Sumptuous Living’s Mandy Landefeld Reveals Top Picks for Every Wish List

For more information:

Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

                              morgan@melissalibbypr.com
olivia@melissalibbypr.com

SUMPTUOUS LIVING’S MANDY LANDEFELD REVEALS TOP PICKS FOR EVERY WISH LIST
Lifestyle Expert and Hostess with the Mostest Serves Up Holiday Gift Guide on a Silver Platter

ATLANTA (Dec. 8, 2017) – Christmas and Hanukkah are just around the corner, but Sumptuous Living’s Mandy Landefeld is saving readers from panic mode by making holiday shopping a cinch. From hostess gifts to home décor to handcrafted accessories, the lifestyle and entertaining expert offers up thoughtful and practical ideas for those agonizing over what to buy family and friends this year.  

“My goal is always to keep my readers smiling no matter what the chaos of the day may bring,” says Landefeld. “Let’s face it, the holiday season certainly brings an extra dose of chaos! But gift giving doesn’t have to be the hard part.”

Landefeld utilizes her design, culinary, mixology and travel expertise to suggest gifts that cover a variety of personalities and price ranges, offering something for everyone to simplify the holiday shopping experience. All of the following are available in the “Shop” section of sumptuousliving.net.

$25 and under:

·         Stainless steel cocktail pick set – six professional grade stainless steel picks that are durable and reusable for stylishly serving appetizers or delivering the proper garnish in any drink ($8.85)

·         How to Drink French Fluently by Drew Lazor – a cocktail book celebrating French conviviality with more than 30 recipes featuring St-Germain liqueur ($12.91)

·         Mrs. Lilien’s Cocktail Swatchbook – filled with 50 classic cocktail recipes for colorful entertaining, this is the essential drink guide for displaying on any bar cart ($14.09)

$25-$75:

·         Scarf camera strap –  for the amateur or professional photographer, this stylish and durable camera strap with quick release buckles puts generic black straps to shame ($42 and up)

·         Weekender bag – the perfect bag for any adventure that’s large enough to fit several outfits yet small enough to throw in the passenger seat ($59.97)

·         Mason jar shaker and barware set – a four-piece bar tools set that can be displayed proudly, along with a cocktail book that includes a seasonal and straightforward approach to drinks and entertaining ($59.99)

·         Bash beverage tub – in a variety of colors and sizes, the hand-hammered aluminum matches any home or party décor ($69.95 and up)

$75 and up:

·         Martha Stewart Dutch oven – this collector’s casserole dish in enameled cast iron is a must for every kitchen thanks to its versatility and ability to take dishes from prep to presentation ($91.99)

·         Jord wood watches – handcrafted wood timepieces for men and women that feature raw material and refined design ($139 and up)

·         Cangshan knife set – a six-piece set of expertly crafted German steel knives with ergonomic cream-colored handles in a solid walnut wood block screams luxury for the home cook ($195.95)

About Mandy Landefeld:

Lifestyle and entertaining expert Mandy Landefeld, who has a big personality and an even bigger belief that nothing is impossible, is the powerhouse behind the Sumptuous Living brand. Her 12-year career as a designer and decorator as well as her countless guest chef demonstrations enable her to tackle interior design, cooking and cocktail appearances and travel guides to show her blog readers how to make the everyday easier.

About Sumptuous Living:

Launched in 2012, Sumptuous Living is a lifestyle brand dedicated to helping women make life easier, more fun and full of flavor. The Sumptuous Living blog has gained a loyal following for creator Mandy Landefeld’s inventive cocktails, easy recipes, budget-friendly design style and informative travel guides. Landefeld’s infectious smile and easygoing vibe inspires her followers to let go of the need for perfection. For more gift ideas, recipes and tips, visit sumptuousliving.net.

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HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern Heats Up the Holidays with New Winter Menu

For more information:
Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068
morgan@melissalibbypr.com
olivia@melissalibbypr.com

HOBNOB NEIGHBORHOOD TAVERN HEATS UP THE HOLIDAYS WITH NEW WINTER MENU

 Midtown and Brookhaven locations bring back customer favorites; add soon-to-become favorites

ATLANTA (Dec. 7, 2017) – HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern has rolled out an updated menu of refined tavern fare for the winter season, dishing up tasty new items along with bringing back perennial favorites to keep spirits high over the colder months ahead. Count owner Sean Yeremyan among those happy to welcome back a few classics while embracing seasonal ingredients and simple, straightforward preparations.

