Here’s the Top “Insider” Tips for a Night Out at Johnny’s Hideaway

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 Emily Connolly or Morgan Lanier

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SURVEY SAYS…HERE’S THE TOP “INSIDER” TIPS FOR A NIGHT OUT AT JOHNNY’S HIDEAWAY

Regulars at Famed Atlanta Nightspot Guarantee Good Times with Time-Tested Tips

ATLANTA (Oct. 27, 2016) – Although a fun night out is pretty much a guarantee at Johnny’s Hideaway, the Atlanta nightlife institution has tapped its longtime regulars to give guests a how-to guide to having the most successful outing at the city’s most beloved dance club and restaurant since 1979. A go-to spot for the over-40 crowd to do some serious dancing as well as a late-night destination for the mobs of 20-and 30-somethings about town, Johnny’s offers fun for all ages, especially for those who learn the ropes.

A Q&A with experts Ed, Elaine and Millie – patrons who have all been a part of Johnny’s history for more than two decades – uncovered the following wisdom for a memorable night out on the town:

• Wondering what to wear to this landmark? Dress to impress. That means no sandals for men.
• Speculating what to sip on? Always order a mixed drink. At Johnny’s, they’re stronger than the average mixed drink.
• A foolproof way to get the DJ to play your request? Write it on a $5 bill.
• All institutions have rules, but the most important one to follow at Johnny’s? No drinks on the dance floor. Johnny’s was originally a shag, swing and ballroom dance club, so spills dampen the mood.
• Taking a break from dancing is a prime opportunity for people watching. Where should you sit for the best view? At either the front bar or at one of the tables in the back so you can see everyone coming in and get a glimpse of the dance floor.
• Looking to have a romantic night with that special someone? Make sure to dance to Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night.”
• Need to refuel? Johnny’s kitchen is open late night, and the restaurant’s appetizers are best for sharing.
• While Johnny’s has a corner dedicated to Elvis, at this beloved bar, class is “king”. So be polite, whether it’s on the dance floor, at the bar or when running into an ex. The bartenders and cocktail waitresses at Johnny’s are the best in the business, and they deserve some manners. So do the people you once shagged with.
• It’s never too soon to ask a new acquaintance to join you in the Sinatra Room for a nightcap. This is also the best backdrop for a selfie.

Johnny’s Hideaway is located at 3771 Roswell Road NE in Atlanta. For updates on the restaurant and upcoming events, follow Johnny’s Hideaway on Instagram and Facebook. For additional information, call 404-233-8026 or visit johnnyshideaway.com.

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Rize Artisan Pizza + Salads Arrives in Atlanta Week of Nov. 7

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 Emily Connolly or Morgan Lanier

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RIZE ARTISAN PIZZA + SALADS ARRIVES IN ATLANTA WEEK OF NOV. 7

Chef-Driven Concept Brings Real Food and Robust Flavors to Poncey-Highland Neighborhood

ATLANTA (Oct. 26, 2016) – The first location of Rize Artisan Pizza + Salads opens the week of Nov. 7 at the new 675 N. Highland mixed-use development in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta. Offering a daily lunch and dinner menu of chef-driven, global American fare including artisan pizza, hand-crafted salads and pasta with bold flavors along with carefully crafted beverages, Rize delivers true hospitality from the heart by way of passionate individuals who are dedicated to their craft.

“At Rize, our passion for food and people inspires us every day,” says Rize’s Founder and CEO John Smith of the restaurant’s mission. “It inspires the artisan techniques we use to prepare our food, the way we care for our team and the way every guest is treated like friends and family. Every moment is an opportunity to share our passion and create a truly memorable dining experience for our communities.”

Smith believes that memorable experience and the quality of Rize’s food is a direct result of his team of driven, authentic and empowered individuals. In the kitchen, this individual is culinary director Eddie Russell, who reflects on his fine dining background to craft a menu that is straightforward, simple and focused on full-flavor food prepared fresh from scratch every day with premium ingredients. By offering a lighter pizza crust, Russell hopes that guests will be inspired to also try other items such as the small plates and hand-crafted salads. “When guests have a more varied dining experience, they leave more satisfied,” he says.

