Simply Buckhead January/February 2018 by Simply Buckhead

January/February 2018 ISSUE 52 • FREE

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

PACK r u o Y BAGS! WHERE TO GO IN 2018 AND OTHER TRAVEL INSIGHTS

SECRETS OF A LUXURY HOTELIER INSIDE 5 HISTORIC BROOKHAVEN HOMES HIKING WITH YOUR CAT (YES, IT’S A THING)

Partner with a bank who understands your business

Mack II, Inc.

Mack Wilbourn Owner of 6 franchise restaurants at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Chris Carneal

Atlanta Cheesecake Company

Boosterthon Founder and President

Dina Birch, Margret Sapp and David Van der Blom Owners

and is committed to your success. As we continue to grow and expand in Atlanta, our strategy remains the same - provide solid, straightforward financial solutions in the best interest of our clients. Our business plans and decisions are made locally by our market leadership who have deep roots in Atlanta and know its industries and communities. Partner with a bank who understands your business and is committed to your success.

8 locations in Metro Atlanta to serve you

www.iberiabank.com

Visit Us Online: oXYGenFinancial.net Call Us: 678-222-2320 Follow Us On:

LET US HELP YOU BREATHE EASIER ® ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Get your complimentary eBook The 10 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions by visiting us online at www.oxygenfinancial.net

How much money will you need in retirement? How do you recreate a paycheck when you make work optional? How can you safeguard your assets? How much do you need to save?

Fee Based Financial Advice - Wealth Management - Tax Management & Planning - Employee Benefits Online Financial Dashboard - 401(k) Plans & Rollovers - Education Accounts - Budget Planning

3060 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30305 • 678-222-2320

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. oXYGen Financial is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. Kestra IS and Kestra AS do not provide tax or legal advice.

ALEXIS SPRING 2018 COLLECTION

3400 AROUND LENOX DR. | ATLANTA, GA | 30326 | 404.842.9990

60 Forrest Lake Drive LISTED BY

WENDY LEEBERN

offered for $2,174,000

Find Your Dream Home and Search Thousands More at

ANSLEYATLANTA.COM A N S L E YA T L A N T A . C O M | 4 0 4 - 4 8 0 - H O M E | 3 0 3 5 P E A C H T R E E R O A D N E , S U I T E 2 0 2 | A T L A N T A , G A 3 0 3 0 5 Christopher Burell, Managing Broker. Information believed accurate but not warranted. Equal Housing Opportunity.

SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

[ C OV E R S T ORY ]

45 PACK YOUR BAGS!

WHERE TO GO IN 2018

Contents [ F E AT U RE S ]

28 32 40

TRAVEL STAYCATION: AN ATHENS HOTEL WITH ATTITUDE A college-themed lodging in Georgia’s ultimate college town

HOME: AN HOMAGE TO HISTORIC HOMES A local architect pens a book on notable Brookhaven residences

FASHION: IT’S IN THE BAG

10 EDITOR’S LETTER

39 SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

11 SIMPLY NOW

55 SIMPLY DELICIOUS

27 SIMPLY STYLISH

67 SIMPLY HAPPENING

58 We’ll Drink to That Katy Harrison’s vintage glassware adds classic style to your cocktail

Toyin Ajayi’s sustainable handbags are anything but granola

HEY, MISTER DJ Greg Picciano turned a radio career into a stint behind the turntables

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

[ DE PA RT M E N T S ]

SO PHARR, SO GOOD Bienvenido to Buckhead’s delish Latin newbie

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

MODERN. MODULAR. YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | ISSUE 52 P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com For advertising rates call: 404.538.9895

30% off everything

Publisher and Founder

in-store & online with code SB30

jaxxbeanbags.com

[ F E AT U RE D C ON T RI B U T OR ]

Joanne Hayes Chief Financial Officer

Sonny Hayes Editor-in-Chief

2745 Bankers Industrial Dr. 30360

Jill Becker Creative Director

Alan Platten Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Cheryl Isaacs cheryl.isaacs@simplybuckhead.com Senior Account Executive

Jeannine Blanco jeannine.blanco@simplybuckhead.com Website Development Management

BHG Digital Director of Audience Development

Tyler Hayes

Jan Schroder

EROTIC GIFT EMPORIUM 2745 Bankers Industrial Dr., Atlanta 30360 | liberator.com 30% OFF IN-STORE & ONLINE with code SB30

Atlanta native Jan Schroder has written and published several books, been an editor for newspapers and magazines, and is the editorial director of The 100 Companies, an international digital publishing platform. She has been a travel writer for 20 years and appears as a travel expert on “Belinda Skelton’s Atlanta Living” on WSB Radio. Highlights of her journeys include crocodile hunting in Belize, snorkeling in Bora Bora, snowshoeing in Yosemite, sailing in the British Virgin Islands and herding geese in Great Britain. She contributes to outlets such as Fodor’s and Orbitz, and is publisher of Girl on the Go at janschroder.com.

Contributing Writers

Karina Antenucci Jennifer Bradley Franklin Wendell Brock H.M. Cauley Rebecca Cha Carly Cooper Jessica Dauler Jim Farmer Mickey Goodman Blake Guthrie Locke Hughes Daryn Kagan Laura J. Moss Amelia Pavlik Lia Picard Jan Schroder Giannina Smith Bedford Karon Warren Bert Weiss Chief Photographer

Sara Hanna sarahanna.com Photographers

Ninh Chau Erik Meadows Simon Salt Stylist

Abbie Koopote

*SOME TOY EXCLUSIONS APPLY

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

Graphic Designer

Layal Akkad Copy Editor

H.M. Cauley Legal Counsel

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

FIND US ONLINE Read Simply Buckhead online at

SimplyBuckhead.com

ATLANTA’S FIRST AND ONLY ROWING-CENTRIC GYM

Facebook facebook.com “Like” us at LivingWellATL

Twitter twitter.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead

Instagram instagram.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead

[ BEHIND THE COVER ] The old saying goes, “Never work with kids or animals.” That premise didn’t hold true at the photo shoot for this issue’s cover, as our photog Sara Hanna’s precious pup, Max, joined us in the studio and never caused a lick of trouble. (Although, admittedly, there may have been some faces licked in the process.) Here, he’s shown cozying up to our model, Amberley Gridley, as hair and makeup gurus Richie Arpino and Sarai MateoTrammell work on her look.

Burn up to 900 calories an hour on our zero-impact Water-Rowers! Get your FIRST WEEK FREE! Mention Simply Buckhead for $10 off your first purchase! 404-806-0026 TUXEDO FESTIVAL SHOPPING CENTER 3655 ROSWELL RD SUITE 204 ATLANTA, GA 30342 WWW.TOTALROWFITNESS.COM

Chief photographer: Sara Hanna Assistants: Dara Dyer and Tyler Hayes Stylist: Abbie Koopote Hair: Richie Arpino, of Richie Arpino Salon Makeup: Sarai Mateo-Trammell, of Nars Cosmetics Model: Amberley Gridley, of Click Models Shot on location at Sara Hanna Photography Studios

Cover Credits: Theory Prosecco One-Shoulder Sweater ($325), Avenue Montaigne Pleather Legging ($325), Ramy Brook Faux Fur Camo Krissy Jacket ($395) and Stuart Weitzman Hiline Suede Over-the-Knee Boots ($800); courtesy of Tootsies. Women’s Rancher A New Day Hat ($20), available at Target. Vintage suitcases courtesy of Peachtree Battle Antiques & Interiors.

[ P RO U D M E M B E R OF ]

MEDIA GROUP PRINT | DIGITAL | STRATEGY | CONSULTING

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

[ P RO U D S P ON S OR OF ]

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]

But sometimes you need to get away and explore what the rest of the world has to offer. And that means travel, which is the theme of this issue’s cover story (see page 45). This particular topic is near and dear to my heart. You might even call it an obsession, for I’d rather spend any discretionary income I may have on a great vacation, be it a simple day trip or a longer, full-out adventure involving trains, planes and automobiles (which might explain some things for anyone who’s seen me tooling around Buckhead in my beat-up, 15-year-old SUV). My sense of wanderlust developed early, and I’ve been blessed to have been on many amazing trips and visited dozens of fascinating cities across the globe throughout the years. It helped that I worked for the inflight magazine for American Airlines for 10 years and had the luxury of flying for free (albeit on standby). Whether you’re an ardent traveler like me, or you just like to get out of the city every now and again, you’ll find something of interest within these pages. For example, Amelia Pavlik writes about the joys of traveling solo, and Jennifer Bradley Franklin embraces how fun it is to get behind the wheel—with the top down, of course—and hit the open road. Jessica Dauler recommends some must-have travel gear, and four other writers share details about the destinations they were able to cross off their bucket lists. Reading their stories has me itching to plan my next excursion, and I’m sure it will make you want to as well. Happy travels, everyone!

Jill Becker editor@simplybuckhead.com

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Photo: The Headshot Truck

tlanta is a great place to be. In fact, it was recently named the eighth hippest city in the country in a nationwide poll.

SIMPLY NOW

TRAVEL STAYCATION

An Athens Hotel With Attitude P20

The Graduate Athens hotel has a fun and funky vibe that guests of any age can appreciate.

Retro art and furnishings adorn the Iron Works coffee bar at the Graduate Athens.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

SIMPLY NEWS BY:

Locke Hughes

ON THE

HOME FRONT

BoConcept brings simple yet elegant Scandinavian furniture and decor to Buckhead shoppers.

TWO INTERIOR DESIGN SHOPS OPEN THEIR DOORS IN BUCKHEAD DETAILS:

tlanta’s home decor scene just got even chicer. BoConcept, a Danish furniture company with nearly 300 locations around the world, recently launched its first local retail location in Buckhead. Founded in 1952, the brand offers stylish, high-quality, functional pieces with Scandinavian influences for contemporary homes at reasonable prices. Franchise owner Ray Priddle cites the growing

number of millennials settling in Atlanta as contributing to the increased demand for progressive interior design, adding that BoConcept is a perfect option for its “urban-minded customers.” Home goods shoppers can also head to the newly expanded Frontgate store at Phipps Plaza, where they can try out its huge selection of indoor and outdoor furniture while sipping a free drink from

the in-store cafe. Not sure how to style your space? The relaunched Frontgate location also offers complimentary design services to help you choose the best furniture for your lifestyle. Chat with a consultant and get tips on how to optimize your furniture arrangement, combine colors and styles, and coordinate accent pieces such as fabrics, rugs and pillows. n

BoConcept 309 East Paces Ferry Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 844.803.9994 boconcept.com Frontgate 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.841.7170 frontgate.com

NEWS CLIPS BARK FIFTH AVE. DEBUTS LUXURY “SPAW”

massages and even healing laser treatments administered by a holistic vet.

Chances are you already spoil your dog with treats, toys and plenty of snuggles. If you’re looking to take your pooch’s pampering to the next level, take him to Bark Fifth Ave. pet boutique’s new luxury spa and glam center. “I built Bark Fifth Ave. around the core belief that fabulous dogs need fabulous things,” says owner Ashley Harris. “Our goal is to continue providing high-end luxury services to our fabulous clients and their posh pups.” In the newly expanded space, Fido can enjoy high-end, spa-inspired products and services such as sugar scrubs, facials, paw

Bark Fifth Ave. 3169 Maple Drive N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.816.7729 barkfifthave.com

GLETHORPE UNIVERSITY TO O ESTABLISH BUSINESS SCHOOL In the fall of 2019, students will be able to enroll in the new school of business at Oglethorpe University, thanks to a generous gift that amounted to the largest donation in the Brookhaven school’s 182-year history. Alumnus William Hammack

Jr., the former president and CEO of C.W. Matthews Contracting, announced a gift of $50 million to establish the school at the small liberal arts college. Hammack says he hopes his contribution helps inspire a new generation of business leaders. Oglethorpe University 4484 Peachtree Road N.E. Brookhaven 30319 404.261.1441 oglethorpe.edu

HIGH-INTENSITY FITNESS FRANCHISE TO PREMIERE Workout fanatics will soon have a new spot to get their sweat on in

Buckhead. Chris Welton, a former UGA football player, along with his daughter, India, is launching the first franchise location of Solcioty Fitness, an exercise studio concept from Columbus, Georgia, this spring. The studio will offer onehour classes featuring high-intensity interval training, and clients will wear heart-rate monitors to ensure they’re exercising at the right levels. All that work pays off: You’ll burn 500 to 1,000 calories per class. Solcioty Fitness 3655 Roswell Road Atlanta 30342 solciotyfitness.com

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

LUXURY MINKY BLANKETS & THROWS

buckhead

14â&#x20AC;&#x192;

phipps plaza

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

ssluxonline.com

404.536.3287

S I M P LY NOW

BY:

A Spirited Advocate for Women

Running for those who can’t Matt Sours, a partner at the Buckhead firm of Morris, Manning & Martin, began running after college to relieve stress. “In 2010, I was running a 10K when I met Kyle Pease and his brother Brent,” says Sours. “Kyle was born with cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia and is wheelchair-bound, so he and Brent race together. I thought I was fairly fast, but they beat me.” From time to time, Sours ran into Kyle, who was working at the Peachtree Battle Publix. “He’s a truly upbeat guy, and we became friends,” says Sours. In 2011, the Pease brothers founded the Kyle Pease Foundation to build awareness and raise funds to create opportunities for people with disabilities by purchasing adaptive sports equipment and mobility devices, in addition to providing funds for medical care. At one point, Kyle introduced Sours to another wheelchairbound runner, Kennesaw State student Ricardo “Rico” Aranda, who was also born with cerebral palsy. Sours and Aranda began

Mickey Goodman

Photo: Kedon Beckford

Together We Wheel

Photo: James Blackburn

LOCAL SALUTE

Putting a face on domestic and sexual abuse

Matt Sours (background) and Rico Aranda are running buddies who compete in races across the country.

running together and completed their first 5K in March of 2014. Since then, they have competed in numerous races, including the 2016 New York Marathon. “Sometimes I get caught up in ‘obstacles,’ says Sours, “but they are so minor when compared to the genuine challenges Kyle and Rico face. I get far more out of our relationship than Rico because I get to experience his upbeat perspective of the world.” l For more information, visit kylepeasefoundation.org.

Sandy Springs resident Donja Gordon-Eubanks, who was recently named to Georgia Trend’s 2017 40 Under 40 list, has been passionate about combating sexual assault and violence against women, particularly women of color, since she was a teenager. While at the University of Alabama, she educated students on sexual assault prevention and worked with officials to ensure that the university complied with relevant state laws. Before moving to Atlanta, she worked on the front lines at The Center for Family Justice in her hometown of Bridgeport, Connecticut, answering the phones and accompanying survivors to the hospital. “In Atlanta, my work has been more philanthropic,” says Gordon-Eubanks. “I’m also

Philanthropist and consummate volunteer, Donja Gordon-Eubanks is passionate about combating violence against women.

involved in the February 14 V-Day events, a global movement to end violence against women and girls launched by Tony Awardwinning playwright, performer and activist, Eve Ensler.” But the endeavor that has her most excited is compiling her book, I Am Not Alone, which, when completed, will feature stories of survivors accompanied by photographs taken by GordonEubanks, who freelances as a photographer in addition to her fulltime job as an operations director at Allconnect in Sandy Springs. l For more information, visit vday.org.

Food for Thought Atlanta fast food chain gives back In 2016, the 85-year-old, Atlanta-based Krystal Company launched a unique ad campaign branded “Shun the Ho-Hum” that used puppets to represent its core menu items. The chain, which boasts a location in Buckhead, brought its iconic square Krystal burgers, Krystal Chik sandwich and more to TV screens. “These were no ordinary puppets,” says Angela Johnson, Krystal’s director of marketing communications. “We worked with the famous Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, home of the Muppets, to design and cre-

ate them. Once the campaign ended, we decided to donate the puppets to the Center for Puppetry Arts.” The site selection was perfect. The center already has a large Jim Henson collection, and sometime this year, a special area will be designed to showcase the Krystal puppets. The “Shun the Ho-Hum” campaign dovetailed with The Krystal Foundation’s initiative to provide funding for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math) courses in its 11-state footprint. “We want to introduce new audi-

ences to the arts, and our first grants of $18,540, as well as our second-year grants of $24,000, were divided among elementary schools and organizations in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee,” says Johnson. Emphasis is placed not only on traditional STEAM courses, but on culinary arts and sports. l For more information, visit krystal.com or puppet.org.

Krystal's Angela Johnson facilitated the donation of puppet versions of some of the company's signature food items to the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Want to nominate a volunteer, company or nonprofit that makes Buckhead, Sandy Springs or Brookhaven a better place to live? Please contact: editor@simplybuckhead.com

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY NOW

TR AV E L N E A R

Above: Preserving the beauty of Primland’s 12,000 acres is a priority; the property became LEED certified in 2012. Left: Guests can explore the vast night sky at the Observatory Dome.

