{Things To Do In Atlanta}: Pinewood Forest Idea Home

Life is good.  :)

I ended last week on a high doing something I absolutely love--once again sharing my food passion and expertise on Atlanta and Company.  (More to come on that soon, so stay tuned!)

As I prepared to finally embrace the weekend, I mentally switched to low-key mode and prepared to indulge in maximum chill, save a couple of exceptions.  Beyond a movie night out on Friday which fit my low-key agenda perfectly, there was a Saturday afternoon home tour of home tours.

After making the drive across town, I arrived at the beautiful, emerging "live, work and play" community of Pinewood Forest, where my gaze was immediately met with a glistening, sun-kissed lake.  I made my way to the Idea Home, nestled amidst finished and unfinished residential construction, and settled in for a highly anticipated tour of the property on its opening day, presented by Atlanta Magazine and Atlanta Magazine's HOME.

Touring beautifully designed homes, dressed with exquisite decor, is always an inspiration download and creative spark for me, and this home did not disappoint!

Each room was its own odyssey, with so much to see and take in.  From subtleties, to bold statements, surprise spaces, and full on "I can see myself living here" refrains, it was worth every minute spent.  So as you're considering things to do around the city, be sure to log this one on your favorites list.  (*Bonus: head over to the nearby Hanna Brothers Studio Cafe for a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch until 3 p.m.)

The Pinewood Forest Idea Home Tour is going now through October 7, 2018.  Hours are Fridays, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.  Admission tickets are $25 and available for purchase here.

Happy Touring!

{Taste of Atlanta}: Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

It's no secret that Atlanta has become quite the burgeoning foodie town.  While the gamut from quaint eateries, to top-tier restaurants, and more, dot the dining trail, it can sometimes feel like mission impossible to take it all in.  And then, if you're fortunate, you happen upon what could be considered a somewhat hidden gem.

Such was my lot on a recent balmy Spring evening, as I dined al fresco on the covered patio at Davio's, a northern Italian steakhouse nestled among the shops of Phipps Plaza.  The evening unfolded with chilled sips, passed hors d'oeuvres (perfectly fried oysters, anyone?), and a decadently satisfying multiple course dinner.

As we took our places at the beautifully dressed tables, I became wowed with course after course of the freshest, seasonal Italian fare.  From succulent filet, to moist and flaky halibut, it was some of the best surf and turf I've tasted.  And dessert?  Luscious panna cotta and trays of macarons and chocolate truffles, truly.  Have a peek at the menu below (apologies if it makes you hungry as you're reading.)

Davio's offers convenient, upscale dining at one of Atlanta's shopping hallmarks--and is a must-try for resident locals and visitors, alike. And if you're really fortunate, you may even receive a personal welcome from the lively owner, himself.

Put it on your dining bucket list--and thank me later.

Happy Eating!

{Tis the Season}: D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop-Up Shop!

At the risk of sounding slightly (or majorly) cliche, it's the most wonderful time of the year.  The holiday season is uniquely one of the most special times of the year--for all the right reasons.  Connecting with friends and family.  Savoring wonderful tastes.  Celebrating new and old traditions, alike.  And that's where my excitement truly shifts into gear...because my 3rd annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop promises to deliver on them all.

SAVE THE DATE and make plans to join me on Saturday, December 17, 2016, from 12-4p.m. EST at the fabulous Pottery Barn in Lenox Square for a time to remember!  Come out and experience festive, holiday cheer, while tasting, savoring and shopping my small-batch, artisan holiday sweets and treats.  From sweet to savory, there will be something for everyone.  Our goodies are wonderful as hostess gifts, for your holiday menus, and for plain 'ole noshing!

It promises to be a deliciously fun afternoon--and, as always, I can't wait to see you there!

Happy Eating and Happy Holidays!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop Up Shop
Venue Details:
Pottery Barn
Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.812-9726

{TASTES OF THE SEASON}: D.M.R. FINE FOODS FALL & HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP!

What's Fall and the holiday season without seasonal and festive goodies to eat, drink and make merry?  I asked myself the same question over the last while and couldn't resist answering with a delicious Pop-Up Shop to savor some of the season's best tastes.

I'm thrilled to be teaming up with the fabulous Westside Market once again to present an afternoon of fall and holiday inspired fare for tasting, savoring--and yes, shopping! It will be the perfect opportunity to grab delicacies, star ingredients, and more, in time for the holiday season that's around the corner. 

And did I mention that this year's Pop-Up Shop will be amidst Westside Market's Holiday Baazar?  Translation: there will be other artisans available for you to browse and shop for your holiday gifting and decor needs.

Mark your calendars for next Saturday, November 21st from 12 - 4p.m. EST, and make plans to drop in and kick start your holiday season with our goodies that are perfect for your kitchen, as hostess gifts, and more!  From warm spices, to hearty herbs, to bright citrus, sweet confections, and more, there will be something for everyone--and every taste.  It promises to be a deliciously fun afternoon, as always--and I can't wait to see you there!

Happy Holidays and Happy Eating!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Fall & Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Venue Details:
Westside Market
1530 Ellsworth Ind. Blvd.
Atlanta, Ga 30318
404.941.3466
www.westsidemarketatl.com

{Ready. Set. Eat.}: The Taste of Atlanta Festival Returns!

If you've ever wanted to taste your way through the Atlanta restaurant scene, but haven't come close, then this year's 14th annual Taste of Atlanta Festival is where you want to be.  With a line-up of over 90 participating restaurants--and a host of food-loving fun--the tastes of Atlanta will be at your fingertips.

Along with abundant eats, the festival will offer a rich experience with something for everyone, including cooking demonstrations, competitions, a carnival kids' corner, and more!

To help you map out your experience, the Festival Guide provides essential details from 'A-Z', while also answering the most frequently asked questions.  Taste of Atlanta will be held September 25-27, 2015 and returns to the Midtown Tech Square in the heart of Atlanta.  General admission is $25 and includes 10 Taste Points (the official festival dining currency).  Visit www.TasteofAtlanta.com for the most up-to-date event news.

Now pack up your appetite and prepare to indulge in a weekend of Happy Eating!

Photo Credits: Taste of Atlanta

Upcoming Events and Foodie Haps

If you live in or near the Atlanta area (or not), you'll want to know about a few upcoming events that will be taking place...just in time for Spring!

75th Atlanta Dogwood Festival--an Atlanta Tradition, featuring an artist market, exhibitions, entertainment, classic festival foods & more.  April 15-17, 2011.  More info. & details here. 

Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show, featuring Food Network Stars Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentiis and The Neelys, along with talented local chefs, workshops & more! April 30-May 1, 2011.  More info. & ticket details here.


Farm, Fete, Feast--Around the Maypole, featuring some of Atlanta's most acclaimed chefs.  May 1, 2011.  More info. & ticket details here.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, celebrating the cuisine of the South!  May 19-22, 2011.  More info. & ticket details here.


Mark your calendars now & enjoy!