The menu begins with a selection of small plates ($7) and salads that come in full and half portions ($11/$7). Examples include:

• Charred cauliflower: cauliflower florets, maple sesame dressing, spiced walnuts, pomegranate seed
• Charbroiled wings: spiced herb rub, ginger-honey sauce, cilantro
• Spice road chicken salad: sliced chicken breast, baby spinach, goat cheese, chickpeas, sweet peppers, fennel, basil, mint, cilantro, scallion, golden spice vinaigrette
• Superfood salad: seared shrimp, quinoa, mixed lettuce, feta cheese, zucchini, cucumber, spiced walnuts, honey lemon vinaigrette

Next, the innovative assortment of artisan pizzas includes signature ($13.50), specialty ($12) and classic ($9.50) options such as the following:

• Signature:
• Waverly: prosciutto, Gorgonzola, shredded mozzarella, Asiago, fig jam, balsamic reduction, Grana Padano
• Asian BBQ Chicken: sliced BBQ chicken, shredded mozzarella, charred red onion, green chili sauce, sesame seed, scallion, lime zest 
• Specialty:
• ATL BLT: Beeler’s bacon, baby spinach, fire roasted tomato, shredded mozzarella, charred red onion, balsamic reduction, Grana Padano
• Delphi: roasted artichoke, Kalamata olives, fire roasted tomato, charred red onion, shredded mozzarella, feta, roasted garlic puree, baby kale
• Classic:
• Margherita: fire roasted tomato, fresh mozzarella, roasted garlic oil, basil, extra virgin olive oil
• Bianca: roasted garlic puree, fresh and shredded mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, basil, oregano

Guests can also build their own pizza ($12.50), which includes the choice of four toppings from an extensive list of cheeses, meats and vegetables.

Rounding out the menu are non-traditional pasta ($10) dishes and flatbreads ($8) including:

• Fennel sausage and kale pasta: orecchiette, crumbled fennel sausage, baby kale, fire roasted tomato, fresh mozzarella, white wine, red pepper flakes, parsley, Grana Padano
• Pork meatball pesto pasta: orecchiette, pork meatballs, toasted pecan pesto, white wine, Calabrese peppers, herbed pecan bread crumbs, Grana Padano
• Chicken and pear flatbread: sliced chicken breast, pear chutney, feta, charred red onion, green chili sauce
• Prosciutto and pomegranate flatbread: goat cheese, baby spinach, spiced walnuts, balsamic reduction

Children 10 and under can enjoy a menu ($7.50) just for them that features cheese or pepperoni pizza, pasta and a hummus and veggies combo. Each meal includes a kid’s beverage and a kid’s scoop of Rize’s premium gelato - with flavors like salted caramel, tiramisu and Tahitian vanilla - or sorbet in strawberry, lemon, mango and blood orange flavors. Adult-sized gelato portions come in single ($3), double ($4) or triple ($6).

Rize’s lunch menu, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers soups ($4.50) such as rustic tomato and a seasonal selection, sandwiches ($8) like meatball and mozzarella and steak and bleu cheese, and pick two combo meals ($10) featuring the choice of one flatbread or sandwich and either a soup or lunch salad.

Complementing Rize’s bold fare is a beverage selection featuring wine by the glass ($7), craft beer ($6) and sangría by the glass ($7) and carafe ($35), as well as non-alcoholic options such as fresh brewed premium iced tea and fresh lemonade ($2.50), Caleb’s Kola and Stubborn craft sodas ($3) in distinctive flavors like lemon berry acai, black cherry with tarragon and agave vanilla cream. Rize’s Marbella Red and Andalucia White sangrías, named after regions in Spain, are infused with herbs, spices and fresh fruit flavors.

Guests at Rize place their order in an order lobby, then sit in the open dining room of tables and booths to enjoy tableside service until they decide to close their check. The soft industrial décor features muted tones, stained concrete flooring and wooden tables. In addition, a pizza bar provides an up-close look at meals being crafted in the open kitchen. 

“Pizza is the best communal food, and sangría is the ultimate communal drink you can find,” adds Smith. “The most important moments in our lives are surrounded by food, and we look forward to sharing those moments with the Poncey-Highland community.”

