Vincent + Vincent = Puppy Love

/ Canine Assistants/

On May 6th, 2017 I was surprised with a gift from Canine Assistants at the Doggies on the Catwalk event. I was presented with a 12-week old puppy, a future service dog, named Vincent. I was speechless and tearful. The thought that this puppy will grow up to serve others in need is a beautiful thing - the best gift ever. "Puppy Vincent" as he's called, was gifted to me in celebration and acknowledgment of ten years of philanthropy through my organization Doggies on the Catwalk. 

Puppy Vincent is growing very quickly so I wanted a visit with him before he "lost" his puppy looks! I went out to the Canine Assistants farm recently to spend an afternoon with Vincent. He is playful, adorable, curious, charming and full of puppy love and kisses. At his young age (about 6 months) puppy Vincent has already started his service dog education. He is learning to pick up objects and open cabinets. He puts on his puppy service vest and hits the mall weekly to get socialized and accustomed to public spaces.

Puppy Vincent will return to the Doggies on the Catwalk stage in 2018 and will probably be his last 'catwalk' as most likely, he'll be matched with a recipient soon after that! That's my boy!!

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MOLLY B’S TO OPEN AT MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM

/ Mercedes Benz Stadium/
molly b's mercedes-benz stadium

Restaurant Club Named for Owner Arthur Blank’s Mother, Molly Blank

Features Rotating Menu Evoking a Southern Inspired Chop House

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will feature a new and unique destination restaurant and private club, Molly B’s, named in honor of owner Arthur Blank’s mother, Molly Blank.  As part of the expansive food and beverage program being featured inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Molly B’s was created in partnership with Concentrics Restaurants and boasts an impressive menu developed by Michael Bertozzi, executive chef for Atlanta’s TWO urban licks.  Molly B’s, opening on August 26, will be located on the 100-level concourse and has a separate entry by the main entrance of the stadium.

The idea to name the restaurant Molly B’s came from Rich McKay, AMB Sports and Entertainment President.  McKay,  who knew Molly well, presented the name, along with renderings, to Arthur Blank as a surprise in a management meeting last summer to honor her and continue Molly’s legacy. 

 “My mother was a strong, values-driven woman who was an incredible influence on my life and many others,” says Arthur Blank, owner and chairman, AMB Group. “Her love of community, charity, family and life has inspired me to continue those values throughout everything I do.  Mercedes-Benz Stadium is just another way we are bringing people together as a community to enjoy as family and friends.  My mother’s legacy phrase, ‘You only pass through once, make it count!’ was something she lived by and I’m so proud to have her as part of this new legacy in Atlanta”.

Molly B’s dining concept comes from the creators of Atlanta’s award winning ONE. midtown kitchen, TWO urban licks, and dozens of critically acclaimed restaurants across the country. "It’s not very often you get the opportunity to create a full-service, destination restaurant and private club within a football stadium, especially a new NFL stadium. It’s an exciting first for us,” says Bob Amick, owner and founder of Concentrics Restaurants.  "The challenge was to create a dynamic concept that is special in what is already a special place that appeals to everyone. Modern and with clean lines, it’s an all open-air restaurant that plays to the feel of the open-air stadium and has great views of both Downtown and field. We cannot wait for fans to experience it.” 

A chef driven, full-service restaurant meets private club, Molly B’s takes a modern spin on a southern inspired chophouse.  With ample seating overlooking the field, the unique concept not only offers an exclusive food and beverage experience for club members attending Atlanta Falcons games and Atlanta United matches, but it also welcomes fans when the game is underway with an eclectic a la carte menu filled with sharable plates, sandwiches, entrees and more.   In addition to friendly, detailed service and mouthwatering dining options, a large, four-sided bar takes center stage at Molly B’s. Those looking to imbibe will find a urated beverage program with an array of craft beers, a tailored wine list and classic and specialty cocktails.  Additionally, Molly B’s will stay open for two hours after each game and will serve lunch on non-event days to patrons visiting downtown Atlanta.  The space is also available for private events of all sizes.  

