Simply Buckhead May 2022 by Simply Buckhead

MAY 2022

ISSUE 86 • FREE

Your Guide to Living Well in Atlanta

ATLANTA'S SPORTS STARS

PROS DISH ON THEIR FAVORITES AND HOW THEY GIVE BACK

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

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M AY 2 0 2 2

Contents

Photos: 30: Joann Vitelli, 44: Vitalij Sidorovic, 73, 82: Sara Hanna

44 12 Editor's Letter 14 Publisher's Letter A Tribute to Sam Massell

UP FRONT 17 NEWS California Dreaming Jenni Kayne brings easy, breezy style to Buckhead

18 LOCAL SALUTE Woman Power Honoring a volunteer

20 LIVING THE LIFE Michelle Jericevich

26 TRAVEL NEAR Charleston Quickie

36 BULLETIN BOARD Pantry Refresh

How a devoted mom turned her daughter's needs into a thriving nonprofits

Winging it for 24 hours in the Holy City

Food storage organization tips from a professional

21 APPROVED Catch SUP

The Thompson Buckhead leaves a lasting impression

Gear for your stand-up paddleboarding adventure

24 TRAVEL FAR Island Calling The Dominican Republic is an easy escape

28 STAYCATION Stuck on You

38 TRENDING Rainbow Connection Everyday items get a colorful update

LIVING

40 TASTEMAKER Designed for Living

30 HOME Settled with Style

Designer Libby Sims Patrick’s holistic approach to hospitality design

Putting down family roots in Brookhaven

➥

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

S I M PLY B UC KHEA D ®

M AY 2 0 2 2

Contents A new local brand is made for teens

44 FASHION Everything’s Just Dandy U.K. designer Joshua Kane brings his collection to the U.S.

48 BEAUTY Skin Nutrients Vitamin-enriched products to level-up your skincare

50 WELLNESS Rec Yourself Adult sports leagues turn up the fun and fitness

52 TASTEMAKER Acne’s Big Threat Morgan Rackley is solving pimple problems, one grateful face at a time

62 STRATEGIES In the Swim of Things

@simplybuckhead

CULTURE 64 ON STAGE Always Ballin' NFL player Jordan Moore steps off the field to focus on music

COVER STORY

66 LITERARY Survival Tools Jeff Romig shares his battle with mental health to help others

73 Play By Play

68 TASTEMAKER From Singer to Steward

78 Beyond the Ballgame

The pros weigh in on their favorites

Behind-the-scenes with the professionals who bring game day to life

Gallery owner traded a musical life for art

80 Passion Plays

69 EVENTS Places to go and things to do

FAMILY 58 KIDS Camp Counseling Select the best sleepaway camp for your child

60 PETS Picture Perfect These local artists paint any pet in a good light

B E H I N D THE COV ER

@livingwellatl

Know this about building a pool in Atlanta

Icons: Freepik.com

42 FASHION Making Dressing a Piece of Cake

simplybuckhead.com

Erik Meadows

STYLISH

FI N D U S ON L I N E

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

@simplybuckhead

90 DRINKS Sake to Me Taste thousands of years of brewing history in every sip

92 FOODIE JOURNAL Picnic Perfection Chef Ian Winslade’s tips for the perfect spring picnic

Community service isn’t a game for some athletes

94 TASTEMAKER Mr. Johnny’s Hideaway

82 Safe Ticket Bets

Chris D’Auria celebrates 25 years at the Buckhead nightclub

Win with trusted brokers, electronic transfers and patience

96 Featured Restaurants

84 Game Gear

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

Root for your favorite team in style

DELICIOUS 86 REVIEW Carnavore's Paradise Little Alley Steak allures at every turn

Anyone who’s ever played a sport knows that sometimes strategy can be as important as skill. For our sports-focused cover shoot, finding a time when one representative from each of Atlanta’s five professional sports teams—Atlanta Braves, United, Falcons, Dream and Hawks—was a logistical challenge, to say the least. Though we had to shoot on multiple days (and work some photo-editing wizardry), our dedicated team made it happen. The new Thompson Buckhead, a chic boutique hotel on East Paces Ferry, set the scene, giving our

99 Charitable A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

100 Scene

team access to the private rooftop club, Tesserae. The club offers panoramic views of both Buckhead and downtown Atlanta, as well as stylish interior spaces that feel like a luxe living room. Braves pitcher Collin McHugh, former Falcon and current minority owner Warrick Dunn, United centerback Miles Robinson, former Dream player and current part-owner and VP Renee Montgomery and Hawks guard-forward Kevin Heurter sported team gear for the cover and “off-duty” wear for their portraits as part of the story. It was a team effort!

Photographer: Sara Hanna Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin Styling: Stacey Bell, The Style Sanctum Makeup: Nyssa Green, The Green Room Agency Photography assistants: Chris Rothman, Judd Redmond Special thanks to Jennifer Dawood and the hospitality team at Tesserae and Thompson Buckhead.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY

POWER SERVES

FALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION BEGINS JUNE 30 LEAGUE PLAY RUNS SEPTEMBER 6 - OCTOBER 23

ALTATENNIS.ORG

M AY 2 0 2 2

ISSUE 86

Editor's Letter

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

he official start of summer may be more than a

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355

month away, but it feels like it’s been on the brain

for a while. We’re all ready for a dose of summer fun,

simplybuckhead.com

aren’t we? From gearing up for standup paddleboarding

For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895

adventures with the products in Lauren Finney Harden’s

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Approved story to choosing sleepaway camps for your children in Giannina Smith Bedford’s Kids column, in

Joanne Hayes

this issue, we’ll help you prep for summer activities. Plus,

Sonny Hayes

Publisher and Founder Chief Financial Officer

travel is back in full force, and our writers explore three

EDITORIAL

noteworthy destinations. For those focused on the home

Karina Antenucci

front, Amy Meadows offers insights in our new Strategies

Managing Editor

column on key things to know if you’ve been contem-

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

plating installing a pool—perhaps in time for next year’s

Alan Platten

summer entertainment.

Giannina S. Bedford

Senior Contributing Editor Creative Director Contributing Home Editor

Speaking of Strategies, it’s part of our new Family

H.M. Cauley Copy Editor

section! The Simply Buckhead team is excited to share

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

a redesigned magazine that includes some new articles

Atlanta sports stars’ favor-

H.M. Cauley Carly Cooper Lauren Finney Harden Emily L. Foley Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Taylor Heard Michael Jacobs Amy Meadows Claire Ruhlin Vanessa Pascale Rust Ginger Strejcek

ite things (playlists, mottos

PHOTOGRAPHERS

and expanded sections. We hope you love the fresh, modern feel as much as we do. This month, we were also thrilled to get up close and personal with some of our favorite athletes. The cover feature highlights these

and more!) and a look at how they give back. It also

Sara Hanna Erik Meadows Joann Vitelli

offers tips for the sports

SALES & ADVERTISING

fan such as how to best

Cheryl Isaacs

score tickets and what

Michelle Johnson Sara Hanna

pride. You’ll be all set for

Enjoy!

Karina Antenucci Managing Editor

Layal Akkad Graphic Designer

DIGITAL

BHG Digital Website Development Management Director of Audience Development

PROUD SPONSOR OF

Account Executive

Mike Jose 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.

Emily Foley is a freelance journalist with more than a decade of experience covering beauty, fashion, entertainment and lifestyle. Her work appears in magazines such as Allure, Glamour, Marie Claire, Us Weekly, instyle.com and retailmenot.com She’s covered countless red carpets and fashion shows, and has the sequins and stories to prove it. Emily also shares the latest beauty, fashion and lifestyle trends on TV shows across the country, and in the midst of all that is a mom of two and wife.

Senior Account Executive

to wear to show your team the next season.

Emily L. Foley

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

LEGAL

Scott I. Zucker Legal Counsel

PROUD MEMBER OF

S I M PLY B UC KHEA D ®

M AY 2 0 2 2

Publisher's Letter A Tribute to Sam Massell Since the passing of former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell in March, I have seen some wonderful tributes to his life and work over the decades. Before putting it into words myself, I wanted to take the time to reflect on the bond I was fortunate to form with him over the past 12 years. I was honored to meet Sam a Massell looking dapper on Simply Buckhead's March/April 2014 cover.

few months after moving to Atlanta in late 2009, as we were preparing to launch Simply here advised me that connecting with him was a must before doing anything this big. I called the Buckhead Coalition office and was shocked when Sam took my call on the spot and invited me to meet with him the following week.

My friendship with Sam was

Courtesy of Georgia State University Magazine

Buckhead. A publicist friend

a once-in-a-lifetime circumstance, and I already miss him dearly. This photo from the 2020 Buckhead Coalition luncheon where he announced his retirement is the last I have with him. To Sandra and all of the Massell family, we send our sincerest condolences. You are

On our first visit, we spent

Simply Buckhead, how im-

in our hearts at this time, and

almost two hours talking about

pressed he was with our unique

we share your loss. Even now

what seemed like everything—

advertisers and their loyalty, the

while we feel the void of Sam’s

our shared Jewish upbringing,

quality of our editorial and how

passing, we know that his legacy

family, philanthropy, education,

much we meant to him person-

lives on in the thriving Buck-

work and so much more. He

ally as well as the community.

head community that he loved

asked me if I knew how to sell

I will cherish every memory,

ads because he knew that was

every photo, every word he

the hardest part of having a

spoke to me as my journey with

successful magazine. I’m now a

Simply Buckhead may never

26-year veteran in our industry

have come to fruition without

and can attest to that. Many people might not know that Sam himself had been an editor of

his blessing and encourageHayes with Sandra and Sam Massell at the 2020 Buckhead Coalition luncheon.

a school newspaper, something he was very proud of.

and helped build.

ment. When I moved to Atlanta, I didn’t know a single person here, so every friendship and introduction was vital as a

The meeting was over when

it a point to meet or talk

newcomer. Sam was my mentor,

Sam stood up and told me he’d

on the phone every couple

friend, confidant and cheer-

be my biggest cheerleader and

of months, and each time

leader. We never talked about

to call him if I needed anything.

we spoke, he told me what a

politics, but we always talked

Joanne Hayes

I took him up on that offer,

great job we were doing with

about Buckhead.

Publisher

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Sara Hanna

many times in fact. We made

NEWS

LO CA L SA LU T E

LIVING THE LIFE

APPROVED

T R AV E L

UP FRONT

Island Calling Page 24 Whether for a romantic getaway or a family trip, Eden Roc Cap Cana provides an effortless escape.

“What stood out throughout my stay was the service.” S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

NEWS

Ginger Strejcek

CALIFORNIA DREAMING Jenni Kayne brings easy, breezy style to Buckhead

ith a palette of neutral colors, clean lines and nubby textures that channel West Coast style, Jenni Kayne is toting her signature looks to Atlanta with the first Southeast location set to open this spring at Buckhead Village. It will be the 14th for the expanding California-based brand that carries women’s apparel and home furnishings. Walk in and you might not leave.

The in-store experience brings the minimalist aesthetic to life with real room environments that bid a warm welcome, conjuring dreamscapes and inspiring pinboards. Think luxe chaise loungers and cushy linen sofas, cashmere throws and plush alpaca pillows, handwoven jute rugs and gleaming natural oak tables— each piece a testament to fine craftsmanship, fabulous functionality and ultra-chic comfort.