Rize is located in the 675 N. Highland Avenue mixed-use development serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The multi-seasonal outdoor patio is the perfect stop during an afternoon on the BeltLine or at Freedom Park. For more information, visit www.rizeartisanpizza.com or follow the restaurant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Chef Kevin Gillespie’s Beardsmas Holiday Gift-Giving Extravaganza is Back and On Sale Nov. 21

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Emily Connolly or Morgan Lanier

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CHEF KEVIN GILLESPIE’S BEARDSMAS HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING EXTRAVAGANZA

IS BACK AND ON SALE NOV. 21

This Year’s Must-Have Gifts Include a Gunshow Golden Ticket, Shopping with Kevin,

Personalized Voice Mail Greetings and More

ATLANTA (Oct. 26, 2016) - Just in time to save you from the stress of holiday shopping, Atlanta chef, restaurateur, speaker and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie’s Beardsmas holiday extravaganza is back with lots of new chef-inspired gift experiences and the return of some favorites from the 2015 holiday season.

“Last year’s Beardsmas was so successful we decided to expand our offerings to make gift giving even easier,” says Gillespie. “Listening to our diners and online customers, we’ve also come up with some awesome new gift experiences for all of the food lovers on your list.”

All packages and items are available for purchase beginning Nov. 21 (with the exception of the Gunshow Golden Ticket, which begins bidding on Nov. 28) at redbeardmerch.com.

Some New Beardsmas Items:

The Gunshow Golden Ticket

Beginning on Cyber Monday, Nov. 28, diners who can’t get enough of the Glenwood Park restaurant can begin bidding on this one-of-a-kind Golden Ticket good for an immediate 7:30 p.m. reservation for four, a glass of complimentary Champagne for each person and a complimentary first round of cocktails any time you wish to dine at Gunshow throughout 2017. The reservation is good for any night Gunshow is open, excluding private restaurant buyouts. Bidding starts at $1 and lasts for 72 hours with a portion of the final winning bid being donated to the nonprofit Share Our Strength: No Kid Hungry campaign. Sorry, the cost of dinner itself is not included.

Shop the Peachtree Road Farmers Market with Kevin

If you’ve ever been puzzled by all the exotic ingredients at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, puzzle no more on May 13, 2017 as you, Chef Kevin and a small group of food lovers take a pre-opening tour of the market, meet the farmers and then stay for a cooking demo with Kevin where he’ll use the ingredients you selected together.  Fifteen spots available. Value: Priceless; Sale Price: $99 each

A Personalized Voice Mail/Audio Greeting from Chef Kevin

Put Kevin to work answering your calls with a personalized voice mail message from him (but keep it clean, OK?). Maybe your mom in Kansas rooted him on to victory on “Top Chef” and has a birthday coming up? Kevin will record a 30-second message just for her. Value: Priceless; Sale Price: $25

Gunshow’s Joey in Your Kitchen

Gunshow’s executive chef Joey Ward will prepare a four-course dinner for 10 with wine in your home to impress your closest friends or business clients. You’ll work with Joey to customize a menu for your guests, and you’ll select wine pairings to go with each course. Only three dinners will be sold. Value: $7,500; Sale Price: $5,000

Back By Popular Demand:

• Go Hog Wild with Terminus City BBQ for 100 served up by Chef Kevin and a keg of Kevin’s favorite beer ($6,000)
• Pair of 2017 Hired Guns Season Tickets for Gunshow’s guest chef series ($1,000)
• Private Dinner with Kevin for you and 10 friends, with customized signed menus and autographed cookbooks ($10,000)
• Gunshow Cocktail Class ($75 per class or $250 for all four seasonal classes)
• Red Beard Restaurants Stocking Stuffers – a few items from Kevin’s list of favorite Red Beard merchandise all packaged up in a company-branded bag ($40)

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, call 404-380-1886 or visit redbeardrestaurants.com.

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Nov. 1-5 Marks Week-Long Anniversary Celebration at Seed Kitchen & Bar

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Emily Connolly or Morgan Lanier

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NOV. 1-5 MARKS WEEK-LONG ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT SEED KITCHEN & BAR

Chef Doug Turbush Commemorates Occasion with Special Menu Benefiting Share Our Strength

ATLANTA (Oct. 24, 2016) –Seed Kitchen & Bar has now been serving the East Cobb community for five years, and it’s a meaningful milestone for owner and executive chef Doug Turbush. To celebrate, he and his team are gifting their guests with a three-course menu available Tuesday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Nov. 5.  To make the occasion extra special, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit dedicated to eradicating childhood hunger.