When the Falcons play, the all-inclusive member experience offers impressive items ideal for the table such as buttermilk fried chicken, southern smoked brisket, baby back ribs along with a variety of sides including six-cheese macaroni and cheese, hand cut fries and roasted asparagus topped with lemon hollandaise and king crab. True to chophouse form, action stations featuring freshly carved, slow roasted bone-in prime rib, chopped salad, a raw bar, and a make-your-own sundae bar provide for an interactive opportunity in the restaurant’s casual and open atmosphere overlooking the field.  For Atlanta United matches, members can indulge in sharable plates in addition to a dynamic entrees like made-to-order, smoked whole hog tacos, lobster rolls, BBQ brisket and prime rib sandwiches, crispy shrimp and chips po boy and much more.   When it’s game time and during daily lunch service on non-event days, fans and visitors alike can take advantage of Molly B’s favorites made fresh, seasonal ingredients that are featured on and inspired by both member menus.

"The menu we created for Molly B's is rooted in Atlanta’s diverse culinary scene and was crafted to bring a sense of comfort to the guests. It draws from the local traditions and ingredients to deliver some of the best the region has to offer. We will also be working with local purveyors and farmers to bring a dining experience that will be unparalleled by any other stadium in the league,” says Michael Bertozzi, director of culinary of Concentrics Restaurants and executive chef of TWO urban licks. For the full menu and to learn more information on the limited membership program, please go here.

 Molly B’s is just one component of the many food and beverage offerings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Fan First Menu offers an elusive combination of great variety, outstanding quality, and friendly prices to deliver unmatched value for fans.  From fan favorite offerings priced at $2 and $3 that will allow a family of four to eat and drink for under $30, to the best of Atlanta lineup of restaurant partners selected by fans, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will have a full slate of food and beverage options on every level of the stadium.

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Doggie Mingle Recap at Hampton + Hudson

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On Sunday, June 11th, Hampton + Hudson Community Bar and Restaurant went to the dogs. Literally! With specialty drinks from SweetWater 420 draft beers and Titos Vodka and gourmet doggie treats created by Chef Savannah Sasser, about 3 dozen tail-wagging loving pups gathered for the H+H Doggie Mingle. H+H owners, Jenn and Billy Streck conceptualized the event and asked me to host it in support of Doggies on the Catwalk and Canine Assistants.

The Doggie Mingle was a huge hit and will return through the month of August. The cutest dogs ever - just look through the slideshow! We had so much fun. This is a dog-lovers MUST event...

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Where to Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day in Atlanta

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When it’s time to celebrate Dad and show him just how special he is, Atlanta’s favorite dining spots provide an array of options, from special brunches to delectable dinners, to ensure Father’s Day will be deliciously unforgettable.  See below & Happy Father's Day!

Atlas - Three-Course Father’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner: 

Celebrate Father’s Day with a special dinner at Atlas.  Dads will be treated to a spectacular three-course prix fixe menu for $65 per person created just for the occasion by Executive Chef Christopher Grossman and Pasty Chef Christian Castillo. The full chef-driven dinner menu, which changes daily, will also be available. Atlas also welcomed back its acclaimed art installation featuring 30 pieces from esteemed artists including Foujita, Monet, Chagall, Modigliani and Soutine. The restaurant’s impressive gallery of 20th century artwork has been hand-selected from The Lewis Collection, one of the largest private art collections in the world.  Located within the St. Regis Atlanta, Atlas celebrates the very best in seasonal American cuisine combined with European influences.  With a focus on curating fresh ingredients from local farms, this chef-driven restaurant brings unparalleled culinary experiences to the capital of the South. 

For more information or to make a reservation, visit atlasrestaurant.com.  Atlas is located at the St. Regis Atlanta at 88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Dantanna’s Treats Dads to Free Brunch this Father’s Day:

Dantanna’s, a favorite Atlanta dining and drinking destination for more than 13 years, is celebrating dads this Father’s Day by treating them to brunch on Sunday, June 18, 2017. With locations in Buckhead, Downtown and Sandy Springs, guests who dine with Dad between 12 and 4 p.m. simply need to order one entree of equal or lesser value and he gets his entree for free. 

Favorite signature brunch dishes at the Buckhead location include: Shirred Eggs in Tulips - two eggs baked in crepes with Maine lobster, shrimp and crawfish in brandy-lobster cream sauce; served with asparagus; Three Little Pigs - fried Niman Ranch pork scallopine, griddle honey ham and apple wood smoked bacon on toasted Kaiser bun with dijon aioli; and Oysters Rockefeller and Eggs - two poached eggs on flash fried oysters and Sambuca creamed spinach topped with sauce hollandaise and chopped apple wood smoked bacon.  Dantanna’s Sandy Springs favorite dishes include: Pesto-Egg Sandwich - scrambled eggs, grilled tomato, basil pesto, provolone cheese and a telera bun served with potatoes and asparagus; Huevos Rancheros - corn tortilla, house chorizo, spicy beans, salsa, fried eggs, cilantro sour cream, potatoes and asparagus. 