As for the wardrobe, shop seasonal classics from relaxed-fit fisherman sweaters and beautifully draped slip dresses to slide-on mules (suede to shearling) and Italian-made leather bucket bags. “Jenni Kayne creates an all-encompassing lifestyle that speaks to the modern woman today,” says Chief Customer Officer Lauren Holmes. “The Atlanta store will have our full apparel assortment

as well as the majority of our home and furniture collections. Our sales associates are trained to assist customers with styling the pieces in their own homes as well.” Located on Buckhead Avenue between Canali and alice + olivia, Jenni Kayne also carries tabletop decor and a new skincare line, Oak Essentials. n JENNI KAYNE • 470.751.9010 jennikayne.com • @jennikayne

NEWS CLIPS A SHOO-IN With a savvy business plan to create stylish footwear and accessories from recycled plastic water bottles, California-based Rothy’s opens its first retail location in the Southeast at Westside Provisions District. Shop a curated selection of hip handbags, shoes and accessories for men and women in the 899-square-foot space with concierge-level service to boost the brick-and-mortar experience. “Our hope for the new store is that it allows us to connect with a community of people in Atlanta who share our values in challenging the

status quo and building a more sustainable future,” says CEO Stephen Hawthornthwaite, who co-founded Rothy’s with Roth Martin a decade ago and now maintains nine retail locations across the country. rothys.com • @rothys

SAY CHEESE The cheese stands alone at the newly-opened mozzarella bar Bastone in West Midtown, where chef owner Pat Pascarella is tapping into his Italian heritage to create some Neopolitan magic from treasured family recipes. Indulge in

fresh mozzarella, salumi and housemade pastas, perfectly paired with Italian wines and craft cocktails at the 150-seat eatery, complete with a back patio. The grand tasting features mozzarella di bufala, ricotta di bufala, burrata, smoked mozzarella and fatt’a mano (hand-stretched mozzarella), along with boards of prosciutto, roasted artichokes and eggplant caponata. “I think it will be educational for many of our guests as they discover how many different ways you can enjoy and pair mozzarella,” says Pascarella, whose restaurants also include

Grana and The White Bull. Bastone is open for dinner only, with takeout and delivery available. bastoneatlanta.com @bastoneatl

FLOWER POWER Georgia’s Cherokee roses are in full bloom at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. As part of the hotel’s newly unveiled redesign, local artist Niki Zarrabi created a sweeping tribute to the state flower in the main lobby. Her painted petals spread beyond two 96-by-146-inch framed canvases, dripping down to the floor and climb-

ing the walls in a dreamy surrealistic mural representing new life. Hospitality design firm KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group led the Southern-inspired makeover that put a fresh spin on the entryway, checkin area, executive lounge and guest rooms with custom art throughout. “Guests will find exquisite details and unexpected moments immediately upon arrival and thoughtful details they’ll long remember after they leave,” says design lead and principal Lisa Simeone. intercontinentalatlanta.com @icbuckhead

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

LOCAL SALUTE

Mickey Goodman

Changing Lives

Susan JacobsMeadows (center) with recent Canine CellMates graduates.

Symbiotic cell mates Dogs have always played a big role in Susan Jacobs-Meadows’ life, so the idea of starting a program that paired rescue dogs with prisoners intrigued her. “When an employee at the Fulton County Jail asked if I would help find small business owners interested in hiring former prisoners, I used my favor [he offered me in return] to ask for help setting up a program.” Canine CellMates, created to help break the cycle of reincarceration, became a reality in 2013. Both the dogs and the inmates are carefully vetted to make sure they are compatible living together in jail. Support for the prisoners continues once they are released. In May 2021, the organization

launched Beyond the Bars, a preindictment diversion program offering a sentencing alternative. Instead of spending time in jail awaiting sentencing, those approved can attend the one-year program, learning how to train dogs, as well as life skills. Their charges are reassigned or adopted once they complete the program. “As far as we know, it is one of the first of its kind in the U.S.,” Jacobs-Meadows says. A volunteer since inception, Joan Holladay of Dunwoody has participated in every aspect of both programs. “The dogs are wonderful,” she says, “but I stay to help affect change in the men.”

Participants in both programs study conflict resolution, parenting, financial literacy, “staying out of jail 101” and more. “During the year, we search for permanent homes for the dogs,” says Jacobs-Meadows. Adopters can meet their dogs and

the prisoners at graduation, often the first time in a prisoner’s life he has been recognized for doing something positive.” For more information, visit caninecellmates.org.

Diaper Dilemma Polly Simpson, Wick Garrard, homeowner Destiney C., Elizabeth Spears and Susan Boyd at the 2016 Women's Build.

Woman Power Honoring a volunteer The late Polly Simpson was passionate about women’s and kid’s issues, particularly Habitat for Humanity, where she was a co-founder of the Atlanta Habitat Women’s Build. In December, the group raised a recording-setting $140,000 to construct a home in her memory. A small portion came from corporate sponsors, but the bulk was from family, friends and colleagues who worked with Simpson at Habitat or her other pet projects, The Georgia Council on Child Abuse, Inc. and the Atlanta Women’s Foundation. According to her daughters, Elizabeth Spears and Catherine Simpson, their mother would have been thrilled. A donor since 2001, Simpson served Habitat in a number of capacities, including on the board of direc-

tors and the advisory council. In 2016, she was presented with the Golden Hammer for her years of service. Spears and Catherine Simpson, who volunteered at their mother’s side and served in leadership roles, helped raise $80,000 from family and friends for the first build in 2003. “Eighteen years and 18 houses later, we’re still growing,” says Spears. They were among the 175 women who worked for eight weeks on the four-bedroom, two-bath house alongside homebuyer Shandreeka Ball. “Mom would want to be remembered for her dedication to her family,” says Catherine Simpson, owner of Catherine’s Auto Repair in Buckhead. “That’s what she cared about most.” For more information, visit atlantahabitat.org.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Fulfilling critical needs When Jaycina Almond got pregnant at age 20, she was working at AmericasMart, had no car, shared an apartment with two roommates and couldn’t afford the specialists she needed for her high-risk pregnancy. Fortunately, her baby’s father stepped up and helped with medical and living expenses. “Other single women aren’t so lucky,” says Almond, a professional model who launched a GoFundMe campaign in 2019 from her Brookhaven apartment with the hopes of raising $25,000 to start an organization to provide needy moms with emergency assistance for rent, utilities, food gift cards and diapers. The total topped six figures, and The Tender Foundation and Diaper Bank was launched in 2019 and up and running in 2020, serving women in the Atlanta metro community. COVID-19 further exacerbated the need for help. The women are carefully vetted for financial assistance, but the Diaper Bank has no eligibility requirements. “Mothers are often forced to stretch their supply by changing less often or even reusing diapers,” Almond says. “Neither is a healthy option. Plus, daycare centers require

Jaycina Almond is on a mission to deliver baby supplies.

parents to provide up to 10 diapers a day for infants.” Last year, a homeless woman with a young son asked for help with her first month’s rent for an apartment. “She had saved enough for the deposit but couldn’t move in without financial aid,” says Almond. “We were able to provide the stability she needed, and she has never had to ask again.” The organization relies completely on donations from both individuals and corporate sponsors. For more information, visit thetenderfoundation.com.

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LIVING THE LIFE

MICHELLE JERICEVICH How a devoted mother turned her daughter’s needs into a thriving Sandy Springs nonprofit for disabled adults

Above: Michelle Jericevich shares her love of dance with Great Prospects participants.

As told to Amy Meadows PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

is making sure that everyone has fun. Great Prospects factors into almost all aspects of my day in one fashion or another. Whether I am onsite as the CEO, interacting on social media, making connections in the community or simply being a single parent to a participant, I have a hand in everything. I’m also a retired professional ballerina, a certified teacher and a member of the Royal Academy of Dance in London. I spend several afternoons and evenings each week in a local dance studio teaching character dance at all levels. At Great Prospects, you might see me jump in and dance with our participants. I’m lucky to have found a calling that allows me to help others. This program has become an integral part of my life. n

hen my daughter, Indya, was nine months old, we realized that something was not quite right with her development. I wanted to do everything in my power to take her to her fullest potential. Things were good until it was time for her to transition out of the school system in 2000. The public programming available was essentially an adult daycare, with no real stimulation for these wonderful young people who truly wanted to be part of the community. It was not where my happy, bubbly girl belonged. I stumbled on Great Prospects, a small nonprofit for the developmentally disabled, founded in 2004. I had been looking for a light in the window for Indya, and I knew this was it. I took over as CEO in 2011 with the idea of creating a unique program filled with therapeutic opportunities for ambulatory adults who need daily activities.

Left: The bond between mother and daughter brings special meaning to this Sandy Springs nonprofit.

I reached out to Theresa Frerking of Rivercliff Lutheran Church in Sandy Springs, and we began operating out of the community building there. We started with five participants, and now we have 18 people in our program, including Indya, who is now 33. I work with my staff, including Executive Director Emily Kopp and Program Director Brittany Gordon, to plan all our activities, and each one has a reason behind it. Courses such as music, yoga and fitness are instructed by professionals who have degrees in occupational therapy or are registered behavioral therapists, and everything we do involves therapeutic learning and peer support. We make sure our participants are involved in community outreach projects, such as collecting cans for burn victims. The key factor

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

GREAT PROSPECTS, INC. • 770.314.4243 greatprospectsinc.org • @greatprospectsinc

FAVORITE SPOTS Everything I need is right in Sandy Springs, from great restaurants to convenient shopping and more. Here’s where you might find me on a typical day. Morning Motivation My mornings begin with getting Indya ready to head over to Great Prospects. We often take our 2-month-old Scottish Westie, Charlie, who has become the program’s beloved mascot. Along the way, I’ll grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Active Afternoons The days are busy, so I love heading to Trader Joe’s on Roswell Road for a lunchtime salad. Sometimes I’ll have lunch with Indya and my 29-year-old son, Stone, at Flower Child, located off Johnson Ferry Road. When I want to enjoy coffee and conversation with friends, I go to Café Vendôme. Evening Enjoyment On evenings when I’m not teaching ballet, Indya and I love to share a meal at Il Giallo Osteria & Bar on Roswell Road. And I love catching a movie at The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, right in the heart of Town.

APPROVED Dagne Dover Rae Roll-Top Bag ($25) Don’t risk dropping your car keys and cellphone into the lake or river while you SUP. Stash your essentials in this stylish dry bag that’s waterproof and has a clip closure to help keep everything snug and safe while you’re out on the water. It doubles as a place to put your wet swimsuit once you’re done with the paddleboarding session, too. Nordstrom • 404.442.3000 nordstrom.com • @nordstrom_phipps

Summerful Bikini Bralette ($89) and Hipster Bottom ($74) A ditsy, floral print and clean, classic cut keep this bikini from Summerful in balance. Reversible to a pretty lilac, it’s a suit that is working just as hard as you are on the board. Bonus: the racerback top will show off how sculpted you are from paddling. The bottom style is for those who don’t mind showing off a little rear, too. The style is exclusive to Everything But Water.