A Passion for Primland

The three treehouses have private decks and stellar views of Kibler Valley.

The expansive Virginia resort affords the option of doing a lot or a little STORY:

Jan Schroder

gunned the gas, and we plowed over the bubbling creek and roared up the muddy, rocky bank on the other side, grins plastered on our faces as we continued our rollicking RTV tour of the wooded trails of the Primland resort in southwest Virginia. I happily released my inner speed demon on this fun vehicle, a cross between a golf cart and an ATV. Our guided tour took us along paths covering just a small portion of the 12,000 acres of this luxury mountain resort, roughly the size of Bermuda. My adrenaline levels during our stay at Primland mirrored the peaks and valleys of the surrounding Blue Ridge range—soaring during our rugged ride and then plunging to a Zen-like state during a soothing massage at the spa.

Other adrenaline-raising activities at the resort include mountain biking, horseback riding, disc golf, clay shooting, tomahawk tossing, tennis and kayaking. Hunting is popular, too, and Primland, an Orvis-endorsed wing shooting lodge, specializes in pheasant hunting and Europeanstyle shoots. (Yes, it’s like Downton Abbey, right down to the tweed attire.) Golfing on the mountaintop course is a favorite pursuit, as is fishing on a 6-mile stretch of the Dan River. On the lower levels of the adrenaline scale are yoga classes, moonshine tastings, hiking, geocaching and forest bathing, the latter a Japanese term for a healing walk through the woods, which at Primland includes guided meditations followed by yoga on the yoga deck. Other low-key activities feature sitting by the fireplace in the Lodge’s

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

great hall or at the outdoor fire pit, toasting marshmallows and enjoying the complimentary nightly s’mores. Also spectacular is a visit to the Observatory Dome, housed in a silo-like structure that’s part of the main lodge. Guests can sign up for a 45-minute program that includes a tour of the night sky and a viewing of the stars through a 14-inch telescope. But the views don’t stop there. Every restaurant at Primland includes a panorama of the mountains. Lunch and a casual dinner are served at the 19th Pub, which serves items such as fried catfish, burgers, sandwiches and shrimp and grits. Breakfast is in the Elements dining room, which at night is the option for fine dining. Stables Saloon, located a short drive away, is open seasonally for breakfast and family-style dinners, with live bluegrass music.

Our accommodations were in a spacious suite in The Lodge, which has 26 guest rooms and suites. Ours had a separate living room and a bedroom that was so comfortable we slept 10 hours one night. Other accommodations within walking distance include cottages with private decks and stone fireplaces, and mountain homes of various sizes. For more secluded lodging, try the treehouses that are open from March to October. The property has a total of 51 guest rooms, and every accommodation has a Blue Ridge view. In our everyday lives, we often feel like we’re struggling to move mountains. At Primland, PRIMLAND one can enjoy 276.222.3800 them right where primland.com they are. n

Monday 1/2 Priced Bottles of Wine Tuesday 1/2 Priced Bottles of Wine Wednesday $5 Martinis Thursday Free Wine Tastings 5-7 pm Sunday Buffet Brunch Adults $19.95/Kids $8.95 $5 Mimosas & Bloody Marys $25 Champagne 1/2 Priced Raw Oysters 4-6 PM Everyday!

Monday 1/2 Priced Bottles of Wine

Tuesday (Starting at 5 o’clock)

$21 1 lb. Maine Lobster with 2 Sides

Wednesday $5 Martinis

Thursday $5 Kentucky, Moscow & Mexican Mules 7285 Roswell Road Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770-395-9592 Www.HammocksTradingCompany.com

Located at “The Prado” 5600 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 30342

404-228-7470

www.CorkTreeRestaurant.com January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY NOW

TR AV E L FA R

Above and below: Steps from the sea, pretty Laluna resort offers private cottages and villas. Left: Want some alone time on the beach? Grenada is where you want to be.

THE SIREN SONG OF

SPICE ISLAND Grenada enchants with secluded beaches, exotic wildlife and the intoxicating scent of nutmeg

or whatever reason, Grenada seems off the mainstream Caribbean travel grid. And you should be thankful, because it’s the perfect island getaway. But who knows for how long. Last September, Hurricane Irma thankfully skirted right around Grenada. I’ve been to Grenada twice, and stayed at the luxurious yet humble Laluna resort. Each of its cabanas is built into the side of a hill offering breathtaking views of the sea. Most have little plunge pools on the deck and outdoor showers. You can upgrade to a cottage and be just steps from Laluna’s exquisite private beach. Admittedly, there’s not a ton to do on Grenada. And I say that in the most complimentary of ways. Half of the fun for me was driving around the island searching for a deserted beach, which was a pretty easy assignment

given that there are so many beautiful stretches of sand with nobody on them. Grand Anse is the island’s biggest, most-brochure-worthy beach, but I find the smaller, less-populated ones more charming. A drive and a hike will land you at the swimmable Royal Mount Carmel Falls. You don’t know the meaning of refreshing until you’ve cooled off under a streaming waterfall. From there, you can take the easy hike to the towering Annandale Falls. It’s fairly touristy, and the locals will hound you for a couple of bucks to jump off the falls for you, but it’s still worth the trip. You’ll also want to head to downtown St. George’s, the capital, and get some roti, which is like a West Indian pita/burrito filled with vegetables and curry and whatever meat you request. Pick some up at Fish and Chick

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

and hang with the locals. A short drive from St. George’s is Fort Frederick, located atop Richmond Hill. The views from the fort, which was built in 1779, are straight out of a postcard. If you head inland to Grand Etang National Park and Forest Preserve, you can catch a glimpse of mona monkeys and other exotic wildlife. The reserve has a host of beautiful mockingbirds that you’ll see along your hike up Mount Qua Qua. While the natural beauty is breathtaking, it’s the smell of the spices all around that really captivates you. If you’re up for more of a challenge, hike to the Seven Sisters Falls, which are about a mile from the visitors center. I’ve seen better falls in my life, but the walk is picturesque, and, frankly, it’s a nice break from the beach. While I didn’t dive in Grenada, those who did said it was one

STORY & PHOTOS:

Bert Weiss

of the most magical experiences they’ve had. The island has more than 30 dive sites, including reefs and shipwrecks off Petite Martinique and Carriacou. One shipwreck people were raving about was that of a cruise ship called the Bianca C, nicknamed the “Titanic of the Caribbean,” that sank in 1961. Flamingo Bay diving has the reputation of having unique coral and a plethora of multicolored fish. For divers looking for something unique, there’s the “ring of children” underwater sculpture in Molinere Bay. At about half the size of Washington, D.C., Grenada may be small, but if you’re looking for a quaint, scenic, tranquil trip to the Caribbean, GRENADA it should be at the top of puregrenada.com your list. n

S I M P LY NOW

TR AV E L S TAYCAT IO N

Above: The rooms at the Graduate Athens are anything but cookie cutter. Below: Vintage touches throughout the hotel add a sense of nostalgia and fun.

Above and below: The 100-year-old brick from the Graduate Athens' origins as a metal foundry are still evident in the lobby and other public areas.

An Athens Hotel With Attitude A college-themed lodging in Georgia’s ultimate college town

espite its vast charms, and the fact it’s only about an hour east of Atlanta, I hadn’t spent a lot of time in Athens until recently. So when I had my 9-year-old nephew for the weekend a few months back, I decided we should check it out. We explored the lush grounds of the State Botanical Garden, admired the masterpieces at the Georgia Museum of Art, ogled the animals at the Bear Hollow Zoo and got $1 scoops of ice cream at the soda fountain inside Hodgson’s Pharmacy. But, strangely enough, some of the best times we had were at our hotel. The Graduate Athens has a fun and funky vibe that someone both his age and mine can appreciate. It’s part of the budding Graduate Hotels group that boasts properties in some of the most prominent university towns in the country, including Ann

STORY:

Arbor, Michigan; Berkeley, California; Oxford, Mississippi; and Madison, Wisconsin. From the Graduate name right down to the decor of the rooms, its hotels ooze school spirit. Obviously, my nephew is a long ways off from deciding on his alma mater, but the whole collegiate theme still tickled him. He pretended to try and work the Good Will Huntingesque math problem scribbled on a chalkboard on the back wall of our room, stared at the rows of tiny student caricatures on the wallpaper in the bathroom, insisted on posing for a handful of pics with the lamp shaped like a Georgia bulldog and got the biggest kick out of the fact that the room key was designed to look like a student ID bearing a photo of a fictitious undergrad named Ernie Johnson Jr., whose name he still remembers to this day. (Sometimes out of the blue

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Jill Becker he’ll yell at me in a slow, lilting voice, “Ernie. Johnson. Juuunnniorrr!”) Our first night at the hotel, we had dinner and caught a performance by a folk group from Virginia called The Steel Wheels at The Foundry, the on-site restaurant and music venue. The space used to be a metal forge, where the University of Georgia’s famed arch and double-barreled cannon were constructed more than 100 years ago, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. The following morning, we were going to grab some breakfast treats and OJ at the kitschy Iron Works coffee shop next to the lobby, but opted instead to stroll downtown for omelets and pancakes at the Mayflower Restaurant, a Broad Street mainstay for more than 60 years. Before we left, though, my nephew couldn’t resist playing around on the old-fashioned typewriter next to the

reception desk. That afternoon, we eked out the final days of summer by splashing around in the hotel pool. We didn’t get around to taking a spin on the free bikes for loan, and never made it to the spa, although I’m not gonna lie and say that after hanging out with an energetic preteen for two days straight, a nice, quiet massage didn’t sound pretty sweet. I already have plans for a return visit to Athens, to take both my nephews—and fellow sports fans—to a UGA football game when the new season starts up in September. And I know exactly where we’ll be staying, as we can walk to the stadium right from the hotel. Go Dawgs! n

GRADUATE ATHENS graduatehotels.com/athens

宓室宵宷季宲宩季宜宲宸宵季安室宰宬宯宼孱季宓室宵宷季宲宩季宜宲宸宵季宏宬宩宨孱

Daycare n Boarding n Grooming n Pet Food • NO daycare reservations required • Separated by size & temperament • Large outdoor & indoor yards with webcams • Outdoor free-play every day (weather permitting)

• Clean, modern facilities • Professional groomers seven days a week • Best prices on premium dog food, toys & treats!

First day of daycare FREE!

Brookhaven

2600 Apple Valley Rd. NE Near MARTA Station

404-883-3028

West Midtown

426 Trabert Ave. NW

Behind Atlantic Station

404-870-8564

BarkandBoard.com

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY NOW A P P ROVE D

SHAPE SHIFTERS

Thanks to clever companies, women’s athleisure wear is now shapewear, and it’s OK to wear it from the gym to work and beyond. Make 2018 the year you add a pair of versatile, figure-flattering leggings to your life. No one has to know the work they’re doing behind the scenes. STORY:

Jessica Dauler

1. Athleta Seamless Training Tight ($89)

These Athleta tights are the holy grail of women’s workout pants for their combination of fit, feel and performance. They’re made with premium compression fabric that smooths high through the waist (sans muffin top), and their seamless design means no chafing anywhere. The tights are perfect for circuit training and boot camp workouts, but people wear them not just at the gym but on the street as well.

new go-to for the gym or a girls’ night out. These classic leggings feature moto-inspired styling with ribbed panels that bring fashion-forward elements for an all-day wearable look. Stay stylish and tight thanks to a compression design that keeps the top layer smooth, while underneath the pants magically shape your tummy, rear and thighs. Make a fashion and fitness statement at the same time.

Athleta Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.949.9924 athleta.com

Neiman Marcus Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.266.8200 neimanmarcus.com

2. Commando Control

4. Lululemon All The

Top Leggings ($72)

Right Places Pant ($128)

Every girl needs a pair of black leggings like these from Hollywood brand favorite Commando. They make your butt look amazing at the gym or anywhere else. This everyday legging features a signature higher waistband that doesn’t sag and keeps everything where it should be. Plus, they're basic enough to wear to the grocery store after your sweat session. They’re just the right tightness, aren’t see-through, and are also Dri-Fit, which is key for an activity such as hot yoga.

There's nothing better than a pair of simple black leggings that fit perfectly and can take you from working out to out and about. Lulu faithfuls swear by these pants not only because of the barely-there pockets along the sides, but also for the compression paneling that supports you in all the right places. The anti-camel-toe gusset is another favorite feature.

Nordstrom Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.422.3000 nordstrom.com

3. Spanx Faux Leather Moto Legging ($110) Similar to the fan-favorite Faux Leather Legging, Moto is the

5. Yummie Coated High Waist Signature Leggings ($98) These all-sport high-rise pants have a flexible comfort coating and 360-degree compression that slims from your tummy

4 through your hips and thighs for shaping and support that don’t feel constrictive. They’re so cozy they trump most loungewear. Bloomindale’s Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.495.2800 bloomingdales.com

Lululemon Shops Around Lenox 3400 Around Lenox Road Atlanta 30326 404.816.7678 lululemon.com

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

AVALON | PONCE CITY MARKET | SHOPS AROUND LENOX

S I M P LY NOW

15 MINUTES WITH

HORST SCHULZE STORY:

Jill Becker PHOTO: Erik Meadows

t 78, Horst Schulze shows no signs of slowing down. (Although he has gone from traveling approximately 250 days to a year to 150.) The German-born luxury hotelier who made a name for himself as the CEO and brains behind the Ritz-Carlton chain is now the chairman of the Buckhead-based WP Hospitality Group, formerly the Capella Hotel Group, which he started the day after he retired from Ritz-Carlton in 2001. The company has grown to include more than a dozen high-end properties around the globe, including the newly opened Solís Two Porsche Drive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Favorite destination: I have a special feeling for Bali. I spent a lot of time there opening hotels. The culture and people have special meaning to me. Something I always travel with: A razor. Aisle or window seat?: Window. How I pass the time on the plane: Doing crosswords or Sudoku, or reading the Bible. If I’m traveling out of the country for work, I study my file of cultural do’s and don’ts on the place I’m visiting in order to be respectful and not offend people. Number of continents visited: Six. Destination on my bucket list: The seventh, Antarctica. Most recent trip: To Germany to visit the Christmas markets. I have a home in a small town in Rhineland, north of Frankfurt.

Craziest travel story: My wife and I were flying to New Orleans and the flight attendant came over the loudspeaker and said, “Welcome to our flight to Minneapolis. Just kidding, we’re going to Tempe.” The funny thing was, we were still on the wrong plane.

Favorite app on my phone: FotMob, which gives European soccer results.

Best business advice ever received: All you have to do at work is be a little better than everyone else. Be a little friendlier to your boss. Be five minutes early, stay five minutes late.

Something everyone should try at least once: Riesling wine (not Chardonnay).

Proudest achievement while at Ritz-Carlton: I didn’t create hotels; I created a brand. I was very conscious of creating consistency, so you knew that you were in a Ritz no matter what city you were in. Leadership motto: Give people a purpose, not a job. Guilty pleasure: Ice cream and doughnuts. Last book I read: Martin Luther, by Eric Metaxas.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Pet peeve: Lateness. And people who talk loud on the plane.

My last meal would be: It would change every day. It could be Chinese one day and German or Italian the next. To say steak as your last meal is boring. New Year’s resolution: I’m always resolving to improve myself. To be a better husband, a better neighbor, etc. To improve myself as a human being. n

LAKEFRONT - Lake Blue Ridge

ACREAGE

711 Adra Road, Blue Ridge 5BR/4.5BA $1,950,000

352 Northwind Lane 56 acres in Ellijay – 6BR/6.5BA $1,700,000

ACREAGE

LAKEFRONT - Lake Blue Ridge

256 Cedar Valley Road 37.22 acres in Blue Ridge 5BR/5.5BA - $1,250,000

281 Star Drive Lake Blue Ridge, Morganton 5BR/4.5BA - $1,150,000

CREEK FRONT

RIVERFRONT

2581 Old Flat Branch Road 48.05 AC Harper Creek Ellijay 4BR/4.5BA $799,000

668 White Pine Trail Toccoa River frontage 4BR/3BA - $499,999

MOUNTAIN VIEW

ACREAGE

542 Apache Trail Ellijay/Chatsworth New Construction 5 BR/4.5BA - $475,000

MOUNTAIN VIEW

89 Foster Cove Blue Ridge- Rental Investment 4BR/4BA - $359,000

142 Mile High Drive 33.8 AC MCCAYSVILLE 5BR/3.5BA $625,000

Your Luxury Connection to the

Blue Ridge Mountains

Kim Knutzen cell: 770-402-1908

| office: 706-632-7211 kim.knutzen@harrynorman.com #1 Agent Blue Ridge Office #1 Agent in Total Units Companywide Luxury Marketing Specialist Senior Marketing Consultant Life Member - Million Dollar Club

GOLF BLUE RIDGE

Old Toccoa Farm – River & Golf Guard-Gated Communtity 3 Resale Lots $117,500 – $225,000

Harry Norman, REALTORS® Blue Ridge Office | 252 W. Main Street | Blue Ridge, GA 30513 The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice.