“It’s important to always refine our menu at HOBNOB,” says Yeremyan. “With Chef Gerald Rheinlander and our director of operations Mark Nelson working together to keep improving upon our already high level of food and service quality, both our Midtown and Brookhaven restaurants will continue to be inviting, exciting gathering places for the community.”   

For Rheinlander, redeveloping HOBNOB’s menu has been a priority since he was named executive chef earlier this year. “My goal is to take advantage of as much locally sourced meats and produce as possible and prepare them simply,” he says. “Butternut squash, for example, is abundant and delicious at this time of year. We are featuring it in both our kale and butternut squash salad as well as our butternut squash vegetarian lasagna.”

Additional new menu items include the following:

·         Winter caprese salad – Roasted golden beets, ricotta and goat cheese, arugula, orange vinaigrette, balsamic reduction ($12)

·         Sweet and spicy shrimp skewers – Fried shrimp in sweet and spicy Sriracha sauce with pickled jicama slaw ($10.95)

·         The Country Club Burger – Russian tarragon dressing, house hot & sour pickles, avocado, bacon, tomato, Bibb lettuce ($12)

·         The Black & Blue Burger – Blackened with Cajun seasoning, crumbled bacon, crumbled blue cheese, Bibb lettuce ($12)

·         Kale & butternut squash salad – Kale, roasted butternut squash, red onions, blue cheese, sundried cranberries, warm bacon-maple vinaigrette ($12.95)

·         Double chocolate bread pudding – Homemade rich dark chocolate bread pudding, orange crème anglaise, sugar cone crunch ($8)

The HOBNOB team has also brought back several guest favorites such as the pork and veal meatloaf with basil mashed potatoes, tomato and red pepper relish and bacon onion jam ($14.50). Nelson originally created that dish and says, “The combination of meatloaf with the relish and jam is unbeatable, and the rich potatoes make it a comfort food staple to wash away any winter blues. Restaurant regulars have told us they’re excited to have it back.”

Of course, HOBNOB is also a "spirited" place, featuring one of the largest collections of bourbon and whiskey in the Southeast, along with craft beers, wine and cocktails. New seasonal drinks on the menu include the following:

·         Backstreets of Washington – Cask & Crew rye, apple cardamom shrub, lemon, ginger ($11)

·         Christmas in Ireland – Famous Grouse scotch, Banhez mezcal, rosemary sage syrup, St. George spiced pear, Prohibition bitters, lime, rosemary ($12)

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern has two locations: 1551 Piedmont Ave. NE in Midtown, 404-968-2288; and 804 Town Boulevard in Brookhaven, 404-464-8971. HOBNOB serves lunch weekdays, dinner nightly and brunch on the weekends. For more information, visit hobnobatlanta.com or follow HOBNOB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for additional updates.

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Give the Gift of Good Taste from Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante

For more information:

Morgan Lanier or Olivia Tuttle

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

                                                                                                                                morgan@melissalibbypr.com

olivia@melissalibbypr.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD TASTE FROM STORICO FRESCO ALIMENTARI E RISTORANTE

Italian Market and Restaurant in Buckhead Takes Holiday Shoppers on a Tour of Italy

ATLANTA (Dec. 4, 2017) – It’s hard to leave Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante empty handed, which makes the full-service restaurant and bar and Italian market in Buckhead the perfect place to visit for a meal and some holiday shopping this season. The ample parking and convenient Peachtree Road location allow guests to get in and out quickly, while the plethora of fresh pastas and Italian imported goods make finding unique gifts easy as (ricotta) pie.  

