachtree, jog over to Dunwoody Village for the annual parade. 9 a.m.

Simply

Delicious THE FOODIE ISSUE

101 THINGS TO EAT, DRINK AND SEE IN BUCKHEAD AND BEYOND

Dining out is one of our favorite topics, not least because Atlanta is such a destination for all kinds of flavors. From fine dining and meals in high-design environs to hole-in-the-wall spots and down-home favorites, we hope to inspire you to discover something new, right in your own backyard.

FOOD HALL FAVORITES

10 must-try items at Buckhead’s first food hall

Citizens Market, the new 25,000square-foot food hall at Phipps Plaza, opened on April 27. Take yourself on a roving progressive meal around this elegantly designed space that includes an indoor-outdoor bar and greenspace. Here are some things to add to your taste bucket list.

The OG Umami Burger:

This crave-worthy burger comes with smashed double patties, gooey American cheese, pickles, dashimarinated onions and signature “umami” sauce on a pillow-soft bun.

The Original Sam’s Crispy Chicken: This cornflake-crusted chicken breast is seasoned with flavorful spice blend, fried to perfection and topped with creamy coleslaw, pickles and signature sauce on a toasted brioche bun.

Spicy Hamachi & Wasabi

Krispy Rice: Your order comes with a duo of two-bite rectangles of sushi rice, grilled to crisp perfec-

tion and topped with spicy hamachi and kizami wasabi.

Soom Soom Falafel Plate: Who says vegetarian has to be hohum? This fresh Mediterranean plate comes with crispy fried chickpea patties, rice or couscous and four salads. Choose from Israeli pickles, baba ganoush, house-made hummus, tabouli, Moroccan carrots and more.

Sa’Moto Sticky Ribs: Developed by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto of “Iron Chef” fame, these fall-apart tender, twice-cooked pork ribs come flecked with cilantro and served with hoisin sweet chili sauce.

Ella Mia Spicy Avocado Bagel: The on-site coffee shop serves breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Anytime is a good time to order this hearty everything bagel topped with cream cheese, avocado, tomato and jalapeno. Paired with the iced chagaccino latte (espresso and milk with wild-harvested mushroom

chaga for a functional wellness kick), it’s a tasty pick-me-up.

El Pollo Verde Roasted Rosemary Chicken: From the concept designed by Spanish celebrity chef Dani Garcia (he of three Michelin stars), this bowl comes with succulent chicken, quinoa tabbouleh, spring greens, broccolini, feta, mild pickled peppers and honey mustard.

Cicci Di Carne’s Zia Tosca

Soppressata: This hot panini by Chef Dario Cecchini, who is often dubbed the “world’s best butcher,” comes stacked with Italian finocchiona salami, spicy soppressata, creamy burrata, nduja, mortadella, mixed greens, pepperoncini and mustard aioli.

Simon Says: You’ll want a cocktail to wash it all down with, and you can’t do better than this creative one made with Benchmark Bourbon, Montenegro Amaro, fresh blackberry and mint, with a hint of citrus. n gobycitizens.com/citizens/atlanta

STAR TURN

Ethiopian-born Swedish-American star chef Marcus Samuelsson, the culinary talent behind NYC’s Red Rooster Harlem and a judge on hits such as “Chopped” and “Top Chef,” has opened his first restaurant in Atlanta, Marcus Bar & Grille (marcusbarandgrille.com) in Old Fourth Ward. During the opening process, he spent plenty of time in town honing his menu that includes soon-to-be favorites such as Old Bay lump crab cakes and shrimp and cheddar grits with chorizo gumbo. “I’ve enjoyed the hospitality of the Atlanta community so much thus far, and I’m definitely still learning,” he says. “Here are a few places I’m loving right now.”

“Toast on Lenox (toastonlenoxatl.com) is such a fun concept,” Samuelsson says. “Who knew you could have brunch every day? Atlanta knew!” When you visit, order the lobster sweet potato waffle. Always a fan of supporting black-owned restaurants, the chef loves Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours (twistedsoulatl.com)

by Chef Deborah VanTrece, which

FUEL UP

“It’s so much fun to see Atlanta embracing healthier eats and all the good-for-you bowl options popping up on menus,” says Karina Antenucci, editor-in-chief of Badass + Healthy, a wellness life style blog, and a regular Simply Buckhead contributor. “Many bowls are nutrient-packed and so flavorful because of the layers of ingredients and textures they provide.” Here are five of her favorites.

WHAT: Macro Bowl

WHERE: Upbeet, upbeet.com

WHY: “When you need something substantial in your belly, this hearty vegan bowl is packed with filling yet healthy grains like organic brown rice, a protein punch from organic

Samuelsson calls “an Atlanta favorite soul food restaurant.” There, he suggests the S.F. (“Southern fried”) Carolina Jezebel wings served with sage blue cheese, and bayou prawns with a scallion grit cake and lemon-Creole gravy. Desta Ethiopian Kitchen (destaethiopiankitchen.com), he says is “delicious and authentic,” and “Desta gets it right.” That’s high praise from someone who knows Ethiopian food. His recommendation: dinech wot, the potato stew with berbere, onions, garlic and other spices (bonus: it’s vegan!). When on the hunt for a special bottle or mixology tool, Samuelsson heads to Holeman & Finch Bottle Shop (hfbottleshop.com). “It is a beautiful neighborhood package store from Linton Hopkins, with the best selection of wines, spirits and bar tools.” n

lentils and good carbs from vitamin-laden veggies such as roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. Sunflower seeds bring a nice textural crunch.”

WHAT: Supergreens Bowl

WHERE: Recess, eatrecess.com

WHY: “This is my go-to greens bowl when I want a salad, but not just a salad. It is super flavorful and has

textural oomph with a blend of greens, edamame, crunchy chickpeas, golden raisins, a dusting of crumbled feta, charred broccoli and picked beets. The mix is topped with a deliciously fresh green goddess dressing. Add shredded chicken or soft-boiled egg for more protein, if desired.”

Korean Noodle Bowl

True Food Kitchen, truefoodkitchen.com

WHY: “This light, vegan and gluten-free ensemble had me at sweet potato glass noodles. The chopstick-worthy bowl combines pickled shiitake with fresh organic spinach, carrot and bean sprouts. Umami

In-the-Know Eats

There’s plenty to love on restaurant menus, but savvy foodies know that sometimes what’s not on the menu is just as special. For example, at the upscale Kyma (kymaatlanta.com), sharable small plates called meze are a favorite way to experience elegantly presented Greek fare. The kitchen is pleased to honor requests for items that have cycled off of the menu, such as cheese and wild mushroom kataifi pie made with filo dough and black truffles, pan-fried barbounia or red

mullet from Greece, and Himalayan salt block-seared ahi “a la poncha” over wild mushrooms a la Grecque. One of the perennial favorites at Cooks & Soldiers (cooksandsoldiers. com) on the Westside is the “bikini,” a grilled cheese with jamón ibérico and black truffle. Vegetarians, don’t fret: The kitchen is happy to make it sans ham. While you won’t find it on the menu, like all Basque kitchens, the chefs always have piperade—that’s traditional pepper stew—ready. Request it, and it’ll come served with grilled sourdough and topped with a fried egg. Vegans may steer clear of sushi restaurants, fearing that they’ll be relegated to edamame and steamed rice. Buckhead’s Umi

Order the “bikini” grilled cheese without the signature ham to make this dish at Cooks & Soldiers vegetarian-friendly.