S I M P LY NOW PETS

HIT THE TRAIL We asked local adventurous cat owners where they take their kitties for a taste of the great outdoors, and they suggested checking out less-trafficked parts of the area parks below.

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA. The Chattahoochee has miles of hiking trails, including many located near Buckhead, but avoid areas popular with dog walkers. The Sope Creek Trail, where you can walk among the ruins of a Civil War-era paper mill, is a feline favorite. 8806 Roberts Drive Sandy Springs 30350 nps.gov/chat

Photo: Cody Wellons

LOST CORNER PRESERVE.

Bring Out the

Adventurer

in Your Cat

hen Sandy Springs resident Charlotte Simons takes her pet, McKinley, for a walk, her furry companion often catches the eyes of passersby. After all, it’s not every day you see someone walking a cat. And McKinley doesn’t just explore the neighborhood; he also joins Simons for hikes and tags along on camping trips. “Camping is McKinley’s absolute favorite,” says Simons. “This summer, I took him to Cloudland Canyon and he purred the entire time. Whenever I put his harness on, he immediately goes to the door and excitedly meows until we go outside. It boosts his morale for the day, and it gets a lot of his energy out.” Leash training is a growing trend among cat owners who want to provide their indoor kitties with physical activity and the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and scents of nature without letting them roam free.

Charlotte Simons' cat, McKinley, is one happy camper.

However, while some cats may enjoy exploring the world beyond the living room window, others may be content to simply watch the great outdoors from the comfort of the couch. And even cats that take to a harness and leash may never be interested in joining you on the trail. Plenty of leash-trained kitties keep their adventures to the backyard, where they may lounge in the sun-

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Located on 24 acres of woodlands, this Sandy Springs preserve features several walking trails surrounded by all sorts of native plants and trees. 7300 Brandon Mill Road N.W. Sandy Springs 30328 friendsoflostcorner.org

FROM LEASH TRAINING TO PET STROLLERS, DISCOVER SAFE WAYS TO GIVE YOUR INDOOR KITTY A TASTE OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS STORY:

Laura J. Moss

shine or nibble on grass. Think Fluffy is ready to join you outside? Talk to your veterinarian to ensure he’s healthy, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations and flea, tick and heartworm medications. Also, make sure Fluffy is equipped with a collar and tags before venturing outside. Next, find a snug-fitting harness that your cat can comfortably walk in. Never attach a leash to a cat’s collar, because if your cat pulls hard enough, the collar could slip off and the cat could run away. While some cats, especially kittens, may take to a harness easily, others will take time to get accustomed to it. Introduce the harness and leash slowly, being sure to provide plenty of yummy treats as positive reinforcement, and keep the training indoors until your cat is completely comfortable. When you’re ready to go outdoors, start somewhere quiet and close

to home, such as a backyard or an apartment balcony. It’s important to always carry your cat outside, too. Don’t let him walk out on his own, or he may be tempted to bolt out the door when he’s not leashed. Once outside, let your kitty explore as much or as little as he wants. Don’t force him to venture farther than he’s comfortable with, and if he gets spooked, bring him back inside. It may take some cats several outings to get used to being outdoors, but some may never enjoy being in such an unpredictable environment. Others may not favor being on a leash due to age, health or personality. If leash walking isn’t for your kitty, there are other ways to give him a safe taste of the great outdoors. Pet strollers are growing in popularity, as are outdoor enclosures known as catios that can be purchased pre-built or designed to fit the available outdoor space. n

HOM E | FA S H ION | B E AU T Y | W E L L N E S S | TA S T E M A K E R

SIMPLY STYLISH

HOME

An Homage to Historic Homes P28

Architect Richard Diedrich noticed that many of Brookhaven’s storied homes were disappearing.

The Storied Houses of Historic Brookhaven author Richard Diedrich in front of his own historic home. Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

HOM E

Photo: Richard Diedrich

S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

AN HOMAGE TO

HISTORIC HOMES A LOCAL ARCHITECT PENS A BOOK ON NOTABLE BROOKHAVEN RESIDENCES STORY:

Giannina Smith Bedford

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

urrounding the Capital City Club lies a bucolic community that blocks out the hustle and bustle of Peachtree Road. Historic Brookhaven is beloved by its residents and many outside its borders as well. After 33 years of living in the picturesque neighborhood, architect Richard Diedrich noticed that many of its storied homes were disappearing. New homeowners were drastically remodeling or demolishing them to make way for

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

new construction. And he wasn’t the only one worried. Diedrich and his neighbor, Mike Elliott, a Historic Brookhaven Neighborhood Association board member, began talking about creating a book to commemorate the community’s architecture. The association provided some seed money and invited owners of historic homes and sponsors to fund the project. The rest is, well, history. In June of last year, The Storied Houses of Historic Brookhaven was released.

“In the mid-1980s, there were right around 200 houses in the district that were historic, but when we got started there were about 150,” says Diedrich, who along with a career as an architect of recreation facilities has also penned three coffee table books about golf clubhouses. “A committee was formed, and they did a great job, as it turned out to be years of supporting developing the book.” The 146-page tome profiles 90 houses, in many cases discussing

8 Brookhaven Drive

Photo: Billy Howard

The only Mediterraneanstyle house among the historic homes belongs to the book’s author. It was originally designed by architect S.D. Trowbridge, who intentionally placed the study, living room and sun porch (now enclosed) on the eastern side to take advantage of the morning sun. The afternoon light hits the south side, including the sunroom, dining room, breakfast room and kitchen. The light and airy interior features large windows, and the exterior has stone walks that Diedrich discovered, along with a stone patio and fireplace, when he cleared the jungle-like growth from the expansive backyard.

s 4040 East Brookhaven Drive

Photo: Billy Howard

This brick and stone abode was designed by Preston Stevens Sr., whose firm also designed the Capital City Club’s clubhouse. Completed the same year as the clubhouse, the home was built in 1928 for LeRoy W. Rogers, who founded Rogers Grocery Store in 1892 on Whitehall Street. It was originally painted and named White Chimneys, but the exterior was later sandblasted to reveal the original brick. An extension was added to the northwest side, including a smoking porch overlooking the golf course and a guesthouse and garage that are connected by a porte cochere.

the life and architecture of each dwelling. The pages are adorned with exterior photographs, and some feature a watercolor of the entryway, painted by Diedrich. “I didn’t want the book to just be turn the page, and there is the front of the house,” he says, noting that while many of the historic homes were modest in size, they featured architecturally interesting entryways.

Diedrich selected the specific geographic area and homes, all built before 1942, using criteria developed when the Brookhaven Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the mid-1980s. He also added his own stipulation that the residences couldn’t have been remodeled beyond recognition. In 2013, Diedrich

began walking the streets with a friend to take photographs of the houses, including his own, which was built in 1925. His research led him to interview some of the domiciles’ longtime residents, who shared fond memories—also recounted in the book—of growing up in the scenic community. Here is a peek into some of the celebrated abodes that grace the book’s pages. n

1050 East Club Lane

An intriguing facade of Georgian fieldstone sets apart this home, designed by architect A.F.N. Everett. Although it’s undergone remodeling, it’s hard to distinguish it, largely because it included the use of the original roof tiles and stone that the owner saved when he had a wall removed, opening a rear courtyard. Today, an impressive garden features a pond, paths and charming garden house. Other changes include an addition/remodeling of the main house with a roof added over the terrace.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

HOM E

Photo: Richard Diedrich

S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

s 3855 Club Drive

From the front, it’s difficult to tell that this elegant Classic Revival house was cut in half with a chainsaw, the front preserved and the rear demolished. Its former owners loved the home’s style and location, but found the interior lacking. They also transformed the home’s hardscape. The front features an arrival circle, and the back boasts a loggia and terraces that create a space for indoor-outdoor entertaining.

945 Stovall Boulevard

Photo: James K Lee

When former owners Steven and Deborah Proctor purchased this home in the mid-80s, the neighborhood was mainly dominated by the aging second generation of owners of the historic houses. Regardless, the young couple decided to make it their home. They restored the deteriorated wood elements and added interior trim. One of the detailed memories of the renovation that the Proctors recall is refinishing the 2.5-inchthick paneled front door with seven coats of varnish.

THE STORIED HOUSES OF HISTORIC BROOKHAVEN is available for purchase at Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts, the Swan Coach House gift shop, Marguerite’s on Dresden and Brookhaven Home.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

I want

to be a

STAR - Khalia, age 4

Happy New Year! Our resolution for 2018 is a big one: help more children grow up to realize their dreams. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing it by providing assistance to children with cancer and their families and by funding the breakthrough research that will, one day, end cancer forever.

Donate today or learn more at CUREChildhoodCancer.org.

S I M P LY S T Y LISH

IT’S IN THE

FA S HION

BAG

TOYIN AJAYI’S SUSTAINABLE HANDBAGS ARE ANYTHING BUT GRANOLA STORY:

Daryn Kagan

With her line of eco-friendly bags, Toyin Ajayi is proving fashion can still be “fun and edgy.”

un, bright, edgy, fashionable and eco-friendly: Sandy Springs designer Toyin Ajayi believes these are not mutually exclusive terms. You can tie them all together with her new line of Ife Medow handbags. The 32-year-old has a background as unique as her bags. “I was born in London and came to Atlanta when I was 9,” says Ajayi, whose father was from Nigeria and whose mother was from Ghana. Her journey included five elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools, including Norcross High, where she ultimately graduated. In 2007, she started a blog titled YourLifeAfter25.com, where she covers everything from food and fitness to business and beauty. With her newest project, the entrepreneur is showing there is indeed life after 25. She’s revived a passion she’s had since she was a teenager: design. More specifically, handbags. She says she wanted to create something that makes people feel good about themselves. “Handbags do that,” says Ajayi. “You always feel good

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

when you get a new piece that helps you express yourself.” This new venture would be stitched together from everything that makes Ajayi special, beginning with the company’s name, Ife Medow. “‘Ife’ comes from the Yoruba, a Nigerian language. It means, ‘love,’” she explains. “‘Medow’ is the phonetic spelling of ‘my love’ in Fanti, a language spoken in Ghana.” Tying two loves together is exactly what Ajayi is doing with Ife Medow, as all of its items are made from materials that don’t readily appear to go together, such as cork and salmon leather. Yes, salmon leather. “It’s skin that would’ve been thrown away,” she explains. “Now we’re putting it to good use.” Ajayi believes you don’t have to choose between fashion and caring about the world. “Sustainable can be fun and edgy, and still make you feel like the fashionista that you are. You can still know that you’re doing your part to help the environment.” Never mind that Ajayi didn’t know much about the design business when she

started. “I did an online coaching accelerator program called Factory 45 that helps designers who want to use sustainable products,” she acknowledges. It helped her bring her colorful, funky handbags to life, showing the world that sustainable doesn’t have to mean neutral granola. When it came time to finance her new company, again, Ajayi found herself sewing it together. She set up a Kickstarter campaign and raised $10,000 in 30 days. Ife Medow’s products range from keychains for $28 to large duffle bags for $549. As the company gets off the ground, Ajayi has decided that all items will be made to order in North Carolina. She’s been advised that it would be cheaper to make her handbags overseas, but Ajayi insists she wants to do her part and help keep jobs here at home. “It’s my way of giving back,” she says. Handbags are just the first piece of the brand Ajayi plans to build. Diaper bags, briefcases, backpacks and IFE MEDOW shoes are other items she’d love 404.207.4163 to do. There’s no telling how big ifemedow.com the Ajayi tapestry will grow. n

PEACHTREE DUNWOODY

Medical Associates

Call 404-497-1020 for an appointment.

Welcome Dr. Michael Crowe! Peachtree Dunwoody Medical Associates is proud to welcome Dr. Michael Crowe, a board-certified gynecologist with over three decades of experience practicing in the Atlanta area. Dr. Crowe offers comprehensive gynecologic care to women of all ages, serving with the same excellent, compassionate care you are accustomed to from Peachtree Dunwoody Medical Associates. Dr. Crowe is welcoming new patients, accepts most insurance plans, and offers a convenient location near the Northside Hospital Atlanta campus.

Michael Crowe, MD Gynecology

875 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30342 PeachtreeDunwoodyMed.com

Northside Cardiology & C.P.N.A.

Northside

Heart

Partnering For Your Care

. Cardiovascular screening . Cardiac Ultr asound . Stress Testing

NorthsideHeart.com (404) 256-2525 or (770) 343-8565

. Cholesterol & Hypertension Management . Arrhythmia Evaluation & Treatment . Cardiac Cath/Coronary Stent

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

S I M P LY S T Y LISH

BE AUTY

START FRESH WITH CHEMICAL-FREE PRODUCTS IN 2018

Clean Up Your

Beauty

Act

STORY:

Karina Antenucci

new year offers a blank slate, an opportunity to start over and make better choices. As you’re planning a new fitness routine and stocking the pantry with healthful food choices, take a peek inside that beauty cabinet, too. It’s the perfect time to ditch the biggest chemical offenders and detoxify your beauty essentials. For those who are unsure where to start, we turned to Kathryn Murray Dickinson, the founder of Aillea, a clean beauty boutique that recently opened its first Atlanta location in Buckhead. After having a hard time finding truly natural products, given all the “greenwashing” and false advertising in the beauty industry, the former beauty-brand executive set out to create a different experience. Her shop offers more than 48 brands that are 100 percent safe from toxic chemicals and not tested on animals. The products also live up to the luxury beauty standards of pretty packaging and quality scent and feel. Where should people start their efforts to clean up their beauty products? Start with your high-frequency items and anything that’s covering big surface areas on your body. Products such as shampoos typically need replacing every three or four months anyway, so that’s an easy jump. Next,

The shelves of Aillea, founded by Kathryn Murray Dickinson (left), are stocked with everything from clean face oils to shampoo.

focus on what goes on your body surface. It takes less than 30 seconds for something to absorb into your bloodstream. Think of a nicotine patch; it goes straight into your blood, just like a body lotion or face cream. Third, switch up your lipsticks since we ingest those. Another easy one is nail polish. I like to keep nontoxic polishes in a little bag in my car and bring them with me to the nail salon. How often should you throw out beauty products? Mascaras should be replaced every three months and liquid and gel liners at six months. Most [other beauty products] have a one- to two-year shelf life.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Are there certain ingredients to avoid above all? If the word “fragrance” appears on the ingredient list or label, it’s likely not a clean brand, unless it comes from essential oils. There can be a zillion chemicals within a fragrance. We use the European Union standards, and then some. The E.U. has more than 1,300 banned ingredients, but the big ones to avoid are sulfates, phthalates, fragrance, parabens, propylene glycol, PEG [polyethylene glycol], petrochemicals and synthetic sunscreens such as oxybenzone or octinoxate. In general, do natural beauty brands list their ingredients more thoroughly than non-natural brands? Yes, it’s the ethos and mentality of clean beauty to be transparent. If you have to dig to find out what’s in a product, there’s stuff in there that the company [doesn’t] want you seeing.

For example, I know of a retailer that doesn’t list ingredients and says its products are “homemade,” but they’re really made in a factory and contain parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance and things that are bad for you. How can someone vet a product on his or her own? Think Dirty and EWG’S Healthy Living apps are great resources. They allow you to look up brands and products to see what ingredients they have and the health impacts of those ingredients. You can even use them in the store and scan the bar codes to check out the products. n AILLEA 3796 Roswell Road N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.427.3992 aillea.com

A Place Where You Belong

Spend the day or evening on the Town! Discover over 50 shops, services and restaurants. Town Brookhaven is truly your one stop shopping and dining destination with a blend of interesting boutiques, delicious restaurants and useful services. ANCHORS CinéBistro/Cobb Theatre • Costco • LA Fitness • Marshalls • Publix

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES Boogaloos • Dress Up Boutique • Vestique

SHOES Big Peach Running Co.

HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon • Benchmark Physical Therapy Brookhaven Orthodontics • European Wax Center GNC (General Nutrition Center) • Intown Pediatrics The Joint - The Chiropractic Place Julian’s Cosmetics and Skincare • Massage Heights Nail Talk & Tan • Saks Salon Salon Red • Salon Red Kids • Town Dentistry Vein Clinics of America • Vida-Flo: The Hydration Station

DINING Amore Cucina & Bar - Coming Soon • Bua Thai and Sushi The Flying Biscuit Café • HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern Jefe’s Tacos & Tequila • Lucky’s Burger & Brew Marble Slab Creamery • Moe’s Southwest Grill • Newk’s Express Café Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub • Tanaka Ramen - Winter 2018 There Restaurant and Bar • Tin Can Oyster Bar Tropical Smoothie Café • Which Wich? • Yogurtland

HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR MODA Floors & Interiors • Redefined Home Boutique Sugarboo & Co.