Storico Fresco’s owners Mike Patrick and Pietro Gianni recommend the following top five gift suggestions to satisfy even the most difficult-to-shop-for family and friends:

1. Gift baskets: Guests can design their own gift basket or pick an assortment of the market’s favorite items. $60 to $150.
2. Olive oil: With 15 different bottles to choose from, Storico offers a variety of flavored, non-flavored and cooking oils from different regions in Italy. $12 to $50.
3. Balsamic vinegar: A mighty selection that ranges from classic balsamic vinegar for salad dressings, balsamic jelly to adorn cheese platters and four-, 10- and 25-year aged bottles for balsamic enthusiasts. $22 to $160.
4. Fresh pasta: Storico’s helpful staff can assist guests in picking out the perfect sauces and accompaniments to pair with fresh pastas for a complete Italian meal. $7 to $18.
5. Gift cards: Sharing the gift of an authentic Italian meal and the opportunity to browse cases of prepared foods and imported goods is always a safe bet. Any amount can be loaded on the gift card, and any appetite will be satisfied with the full Storico Fresco experience.

Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante is located at 3167 Peachtree Road NE right off Grandview Avenue. The restaurant is open for lunch (11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Monday through Saturday. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For additional information, call 404-500-2181 or visit storicofresco.com. For additional updates, follow the restaurant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Savor the Holiday Season at Cumberland and Perimeter Malls

For more information:

Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

morgan@melissalibbypr.com

olivia@melissalibbypr.com

SAVOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT CUMBERLAND AND PERIMETER MALLS

Premier Shopping Destinations are Winter Wonderlands for Photos with Santa,

Family-Focused Events and Giveaways to Make the Season Merry and Bright 

ATLANTA (Dec. 1, 2017) – The holidays can be a nerve-wracking time, full of multiple shopping excursions to satisfy everyone on the gift list. This year, let Cumberland Mall and Perimeter Mall take the stress out of holiday shopping. Plentiful parking, extended hours and great restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory found at either property add up to a premier shopping destination. And a diverse mix of stores (Carlo’s Bake Shop, Victoria’s Secret, H&M and many more) means less running around and more time to enjoy with loved ones.

Both shopping centers are also removing the hassle from popular holiday activities for the kids, including Santa photos. Children look forward to this visit every year, but the prospect of long lines and boring photo packages with the same old backdrops and poses can leave parents less than enthusiastic. That’s why Cumberland and Perimeter Malls offer the gift of online reservations that allow booking the visit in advance—as well as a number of theme nights to add a welcome dose of fun and variety to the traditional Santa photo op.

Santa theme nights for both malls include the following:

·         Ugly Sweater Night – Friday, Dec. 1: Santa loves tacky holiday sweaters—the more reindeer and candy canes, the better!

·         Pet Night – Mondays, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 from 5 to 9 p.m.: Bring four-legged friends to pose with Santa.  

·         Holiday PJ Night – Friday, Dec. 8: Have a picture taken in festive holiday-themed pajamas.

In addition, each mall is hosting its own special holiday event for the whole family.

·         Home for the Holidays at Perimeter Mall – Sunday, Dec. 3 from noon to 3 p.m.

Little artists are invited to paint their own holiday masterpieces and decorate baking aprons and holiday ornaments while experiencing five life-sized replicas of famous Norman Rockwell holiday paintings. There will also be free hot cocoa and holiday classics performed by Rockwell-inspired carolers. Kids are encouraged to bring a book to donate to the Dekalb County Habitat for Humanity Re-Store.

·         Hats Off to the Holidays at Cumberland Mall – Friday, Dec. 8 from noon to 3 p.m.

Families are invited to Santa’s workshop to create a custom holiday hat and compete in a contest for prizes including $100-$500 Cumberland Mall gift cards. Kids can also create special holiday treats at interactive stations, write letters to Santa and decorate ornaments, gingerbread potholders and an apron. There will be storytelling by Mrs. Claus and a DJ playing all the holiday classics.

·         A Beary Merry Sweepstakes at Cumberland Mall – throughout December

Through Dec. 31, text a special code found on signage within Cumberland Mall for a chance to win an adorably enormous 8-foot teddy bear or one of many smaller teddy bears on display in the mall. Families are also encouraged to join the Beary Merry Scavenger Hunt by visiting each of the participating Cumberland retailers displaying stuffed teddy bears in their stores. After the hunt is completed, players can go to Crazy 8 for a “beary” special gift.

Visit the events section at both CumberlandMall.com and PerimeterMall.com for more information about these holiday events. 