You don’t have to be a “Breaking Bad” fan to appreciate the flavor of NFA Burger’s Heisenburger.

(umiatlanta.com), known for its flawless sushi, offers off-the-menu vegan options. With dishes such as yuzumarinated baby heirloom tomatoes with ice plant; fluffy potato dumpling in kelp broth with hakusai cabbage and yuba; and sushi rice risotto with spicy tofu, black bean sauce and wild mushrooms, you won’t feel left out among your carnivorous dining companions. Chef Todd Dae Baker is even happy to craft a vegan omakase menu on the fly. NFA Burger (nfaburger.com) inside a Chevron gas station in Dunwoody has been named to Thrillist’s “Best Burgers in America List” and has developed a cult following of diehard fans. Next time you’re there, order the Heisenburger, inspired by the TV show “Breaking Bad.” The double-stacked, smashed cheeseburger is topped with hatch green chiles and mustard on an inverted toasted potato bun. The Westside’s

powder, which is typically a blend of dried mushrooms and herbs, adds a savory flavor.”

WHAT: Brekkie Bowl

WHERE: Daily Chew, dailychewatl.com

WHY: “You might not think of pickles and hummus for breakfast, but they are a delicious complement to eggs, avocado, greens and sweet potatoes in this yummy bowl to kick off the day. Or grab the bowl for an egg-tastic lunch. Bonus for those who care: It’s gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian, and the veggies are locally sourced.”

WHAT: Açaí Bowl

WHERE: Kale Me Crazy, kalemecrazy.net

WHY: “There’s nothing like a cooling smoothie bowl on a hot day. I love this one that pairs the sweetness of açaí, coconut milk and raw honey with fresh berries, sliced bananas,

coconut nibs, granola and mint for a surprising finish on your palate. Request a dollop of almond butter for protein—and because it makes it extra delish.” n

BADASS + HEALTHY badassandhealthy.com • @badasshealthy

SIP, SIP

If staying healthy on the go is a challenge, DTox Juice (dtoxjuice.com) has you covered. Pick up one of the verdant juices such as Green Love (green apples, spinach, kale, ginger and lemon) or the whimsically blue Sapphire Butterfly (pomegranate, blueberry and butterfly pea flower tea), and you’ll feel great about your nutritional choice. Need something even more intense? Do the Sea Moss-ter with known inflammation-fighter Irish sea moss, lemon and apple, or Turmeric with raw honey, cayenne and ginger superfood shots to pack a pick-me-up punch.

ErikMeadows

Marcel (marcelatl.com) is known for its aged steaks, cigars and stiff cocktails that harken back to a golden age of steakhouses. Order the secret “Oscar fries” that come laden with Alabama jumbo lump

Kale

EAT LIKE AN OFF-DUTY CHEF

Buford Highway has been described as the “multicultural heart of Atlanta,” but for those who don’t have a ready list of favorites, it and the surrounding area can feel intimidating. We tapped Buckhead Life Restaurant Group President and Kyma Executive Chef Pano I. Karatassos for his recommendations. For him, the area is bustling with excitement. “Anytime you’re eating comfort food, it inspires

SPIRITED SIPS

Atlanta’s alcohol-related producers are always growing. And within each tap house or distillery, the list of new creations gets longer and longer. Stop by one of the spots below to see what they’ve been up to and try a signature drink.

ASW Distillery

Touted as the most awarded craft whiskey distillery since 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, ASW’s Buckhead tasting room offers spirit samples, flights, cocktails and snacks. You can also get a tour of its handhammered Vendome copper pot

stills and barrels. aswdistillery.com

SIGNATURE SPIRIT: Fiddler Bourbon

Monday Night Brewing

The original West Midtown location of Monday Night Brewing features IPA-focused Hop Hut Beers, the infamous necktie wall and now pizza. The brewery also recently launched Sneaky Pete Spirits, including gin, vodka, bourbon, rye and rum that are featured in a variety of signature cocktails. mondaynightbrewing.com

SIGNATURE BREW: Dr. Robot

SIGNATURE SPIRIT: Blueberry Gin Fizz

Sandy Springs Boutique Winery

Housed inside Beer & Wine Craft in Sandy Springs, this small winery makes wine, hosts tastings and works with customers to create their own blends that can be bottled with custom labels. beerandwinecraft.biz/sandy-springs-winery

SIGNATURE WINE: Chianti-style Private Reserve Blend (silver medal winner at the 2022 American Wine Society competition)

SweetWater Brewery

This mainstay brewery in Armour Yards has 24 brews on tap along with recently launched canned cocktails enjoyed in a spacious

tasting room and outdoor patio. sweetwaterbrew.com

SIGNATURE BREW: SweetWater

420 Extra Pale Ale

SIGNATURE CANNED COCKTAIL: SweetWater RIFF Vodka Soda Citrus

UrbanTree Cidery

Atlanta’s only cidery sources its apples from a more than centuryold family orchard Rabun County’s Mountain City. Its farm-industrial tasting room on the Westside pours these ciders as well as local craft beers and cider cocktails made with distilled Georgia spirits. urbantreecidery.com

SIGNATURE SEASONAL CIDER: Blueberry cider

SIGNATURE CIDER COCKTAIL: Cider Sangria Slushy n

creativity for all levels of dining whether casual or upscale,” he says. “It’s no different than how my Yia Yia’s [grandmother’s] cooking influenced the dishes at Kyma. Buford Highway does the same and has a strong influence on the Atlanta dining scene.” Here is his hit list to get you started.

You can’t go wrong with the seafood pancake, topped with crab, oysters, squid and shrimp at Stone Bowl House (stonebowlhouse.com), a favorite for Korean fare.

Northern China Eatery (northernchinaeatery.com) is a hole-inthe-wall known for its handmade dumplings. Order the “mix” and choose three of your favorites from beef, lamb, chicken or pork. Bonus: The restaurant sells its handmade dumplings frozen, so you can take some home.

Don’t let the ultra-casual dining room fool you: Nam Phuong (namphuongga.com) offers a huge vari-

ety of seriously good Vietnamese food. Karatassos craves the shaking beef over fried rice or banh xeo, a Vietnamese crepe stuffed with pork and shrimp.

