Inaugural Atlanta Wing Fest Produced by Taste of Atlanta Set to Throw Down Sept. 25

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Morgan Lanier or Emily Connolly

Melissa Libby & Associates

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Inaugural Atlanta Wing Fest produced by Taste of Atlanta

SET TO THROW DOWN sEPT. 25

Southeast’s Best Chefs Go Wing-to-Wing to Benefit Atlanta Charities

Courtesy of Springer Mountain Farms

ATLANTA (Aug. 30, 2016) – Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural Springer Mountain Farms Atlanta Wing Fest on Sunday, Sept. 25, a day full of wings, beer, Southern spirits and local music to benefit Angel Flight Soars and Second Helpings Atlanta. Produced by Taste of Atlanta, this party for a purpose with some of the Southeast’s best chefs takes place at The Foundry at Puritan Mill (916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW). 

General admission tickets ($20) include entry to the event beginning at 1:30 p.m., endless wing tastes from 25 great local and regional restaurants, eat-and-greet with the chefs, live entertainment and a cash bar. A VIP First Taster option ($45) includes early entry at 1 p.m. and admission into the Southern Spirits Lounge featuring open bar tastes of spirits and craft beer. Prices increase to $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP First Tasters on Saturday, September 3. Tickets can be purchased online at freshtix.com/events/atlanta-wing-fest. Children 10 and under get free general admission with a paid adult; must be 21 or older for VIP entry.

Participating restaurants include Atlanta favorites such as Canoe, Foundation Social Eatery, Saltyard, Southern Bistro and Table & Main alongside regional stars like Stagioni and Mimosa Grill in Charlotte, North Carolina; The Farm House and Urban Grub out of Nashville, Tennessee; and Poogan’s Smokehouse in Charleston, South Carolina.

“Atlanta Wing Fest is going to be a poultry party to remember,” says Taste of Atlanta co-founder Dale DeSena. “It’s a community of chefs coming together to show off their unique take on a crowd favorite and raise money for two great causes. It’s also a great warm-up to our Taste of Atlanta event coming up in October.”

The 15th annual Taste of Atlanta returns Oct. 21-23 to Midtown’s Tech Square to feature more than 200 nibbles, noms, sips and samples from the city’s hottest, trendsetting restaurants and cutting-edge chefs. General admission and VIP tickets are available online at Freshtix.com/TasteofAtlanta.

More details on the festival continue to be released. In the meantime, visit TasteofAtlanta.com, follow updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sign up for the fun, foodie Bite of News newsletter.

About Angel Flight Soars

Illness isn't stopped by boundaries and cures shouldn't be, either. Whether boundaries are geographic or financial, Angel Flight Soars helps by arranging free non-emergency flights to medical treatment. This nonprofit helps families get to the hope of lifesaving medical treatments, surgeries and clinical programs as often and as long as necessary to ensure that no one has to go without the care they need simply because they can't get there. Angel Flight Soars is located at the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Atlanta and arranges free air transportation with volunteer pilots on private aircraft for medically stable and ambulatory patients.

About Second Helpings Atlanta, Inc.

Second Helpings Atlanta is a non-profit food rescue organization whose mission is to fight hunger and reduce food waste in the Metro Atlanta area by rescuing surplus food and delivering it to those in need. With a team of nearly 500 volunteer drivers, SHA serves as the link between our network of 59 food donors and the 31 front-line agencies who feed the hungry on a daily basis. 365 days a year, our volunteers rescue food from our food donors, transport it to one of our agencies and return home in 90 minutes or less. Since our first food pick-up in 2004, SHA has collected and distributed over 5 million pounds of food, enough food for over 4.16 million meals.

About Springer Mountain Farms

Built on strong values and family farms, Springer Mountain Farms is a Mt. Airy, Georgia-based poultry producer promising the healthiest, most flavorful and top quality chickens on the market. It is the first poultry company in America to be certified by the American Humane Association for the humane treatment of chickens. Springer Mountain Farms chickens are raised on pesticide-free vegetarian diets without the use of antibiotics, steroids, growth stimulants or hormones. To learn more about Springer Mountain Farms, visit m.springermountainfarms.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter at @SMFchicken and Instagram at @SMFchicken. 