Catch SUP Bote Inflatable Paddleboard ($669) Weighing in at 20 pounds and able to hold up to 250 pounds, the Bote Breeze Aero 10’8” Classic Teak Inflatable Paddleboard is functional and stylish. Whether a first-timer or seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how compact the board is for travel since you can deflate it. The board comes with a paddle, fin, repair kit, pump and bag, so all you need is a good body of water and some muscle. REI • 404.633.6508 • rei.com • @rei

Everything But Water 404.260.2910 • everythingbutwater.com @everythingbutwater

Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the hottest trends in outdoor recreation, thanks to its relatively low impact and inherent scenic water views. It’s also quite the workout, utilizing arms, legs and core to propel yourself forward at whatever speed you see fit. Here are a few key items to get a weekend SUP warrior started and glide down the Chattahoochee in style this summer. STORY:

Lauren Finney Harden

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion with 50 SPF ($22) Not all sunscreens are created equal. A quick-absorbing and water-resistant one, such as those in Supergoop!’s PLAY line, will have more staying power to keep you protected longer. Water-resistant up to 80 minutes, this one is made with sunflower extract rich in beta carotene, which helps keep out UVA, UVB and infrared-A rays. Sephora • 404.467.9565 sephora.com • @sephora

Astral Loyak W’s Shoe ($90) It used to be you either had to go barefoot or got your sneakers soaking wet. But a new crop of advanced footwear, such as the Loyak W’s from Astral, are the perfect in between. Flexible and self-draining, these water shoes will help you transition from board to car and back again. Plus, they can take you to a well-earned beverage after your paddle. REI • 404.633.6508 • rei.com • @rei

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

TRAVEL FAR

To beach or to pool? That is the only question at relaxing Eden Roc Cap Cana. Order up a fresh fruit cocktail at the Beach Club, which sits on the property's Blue Flag-certified private beach.

ISLAND CALLING The Dominican Republic is an easy escape

S Right: The writer and her college bestie cruising in the provided golf cart. Below: Dive into the temperate, aquamarine waters at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

ometimes the journey to a destination is part of its appeal, with puddle jumpers and water taxis adding to the anticipation. But for a recent 72-hour getaway, I wanted to keep it easy. The fewer details that needed planning, the better. I set my sights on Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic for a long weekend. The direct flight from Atlanta to Punta Cana was an easy 3.5 hours, and the resort was a 15-minute car ride from the airport. No trekking required, plus loads of wellness activities at my fingertips. Perfect. Eden Roc’s 65 all-suite accommodations are set within Cap Cana’s 30,000-acre private, gated community. My traveling companion and I delighted in our newly renovated villa outfitted with a private pool and outdoor lounge, comfortable king bed and walk-in closet. The spacious bathroom is its own haven with a double-vanity, deep Jacuzzi tub, indoor rain shower and outdoor shower space where the tropical birds chirp at you from their palm tree perches. Multi-bedroom villas and one- to two-bedroom beach-

STORY: Karina Antenucci

front suites overlooking the ocean and adjacent to the main infinity pool are also available. A complimentary golf cart comes with each villa-style accommodation, and we had a blast traversing the property in it. Though we never hit any balls on Punta Espada, a pristine Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that runs through the center of the property, we carted through a few of its paths and got lost on our way home one night. And an equestrian center was a leisurely 15-minute drive away. Between hiding from the sun under a beach hut, swimming laps in the turquoise ocean and sipping cocktails made with fresh fruit juices at the beach bar, I visited the Eden Roc Spa by Natura Bissé. The Signature Massage and a facial utilizing Natura Bissé’s energizing dry oil and nourishing skin care products made momdom and solopreneurship feel far, far away. After the treatments, I used the sauna followed by the “ice room,” a verifiable ice maker where you grab some ice and give your skin a rubdown to close your pores. The wellness experiences are

The regal living room within Eden Roc's four-bedroom Imperial Villa.

The king bedroom in one of the resort's two-bedroom family villas.

extensive and customizable through a personal wellness concierge. Daily group classes such as yoga, Pilates and HIIT are available at the gym or by the beach, and private sessions, from personal training to meditation, can be booked on demand and take place in your suite. There’s even an anti-gravity aero yoga studio and a natural medicine consultant on speed dial. My friend and I opted for an insightful tarot card

A luxurious treatment room at the spa, where you can enjoy everything from oxygeninfused treatments to sports massages.

reading followed by relaxing reiki, arranged on a private deck with a wave-crashing soundtrack. What stood out throughout my stay was the service. Coming from the U.S. where we’ve been experiencing staffing shortages in the service industry, the well-staffed Eden Roc was a welcome change. Someone was always available to take an order, make a reservation or answer a question—with a smile

to boot. In fact, Alberto from the concierge and Lifestyle Coordinator Astrid would proactively check in via WhatsApp to see if we needed anything and make suggestions. In addition to the service, the food at all three restaurants is top notch. Fresh seafood abounds, and my favorite dishes included the succulent spiny lobster (caught that afternoon) at the oceanfront La Palapa; chef’s tasting nigiri course and delicate hamachi crudo at BLUE Grill + Bar, a casual Japanese-Peruvian spot overlooking the pool; and the flaky red snapper served with bok choy at fine-dining Mediterranean restau-

rant, Mediterraneo. BLUE also hosts the resort’s complimentary daily breakfast buffet and a la carte menu. This trip checked off the need for a mental reset and fun with a girlfriend after a crazy year. The next time, I look forward to returning with family and taking advantage of the kid-friendly options, including the Koko Kid’s Club and a children’s concierge service that can arrange everything from a private movie night to chaperoned activities. Yes, please! n EDEN ROC CAP CANA edenroccapcana.com • @edenroccapcana

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

Kris Tamburello

Andrew Cebulka

TRAVEL NEAR

Charleston Quickie Winging it for 24 hours in the Holy City

harleston never disappoints, even if you only have 24 hours to spare. That’s what was available to my husband and me for a quick, kid-free getaway while visiting family nearby in South Carolina. We were determined to make the most of it. The area may be named the Holy City for its famed religious tolerance since the 18th century and numerous churches and synagogues, but there’s another standout quality to worship here: the food. Hungry upon arrival, we headed to Butcher & Bee (run by the folks behind The Daily, which recently opened on Atlanta’s westside) in the East Central neighborhood. The farm-fresh fare with delightful presentations offers a mixture of lighter bites and the downright indulgent. Choose from dishes such as a spicy avocado salad with heirloom collard greens, peanuts, Carolina Gold crispy rice and serrano chiles (with the option to add an egg, Benton’s bacon, roasted seasonal veggies or chicken shawarma) or the spicy fried chicken sandwich with Benton’s country ham, fermented pepper honey and pickled fresnos. Wash it all down with craft brew or cocktail. I enjoyed the refreshing Kitty Hawk to Kauai made with local Nippitaty gin, hibiscus syrup, Luxardo maraschino and lemon. With no commitments or responsi-

STORY: Karina Antenucci

bilities (hallelujah!), we made time for a nap and headed down Meeting Street to our suite at The Dewberry hotel. One of 155 guest rooms at the luxurious property, the floor-toceiling windows overlooked historic Charleston and Marion Square. After a cleanse in the walk-in shower swathed in Vermont Danby marble, I dove into the Irish-linen-made king bed for a divine midday snooze. Upon waking, we were ready to get back at it. The hotel’s location made it easy to set out on foot. We enjoyed meandering through the adjacent Ansonborough neighborhood, admiring its stately historic 1800s homes with courtyard-facing porches and catching glimpses of their secret gardens tucked behind black iron gates and red-brick driveways. Our stroll delivered us to 167 Sushi Bar, a tiny joint with more bar stools than table seating, where we made an excellent attempt at eating all of the uber-fresh fish. Favorites included the opah nigiri topped with yukari and finger lime; salmon shiso futomaki, a fat sushi roll filled with salmon, cucumber, microgreens, lemon confit and togarashi (a Japanese spice blend); and a delicious bottle of ENTER.Sake Silver, a clean and smooth Ginjo sake. If you have room (I didn’t), sample the creative izakaya menu items, too. Post-sushi binge, we landed back

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

at The Dewberry and retired to The Living Room lounge for a hang on its comfortable couches. Though the service was friendly, the place was buzzing, and one could see the strain of pandemic times with the wait for drinks and the early-evening closing of the property’s rooftop hotspot, Citrus Club, despite a line of eager patrons. Made a mental note to return for an al fresco bubbly on the next trip to Charleston. If shopping had been on the agenda, we would have hit up King Street. Conveniently accessible across the square, it runs from Charleston Harbor to uptown and boasts interior design, fashion and antiques stores. Instead, we hunted for oysters and landed amidst said shops at the aforementioned sushi bar’s sister

Above left: Reimagined as The Dewberry in 2016, the hotel is located in the former L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building. Above right: Butcher & Bee’s delights feature locally sourced ingredients and sustainably raised meats. Below: The bar at 167 Raw Oyster Bar invites you to come for oysters and stay for more.

restaurant, 167 Raw Oyster Bar. Without a reservation, it was quite the wait. However, with nothing to do but dry out, we people-watched the preppy college bros trying to “get in” and even bumped into our Inman Park neighbors who were also in town to eat well. Once “admitted” to the bar seats, we slurped down a couple dozen raw oysters. Full and content, we made our way back to the hotel to snuggle in until our reluctant checkout and return to responsibility the next day. n BUTCHER & BEE butcherandbee.com • @butcherandbee THE DEWBERRY • thedewberrycharleston.com @thedewberrycharleston 167 SUSHI BAR AND 167 RAW OYSTER BAR 167raw.com • @167raw • @167sushibar

atlanta's best nail + beauty bar CALL:404.600.8600 TEXT:404.889.7368

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www.sugarcoatbeauty.com S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

STAYCATION

Elegantly sleek, the Thompson Buckhead is a new addition to Atlanta's hotel portfolio.

Stuck on You

The Thompson's Italian-American Dirty Rascal is brought to you by General Muir Chef Todd Ginsberg.

The Thompson Buckhead leaves a lasting impression

he Thompson Buckhead may be tucked away on the corner of East Paces Ferry Road and Buckhead Avenue, but its 10-story glass exterior is hard to miss. The interior of the Hyatt property is impressive yet feels warmer and more inviting. Upon entering the lobby to checkin for a quick 24-hour getaway with my husband, I was taken by the design mixing mid-century minimalism with statement-making light fixtures and colorful furnishings in various textures and patterns. Pieces by local artists conjured the feeling of staying in a high-end residence while pops of greenery and striking flower arrangements by Botanica Floral added an almost tropical vibe. Adjacent to the lobby, locals and visitors alike lounged on tufted leather sofas and banquettes with cocktails procured from the intimate, five-seat bar just past an iron and glass archway. We were tempted to join the cocktail hour but instead headed upstairs to settle in. Our accommodations, like all of the Thompson’s 201 guestrooms, featured subdued earthen hues and jewel-toned furnishings, from an emerald-green dresser retrofitted to serve as a coffee and cocktail bar to a red velvet lounger in the adjoining TV room. Flanked by modern globe lights, the king bed in Sferra linens

had a dark green velvet headboard that extended on one side to become the back of a bedside banquette, the ideal spot to take in striking skyline views through floor-to-ceiling windows. In the bathroom, dark tones reigned with titanium quartzite stone countertops in a leathered finish and a dark-gray tiled shower behind a textured glass door. A recessed shelf in the shower showcased a metallic and smoky tile backsplash that added a touch of glam in the otherwise masculine setting. If the Thompson’s design makes the best first impression, a visit to the lobby level restaurant will only

STORY: Giannina

make one fall further in hotel love. Dirty Rascal is an Italian-American concept by James Beard-nominated chef Todd Ginsberg of The General Muir. The playful name is embodied by a red fox mascot depicted in decorative red metal works by local artist Huelani Fogleman. I’d heard it was becoming difficult to get a reservation at the new hot spot. The Friday night we stepped onto Dirty Rascal’s black and white penny tile floors, its popularity was apparent. The wood-paneled bar was packed with special event guests, couples and the after-work crowd. In our cozy booth, we sipped on an Old

Crisp linens and bold, modern furnishings mingle in the Thompson's swanky guestrooms.