About Cumberland and Perimeter Malls

Cumberland Mall (2860 Cumberland Mall SE, Atlanta, GA, 30339) and Perimeter Mall (4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30346) are owned and managed by GGP, an S&P 500 company focused exclusively on owning, managing, leasing and redeveloping high-quality retail properties throughout the United States. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP.

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Bulla Gastrobar Puts a Spanish Twist on Weekend Brunch

For more information:

Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

                                                                              morgan@melissalibbypr.com
olivia@melissalibbypr.com

BULLA GASTROBAR PUTS A SPANISH TWIST ON WEEKEND BRUNCH
Prix Fixe Tasting Menu Features Creative Takes on Classic Staples

ATLANTA (Dec. 1, 2017) – Bulla Gastrobar, Midtown’s new home for authentic, contemporary tapas in a lively, communal atmosphere, is also Atlanta’s hottest destination for a one-of-a-kind weekend brunch experience. Every Saturday and Sunday, Bulla (pronounced “boo-ya”) offers a three-course tasting menu that showcases innovative takes on brunch favorites fueled by the restaurant’s modern approach to shareable Spanish cuisine.

Guests select three dishes from categories such as eggs, small plates, larger plates/sandwiches and sweets. Highlights include the following:

·         Bulla Benedict (poached eggs with hollandaise sauce, crispy chorizo and asparagus)

·         Revuelto ‘Lucio’ (scrambled eggs, oyster mushrooms, sautéed shrimp and scallions)

·         Watermelon salad with heirloom tomatoes, bellota ham, truffle honey and Leonora cheese

·         The ‘Bulla’ burger served with piquillo peppers, cipollini onions, tetilla cheese and truffle fries

·         Steak and eggs

·         Blueberry & ricotta pancakes

·         Churros con chocolate (traditional fried dough with chocolate sauce and dulce de leche)

The tasting menu price is $27 per person. Guests can also enjoy $3 mimosas, along with the rest of Bulla’s imaginative beverage menu, which includes handcrafted cocktails with syrups made from scratch, top-shelf beer and wine selections and three made-to-order sangrias - traditional, sangría blanca and sangría de cerveza.

The tasting menu is served in addition to Bulla’s a la carte brunch menu which features a selection of signature items, all ideal for sharing.

                                                                                                                                                                                         

In the heart of Midtown right next to the Federal Reserve Building, Bulla Gastrobar is located at 60 11th Street NE and serves dinner daily, with brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Plentiful validated parking is available at 12th and Midtown. For more information, call 404-900-6926 or visit bullagastrobar.com.

For a selection of high-res brunch images from Bulla Gastrobar, click here.

ABOUT CENTURION RESTAURANT GROUP

Centurion Restaurant Group is a company created by a food enthusiast founded on four pillars: share, passion, discover and soul. From the inviting ambiance and design of each of the restaurants to the world-class cuisine infused with authentic flavors, the group delivers a distinct experience to its guests. Under the leadership of seasoned restaurateurs, Centurion Restaurant Group is committed to delivering the highest level of hospitality and guest experience for each of its restaurant brands. The group’s core values and mission include creating unique environments, timeless concepts and outstanding food. Centurion Restaurant Group operates Bulla Gastrobar in Downtown Coral Gables, in The Shops at Downtown Doral and Winter Park Florida. Additionally, the group runs Pisco y Nazca at The Palms at Town & Country plaza in Kendall and Pisco y Nazca located in The Shops at Downtown Doral with plans of expanding both brands further in Florida and throughout the United States.

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Relax and Leave the Holiday Cooking to Kevin Gillespie and His Culinary Team at Revival

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

olivia@melissalibbypr.com

RELAX AND Leave THE Holiday Cooking to Kevin Gillespie

and His Culinary Team AT Revival

In-house smoked ham, braised greens, Granny’s pole beans and apple streusel pie

among items available to order for ultimate Southern holiday meal at home

ATLANTA (Dec. 1, 2017) - Thanks to Atlanta chef, restaurateur, speaker and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie and his Revival team led by chef de cuisine Nicole Edwards, hosts can treat their guests to Gillespie’s signature tastes of the South right in their own kitchen this holiday season.