“Every night in business doing what you love and serving guests who support you is a wonderful reason to celebrate,” says Turbush. “For these special evenings, we’re taking it a step further to really let our community know how much they mean to us. Since Share our Strength is near and dear to our hearts, this is also a perfect opportunity to support such a valued organization.”

Seed’s celebratory three-course dinner menu, offered Nov. 1-5 in addition to the regular menu, includes choices such as chicken-fried Gulf oysters with habanero aïoli; beef short rib ravioli; grilled redfish with butternut squash; smoked ham hock with stewed red beans and collard greens with andouille and buttermilk slaw; and Maple Leaf Farms confit duck breast with creamed Brussels sprouts.  Dessert offers maple custard made with chantilly cream and Georgia pecan biscotti, and an apple bread pudding with sorghum bourbon ice cream and caramel.  Cost is $39.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Sister restaurant Stem Wine Bar is also celebrating a birthday and hosting a sold-out wine dinner on Nov. 1 in honor of its third anniversary.

“These special events promise to be great nights celebrating with delicious food and wine. We’ll raise our glasses to toast these anniversaries and in anticipation of many more fun years to come,” says general manager Chris McNeill.

Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar are located next door to each other at 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, in the Merchant’s Walk retail center in Marietta. For more information, call 678-214-6888 or visit eatatseed.com and stemwinebar.com.  

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Tin Lizzy's Cantina Opens at The Avenue East Cobb on Oct. 28

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 Emily Connolly or Morgan Lanier

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TIN LIZZY’S CANTINA OPENS AT THE AVENUE EAST COBB ON OCT. 28

Atlanta’s Favorite Cantina Brings FlexMex Flavor to Marietta’s Popular Shopping and Dining Oasis

ATLANTA (Oct. 25, 2016) – On Friday, Oct. 28, Atlanta-based Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is arriving at The Avenue East Cobb in Marietta. Tin Lizzy’s 13^th location features the same outdoor seating, uniquely crafted margaritas, specialty cocktails and mouthwatering FlexMex cuisine that has made the restaurant a success across the states of Georgia and South Carolina.

“The Avenue’s dynamic mix of retailers and pedestrian-friendly setting provides a perfect place for us to share our passion for hospitality,” says Tin Lizzy’s CEO Tory Bartlett. “As an open-air lifestyle shopping center, it is a location that offers something for everyone and encourages guests to relax and stay awhile. Our FlexMex culture and ‘friends serving friends’ mission at Tin Lizzy’s evokes a similar sense of belonging.”

The menu boasts a wide range of gourmet soft tacos, shareable dips, fresh salads and signature cast-iron skillets. Coming to all Tin Lizzy’s locations this fall as limited-time specials, FlexMex Platos such as grilled skirt steak with creamy chimichurri sauce, grilled mahi mahi topped with jalapeño pineapple salsa and boneless pork chop with house made mole sauce will satisfy big appetites and are all served with seasoned rice, black beans and fried sweet plantains. Accompanying these delicious lunch and dinner selections is an extensive list of margaritas, creative cocktails and beloved beers. The East Cobb crowd can also enjoy Tin Lizzy’s popular specials such as Taco Tuesdays, when a selection of six different tacos are just $2 after 2 p.m.  

Located near Johnson Ferry Road just 15 miles northwest of Atlanta, the newest restaurant boasts welcoming design features like an open-air patio with a double garage door that opens right into the bar. Inside, guests cheer on their favorite sports teams on one of the TVs. To celebrate the opening and cooler fall weather, this Tin Lizzy’s location will feature live music every night the first month it is open. Seating 136 guests inside and 57 on the patio, the East Cobb location is ideal for a meal with friends and family, cocktails with colleagues or a reprieve from a long day of shopping.

“The Avenue already offers such a bustling atmosphere with its unique mix of shops and restaurants, and we’re looking forward to bringing even more excitement to the area with our fun food, fresh flavors and lively ambiance,” says Savannah Aust, general manager of the new East Cobb location.