Bring your appetite to Crawfish Shack (crawfishshackseafood.com) and prepare to get your fingers dirty with a pound (or more) of Cajun crawfish. Order a signature po’boy with your choice of andouille sausage, fried shrimp, fried catfish and more, served on Leidenheimer French bread and dressed with house made remoulade.

The name says it all: Pho Ba˘ c (phobacatlanta.com) offers nearly two dozen kinds of Vietnamese noodle soups, from brisket to shrimp to vegan noodles with veggies.

If he’s in the mood for duck, Karatassos heads to Ming’s BBQ (mingsbbq.com), known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine. There you’ll find Peking duck and roasted Cantonese duck, available in whole

or half portions.

“My family loves to share a bunch of things, so dim sum at Oriental Pearl (orientalpearlchamblee.com) is a fun Saturday morning tradition,” says Karatassos. “The offerings change minute by minute, providing all sorts of bold flavors and textures.”

Rolling carts are laden with tasty dishes such as steamed sticky rice in lotus leaves, egg custard buns, steamed siu mai dumplings and myriad others. A word to the wise: If you’re curious, try it.

Lee’s Bakery (leesbakeryatl.com) is a top spot for banh mi, the Vietnamese sandwich on housebaked French bread with your choice of meat (grilled BBQ pork is a signature), mayo and crisp pickled veggies. It’s one of the only places we know of where you can get a combo of a half sandwich and a bowl of pho.

Knock out your grocery shopping with ingredients from all corners of the globe at Buford

Highway Farmers Market (@bufordhighwayfarmersmarket), a spot Karatassos calls “Buford Highway’s best kept secret” for delicious dishes. “You can feed your whole family in the back with dumplings, sushi, kimchi and more. My favorite are the pork kimchi dumplings.” n

VERY VEGAN

Storico Vino (storicovino.com)

invites patrons to hang out until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and midnight the rest of the week. Before the kitchen closes, enjoy cicchetti (small bites), aperitivos, pasta and Northern Italian-inspired entrees. Afterwards, cozy up to the lively bar with a Negroni.

Palo Santo’s rooftop offers a trendy vibe and awesome views late into the night.

Late Night Spots

Palo Santo’s (botanicohospitality.com)

industrial supper club-style ambiance and rooftop make it a chic place to close out the night. In addition to the dining room, the Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant offers a rooftop reached via a steep staircase.

A clubby scene with small bites and a DJ on weekends keeps the party going until the wee hours. Dining room hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m.; Sunday 5-10:30 p.m.

Rooftop hours: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 7 p.m.-2 a.m.

Yeppa & Co. (yeppaco.com) serves freshly made pasta, charcuterie boards, pizza and more until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Stay post-dinner sipping cocktails at the bar until midnight.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m.); Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.- midnight (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.).

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m.-midnight (kitchen closes at 10 pm); FridaySaturday 5 p.m.-1 a.m. (kitchen closes at 10:30 p.m.); Closed Sunday & Monday.

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar’s (theblindpigparlourbar.com) Victorian-era ambiance makes it a trendy spot for late-night loitering. Tucked behind Chido & Padres, the speakeasy hosts themed pop-up bars throughout the year (currently Frenchthemed Le Pig through June), transforming its interior into locales such as Paris and holiday-themed escapes.

Hours: Tuesday 5-11 p.m. (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.; WednesdayThursday 5 p.m.-midnight (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.); Friday-Saturday 5 p.m.-1 a.m. (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.); Sunday 5-9 p.m. n

Plant-based devotees and those looking for a place to spend meatless Mondays have plenty to choose from in our neighborhood. Hippie Hibachi (hippiehibachi.com) at Chattahoochee Food Works is not only 100% vegan; its plates are also gluten-free. Customize your meal with proteins such as soy chicken, Impossible meat and tofu or keep it all veggie with eggplant, mushrooms, zucchini and more, all drizzled with yum yum, teriyaki or spicy gochu sauce. Also on the Westside, Planted Soul (plantedsoulatl.com) offers Southern “soul food” sans the animal products, from vegan chili and garlic bread to oxtails made from mushrooms. Finish it off with some deep-fried Oreos. In Chamblee, Harmony Vegetarian (harmonyvegetarianchinesefood.com) serves Chinese cuisine with imitation proteins made from beans and konjac, and Mamak Vegan Kitchen (mamakvegan.com) offers Malaysian-based vegan foods. The lemak curry with tofu, olive fried rice and ancient meat sweet and sour with Impossible meatballs are some of the most popular. For vegan cuisine in Buckhead, head to Cafe Sunflower (cafesunflower.com) that has been serving plant-based foods for more than 25 years. Dishes cover various cuisines, from the orzo eggplant lasagna and spicy pad Thai noodles to the fried avocado tacos. The restaurant also serves Saturday brunch. n

sauces.

When you don’t want the fun to end at dessert, head to these night owl hangouts.

WINE LISTS WORTH SEEKING OUT

FIERY FOOD

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Five heat levels go all the way to the ghost, habanero and cayenne pepper-infused “Shut the cluck up!!!” at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville-based, chicken-focused eatery with a location in West Midtown. For those looking for a less painful thrill, birds are also offered in Southern (no heat), mild, medium, hot and damn hot levels. hattieb.com

Gu’s Kitchen

Well-known for its dumplings, Gu’s Kitchen in Chamblee serves Szechuan street food with a kick. The Szechuan spicy fried rice, made with an assortment of chili peppers, might be the hottest thing on the menu. It’s listed alongside the warning “fire extinguisher might be needed, no returns!!” Other powerfully piquant dishes include the spicy dried beef noodles and

Chongqing spicy chicken featuring spicy chicken nuggets, dried red chili peppers and “numbing” Szechuan peppercorns. guskitchen.com

Little Rey

For a taco with a piquant punch, Little Rey’s El Diablo wraps up spicy shrimp and salsa macha, a Tex-Mex sauce originated in Veracruz that starts with dried chiles, garlic, onion and cumin. This one also has pureed sesame seeds, peanuts, cloves, tortillas and reduced chicken stock. The spicy burning heat is paired with avocado crema, cheese and cabbage. And, for a little extra kick, jalapenos are on top. littlerey.com

Scoville Hot Chicken

Before opening Scoville Hot Chicken in Atlanta, Korean-American restauranteur Justin Lim developed his Scoville sauce after researching hot

LUCIAN BOOKS & WINE

Jordan Smelt, co-owner and sommelier

“Jordan has a very diverse by-theglass program that changes every two months and a complete wine list that keeps growing. For being open less than a year, he has already built a large selection with unique wines that are often very limited. Everything on the list is always amazing. It’s my favorite in the city. I love going there and being surprised by the options. It’s very refreshing for me as I’m also in the wine business to see wines I have never tasted before.” lucianbooksandwine.com

