{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!

{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.

{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!