{Taste of Atlanta}: Black-Owned Atlanta Restaurants

Photo Credit: Busy Bee Cafe

Today's post is one I'm thrilled to write and share, because it's dedicated to spotlighting several of the black-owned restaurants that fill the Atlanta foodscape and contribute to our city's continual culinary evolution.  And beyond anecdotal support of Black Lives Matter, comes an opportunity to demonstrate true support and solidarity where it's often felt (and needed) most: economic empowerment.

So while we as a country continue to grapple with meaningful and sustainable ways forward from systemic racism against Blacks, immediate, measurable impact can be found in amplifying Black businesses, creative voices, anti-racism causes, self-education, along with a commitment to listening to understand the myriad ills that persist as a result of this ugly underbelly of American society--and in the world beyond.

Photo Credit: The Atlanta Breakfast Club

So about the food! Whether you're local to Atlanta, or find yourself here for a visit, seek out these Black-owned restaurants and support their establishments.  As you do, you're likely to discover that the soul food from legendary hallmarks like Busy Bee Cafe and Paschal's, the diner fare from the Atlanta Breakfast Club, the java from Urban Grind Coffehouse, or those famous vegan burgers from The Slutty Vegan, are more than enough to not only satiate your hunger, but to also create memories worth sharing and recreating as often as life allows.

Photo Credit: Urban Grind Atlanta

Now, especially, as Black-owned businesses and communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, your patronage can mean the difference between business survival and impending loss.

More Atlanta Black-Owned Restaurants

Thank you in advance for supporting a more unified and equitable landscape and for amplifying what we've always known: Black lives really do matter.

Happy Eating!

{Postcard From Bangkok}: A Cooking Class To Remember

This past Spring I embarked on another first in my travel chronicles: I visited the continent of Asia for the first time. (Cue confetti!)  And if there was ever a place to christen my inaugural visit, it had to be one of my bucket-list destinations, Thailand.  So believe me when I say that it was everything I hoped, and then some, leaving me wanting more of what this Southeast Asian mecca has to offer, and currently ranking as one of my favorite travel escapades to date.

My ultimate itinerary combined my penchants for both diligent pre-planning (who needs unwanted surprises thousands of miles away from home?) and spontaneity (always leaving room for real-time discovery and greater immersion).  Spanning three of Thailand's most beloved (and delicious in so many ways) destinations--Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket--it's fair to say that both approaches served me well.  And although this post is dedicated to my cooking adventures in Bangkok, I will be sharing more travel postcards from my time there in future posts.

In my element

So now for Bangkok--and cooking.  This is one detail my inner gourmand would not leave to chance or last minute maneuvering.  Because you know how seriously I take my cooking--and eating--around here. :)  Seriously, I wanted to invest in a cooking class that suited my skill, taste and experience levels, so I did what any type-A personality would do: I researched!! It's my M.O. for curating memorable, glorious travel experiences that rarely ever disappoint.  And this was no different.

After narrowing down my options to two top contenders, I ultimately opted for a half-day, six-course session, inclusive of a market tour that presented a range of staples (Thai chilies and curry pastes, among others) and novel ingredients (pink duck eggs, anyone?), alike.  The cherry on top? After a morning of instruction and hands-on cooking, our delicacies were served on a beautifully dressed dining table in the accompanying, acclaimed restaurant--the epitome of enjoying the fruits of our labor.  There was nooo way we could eat it all (I mean we're talking six sizeable courses per capita), but it sure was fun trying!

The fruits of my labor

The school of which I speak is the acclaimed Blue Elephant Cooking School.  And after my several hours stint, I can understand (and co-sign) on why it's heralded as one of, if not the, best cooking schools in Bangkok, as well as restaurants.  If you're trying to get your head around that, consider that two of my classmates were a couple from China who were prepping to open their own restaurant upon their return home!

I also couldn't help but wax nostalgic about my own cooking school and the beautiful memories I have been blessed to amass with my former students and host venues.  Side note: I'm resolved to kick my cooking classes and services off again, so stay close to me so you'll be among the first to know when the time comes.  In the meantime, I'll be recreating some of my Thai favorites in my home kitchen and bringing these memories back to life again.

So without further ado, enjoy this highlight reel of my cooking expedition!

Happy Eating & Travels!