ARIA

Andres Loaiza, general manager and wine director

“Andres has been running a beautiful wine program for many years. Aria’s wine list is a staple and always interesting, with a classic selection and European focus, but not only. [It offers] top winemakers in Burgundy and some great magnum options.” aria-atl.com

ATLAS

Samuel Gamble, beverage manager and wine director

“Sam keeps adding pages to his list; it’s fantastic to be able to drink Opus One by the glass. All the best and classics are included in his wine program. And don’t feel intimidated with the large selection; ask for some help from one of their sommeliers.” atlasrestaurant.com

ST. CECILIA

Clarke Anderson, beverage director “Clarke has put together another great wine list, an impressive red Italian selection and some fantastic grower Champagne including Marie Courtin, Frederic Savart, Vilmart. Another wine list where you can point your finger at any wine, and you will be happy.” stceciliaatl.com

BONES

“As expected for a steakhouse, Bones’ wine list has an extended selection of heavier reds. I have my eyes on the 2006 Diamond Creek and 1989 La Mission-Haut-Brion.” bonesrestaurant.com

chicken eateries in Los Angeles and Nashville. With locations in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, West Midtown and Chamblee, this fiery spot specializes in fried chicken sandwiches (with fries) in six spice levels ranging from “Not Spicy” to “Reaper,” the latter claiming 1 million Scoville heat units—the scale used to rank hot peppers. scovillechicken.com n

FEAST FOR THE SENSES

3 places to see cool art while you eat

It’s often said that we eat first with our eyes, so it makes sense that stylish restaurants adorn their spaces with inspiring art. Here are a few places where the environs will whet your appetite.

No matter where you find yourself seated at Rooftop L.O.A. (rooftoploa.com) in the Westside’s Interlock building, you’re sure to find lovely things to fill your gaze, from artfully presented dishes and cocktails to the bold works of art on the walls. A few stand-outs are the Droplets wall sculpture made with Japanese paper clay and custom hardware by Atlanta-based artist Emily Mann of Ink + Indigo, the woven installation called Tide Lines by Slater Hospitality

Creative Director Holly Patterson and the hauntingly beautiful Atlantis Fairy Tale by Italian artist Paolo Lazzarotti.

Guests go to Arnette’s Chop Shop (arnetteschopshop.com) for flawlessly prepared steak, seafood and steakhouse sides, but art lovers will enjoy the large, colorful paintings of music greats Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger and

David Bowie that adorn the upstairs lounge. The contemporary originals by artist Carrie Penley also include a show-stopping painting of a longhorn cow that measures 15 feet long in the downstairs dining room.

5Church Buckhead (buckhead.5churchatlanta.com) has been gaining a following since it opened a year ago, thanks to its flavorful offerings for brunch, lunch and dinner. While you’re deciding what to order, enjoy the jaw-dropping Ishtar painting that measures 27 feet long by Atlanta-based artist Amy Rader. Inspired by the Babylonian goddess of love and war, the subject is depicted wearing the Alexander Mc Queen Rose gown and a Dior jeweled headpiece, a nod to Buckhead’s reputation as a high-fashion destination. n

OUT-OF-THE-BOX PROVISIONS

Whether serving through a window, a tiny house or in a shipping container, these tasty destinations keep it interesting.

l Offering Cuban sandwiches and coffee out of a Sandy Springs tiny house, Cubanos ATL transformed a Roswell Road parking lot into a quaint lunching spot. cubanosatl.com

l Get Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q famous Texas-style smoked brisket, pulled pork and Frito pie through a takeout window at the restaurant’s Upper Westside location at The Chattahoochee Food Works. foxbrosbbq.com

l Housed in transformed shipping containers, Brash Coffee at Westside Provisions offers meticulously brewed coffee and locally sourced pastries with an industrially chic vibe. brashcoffee.com

l Five Daughters Bakery serves croissant-style “Hundred Layer” doughnuts, yeast-raised doughnuts, cookies and other pastries through a charming window at Westside Provisions District. fivedaughtersbakery.com

l Hidden in the back of its Chamblee location, Lenox Cupcakes’ takeout window makes it easy and quick to pick up cupcakes, bars, cakes and more. lenoxcupcakes.com

Above: Chicken barg is a hearty dish full of Persian flavor at Rumi’s Kitchen.

Left: Fragrant pho bo at Le Colonial will have you dreaming of a trip to Vietnam.

Right: Aziza’s hearty Hummus No. 1 comes topped with braised duck.

CRAVE-WORTHY DISHES

Our food writers, past and present, share their favorite local plates

WENDELL BROCK

The No. 14 Combo at Jalisco Restaurant

“My regular order at this classic Tex-Mex spot in Peachtree Battle. It comes with a hard-shell taco (get the beef!), a chalupa and a chile relleno. Once I polish off the taco, I douse the plate with house salsa and scoop up the chalupa with chips.”

ALSO RECOMMENDED:

Fries with Tarragon Mayonnaise at Lucian Books and Wine

REBECCA CHA

Pho bo (Hanoi beef noodle soup) at Le Colonial “The enormous bowl of steamy, long-cooked broth, rice noodles and traditional aromatics (think star anise and cardamom) is the epitome of old-world, ‘slow food’ cooking—a rare find these days—and is on par with anything you’d find on the streets of Hanoi.”

ALSO RECOMMENDED:

Prosciutto mozzarella appetizer at Forza Storico

BRING THE KIDS

There are plenty of casual kid-friendly eateries around, but when you need to step it up a notch for a special occasion with the family in tow, you want a place that feels a little more upscale. Lucky for you, our community has several options, including some you may not expect, where little ones are more than welcome.

HOPE S. PHILBRICK

Chicken barg with Shirin polo at Rumi’s Kitchen Sandy Springs

“Juicy meat is laced with exotic flavors thanks to a saffron marinade and paired with what must be the world’s fluffiest rice with a joyful combination of orange zest, red barberry, pistachio, almond and rosewater. Sweet yet savory, packed with interesting textures and almost too good-looking to believe, it’s simply great.”

ALSO RECOMMENDED:

Rabbit & Grits at Miller Union

ANGELA HANSBERGER

Polenta Cremosa at The Americano

“It is such an elevated take on humble ingredients. Scott Conant magically turns ground bits of corn into velvety rich polenta topped with a fricassee of mushrooms in an earthy gravy. It’s as if you can taste time in a spoonful: the careful stirring over low

LOCAL THREE KITCHEN AND BAR: Known for its seasonal New American fare and inventive cocktails, this Buckhead restaurant at The Forum on West Paces also has a kids’ menu. Adults can dine on a dryaged pork chop or panko-crusted flounder while kiddos enjoy a Georgia beef hamburger on a brioche bun with sides of seasonal vegetables and fresh fruit. localthree.com

NAKATO ATLANTA: Watch the kids take in the hibachi action from a front row seat at this Japanese mainstay on Cheshire Bridge Road. In addition to seating at the teppanyaki grill, there is also a sushi bar and main dining room. Wherever you choose to sit, the kids’ menu offers teriyaki chicken or steak as well as hibachi shrimp and a petite filet mignon. nakatorestaurant.com

temperature, the deglazing of the pan, the subtle addition of truffle. Luxury often comes by way of the simplest ingredients. If someone had trouble understanding the word ‘umami,’ I would share this dish.”