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Atlanta-Area Restaurants Serve Up Labor Day Weekend Specials

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Emily Connolly or Morgan Lanier
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068
emilyc@melissalibbypr.com
morgan@melissalibbypr.com

ATLANTA-AREA RESTAURANTS SERVE UP LABOR DAY WEEKEND SPECIALS

Top Dining Destinations Take the Work Out of Enjoying the Holiday

ATLANTA (Aug. 24, 2016) – Labor Day weekend is often spent cramming in as many fun activities as possible before the unofficial beginning of fall. And when you’ve finished running around to all those festivals and events, the last thing you feel like doing is toiling away in the kitchen. Luckily, some of your favorite restaurants and nightspots are here to pick up the slack with specials and events Sept. 2-5 to help take the labor out of Labor Day festivities.

For high-quality steaks and seafood, head to 101 Steak. Vinings’ newest chophouse is open regular hours all weekend and will be open for dinner on Monday from 4 to 9:30 p.m., offering mouth-watering dishes like the 32-oz tomahawk chop, East and West Coast oysters and more than 100 wines by the glass. 770-805-8855, 101steakatl.com.

Newcomer 5Church is bringing its weekend brunch service to Monday for a special holiday treat.  Cornmeal waffles, Southern fried steak, duck confit with cabbage pancake and more will be on the menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner service in the evening. 404-400-3669, 5churchatlanta.com.

Out late on Sunday? Celebrate into the wee hours at Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland or Ormsby’s in West Midtown. Both are staying open until 3 a.m. Monday morning. Atkins Park will cure your hangover with its full brunch menu available on Monday starting at 11:30 a.m. ormsbysatlanta.com, atkinspark.com. 

Ponce City Market favorite Bellina Alimentari continues its monthly Bluesin’ Bellina live music series on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy food, libations and great music from the Cody Matlock Band. Bellina is also open regular hours on Monday. 404-330-9933, bellina-alimentari.com.

Bid summer a final farewell with a special edition of Basque in the Sun on Sunday at Gypsy Kitchen. Enjoy paella on the patio, $5 glasses of rosé, $4 tintos de veranos and half off select bottles of wine, as well as a live flamenco guitarist from 4 to 7 p.m. and a DJ starting at 7 p.m. Gypsy Kitchen is closed on Monday. 404-939-9840, gypsykitchenatl.com.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern is open regular hours all weekend and Monday offering its brunch menu and $17 bottomless mimosas. Order half-price wings on Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m. then wind down with a Monday date night special—dinner for two for $24.95. 404-968-2288, hobnobatlanta.com.

Johnny’s Hideaway, Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood nightspot, is open late on Sunday for a pre-Labor Day bash with live music from Cold Draft Beer. Johnny’s will also be open for regular business on Monday. 404-233-8026, www.johnnyshideaway.com.

Whether you’re attending the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Saturday or spending the weekend at Dragon Con, be sure to make Ray’s in the City part of your itinerary. Located in the heart of the action downtown, Ray’s in the City is open all weekend. Come Monday for the two-course 1.25-pound whole Maine lobster dinner available all day for $24.95. That dinner is also available on Labor Day at Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek.  If you’re in the mood for Mexican, visit Ray's Rio Bravo on Monday for half-priced drinks all day. raysrestaurants.com.

Smokebelly BBQ gets into the spirit by honoring the twin cornerstones of Labor Day weekend—barbecue and the start of college football season! Friday through Monday there will be $3 Bud Light drafts, $10 Bud Light pitchers, $15 Bud and Bud Light buckets and $5 Tito’s drinks. Friday night brings live music beginning at 8 p.m. courtesy of the Whispering Gypsies. Spend Saturday enjoying all the action on 16 TVs, along with enough barbecue to feed every college team in the country. On Sunday, order smoked brisket and an Irish whiskey while catching Texas vs. Notre Dame. Cap off the weekend in style on Monday with waffle fries, mac and cheese and pulled pork as FSU faces off against Ole Miss. Beginning Sept. 5, the restaurant offers 25-cent wings starting at 4 p.m. on Mondays. 404-848- 9100, smokebellybbq.com.