SERVICES Bank of the Ozarks • Brookhaven Alterations Brookhaven Animal Hospital • FBC Mortgage • Keller Williams Reflections Eyecare • Scottrade • Town Cleaners • U Break I Fix

ELECTRONICS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT AT&T

www.townbrookhaven.net

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to Host its 28th Annual Torch Gala, February 3, 2018 On February 3, 2018, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Georgia Chapter, will host its 28th Annual Torch Gala at the InterContinental Hotel, Buckhead. The event will last from 7 p.m. to midnight, and proceeds go toward funding critical research studies to better diagnose, and ultimately cure, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The gala evening includes a seated dinner, live music and dancing, live and silent auctions and a raffle. For information about the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Torch Gala, visit www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/torchgala2018, or call Shannon Primm at 404-982-0616. Gala Honorees: Gina and Sam Shapiro, Citizens of the Year (pictured, far right) Barbara Mays, Volunteer of the Year (pictured, center) Steven Morris, M.D., Premier Physician of the Year (pictured, left of center) Gala Chairperson: Roberta Sirzyk (pictured, second from left), Board of Trustees President: Michael Weinberg (pictured, far left) About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who suffer from these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research, providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public and offering supportive services for those affected by IBD. For more information visit www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/ga, call 404-982-0616, or email georgia@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.

Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Photo: Don Riddle

S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

WE LLN E S S

GOOD-FOR-YOU

GETAWAYS T

urkey, cookies, latkes, Champagne—these are just a few of our favorite things that have likely left us droopy, bloated and dreading the upcoming bathing suit season. To help give those postholiday hangovers the heave-ho, we’ve rounded up four destinations that offer a wellness reboot. Read on to figure out which is a fit for you.

1. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort Miami Beach, Florida If fitness classes are your thing, here’s a resort that offers 40-plus sessions daily, with options including Buff Booty Ballet and qigong on the beach. For solo workouts, hit the gym, which overlooks the ocean, or the two-story rock climbing wall. Then grab a post-workout sip from the juice bar. Those looking for a little R&R can indulge in treatments and energy-healing selections such as Mind Body Soul Reconnection and feng shui in the 70,000-squarefoot spa. And don’t forget to try the Thermal Experience that features a

series of water-based circuits ranging from the revitalizing Crystal Steam Room and Herbal Laconium to the only therapeutic igloo in Miami.

2. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Scottsdale, Arizona Get ready to reset with the Fairmont Scottsdale’s “Live It Well” programs, which use wellness coaches to create a customized blueprint to address your fitness, nutrition and pampering needs. Try out classes including aerial hammock yoga and the SurfSet Circuit that incorporates an actual surfboard. Get the skinny on your body composition with a BodPod assessment, or enjoy one of the 44,000-square-foot spa’s many treatments and therapies, such as the Himalayan salt stone massage and singing bowl sound therapy.

3. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole Teton Village, Wyoming Find your way back to wellness with winter sports at this prime spot,

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

4 DESTINATIONS FOR FIT AND WELL VACATIONS STORY: Amelia Pavlik located steps from the gondola and chairlifts of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort that features 5,000 acres of skiable terrain. This year, skiers and snowboarders can partake in the Winter Bowls experience that pairs you with one of the resort’s athletes as a guide to explore its eight snow-covered bowls. (In the warmer months, there’s no shortage of activities, either, as the property’s Base Camp—a full-service, outdooradventure concierge—will get you set up to do everything from mountain biking to paddleboarding.) End your day with a revitalizing treatment, such as the Grand Teton Sports Recovery, at the resort’s award-winning spa.

4. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club Hamilton, Bermuda Fans of the Exhale spa in Midtown, get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds at this pretty island property, better known as the Pink Palace. In 2016, Exhale opened a lavish spa and fitness center at the Bermuda resort overlooking Hamilton’s bustling harbor.

Guests can enjoy the signature fitness classes Exhale is known for, including Core Fusion, yoga and barre. Or they can request the sailor-inspired workout created to celebrate the America’s Cup races in Bermuda in 2017. The one-hour class takes place at the beach club and mimics exercises mariners do to stay in peak shape— a mix of high-intensity interval training and Exhale’s Core Fusion class. When you’re ready to relax, head to Exhale to enjoy one of the many spa treatments, from massages and body scrubs to manicures and facials. n

DETAILS: Carillon Miami Wellness Resort carillonhotel.com Fairmont Scottsdale Princess scottsdaleprincess.com Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole fourseasons.com/jacksonhole Hamilton Princess & Beach Club thehamiltonprincess.com

S I M P LY S T Y LISH

TA S TE M A KER

Creating Lasting First Impressions

Buckhead resident Allison Vaccaro transforms home exteriors without swinging a hammer STORY:

Karon Warren

ack in November, Allison Vaccaro and her sister, Cassie McDowell, launched Brick & Batten, their Atlanta-based virtual home exterior design business. That’s right: home exterior. They help clients choose external paint and trim colors, lighting fixtures and home accents such as planters, shutters and hardware that not only improve the look of their clients’ residences, but also their value. Homeowners send in a photo of the exterior of their houses and Brick & Batten creates a virtual rendering of the suggested finishes so clients can see how it all looks before buying the necessary products and completing the work. Vaccaro and her sister got hooked on the home makeover process from a young age, when they would accompany their father as he checked on his own fixer-upper properties. “Every weekend my dad would take us in and out of these properties, explaining why this one was worth a ton of money, but people couldn’t tell because of this, that and the other problems,” says Vaccaro. Here, she gives us a little more insight into home exterior design. Why is curb appeal so important? A lot of people look at their house and think, “I’ve got to redo the kitchen.” And the truth is, a kitchen can return anywhere from 40 to 90 percent of the investment, which is great. However, the exterior—the curb appeal—can return 141 percent. In fact, 91 percent of buyers go online to search for homes. If they don’t like the exterior, they’re never even going inside. So if you’re getting ready to sell your house, this is a great thing. Or if you’re going to stay there forever, this is a great idea. You’re never

BEFORE Simple changes such as paint, a new door or light fixtures can make a big difference in a home’s exterior appearance, one Allison Vaccaro says delivers owners a large ROI in their home’s value.

AFTER

going to lose money, and you can do it in steps. A lot of it you can do yourself. Most of what we’re pitching, aside from needing to hire a painter, is not big, expensive things. You can get a handyman to come and change out your lights. What trends are you seeing in exterior design? I’m seeing a ton of people painting brick, but the other thing we’re seeing is painting the dark inlays on the windows. It makes me nervous. I’m wondering if in five years we’re going to look back

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

and say, “I know exactly when that house was painted.” We’ll do it if I know the client wants it, but I like to stick to stuff I know in 20 years is still going to be stunning. What type of classic, timeless changes can homeowners make? Stick with neutral grays and whites, and then do a trim color. If you want something more individualistic, we [might suggest] a painted door or cool planters, things you aren’t committed to. Painting your house, that’s a 10-year minimum commitment, maybe 15 or 20. For

that, I advise people to not get wild, to stay pretty conservative. Where do you find design inspiration for your projects? I love going out and looking at [homes] myself. I’m also a huge fan of Houzz.com [a home remodeling and design website]. I have a lot of friends who are decorators, so I check in with them; we show each other ideas. And BRICK & BATTEN I’m always online looking. There are brickandbatten.com so many ideas. n

ON S TAG E | A RT V I E W | L I T E R A RY

SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

—

DJ Greg Picciano has spun tunes all over Atlanta, including Buckhead’s go-to spot, Johnny’s Hideaway.

ON STAGE Hey, Mister DJ P40

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

“Everyone wants the music customized in a different way.” –Greg Picciano January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY A & E

ON S TAGE

O N S TAG E

Hey,

Mister

Greg Picciano turned a radio career into a stint behind the turntables

here was no midcareer epiphany, no sudden realization that he was in the wrong profession, for Greg Picciano. For as long as he’s known, he’s always been interested in the music industry and has spent the past 40-plus years in the field, including a steady gig at Buckhead’s popular Johnny’s Hideaway nightclub. Growing up in Cincinnati, he was part of a musical family. Both parents were Catholic church organists and directors. Picciano was interested in AM radio, and in high school, he had a reel-to-reel machine on which he laid voice down on tape as a disc jockey. While at Xavier University, where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in communications arts, he began working at News Radio 700WLW. He started as an intern and after a year, joined the staff full-time. “It was the number one station in Cincinnati, the voice of the Reds and the Bengals, and I got my feet wet there,” he recalls. “I did an overnight show for a

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

while and was the music director. I was the utility person for the station.” Picciano stayed there until 1981. Looking for a bigger market, he came to Atlanta that year to work for WSB AM 750, where he spent his early years as a music director and then segued into becoming a disc jockey with his own midday show. He left in 1987 and has been all over Atlanta radio since: Star 94.1 and Talk Radio 640 WGST, where he did traffic reporting; Kicks 101.5 and Atlanta’s Greatest Hits 106.7 FM, as the morning and afternoon traffic guy; and News Radio 106.7, where he ended his radio career last year as the station’s afternoon drive-time traffic reporter. These days, he’s content being an independent mobile DJ, traveling all over the city and state to play music for events such as weddings, class reunions and corporate events. He has also worked at Johnny’s Hideaway for the last four years as a DJ, mostly on Thursday and Friday nights. Many patrons come specifically to

STORY:

Jim Farmer

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

hear his music arrangements. “Johnny’s Hideaway has been around since 1979 and attracts a wide array of people. It’s been a great experience,” acknowledges Picciano. He compares it to Sardi’s restaurant in New York City. Typically, the early happy-hour show attracts an older crowd with a penchant for shag music, while the latter show features more high-energy beats. Picciano typically handles the earlier shift. In his spare time, Picciano sings with the symphonic chorus The Michael O’Neal Singers and loves movies and traveling. He also values time with his large family, which includes five children and six grandchildren. Picciano says his job is never boring. Finding the right kind of music for each occasion is fun, but weddings can be challenging. “They are like snowflakes, no two are alike,” he says. GREG PICCIANO “Everyone wants the music customized in gregsevents.com a different way.” n

STYLE & LUXURY, PERIOD. FRIDAY & SUNDAY DISCOUNTS

404.814.4090 PrivateEvents@AtlantaHistoryCenter.com atlantahistorycenter.com

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

S I M P LY A & E A RT V I E W

A Buckhead jewelry designer opens her homebased studio to customers looking for something special STORY:

H.M. Cauley

Beads, Bangles and Baubles “D

o you have Whitney’s number?” That question often turns people who admire jewelry artist Whitney Rooker’s work into loyal customers. The answer is a requirement for anyone who wants to purchase a necklace, pair of earrings or set of stackable wrist cuffs encrusted with diamonds from the Buckhead-based designer. Unlike typical jewelry artisans, Rooker makes her designs available to buyers whom she welcomes into her home studio. It’s an unusual business model, but one that has worked for Rooker for the last 11 years. At the start of her career, Rooker sold her pieces at a few select stores, but after building a following, she opted for dealing face-to-face with her clients. “I wanted my customers to come directly to me,” says Rooker. “I built a garage studio in the back of my

house, and anyone is welcome to come by. I’m always getting girls calling me to say, ‘Are you home? Can I come by?’ My studio here is always open.” This approach has afforded Rooker the flexibility to be home with her three children (now teens) and to keep working as a flight attendant for Delta, a job she’s held for 24 years. It’s also strengthened the link between artist and client. “I really missed the personal side of knowing everyone, and I just didn’t want to get big into retail,” she says. “I had the opportunity to be in Saks, but I also don’t want to mass produce anything. My studio is my showplace. It’s only about 900 square feet, but it’s fully inventoried.” Most of Rooker’s designs are standouts owners won’t see on everyone else in town. Her longest clients recall

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

that she started with unique bead bracelets made in honor of a cousin who died fighting in Afghanistan, and “Whitney beads” were soon her trademark. “I’ll be on a plane, and someone will recognize me and my beads from Instagram,” she says. “A lot of those girls who bought my beads, well, I’m now doing their engagement rings,” says Rooker with a laugh. “But that’s how I started, with little bracelets, crosses, stars of David. After 9/11, I made black bead pins.” From beads, Rooker expanded into vintage and precious stones worked into bracelets, necklaces and earrings. She comes up with the vision and works with a jeweler to assemble the precious stones and metals into pieces that sell from $220 to $10,000. “One of the most popular things I do is a gold cuff in 14- and 18-carat with diamonds,” she

says. “They’re stackable and can be engraved inside, and I’ve done them in three finishes, as well as a skinny one that’s easy to wear and stack.” Rooker also uses her imagination to come up with one-of-a-kind engagement rings and wedding bands. Just where the ideas come from is anyone’s guess, she says. “I wake up at 3 in the morning with something in mind. I also love old jewelry, and that inspires me. I flip through magazines. I have teenage girls who are always suggesting I do this or that. People tell me my work keeps evolving, but to me, it all flows together. It’s still about making connections with people.” n To make an appointment to see Whitney Rooker’s latest creations, give her a call or text at 404.229.4073. Or check out her website at whitneybeads.com.

For reservations please call 404.844.4810

S I M P LY A & E LI T E R ARY

TOUGH LOVE Lessons learned at home inspire a local lawyer’s first novel

rowing up with a single mom who was a busy criminal defense attorney didn’t endear Sandy Springs’ Jason Sheffield to the law. “For instance, as an 8-year-old, I was taught to answer the phone, ‘Sheffield residence. This is Jason speaking. How can I help you?’” he recalls. “I knew her clients were calling from federal prison in the middle of the night. It made me abhor the idea of becoming a lawyer.” Instead, after graduating from Clemson University, Sheffield spent five years as an EMT, weighing whether to take on medical school. In 1997, he decided to pursue acting and writing, and followed that path for four years until reality set in. “I was acting full-time but living on very little money,” he says. “I was married and not making it. Then my mother suggested law school, and at the time, I thought it would be helpful in the film business.” At 29, Sheffield found himself at Georgia State’s law school, taking trial classes, where his writing and acting abilities turned out to be an asset. “I suddenly saw that law was something I could do,” he says, “and when the choice came down to boring

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

civil work or exciting criminal trials, well, it was in my blood. I swore I’d never do criminal defense, but here I am.” “Here” is the Decatur firm of Peters, Rubin & Sheffield, where Sheffield is following in the footsteps of his mother, Linda, and focusing on criminal defense and appellate work. But he’s never given up writing for pleasure. “I love to tell stories, and I promised myself I’d never lose that passion,” says Sheffield. “When I was a kid, I had some solid opinions about how topsy-turvy my life with my mom was, and I always thought I’d write a book about the craziness one day.” But Sheffield found a bigger story about the law and a mother and a son that he turned into Son of a Bitch, his first novel, which debuted a few months ago. Much of the drama comes from his real-life experiences projected onto a parent and child who are both lawyers and forced to deal with all sorts of personal and professional challenges. “In the end, it’s a story of acceptance, forgiveness and love that I hope inspires people to work through their differences,” he says.

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

Sheffield also hopes the title, which is far from derogatory, engenders some conversation, too. “In law school, I got an enormous perspective on my mom and her career— what it was like for her to break the glass ceiling in 1980 and become a criminal defense lawyer,” says Sheffield. “My hope is the title creates an opportunity to talk about that word and how it’s used for a woman who is driven, intelligent and powerful. If she’s got the gumption to succeed, and that makes her a bitch, then I want to be a bitch, too.” The book has also made Sheffield reevaluate parenting strategies with his 8and 10-year-old kids, who, for starters, don’t have to answer the phone with a script. It’s also provided another chance to acknowledge that mom knew best. “She has been right so many times about major life decisions that we just laugh about it now,” he says. “I give her the full honor and privilege by saying, ‘Yes, you were so right!’” n SON OF A BITCH is available at jasonbsheffield.com and amazon.com. The author will sign copies Jan. 28 at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs and Feb. 8 at Heritage Sandy Springs.

COV ER S TORY

PACK r u o Y BAGS! PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

AN ATLANTA TRAVELER’S GUIDE ON WHAT TO TAKE, WHERE TO GO AND MORE They say travel is good for the soul. It challenges, fascinates, revives and inspires us. But when you have the whole wide world to choose from, how do you pick a destination? And what do you take with you on your journey? Here, we answer these and other pressing questions. We also take a look at some memorable trips that are proof positive of the transformative nature of exploring someplace new and meaningful. As writer Henry Miller once said, a destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

COV E R S TO RY

A hot air balloon ride provides a panoramic view of Myanmar’s ancient pagodas.

Where to Go and What to Do THIS YEAR’S TOP TRAVEL TRENDS AND DESTINATIONS STORY: Jan

Schroder

“I

haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list,” the writer Susan Sontag once said. While it’s wonderful to have a heightened sense of wanderlust, how do you narrow the vast planet down when planning your next trip? Do you want to take a slow train through Ireland, visit kangaroos in Australia or catch the northern lights in Scandinavia? Jessica Battista, a trip advisor with Brownell Travel in Buckhead, shared her picks for the hottest destinations of 2018 and why we want to go there, as well as this year’s top travel trends.