ALSO RECOMMENDED:

Akimono Ponzu at Nakato

JENNIFER BRADLEY FRANKLIN

Hummus No. 1 at Aziza

“Ordering a bunch of dishes to share is one of the best ways to experience dinner with friends since you get to sample so many more flavors. You can’t do better for something shareable and delicious than the simply titled Hummus No. 1. The impossibly silky chickpea mixture forms a nest for fall-apart-tender braised duck, pomegranate seeds, nutty tahini and pecans. Scoop your perfect bite with still-steaming laffa bread.”

ALSO RECOMMENDED:

San Gennaro Pizza at Antico Pizza Napoletana

NOVO CUCINA: This underthe-radar Dunwoody restaurant offers Italian dishes you know and love in a sunroom that opens to the outdoors. Hand-made pasta and artisanal pizza will be a hit with all ages, then walk the kids over to the gelato bar where they can select a flavor made by hand and spun in-house every day. novocucina.com

THE CHASTAIN: Located on the edge of Chastain Park, this new American bistro has become a favorite local spot. Visit during the day for croissants and cappuccino or in the evening for cocktails and Georges Banks scallops. The “Little Ones” menu highlights kid favorites (garlic bread grilled cheese and chicken nuggets) alongside a crudité with carrots, celery and buttermilk ranch. It also comes with a food-themed coloring sheet to keep little hands busy. thechastainatl.com

DELICIOUS

Praise

FIA RESTAURANT AT THE BURGESS HOTEL IS A GLOBAL WONDER

Many of the best meals are an escape, a getaway. While it’s not always easy to hop on a plane, fortunately for Atlanta residents, it’s simple enough to find bites that both awaken our wanderlust and satisfy our desire for something beyond the ordinary.

I found such a spot at Fia, the restaurant tucked inside The Burgess Hotel.

The boxy building’s exterior still bears shades of its former incarnation as a Wingate by Wyndham hotel, but the similarities end there. The 102-room property underwent a three-year, $15 million renovation, opening three and a half years ago. Now, the hotel is festooned with exuberant color, vibrant art and antiques and decor items that feel collected from the world over.

While you’ll likely be able to pick out influences—Greek, Indian, Thai, Italian— you can’t put this menu in a box.

I visited on two separate occasions: once when hotel owner and Executive Chef Burges Jokhi was in the kitchen and another when he and his wife and co-owner, Freny, were on one of their far-flung trips. I’m happy to report that the quality of the fare was consistently elevated, regardless of whether or not the boss was in residence. The couple grew up in Hong Kong, and both have Indian heritage.

I dare you not to get swept up in this family’s lore. Mr. B Bar, the 60-seat bar and lounge that feels like a library complete with a carved French fireplace and stocked bookshelves, is named in honor of Freny’s late father, Keki Bunshah. Mr. B, as he was affectionately known, put together the first Indian expedition to Mount Everest, and arresting photographs of that and other climbing pursuits line the walls. Plan to grab a seat, either before or after your meal, and indulge in a cocktail. The 29-K, named for Everest’s soaring 29,029 feet above sea level, is made with smoky mezcal, roasted jalapeño, lime juice and a Tajin rim and evokes a bit of adventure. Similarly, the coconut-pecan old fashioned marries Southern sensibilities with something more alluring, thanks to coconut-washed bourbon.

Next, settle into a table at the adjacent Fia, the main event. The open kitchen, with its prominently featured hearth, offers a clue that wood-fired dishes will feature prominently in any meal here. A glance at the menu will tell you that, while you’ll likely be able to pick out influences—Greek, Indian, Thai, Italian—you can’t put this menu in a box. It makes it so much fun to order what you like and explore.

The global starters are made for sharing. Charred octopus comes tender-crisp, straight from the open flame, and served with tart olives, capers, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, lemon and extra virgin olive oil. Shrimp saganaki, served still bubbling in an All-Clad pan, gets a spicy kick with diavolo-style tomato sauce, mellowed out a bit with Pernod and creamy feta cheese. For me, the star starter was the potato gnocchi, pan-seared so it’s pillowy on the inside and caramelized on the outside, swimming in beurre monté, a silky butter

sauce, and white truffle, fresh thyme and Parmesan. In truth, I liked it so much, I ordered it on both my visits. It might be easy to overlook the grilled ciabatta bread, rubbed with tomato and drizzled with herbaceous chimichurri, but don’t do it. You need the bread to mop all of the flawless sauces from the aforementioned appetizers.

While the menu isn’t huge, it packs an impressive amount of variety into one page. The whole grilled branzino, or European sea bass, comes with pristine grill marks and is served with a charred lemon and crisp fennel-citrus salad. I recommend adding a side of crispy Brussels sprouts, dressed with sweet pear gastrique. The bone-in short rib is a riot of flavors served over a spiced lentil sauce and basmati rice studded with almonds and raisins. The pork sausage spaghetti is a

bit of a surprise. I was expecting something more traditionally Italian, but this creamy version with Calabrian chili kept me guessing about its origins. When in doubt, the classic Mr. B Burger doesn’t disappoint as a go-to comfort dish, albeit an upscale one. A Wagyu beef patty is dressed with bacon jam, melted Tillamook cheddar cheese, pickled red onions, lettuce and tomato, and served with fries.

It’s tempting to over-indulge in the global flavors of the savory courses and forgo dessert, but don’t miss the goat cheese and local honey panna cotta. It’s unassuming in its description but spectacular in execution, served with a delicate strawberry and black pepper compote. It’s an apt metaphor for the entire experience of dining at Fia: Venture in and you’ll find something to surprise and delight you. n

Fia Restaurant

404.869.1100 • fiaatlanta.com • @fia_atlanta

Prices: appetizers, soups and salads: $8-$19; entrees: $24-$38; from the grill: $28-$98; sharable sides: $13; desserts: $12-$15.

Recommended: Charred octopus, shrimp saganaki, pan-seared gnocchi, grilled ciabatta, grilled branzino, bone-in beef short rib, Mr. B Burger, goat cheese panna cotta.

Bottom line: A meal at Fia is like an around-the-world getaway, with global flavors from Europe, Asia, South America and near home.

WASTE NOT

Mixologists bring the kitchen into the bar

When life gives you lemons, make a syrup or a cordial. This is precisely what innovative local bartenders are up to with their cocktail creating, and not only with fruit. Cocktails often serve to complement dishes on the menu, but sometimes those kitchen ingredients can inspire a cocktail. Using peels, pits, herbs and hunks of vegetables is creative synergy and sustainability when those quality ingredients are scraps.