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S. Bedford Cuban (Santa Teresa 1976 rum, lime, mint, prosecco and bitters) and Amaro Smash (Knob Creek Rye, Cynar 70, mint, honey and lemon), awaiting what turned out to be a shrimp cocktail of enormous, wildcaught crustaceans from Ecuador. We followed it up with a sharable portion of the Gorgonzola salad (celery, roasted grapes, candied pecans, pear, frisée and Gorgonzola dressing), the melt-in-yourmouth ricotta tortellini and lamb Bolognese and a precisely cooked flounder Francese. We also ordered sides of broccolini and garlic to accompany the a la carte dishes. With no room for dessert, we retreated upstairs post-dinner for a nightcap overlooking the city lights. Upon my next stay at the Thompson Buckhead, I look forward to making use of the rooftop pool with private cabanas. Tesserae, its private membership club that opened after my stay, is invite-only, but guests staying in the suites and ninth-floor rooms have access to the indoor-outdoor rooftop space. Atlanta is awash with stylish places to overnight, but my 24-hour fling with the Thompson Buckhead garnered it a spot near the top of my list of local loves. n THOMPSON BUCKHEAD • 404.574.1234 thompsonbuckhead.com • @hyatt

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

HOME

BULLETIN BOARD

TRENDING

TA S T E M A K E R

LIVING

Settled with

Style

PUTTING DOWN FAMILY ROOTS IN BROOKHAVEN

STORY: Giannina

PHOTOS: Joann

Vitelli

hen Florida na-

for a larger, more permanent

everything we needed,” says Jor-

tives and Florida

home where they could start a

dan, a senior business partner at

State Universi-

family but still remain close to

an IT staffing firm. “We knew we

ty grads Jordan

the city. In March 2019, expect-

wanted space to expand our fam-

and Chase Lindsay relocated to

ing their daughter, Remi, they

ily. We wanted the family-friendly

Atlanta in 2018, they rented a

purchased a newly built abode

neighborhood as well as an open

townhouse in Brookhaven for six

in Brookhaven’s Meadowbrook

floor plan to entertain and a

months to get acclimated to their

neighborhood.

fenced-in backyard. Plus, we knew

new city. After getting a feel for the area, they began their search

S. Bedford

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

“The windows and flat backyard really drew us in. The home had

we’d have many family visitors once our daughter arrived.”

➥

The master bedroom reflects an elegant monochromatic color scheme.

“ The dark yet soothing tones create a calm and suprisingly light space.” — Jordan Lindsay

HOME

Jordan Lindsay credits designer Virginie Airieau with selecting furniture and decor that represents her family's style.

The Lindsay home is located in Brookhaven's family-friendly Meadowbrook neighborhood.

The home benefits from natural light through its large windows, equipped with Roman shades from The Shade Store to provide privacy in the evenings.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

“We wanted something that was more functional-modern.” — Jordan Lindsay

To personalize the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home before Remi’s arrival, the Lindsays called in some help. In June 2019, after seeing a list of up-and-coming designers in a local magazine, they engaged Virginie Airieau of interior design firm A Curated Room to assist. First, they tackled the living room and kitchen, infusing a design of gray, white and blue with earthy materials such as woods, stone and leather. “We like a more modern aesthetic, but with kids and pets in the future we wanted something that was more functional-modern,” says Jordan. “The lines are not too sharp, but not fully round. My husband is big on blue so it’s the accent color pretty much everywhere.” Airieau paired the Lindsays’ gray Crate and Barrel sectional with a round African whitewood coffee table from Noir Trading Inc. and white rug from Loloi. For media storage, two floating shelves from District Eight by Nuevo, also in African whitewood, are mounted on the shiplap walls and flank the 72-inch television. “Virginie worked on multiple seating and storage options to easily transform the living room into a space for entertaining on the weekends,” says Jordan. The living space flows into the kitchen, equipped with KitchenAid appliances, white and gray quartz countertops and a 10-foot island— the family’s favorite place to hang out and cook, something they do at least five nights a week. Bell-shaped pendants and Four Hands bar stools made of iron and felt are the finishing touches on a kitchen that mixes practicality with style. “The kitchen provides a white and clean aesthetic,” Jordan says. “Two floor-to-ceiling closets provide great storage in addition to the walk-in pantry and large cabinets.” Next door, a four-seasons room serves as Remi’s girly playroom with The House of Noa play mat floor tiles, a Crate and Barrel sofa upholstered in performance fabric and storage baskets for toys. The playroom and the rest of the home benefit from natural daylight through its numerous windows. “People have said the house ‘feels alive’ with the strong lighting felt through the expansive windows. We couldn’t agree more,” Jordan says. On the main level, Airieau

revamped the entry foyer with textured geometric wallpaper from Arte on the ceiling and a threeglobe light fixture from Arteriors. Adjacent to the entryway, the formal dining room was completed in November 2021. Anchored by a Crate and Barrel table with layered wood legs, the dining room features Restoration Hardware chairs and a light fixture from Made Goods. “The idea for the dining room was for it to be a continuation of the living space,” Airieau says. “We wanted to keep the overall aesthetic soft and timeless.” Upstairs, the black and gray master bedroom evokes a similar blend of sophistication and global touches. Two black stone plates are mounted above the Lindsays’ Universal Furniture headboard. The bed is adorned in black and gray accent pillows in various patterns, and at the foot sits an elongated oval bench with a bolster from Nina Magon for Universal Furniture. “We love our master bedroom. The stone bowls behind the bed immediately grab your attention. The dark yet soothing tones create a calm and surprisingly light space. It’s spacious and not overcrowded by decor,” Jordan says. “We enjoy sitting there with the shades up, enjoying the sunlight and foliage from the backyard.” Down the hall, Remi’s nursery is a sweet contrast to her parent’s sleeping quarters. Dolled up in muted pink and white wallpaper, the room features a pink teepee with sun and

The kitchen overlooks what will soon be a spacious outdoor deck with a built-in kitchen, dining area and fireplace.

➥

The formal dining room features an abstract artwork purchased on Etsy that the Lindsays had framed.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

HOME

moon pillows and acrylic crib from Pottery Barn Kids filled with Remi’s best fur friends. “Remi’s room is incredibly special. I continued the functional contemporary feel carried throughout our home,” Jordan says. “Her pink teepee makes for a great game of hide-and-go-seek before bath time.” The Lindsays have several more home projects up their sleeves, from designing Jordan’s home office and finishing out the basement to adding more curated art to their walls. “This is really the missing piece of the house, and we look forward to hosting those who matter most, in all open spaces of our home,” Jordan says. “The home felt like us the first time we entered. Virginie has been influential in bringing furniture and decor that represents us.” n

When the weather is nice, Jordan says they open all the playroom windows to let in the fresh air.

IN THE DETAILS Jordan Lindsay shares thoughts on some of her favorite home accents.

1. Made Goods light fixture: “We love the light fixture in our dining room. The white, textured metal shade brings an edge to the room, while the warm lighting creates a welcoming space.”

2. Hooker Furniture buffet: “The open-concept buffet creates a space for decor as well as function while entertaining. The piece is large, but not overwhelming.” The often-used guest bedroom is outfitted in West Elm furnishings.

3. Leather box: “Virginie sourced a decor box that serves as a statement piece on the buffet. The leather and horsehair box adds interest and aligns with our functional modern aesthetic felt throughout the house.”

Sunlight streams through the large windows in Remi's sweet nursery.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

CASUAL & DAY WEAR

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404.365.0693 1248A West Paces Ferry Rd Atlanta, GA 30327 susanleeatlanta.com Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

BULLETIN BOARD

DESIGN NEWS

Giannina S. Bedford

Professional organizer Stephanie Jenkins started her U.S.-based business in 2019. s Interior Define has put down

Pantry Refresh FOOD STORAGE ORGANIZATION TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL

o matter how hard you try, the pantry seems to get out of control. You stock up on pasta sauce to later discover you have several jars hidden in the back shelf, and every time you open the door, an item falls in your face. Getting your food storage under control can benefit not only your wallet, but also your daily efficiency (and mood). We called on Sandy Springs-based professional organizer and London native Stephanie Jenkins of Simplify with Stephanie to get the pantry in tip-top shape.

Step 1: Measure, measure, measure.

Calculate the width and the height of each shelf and pull-out drawer. This will help you select proper storage bins. Step 2: Choose storage solutions.

Buy bins at retailers such as The Container Store, Walmart or on Amazon.

Also consider lazy Susans for hard-toreach corners and tiered shelving for cans. “I don’t recommend deep bins because they are cumbersome and heavy. Instead, get a 12-inch bin and put your overstock in the back.” Jenkins also suggests purchasing clear containers to decant cereal, rice, flour and sugar. “These keep everything fresher, and you can see when you’re getting low on something.”

drinks protein shakes each morning, so all the ingredients for the shakes go in one bin that can easily be pulled out and put back. Step 5: Be Strategic

“When you put things back, it’s a little bit like Tetris,” Jenkins says. She stresses tailoring the accessibility of pantry items to your lifestyle: Daily-use items should be easyto-reach, and overstock or goods you don’t use every day should be put higher up. “Anything you want [kids] to eat should be eye level. Anything you don’t want them to eat should be higher.” Step 6: Label.

Step 3: Inventory.

Empty everything (and Jenkins means everything) out of the pantry. Check sell-by dates and throw out any expired foods. Step 4: Organize by zone.

