Atlanta Blogs » Events

My $20 Restaurant Eugene Meal

Chloe — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:05:48 +0000

I’m not a fancy eater. Food — good food — doesn’t have to be fancy. You’d seldom see fine dining reviews on this blog. I’d rather eat everyday-food like Korean, Japanese ramen, Mexican tacos, or pho where I can stretch out 2-3 meals for the price of one meal I’d pay at a fine dining venue. But I do go to such places once in a while when I want to (dress up) and have a really nice meal. Yesterday, I was invited to a 4-course lunch prepared by Chef Linton Hopkins. The price tag was $20. Now, who would be crazy enough to turn down such an offer, right? Not only that, a chance to dine and converse with famed Chef David Tanis of Chez Panisse was included in the price tag.

Before I forget. Chef David is such a personable character. He talked a lot about the importance of meals and dining and how traditions are built on them. I could not agree more. My mom cooked three (sometimes four when 3PM snacks are included) from-scratch meals for us everyday while growing up. Meals were eaten as a family. Our Sunday afternoons were spent at grandparents’ house where the entire clan congregates for supper. Traditions. He also “chastised” me (as Jimmy puts it), for not cooking more at home. Well, I ate a lot of home-cooked meals growing up so I’m just making up for lost time, no?

Anyway. My $20 Restaurant Eugene meal started with some deviled eggs, duck terrine, and pickled okra. They were all good. The pickled okra had a lot of crunch and wasn’t slimy at all. Then came bread. I forgot all about the chatter around me when the bread box was placed in front of me. With fresh butter. After I came back to my senses, a bowl of beautiful, fresh-from-the-farm, sautéed winter veggies came around: baby carrots, cippolini onions, turnips, cauliflower. Next came a beet salad with tangerines and radishes which I really enjoyed. Lots of textures in a tangy-sweet background. There was also a plate of romaine lettuce salad that I never got around to (*smile*). Fine, it was a waste of precious stomach space so I didn’t touch it. There was also pimiento cheese and crackers, a staple at H&F. I’ve always loved their pimiento cheese because of the coarser texture. My mom makes a homemade version that’s creamier in texture.

The main course consisted of range-free roasted chicken. It was delicious. Period. The fresh black-eyed peas with crispy bacon was phenomenal. They were tender but still had enough bite. There was this simple cabbage dish that was also excellent. It was savory with the apples lending some sweetness to the dish.

Last was the Molasses Pecan Squares. Chef David says it was the best version he’s ever had. Recipe is on page 162 from his book if you’re interested. (Tami, are you listening? I’m goading the lovely Tami to call me when she makes them.) These pecan squares were awesome. It was moist and chewy — the consistency of cake but with the outer layer of a cookie. I’m not a big dessert fan (I would rather eat bread for dessert) but I finished a big square of it. Did you know? This would have been more awesome if there were chocolate chips in them. Just saying.

So there. That was the best meal $20 can buy. Be sure to check out Savory Exposure if you’d like to see more amazing pictures.

Restaurant Eugene
2277 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 355-0321

Holeman & Finch Public House
2277 Peachtree Rd NE Ste B
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 948-1175

Technorati Tags: David Tanis, Chez Panisse, Linton Hopkins, Restaurant Eugene, Holeman & Finch

Taste of Atlanta 2010

Chloe — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:39:57 +0000

I’m sure you all know by now that the biggest food event in Atlanta happens this weekend. This is one event I never miss. VIP tickets for Saturday, October 23rd are half-off here. Discounted regular tickets are $18 here.

Don’t miss the live cooking stages with Chef Kevin Gillespie doing a cooking demo on Saturday, October 23 from 2:45-3:30PM. Other notable local chefs will be Inside The Food Studio both days from 12:30PM.

I will be there both days. Come say hi!

Taste of Atlanta
October 23 & 24, 2010
TECH SQUARE in
MIDTOWN at Spring Street & 5th Street

Technorati Tags: events, Taste of Atlanta

6th Annual Rice Festival

Chloe — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:05:17 +0000

If you missed the Korean Festival this past weekend, fear not, you got one more chance. On Saturday, October 9, from 11AM-5PM in Stone Mountain Park, the Asian American Resource Center will aim to support Hansik globalization. It’s an effort by the Korean government to popularize Korean cuisine in the western world. Aside from Korean food booths, there will be cultural performances. Sounds, exciting, no? See you there.