Dantanna’s Buckhead is located at the Shops Around Lenox, 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE #304, Atlanta, GA 30326. Dantanna’s Downtown is located at 1 CNN Center #269, Atlanta, GA 30303, and Dantanna’s Sandy Springs is located at Abernathy Square, 6649 Roswell Road Unit 30, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. For more information visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.705.8873. 

Hampton + Hudson - All-Day Father's Day Specials for Dad in Inman Park:

Hampton + Hudson, a favorite neighborhood dining and imbibing destination in bustling Inman Park is serving up a slew of food specials and beer and whiskey flights this Father’s Day. Tasty offerings for the day include doughnut pancakes for brunch and a Stacker’s Burger featuring two perfectly cooked patties served with cheddar, Tabasco aioli, fries, slaw and pickles and stacked on a bun that’s available all day.  

Beginning at 4 p.m., families can also treat Dad to an unforgettable ribeye and house beer pairing. For $30, Executive Chef Savannah Sasser will be serving aged-to-perfection ribeye steaks with truffle frites, grilled asparagus, Asher Blue compote butter and a pint of SweetWater 420 or Brooklyn Lager.  For $15, whiskey lovers can explore a Maker’s Mark Flight boasting Maker’s Mark, Maker’s 46, and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Craft beer fanatics can enjoy a Monday Night Brewing Flight with Slap Fight, Blind Pirate Blood Orange IPA, and Serrano Eye Patch Ale, for $10. Dads can purchase both flights for $20, and will also receive a special branded Hampton + Hudson hat. 

Reservations recommended. To make a reservation, call 404.948.2123 or visit www.hamptonandhudson.com. Hampton + Hudson is located in Inman Park at 299 N. Highland Ave., Unit L, Atlanta, GA 30307. For more on Hampton + Hudson, visit www.hamptonandhudson.com.

Celebrate Dad with Free Pints, Brunch, Dinner & More with Concentrics Restaurants! Cheers to Dad at ONE. midtown kitchen, TWO urban licks and TAP:
 

ONE. midtown kitchen, TWO urban licks and TAP are celebrating Father’s Day by offering all dads that dine in on Sunday, June 18th a complimentary pint of beer with the purchase of an entree.  Whether noshing on ONE’s brand new brunch menu created by Executive Chef Matt Weinstein, TWO’s wood-fired cuisine created by Executive Chef Michael Bertozzi, or a burger from Midtown’s standout gastropub, TAP, there’s something for all dads at Concentrics Restaurants' dining destinations. 

ONE. Midtown Kitchen is located at 559 Dutch Valley Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324.  To make a reservation, call ONE at 404.892.4111 or visit onemidtownkitchen.com. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30306. To make a reservation, call 404.522.4622 or visit twourbanlicks.com. TAP is located at 1180 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA. To make a reservation or for more information call 404.347.2220 or visit tapat1181.com. 

Give Dad a Day Away from the Grill at PARISH:

One of the top brunch destinations in Atlanta and conveniently located in Inman Park on the BeltLine, The Brasserie at PARISH is excited to treat dads to a relaxing day away from the grill from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with its traditional offerings and an array of specials created by Executive Chef Stuart Tracy.  With inspired, familiar American food, an inventive beverage program, and warm hospitality, PARISH will also be serving Father’s Day dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m.  For more information or to make reservations, call 404.681.4434 or visit parishatl.com. Parish is located at N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307.  

Celebrate Dad All Week Long at ROOM at TWELVE: 

FRIDAY—SUNDAY - Half or full rack of ribs, fries, and coleslaw for $22 / $32

Park Tavern's Sunset Sessions Free Concert Series:  

Located conveniently on the Atlanta BeltLine, Park Tavern in Piedmont Park is the place to be every Sunday during Sunset Sessions, its popular free, alternative music series featuring some of today’s most buzz-worthy artists. On Sunday, June 18th beginning at 7 p.m., music-loving dads can enjoy the sounds of Brother Hawk, The Georgia Flood, and HFF.  While experiencing what promises to be a high-energy performance, revelers can take in the picturesque Atlanta skyline while enjoying specialty seasonal cocktails, house-brews, 1/2 off sushi from 10 p.m. to midnight, and much more. Guests must be 21+ older to attend. 