{Taste of Atlanta}: Sear Restaurant at the Marriott Marquis

Marquis Honey Butter Bread

Last night I attended an intimate dinner in the heart of downtown Atlanta, at a previously hidden (to me) gem on the local dining scene.  Here enters Sear Restaurant--located in the stunning Marriot Marquis hotel.  Now before you're tempted to mentally lump Sear into the typical hotel restaurant category (read: pretty hum-drum, sans wow-appeal), let me share a few highlights that will paint the true picture--and distinction.

Open since 2008, Sear has continued to evolve over the last decade, completing an extensive renovation last year.  Its moody and slightly rustic aesthetic, replete with one-of-a-kind art from artists throughout Georgia, gives you all the warm and cozy vibes.  And once you're settled in to one of the public or private dining spaces, all that's left to do is feast on its exceptional menu that boasts seafood, steak, vegetarian and vegan dishes that are creatively--and deliciously--prepared.



And speaking of dishes, the pictured honey butter bread was a mouth-watering start to a night of indulgent eating and sipping.  What I admittedly loved most was being gifted with a swag (gift) basket, replete with its own skillet of freshly baked bread, the signature Marquis honey, hand crafted hot sauce, and the recipe for bringing it to life in my kitchen.  And because sharing is caring, I'm passing it along to you for your baking and noshing pleasure, as well. Thank me later.

So the next time a breakfast, lunch or dinner outing is on the agenda, be sure to make Sear one of your go-tos.  The chefs and staff will ensure that your visit is top notch from start to finish and make it a favorite in your Atlanta dining repertoire.

Happy Eating!

Tastes of Spring at Fogo de Chão - New Seasonal Menu!

Just in time for the start of spring, the internationally-renowned Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão introduces new menu items using the freshest ingredients of the season and crafted for those ready to embrace warmer temperatures. From Brazil-inspired meat varieties to nutritionally balanced soups and salads, new spring selections are now available as part of the Full Churrasco Experience at all U.S. Fogo locations for a limited time.

“Brazilian cuisine focuses on harvesting and serving fruits and vegetables when they are in season and have reached peak flavor,” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “At Fogo, our gaucho chefs refresh our Market Table with seasonal items to deliver new choices for our guests to dine with us in a naturally nutritious way.”

A selection of Fogo’s spring menu items include:

Lighter Cuts of Spring – Pork Picanha (butchered and prepared with the same simple style as traditional Picanha, then carved tableside) and a new spicy Linguica Sausage (pork sausage with red pepper, garlic and fresh onion) are added to the Full Churrasco Experience this spring.

 
Market Table Additions – Roasted Cauliflower Salad (oven-roasted with olive oil, garlic and black pepper, then topped with scallions and sesame seeds) and Brazilian Kale & Orange Salad (with a citrus-honey vinaigrette), plus gluten-free Carrot & Ginger Soup (blended with fresh herbs and coconut milk) join the Market Table this season.



 
Crème de Coconut – A traditional Brazilian recipe, this new dessert features shredded coconut baked with condensed milk and cream, then served warm with ice cream and lime zest.

Blood Orange Manhattan – Buffalo Trace Bourbon is shaken with Carpano Antica, blood orange and angostura bitters, then served on the rocks.

Fogo de Chão is also honored to unveil “Eulila,” a red wine blend specially created exclusively for Fogo by the award-winning winemakers at Viña Vik. Available by the glass or bottle, the wine blends Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes from the Cachapoal Valley in Chile and pays tribute to Eulila “Selma” Oliveira, Chief Culture Officer of Fogo de Chão. 

Spring menu selections and the Eulila tribute wine are now available at all Fogo locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and are the perfect additions to guest favorites such as the Bone-In Cowboy Ribeye or dry-aged steak offerings, including the 24-ounce New York Strip and 32-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye.

For more information about Fogo de Chão, the new culinary and cocktail additions, or to make dining reservations, please visit http://www.fogo.com.

Happy Eating!

This is a sponsored post.

{In Case You Missed It}: 2018 Highlights

Happy New Year (again!)  Amazingly, this year is off to a fast and furious start, with January soon to be in the rear view.  So before any more time elapses, I want to share one of my most favorite perennial posts, highlighting many of the moments that made the year gone by special for me, personally, and for D.M.R. Fine Foods.