6th Annual Rice Festival
Stone Mountain Park
Saturday, October 9, 2010
11AM - 5PM

Technorati Tags: Korean, Atlanta, Events

Cooking Channel, Roger Mooking, and an Ice Cream Truck

Chloe — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:05:44 +0000

A couple of weekends ago, the Cooking Channel was in town to celebrate summer. It was hot — 95° in the shade and muggy, a normal for Atlanta this time of year. To help cool things off, they brought an ice cream truck with Jake’s ice cream for everyone and Roger Mooking.

I got to talk to Roger, a talented chef and an award-winning musician. He hosts Everyday Exotic and uses exotic ingredients in his cooking. Here’s what he has to say.

On his favorite ingredient
Love. Roger believes that anyone can follow a recipe and two people can follow the same recipe exactly the same but the one who gives more energy, intent, focus, and passion into the recipe is guaranteed a thousand percent that his dish will taste better. Oh, and also salt. Season with enough salt for taste.

On the most difficult ingredient he has ever had to work with
Can you guess which one? It’s none other than… anchovies!

On the transition from music to cooking
He has always wanted to be a chef from the time he was 3. He comes from a family of restaurateurs so it was only natural that he grew up in kitchens. He started working in a kitchen professionally at 14 and he would take all his money earned and go to the recording studio. He’s been doing it ever since. He is equally passionate about both music and cooking and cannot fathom doing just either one or giving up one or the other. He is happy that he can do both and if given the chance to choose and do just one, he can’t. The opportunity to cook and do music at the same time is providing entertainment for everyone around him.

On the perfect meal
I asked Roger if I ever get lucky enough to be invited for a meal at his house, what would he feed me. Just like great chefs, he doesn’t plan a meal based on dishes. Instead, he will go to a farmer’s market or grocery store and find what’s fresh and make a meal out of all the freshest ingredients he could find.

On his favorite cuisine
Dim sum!!!

Check out Roger on Everyday Exotic. Now!

Technorati Tags: Cooking Channel, Atlanta, Roger Mooking

Culinary Event of the Year?

The Modern Gentleman — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:12:00 +0000

Culinary event of the year is definitely a lofty title to attach to an event. Especially when there is so much of the year left to experience. However, unlike other fantastical claims (think Titanic) this is one ship that will not be sinking. The innovative folks at Dinner Party Atlanta (whom I have detailed on this blog before-see "For Every Action There is A Reaction") have come up with an amazing food and wine driven evening experience. The best part about it? You still have time to get in!
So, what is this event all about? Let me throw some components your way, I think you will agree that this is definitely a must-attend event.

1. Outdoor, early evening event in Piedmont Park. (Think cool evening, romantic lighting, fantastic conversation and amazing eats)
2. Cocktail hour featuring original creations from some of Atlanta's most well known and innovative bartenders
3. Eight chefs each preparing a four course original menu of their choosing. Oh yea, the chefs include many familiar faces from Bravo's Top Chef and local Atlanta favorites
4. All products sourced from local farms that are of the highest quality
5. Wine pairings from Georgia's only Master Sommelier Michael McNeil of Quality Wine and Spirits
6. Profits go towards Pope High School and Georgia farms.

Aren't convinced yet that this evening is going to be phenomenal? Then let me tell you that the entire evening (cocktails, 4-course meal, 4-wine pairings) is only going to run you 95 bucks. $95, I might add, that heads straight towards a great cause.

This is one event that you truly do not want to miss out on. If you can swing it, head to www.dinnerpartyatlanta.com and head to the May 1st dinner section. Get some more details and reserve your seat for you and your companions. See you there!

Easter

mingaling — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 21:05:50 +0000

Things I hate about Easter:

Nasty gross candy (Peeps & Cadbury Creme Eggs)

Spending a non-holiday (hello! weekend!) outside in the heat.

Catholic flashbacks.

Things I like about Easter:

Dressing the baby up in a frilly and frivolous dress.

HAM!