Compartmentalize items based on how you use them. “If you’re a cook, your herbs and oils should be in one spot and easily accessible.” For example, Jenkins has a client who

“Label everything,” Jenkins says. If you don’t have a label-maker, don’t fret. Jenkins says chalkboard labels are just as effective and can be reused. Labeling is important because it helps everyone in the household, from kids to housekeepers, understand the pantry’s organizational system and where food items belong. n SIMPLIFY WITH STEPHANIE 404.542.3856 • @simplify_with_stephanie

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Furniture retailer Room & Board and quartz surfaces producer Cambria have partnered for a home goods collection that showcases the Minnesota-based brands’ modern and elegant aesthetics. The collection includes this Halsted serving board with Brittanicca Gold quartz and antique bronze handles. The tray, ideal for staging bathroom cosmetics or kitchen items, is exclusive to Room & Board and available for $90 (small) or $120 (large). ROOM & BOARD • 404.682.5900 • roomandboard.com • @roomandboard

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

stakes in Buckhead. The customizable, direct-to-consumer furniture brand opened its 11th U.S. brick-and-mortar outpost at Buckhead Village as part of the brand’s 2022 expansion, which includes more than 30 new locations. Designed to feel like a modern home, the shop features a fireplace, bookshelves and trim work, along with a collection of accessories. At Define Studio, customers can meet with design experts and explore a swatch wall of more than 125 fabrics, rug swatches and leg samples. interiordefine.com n Savannah College of Art and Design took home 117 awards at the 2021 International Design Awards. Honors were garnered in architecture and graphic, interior, fashion and product design, marking the most awards of any university worldwide. Three SCAD students were also named as "IDA Emerging Designers of the Year.” Among them, Atlanta students Crystal Martin and Nora Bukhari were recognized for stand-out work. scad.edu

t Level Craft Construction, co-founded by Virginia Van Lear and Debbie Hollonbeck, is expanding its service area to include projects in Buckhead, Brookhaven and Ansley Park. Founded in 1996, the firm has renovated or built more than 100 homes throughout Atlanta. levelcraftatlanta.com

Better Banking In Your Backyard Down around the corner on Roswell Road sits a full service financial center where our primary focus is you. Whether your needs are commercial, small business or personal - bank where you are a priority.

Buckhead’s Community Bank 3880 Roswell Road | Atlanta, GA 30342 | (404) 231-4100

www.GeorgiaPrimaryBank.com

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

TRENDING

Rainbow Connection Say goodbye to boring white china with a bit of color on your tabletop this spring. A Bohemian spirit meets clean-lined, modern shapes to create a table that is bursting with personality and not at all precious. Add candy-colored pastel soft goods such as tablecloths and napkins for a whimsical tea party look, or keep linens white and crisp so your pieces really pop. A bouquet of spring flowers is the perfect finishing flourish. Whether you need a wow-worthy tablescape for guests or just a little bright spot in your day, these charming items are the perfect pick-me-ups.

Skeem Violet Match Cloche ($36) Your candle set up will strike up some conversation with a colored glass match cloche from Skeem Design. Available in a variety of colors with names of smoke, moss, sky and cloud, they’ll further add to the ambiance. You can purchase them in a variety of sizes that look good together as a cluster on a mantle or tray as well. Lucy’s Market • 404.869.9222 lucysmarket.com • @lucys_market

STORY:

Sunshine Glass Candlestick Holders ($28-$32) Tapered candles are having a moment, and there’s no prettier way to display them than with these colored candlestick holders. Lightweight and translucent, they add depth without making a tablescape feel heavy. Adelina Social Goods also has dip-dyed candles to complete the look. Adelina Social Goods • 404.565.1930 adelinasocialgoods.com • @adelinasocial

Lauren Finney Harden

Estelle Colored Glass Cake Stand ($225) and Dome ($60) Baked goods are made all the sweeter through a colored glass cake stand display. Made by artisans in Poland, these cake stands are as pretty as the pastries they’ll display. If you’re into a matchy-matchy look, corresponding colored glasses complete the set. And yes, brides and grooms: You can register for these pieces at fête. fête • 404.254.0144 • tresbellefete.com • @tresbellefete

Denim Colorblock Flower Vase

Sir Madam Rialto Coupe Glasses ($32 each)

($145)

Inspired by Venice and its famous glass, these coupe glasses come in 12 colors, both in opaque and translucent versions. Names such as moonglow, limoncello and menthe will certainly inspire you. Perfect for everything from Champagne to ice cream, they hold 10 ounces. Made in Turkey, they'll add interest to any tablescape.

A simple flourish of denim paint on this colorblocked glass vase helps hide any messy stems in your flower arrangements. The upgraded vessel from Atlanta-based brand etúHome is made from recycled glass by artisans, so you can feel good about adding it to your table.

Lucy’s Market • 404.869.9222 • lucysmarket.com • @lucys_market

etúHome • 470.592.3126 etuhome.com • @etu.home

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

TASTEMAKER

ore than 20 years ago interior designer Libby Patrick left her job as a principal at a leading design firm, opting to pick up contract work from home. “I started working out of my basement and doing my own projects,” says the Buckhead resident, who has more than 30 years of experience in the design industry. “One thing led to another, and we started getting bigger and bigger projects.” Sims Patrick Studio, where Patrick is CEO and founder, has grown into a team of 14 designers, planners and project managers specializing in large-scale hospitality and boutique luxury projects. Here, she shares the holistic approach of her firm and her philosophy on design. The designers at Sims Patrick Studio are interior architectural designers. What does that mean?

Through the lens of storytelling, we take the client’s vision and interpret it into a three-dimensional solution. This involves the placement of walls, floors and ceilings with lighting that enhances these. We also design custom lighting and furnishings, integrating artwork to enhance the story. We start with sketches and evolve into a set of interior architectural drawings for the contractor to build, along with furniture plans, details and specifications for the procurement agent to purchase and install. Are there any common themes that anchor your projects?

We pride ourselves on doing “one-of-a-kind” projects so each one is unique, based on the research and development of a solid design concept. We always start the process with the client’s vision. We also study the targeted market and research the attributes of the location, surrounding culture, the flora and fauna of the area and any other inspiration that will lead to an authentic experiential design solution.

Designed for Living Designer Libby Patrick’s holistic approach to hospitality design STORY: Claire Ruhlin PHOTO: Sara Hanna hotels is the most complicated and also the most fun. I am constantly challenged, and I love it. What projects stand out for you?

What drew you to hospitality design?

I always wanted to do hotels because I felt like it was a culmination of everything I have learned in my career. Hotel design combines so many project types—restaurants, corporate, retail and luxury-lifestyle—into one project. Designing

I have a special soft spot for a boutique hotel project, McEntire, that I am developing in my hometown of Decatur, Alabama. It’s a 2-acre site overlooking the river with a circa-1835 historic home on the property. Adjacent to the home, it will have a 55-room hotel, restau-

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

rant, rooftop bar, event space and spa. I am excited about giving back to my community and honoring my parents, who have worked so hard for 50 years to help Decatur develop into such an amazing place. What do you look for when hiring designers to join your team?

[We look for] someone who is smart, skilled, kind, positive, a good designer, willing to learn and work hard, and who is a team player.

How do you see the design industry changing?

In hotel design, there is a bigger focus on local culture, sustainability, better food and beverage options, a heightened fitness and wellness experience, the bathroom experience and up-to-date and integrated technology in the public spaces and guest rooms. n SIMS PATRICK STUDIO • 404.261.6043 simspatrickstudio.com • @simspatrickstudio

FA S H I O N

BEAUTY

WELLNESS

TA S T E M A K E R

STYLISH

Everything’s Just Dandy Page 44

Designer Joshua Kane debuts his annual collection in the U.S. at Simply Buckhead's inaugural fashion show. PHOTO:

Vitalij Sidorovic

“I was incredibly excited to bring to life my most daring, immersive experience to date.” — Joshua Kane

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

FASHION

MAKING DRESSING A PIECE OF CAKE A new local brand is made for teens STORY: Lauren

Finney Harden

uckhead resident Chambless Kalka never set out to design a clothing line, but her teen daughter kept asserting that she never had anything to wear. The sizing for kids’ clothes didn’t fit her daughter, nor did the adult options. “The clothing [on the market] wasn’t adapting to bodies changing. It was too short, or it was just inappropriate,” Kalka says. One day, she spent two hours doing returns of clothing that didn’t fit her then 12-year-old, and that frustration was enough to spark an idea. But Kalka didn’t have a fashion or design degree; the stay-at-home mom knew she needed professional help to bring a teen clothing brand to life. Enter Mallory Atkins, a Savannah College of Art and Design graduate. Atkins started a small apparel consulting business during the pandemic and put the word out that she was available for work. A SCAD alumni counselor set her and Kalka up in January 2021. “We chatted on the phone for three hours that first time,” says Atkins. “I started designing immediately.” Cake for Dinner, launched in November 2021, has scaled sizing that fits a teen’s body but is also generously designed to accommodate the age group. For example, Atkins, who is now the director of design and product development, incorporates a lot of smocking that can grow with the teen, thanks to its give. “It’s mainly for a younger age group but doesn’t necessarily rule out young women in college,” says Kalka, who is also the CEO in addition to founder. “We wanted

Clockwise from above: Chambless Kalka, founder and CEO; the Meadow Dress in Sky Blue Burst Tie Dye ($148); Mallory Atkins, designer.

[clothing] that could stay with them for years and a brand they can love now and later.” Primarily sold online, Cake for Dinner has had a few successful pop-ups in Atlanta and New Orleans. “They were bigger than we could have ever possibly imagined,” says Kalka. “We got unexpectedly pleasant feedback about the momdaughter shopping experience.”

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Desert Bloom, the brand’s first collection, features 46 styles in prints by Atlanta-based print designer Caitlin Alderfer. Eyelet, fringe, tie-dye and ruffles are featured heavily, with the clothing wearable almost year-round. “We focused on colors of the blooming desert,” Atkins says. While putting together the collection, Atkins consulted a teen focus group that included Kalka’s daughter, now 14. “This age group is most active on social media,” says Atkins. “They’re driving where fashion is headed through influencers who keep getting younger and younger.” Adds Kalka, “They love the colors, the prints, the styles, the ability to mix and match tops and skirts. They

love knowing that girls their own age helped create their version of a perfect garment.” Crowdsourcing has proved to be a popular and innovative way to design for the demographic. “In December 2021, we started polling our followers on social media to discuss what they wanted to see in terms of styles, patterns, and more for later collections,” says Kalka. For Kalka, it’s been everything she wanted to accomplish and more. “My daughter loves getting to be a part of it. We say getting dressed is one big ‘yes’—it’s a piece of cake. Now it’s not ‘Mom, what do I wear?’ but rather ‘Mom, which one of our dresses should I wear?’ and that makes me happy.” Look for another collection later this year. n CAKE FOR DINNER cakefordinner.com • @shop.cakefordinner

FASHION

EVERYTHING’S JUST DANDY

Joshua Kane

U.K. designer Joshua Kane brings his collection to the U.S.

On Luke: The Darcy golden Lurex and flocked silk jacquard three-piece suit, The Waterstock black cotton narrow point collar shirt, wide bowtie in black silk jacquard, by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Vitalij

Sidorovic and Luke Hutson Flynn MODELS: Lottie Archer, Martha Liversedge and Luke Rapata HAIR:

Darren Fowler of Fowler35

NAILS: Justine

Collins using Kri:eitiv Colour

On Martha: Alexandra Suit Golden Space silk jacquard by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request.

MAKEUP:

Lan Nguyen-Grealis

n a trip to London a few years ago, Publisher Joanne Hayes and her husband and the magazine’s CFO, Sonny Hayes, happened upon British designer Joshua Kane’s store. Immediately smitten with his unique and luxurious apparel and accessories, as well as his personality, an idea sparked to launch Kane’s U.S. debut in Atlanta in conjunction with an immersive fashion event.