Tin Lizzy’s East Cobb is located in The Avenue East Cobb at 4475 Roswell Rd, Suite 1510 in Marietta. The restaurant is open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch, dinner and late-night dining. Onsite parking is available. For more information, call 770-609-2689. Additional updates are available on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Tin Lizzy’s Cantina

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina offers delicious FlexMex cuisine. For the unfamiliar, FlexMex resembles Tex-Mex, but is comprised and influenced by many cultures, and is also an attitude or experience that evokes a feeling of belonging and pure awesomeness. Known for fun food with unique flavors, the Atlanta-born and -based restaurant and bar serves more than 25 soft tacos, quesadillas, specialty skillets and more. Diners can customize their meal with a variety of fresh ingredients and enjoy one of the many specialty margaritas or cocktails from the bar. For more information about Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, visit tinlizzyscantina.com.

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White Oak Pastures Serves Food for Thought at Nov. 4 Savory Institute Event

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 Emily Connolly or Morgan Lanier

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WHITE OAK PASTURES SERVES FOOD FOR THOUGHT

AT NOV. 4 SAVORY INSTITUTE EVENT

Local Notable Chefs to Dish up Tasty Fare at The Shed at Ponce City Market

ATLANTA (Oct. 21, 2016) – Knowledge never tasted so good; just ask White Oak Pastures’ owner Will Harris.  His Bluffton, Georgia, farm was named a Savory Global Network Hub in 2015, and now he is bringing a worldwide event called “Eat It, Wear It, Regenerate It: Igniting a Consumer Revolution” to Atlanta. On Friday, Nov. 4, Harris will host the Southeastern premiere of the Institute’s world broadcast and has assembled a team of top chefs to put the “dinner” in his dinner and a movie evening.   

Chefs Kevin Gillespie and Andreas Müller (Gunshow and Revival), Tal Baum (Bellina Alimentari), Reid Harrison (White Oak Pastures), Terry Koval (Wrecking Bar Brewpub) and Jenn Robbins comprise the talented culinary team behind the food stations at this event. Each chef will highlight a protein from White Oak Pastures for guests to enjoy while mingling, learning more from Harris about his farm’s regenerative farming methods and viewing the four short films. Beer will be provided by Second Self Beer Company and wine will also be available. The event takes place from 6 – 8 p.m. at The Shed at Ponce City Market.  Tickets, which include food and two alcoholic beverages, are $35 and may be purchased online.

“Our goal is to help build awareness for the importance of holistic land and animal management practices that create environmental, economic and social benefits,” Harris says. “We hope to help ignite a consumer revolution that demands good stewardship of our lands and proper management of livestock to promote the ecological restoration of grasslands worldwide.”

White Oak Pastures is the only Savory Institute Training Hub in the Southeast and one of only three located east of the Mississippi River. Hubs provide both education and support on regenerative farming to land managers in their region, including Holistic Management training, consultation, and ecosystem services. All Hubs are supported by the Savory Institute to further opportunities for farmers and ranchers to market their goods. 

About White Oak Pastures

White Oak Pastures is a multigenerational, family-owned farm committed to the principles of sustainability and stewardship by raising  five red meat (cows, sheep, goats, rabbits and hogs) and five poultry (chickens, turkeys, guineas, ducks and geese) species. It is the only farm in the nation that humanely hand-butchers both red meat and poultry species on site under USDA inspection. This takes place in White Oak Pastures’ own abattoir designed by Dr. Temple Grandin. The fifth-generation farm, led by owner Will Harris, has operated continuously on the same land in Southwest Georgia for more than 150 years. White Oak Pastures cooperates with nature to produce artisan products that are healthy, safe and nutritious. Care is given to ensure that all production practices are economically practical, ecologically sustainable and that the animals are always treated humanely. White Oak Pastures never falters in conducting business in an honorable manner, for the sake of the animals, the land and the people eating the products. The farm now also offers on-site lodging and dining.

Harris and White Oak Pastures have received the following awards for setting farming standards, contributing to the restaurant industry and being dedicated to the sustainability of organic farming in Georgia: Savory Global Network Hub, 2016 Sustainable Land Stewardship Award from Georgia Organics, 2014’s Most Respected Business Person of the Year by Georgia Trend Magazine, 2013 Swisher Sunbelt Farmer of the Year, 2012 American Treasures Award from MADE: In America, 2012 Centennial Family Award, 2012 Distinguished Conservationist, 2012 LDEI Green Ribbon Recipient, 2011 Georgia’s Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, 2011 Georgia Restaurant Association’s Innovator Award and Will Harris inducted into the Fellowship of Southern Farmers, Artisans and Chefs.