Additional restaurants open regular hours on Monday, Sept. 5 for your dining pleasure:

·         Affairs in Alpharetta; spiceaffairatlanta.com

·         Marlow’s Tavern (all locations); marlowstavern.com

·         Sublime Doughnuts (both locations); sublimedoughnuts.com

·         The Big Ketch Buckhead and Canton Street (Roswell); thebigketch.com

·         Tin Lizzy’s Cantina (all locations); tinlizzyscantina.com

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Winning Ways to Field a Memorable Football Feast

For more information:
Emily Connolly or Morgan Lanier
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068
emilyc@melissalibbypr.com
morgan@melissalibbypr.com

WINNING WAYS TO FIELD A MEMORABLE FOOTBALL FEAST

Atlanta’s Best Restaurants Score with Fantastic Catering Options

ATLANTA (Aug. 23, 2016) – Football season is here, and several Atlanta restaurants are taking the field with everything you need to host the perfect pigskin party. Whether you’re looking to take home the pennant in tailgating or host a memorable gridiron get-together, these culinary all-stars have the catering menus and packages to help you score a touchdown.

Give your football party an Italian flair courtesy of Bellina Alimentari at Ponce City Market. Catering options like the antipasti bar, panini platter and primi, secondi and dolci courses are sure to score points with your discerning guests. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance; allow 72 hours notice for parties of 30 or more. 404-330-9933; bellina-alimentari.com.

                                                                               

Treat your friends to a selection of delicious catering menus like the gourmet meat and cheese sandwich platter courtesy of Ray’s in the City. It comes complete with domestic house-cut deli meats and artisanal cheeses served with house-made pickles, vine-ripened tomatoes, Bibb lettuce and assorted breads. Two side displays (choose from whole fruit, artisan field greens salad, red bliss potato salad, Southern-style macaroni salad and housemade kettle chips) and one dessert display (graham cracker lemon squares, house-baked cookies, a seasonal fruit platter or chocolate fudge brownies) are included. Serves 12 for $80; $6.75 per additional person. 404-524-9224; raysrestaurants.com.  

Smokebelly BBQ, Atlanta’s top destination for chef-crafted barbecue, offers three mouthwatering catering options:  “The Baron of BBQ” ($14 per person) with pulled pork and two sides of your choosing; “The Duke of Smoke” ($17 per person) with choice of two meats and three sides; and “The King of ‘Cue” ($19 per person) with choice of three meats and three sides. All three come with house barbecue sauce and sandwich buns. 404-848-9100; smokebellybbq.com.

Spell out your love for your favorite team with custom letter-shaped doughnuts (select flavors only) from Sublime Doughnuts. Orders require 24 hours’ advance notice. 404-897-1801; sublimedoughnuts.com.

What goes with Georgia pigskin better than Southern-style barbecue from Kevin Gillespie? Terminus City is serving up an unbelievable whole hog barbecue cooked on-site by chef Andreas Muller with four sides, dessert and paper products. All orders require two weeks’ lead time. Visit the Facebook page for more information, and place orders by emailing terminuscity@gunshowatl.com or calling 404-380-1886.

Let Tin Lizzy's Cantina turn your big-game bash into a spicy FlexMex fiesta with the stacked taco bar, which includes two soft flour tortillas per person, choice of protein and lettuce, rice, black beans, pico de gallo, jack cheese, grilled onions and peppers, sauce, guacamole and chips and salsa fresca for $11 per person. You also can’t go wrong with the ever-popular chicken finger platter ($4 per person), cantina salads, margarita mix (sorry, tequila not included) and other festive favorites. Deliveries require a $100 minimum order; delivery fee applies outside 10-mile radius. Prices exclude taxes and gratuity, and 24-hour notice is appreciated. For more information, email catering@tinlizzyscantina.com. 404-668-8757; tinlizzyscantina.com.

Sack those stale chips and dull dips for crowd-pleasing catering from Willy's Mexicana Grill. Guests will cheer for Willy’s build-your-own taco, fajita or nacho bars—not to mention cheese dip, guacamole, salsa, chips, burritos and more. Ten-person minimum on catering orders. For a full list of Tex-Mex flavors, view the menu at willys.com/catering-menu. Order online or call 404-422-7107; willys.com.