MONGOLIA

Travel to Portugal is also picking up. “Lots of people have been to Spain and love the warm Mediterranean climate, food and wine. Portugal has those things plus a lot of great cities, coastline and the Douro wine region,” says Battista. “It’s also reasonably affordable.” Another reason to book a trip there? Delta is starting seasonal daily nonstop flights to Lisbon from Atlanta in May.

This destination is ideal for people who have been everywhere and are looking for something unique. “In Mongolia, you’re going to experience something vastly different than your own life,” says Battista. “You stay in yurts on awe-inspiring landscapes, view diverse natural beauty that ranges from mountains to an alpine lake, ride camels and interact with nomadic tribes.” Wildlife sightings can include eagles, mountain sheep, ibex, yaks and reindeer.

MYANMAR Travel planner Jessica Battista on one of her own trips.

ICELAND AND NORWAY Iceland continues to be a hot spot, although its popularity means hotels can be scarce and expensive. So people are heading to other Nordic countries. “Norway is on the radar for a lot of people, maybe because of [the Disney movie] Frozen,” says Battista. “You can see the lovely capital city of Oslo, the northern lights and the fjords, and interact with the Sami, the indigenous people who herd reindeer.”

PORTUGAL

IRELAND AND SCOTLAND Travel to Europe is still strong despite what’s going on globally, according to Battista. People are focused on Ireland and Scotland, which they perceive as relatively safe. Many of her clients are taking the new Belmond Grand Hibernian luxury train on various itineraries across Ireland and combining it with a golf trip to one of Scotland’s famous golf courses.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Despite the ethnic conflicts in Myanmar (formerly Burma), it’s slowly opening up to tourism, and Battista recommends it. “It’s like Thailand was 25 years ago,” she claims. “It’s an interesting mix of old and new, and is changing so rapidly. It used to be a cellphone was $3,000, and now every monk there has one. It’s fascinating to see how fast a culture changes when the doors to the West are flung open, and many people want to see it before it changes too much.” It’s similar to the curiosity people have about Cuba, a market that has cooled off a bit recently.

CANADA Travel to Canada, particularly to Montreal, Quebec City and Vancouver, is popular as travelers can stay close to home, and the Canadian dollar isn’t too strong against ours at the moment. “You can get European flair without crossing the pond,” says Battista. “Atlantans particularly love to go in the summer to escape the sweltering heat.”

JAPAN With the 2020 Olympics headed to Tokyo, interest in Japan has picked

Spots in Norway such as the Lofoten Islands are popular destinations for those seeking to catch the northern lights.

Mount Fuji in Japan is popular yearround, but particularly during cherry blossom season in the spring.

Porto, Portugal, is an ideal destination for wine lovers.

up. “Travelers like the mix of the past and the present in this stunningly beautiful country: the hustle and bustle of Tokyo compared to Kyoto’s Gion District or the quiet serenity of Takayama and the Japanese Alps,” says Battista. Other draws include the cherry blossoms in the spring, maple and ginkgo trees in the fall, local artisans producing goods in the traditional manner and world-class skiing.

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND Australia and New Zealand are at the top of many a bucket list. Battista suggests taking at least two weeks in each as they have so much to offer, and each is so distinct. “Australia has the diversity of landscapes, the rainforest and Kangaroo Island,” she says, adding that it’s an ideal place for younger kids to interact with animals while being “less arduous than an African safari.” New Zealand has the Maori culture, award-winning wine and seafood, glaciers and great restaurants. “It’s a fantastic destination for any outdoor activities and a popular place for photographers.”

BERMUDA Just a two-hour flight from Atlanta, Bermuda is a top recommendation from Battista. “Bermuda was super popular in the ’80s, but then it fell off the radar and was stuck in a time warp,” she says. “But the America’s Cup there in 2017 put it back on the

map. The beaches are beautiful, the weather is great year-round, the food is wonderful and the people are so friendly.” She recommends staying at The Loren at Pink Beach, the first new property on the island in decades, and the Hamilton Princess that recently completed a $100 million renovation. Among the places Battista recommends that Atlantans can drive to are the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina; Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee; The Henderson in Destin, Florida; The Dewberry in Charleston, South Carolina; and the Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. Battista has strong feelings about where she’d like to see people travel this year. “I would encourage people to go and support the Caribbean. Tourism is the main way of life, and if we cancel trips and stay away because of damage in some areas from the hurricanes, it only negatively impacts them more and takes money away from people who need it. A travel advisor can tell you which resorts there are in good shape.” She expands that advice for any area than has suffered from a natural disaster. “The same is true for Napa and Sonoma,” she says. “Both are huge areas, and there are plenty of places to go that weren’t affected by fire.” n

2018’S TOP 5 TRAVEL TRENDS While some trends, such as girlfriend getaways and milestone celebration trips, show no signs of waning, Battista sees these five trends taking the forefront this year.

1. “Skip gen” trips Grandparents taking their grandchildren on a vacation while leaving the parents at home has become popular, especially for extended trips. Mom and Dad don’t always have the time to get away for a long period, and the grandparents just want some one-on-one time with the grandkids. “One of my clients takes each grandchild on a special trip when they turn 11,” says Battista. Popular destinations for longer trips include Africa, Australia and the Galapagos Islands.

2. Voluntourism Giving back to the community as one component of a trip is still in fashion. “People who love to travel and want to stay connected on a global scale want to do more to help than just write a check,” says Battista. “The whole trip isn’t designed around volunteering, but they want to volunteer for some portion of it. They want that human connection and feel-good element during their travels.”

3. Learning a skill on vacation “Experiential travel was the thing for many years as people want to see how locals live,” says Battista. Some of her clients want to take that desire a step further. “I had a client who wanted to learn a new skill during the few days he had to himself during a business trip to Asia,” she says. “We paired him with a local craftsman, and he learned to make a lacquerware bowl. He made a deeper connection with area people, and now he has a souvenir with real meaning.”

4. Mental health retreats While wellness retreats have been a thing for quite some time, Battista says trips that aren’t just for physical fitness and healthy eating are taking center stage. “People are traveling to get over a loss or deal with a major change in their lives and are looking to quiet the noise,” she says. “They want to disconnect and have a mental health break.”

5. Non-traditional honeymoons Many couples are opting for something more challenging than just laying on the beach. Instead, they’re choosing places and activities that take them out of their comfort zone. Spots such as Japan and Patagonia are top choices.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

BUCKET LIST TRIPS

FOUR LOCALS REVEAL THEIR DREAM JOURNEYS

Left: This ornate Buddhist prayer wheel is tucked away in the Bhutanese countryside. Right: Tiger’s Nest, a temple perched precariously on a cliff outside Paro, is perhaps Bhutan’s most famous site. Below: The writer chats with his guide in the Punakha Valley.

A Hike in the Himalayas BHUTAN OFFERS A MYSTICAL COMBINATION OF NATURE, BUDDHISM AND ANCIENT SPLENDOR

estled in the Himalayas between India and China, Bhutan is an isolated, landlocked monarchy that’s home to soaring mountains, hidden monasteries and a handsome young king and queen. Change has been slow to come to this magical kingdom, where materialism seems like a foreign concept and success is measured as Gross National Happiness (not Product). International visitors were not even allowed in until 1974, and travel there can still be difficult: The government requires visitors to have a visa and a tour guide, and charges a daily fee to maintain the environment and infrastructure. Until my best friend told me e dreamed of traveling to this exotic South Asian destination and invited me along, I wasn’t even sure where to find Bhutan on a map. (“Isn’t that some oil-rich place in the Middle East?” I asked myself ignorantly.) But I hastily agreed without fully understanding what a spiritually

satisfying experience it would be. Ultimately, we were rewarded by the innate kindness of the Bhutanese people, the magnificence of the snowcapped Himalayas and the world-class creature comforts of Amankora, a luxurious, all-inclusive property that offers an extraordinary experience from the second you arrive until you bid adieu. Before we’d even reached our destination, though, we’d had an exhilarating adventure: overnighting in Delhi, flying over Mount Everest and surviving a jaunty, breathtaking landing at Paro Airport, which literally only a handful of pilots are qualified to make given the nerve-wracking descent. Over the course of eight days, we journeyed from Paro to the capital of Thimphu to the secluded Punakha Valley and back again, reminted by those otherworldly Himalayas, the amazingly clean air and the starry nighttime skies. On the first night, as we arrived at our stucco lodge in Thimphu, we were told to hurry

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

STORY: Wendell

to the courtyard, where we were given blankets and Pimm’s Cups and treated to a revue of traditional song and dance. While we had dinner, the staff built a fire in our room’s woodburning heater, filled the bathtub with water to keep the air from drying out and left us welcome gifts. Before setting off for our next stop, we were blessed by a monk. In Punakha, we walked across a narrow, swinging bridge and were ferried uphill by golf cart to our digs, an old farmhouse compound that sits in splendid isolation, the perfect spot for hiking to nearby temples through golden rice paddies or taking a lesson in dumpling-making with the hotel chef. Before the end of our sojourn, we enjoyed blissful massages and peeked into temples where monks hummed mysterious chants and beat drums. We sat on the floor of a private farmhouse and had a delicious home-cooked meal served by a shy Bhutanese housewife, who offered us

Brock

multiple shots of strong grain alcohol. On our last full day, we trekked with our tour guide to Tiger’s Nest, a Buddhist complex perched dramatically at the edge of a cliff 10,000 feet about sea level. It’s a two-hour hike, and while you can take a donkey or horse part of the way, I was determined to go on my own two hooves. My guide told me to take my time, stop often and breathe deeply. True to the spirit of Bhutan, the climb had an almost hallucinogenic quality: verdant evergreens, gushing rivers and many, many prayer flags dancing in the breeze. Before Bhutan, I never gave much thought to hiking the Himalayas. But given the chance to return, I’d gladly repeat every huff and puff. n

IF YOU GO... Bhutan tourism.gov.bt Amankora aman.com/resorts/amankora

Photo: Cody Wellons

Photo: Laura J. Moss

COV E R STORY

Left: The writer and her husband at the foot of Tululusia Falls.

Above: A park ranger leads a hike into Olmoti Crater in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Right: An inquisitive male giraffe in Arusha National Park.

A HIKING AND PADDLING EXPEDITION OFFERS A UNIQUE WAY TO EXPERIENCE TANZANIA

hen I booked a trip to Tanzania last year, the safari operator was surprised by some of my requests. Like most visitors to the East African country, my husband and I were eager to see the local wildlife and explore its breathtaking wilderness areas, but unlike a lot of visitors, we didn’t want to experience it solely from the comfort of a safari vehicle. As avid hikers, we wanted to be on the ground and among Tanzania’s natural wonders as much as possible. But as you might expect, many of the country’s national parks and reserves aren’t the kind of places you can just wander around in on your own. Unpredictable wildlife, poaching activity and the sheer vastness of these protected areas can make them dangerous and difficult to navigate. Luckily, our safari company was able to pair us with experienced

guides who led us off the beaten path and into the mountains, forests and lakes of northern Tanzania. With an estimated 25,000 people embarking on various routes to its summit annually, Mount Kilimanjaro is by far Tanzania’s most popular hiking destination, with its sister peak, Mount Meru, a close second. As we discovered, however, there are plenty of other hikes open to travelers who want to stretch their legs without committing to several days on the trail. On clear days, you can see the tops of both Kilimanjaro and Meru from Arusha National Park, a spot often overlooked by visitors. Unfortunately, during our walkabout there with an armed ranger (a safety requirement in the park), it was unseasonably rainy, and we didn’t glimpse the peaks. However, we got to stand at the base of the 92-foot-high Tululusia Falls

Photo: Laura J. Moss

Thinking Outside the Safari Vehicle STORY: Laura

and see a wealth of inhabitants, including Cape buffalo, baboons, zebras and warthogs. We also had a close encounter with a large male giraffe that found us just as fascinating as we found him. We were about 100 feet away when our ranger spotted him. The curious giraffe strode over for a closer look, towering above us benignly until he sauntered off to snack on a nearby tree. Arusha National Park is also one of the few parks you can paddle in Tanzania. We took an hour-long canoe trip on Lake Momella, where we watched monkeys leaping among the branches overhead. We also paddled near—but kept our distance from—a herd of hippos. On our way to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s oldest and arguably most famous park, we stopped at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a World Heritage Site that’s home

J. Moss

to a variety of animals, including the famed “big five” game: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino. While it isn’t possible to hike within the Ngorongoro caldera, other area treks are available as long as an armed ranger accompanies you. We opted to trek up to the rim of Olmoti Crater, which offered magnificent views of the crater and the Maasai people leading their herds along the Munge River. No doubt, plenty of Tanzania can be seen during a driving safari, but for our African bucket list adventure, we opted to take the trails and waters far less traveled, get our feet wet and our boots dirty, and have a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. n

IF YOU GO... Tanzania National Parks tanzaniaparks.go.tz

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

COV E R S TO RY

BUCKET LIST TRIPS

The writer and his dad posing in front of the clubhouse at the famed Augusta National golf course.

A Dream in Green MAKING AN UNEXPECTED PILGRIMAGE WITH MY FATHER TO THE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT STORY: Blake

Guthrie

ad reminded me three times before bed to set the alarm. My 85-year-old father, who reveres the sport of golf and the hallowed grounds of Georgia’s Augusta National Golf Club, was restless with anticipation. He had watched the Masters on TV most of his adult life, and it was a dream of his to attend in person. Now we were going to the Friday round of the 2017 tournament.

Masters tickets are one of the hardest gets in the sports world. It takes either good connections, spending a lot of money on a legitimate package deal or sheer luck in an online ticket lottery system to gain entry. The first way worked for us when I received an unexpected phone call on Wednesday afternoon of Masters Week. Wednesday, April 5 The voicemail on my phone said: “Hi, Blake, it’s Melissa. I have extra tickets to the Masters for this Friday. The people who were coming can’t make it. Let me know ASAP if you’re

interested. We have a place for you to stay on Thursday night.” Within five minutes, I had confirmed I would indeed be there and called my dad to tell him he was going to the Masters. On cue, he canceled all his weekend plans and was ready to hop in the car that moment to make the five-hour drive from Birmingham. “No,” I pleaded. “Get a good night’s sleep and I’ll meet you in Augusta tomorrow.”

Augustans rent out their homes for Masters Week, then head out of town for spring break. Companies use these homes to host clients and their guests, and my father and I were beneficiaries of this longtime practice. The circa-1820 house had once been owned by the on-staff physician at Augusta National and was the site of many legendary parties. It oozed with history, much like Augusta itself.

Thursday, April 6 We were staying at a historic home turned “hospitality house.” Many

Friday, April 7 We set up our collapsible chairs next to the 17th green, but spent

In the Footsteps of Family STORY: H.M.

AN EMOTIONAL NORMANDY EXCURSION BRINGS HISTORY ALIVE

s a devout History Channel junkie and native of Philadelphia, where history gushes from almost every street and square, I tailor most of my travels to include visiting memorable sites. I’m fortunate that my son, a history major in college, shares this devotion, and our combined interests have taken us to some remarkable destinations, from the first convict prison in Australia to an almost 2,000-mile trek from Atlanta to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with stops at the lush green cornfields that

Cauley

now cover the once-bloody Antietam battlefield, the Harpers Ferry bluffs overlooking the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, and the major Civil War sites in between. We have a passion for World War II, fueled largely by a family connection: My uncle, James Cauley, was in the 101st Airborne division that parachuted into France the night before the D-Day invasion. A prolific letter writer, he recounted experiences of learning to jump at Fort Benning, Georgia; meeting Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower at an exhibition of American forces; and earning a medal for valor after his unit took a critical bridge in the French countryside. A few years ago, my son and I made the trip of a lifetime to Normandy, following

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

The rows of white crosses at the American Cemetery in Normandy face west, toward the U.S.

in his footsteps during the annual week of D-Day commemorations. Whittling down the list of highlights of the trip is difficult, but two experiences are most vivid. The first was the day spent in Sainte-Mère-Église, a small town where the forces of the 101st dropped out of the sky in the wee hours of June 6, 1944. The Germans shot down many of the parachutists before they hit the ground, and one young American dangled dangerously above the scene when his chute snagged on the church

steeple. He survived, and to honor him and the other paratroopers who were part of the daring mission, the townspeople hung a dummy soldier from the same steeple and rebuilt the damaged church with stained-glass windows depicting paratroopers against the night sky. We stood a bit dumbstruck by the sight of a fake soldier swaying in the breeze above the cobbled square, but before we finished gawking, we were ambushed by two Sherman tanks rumbling down the street,

The famous 16th hole at Augusta National. If you’re looking to see a hole in one at the Masters, this is the most likely place.

most of the day wandering the course. The greatest golfers on the planet played through next to us as we marched the grounds to see Amen Corner, the clubhouse and some of the most famous golf holes in the world. We took in as much as we could, amazed at the flawlessness of the landscaping, the affordability of the concessions, how fast all the lines moved. I tried to slow my father down, worried he was doing too much for his age. At one point, I made us stop and sit on an embankment. Looking perplexed, he asked, “Why are we sitting here?” So up we sprang and kept walking. Today, our pilgrimage seems dreamlike, especially since cameras and cellphones aren’t allowed at Augusta, so we couldn’t take

followed by a troop truck full of re-enactors portraying American soldiers. For a surreal moment, the square became a movie set of 1940s clothes, equipment and liberating forces. We soon learned that during the week of D-Day remembrances, the entire Normandy countryside is awash with a cast of international re-enactors speaking French, English and Dutch, and all posing as the victors. Without a doubt, the most emotional and moving memory of the visit came during the June 6 memorial service at the American cemetery in Collevillesur-Mer. Dignitaries from the U.S. and France spoke eloquently and offered prayers below the Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves, a bronze figure that soars above the rows and rows of plain white crosses. The final resting place of more than 9,000 souls sits on a bluff above Omaha Beach, the site of bloody D-Day battles. Though many filmmakers have tried to capture that horrific

IF YOU GO... Tickets Create an online account at Masters.com to enter the online ticket lottery system. This year’s tournament is sold out, so start planning for 2019.