➥

On Luke: The Edward Red Smoke silk and wool jacquard three-piece suit, The Ceremony black silk narrow wing tip collar dress shirt and The Louis black patent leather boots by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request. On Lottie: The Kingsley Zip Off Coat in Red Doeskin wool featuring gold metal trims, Narrow Penny Collar in black silk Georgette and slim leg zip trousers in black wool with gold metal trims by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request. Women’s shoes by Joshua Kane x Manolo Blahnik. Archive Shear septum jewelry by Joshua Kane. (Shoes and septum jewelry not available for sale.) On Martha: Bianca Coat and neck accessory in Faux Astrakhan by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request. Women’s shoes by Joshua Kane x Manolo Blahnik. (Not available for sale.)

Discover Kane’s latest annual collection, “ The Dandy Rebels.” 44

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

FASHION

On Joshua: The Ceremony biker jacket and zip biker trousers in black Napa leather by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request. Jewelry is Kane’s own.

On Lottie: The Bianca wool and faux astrakhan two-piece coat and black crepe silk shirt by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request.

Last month, the idea became a reality. Simply Buckhead hosted its first runway show featuring Kane’s designs and benefitting CURE Childhood Cancer at Flourish in Buckhead. The event transported the audience to 1850s London through curated visual projections and music. “With it being my first show in nearly three years, I was incredibly excited to bring to life my most daring, immersive experience to date. I was excited to travel to Atlanta to show the collection for the first time,” Kane says. If you didn’t have a chance to

Right: Kane fitting Lottie in The Bianca black and white herringbone wool suit. Pricing upon request.

attend the event, discover Kane’s latest annual collection, “The Dandy Rebels,” here. It is inspired by the idea of the dandy, a word that first came into use in the late 18th century to describe someone who challenged dominant notions of masculinity and rebelled against cultural, social and gender norms. All items in the collection are available via a remote, made-to-order service. See details at the online store. n JOSHUA KANE joshuakanestore.com • @joshuakanebespoke

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

On Luke: The Edward Cosmic Space silk jacquard three-piece suit, The Walter black cotton wing tip collar dress shirt, Cosmic Space slim silk jacquard necktie and The Louis black patent leather boots by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request. On Martha: Grand Coat Cosmic Space silk jacquard three-piece suit and Cosmic Space printed chiffon scarf by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request. Women’s shoes by Joshua Kane x Manolo Blahnik. (Not available for sale.)

The Oliver jacket in Pink Grapefruit velvet styled with a printed Cosmic Space satin shirt, Cosmic Space jacquard necktie and scarf and Gold Shear necklace by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request.

The Louis studded boot with gold metal details and The Kingsley trousers in black wool with a red grosgrain ribbon tuxedo stripe by Joshua Kane. Pricing upon request.

“I was excited to travel to Atlanta to show the collection for the first time.” — Joshua Kane

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

BEAUTY

Skin Nutrients Eating a balanced diet is one of the keys to staying healthy, but did you know the vitamins you apply on your skin can help boost your beauty? “Vitamins are essential in a good

Vitamin-enriched products to level-up your skincare

skincare regimen. Used topically, they treat areas more locally,” says Kitt Sawyer, licensed aesthetican and certified laser practitioner at Alchemy Aesthetics in Sandy Springs. Just about any skincare product touts the benefits of some vitamin or other, so

STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

it’s helpful to know what each one does. Here, Sawyer explains some of the specifics.

Vitamin C Vitamin A This key skincare ingredient “stimulates fibroblasts, which strengthen the skin's protective barrier and aid in cell and tissue growth,” Sawyer says. It’s also an effective acne treatment because it expedites cellular turnover while slowing down oil production. Retinoids, including retinol, tretinoin and isotretinoin are manufactured forms of vitamin A.

Concerned about premature aging? Vitamin C is key. “It helps reverse free radical-induced oxidative damage, and it helps to improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and acne,” Sawyer says. “It stimulates collagen production while fighting the damaging effects of the sun.” ONE TO TRY: Naturally Serious Lemon-Aid Makeup Removing Cleansing Gel ($18) Take

ONE TO TRY: Sweet Chef Beet + Vitamin A Serum Shot ($20) This veggie-inspired K-Beauty (that is, from Korea) range is infused with vitamins and antioxidants from beet extract and vitamin A in the form of retinol to refine pores, smooth bumpy texture and minimize signs of aging.

it all off with this vitamin C-infused cleanser. Lemon seed oil and lemon butter help dissolve whatever you’ve applied—from foundation to eye makeup—and lemon extract helps reduce surface oil and improve skin’s clarity. SEPHORA • sephora.com • @sephora

TARGET • target.com • @target

Vitamin E Vitamin B “Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, and can help soothe the skin. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is hydrating and helps skin retain moisture, which prevents itchiness, flaking and dryness. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) helps to increase cellular regeneration and encourage wound healing,” Sawyer says of three of the most common B vitamins found in skincare.

“Vitamin E is a major antioxidant and works to neutralize the environmental stressors that’ll destroy your collagen,” Sawyer says, adding that it aids hydration because it’s both a humectant, which helps with absorbing water into the skin, and an emollient, which traps water in the skin. “It's also anti-inflammatory, so it can soothe and calm the skin while creating a barrier for protection.” ONE TO TRY: One Love Organics Botanical E Neck + Décolleté Firming Cream ($59) This

ONE TO TRY: Kat Burki Eye Crème

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AILLEA • 470.427.3992 • aillea.com • @ailleabeauty

improve microcirculation. Expect diminished hyperpigmentation and dark circles, and boosted luminosity. NEIMAN MARCUS • neimanmarcus.com • @neimanmarcus

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

ALCHEMY AESTHETICS AT PLASTIC SURGERY CENTRE OF ATLANTA 404.257.9888 pscatlanta.com/alchemy-aesthetics @alchemy_aesthetics

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

WELLNESS

laying sports isn’t just for kids or professional athletes. It’s never too late to get your game on. Whether you’ve got athletic talent or just want to have fun, turn up the dial on your sports fitness with these adult rec leagues that range from the low-key to competitive in a neighborhood park near you.

Atlanta Sport & Social Club GET SPORTY: Soccer, softball, kickball, flag football, ultimate Frisbee and more LOCATIONS: Various, including Brook Run Park, Hammond Park and Peachtree Hills Park

Founded in 2012, Atlanta Sport & Social Club is a recreational sports league giant. Pick your sport preference with more than 70 leagues at play every season. If you’re super-competitive, go for flag football or basketball. “We have teams that have won national championships. Our players take it very seriously,” says Kassidy Callahan, sports leagues marketing manager. If you’re less competitive and in it purely for fun, go for kickball or softball. “You are playing a game you played in elementary school, so you are totally just out there to have fun! Our softball also gets a lot of people wanting to try something new for the first time,” Callahan says. Leagues run for eight weeks, with the last dedicated to playoffs. Make sure you get a spot by signing up at least three weeks in advance of the league’s start date. Individual costs will vary between $65$150 depending on the sport and location. Social events include a pub crawl, block party and wine festival throughout the year. SIGN UP: 678.869.4690 atlantasportandsocialclub.com • @atlantassc

GO Kickball GET SPORTY: Kickball, softball, flag football, volleyball and pickleball LOCATIONS: Various, including Keswick Park, Hammond Park and Blackburn Park

GO started in 2005 amongst friends wanting to play the game with each other. It has held onto this non-intimidating, social culture while expanding to 25 cities across the U.S. and into other recreational sports. “We have always put an emphasis on the social side of sports,” says

REC YOURSELF

Adult sports leagues turn up the fun and fitness

Atlanta Sport & Social Club offers a plethora of rec league options.

Lindsey Kassen, senior director of the Atlanta market. “Kickball is that sport anyone can play.” Games are played each season for seven weeks, including six regular games and one tournament championship game. You can create your own team as a captain and invite friends to join, or you can sign up as an individual (“free agent”) to get added to a team. GO has free agent matching technology that helps it match players with a team based on common interests and competitiveness level. Registration fees vary by sport: Kickball is typically $69 per person. With your signup, you get a team T-shirt, discounts at a designated league bar and theme-week prizes. SIGN UP: gokickball.com • @gokickballatl

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Atlanta Wiffle Ball Club is a hit with adults in Sandy Springs.

STORY: Karina Antenucci

Kick it with GO Kickball friends on and off the field.

Atlanta Wiffleball Club

NAME OF THE GAME

GET SPORTY: Wiffleball

Trying to come up with a team name? Callahan says, “The funnier, the better. Our teams will usually have something to do with the sport or a famous player like ‘Mahomies’ or ‘Almost Atlanta United.’ Don't take the name too seriously.”

LOCATION: Hammond Park

This coed rec league is run as a nonprofit social club during the spring and fall, and is open to adults of all skill levels. Wiffleball games, a simplified version of baseball that typically uses a lightweight plastic ball and bat, are played on Saturdays at Hammond Park in Sandy Springs. “Wiffleball is more challenging than you think! The most common injury is to the ego. Coming with a mindset to have fun and meet new people will guarantee a good time for everyone,” says Dan Kelsey, founder and commissioner. The spring season starts in early March, and fall typically starts in

early August. Sign up at any time, but deadlines for T-shirt orders are typically four to six weeks before the season starts, and the earlier you sign up, the better chance of playing on a team with your friends. The $35 per person registration includes a team T-shirt and seven regular season games and playoffs. n SIGN UP: atlantawiffleball.com @atlantawiffleballclub

FOR SUPPORTING

ESTABLISHED IN 2002, BERT’S BIG ADVENTURE

is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a magical, all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World® for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. To learn more or donate, go to BertsBigAdventure.org.

BBA_SimplyBckhd_Apr22_rev.indd 1

4/12/22 6:54 AM

BUCKHEAD

Introducing the

Horwitz-Zusman Child & Family Center Where the child is at the center of everything we do Jewish Family & Career Services has expanded our counseling services to offer a holistic approach to mental health:

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WHERE YOUR OASIS

NOW ACCEPTING APPOINTMENTS (678)391-4333 65 IRBY AVENUE | SUITE 106 ATLANTA, GA 30305

Play Therapy • Parenting Coach Art & Yoga Therapy • Executive Functioning Coach Early Childhood Counseling • Support Groups Child, Teen, and Family Counseling To learn more, visit jfcsatl.org/family

WOODHOUSEBUCKHEAD

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

TASTEMAKER

Morgan Rackley is solving pimple problems, one grateful face at a time STORY: Emily L. Foley

Why do you think Luminous Skin Atlanta has done well despite opening right as the pandemic started?

Because my protocols were already so high, I was able to keep that same standard, and my clients felt safe. Using PPE materials was my standard beforehand, and I already had filtration systems in my treatment rooms because of the adhesive we used to apply lashes at my previous business, so we were ahead of the reopening game. Your Skin Care Bootcamp also put your business on the map pretty quickly.

I use the face reality system because I love their approach to treating acne on an array of skin complexions, and they have a 90% success rate. The first treatment on my

Chaos Chytist

rookhaven resident Morgan Rackley began her journey in the beauty business when she was 14 years old, washing hair at her mother’s hair salon in Washington, D.C. When she moved to Atlanta for college in 2007, she started working at luxury day spas such as Natural Body Spa and Jolie the Day Spa, and discovered her passion for taking care of people and their skin. After college, she pivoted from her intended career path as a television producer, became a licensed esthetician and laser practitioner, and opened her first beauty space, The Lash Designory, in 2012. Eight years later she opened Luminous Skin Atlanta, a spa and skincare clinic specializing in acne treatment and anti-aging services. “When I went to get services myself, I found that many luxury spas didn’t feel welcoming, and they didn’t understand skin of color,” Rackley says. “I treat skin of color in a warm environment with methods that are grounded in science.” We caught up with Rackley to talk about her business success and all things skincare.