Lemon peels left from juicing can be a garnish or sweetened into a cordial. Trimmings and unused herbs similarly can be transformed into tinctures and bitters. Even excess vegetables from a weekly special can be turned into a remarkable drink.

At The Americano, bartender

Tahira Moore imparts the sweet and delicate essence of snap peas into an elegant sipper with vodka and cucumber agua fresca. For Peas & Thank You, she steeps fresh snap peas in vodka for three to four days, finishes it with a small amount of simple syrup and charges it in an ISI gun (used in making whipped cream). This treatment allows the vodka to be rapidly infused with the snap peas’ essence. “Just four dashes of the tincture are all that is needed for a refreshing and pronounced flavor,” Moore says. The bright, slightly herbaceous cocktail is served simply with a fresh pea tendril.

Even the calmest of peppers have flavor to deliver to cocktails. At the Distillery of Modern Art in Chamblee, Bar Manager Arielle Basha employs a green pepper syrup in

her One More Sip cocktail. The idea came from a Fernet Sour, a classic made with the bracing amaro Fernet Branca, green Chartreuse, lime juice and simple syrup. “Our amaro has a vastly different flavor profile from Fernet Branca, and the green herbal flavors of green bell pepper pair nicely with the softer profile of DoMA’s Amaro Peach,” Basha says.

She boils slices of bell pepper and simmers them for 15 minutes, after which she adds sugar. After straining and cooling, it's ready to add to the cocktail. She shakes the vegetal syrup with Amaro Peach and lime juice, which adds a citrus jolt. “The balance of sweetness, bitterness and acidity keeps you coming back for one more sip,” she says.

At Westside’s Aziza, Bar Manager Leo Tamayo allows squash to flex its muscle in a drink. "The idea behind the butternut squash in the cocktail is to bring a vegetal and savory component to a drink that's often more sour-focused: the daiquiri,” Tamayo says. He peels the squash, adds sugar, vacuum seals it and drops in a water bath to cook on

low for hours. It then rests 48 hours.

“This allows the oleo-saccharum (an ‘oil sugar’) that's formed to really trap in all the squash aromatics and nuances,” he says.

The result is sweet and earthy, with a pleasing texture from the squash. Mixing it with fresh lime juice, salt and a house-spiced rum yields a delicious and complex riff on a classic daiquiri. “As far as inspiration, the idea of mixing unlikely ingredients, but somehow balancing the flavors and nuances, really is a rewarding experience/creation from the bartender's point of view," he says. It’s a beautiful transformation of a common vegetable, much inspired by the creative cooking performed in the kitchen. n

FOODIE JOURNAL Culinary News & Notes

Tropical Taste

The Art of The Board

From a new Sandy Springs outpost, the Charcuterie Chick offers gourmet boards and educational workshops

Known for its gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards, boxes and spreads, plus popular builda-board workshops, Charcuterie Chick has officially relocated its headquarters from the Westside to Sandy Springs. Here, founder Alex Plavin shares what (besides a new address) is new and next.

Why Sandy Springs?

As an Atlanta native and longtime Sandy Springs resident, I’m excited and eager to bring Charcuterie Chick to Sandy Springs. We have worked and will continue to work with a number of Atlanta-based organizations, national charities and local companies to grow entrepreneurship

in Atlanta and support the small business community.

What are you excited about?

We are very excited to be expanding our team, hours and offerings in the new spot. There are three major additions to our current menu and offerings: grab-and-go options from our retail fridge, including specialty items that will rotate and be available for lunch or excellent order add-ons; a retail wall filled with our favorite provisions— spreads, crackers, etc.; and the ability to host private classes in our space for birthdays, bridal showers or just-because occasions.

Tell us more about your workshops.

Charcuterie Chick’s gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards are available for pickup in Sandy Springs.

In addition to our public classes, which we will continue to host three to four times per year at larger venues that can hold 20-plus participants, we will be hosting workshops in our own space. The workshops will be perfect for a girls' night, date night or a fun local activity.

Do you also offer virtual workshops? We also offer an exclusive, nationwide DIY kit collection with Gourmet Dash, a national distributor. We curated a collection and video recording for customers both local and non-local to build their own charcuterie boards. n

CHARCUTERIE CHICK 470.502.4772 atlcharcuteriechick.com @charcuterie_chick

Snap Thai Fish House’s Chef Pattie Lawlertratana shares a signature recipe just in time for summer entertaining

Chef-driven Snap Thai Fish House opened earlier this year, bringing coastal Thai flavors to Buckhead. Embrace the restaurant’s fresh flavors with Chef Pattie Lawlertratana’s lump-crab papaya salad recipe.

Papaya Salad with Lump Crab

Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons palm sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 fresh Thai chili

1 Thai green papaya

4 cloves of garlic

10 string beans

8 cherry tomatoes (halved)

1 carrot (julienned)

2 limes (cut and ready to juice)

¼ cup roasted peanuts (optional)

3 tablespoons lump crab meat

Lettuce for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

In February, Monday Night Brewing’s Brewmaster Peter Kiley and the Monday Night team launched a line of spirits called Sneaky Pete that includes gin, bourbon,

rye, vodka and rum. Along with signature cocktails developed by mixologist Tiffanie Barriere, the line is available at Monday Night West Midtown and Monday Night Garage. mondaynightbrewing.com

n Stop by the refurbished Lobby Bar at Buckhead’s Hotel Colee to enjoy a new beverage program that includes classic cocktails as well as a considerable list of bourbon, rye,

scotch and more than 80 whiskeys from around the world. hotelcolee.com

n The 10,000-square-foot Damsel is slated to open at The Works in fall 2023. A new concept from Dave Green, owner of The Select, Damsel will feature a globally inspired menu and host nightly live shows (think dancers, musicians and more), after which it will turn into a dance club à la Studio 54. theworksatl.com

Shred the green papaya with a regular cheese grater with large-sized holes. There should be 4 cups. Discard the green papaya seeds. In a clay mortar or mixing bowl, pound the garlic and chilies into a paste. Add 3 tablespoons of the peanuts (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish) and all of the beans and pound to bruise. Follow with the green papaya and carrot. Stir well with a spoon or spatula and pound to bruise the vegetables so they absorb the heat and flavor of the chilies and garlic. Add the lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar and tomato. Stir and bruise lightly to blend in with the rest of the salad. Transfer to a serving plate lined with lettuce (optional) and sprinkle with remaining peanuts. Add lump crab meat.

SNAP THAI FISH HOUSE 404.999.9995 snapthaiatl.com @snapthai

SUMMER PROGRAMS AT BUCKHEAD

Summertime is dance time! With a variety of Summer Programs for all ages and levels, Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education has a dance program to keep your child moving. No audition required.