Package Deals Package deals that include tickets, transportation and sometimes lodging run into the thousands of dollars. Two companies offering such services are ThePatronsCaddy.com and MagnoliaManorHospitality.com.

any pictures to remember it by. We do have a photo the club took of us in front of the clubhouse, a nice perk offered to all patrons. That picture of us next to the iconic America-shaped flowerbed of yellow pansies serves as proof not just to us, but to everyone, that we really were there. n

The Day They Came is a memorial erected by French citizens to honor the airborne troops who launched the D-Day invasions.

event, their re-creations were less powerful than standing silently on the white sands and looking up at those countless crosses, all facing westward toward home. n

IF YOU GO... Normandy, France en.normandie-tourisme.fr

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

The Joys of Traveling Solo GOING IT ALONE CAN BRING OUT THE BEST IN BOTH YOU AND THE DESTINATION STORY: Amelia

On her trip to Bogotá, the writer squashed her qualms about traveling alone to such a big, foreign city.

Pavlik

“Y

ou’re going where by yourself?” I still recall my godmother, who has traveled everywhere from Antarctica to Vietnam, asking when I told her I was going on a solo trip to Colombia. I’d been itching to visit South America and figured my 35th birthday was the perfect occasion. And thanks to available vacation days, flight times and the two luxe Four Seasons hotels in the city, Bogotá ended up being my destination of choice. My godmother wasn’t the only one feeling some nerves, though. Although I’d heard plenty of friends sing the praises of spots like Cartagena, most of them were men. And while I knew that Colombia has come a long

Photo: Amelia Pavlik

COV E R S TO RY

way since the 1980s, I kept flashing back to scenes of the some of the seedier elements portrayed in films such as Romancing the Stone. In some ways, this trip was one of the most challenging I’ve done on my own because of the language barrier and the stereotypes I couldn’t shake. But it also ended up being one of the most rewarding. Here are three reasons I discovered why it’s great to step outside of your travel comfort zone and give Colombia, or any other destination that might intimidate you, a shot.

A guide can be invaluable. Normally, I am Magellan when it comes to exploring a new city.

You can test out those neglected language skills. This trip was a chance to test my rusty Spanish skills that hadn’t been used since college, as few people I encountered spoke English. I remember one conversation with a waiter at the Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá in which he asked what I did for a living. I mistakenly told him I worked in movies because the word for “newspapers” is very similar, but I did manage to make it through the meal and order everything I needed. Of course, if all else fails, there’s always Google Translate.

I spend each day walking and exploring restaurants, sights and streets. But I didn’t feel 100 percent comfortable striking out on my own in Bogotá. Thankfully, the Four Seasons properties where I stayed work with a company called Hansa Tours that set me with up with the perfect guide. David, a local who’s earned his bachelor’s in anthropology, took me to a variety of sights such as the Plaza de Bolívar and to try some local cuisine at a fruteria and cafeteria, which is important because David knew the food there was safe. His insights and knowledge turned out to be well worth every penny I spent on the tour.

Traveling to a country where I didn’t speak the language and was a woman traveling alone made me feel vulnerable in a way I never had before. I didn’t have anyone to fall

ing wedding, and even the weather seemed to be onboard with the occasion, with sparkling sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s. Though the weekend’s festivities didn’t begin until Friday evening, we left in the morning to give ourselves plenty of time. After all, my favorite road trip experiences come with a built-in margin to embrace spontaneity. With a push of a button, the Cascada’s top was down, and I felt the vitamin D begin to work its magic

before we even got on I-85 North. I’d spent the week trekking back and forth to meetings in the suburbs, inching along in rush hour, often logging more than an hour each way. So being able to push the pedal down and give the car’s 200-horsepower engine a bit of exercise felt like flying, my hair whipping in the breeze. Since neither Christie nor I had time beforehand to pick up a gift for the bride-to-be, we plugged in shopping options in the onboard naviga-

You surprise yourself.

PUTTING THE PEDAL TO THE METAL FEELS LIKE FREEDOM STORY: Jennifer

Bradley Franklin

ne of my favorite books as a child was The Maggie B., by Irene Haas. In it, the title character wishes for the freedom to sail wherever her whims might lead. Even as a little one, my wanderlust was strong, as if I innately knew that one day I’d be bound by work schedules, social commitments and Atlanta traffic. While commandeering a boat in landlocked Buckhead is unrealistic, on a recent weekend, an opportune road trip felt like the closest thing to freedom I could find. It’s one of the simplest travel pleasures: You

Photo: Sara Hana Photography

Ode to the Open Road

get the fun of an escape without any of the hassles of plane tickets, security lines and airport delays. Plus, with the chance to captain a borrowed 2017 Buick Cascada Sport Touring Convertible—in shiny Sport Red, no less—a trip on the open road felt like just what I needed. I set sail with one of my best friends, Christie, heading north to Highlands, North Carolina. We were bound for a girls’ weekend to celebrate another friend’s upcom-

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Hotel photos: Christian Horan

Bogotá has two luxe Four Seasons properties, either of which serves as a perfect home base.

IF YOU GO... Hotels: Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá Nestled in Zona G, which is known for its restaurants, this stunning property has been named a “monument of cultural interest” by Colombia’s Ministry of Culture. fourseasons.com/bogotacm

back on or keep me company, but every hurdle I cleared added to my confidence. By the end of the trip, I’d proved to myself that I could embrace the challenges of a solo vacation while enjoying a memorymaking journey. n

North Star, star of the sea, I wish for a ship Named after me, To sail for a day Alone and free, With someone nice For company. —From The Maggie B. tion system, choosing shops along the way. We stopped to pick up a bite, barely consulting the clock. We weren’t on anyone’s schedule but our own. I did have a momentary gut-check moment, worried that I forgot to send in a document needed for a project. Fortunately, the car’s built-in Wi-Fi let me log on and double check that my client had everything he needed, all from

Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá The newest Four Seasons property in the city is located in Zona T and is home to two restaurants, a bar, a spa, a 24-hour fitness center and 64 guest rooms, half of which are suites. fourseasons.com/bogota

Tours: Hansa Tours In the business for more than 15 years, Hansa is known for its private, custom-designed group and individual tours. hansatours.com

the comfort of the buttery leather seats (at one of the aforementioned stops, of course). As I-85 gave way to I-985, we chatted happily, like two friends who hadn’t seen each other in weeks. It was the kind of conversation you can only manage in person and when stress levels are low. Mine was, thanks to the beauty of passing mountains in Clayton and gorges in Tallulah, and the utter lack of traffic on a pristine Friday. As we turned in Dillard to begin climbing the winding mountain roads into Highlands, I considered the importance of finding joy in the journey, not just the destination. Much like young Maggie, so cleverly illustrated in her eponymous book, I wished for an opportunity to sail away with total freedom to wherever my whims took me. My wish was granted, and though my road trip only lasted a few days, it was enough to remind me that even a simple drive has the power to recharge your batteries. n

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

COV E R S TO RY 4

8 6

WHERE TO BUY: Brookstone Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.841.9004 brookstone.com

Gotta-Have Gear for When You’re On the Go THE 8 ESSENTIALS EVERY TRAVELER NEEDS

raveling wise is a fine balance of carrying just the right amount of stuff of decent quality and practical use. Savvy road warriors will love these travel essentials that are just the ticket, whether you’re headed out on a weekend getaway, cross-country voyage or international expedition.

1. Stackers Makeup & Jewelry Travel Case ($40) This handy, two-in-one leather case holds cosmetics on the top and jewelry on the bottom. There’s ample space for makeup musts, and the velvet-lined lower half transports earrings, bracelets and necklaces safely and securely so that untangling your accessories isn’t part of unpacking. Available at The Container Store.

2. Dansko Jenna Ankle-Strap Ballerina Shoe ($140) Comfort versus style has long been a conundrum for the fashion-conscious traveler, and this Dansko shoe easily

takes you from shopping to a five-hour walking tour to dinner out. The perfect addition to your travel wardrobe, it’s appropriate for both cobblestones and the airplane cabin and pairs nicely with a range of ensembles. Available at The Walking Company.

3. Nixon Baby Alpaca Throw ($295) Jet off in style with this pretty alpaca throw. Plush but not too fussy, it offers a classy way to nod off at 30,000 feet. It’s fairly thin yet ideal for warmth and comes in a variety of vibrant colors. Plus, alpaca is the new cashmere. Available at Jonathan Adler.

4. Tumi Patrol Reversible Packable Travel Puffer Jacket ($245) This practical yet stylish puffer jacket is two coats in one, and a travel pillow to boot. Stay toasty in on-trend camo as you board the plane, then turn the coat into a neck rest inflight. Easily fold and store the jacket when you arrive at your destination.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Burberry Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.231.5550 burberry.com

STORY: Jessica

On the return home, reverse the coat for a brand new look. Available at Tumi.

5. Burberry Medium Rucksack ($995) Cruise through the airport hands-free with this durable canvas and leather backpack that’s not only dependable and spacious, but looks great, too. It boasts comfy shoulder straps and three exterior pockets for easy access to items such as your cellphone, sunglasses and wallet. Plus, since it counts as a personal item, it adds to your carry-on aresenal on flights. Available at Burberry.

6. Muzik One Wireless HD Smart Headphones ($299) Every traveler needs a good pair of noise-canceling headphones, and this intuitive and stylish wireless set is so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. It features incredible HD sound and custom programmable hot keys that let you control, play or share your favorite music with one touch. Available at Brookstone.

Dauler

7. Frontgate Monogrammed Leather Luggage Tags and Passport Holder ($129) Distinguish your roller bag and identification with these fashionable and functional personalized luggage tags and passport holder. The slim leather passport jacket features left and right pockets to keep boarding passes and other papers easily accessible so you won’t have to go digging for them at the last minute. Available at Frontgate.

8. Briggs & Riley Transcend VX Wide Carry-On Expandable Spinner ($429) Wide-body carry-ons are the latest luggage trend and an ideal choice for travelers determined to never check bags again. The shorter and wider configuration offers up to seven days’ worth of clothing thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion that increases capacity by more than 30 percent, then compresses back to original size for easy overhead storage. Available at Mori Luggage & Gifts. n

The Container Store 3637 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30319 404.963.9602 containerstore.com Frontgate Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.841.7170 frontgate.com Jonathan Adler The Shops Buckhead Atlanta 3051 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.367.0414 jonathanadler.com Mori Luggage & Gifts Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.231.0074 moriluggage.com Tumi Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.816.1844 tumi.com The Walking Company Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.816.9330 walkingcompany.com

RE V I E W | DRI N K S | F O ODI E J OU RNA L | TA S T E M A K E R | RE S TAU R A N T S

SIMPLY DELICIOUS

Bar none: The liveliest spot in town for a hangover-free margarita, Cabo Cantina stocks 35 different pure-agave tequilas.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

So Pharr, So Good P56

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

Whether it’s game day or date night, Cabo Cantina’s got you covered. January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY D E LICIOUS REVI E W

Above: For a light and healthy meal, opt for the leche de tigre ceviche. Right: The succulent adobo chicken is paired with Peruvian potatoes.

SO PHARR, SO GOOD Bienvenido to Buckhead’s delish Latin newbie STORY:

Rebecca Cha PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

or a non-sports enthusiast, you’d think I’d be irked by the number of blaring TVs at Cabo Cantina. I’m not in the least. That’s how good the food and drinks are at this newish Latin-flavored sports bar at the corner of Pharr Road and North Fulton Drive. Whether it was the full moon or the unseasonably balmy weather, my first visit to Cabo was surreal. Our table neighbors (strangers) bought our group a round of drinks, and the hyper-attentive waiters crossed the patio multiple times giving out samples of various margaritas made with 100 percent agave tequila (the only type Cabo stocks). The selection, in fact, features 35 different tequilas, each one promising no hangover. As outlandish as the claim may be, it worked for me. The fluidity of the evening demanded that food be eaten, and quickly. A pair of short rib empanadas was pure gastro-pleasure, consisting of flaky pastry-crust-wrapped

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

meat, braised moist and juicy with plenty of ají (spicy sauce). We followed that up with fried calamari with a peppery guajillo dipping sauce and a drizzle of lime jalapeño aioli that pepped up the crunchy rings and tentacles. But what stood out were the zingy fried jalapeño slices. Soon the 16-ounce margaritas our neighbors ordered for us arrived: Perfectos with Atlanta-based Goza Tequila, Cointreau and Grand Marnier, and a Cabo Classic with Goza Silver and triple sec. They were smooth, crisp, aromatic and just sweet enough to inspire measured sips throughout the meal. We then made room for round three: tacos. Chef Carlos Hernandez was certainly on his game. The ground chorizo and queso fresco taco melted in our mouths, and the blackened shark catfish taco with pineapple salsa was nothing short of perfection. We couldn’t get enough of the crunchy yucca fries, either. Parboiled then coated with special seasoning, the yucca’s sensual spiciness and semi-soft texture sent us into a side dish reverie. The chef d’oeuvre was the shrimp and grits, a Low Country favorite enhanced here with poblano, chipotle, chile de arbol and pepper jack cheese. I

reckoned it was the best South-meetssouth-of-the-border plate I’d had in ages. Our follow-up meal was an impromptu Saturday afternoon visit, when the place was far less crowded. Three minutes in, warm, salt-dusted chips and a smoky, grillroasted salsa arrived at our table, followed shortly thereafter by a mound of chunky and decadent guacamole with bits of red onion and cilantro. The meal coalesced with our chipotle shrimp tacos. A split second off the heat, the shrimp were juicy and sweet. The chipotle aioli wasn’t my favorite part—mayo adds little value here—but the dish engendered new respect for the words “small plate.” Finally, there was leche de tigre, one of three ceviches offered—this one piled high in a blue martini glass with the leche (liquid from curing fish and spices) pooling at the bottom. Garnished with crunchy plantain chips, the raw, sweet salmon was verging on surrender to the acidic lime juice, while the dish’s subtle flavors were further enhanced by bits of red onion, radish and corn. It was a perfectly respectable and oh-so-healthy lunch. At our final dinner, my dining companion started with a Michelada (Dos Equis, lime juice and spices), and I opted for a Mexican

Left: Holy guacamole! Avocado lovers will flip over the Tecate chicken taco. Right: The blackened shark catfish taco comes dressed with sweet and spicy pineapple salsa.

Above: The shrimp in Cabo Cantina’s shrimp and grits are sautéed in a chipotle tomato pepper sauce.

Below: Marshmallow-y, chocolate goodness, the Oreo churros are a specialty of the house.

Left: The chorizo and queso fresco tacos are so good, we bet you can’t eat just one.