Each year it seems like it couldn't get any sweeter and, then, it does!  And that would be 2018.  On a personal note, I enjoyed more fulfilling career, personal, civic, and relational highlights that made everything else the proverbial (and oh so delicious) icing on top.

That "icing" included special moments, among others, in food, travel, lifestyle and media--a well-rounded foray of the good life.  And I'm excited to recap some of the most special for you here, starting with a fun slideshow round-up. (*Recommended: watch in full screen mode.)

Food ~
My year in food included such highlights as once again being a featured blogger and contributor to the acclaimed Black History Month Virtual Potluck, with my Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding with Maple Glaze, along with more recipes and foodie indulgences from near and far.

Travel ~
My wanderlust led me to exceptional new destinations, including Cartagena, Colombia and Cozumel, Mexico, and repeat favorites, alike, including South Beach, New York City, Chicago, Orlando and Bermuda.  From the occasional business jaunt, to vacation getaways, 2018 was another year of fulfilling travel and exploration.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
I experienced of the biggest honors of 2018 on what I'll label as the lifestyle front, which was being selected as a 2018 BHG Stylemaker by Better Homes and Gardens magazine! Can you say, awe-mazing?!  (I'll be a doing a dedicated post soon to share more of the fabulousness of my entire experience, so stay tuned!)  Beyond BHGStylemaker, I had the pleasure of joining gorgeous fashion influencer, CariRene Vintage, for an amazing afternoon of fashion inspiration at the Global Runway Fashion Presentation hosted by the Atlanta Airport.  And as a special bonus, to boot, I met one of my favorite fashion and beauty editors!

Beyond decor and fashion, another highlight included a private Girlfriends' Spa Party courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty and Saks Atlanta, making for a great afternoon of pampering with some of my favorite girls.

Media/Collaborations ~
2018 was another standout year on the media and collaboration front.  I was so thrilled to return to the t.v. to share more of my food and lifestyle passions, this time with the fabulous daytime show, Atlanta and Company.  My media footprint continued with my running monthly column with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, media corp for my forever favorite Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, and myriad media collaborations on behalf of exceptional local restaurants, wineries, farm co-ops (City Winery Atlanta, Varun Napoli, Dantanna's, Peach Dish), Atlanta Magazine, and more!

I obviously kept to my busier pace but, as always, it was extremely worth it, and equally as special to share it with you here on the blog and via social media.  I thank you for remaining connected and appreciate your ongoing support and interest in my corner of the world.  I love having you along for my journey and look forward to sharing more as 2019 continues to unfold. 

Happy Living!

 

Pretty in Pink: NYC's Pietro Nolita

I discovered Pietro Nolita, the all pink, intimately chic, yet casual, Italian eatery in New York City, on Instagram, amidst all the rave.

So when my travels landed me back in my favorite of cities during the recent Christmas holidays, there was no question that I would be making its acquaintance.  Had I considered its cuisine or food worthiness?  Not really.  Just the fact that it was ALL PINK and a girly girl's dream.

Pietro NoLita's Jewel Box Exterior

And so my plan of action began: decide on the day and time, find something pink to wear...because photos, and paint the town...red pink.  On the last night of my stay, we arrived for an early dinner before heading off to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.  And those who know me best, know that an obligatory photo shoot ensued.  Despite the nightfall and blustery weather, I had to get photos of (and with) the adorable pink exterior before heading inside to settle in.

Once inside, more photos were in order, in between placing our orders and chatting up the staff.  And then there was the food.  Oh yes, food.  The reason you ultimately go out to dinner, no?  Now I was remembering the 'why' behind the 'what' of it all.  And I'm happy to say that my dish (a pan-seared sea bass) was delicious and my return is imminent to take in some of the house pasta.  So see, you really can go for the design thrills and leave satiated and...tickled pink. :)

Make it a place to dine whenever you find yourself in NYC looking for a quaint spot to sip and nosh--and it's okay if you don't want to mimic my all-pink enthusiasm.  I'm certain that you'll be enamored all the same by the cozy space and good eats.

Located in Soho (one of my favorite Manhattan districts), the kitchen opens daily from 11am and goes into the wee hours, serving lunch, brunch, and dinner.  There are no reservations, just loads of atmosphere and...

Happy Eating!

Pietro NoLita
174 Elizabeth Street
New York, New York 10012

{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!

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Returns Bigger & Better!