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“Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays” Neighborhood Dinner Series Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms Debuts Sept. 13

For more information:

Morgan Lanier or Emily Connolly

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

morgan@melissalibbypr.com

emilyc@melissalibbypr.com

“Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays” Neighborhood Dinner Series Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms Debuts Sept. 13

Exclusive tasting menu events at Colletta, Seven Lamps, TomTom and White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails to spotlight creativity of Atlanta’s community of chefs

ATLANTA (Aug. 22, 2016) - As food aficionados eagerly anticipate Taste of Atlanta weekend Oct. 21-23, the organizers behind the city’s signature food festival have whipped up the ultimate culinary amuse bouche in advance — Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays, a series of four weekly five-course paired tasting menus in some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods created by some of Atlanta’s finest chefs. It’s all served for a wallet-reassuring $85 per dinner, tax and tip included.

“We’re always looking for new ways for our festival guests to interact with some of Atlanta’s best chefs,” explains Taste of Atlanta co-founder Dale DeSena. “But at the festival itself, we can only offer a sampling. Thanks to our partners at Springer Mountain Farms, Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays will give diners an opportunity to experience what each of these chefs can create with a more personal and intimate dinner at their restaurant.”

Each Tuesday evening dinner begins at 7 p.m., and chefs will visit every table to discuss the sumptuous flavor profiles they’ve created for the night’s menu. Reservations are limited. Dates, locations and ticket links for the series are as follows:

• Sept. 13 features the wood-fired, modern Italian cuisine of Chef Michael Perez of Colletta in Alpharetta’s Avalon neighborhood. https://www.freshtix.com/events/colletta
• Sept. 27 highlights the seasonal American fare of Chef Drew Van Leuvan at Seven Lamps in Buckhead. https://www.freshtix.com/events/sevenlamps
• Oct. 4 features the globally flavored small plates of Chef Tom Catherall of TomTom in Virginia-Highland. https://www.freshtix.com/events/tomtom
• Oct. 18 the Southern-accented American fare of Chef Todd Richards of White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails in Downtown Atlanta will conclude the dinner series. https://www.freshtix.com/events/whiteoak

A portion of proceeds from the first three dinners benefit Meals On Wheels Atlanta and its mission to provide essential services for Atlanta's growing senior population, including delivering 200,000 nourishing meals annually. The dinner at White Oak will benefit The Edna Lewis Foundation, which aims to revive, preserve and celebrate the rich history of African-American cookery.

“Meals On Wheels Atlanta is excited to partner with Taste of Atlanta for its Tuesday dinner series,” said Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, CEO of Meals On Wheels Atlanta. “This support from the community will help us serve meals to seniors throughout our city who struggle with food insecurity.”

In the future, festival organizers want to bring Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays into other Atlanta neighborhoods and spotlight more iconic eateries and their talented chefs.

 “The goal behind Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays is not only to introduce new diners to these chef-driven neighborhood gems but also to provide an added incentive for guests to return to a favorite restaurant they may have overlooked as our city’s exciting culinary scene continues to expand,” explains Springer Mountain Farms marketing director Dale Faunce.

The 15th annual Taste of Atlanta returns Oct. 21-23 to Midtown’s Tech Square to feature more than 200 nibbles, noms, sips and samples from the city’s hottest, trendsetting restaurants and cutting-edge chefs. General admission and VIP tickets are available online at Freshtix.com/TasteofAtlanta.

More details on the festival continue to be released. In the meantime, visit TasteofAtlanta.com, follow updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sign up for the fun, foodie Bite of News newsletter.

About Springer Mountain Farms

Built on strong values and family farms, Springer Mountain Farms is a Mt. Airy, Georgia-based poultry producer promising the healthiest, most flavorful and top quality chickens on the market. It is the first poultry company in America to be certified by the American Humane Association for the humane treatment of chickens. Springer Mountain Farms chickens are raised on pesticide-free vegetarian diets without the use of antibiotics, steroids, growth stimulants or hormones. To learn more about Springer Mountain Farms, visit m.springermountainfarms.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter at @SMFchicken and Instagram at @SMFchicken. 