When it came to the tacos, chef Carlos Hernandez was certainly on his game. mule. Consisting of Patrón tequila, lime juice and Gosling’s ginger beer, the mule sounded good on paper, but something deflated what otherwise would have been a delicious cocktail. We fared far better with the food. The adobo chicken, a generous half-bird portion, was magical with its classic spice coating, and we subbed out the Peruvian potatoes for fried plantains that were cinnamon-sugary crisp on the outside and tender inside. We rolled the dice on a 12-ounce rib eye—at $25, the priciest entrée on the menu—and our gamble paid off. The beautifully marbled, prime cut arrived Pittsburgh black and blue with a side of piquant green-onion chimichurri sauce. We wrapped up the meal with Oreo chur-

ros, a fun spin on the traditional Latin snack. The chocolate dough was sweet enough to satisfy and had a white, marshmallow-y center, reminiscent of a Hostess Cupcake. As tasty as it was, I would’ve rather spent the extra calories on another Classic margarita. So far, there’s no culinary invention at Cabo, just profoundly good eats and drinks. But in a town where decent Mexi-Latin joints are everywhere, why blend in, especially when you are, geographically speaking, at the center of the Buckhead universe? My two cents: Trim the restaurant’s size down a bit, up the staff and exploit those brilliant tequilas, and you may be onto something utterly fresh and new. Even with the TVs. n

CABO CANTINA 264 Pharr Road N.E., Atlanta 30305 404.917.2620 cabocantinaga.com Prices: Starters and shared plates: $5-$12. Tacos and sides: $3-$4. Entrées: $12-$25. Brunch: $10-$17. Desserts: $4-$7. Recommended dishes: Short rib empanadas, tacos (favorites are the chorizo, shark catfish and chipotle shrimp), yucca fries, shrimp and grits, leche de tigre ceviche, adobo chicken, rib eye and Oreo churros. Bottom line: Not just a sports bar, Cabo Cantina is, with a little time and tweaking, poised for greatness.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY D E LICIOUS DRINKS

Katy Harrison shows off some of the stylish glassware she sells at the Holeman and Finch Bottle Shop.

We’ll Drink to That Katy Harrison’s vintage glassware adds classic style to your cocktail

ome of Katy Harrison’s fondest memories growing up in West Palm Beach, Florida, are of watching her parents unwind over Manhattans poured into cut-crystal glasses. Their time of conversation and reconnection became a sacred nightly ritual. Today, the South Buckhead-based entrepreneur is hoping that the fine vintage glassware she sources through her company, Antique Your Drink, will create similar special moments for others. The idea for a vintage glassware business crystallized slowly over several years through numerous visits to Buckhead’s Holeman and Finch Bottle Shop. “I was searching for creative wedding presents, and I didn’t want to just go off a registry, where the bar-related items were always the first to be purchased,” Harrison recalls. “I thought, ‘What if I could buy the gorgeous, sometimes rare bottles of liquor they sell and beautiful vintage glassware to make a whole present?’”

The business is her side hustle for now (Harrison manages a team of digital media planners in the travel industry), but Antique Your Drink represents a huge point of passion. She scours estate sales and other sources both locally and farther afield, including on a recent trip to France’s Burgundy and Provence regions, looking for Depression-era and mid-century modern pieces such as decanters, coupes and martini, rocks and highball glasses. If you think having drink-appropriate glassware seems like overkill, Harrison is quick to point out that the presentation of a cocktail can actually have an impact on its flavor and temperature. “If there’s ice in the drink, generally you’d want to serve it in a rocks or old-fashioned glass where it fits the ice within the glass,” she asserts. “For cocktails you shake with ice and strain, you want to serve them ‘up,’ so you’re holding the stem and the drink stays cold. There’s a lot of functional purpose beyond the style.”

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

While her inventory might occasionally include colored glass, Harrison is most drawn to cut crystal, etched glass and the occasional gold-rimmed glass, reasoning that those clear pieces won’t distract from the beauty and color of the liquid itself. She should know: Her background includes a stint as a local liquor sales rep, during which time she picked up all of the mixology tricks she shares with her @AntiqueYourDrink Instagram followers. “I’ve done a lot of experiments, and I always want drinks to be unique but simple,” says Harrison. “You don’t need 10 ingredients to make a cool, interesting cocktail.” The pure pleasure of mixing a well-crafted drink helped define her business’ motto: “Vintage cocktail glass for the modern drinker.” Fortunately, Atlantans have more resources than ever to craft low-maintenance drinks at home. Thanks to local companies such as 18.21 Bitters and Proof Cocktail Syrup, both of which Harrison

consulted when building her business, home bartenders can create cocktails that feel special without a ton of work. Now that Holeman and Finch Bottle Shop regularly stocks Antique Your Drink glassware, everything has come full circle for Harrison, who works with the store’s Assistant General Manager Jesse Kirkpatrick. “We get together and create cocktails using their spirits and my glassware,” she notes. “It’s the perfect marriage. If someone’s looking for a great gift, they can get a spirit and the cocktail-appropriate glassware all in one place.” Cheers to that. n DETAILS: Antique Your Drink antiqueyourdrink.com Holeman and Finch Bottle Shop 2357 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30305 404.841.4070 hfbottleshop.com

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

S I M P LY D E LICIOUS

FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

BY:

Lia Picard

It’s game on at Dantanna’s, where your favorite teams are on the tube and your favorite steaks are on the menu.

THREE CHEERS FOR

SPORTS BARS WHERE TO CATCH THE SEASON’S BIG GAMES

ome January and February, there are countless great sporting events you’ll want to watch on the tube. The Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Weekend and the Winter Olympics are just a few. Here are five of the best sports bars in the Buckhead area for catching the action. DANTANNA’S Scouting report: An upscale steakhouse meets sports bar that makes an ideal place to cheer on your favorite team. Signature dish: Sports can be a primal experience, so what better dish to pair with

FOOD NEWS

n Himitsu. This posh cocktail lounge next to Umi, which was designed by Brit Tom Dixon, was named Best Bar in the World in the inaugural Surface Travel Awards. Surface, the design magazine, chose the honorees based on their thoughtfully conceived spaces and products.

them than meat? Dantanna’s serves up 28-day aged Angus beef, and while each of the steaks is great, we find the filet mignon to be particularly tender and mouthwatering. The sports vibe: Plush banquettes invite you to order another round, and the minimal decor keeps your eyes focused on the big-screen TVs. BLACK BEAR TAVERN Scouting report: A convivial neighborhood spot with zero frills but some of the best burgers around. Signature dish: The menu

n Johnny’s Hideaway. Though the iconic Buckhead spot recently celebrated its 38th birthday, it’s keeping things fresh with a new executive chef, Lane Hart. A graduate of the Lincoln Culinary School, Hart previously worked at Norman’s Landing in Cumming. New Johnny’s menu items include mac-and-cheese sliders and shrimp po’boys. n Tiff’s Treats. Crave cookies? You’re in luck, because Tiff’s Treats, which specializes in

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

is extensive, but the MVP is the burgers. Go for the Texas Burger, eight ounces of beef smothered in wing sauce and melted blue cheese crumbles, with a side of tater tots. The sports vibe: A dive that still allows smoking (you’ve been warned), Black Bear bills itself an official Chicago sports bar, so there’s plenty of Chi-Town team insignia adorning the walls. THE PAINTED PIN Scouting report: A sexy entertainment venue with craft cocktails and upscale bar eats.

Himitsu 3050 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 puraibeto.com/himitsu Johnny’s Hideaway 3771 Roswell Road N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.233.8026 johnnyshideaway.com Tiff’s Treats 3150 Roswell Road Atlanta 30305 cookiedelivery.com

delivering hot, freshly baked cookies and brownies right to your door, is set to open this spring in Hanover Buckhead Village, adjacent to the Buckhead Theatre.

Signature dish: Since The Painted Pin is a group outing destination, get something the whole group can share: the loaded fries, piled high with bacon, cheese, scallions and sour cream. While you’re at it, share a bowl of one of their signature punches, such as the rum punch spiked with hibiscus, lime juice and cava. The sports vibe: The Painted Pin is an entertainment venue first—with bowling, shuffleboard, Skee-Ball and more— and a sports bar second. OLDE BLIND DOG IRISH PUB Scouting report: Modern version of a classic Irish pub with a careful attention to detail in the decor, including antique wood paneling imported from England. Signature dish: The menu has American bar grub on it, but the standout is the Irish pub fare. Order the fish and chips with housemade tarter sauce and, naturally, a pint of Guinness. The sports vibe: The indoor cobblestone road, complete with street signs that have you thinking you’re on the Emerald Isle, creates a friendly and fun environment for watching the big game with your best blokes.

Black Bear Tavern 1931 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30309 404.355.9089 blackbeartavern.net Dantanna’s 3400 Around Lenox Road Atlanta 30326 404.760.8873 dantannas.com Industry Tavern 3280 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30305 404.254.4468 industrytavern.com Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub 705 Town Boulevard Atlanta 30319 404.816.5739 oldeblinddog.com The Painted Pin 737 Miami Circle N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.814.8736 thepaintedpin.com

INDUSTRY TAVERN Scouting report: A sports bar with an industrial warehouse setting offering a relaxed sports-watching spot in the heart of Buckhead. Signature dish: Sure, you can make nachos at home, but if you’re looking for something “next level,” order Industry Tavern’s lobster nachos, which boast lobster knuckles and claws in addition to the usual fixin’s. The sports vibe: The ceiling is lined with TVs, so there’s not a bad seat in the house, and the 360-degree bar is as inviting as it is open. n

DUCK, DUCK, DOUGHNUT Duck Donuts, the East Coast doughnut chain with a cult following, recently opened an outpost in Buckhead. The first location sprang up in Duck on North Carolina’s Outer Banks when Russ DiGilio saw the lack of made-to-order doughnut shops in the area. The new Roswell Road sweet spot brings the original’s beachy vibes with it, but the best holdover is the custommade treats. Choose from a list of signature doughnuts, or create your own. Your concoction is then fried to order with the promise of it arriving warm and fresh every time.

Duck Donuts 3655 Roswell Road N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.600.5699 duckdonuts.com

BUCKHEAD: 3174 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404-841-2456 MIDTOWN: 950 W. Peachtree St NW, 260 - Atlanta 30309 | 404-554-8060 DRUID HILLS: 2566 Briarcliff Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30329 | 678-515-8880

S I M P LY D E LICIOUS

TA S TE MAKER

EXTRA BITE “I think there is a place for all kinds of cheese. I love Rotel, Velveeta and the soupy, milky white cheese you get at Mexican restaurants.”

Cheese Please Robin Schick takes a bite out the cheese-making biz

obin Schick had been a salesperson, flight attendant and stay-at-home mom. Her sister, Cathy Lynne Spivey, had a horse farm with pet goats. Ten years ago, neither knew anything about cheese making, yet they’d go on to open Sandy Springs’ own CalyRoad Creamery in 2010. “We hadn’t intended to get involved in the food industry; we just liked playing with the goats,” says Schick, who eventually bought out her sister’s share of the business. On the hunt for a new career, the sisters ordered feasibility studies on the business of goat milking and did internships at farms in North Carolina and Alabama. “We came away with an awareness of the commitment and strenuous labor involved in taking care of animals 365 days a year,” she says. “In the meantime, we fell in love with cheese making.” They studied at the Vermont Insti-

tute for Artisan Cheese, and after a few starts and stops, ended up building a dairy manufacturing plant on Hilderbrand Drive. These days, CalyRoad makes about 12 cheeses, including mozzarella, aged and spiced goat, feta, blue, Camembert and curds. Its cheeses have been used by noted chefs such as Anne Quatrano and are served on select international Delta flights. Below, Schick tells us more about her business. How has CalyRoad grown since it first opened? We went from having a 35-gallon vat to a 350-gallon vat last winter. Conceivably, that means we could bring in 1,000 gallons of milk per week and process it within three days, making 1,000 pounds of cheese a week. Which cheeses are your best-sellers? During tomato season, the mozzarella sells out. In the winter, the blue

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

cheese and the [Camembert-style] Waypoint do well. BlackRock goat cheese, aged with a coarse pepper rind, is popular, too. Which ones are the hardest to make? Mozzarella is the trickiest because you have to make sure the pH level is right. You never know what the acidity level of the milk is. Mozzarella will only stretch at 5.1 pH. If you miss it, you don’t have mozzarella. If you try to stretch too early, you don’t have the tender quality. Aside from CalyRoad, where can people buy your cheeses? We sell to local restaurants like Saltyard, Floataway Cafe, No. 246, St. Cecilia, Wahoo! Grill and Corner Cafe. These days, how do you spend your time with the company? I’m fortunate to have recently found a fellow to lead the cheese making. I

STORY:

Carly Cooper

find myself doing the marketing and decision-making about pricing, and working with the sales director about expanding our business. I like being in my shop, leading classes and wine and cheese tastings. Tell me about the classes and retail offerings. We have one cheese class a month and about two wine and cheese tastings a month. We have tours on Saturdays, but are open Tuesday through Saturday for people to come buy cheese. We support local products, as well as imported and regional ones such as chutneys, balsamic jams, mortadella, prosciutto and sourdough crackers. n CALYROAD CREAMERY 227 Hilderbrand Drive N.E. Sandy Springs 30328 678.773.1629 calyroadcreamery.com

New Year. New Look. Same Exceptional Epstein Experience. The Epstein School offers integrated, dual-language learning that cultivates lifelong skills, inspires Jewish identity, and nurtures curiosity, critical thinking and creativity. We are: • Centered around our students • Driven by our values • Developing our students’ passion • Building on our past • Focused on our future • Powered by our community

Visit us at EpsteinAtlanta.org to learn more and schedule a tour. 335 COLEWOOD WAY NW | SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30328-2956 EPSTEINATLANTA.ORG

5122 epst SimBuckhead ad 7_17_1.indd 1

7/17/17 3:09 PM

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY D E LICIOUS

FEATURED RESTAURANTS A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead BY: Wendell PHOTOS:

Brock, Rebecca Cha and Angela Hansberger

Sara Hanna

10 DEGREES SOUTH After 15 years on the scene, this Roswell Road establishment is a highly original destination where food and wine from the tip of the Southern Hemisphere are celebrated with flair. Before we could pose the server with a query on the peri-peri, we got the hard sell on South African reds—particularly the Rupert & Rothschild 2009 “Classique.” The big, full-bodied R&R was the perfect match for the luscious, spicy food that followed. We wager that nobody makes bobotie (the South African national dish) like 10 Degrees South. The dish consists of tantalizingly sweet curried ground beef topped with a custardy crust. It’s time to get your head out of the sand and indulge in the kind of stuff our parents enjoyed when “Continental” cuisine was in vogue. Appetizers: $10-$16 Entrées: $21-$38 10degreessouth.com

BABYLON CAFÉ When Iraqi native Saad Marwad and his wife, Kelly Rafia, opened Babylon Café in 2014, the city’s foodie community started to buzz about the couple’s fresh, flavorful repertoire of Middle Eastern classics, from falafel and hummus to kebabs and baklava. While the starters are quite good—try the fattoush salad, the lentil soup and the eggplant badenjan—the earthy, long-simmered stews are unlike anything else in town. We

like the herb-based qurma sabzi with super-tender lamb shank and the bamia (okra and tomatoes) with oxtail. Don’t leave without a sip of the anise-flavored aperitif called arak and a bite of kanafeh, a sweet made of shredded phyllo, housemade sweet cheese, rose- and orange-water syrup and pistachios. Appetizers and sides: $2-$7 Entrées: $12-$20 babyloncafeatl.com

The ostrich—yes, ostrich— medallions from 10 Degrees South are pan seared in a redwine and rosemary sauce.

BANGKOK STATION Of all the restaurant staffs in Buckhead, these folks may be our favorite. Polite and accommodating to a fault, they make it nearly impossible not to enjoy its exotic comfort food. Whether you eat in the cavernous dining room or out on the sexy, music-infused patio, starters such as peek gai tod, thoong-thong and Crying Tiger will crush any doubt you may have about whether there’s good Thai food down South. For more substantial but no less authentic fare, dig in to the massaman and panang curries, Drunken Man noodles or our favorite Thai chicken dish, gai yang som tum. Save room for homemade coconut cake; it’s as sweet and genuine as the staff’s warm invitation to return again soon. Starters, soups and salads: $7-$23 Curries, sautés and noodle and rice dishes: $14-$23 Main entrées: $19-$32 Desserts: $5-$9 bangkokstationthaifood.com

BLUE RIDGE GRILL For more than 20 years, Blue Ridge Grill (BRG) has been a mecca for Buckhead power lunchers and chill evening diners alike. Whether for business or romance, BRG is a paragon of hospitality, and each guest is embraced like a VIP. Standard crowd-pleasers on the Euro-American menu include grilled Georgia trout, French-boned chicken with wild mushrooms and filet mignon with Vidalia onions. Small plates and sides of iron skillet mussels, Caesar salad with crisp Beeler bacon, custardlike corn soufflé and (off-menu item) fried pickles with buttermilk dipping sauce are absolute must-tries. If cost is an issue, call ahead, as menu prices are not advertised online. Lunch: $9-$42 Dinner: $13-$62 blueridgegrill.com

DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE

The lovely juxtaposition of hot and cold in the Mutsu apple crumble is just one example of Blue Ridge Grill’s eye toward perfection.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

With its handmade pasta, terrific steaks and foundation of classic Italian dishes, the Atlanta outpost of Massachusettsbased chef-preneur Steve DiFillippo sets a higher-than-usual standard for a mall restaurant. Fine-food lovers flock to Phipps Plaza for Davio’s delicious fried calamari, tagliatelle Bolognese and warm spinach salad like ravenous shoppers on the hunt for Louis Vuitton

bags, Tiffany silver and Dior gowns. And they can do no better than the buttery medallion of impeccably grilled top sirloin, slathered with Gorgonzola and paired with wilted spinach and sea-salt-and-truffle-oil fries. No wonder the Davio’s menu is as tantalizing as the shoe department at Nordstrom. Appetizers and salads: $9-$16 Pastas, entrées and steaks: $18-$48 davios.com/atl

ECLIPSE DI LUNA At the tail end of Miami Circle is one of the most convivial joints in town. Head over for happy hour Monday through Thursday when most drinks and tapas are half price, and there’s live music. Yummy small plates of habanerospiced ahi tuna ceviche, smoky sundried-tomato mac and cheese (made with three different cheeses) and refreshing Granny Smith apple salad are some of our favorites. Still hungry? It’s hard to pass up the succulent balsamic-y spare ribs and flavorful, crunchy calamari. If you’re with family (or a family of friends), consider the exquisite saffron-infused paella, made with authentic Calasparra rice. Tapas: $2.95-$14.95 (most in the $5-$8 range) Large plates (for two or more): $20-$24 eclipsediluna.com

Terrific twofer: slices of smoked brisket and turkey on Smokebelly’s Delta Double combo plate.