Acne’s Big Threat menu was the face reality Acne Bootcamp, and that’s what took my business through the roof within six weeks. It’s not easy to find structured acne treatments other places, so people love this system. How does it work?

During a patient’s first visit, we assess their skin, medical history and dietary history, and determine what grade acne they have. Then we create a treatment plan, which is likely a combination of peels and laser treatments, with appointments every two or three weeks. But we map out their entire treatment plan in that very first visit.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Another huge component is that we establish a custom homecare regimen for our clients. Treating acne requires commitment and consistency, and it’s a relationship between the aesthetician and client. One spa treatment isn’t going to get you clear skin, and going that route is just wasting your money and time. What is your philosophy on skincare?

Health over speed. I don’t believe in rushing to try to get your skin clear because that could cause burns or scarring. I believe in treating skin in a healthy, steady way versus speedy, invasive treatments.

What is your personal skincare routine?

I tend to be on the oilier side, so I love a gel-based cleanser and use iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. Then I use a rose water toner—I like the smell—and follow that with face reality Hydrabalance moisturizer to keep my moisture barrier strong and my skin glowy and supple. Retinol keeps the fine lines at bay, and I follow that with either iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion or face reality Clearderma Moisturizer. n LUMINOUS SKIN ATLANTA 770.896.8326 • luminousskinatlanta.com @luminousskinatl

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CHRISTIAN SIRIANO PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE M AY 6 – O C T . 9, 2 0 2 2

1600 PEACHTREE ST. NW ATLANTA SCADFASH.ORG @SCADFASH | #SCADFASH Photo by Shane LaVancher

Maggie Schreck, PA-C is a highly-skilled and sought-after injector treating patients in the Buckhead location of Truffles Medispa. Maggie is an injector trainer for both Allergan (the makers of Botox Cosmetic, the Juvederm portfolio, and Kybella) and Galderma (the makers of Dysport, the Restylane portfolio, and Sculptra Aesthetic). Maggie is also one of the very few injectors who trains physicians and other practitioners throughout the State of Georgia in the use of Sculptra Aesthetic for both the face and body. With more than fourteen years of injectable experience, Maggie specializes in Non-Surgical Aesthetic Rejuvenation. She is a true artist who loves working with patients to help them achieve their aesthetic

maggie schreck

goals. She is known for her excellent bedside manner, exceptional patient care, and innovative treatments that cannot be found at other practices. Maggie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts from Miami University of Ohio and her Physician Assistant degree from Yale University. In addition to her extensive experience as an injector, Maggie has worked in the field of plastic surgery since 2007 assisting in surgery, preoperative care, and postoperative care. Maggie is a native of upstate New York and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.

Maggie Schreck, PA-C

TRUFFLES MEDISPA 2233 Peachtree Rd., Suite K,

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trufflesmedispa.com

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KIDS

PETS

S T R AT E G I E S

FAMILY

In the Swim of Things Page 62 While it can take up to a year to complete a pool, the process can turn your backyard into an oasis.

Fulton County was ranked as the No. 1 locale for new pools.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

KIDS

CAMP COUNSELING Select the best sleepaway camp for your child

never went to sleepaway camp, so the thought of sending my kids to one for the summer seems daunting. But more and more I’m realizing that a nature-centric camp experience away from technology may be a necessity in their future. But with so many sleepaway camp options, where do you start? Brookhaven resident Lauren Nearpass founded Summer 365, a sleepaway camp and summer program consultancy, with her mother in 2013 to help families find the best overnight options fit for each child. Nearpass treasured her 12 years spent at sleepaway camp and aims to cater her business to modern day parents and families, working one-on-one to serve their needs.

Where To Start Think about what you want your child to get out of the summer experience. Consider details such as session lengths, location, budget, camp gender and the activities offered. Parents should also take into account their camper’s personality, interest and the culture they want surrounding them. “What sparks joy for them? There are

Lauren Nearpass, co-founder & chief happy camper officer of Summer 365.

a lot of incredible camps out there, but you need to land on the one that will be the best for your family,” Nearpass says. “It’s not just about [the first] summer [away], but hopefully a camp experience that can grow with your child.”

STORY:

Giannina S. Bedford

Many children approaching sleepaway camp age don’t have the big-picture understanding of what the experience is about. “We really stress and recommend that it should be a parent-led decision,” Nearpass says. “Having the involvement of your child is important, but that comes with some limitations in terms of understanding camp and what is going to be the right decision in the shortterm and long-term.”

When To Start The Search Age Considerations

Camper Input

Many Summer 365 families begin the search process a year in advance. This gives them the opportunity to visit camps in person while they are in session and meet with the leadership teams. It also lets potential campers see where they would be eating and sleeping. “Kids are so visual, and this gives them the lay of the land so they can feel the energy of what camp is going to offer,” Nearpass says. “Some kids are a little hesitant about the idea of sleepaway camp and have some anxiety around it. Taking the idea from conceptual to more tangible helps them understand what sleepaway camp is and kids really warm up to the idea." n

The future camper should be involved in the selection process, but their input should have limits, Nearpass says.

SUMMER 365 • 646.543.8726 summer365.com • @summer_3_6_5

Many of the families Nearpass works with send their children to their first sleepaway camp between the ages of 8 and 10. When a child is ready to spend a summer away varies, however. If a camper is on the older side (11 and up), Nearpass says it’s even more important to find a good fit. "I am specifically mindful about recommending camps that typically have other first-time campers in those age groups as well as specific session lengths and program formats that are more conducive to having newbies,” she says.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

DAY CAMPS If sleepaway camp has to wait, here are a few unique options in our community.

LITTLES Haverty Hollow Frog Camp: Campers ages 5 to 10 can choose from arts and crafts, cooking, tumbling and more at this diverse day camp option in the heart of Buckhead. havertyhollow.com/ programs/summerprograms/

BIGGER KIDDOS Fabricate Studios: This West Midtown educational classroom space hosts beginner sewing and intermediate fashion design camps for kids 7 and up. Sewing machines and supplies provided. fabricatestudios.com/ product/beginnersewing-camp

TWEENS Camp Flix: Kids ages 11 to 17 learn about filmmaking—idea pitch to the final cut—from industry professionals at this day or overnight camp held at Oglethorpe and Emory University campuses. campflix.com

A Diverse Approach to Real Estate Maia Samb is the founder at Puttogo Global Group, a real estate firm operating under the Keller Williams Atlanta Perimeter office. The team offers full-service, creative real estate solutions, always putting the needs of clients first. They offer assistance in English, Spanish and French.

Q: Tell us a little more about Puttogo Global Group A: Puttogo is a woman-owned global real estate firm based out of Metro Atlanta. We understand the Atlanta market well, and the needs of all our clients, especially the global clients looking to relocate to this vibrant Southern city. Real estate transactions are stressful enough. Being able to complete one, while acclimating to what Atlanta has to offer is even more stressful. We make it a point to achieve all our clients’ needs, regardless of their background. Q: Speaking of background, where are you from and how long have you lived in the USA? A: I am originally from Senegal and I’ve had the great fortune to live, study and work abroad in places such as France, Switzerland and the United States. I consider myself a multilingual global citizen. I have over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications. I moved to Atlanta in 2008 from France after completing my undergraduate degree. Q: What makes Puttogo different from any other Real Estate Firms in Atlanta? A: I firmly believe that my background has allowed me to bring a fresher perspective when working with real estate clients from all over the world. Our clients greatly benefit from our team’s unique perspective on selling, building, renovating and buying homes. I also leverage the corporate

marketing techniques I have learned over the years to market properties like nobody else. Our team prides itself in providing creative and ethical housing options to clients, whether working on a luxury property, a renovation project or an investment. Q: What do you mean by creative real estate solutions? A: We are not a vanilla “list and done” type of firm. We push ourselves to be more creative when faced with a challenge. For instance, in this crazy hot [real estate] market, we may identify that our clients can make a significantly higher ROI on their sale by completing simple renovations. We offer them a way to complete such updates at no upfront costs*. Another challenge that many clients face in this challenging market is to find an affordable home in the location they desire. We offer to buy a fixer upper and help them renovate it with the backing of our network of designers and contractors, pretty much offering them their own HGTV show — without the cameras — *laughs*. Some clients just like the convenience of the iBuyer programs, where the property can be sold without a buyer ever stepping foot in it. They like to have more control over the terms. Our team members are Keller Offers Certified and we are able to obtain a cash offer for most of our clients who choose this route. Sometimes, we are able to negotiate 6-12 months post-sale occupancy with this program. Bottom line is: instead of just “guaranteeing” a low offer on our clients’ properties, we listen to their needs and find

ways to enable the highest return on their investment. Q: I saw you were affiliated with the Keller Williams Sports + Entertainment division —what is that? A: Yes, I am a member of Keller Williams Sports + Entertainment Official Member, a special designation to serve elite athletes and creatives, who are helping make Atlanta and Georgia one of the nation’s top film and entertainment destinations. The Keller Williams Sports + Entertainment division is a community of real estate agents offering immediate credibility, thought leadership, opportunities, and resources inside of the Keller Williams culture. We [the members] have a collective focus on a client base that requires a different approach to a traditional real estate transaction, which translates into thinking about our businesses in unique and creative ways.

___________________________________________ To learn more about Maia and her team, visit

www.puttogo.com

Puttogo Global Group Atlanta Perimeter | P: 404-528-9990 O: 678-298-1600 | info@puttogo.com 115 Perimeter Center Pl. 100, Atlanta, GA

PETS

Clockwise from left: "June" by Flowers, "Sidney" by Garcia, "Great" by Garcia and "Ro" by Flowers.

Picture Perfect

hough the newest iPhones do have a camera that seems to rival that of a professional DSLR, not even the savviest technology can replace the value that hand-painted portraits hold. Interested in a portrait of your beloved animal? Here are two artists who love creating canvases that honor your sidekicks.

NAOMI GARCIA With 15 years under her brush, Naomi Garcia got her start painting pet portraits after working on a commission piece for the Candler Park Sweetwater Festival. Since then, Atlantans have looked to the Dunwoody-based artist for keepsake

portraits of their fur babies, as well as for a unique gift to others (she even offers pet illustrations on wooden ornaments, $25, during the holidays). “I like creating pet portraits because of how it makes my buyers feel,” says Garcia. “It makes me happy to be able to create memorable masterpieces.” The artist can bring any dog or cat breed to life on the canvas. Her favorite painting thus far was of a Shih Tzu named Charlie. “He was my cousin's pet, but I got to spend a lot of time with him. I created the portrait after he passed away, in honor of him,” she says. “Having this piece of him puts a smile on my face every time I see it; he brought me so much joy!” Recently, when she’s not painting the faces of Atlanta’s four-legged citizens, Garcia has started trying her hand at abstract portraits of music artists in addition to custom portraits of people. “If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I painted portraits, I would have said, ‘No,’ but I have come to really love it,” she says. Garcia’s works start at $125 for an 8-by-10-inch canvas, and all portraits can be ordered through her website or email address.