SUMMER CREATIVE MOVEMENT

June–July 2023

Ages 2 to 6

Weekly classes introduce children to dance while developing body awareness, rhythm, flexibility, coordination and confidence.

YOUNG DANCER SUMMER EXPERIENCE

June—July 2023

Ages 5 to 7

Week-long sessions meet Monday through Friday, 10am to 1pm. Young students will explore ballet, music, tap, jazz, arts & crafts, and story time.

SUMMER DAY PROGRAMS

June–July 2023

Ages 8 and up

Week-long ballet classes with opportunities to explore other dance styles and genres. For beginner and intermediate levels. Three sessions to choose from, or attend more than one.

Buckhead Centre at Chastain Square | 4279 Roswell Road, Suite 703 (Second Floor) 404.303.1501 | abearden@atlantaballet.com | centre.atlantaballet.com

CULTURAL COOKING

Nadia Deljou grew up as part of an entrepreneurial family in a home where cooking, travel and culture were a focus. As founder of Delle Dining, a private chef company that caters to high-profile clients, the Sandy

Springs resident strives to “expose people to different flavors, textures and sounds from the part of the world that pairs with the food,” she says. In doing so, she aims to represent aspects of her identity: Jewish and Persian.

She caters multi-course dinners in private homes with a variety of eth nic themes, pairing the food with music—a nod to her previous career in radio. After graduating from the International Culinary Center in New York, Deljou worked at abcV by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, where she learned about vegetarian cook ing and how to use nuanced spices, flavors and cooking profiles from Asia and the East. She incorporates these skills into her cooking.

Deljou also hosts occasional ticketed pop-up dinners for 10 guests. She serves four to seven courses and focuses on providing a safe, welcoming venue for strangers to meet and connect. She also sells tea-infused pastries, heritage-inspired candles

What do you do for fun?

I love a bubble bath, getting a massage and going for walks. I like going to museums. I’m a big fan of traveling and exploring different cultures and cityscapes. n

Nadia Deljou’s Delle Dining merges food, music and heritage

STORY: Carly Cooper PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

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FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

THE ALDEN

Chamblee’s popularity as a residential and dining destination seems to be on the rise, and Chef Jared Hucks is here to make sure diners eat like royalty. Winning starters include a homemade bread plate with prosciutto butter and cheddar pimento cheese, silky sweet potato bisque and sashimi quality seared scallops. For mains, go with the cold smoked salmon, Moroccanspiced shrimp and grits or the hickory smoked Brasstown coulotte steak. Desserts are deliciously unique. If you’ve got belly room to spare, be sure to witness the chef’s gastrotheatrics with the banana bread pudding service. Our favorite was the lunar chocolate, which the chef calls his “dessert moonscape.”

Smaller dishes: $11-$21 • Larger dishes: $23$45 • Desserts: $9-$15 • Chef’s tasting menu: seven courses/$95 • thealdenrestaurant.com

BUTTERMILK KITCHEN

Chef Suzanne Vizethann offers thoughtfully handcrafted food in a room as pure and simple as its namesake drink. Southern classics are the foundation of this Roswell Road breakfastand-lunch spot, and you can’t go wrong with the Brunswick stew, chicken salad, pimento cheese or the fried chicken biscuit with pepper jelly and pickles. Vizethann’s love of sweet confections really shines at weekend brunch, when folks line up in front of the inviting bright-blue cottage for the likes of toasted blueberry coffee cake and poppy-seed pancakes with strawberries and lemon curd. Breakfast dishes: $8-$13 • Salads and sandwiches: $8.25-$11.50 buttermilkkitchen.com

CHOPS LOBSTER BAR

Chops Lobster Bar has been an undisputed top steakhouse in Atlanta since it opened in 1989. After a 2022 fire, the Buckhead go-to spot for flawless surf-and-turf reopened, complete with smart renovations that elevate the experience. Don’t skip the fried lobster tail as a starter: Order it portioned into bite-size “nuggets” with drawn butter and tangy-sweet honey mustard aioli on the side. Go for the spinach salad, served with warm vinaigrette, candied shiitakes, bacon lardons and toasted pine nuts, prepared tableside. It’s impossible to imagine a visit without a steak from the extensive list, ranging from a petite 4-ounce Wagyu filet mignon to a massive 40-ounce porterhouse. While steak is the name of the game, the seafood offerings, from Hawaiian ahi with port wine glaze and Dover sole with lemon and capers, never miss. Bottom line: There’s a lot of life left for this Buckhead stalwart.

Appetizers and salads: $14-$38

Entrees: $36-$59 • Steaks: $56-$179

Sides: $12-38 • Desserts: $12 chopslobsterbar.com

ECCO BUCKHEAD

Meals at Ecco in Buckhead have the elegance and spontaneity of a spin around the dance floor, thanks to the hyper-seasonal approach to the menu. The kitchen shines in creative interpretations of European cuisine with dishes such as Spanish octopus with Castelvetrano olives, grilled pork tenderloin with beet top risotto, and tortellini stuffed with butternut squash and mascarpone. Perennial favorites such as fried goat cheese with honey and cracked black pepper and the Allora flatbread (with its San Marzano tomato sauce, still bubbling mozzarella, hot sopressata and pepperoni) don’t fail to impress. Paired with expert service, a nicely curated wine list and an atmosphere that’s at once sleek and cozy, this Phipps Plaza-adjacent eatery warrants a visit. Bottom line: If you find something you crave, visit soon to get it before it’s gone. Small plates: $9-$18 • Flatbreads: $15-$21

Pasta and mains: $19-$36 • Sides: $7-$12

Desserts: $6-$9 • ecco-atlanta.com

GYPSY KITCHEN

Take your taste buds on a nomadic journey at Gypsy Kitchen in the Buckhead Village District, where you’ll find abundant flavors plus an upbeat vibe. Small plates dominate the menu, true to the Spanish tapas experience. The eclectic assortment ensures there’s something to please just about anyone, with abundant vegetarian options as well as diverse omnivore plates. Don’t miss tirokroketes, a trio of crisp cheese balls served with spicy-tart almond romesco sauce. Grilled octopus is cooked to tender perfection. Roasted mushrooms and whipped goat cheese toast surely makes avocado toast green with envy. Moroccan spiced lamb skewers are pleasantly spicy. Sumac honeyroasted carrots offer a healthy way to satisfy sweet cravings. The bar menu presents wine, beer and creative cocktails including gin and tonic on draught with an exclusive tonic. Sangria is offered in both red and rosé versions, with shareable carafes available for an authentic Spanish experience.