KYMA The name means “wave,” and making waves is exactly what executive chef Pano I. Karatassos has been doing at his family’s stellar Greek seafood restaurant since 2002. From marides (tiny, “French fry”-size white fish) to Greek specimens grilled whole (try the barbounia or bronzino), Kyma excels at delivering the kind of simple, unadorned flavors you’ll encounter on a patio by the Aegean. Order a glass of Greek wine (there are many options) and a few classic meze for sharing (we like the dolmades, spanakopita, cuttlefish stuffed with lamb stew and the feta-zucchini fritters), and your meal will go just swimmingly. Meze: $8-$14 Mains: $26-$46 (whole fish $30 or $36 per pound) buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma

PASTA VINO You can surely find trendier pizza parlors or posher places to eat Italian in Atlanta. But if you’re looking for old-fashioned linguini with clam sauce or chicken Florentine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with a loyal following, this Buckhead favorite has got you covered. The restaurant is beloved by many for its home-style cooking, casual ambience, reasonable prices and a staff of servers who have acquired faithful customers of their own. Owner Nancy Powell treasures her crew, most of whom have been on the job for more than a decade. Given the refined state of Italian dining in America today, Pasta Vino is not likely to win any awards for innovation or inspiration, but it remains a perfectly fine, frequently delicious trattoria. Starters and salads: $2-$10 Entrées: $10-$22 pastavinoatlanta.com The generous portion of sweet and sour spare ribs from Eclipse di Luna makes it one of the best deals on the menu.

SMOKEBELLY Smokebelly offers a traditional Southern-inspired barbecue experience within Buckhead’s posh surroundings. The rustic yet upscale interior is a comfortable place to kick back with a local beer or craft cocktail. The hearty barbecue platters offer generous portions of smoked meats and sides that harken to roadside dives. In addition, salads and healthful sides are tasty alternatives. At lunch, choose from a dozen sandwiches or from the long list of small plates.

We recommend the quinoa super-food salad, tangy and bright with colorful veggies and fresh greens, or the smoked brisket and sofrito empanadas with tender and richly flavored meat wrapped in a flaky crust.

Lunch entrées: $7-$16 Dinner entrées: $12-$30 starfishatlanta.com

Tapas: $4.50-$11.50 Sandwiches and salads: $6.50-$13 BBQ plates: $14-$27 smokebellybbq.com

At this venerated breakfast nook, you’ll find Atlanta movers and shakers in ties and starched shirts huddled over omelets and pancakes. But regardless of a guest’s status, owner Demos Galaktiadis, who came to America from Greece in 1966, treats everyone the same. He has run this Peachtree Road institution for 45 of its 68 years, and over time, the food has evolved into a unique combination of home-style Southern and Greek standards. At lunch, you might have moussaka and collards or fried grouper and a Greek salad, finished off with a dish of banana pudding. But breakfast is king here. We recommend the Olympic omelet, stuffed with spinach, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and peppers and served with a side of tzatziki, or a breakfast sandwich laden with sausage, cheese and egg.

STARFISH Starfish—which can look just a little lost on the block that houses Restaurant Eugene and Holeman and Finch— is exactly the kind of sushi joint we have been trolling for. In a city where Japanese cuisine can be hit-or-miss and sometimes not the freshest, chefowner Seung K. “Sam” Park’s reticent little pearl is a superior catch—cute and compact as a bento box but with just a hint of luxury. At dinner, we were delighted to see how the kitchen plays around with untraditional ingredients like truffle oil and balsamic vinegar, slicing fish as thin as carpaccio and arranging it in dazzling presentations. When our flounder sashimi arrived, the server told us to place a dab of the ponzu jelly spiked with cilantro, jalapeño and lime on a strip of the fish and roll it up. Exquisite. Starfish isn’t the kind of place that announces itself with screaming klieg lights or red carpets. But in this culture of excess, sometimes being a little bit under-theradar can be very seductive.

WHITE HOUSE RESTAURANT

Breakfast: $6.40-$15.30 Lunch: $6-$16.70 whitehousediner.com

Hungry for more? Visit the Simply Buckhead website to read all of our Restaurant Reviews! simplybuckhead.com

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

THE HIGHEST POINT OF FITNESS!

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Pinnacle Fitness is the Premier Personal Training Fitness Center in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia with revolutionary equipment including the only Kinesis Wall in the area. At Pinnacle Fitness, you will be carefully guided by professional, certified trainers and a staff dedicated to your personal fitness and wellness program, which also includes nutritional guidance. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder that members often define Pinnacle Fitness as a New York or LA facility with Southern charm - and with a commitment to have each of its members reach their own Pinnacle of Fitness.

OFFERING: Personal Training | Golf Fitness Classes | Tennis Fitness Classes | Wellness Programs

404.228.3705 Located in Buckhead at 3215 Cains Hill Place NW

pinnaclefitness8@gmail.com www.pinnaclefitnessgym.com

E V E N T S | C H A RI TA B L E | S C E N E

SIMPLY HAPPENING EVENTS BY:

Locke Hughes

[ F E AT U R E D E V E N T ]

WHAT’S COOKING UP YOUR CULINARY GAME WITH SUR LA TABLE’S IN-STORE CLASSES

f one of your New Year’s resolutions is to cook at home more often, Sur La Table can make your goal a reality. The Buckhead store offers classes taught by professional chefs in a hands-on environment nearly every day of the week. You’ll work in small groups to whip up everything from tapas to tacos to a French feast worthy of a Parisian bistro. Classes are open to all levels, but if you’re a novice, consider starting with Knife Skills 101 or 10 Skills for the New Year, where you’ll learn essential

techniques to make 2018 the tastiest year yet. Take a pasta-making class or practice baking buttery croissants from scratch. Is your goal for the new year to eat better? You’re covered there, too, thanks to options focusing on creating healthy and delicious meals such as sweet potato noodles in red curry-coconut sauce. February’s lineup offers some excellent alternatives to the usual dinner-and-a-movie Valentine’s Day date. In A Taste of Tuscany, bring home the flavors of Italy as you discover how to make a meal of bruschetta and herb-crusted pork tenderloin with whitebean and wild-mushroom ragout, ending with perfectly poached pears and a prosecco zabaglione. Yum!

SUR LA TABLE Classes start at $59 Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.973.3375 surlatable.com

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY H APP E N ING

E V E N TS

[ N E A RBY ]

BUZZ CATHEDRAL ANTIQUES SHOW Jan. 24-27 cathedralantiques.org Admire gorgeous art, blooms and interior design during Buckhead’s noted Cathedral Antiques Show, which features a three-day antiques show, home tours and flower festival. This year, proceeds benefit A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab.

ACT3’S SPRING PRODUCTIONS

For Art’s Sake SOAKING UP CULTURE AT THE CALLANWOLDE ARTS FESTIVAL Art lovers don’t have to forgo art festivals just because of the winter weather: On Jan. 20 and 21, the indoor Callanwolde Arts Festival celebrates local art, music and more. Located at the historic 27,000-square-foot Callanwolde mansion in Druid Hills, the award-winning annual festival brings together almost 90 artists to display their paintings, sculptures,

photographs, metalwork, glass art and jewelry. Attendees can also check out artist demonstrations, live bands and dance performances, and purchase snacks from food trucks. A general admission ticket is just $5, but a $20 ticket for the Preview Party on Jan. 19 treats you to a sneak peek at the exhibits, complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres, and live music.

CALLANWOLDE ARTS FESTIVAL Jan. 19-21 General admission $5, preview party $20 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center 980 Briarcliff Road N.E. Atlanta 30306 404.872.5338 callanwolde.org

[ C H A RI T Y ]

Hearts of Gold DOING GOOD AND HAVING FUN AT THE ANNUAL ATLANTA HEART BALL For more than 70 years, hundreds of Heart Balls across the country have raised funds to benefit the American Heart Association. Here in our community, the annual Atlanta Heart Ball has been a beloved tradition since 1981, as people come together to contribute to a good cause and have a good time while they’re at it. At this year’s event, to be held

Feb. 9-18 and Apr. 13-28 act3productions.org From Feb. 9-18, Sandy Springs’ semi-professional theater company will present Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, but with a twist: This version is set in the 1950s. Then, Apr. 13-28, catch The Wedding Singer, a musical based on Adam Sandler’s hit movie.

GEORGIA BOY CHOIR FESTIVAL Feb. 16-17 georgiaboychoir.org Any boy in the third through twelfth grade can participate in this annual two-day musical extravaganza at the Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, which culminates with a Grand Finale Concert on Saturday evening. Youngsters receive instruction and sing along with dozens of boys from all over the Southeast, as well as members of visiting national choirs.

CUPID’S UNDIE RUN

Feb. 24 at the St. Regis Atlanta hotel, the theme is “Hearts in Rhythm,” and guests will enjoy cocktails and a silent auction followed by a lavish black-tie dinner. Funds raised assist the AHA in carrying out its mission to ensure treatment for millions of Americans affected by cardiovascular disease and helping everyone enjoy healthier, longer lives.

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

ATLANTA HEART BALL Feb. 24; 6:30 p.m. $1,500 and up St. Regis Atlanta 88 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 678.224.2012 atlantaheartball.heart.org

Feb. 24 cupids.org Strip down to your skivvies and run a little over a mile in the middle of winter. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s for a good cause. Cupid’s Undie Run raises money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation and neurofibromatosis research. After the run, celebrate your accomplishment at Big Sky Buckhead bar and eatery.

ACUPUNCTURE is a traditional oriental medical technique that restores and maintains the human’s natural balance. •MALIGNANT DISEASE •WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES AND FERTILITY •INSOMNIA •BELL’S PALSY •ALLERGIES & RESPIRATORY ISSUES •ANXIETY, DEPRESSION & STRESS-RELATED DISEASES

SERVICES Specializing in Colour | Extensions Balayage | Texture Cutting | Men’s Grooming

DR. LEE ACU & HERB is a medical clinic specializing in: Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine • Natural Weight Loss • Heat Therapy • Women’s Problems • Massage 99 West Paces Ferry Rd NW #200, Atlanta, GA 30305 770-540-7000 DrLeeAcuAndHerb.com

YOUR IMAGE IS OUR IMAGE New Year~New Hair~New Image~New YOU

770.628.0328 www.colourbaratlanta.com 901 Abernathy Rd, Suite 500, Sandy Springs, GA 30329 (corner of Abernathy/Barfield/400-Serrano Condo Bldg).

Sunday, February 25, 2018

12–4 p.m.

Georgia World Congress Center

Register at HungerWalkRun.org Fundraise with your family and friends Help end hunger on February 25, 2018 Tag us #HWR2018 | HungerWalkRun.org Hunger Walk Run is an event of the Atlanta Community Food Bank

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

EARN MILES ON EVERY RIDE.* Link your accounts at Delta.com/Lyft

S I M P LY H AP P E N ING

CHA R ITAB LE

Karla Arriola, Susana Chavez

Photos: Ninh Chau

LATIN FEVER BALL

N Lois Beserra, Linda McColley, Aida Perez Flamm, Ronny Pepper, Joanne Truffleman

ow in its 29th year, the Latin Fever Ball proved once again to be one of the most festive fundraisers in town. More than 630 guests gathered at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta hotel to enjoy plentiful libations and dancing to the tunes of a live Latin orchestra, with costumed stilt walkers, jugglers and other performers adding to the excitement. Attendees also enjoyed a three-course dinner of traditional Latin dishes, posed in the photo booth and bid on a bevy of items at the live and silent auctions. The goodies included a mini Tesla; signed Taylor Swift and Tom Petty guitars; autographed Atlanta United, Hawks, Braves and Falcons memorabilia; and luxury travel packages to Belize, Costa Rica, the Riviera Maya and other Latin American destinations. The Latin American Association’s largest annual fundraiser, the gathering raised more than $440,000 that will go toward providing Latino Georgians with assistance regarding academic, immigration and other issues.

Adilka White, Katiuska Eseman

Patricia Hunt, Omaira Diaz and Gabriel Vaca with costumed performers

Sonny and Joanne Hayes with La Hora Loca dancers

Willy Rivero, Maggie Rivero, Margret De Freitas, Felipe Ramiréz, Ed Martinez

Marie and Chris Marquardt

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY H AP P E N ING

CHA R ITAB LE

Henry Gonzalez

Photos: Simon Salt

Meg Fernandez, Elissa Wallis

BLUE ANGELS AWARDS

T Sid Barron, Joanne Hayes

Tom Davis, Michelle “Buttercup” Davis

Yvette Thomas-Henry, Jack Sawyer, Henry Gonzalez

he second annual, invitation-only Blue Angels Awards, sponsored by premier jeweler Tiffany & Co., were held recently in the Savannah Room at the Four Seasons, where several Atlantans were recognized for their devotion to area philanthropic efforts. This year’s recipients were Tom and Chris Glavine, Henry and Billye Aaron, Jack Sawyer, Louise Sams, Michelle “Buttercup” Davis, and Harold and Alana Shepherd. Gifts to local charities were made in their honor, with eight organizations in total receiving donations. Of the event, Henry Gonzalez, Tiffany’s senior director Atlanta, says, “We do this because we not only help our customers celebrate special moments and communicate special messages throughout the year with the Tiffany blue box, but with that same passion, we make it a practice to help our customers in their efforts to make our community, and the world, a better place to live.”

Chris and Tom Glavine

Sandra Edwards, Margaret Ann Kennedy, Kevin Kennedy

Dr. David Apple, Harold Shepherd, Alana Shepherd, James Shepherd

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY H APP E N ING

S CE N E

WISH YOU WERE THERE Life is too short not to take the time to get out and explore the world beyond your four walls. PHOTO: Sara

74â&#x20AC;&#x192;

January/February 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Hanna

Experience luxury retail brands and fine dining at the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most traveled airport. Introducing ATL Skypointe, the elite way to shop, dine and explore.

www.atl.com

#shopdineexplore

ÂŠ City of Atlanta

T H E

BE AC H

I S

C A L L I NG

The charm and gracious Southern hospitality of the oceanfront King and Prince Resort on St. Simons Island is hard to resist any time of year, making it ideal for quick beach getaways. You can choose from a variety of accommodations, from oceanfront rooms, to seaside villas and beach cottages. And there’s plenty to do, from your choice of swimming pools, seaside deck, spa services and tennis, to oceanfront drinks and coastal dining at ECHO. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the outstanding King and Prince Golf Course. Make your plans for a getaway today!

T R I PA DV I S OR “ C E R T I F IC AT E O F E XC E L L E NC E ” - S E V E N C O N S E C U T I V E Y E A R S

S T. SI MONS ISL A N D, GEORGI A

+ LIVE FROM DOWNTOWN +

PHILIPS ARENA TRANSFORMATION THE FUTURE OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT In the heart of downtown Atlanta, our Arena connects sports, entertainment and fans like never before. Epitomizing the future of live entertainment by capturing what fans want most: greater variety and connectivity. Our new Arena is breaking down barriers to create a more social setting with authentic connections to our great city. Learn more at PHILIPSARENA.COM/TRANSFORMATION

C E L E B R AT I N G S U C C E S S I N 2 0 1 7 24 HOMES UNDER CONTRACT | OVER $50 MILLION IN SALES

Delivering in June 2019

THECHARLESBUCKHEAD.COM

©MMXVIII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

THE CHARLES SALES GALLERY 315 EAST PACES FERRY ROAD ATLANTA | 30305 | 404.975.3770

Introducing an Iconic Hotel Both Timeless and Trendsetting

Explore The Whitley. The Whitley A Luxury Collection Hotel 3434 Peachtree Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30326 404.237.2700 TheLuxuryCollection.com/Whitley