“So many of the dishes that have become favorites on the Revival menu have a direct connection to the classic farm-fresh Southern spreads that Kevin’s grandmother created when he was growing up,” says Edwards. “This holiday season, we want to share the love that simmered in every one of the pots on her stove with families across Atlanta.”

The centerpiece of the holiday menu is a Riverview Farms ham that is cured, smoked (in the same pit where Gillespie’s Terminus City BBQ is created!) and cooked in-house and then baked to crunchy crust perfection with the chef’s brand new Good Ass Ham Sugar. It feeds 10 people for $90. Revival signature sides available for order include Granny’s pole beans, braised greens, lemon glazed sweet potatoes and cranberry relish that will feed four to six guests for $20 each.

Naturally, Kevin and his crew have desserts covered as well, offering Revival’s chocolate cake, red velvet cake or yellow cake with chocolate icing for $55 each and lemon icebox pie, apple streusel pie, pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie for $35 each. The baked pies come complete with reheating instructions.

Orders must be emailed to nicole@revivaldecatur.com by Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. Pick-up is on Saturday, Dec. 23 between 1-5 p.m. at the American Spirit Whiskey Distillery (199 Armour Drive, just off the Northside Beltline trail in the Armour Yards neighborhood near SweetWater Brewery), where the Terminus City BBQ team is currently on-site every Saturday with delicious barbecue and sides.

For more information about Revival, call 470-225-6770 or visit revivaldecatur.com.

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 Gunshow and Revival, all of his merchandise and Red Beard Special Events, which operates Communion, his BBQ pop up Terminus City and Gamechanger at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 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. For more information, visit redbeardrestaurants.com.

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Beni’s Cubano Now Open at The Hub at Peachtree Center

For more information:

Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

morgan@melissalibbypr.com

olivia@melissalibbypr.com

BENI’S CUBANO NOW OPEN AT THE HUB AT PEACHTREE CENTER 

Second Location of Southern Proper Hospitality’s Casual Cuban Restaurant Takes Downtown Atlanta Diners on a Lunchtime Vacation to Old World Havana

ATLANTA (Nov. 27, 2017) – Lunchtime in Downtown Atlanta can now include a quick jaunt to Cuba thanks to today’s opening of Beni’s Cubano inside The Hub at Peachtree Center. Downtown dwellers and visitors are getting a taste of Havana - minus the travel expenses - at this fast casual addition to the Southern Proper Hospitality (Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, The Southern Gentleman, Smokebelly BBQ, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, to name a few) lineup.

Beni’s Cubano executive chef Cesar Velazquez’s menu features innovative takes on classic Cuban dishes, offering unique food court dining with a chef’s touch. The Peachtree Center location also serves its classic Cuban coffee all day to busy guests looking to satisfy their caffeine cravings.

Says Southern Proper Hospitality CEO Tory Bartlett, “We are thrilled to join the vibrant energy of Downtown Atlanta and add fresh Cuban cuisine to the many wonderful dining options available around Peachtree Center. A quick, convenient lunch can still be a chef-crafted experience, and that’s what we’re bringing to our Hub guests.” 

Menu highlights include the following:

• A classic Cuban sandwich with mojo-roasted pork, ham and Swiss cheese with pickles, mustard and garlic aioli
• Vaca Frita Melt with grilled short rib, melted provolone, grilled onions and peppers and garlic aioli
• Mojo Grilled Chicken served with choice of yellow or white rice, black beans and sweet plantains
• House Salads with an option to add grilled chicken or top the fresh greens, shredded carrots and chopped tomatoes with a choice of Puerco Asado or Vaca Frita 
• Yucca fries or mariquitas (crispy spiced plantain chips) with a choice of two dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, mojo or house-made hot sauce

This is the second Atlanta-area location for Beni’s, which opened this summer at The Avenue East Cobb in Marietta.

Located in The Hub at Peachtree Center at 231 Peachtree St. N.E., Beni’s Cubano is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 770-212-9076 or visit beniscubano.com.

About Southern Proper Hospitality

Southern Proper Hospitality owns and operates The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Smokebelly BBQ, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Beni’s Cubano,  Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Chosen by Restaurant Hospitality as one of the “25 Coolest Multi-Concept Companies in America” and named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies for 2017, Southern Proper Hospitality offers genuinely hospitable service and exceptional, high-quality food.

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