White Oak Pastures also holds several certifications including: Certified Naturally Grown for cattle, lamb and goat, Certified Grassfed by the American Grassfed Association, Certified Humane by the Humane Farm Animal Care, Animal Welfare Approved by Animal Welfare Institute, Master Cattleman by the University of Georgia, Certified Organic by Georgia Crop Improvement Association and Good Management Practices approved by Silliker, Inc.

White Oak Pastures products can be purchased at more than 1,000 Publix supermarkets throughout the Southeast and at Whole Foods Market locations from Miami to Princeton, New Jersey. The beef is distributed by Kelly's Foods, Buckhead Beef, Cheney Brothers, Sysco Gulf Coast, PFG, Maplevale Farms, Merchants and US Foods. Customers can also place orders online. White Oak Pastures is located at 22775 Highway 27 in Bluffton, Georgia.  For more information, call (229) 641-2081 or visit whiteoakpastures.com.

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Get into the Halloween Spirit at these Atlanta Restaur”Haunts”

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 Emily Connolly or Morgan Lanier

Melissa Libby & Associates

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emilyc@melissalibbypr.com

morgan@melissalibbypr.com

GET INTO THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT AT THESE ATLANTA RESTAUR”HAUNTS”

Spooky Specials and Creepy Contests Highlight October Offerings

ATLANTA (Oct. 19, 2016) – Atlanta’s most bewitching bars and restaurants are getting into the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re looking for a creepy costume contest, frightfully good food or some spellbinding seasonal drink specials, these horrifying hotspots are serving up plenty of tempting treats.

Midtown/Virginia-Highland

With its arresting neo-Victorian décor and chef-driven modern American menu, 5Church Atlanta is the perfect spot for a Halloween weekend party. Enjoy plenty of both on Saturday, Oct. 29 starting at 10 p.m. as 5Church hosts a costume contest with a $500 prize. DJ Black Box Disco will keep the joint jumping. Admission and valet parking are free. 404-400-3669; 5churchatlanta.com.

Atkins Park Restaurant and Bar in Virginia-Highland offers a full lineup of events. On Wednesday, Oct. 26, any child in costume at dinner receives a free kids’ meal. Thursday, Oct. 27 brings the annual pumpkin carving contest, with scary movies playing on TVs throughout the bar. As if that weren’t chilling enough, each participant receives a complimentary Pumking beer from Southern Tier Brewing, and the staff will tap a special cellared keg of Southern Tier’s Warlock imperial stout. Registration starts at 9 p.m. with festivities beginning at 10 p.m. Pumpkins are limited, so make sure you arrive early. On Saturday, Oct. 29, DJ Lion hosts and performs at Atkins Park’s annual Halloween party and welcomes the Halloween in the Highlands pub crawl with a complimentary shot for each crawler. Halloween night on Oct. 31 brings a costume contest with a $500 cash prize. 404-876-7249; atkinspark.com.

On Thursday, Oct. 27, Hand in Hand hosts a Halloween pumpkin carving party beginning at 8 p.m. with KBS from Founders Brewing Co. on tap. On Saturday, the Virginia-Highland area’s quintessential neighborhood tavern and restaurant greets the Halloween in the Highlands pub crawl with a complimentary shot for participants. 404-872-1001; thehandinhand.com.

All Halloween weekend (Friday through Monday), HOBNOB offers food and drink specials including the “Mold and Mildew” appetizer (duck nachos with corn tortillas, date and fig jam, Havarti cheese and tomato pesto, $12), the “Murderous Meatloaf” entrée (with basil mashers, tomato and red pepper relish and Bloody Mary sauce, $14), a pumpkin spice cheesecake dessert ($6) and pumpkin ale beer specials. There’s also a “Night of the Drinking Dead” Halloween party on Sunday, Oct. 30 with a live DJ and a costume contest with fun prizes. Event starts at 7 p.m. 404-968-2288; hobnobatlanta.com.

Buckhead/Sandy Springs

Wander over to Gypsy Kitchen on Saturday, Oct. 29, for a free “Day of the Dead”-themed bash featuring shocking drink specials (including $5 El Jimador pumpkin spice margaritas), a live DJ and an out-of-this-world costume contest. Starts at 9 p.m. 404-939-9840; gypsykitchenatl.com.