Montaluce Winery Wine Conclave

Chloe — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:28:53 +0000

So I’m late in the game, I know. But here’s what went down anyway. Last Saturday, I ~~circled Hwy 52 for 30 minutes~~ trekked up to Dahlonega to join my homies Eat It Atlanta, Savory Exposure, and Foodie Buddha on a food/wine conclave hosted by Montaluce Winery. In the interest of full disclosure, Montaluce provided a delectable 5-course luncheon plus wine pairings and wine tastings to us bloggers at no charge.

my stash

I’m such a lightweight when in comes to alcohol (I hardly ever drink) that ~~I think~~ I was drunk (and beet red) after 5 sips of wine (you can ask Jimmy– he was making fun of me!) But I found something that I really liked and bought 3 bottles for my dad — 2 risatas and a viognier — smooth, and a tad sweet.

I really had such a great time and met so many nice people. And I can’t wait to go back. Shout out to the nice people:

@montalucewine
@hogballs
@winetonite
@biskuitATL
@EatBuHi
@BlackTieBBQ
@frenchtart
@leoghann
@hoplessfoodie
@suburbanwino

More pictures here.

[Side note: I was supposed to go to Conyers in the evening for a birthday party but all the ~~eating and~~ wine ~~followed by a big Shoya dinner~~ did me in. To Dylan: Happy, happy birthday. Sorry to miss your party.]

Montaluce Winery & Estates
501 Hightower Church Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: 706.867.4060
Fax: 706.482.0120
Email: info@montaluce.com

V-Day Gift Guide For Gents and Ladies Alike

The Modern Gentleman — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:43:00 +0000

As I am sure you are all very aware Valentines Day is fastly approaching and that means many of you are scrambling for gift ideas, dinner plans, and anything else you can get your hands on to make this Valentines a special one. I applaud your efforts, but as I always say its better to work smarter, not harder. So look no further because what I have compiled for you here is a great guide to some Valentines gifts. Don't wait to long on this one guys....if your female interest tells you its not a big deal and she doesn't care what you do/what you get her, SHES LYING! And ladies, I have even thrown a few quick ideas for what you can get for the man in your life because who says Valentines day cant be for us as well? Check this list out and if there's anything your dying to get/give and you want to voice your opinion then leave a comment!

For The Woman In Your Life:
Disclaimer: These are just some initial ideas to get you going. However, no one knows your Valentine better than you do so take the time to really think about what shes going to love and then do that. There are countless possibilities to go after and truly personalize. All Iam saying is take the time to care and plan something nice.

1. Spa Treatment: Whether you pick her up a massage, facial, or combination day this is a great gift idea. Look up some spots in your area. If you can, find one that offers some nice additional services. For instance, Blu Med Spa in Midtown has private changing rooms, custom slippers, personalized robes, teas, private showering areas, and a talented staff. Your girlfriend/wife/other will really feel pampered in a Spa like this. By the way, don't be intimidated to go in and purchase the package. Tell them you need some help picking out a gift and they will be more than helpful.

2. Shoes: Show me a woman that doesn't like shoes and I will show you a liar. ( That's twice I have reference women being liars in this piece..sorry totally accidental). If you can do the leg work before hand then get her shoe size and evaluate what she likes to wear. If you have been together awhile and you know her friends maybe drop them a line and see what kind of information you can dig up. You should be willing to drop a pretty penny on this idea though because there is no point in getting cheap shoes. If your not willing to commit to that then head on down to my next suggestion. Lastly, there is nothing wrong with planning a day where you plan to take her out and let her pick out her own pair of shoes. You should just make sure that you have something else planned for actual Valentines Night...an I.O.U isn't going to cut it fellas.

3. Wine Club Membership: Is your love interest a foodie? So many people have gotten into high end organic cuisine's and wines from all over the world. Why not find a well respected distributor who offers a six month club where once a month a bottle of red and a bottle of white are delivered right to her doorstop along with a description of the region they came from. This is great for you to both enjoy and spend some quality time doing together. I ordered one of these memberships for a family member once and they really are great. Wine Of The Month Club

4. B and B: The weekend get away at a Bed and Breakfast. There are so many great B and B's out there that offer a great, affordable get away opportunity. Iam not saying you even have to go out of state. Just pack up for a weekend and head to somewhere in your own state you have never been before. A small, mom and pop type of place can be romantic and alot more interesting than your local cookie cutter Hilton.