About Meals On Wheels Atlanta
For five decades, Meals On Wheels Atlanta (MOWA) has provided essential services for Atlanta's growing senior population. The nonprofit delivers 200,000 nourishing meals annually to frail or homebound seniors in Atlanta, provides home repair services, manages six senior centers and helps seniors and their families manage Alzheimer's and dementia at their onsite Adult Day Health Center. MOWA serves approximately 2,400 seniors annually. With growing poverty and food insecurity among Atlanta seniors, more than 150 applicants are in the pipeline to receive MOWA services. For more information on how to volunteer or donate to Meals On Wheels Atlanta, visit www.mealsonwheelsatlanta.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter or Instagram or call 404-351-3889. #EndSeniorHunger

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East Meets West with Spicy Fusion of Latin American and Indian Cuisine at Affairs

For more information:
Emily Connolly or Morgan Dyches
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068
emilyc@melissalibbypr.com
morgan@melissalibbypr.com

EAST MEETS WEST WITH SPICY FUSION OF LATIN AMERICAN AND INDIAN CUISINE AT AFFAIRS

Ricky Walia’s Newest Restaurant Now Open in Former Alpharetta Home of Urban Spice

ATLANTA (Aug. 19, 2016) – Blending authentic Indian cuisine with the rich diversity of influences in Latin American cooking, Affairs offers Atlanta diners a truly international fusion of cooking and culture. A joint venture from the Walia Hospitality Group and the Thakkar Group, this bold mixture of East and West promises a spiced indulgence in the former home of revered Indian destination Urban Spice. Located at 4120 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta, Affairs restaurant and tapas lounge is now open.

“My love for Indian cuisine is well known,” says restaurateur Ricky Walia, the man behind the successful Masti – Fun Indian Street Eats in Toco Hills as well as the recently opened Bombay Brasserie in Roswell. “But I also love foods from South America, Central America and the Caribbean, and I want to incorporate elements of all of those into an exciting new experience unlike anything Atlanta has ever seen or tasted before.”

True to Walia’s culinary heritage, Affairs features a traditional tandoor oven as well as a sigri, a small, open-flame stove also used in Indian cooking. The menu promises such Indian staples as aromatic biryanis (mixed rice dishes) and rich, thick dal stews, in addition to a wide array of dishes and styles from across Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. A variety of rice dishes, breads, barbecue platters, salads and appetizers rounds out the menu.

Affairs is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more information, call 678-566-0169 or visit spiceaffairatlanta.com.

Walia Hospitality Group

Founded and managed by Jay and Ricky Walia, Walia Hospitality Group owns and operates Bombay Brasserie, Bombay Shack, Café Bombay, CB Catering, Masti – Fun Indian Street Eats, Occasions Event Center and Signature Ballroom. Café Bombay and CB Catering have been pioneers of authentic and traditional Indian cuisine for the past 25 years in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.waliahospitality.com.

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“Top Chef” Finalist Brooke Williamson is Coming to Gunshow for Sept. 11 and 12 “Hired Guns” Dinners

For more information:
Emily Connolly or Morgan Dyches
Melissa Libby & Associates
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emilyc@melissalibbypr.com
morgan@melissalibbypr.com

YOU’RE NOT CALIFORNIA DREAMING - “TOP CHEF” FINALIST AND MTV HOST BROOKE WILLIAMSON IS COMING TO GUNSHOW FOR SEPT. 11 AND 12

 “HIRED GUNS” DINNERS

Limited Seating on Sale Aug. 11 at 8 a.m.

ATLANTA (Aug. 10, 2016) – The 2016 “Hired Guns” series continues with its high-profile lineup of star chefs visiting the Gunshow kitchen to cook two memorable meals alongside chef/owner Kevin Gillespie and executive chef Joey Ward. West Coast phenomenon Brooke Williamson brings her signature California-inspired cuisine—infused with local ingredients and global flavors—to the Glenwood Park restaurant on Sunday, Sept. 11 and Monday, Sept. 12.  She will mingle with diners and share her love for cooking, which began at 17 and propelled her to become the youngest female chef ever to cook at The James Beard House.

Restaurateur, chef, cookbook author and speaker Gillespie will be cooking alongside Williamson both nights, along with Ward and Gunshow’s renowned stable of “kitchen dudes.” A limited number of tickets are available for purchase starting at 8 a.m. on Aug. 11 via Xorbia. The cost is $95 per person (not including drinks, tax and gratuity).

Los Angeles native Brooke Williamson is at the helm of several culinary ventures around her hometown, including elevated gastropub Hudson House in Redondo Beach, modern American and craft beer destination The Tripel in Playa Del Rey and a unique four-in-one-concept (market, ice cream shop, whiskey bar and seafood spot) called Playa Provisions in Playa Vista. She and her husband/business partner are soon opening a Hawaiian fast casual restaurant called Da Kikokiko in the same area.