There’s nothing scarier than missing out on the annual Halloween party at Johnny’s Hideaway, which takes place on Thursday, Oct. 27. Buckhead’s favorite happening haunt will once again feature a costume party with $500 in prizes. 404-233-8026; johnnyshideaway.com.

The Southern Gentleman invites you to come dressed as your favorite bloodsucker for its vampire costume contest on Saturday, Oct. 29. Rub elbows with Draculas or “Twilight” characters while enjoying complimentary blood punch, grab bags and screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” from 5-9 p.m. and “Interview With the Vampire” at 9 p.m. 404-939-9845; thesoutherngentlemanatl.com.

Multiple Locations

Marlow’s Tavern is serving Gourd Vibrations, a devilishly delicious chocolate pumpkin porter from Gate City Brewing, as a perfect complement to its menu of classic sandwiches, salads, burgers and entrées. Available at Marlow’s Avalon, East Cobb, Northlake, Roswell, Sandy Plains, Woodstock and Vinings locations. Availability is limited, so call your local tavern for more information. marlowstavern.com.

Bring your little ghouls and boys to Willy's Mexicana Grill from Saturday, Oct. 29 through Monday, Oct. 31 for a special Halloween treat. Kids 12 and under who show up in costume will receive a free kids’ combo with each adult entrée purchase. Valid for one per child per adult entrée. This offer is good at all locations except the airport. willys.com.

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Taste of Atlanta is Next Weekend! Last Chance for Advance Wristbands to Can’t-Miss Food Festival Oct. 21-23

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

TASTE OF ATLANTA IS NEXT WEEKEND! LAST CHANCE FOR ADVANCE WRISTBANDS TO CAN’T-MISS FOOD FESTIVAL OCT. 21-23

Also, Dine at Participating Restaurants after the Festival for a Chance to Win Exciting Prizes

ATLANTA (Oct. 14, 2016) – The 15th annual Taste of Atlanta is just days away. The city’s can’t-miss food festival, taking place Oct. 21-23 in Midtown at Tech Square, promises a delicious weekend packed with cooking demonstrations, celebrity appearances and bites from more than 90 of Atlanta’s best restaurants. Guests who have purchased tickets in advance are receiving their RFID general admission and VIP wristbands now, but there’s still time to purchase these time-saving wristbands and skip the long lines.

Advance wristbands can be purchased online and picked between Oct. 17-21 at the Ticket Alternative office at 1206 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30309. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. This allows guests to bypass the ticketing tents and breeze right in. They can also add additional Taste Points online before the event or at Taste Point Top Up tents located throughout the festival. To register a wristband now, or for further information, check out the handy registration link and FAQ here.

Need more incentive to hit Taste of Atlanta? This year, the fun continues long after the event ends. Between Oct. 24 and Dec. 19, guests who dine at Taste of Atlanta restaurants are eligible to win exciting prizes including a Big Green Egg, Calphalon cookware, restaurant gift cards and more in the Taste Comeback Contest. Simply email a photo of your dining receipt, along with name and mailing address, to taster@tasteofatlanta.com. Participants may dine out as many times as they like (one receipt per restaurant, please) to increase their chances of winning. One free entry is granted just for sending contact information to the taster@tasteofatlanta.com email address during the contest period.

Taste of Atlanta would like to thank the sponsors who make this all possible, including festival sponsors Coca-Cola, the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, the Georgia Peanut Commission, Goose Island Brewery, Open Hand, Open Table and Superior Plumbing; Friday night kickoff sponsors Cheney Brothers, Georgia Organics, Gas South, Atlanta Eats and Edward Don & Company; barcraft competition sponsor George Dickel; VIP Grand Tasting Experience sponsor Hop City Beer; and media partners: 680 the Fan, 92.9 the Game, All the Hits Q100, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Atlanta Intown, Atlanta Tribune, Creative Loafing, KICKS 101.5, NewsRadio 106.7, Reporter Newspapers and Rock 100.5.

For up-to-the-minute information on the 15th annual Taste of Atlanta, visit TasteofAtlanta.com, follow updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sign up for the fun, foodie Bite of News newsletter to discover all the exciting news as it is announced.

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