Park Tavern is located in the heart of Midtown on the corner of 10th Street and Monroe overlooking Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline. For more information, visit www.parktavern.com or call 404-249-0001.  

STK Atlanta –  Father’s Day Specials at STK Atlanta:   

This Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18th, dads are invited to take advantage of an array of specials created by Executive Chef Andrea Montobbio at STK Atlanta.  Located in the heart in the of Midtown, the full dinner menu featuring signature favorites will be available in addition to dad-inspired dishes like a smoked barbecue rib and grilled corn appetizer; grilled branzino with mussels and clams broth and fingerling potatoes; dry aged KC strip tagliata with shaved asparagus, fennel salad, aged balsamic, and parmigiana reggiano; and house-made espresso Tiramisu.  

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.stkhouse.com or call 404-793-0144. STK Atlanta is located at 1075 Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta on the corner of Peachtree and 12th Streets in the 12th & Midtown development.

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A Cuban tasting at The Consulate

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Picadillo, tostones in a garlic-lime mojo sauce and shrimp empanadas are just a few of the delicious options on the upcoming Cuban menu at The Consulate restaurant in Midtown Atlanta. My partner, Alex Page, discovered The Consulate about a year ago and we have been fans (and regulars) ever since. We've gotten to know the friendly and gracious owners Doug and Lin so when they mentioned that the next culinary destination on the map was Cuba, mi corazon said "Azucar!!"

Lin, who is also The Consulate's Executive Chef, has been working on and perfecting the Cuban menu for over two months. She is very detail-oriented and has done her research to create the most authentic cuisine for her guests. Lin has did the same for Guam and all the other countries they have featured.

The Consulate is a sexy space, rich in velvets, brass and mid-century modern furntiure. Along with the mouth-watering tapas they serve, The Consulate boasts some of the best hand-crafted cocktails by the most experienced mixologist, Mr. Jones. The Cuban menu is phenomenal. Alex and I were treated to a private tasting of every item and closing out with flan for dessert. We were honored to receive the invitation as not even the wait-staff has tasted the new menu.

The Consulate transitions to tastes of Cuba on July 1st BUT I am delighted to invite you on Friday, July 14 for a celecracion Cubana at The Consulate. I am thrilled to be hosting this party so bring your salsa dancing shoes because we're gonna have FUN!

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Event Recap: Veuve Clicquot 10th Annual NY Polo Classic Viewing Party at Atlas

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On Saturday, June 3, 2017, over a hundred champagne lovers descended upon Atlas, the acclaimed restaurant located at the St. Regis Atlanta, for a special viewing party for the 10th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. Partygoers mixed and mingled in the newly renovated Tavern at Atlas and on its expansive patio while enjoying lawn games such as life-size Jenga and corn hole, while noshing on bites created by Executive Chef Chris Grossman and Pastry Chef Christian Castillo and sipping on Veuve Clicquot champagne specials. Atlas also live streamed the event that was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, included Jordan Fisher, of the acclaimed Hamilton cast, singing the national anthem, a live performance by Alicia Keys, and more. For more information, visit atlasrestaurant.com.

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Spa Day at the Four Seasons Atlanta

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It has been a few days since my luxe spa day at the Four Seasons Atlanta and I am still feeling the calming effects from such a magnificent (and well-needed) indulgence. My stress disappeared almost instantly upon entering the soothing lobby of the spa. Fab friends SuthinGirl and Bluhazl along with the Four Seasons Spa were extremely gracious to arrange the visit and offer three outstanding treatments. Bubbly and bites were served in between treatments so the day was off to a really good start.

The first thing I did after changing into a luxurious robe was undergo an aroma therapy session where I got to curate my own fragrant recipe within a shea butter base. I chose clary sage and lavender extracts in their most concentrated forms to create the stress relief moisturizing formula. I was sent home with a jar of it and it's oh so good!

It was then back to the calming, low lit waiting room. Soon after enjoying [more] prosecco, macaroons and friends, I was whisked away for the "mini- midtown" massage. They started at the neck and worked their way down to my legs ending with the most amazing foot scrub ever. I was fighting not to doze off - only because I knew I'd want to sleep a while.

Lastly (and they saved the best for last) was the Ashiatsu - a deep tissue massage using hands, feet and hot stones. This one put me over the edge. I am not sure how I drove home - just kidding - but seriously, by 8PM I was falling asleep because I was in such a relaxed mode.

A luxe day at the spa is something that I strongly recommend, especially with friends. Consider the Four Seasons Spa, you don't have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy it and the service is impeccable. 

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