Williamson rose to chef fame as a runner-up on the Seattle installment of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” then won on the Esquire network’s “Knife Fight” and starred as host and mentor on MTV’s “House of Food.” She trained under notable chefs Ken Frank, Michael McCarty and Daniel Bouloud.

The remaining 2016 "Hired Guns" lineup features Vivian Howard of Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina, on Oct. 23-24. Tickets go on sale Sept. 23 at 8 a.m.

Gunshow is located at 924 Garrett Street. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Guests may park in the Glenwood Park parking lot and on the street. For more information, visit gunshowatl.com or call 404-380-1886.

About Red Beard Restaurants

Red Beard Restaurants is the parent company that oversees Atlanta chef, restaurateur, speaker and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie’s food and beverage ventures, including his restaurants Communion, Gunshow and Revival, his BBQ pop-up Terminus City and all of his merchandise. The management company allows Gillespie to set comprehensive standards to ensure smart expansion, offer more internal growth opportunities for his team members and provide consulting services to other food and beverage start-ups. With the 2015 establishment of Red Beard Restaurants, Gillespie is able to continue his day-to-day interactions with diners while also pursuing his creative visions and impacting the culinary landscape of the South. The company’s offices are located in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit redbeardrestaurants.com.

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Click here for a photo.

Georgia Chapter Of National Multiple Sclerosis Society Hosts Third Annual Harvest for a Cure Event on Oct. 20

For more information:

 Emily Connolly or Morgan Dyches

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

emilyc@melissalibbypr.com

morgan@melissalibbypr.com

GEORGIA CHAPTER OF NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY HOSTS

THIRD ANNUAL HARVEST FOR A CURE EVENT ON OCT. 20

Gourmet Food and Wine Gala Unites Discerning Tastes with Giving Hearts

to Benefit MS Research

ATLANTA (August 5, 2016) – On Thursday, Oct. 20, the third annual Harvest for a Cure will take place at Mason Fine Art to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, an organization that supports research to help treat and end MS globally. Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors, attendees will experience an extravaganza of gourmet food, vintage wines and a luxury raffle in an effort to reach a goal of $500,000 raised to fund critical research initiatives and advocate for change.

This one-of-a-kind evening features 17 of Atlanta’s most talented chefs and 18 sommeliers and mixologists working together to pair culinary creations with wines from the personal cellars of top local wine collectors. Each food station is paired with a private wine collection, and guests sample delicious food and beverages while surrounded by stunning contemporary art.

 “The great thing about Harvest for a Cure is that it’s an event that people living with MS can actually enjoy,” says John Carlos, president and chief operating officer of National Distributing Company and longtime supporter of the National MS Society. “It’s exciting to see all the chefs and volunteers coming together to help while also creating such an elegant food and wine experience for attendees.”

Carlos, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 28, and his wife Elaine are both on the board of trustees for the National MS Society and have been involved in Harvest for a Cure since its inception in 2014. Like Carlos, Harvest for a Cure chef chair Gerry Klaskala has a personal connection to the cause: his lifelong friend Mike has struggled with MS since the age of 27.

 “Over the years, Mike’s mobility has diminished little by little,” says Klaskala. “To talk to him, though, you’d think he just won the lottery.  He has that kind of positive attitude. The more I’ve spoken to people about this event, the more I’ve discovered just how many people’s lives are touched by MS. They’ve got a cousin or a friend or a brother who struggles with the disease. My wish is for researchers to find that MS cure in Mike's lifetime.”

Roy A. Rangel, president of the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society, agrees. “Harvest for a Cure is a celebration of hope that we will soon be a world free of MS. We have made several enhancements to this year’s event, such as a high-end raffle and a digital experience that our guests and supporters are really going to enjoy,” he says. 

In order to reach the half-million goal in fundraising, this year’s Harvest for a Cure features an extravagant raffle. A new digital experience includes a MS Wine Event App, whereby attendees can access event details and raffle item information. Additionally, Alpharetta-based IT company Convergent is providing digital signage throughout the event and at each food station.