In two short weeks, a culinary experience that heralds the essence of the South beyond anything most have ever seen or tasted will return to Atlanta for an epic weekend in food, drink--and good times.

Now in its sixth year, it's hard to imagine that anything could top last year's festival, however this year promises to be the biggest--and the best--one yet.  Spectacular new additions--including a new series of expert instruction via Master Classes; a new Tasting Tents location; and a first-of-its-kind in the U.S. Pop-Up Vineyard in the City, in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, with a featured Sunday Brunch, the Ultimate Road Trip Kick-Off Party and much more--will make it worth every moment!

The themed Tasting Tents will reside in the gorgeous Piedmont Park Promenade

Sneak Peek rendering of the Pop-Up Vineyard in the City

"For food lovers, there is nothing more appealing than spending a weekend indulging in exceptional food and drink by rock star culinary talent, especially when the experience includes a road trip to a fun Southern city,” explains Dominique Love, Co-founder of the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.

I couldn't agree more.  The ultimate Southern culinary weekend awaits and, trust me, you don't want to miss it!  Get your tickets now at atlantafoodandwinefestival.com.  Then prepare to know the south--and its cuisine--like never before.

Happy Eating!

{A Night to Remember}: Dinner at the James Beard House

Since I began indulging my passion for all things culinary, I have been blessed to experience many delicious, inspiring--and downright amazing--moments.  And this past weekend, yet another was added to the list.  In fact, it constituted one of the most special food moments I've relished to date.

The euphoria of which I speak was a dreamy and unforgettable evening spent dining and mingling at the James Beard House in New York City.  The evening represented the culmination of the thrill of having the James Beard Foundation acknowledge my food and subsequently award me the honor of dinner for two at the Beard House.  I had been sitting on my gift for the many months since and finally elected my birthday weekend as the ideal opportunity to indulge.  And so I did.

All Smiles with Chef Petroni

Arriving at the outwardly unassuming venue where so much culinary greatness has transpired was a moment.  A few snaps later, my guest and I headed inside to join the other diners for what began as a standing reception with the most decadently scrumptious and gorgeous food and sips (think caviar, bone marrow, and then some).  Following bite after seemingly unending bite, while being cautious to reserve room for the feast to follow, dashes to and from the kitchen to observe the artistry in motion and capture some takeaway shots--including one with the featured chef, himself--, mingling with and meeting other equally exuberant guests, and doing a quick stroll of the upstairs, the formal dinner began.

What ensued was a six-course feast, aptly named the St. Joseph's Feast, interpreted by Chef Christian Petroni of Fortina restaurant in Armonk, NY; Rye Brook, NY; and Stamford, CT.  Course after course presented one delight after the next and carried the evening along so tastefully and beautifully that all sense of time was lost over the hours that passed.  A warm greeting by Chef Petroni and his team of talented chefs and staff ended the evening on the intimate, inspiring note that I could only have imagined prior.  It was, and will always be, a night to remember.

Thank you, James Beard Foundation, for the honor.  It was Happy Eating indeed!

See more photos from the evening here.

{Taste of Atlanta}: Eight Sushi Lounge

Ceviche -- Ocean trout, tomatoes, sweet red onion, avocado and a yuzu dressing

As the Atlanta restaurant scene continues to burgeon, the Westside recently welcomed another newcomer to the fold.  Eight Sushi Lounge officially opened its doors in late November of last year--wooing diners with exquisite and creatively delicious sushi, sashimi and Japanese fare coupled with modernly styled interiors--and is worthy to helm the top of your restaurant outings in the New Year.

I dined at the restaurant in early December and feasted on an exceptional tasting menu that was as notable for its creativity and sheer beauty, as it was for the scrumptious fare.  And although my party was seated at one of the many cozy tables, no trip would be complete without even a momentary visit to the open sushi bar to witness art in the making.

Miso Steak -- Ribeye steak glazed with miso compote served alongside seasonal vegetables

Tuna Crisp -- Ponzu mayo, sliver sweet red onion, truffle oil

Eggs Benedict -- Bed of rice, spicy tuna, shiso leaf, sunny side up quail egg

Located in the Brady Complex at 930 Howell Mill Rd. NW, the restaurant is open nightly for dinner--and represents another delicious taste of Atlanta. ($$$)

Happy Eating!

Photos courtesy of Eight Sushi Lounge

{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