Cocktails: $9-15 • Small Plates: $9-20

Meat & Cheese: $8-48 • Mains: $25-65

Desserts: $10-12 • gk-atl.com

LE COLONIAL

Le Colonial’s website describes this upscale French-Vietnamese restaurant as “a luxurious escapist oasis,” and we’d agree. Amidst potted palms, starched white tablecloths and whirring vintage fans, glitzed-up diners are transported back to 1920s Vietnam and enjoy the culinary synthesis of the era. Favorite street fare such as banh mi thit nuong (chargrilled pork sandwich) and pho bo (beef noodle soup) get the white glove treatment with chef Richard Lee’s skillful way with Asian herbs and spices.

Classic favorites of crispy pan-seared chicken dumplings, garlicky beef rice noodle rolls and curried green papaya salad will have you hankering for a one-way ticket to Saigon.

Small plates: $12-$24 • Soups and salads: $10$18 • Large plates: $14-$60 • Sides: $4-$11 Desserts: $12-$14 • lecolonialatlanta.com

LITTLE ALLEY

A meal at Little Alley is an escape, an immersive experience no matter where you find yourself seated. Settle in and indulge in the daily rotating selection of ultra-fresh raw oysters served with a trio of housemade sauces and an appetizer of brûléed bone marrow that’s so rich it could double as butter for grilled bread. The main event is an array of prime Angus cuts, both wet- and dry-aged from 28 to 60 days, so guests can choose their steak’s flavor intensity, cut and tenderness. If you’re really going for broke, make it a surf-and-turf with the addition of a flash-fried Maine lobster tail with drawn butter. Whether you’re out for a special occasion, a business meeting to close a big deal or a “just because” meal, this is a carnivore’s paradise, with aged prime beef, ultra-fresh seafood and hearty sides served with gracious, professional service in a luxe atmosphere.

Starters: $16.95-$27.95 • Steaks: $51.95$139.95 • Sides: $11-12 • Desserts: $12-14 littlealleysteak.com

POSTINO WINECAFE BUCKHEAD

Postino WineCafe Buckhead embraces its quirkiness with endearing charm. Located in a former Blockbuster, the space has one wall plastered with VHS tapes. Even to-go containers burst with personality, including a reminder that “drinking wine at lunch is not a crime.” The wink-wink fun doesn’t detract from the fact that Postino takes food and drink seriously. All roles are well played. Balance is a consistent theme. Kitchen techniques are solid. Menus present fresh combinations. Whether you want a snack, meal or feast, you’ll find it here. The OMG grilled cheese with creamy tomato soup is a classic that exceeds expectations. Meatballs and goat cheese offer melt-in-your-mouth comfort. Bruschetta boasts 12 sophisticated combinations. Weekend brunch presents a range of savory and sweet options.

Snacks: $8-17 • Bruschetta & Boards: $17-19

Paninis: $14.50-15 • Soups & Salads: $7-13.50

Sweets: $8 • Brunch: $9.75-15.50 postinowinecafe.com

STARFISH

Starfish—which can look just a little lost on the block that houses Restaurant Eugene and Holeman and Finch—is exactly the kind of sushi joint we have been trolling for. In a city where Japanese cuisine can be hit-or-miss

and sometimes not the freshest, chef-owner Seung K. “Sam” Park’s reticent little pearl is a superior catch—cute and compact as a bento box but with just a hint of luxury. At dinner, we were delighted to see how the kitchen plays around with untraditional ingredients such as truffle oil and balsamic vinegar, slicing fish as thin as carpaccio and arranging it in dazzling presentations. When our flounder sashimi arrived, the server told us to place a dab of the ponzu jelly spiked with cilantro, jalapeño and lime on a strip of the fish and roll it up. Exquisite. Starfish isn’t the kind of place that announces itself with screaming klieg lights or red carpets. But in this culture of excess, sometimes being a little bit under-the-radar can be very seductive.

Lunch Entrees: $7-$16 • Dinner Entrees: $12$30 • starfishatlanta.com

TREEHOUSE

Occasionally, sitting at Treehouse feels more like a cookout. Neighbors and regulars have been coming here for the familiar comfort food and laid-back atmosphere for more than 20 years. Brunch is a big deal, with a large menu and generous portions of favorites such as the Georgia pecan waffle and Southern-style eggs Benedict covered with sausage gravy. It’s all about the patio here, and dogs are welcome guests. The chef works to enliven old favorites with as much attention to the all-American fried chicken sandwich as the New York strip au poivre. He also curates a mighty fine list of craft beers. Brunch: $8-$10 • Appetizers: $3-$13

Burgers and sandwiches: $7-$10 • Large plates: $17-$22 • treehouseatlanta.com

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

Don’t be put off by the mobs of hipsters waiting for a table or the funky menu items with unfamiliar ingredients such as hemp, flax and chia. Though it could easily be mistaken for an ephemeral, crunchy beardo hangout, True Food Kitchen is here to stay—not just because of its good intentions and exemplary karma, but because of its tasty eats. Favorites include the shiitake lettuce cups, spring asparagus toast and the T.L.T. (tempeh, lettuce and tomato) sandwich. Good for the uninitiated are the margherita pizza, steak tacos and Mediterranean chicken pita.

Starters and vegetable plates: $7-$13

Salads and bowls: $10-$14 (added protein $3-$9) • Pizzas and sandwiches: $12-$16

Entrees: $14-$26 • truefoodkitchen.com

Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

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THE TASTING

In early May, more than 600 guests attended The Tasting, an annual fundraiser for the nonsectarian Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program of Jewish Family & Career Services in Dunwoody. Supporters enjoyed drinks, a silent auction and bites from 20 area restaurants. This year, the evening was also dedicated to toasting the memory of Jerry Horowitz, who is credited with bringing the event to life more than 25 years ago. A tribute book was presented to his family before the fundraiser at The Stave Room. Sandy Springs’ Vanessa and Isaac Frank chaired The Tasting, along with honorary chairs Caren and Michael Merlin. Simply Buckhead served as a media sponsor; Georgia Primary Bank was the presenting sponsor. About $350,000 was raised for the independent living program that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their caregivers.

WINE CHASTAIN

In late April, the founder of the Chastain Park Conservancy, J.P. Matzigkeit, and his wife, Linda, opened their home in the same neighborhood for the 12th annual Wine Chastain. The event began with a VIP hour for 30 guests who sampled culinary tastings from Chef Christopher Grossman of The Chastain restaurant along with wine pairings from Baldacci Family Vineyards. An additional 135 attendees rounded out the rest of the evening that showcased wines from United Distributors and culinary delights from caterer Sheila Cornelius.

In between sips and sumptuous bites, guests were entertained by Flamenco guitarist Rouzbeh Hoshmandy and perused an array of silent auction items that included a private tour of Baldacci’s Napa Valley vineyards, firstclass Delta Air Lines tickets and a chef’s tasting at The Chastain. The event raised about $50,000 to support the conservancy’s mission to restore, enhance, maintain and preserve Chastain Park’s 268 acres for the more than 3 million visitors who enjoy it each year.

ART ON A PLATE

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