Participating chefs and pastry chefs include:

• Gerry Klaskala, Aria
• Kathryn King, Aria
• Chris Grossman, Atlas
• Carla Tomasko, Bacchanalia
• Matthew Basford, Canoe
• Landon Thompson, Cooks & Soldiers
• Todd Ginsberg, The General Muir
• EJ Hodgkinson, King + Duke
• Pano Karatassos, Kyma
• Chris Hall, Local Three
• Derek Dollar, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails
• Jay Swift, Noble Fin
• Ian Winslade, Paces & Vine
• Kevin Rathbun, Rathbun’s
• Matt Swickerath, Valenza
• Zeb Stevenson, Watershed
• Todd Richards, White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails

Sommeliers and Mixologists include:

• Andrés Loaiza, Aria
• Caleb Hopkins, Atlas
• Andrew Harris, Bacchanalia
• Jordan Smelt, Cakes & Ale
• Matt Bradford, Canoe and Canoe’s Cellar Door
• Silvio Garcia, Cherokee Town & Country Club
• Nick Quinones, Cooks & Soldiers
• Eric Crane, Empire Distributors
• Mercedes O’ Brien, Gunshow
• Miles Macquarrie, Kimball House
• Kristine Lassor, National Distributing Company
• Adrianne Keremes, O-Ku
• Perrine Prieur, Perrine’s Wine Shop
• Michael O’Connor, Quality Wine & Spirits
• Linda Torres, The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
• Sarah Pierre, The Shed and 3 Parks Wine Shop
• Phillip Cooper, Vin25
• Joon Lim, Vine Vault

All funds raised during Harvest for a Cure help improve the lives of people living with MS by sponsoring local programs and services and accelerating worldwide research projects to help put an end to the debilitating disease. Mason Fine Art is located at 415 Plasters Avenue in Atlanta. For additional information, visit www.mswineevent.org.

About Multiple Sclerosis:

Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and the body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving closer to a world free of MS. Learn more at nationalmssociety.org.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter:

The National MS Society helps people affected by MS through a 50-state network of chapters. The Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, and provides programs and services that address challenges of individuals and families living with MS, helping them move forward in their lives. The Georgia Chapter helps improve the lives of people living with MS by raising millions of dollars annually through annual fundraising events including Bike MS, Walk MS and The Harvest for the Cure event. For more information or to learn how to help end the disabling disease of MS, please visit MSgeorgia.org.

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Marlow’s Tavern Hires Rick Blumberg to Oversee Adult Beverage Menu

For more information:

Emily Connolly or Morgan Dyches

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

emilyc@melissalibbypr.com
morgan@melissalibbypr.com

MARLOW’S TAVERN HIRES RICK BLUMBERG
TO OVERSEE ADULT BEVERAGE MENU

Neighborhood Tavern Welcomes Fine Dining Veteran to Management Team

ATLANTA (August 4, 2016) – Rick Blumberg has been named manager of adult beverage, research and development, and purchasing for Marlow’s Tavern. Previously the beverage director for Bacchanalia Restaurant Group, which includes such celebrated Atlanta restaurants as Bacchanalia, Floataway Café and Dub’s Fish Camp, Blumberg has 23 years of restaurant management and beverage experience to aid him in the many aspects of his new role.

“Rick brings a unique perspective, which will help elevate our guest experience providing them with a unique beverage and dining experience, but in the approachable Marlow’s style in their local, neighborhood tavern.” says Marlow’s Tavern executive chef, CEO and co-founder John C. Metz. “His fine dining background has given him a progressive approach to cuisine, cocktails and service, while his warmth and welcoming personality make him a perfect match for our local community-driven tavern.”

As the driving force behind the beverage operations at Marlow’s, Blumberg manages the beverage purchasing for the restaurants, in addition to new cocktail and beverage development for every season, and creating new beer, wine and cocktail menus. He supports training and bartender development of those new products and menu items for each menu rollout, and it is the most rewarding part of his job. “Gathering together all the beverage managers, chefs and servers to taste what we’ve created is really inspiring,” he says.

Marlow’s guests can expect new, unique and exciting “soon-to-be-classic” cocktails as well as current beer and wine selections under Blumberg’s direction. Although the core list of beverage offerings is predominantly consistent, each tavern maintains individuality with tap beer and liquor selections. “I’ll be adding in more unique spirits,” says Blumberg. “Guests will see a lot of classic mixology with a twist.”

Blumberg shares Metz’s devotion to high-quality food, beverages and service. “John’s true passion for hospitality is what connected us and drew me to this role. Every time I hear people talk about Marlow’s they are saying how much they love the drinking and dining experience there. John’s drive and desire for excellence is the reason.”