For the Gents:

1. Massage: Hey, what can I say? Guys get stressed to and if you've never had a massage then you don't know what your missing. Most people don't realize how much tension they actually experience day to day until after they have had a massage and can feel the difference. If he's never had one, get him one, he will truly enjoy it.

2. Jack Purcell Sneakers: Classic, clean, can be worn with jeans, slacks, and even a suit (in certain company). A great weekend shoe and an all around utility shoe that he will really get some use out of. Check them out here...Jack Purcell

3. Bottle of "_______": Whatever he drinks, get it for him. You cant beat being stocked up on your favorite liquor. Or better yet, get his favorite type (Vodka, Whiskey, Tequila, ect...) but upgrade to a premium brand (if he doesn't already drink that way).

4. Custom Fit Dress Shirt: A guy truly can never have enough of these. Nothing looks worse than a baggy, long shirt so help him out and pick up one or two of these. They work alone, with a jacket, with a blazer, with a vest, tucked in, untucked...the list goes on.

Good luck on all your Valentines Day ventures. Feel free to email me for more information on any of these items or if you have some ideas that you think belong on the list.

The Worst Valentines Day Idea Ever

The Modern Gentleman — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:35:00 +0000

It is just as important to stay tuned into all things un-gentlemanly as it is to stay abreast on all the great things that there are out there to experience. This is one of those stories that is completely UN-gentlemanly and I cant believe it even exists.

Do you have Valentines day plans yet? Well don’t worry if you don’t because White Castle (kind of like Krystal’s for all you true southerners out there) has got you covered. Yes the fast food establishment serving up undersized frozen patties on rolls offers a candle lit dinner complete with flowers and table side service. I am guessing the table side service consists of, “another squeeze of your ketchup packet ma’am”? This "candle lit dinner" takes place inside of the fast food establishment so you can enjoy the fine atmosphere that White Castle has to offer. Apparently, this event books up so they require you to call ahead and make reservations…HA! I wonder if they will serve Boone's Farm or Franzia boxed wines with dinner? That would make for a great pairing.......RIDICULOUS

I don’t think I have to go into detail on this one of why it is the most un-gentlemanly things I have heard of in a long time. You know I guess theres the saying, “to each his own” but I cant let this one slide and accept that this is an acceptable thing to be a part of. I mean, come on. I think that for one day a year you can elevate your situation a little bit and go without fast food for one night

gaiman.

Kati — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:59:30 +0000

Tonight I had the privilege of seeing Neil Gaiman speak at Agnes Scott College, courtesy of Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia. I originally had a ticket for the overflow room but last minute, a group of overflow ticket holders were able to grab seats in the balcony of the auditorium. I incidentally managed to end up sitting next to my children’s lit professor, entirely appropriate given that Mr. Gaiman was here because a children’s bookstore one a contest based on The Graveyard Book.

To say the least, I was utterly charmed — not only by his animated readings from two of his books (the first few chapters of Odd and the Frost Giants as well as a selection from The Graveyard Book) nor the ease with which he spoke, but by his anecdotes about writing. He recounted how he came up with the idea for The Graveyard Book: he had this exciting idea but upon writing the first scene, he would deem that he wasn’t good enough to write the story yet. He’d put it aside and try again years later, then put it away again. Eventually, he figured he’d never be good enough but what did it matter? As I’m trying to find my writing voice, it was not only common sense but great to hear or be reminded.

Admittedly, I have only read samplings of Sandman but I love Marvel 1602 and am in the process of reading Good Omens. Hearing him read the dialogue of his characters makes me want to tear through boxes of packed books so I could pour over the speech bubbles. I want to read all his children and YA books before I even step foot into his adult work. Since taking that course last semester, I’ve embraced novels for younger audiences. Books with the whimsical or fantastical (in addition to Gaiman’s style, I’m thinking particularly of DiCamillo’s The Tale of Despereaux or Selznick’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret) make my heart swell. I wish there were more books like this when I was younger but I also feel that I appreciate them on a different level now that I’m older. While I build my own library and indulge in these books, I seriously cannot wait to share them with my hypothetical future children.

It was a wonderful and inspiring way to spend a foggy evening.