An accomplished industry veteran whose career in management began in college at Pennsylvania State University’s upscale dining concept, Blumberg has an impressive résumé that also includes management positions at The Optimist, King + Duke, Woodfire Grill, Abattoir, Restaurant Eugene, Holeman and Finch Public House, Emeril’s and Morton’s The Steakhouse in Atlanta. Additionally, he has an extensive knowledge of wine, having completed the first two levels of certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. 

As Blumberg makes the transition from his previous fine dining roles to an upscale casual atmosphere, he looks forward to spending more time with guests and diners in a more relaxed sense. The endless opportunities for education are what excite him most about working with Marlow’s.

“The more I teach my team and my guests, the more I learn,” he says. “One of the most enjoyable parts of my new job is influencing so many people. Just one placement of a new beer can impact thousands of people in a season.”

About Marlow’s Tavern

Marlow’s Tavern was established in November of 2004 with the opening of its first location in Alpharetta, Ga., and has continued to grow over the years, adding several Atlanta-area restaurants, three locations in Orlando, Fla. and one in Tampa. In 2013, Nation’s Restaurant News named Marlow’s Tavern one of its “NRN 50 Breakout Brands” for the year. The neighborhood restaurant concept is open for lunch and dinner daily, offering guests classic American tavern fare with an upscale twist. For more information and location addresses, visit marlowstavern.com.  

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Ormsby’s Taps Nick Anderson as Executive Chef

For more information:

 Emily Connolly or Morgan Dyches

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

emilyc@melissalibbypr.com

morgan@melissalibbypr.com

ORMSBY’S TAPS NICK ANDERSON AS EXECUTIVE CHEF

Marietta Native with Fine Dining Background Joins Tavern Team

ATLANTA (August 3, 2016)— Ormsby’s, the West Midtown tavern known for its fresh pub fare, craft beer and selection of bar games, has welcomed new executive chef Nick Anderson to the team. The Marietta native brings with him a fierce work ethic and a wealth of fine dining experience formed at some of Atlanta’s most beloved restaurants.

“We are thrilled to have Nick’s culinary expertise leading our kitchen staff,” says Michael Goot, owner and general manager at Ormsby’s. “He’s going to add some depth to our menu to match our roster of craft beers and the merriment of our bar games.”

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, Anderson began cooking for his family as a way to avoid doing dishes and mowing the lawn during his teenage years. This avoidance blossomed into a true passion that led to culinary positions in Atlanta’s best restaurants. Anderson started his career working under chef Paul Albrecht at Spice before taking a sous chef position at Canoe, where he stayed for six years. At Canoe, he supervised 25 line cooks and all preparations for the iconic restaurant’s nightly seatings. Anderson then went on to hold chef de cuisine roles at Tomo and Rathbun’s before arriving at Ormsby’s.

He formed a friendship with two of Ormsby’s owners, Michael Goot and Leslie Battle, when the restaurant hosted its holiday party at Canoe several years ago, and he has patronized Ormsby’s ever since. “My wife and I like to take friends there or stop in for a nightcap when we’re having a date night,” he says. “It’s a change of pace for me, and I’m really excited to be part of this talented staff and management team.”

One of the changes that Ormsby’s patrons can look forward to with Anderson helming the kitchen is the addition of more local meat and produce. “I’ve developed relationships with local farms over the years and plan to use those to highlight great local products throughout the menu. That way my guests know what they’re eating,” he says.

Anderson relies on these personal connections not only to inspire his cuisine, but also his staff. “I want to know what makes my staff tick so next time someone is having a bad day, I’ll know how to make it better. Our guests will feel that connection.”

About Ormsby’s

Located in West Midtown’s White Provision complex, Ormsby’s is a classic neighborhood tavern that offers a full bar selection and fresh pub fare. Ormsby’s is famous for its speakeasy feel and selection of bar games including bocce, shuffleboard, darts and pool, plus a wide selection of craft beers. Ormsby’s has multiple private event options suitable for party sizes small or large. Located at 1170 Howell Mill Road, the tavern is open daily for lunch and dinner and offers both complimentary valet parking and free parking in a nearby parking deck. For more information, call 404-968-2033 or visit ormsbysatlanta.com.

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