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These local artists paint any pet in a good light STORY: Taylor Heard

EMILY FLOWERS Though Emily Flowers got her start in 1993 painting the profiles of people, and she enjoys filling a blank canvas with a landscape scene, she has been responsive to a growing trend. “Over the years, it seems that more people want pet portraits than people portraits—and I love painting dogs!” she says. Her path to painting pet portraits brought her to adopting her own two pups, Frankie and June, both shepherd mixes. “I actually adopted them at an Atlanta Humane Society event in Buckhead. I was attending because I had donated a pet portrait for the silent auction,” Flowers says. Her most memorable portrait was

done of Ozzie, a 5-year-old white Labrador retriever that was in the ER and whose family didn’t expect him to make it through the night. His owner’s sister asked if she could finish a painting of Ozzie by Christmas which was just a couple days away. “This is a really tight turnaround time for a painting since I normally spend up to 40 hours working on one. But my heart went out to this family and to Ozzie. I agreed to do the painting, and she quickly sent me a photo of her sister's dog. I painted all night, and the next day, I had a beautiful painting of Ozzie ready for her. Ozzie's mom cried when she got the Christmas gift, but they were tears of joy because Ozzie survived.” Atlantans looking to adorn their walls with a portrait of their own pet can connect with Flowers via email or through her website. Her pricing starts at $650 for an 11-by14-inch edition of her signature “zoomed in”-style paintings. n EMILY FLOWERS emilyflowersart.com • @emilyflowersart NAOMI GARCIA naomigarcia.com • @naomigarciaart

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STRATEGIES

In the Swim of Things Know this about building a pool in Atlanta

ith much time spent at home of late, it has allowed many of us to focus on home improvements that will make our indoor and outdoor living spaces more enjoyable. According to HBW, a firm that tracks building permits across the Southeast, the metro area saw a 55% increase in new swimming pool construction in 2021 from the previous year. And Fulton County ranked as the No. 1 locale for new pools. If you’re ready for the big dig in your own backyard, know what to expect before you begin construction. Here, Danny Franke, owner of Custom Pools of Atlanta, shares little-known facts about building a pool in Atlanta to help you navigate the process.

How much should I expect to pay for a swimming pool today?

You should prepare for something north of $100,000. By the time you

add fencing, landscaping and some furniture, you’re probably going to be in the $135,000 to $150,000 range. What should be my first step

STORY: Amy Meadows Atlanta typically takes eight to 12 weeks. It can actually take up to five months before you even put a shovel in the ground. Building a pool is now around a nine- to 12-month process.

realize that to meet national code there are specific alarms that have to go on the doors and windows of your home that allow access to the swimming pool.

There are so many trees in Atlanta. How

How much time should I expect

will this affect my pool construction?

to spend maintaining the pool?

You not only have to think about the type of trees you have, but also the specific location of those trees. In the zoning of your lot, you have rear and side setbacks. If you have a tree in a side setback, Atlanta will not let you remove it. Even your neighbor’s trees can play a pivotal role in what you can do in your backyard.

Today’s automation is going to take care of the lion’s share of the maintenance. It will probably need a half-hour of attention a week. Either you can do it, or you can hire a service company to handle it.

if I want to add a pool to my yard?

Before you call a pool contractor, get a complete survey of your lot. A survey will disclose such things as stream buffers, topography challenges and heritage trees that you are unable to remove. You should contact a qualified registered surveyor who is astute about your particular municipality and understands the regulations in your area. These days, those surveys can take up to six weeks to acquire.

Is there anything besides fencing How long will it take to build a pool?

that I have to add to my home when

Once you have a survey, you can work with a pool contractor to come up with your site plan, which is submitted to the city for a permit. Creating a plan takes about four weeks, and the permit process in

a pool is built?

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Many municipalities require stormwater reductions that deal with water runoff on your property. This means you may need an extensive drainage system. Many people don’t

How will having a pool affect the energy costs for my home?

If you have a high-end system, you’re going to increase your power bill by $50 a month. That depends on how much you use the heater for the pool and the spa, if you have one. n CUSTOM POOLS OF ATLANTA 404.427.9924 • custompoolsofatlanta.com @custompoolsofatlanta

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L I T E R A RY

TA S T E M A K E R

EVENTS

CULTURE Always Ballin’ Page 64

Former NFL player Jordan Moore pivots to a music career as King JMO. PHOTO:

Sara Hanna

“ I’m pushing love and positive energy.” — Jordan Moore

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

ON STAGE

s y a w Al

Ballin’ NFL PLAYER JORDAN MOORE STEPS OFF THE FIELD TO FOCUS ON MUSIC

STORY: Vanessa

Pascale Rust

PHOTO:

ordan Moore has always had two loves: football and music. The 28-year-old former NFL player fell in love with the game when he was 9 years old. “I was like a kid opening a new present. It was just unreal, amazing, fulfilling,” says Moore of realizing his talent. After a football career that spanned four years from

Sara Hanna 2017 to 2021 and included playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts, Moore has decided to switch gears to pursue a music career. During his stint with the Toronto Argonauts last year, he realized his heart was no longer in the game. “I love the game; I just think the tim-

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

ing wasn’t right with the pandemic.” This feeling, combined with the outpouring of encouraging feedback he received on his music, was the catalyst for Moore’s decision to focus solely on music. Moore was exposed to music early on in church where his father was a pastor at Little Friendship Missionary in Atlanta. At age 7, he started playing the piano and drums, and accompanied his sister, Genesis Moore, a teen singing sensation in Atlanta who appeared on American Idol. In school, Moore was in the chorus from 6-12th grade and

began recording his own music by the age of 15. But he put music on the backburner to attend college— including undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University, from where he graduated in 2015—and be an athlete. Now known as R&B singer King JMO, Moore independently dropped two singles: “Montana,” available on Apple Music, and “Mile High.” He plans to release four mixed tapes, a fusion of heartfelt music and club songs. “I’m a singer-singer, like a church singer, and a real rapper. I’m pushing love and positive energy,” he says of his beats and smooth sound. Moore, who lives in Buckhead, wants to collaborate with other Atlanta artists as well as produce international music. “I have Ghanaian roots, so I’m going to step into the Afro space.” As an NFL player, Moore was exposed to a myriad of people, many of whom were in the music industry. In the offseason, he created his own music and even opened for rapper DaBaby at a 2019 San Antonio show. “DaBaby really inspired me to remake my music. I went in the vault for a whole two years. I remastered my sound and let my hair get longer. I was like, ‘When I come out this time, I’m coming with a vengeance,’” Moore says. While playing for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2019, Moore produced the song, “Ballin,’” which became a team anthem played in the locker room after wins. Once they played the song to a stadium of 70,000 people who responded enthusiastically, Moore knew he was on the right track. “I’m like, ‘Whoa! I don’t even have to be on the field to make an impact.’” Today, Moore is living his dream of producing and performing music. “I feel like I’m making a bigger impact with the music. I am able to touch more people because I am able to be more social in the community, which I really love.” In his downtime, Moore frequents local nightlife spots such as AZULe and Gold Room. “I love living in Buckhead. I’m close to a lot of places where I need to do business, workout, so it makes sense.” n @jmoiam

ADVERTISING For information, email us at advertising@simplybuckhead.com or call 404-538-9895 S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

LITERARY

Survival Tools

Jeff Romig shares his battle with mental health to help others STORY:

Mickey Goodman

PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

ournalist, political strategist, nonprofit fundraiser and volunteer Jeff Romig was 18 when his father committed suicide, an event that sent his life spiraling into deep depression, suicidal thoughts and alcoholism. When he was at his most vulnerable, a friend asked him, “If you had had a chance, what would you have said to him?” “I’d have told him, ‘Don’t f*cking kill yourself,’” says Romig. This terse remark became the title to his book that was written to observe the 25th anniversary of his father’s death and to tell his own story. “I didn’t intend the title to be sensational,” says the Upper Westside resident. “Those are the words I say to myself in dark moments. In sharing my story, I wanted to change the conversation about suicide ideation. Writing helped me get self-destruc-

tive ideas out of my head and gave them less power. I want others to experience that same relief.” Romig’s memoir, subtitled: A Memoir of Suicide, Survival and Stories That Keep Us Alive, doesn’t follow a linear path. Instead, it darts back and forth through various periods of his life, telling stories tied to dates and anniversaries. “I don’t think our minds work chronologically,” he says. “Memories jump around.” One of the threads that ran throughout was the letter his father left behind that both haunted and angered him. Though not intended as a selfhelp book, Romig shares the tools that helped him survive his own demons. “First, tell your story to give those suicidal thoughts less power. Second, connect with people and focus on the past experiences that gave you joy in the hope that others can relate. And third, don’t kill your-

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self in a moment of desperation.” To help cope with the painful loss of his father, Romig began to drink socially. It worked until it didn’t, he says. After he had been fired from a position he loved, ended his marriage, acted inappropriately under the influence and reached the very precipice of dark days, a friend convinced him to go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in 2019. “I chose life,” he says. “Staying alive has allowed me to heal in ways I never imagined were possible.” Romig has helped raise millions of dollars for VOX Teen Communications as executive director and for Georgia Organics, where he was the fundraising director. In early 2021, he launched his own crowdfunding campaign to publish his book. On Nov. 2, it debuted as a Best Seller in five categories on Amazon. To encourage others to share their

Romig’s book ($19.95) is available at amazon.com and bookstores nationwide.

stories, Romig has created Suicide Survival Stories, a nonprofit website and podcast to encourage people to share their stories of survival. In 2022, he’ll launch a second podcast entitled “Legacy Lost,” based on the unscripted format of National Public Radio’s “StoryCorps,” where two people talk about their lives. A portion of the proceeds from the book sales goes to fund these efforts. n @jeffromig

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

TASTEMAKER

From Singer to Steward Gallery owner traded a musical life for art

raveling the world as a backup singer for some major musical acts, September Gray developed an appreciation for the art and history of different cultures. “I remember going to Tuscany and being fascinated,” she says. “There were monuments, frescoes and art everywhere. That’s where I realized I wanted to get a degree in art history and be a curator or work in a museum. So I started making my exit plan.” Gray achieved her educational goal and started her eponymous art gallery that’s been part of the Atlanta scene for 10 years and on Miami Circle since last year. Here, the Buckhead resident shares the why and how of her work. First, tell us about your singing career!

I grew up in Atlanta singing in church and school. But I didn’t start singing professionally until I was 28 when someone from my high school asked me to an audition. I was older

STORY:

and married, but I got hired. For 12 years, I was a backup singer for acts like Peabo Bryson, Michael McDonald, Patti Austin, Roberta Flack and Jeffrey Osborne. But as I grew older and started reprioritizing, I knew I wanted to go back to school for something I was passionate about. What was the next step?

My husband was doing a lot of business in Chicago, and I liked that the city had an energy around art. So I went to DePaul University and graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s in art history. But my husband’s financial consulting main office was in Atlanta, so we moved. I built a consultantship with collectors and was doing pop-ups. I had no inventory and none of the responsibilities of owning a brick-and-mortar space. Was there a game changer to getting your own space?

I soon realized there was a lack of African American art in a true, fine

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H.M. Cauley

PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

art gallery, and I needed to create my own space to address that. I also had artists who kept asking me to do it. They were taking their art outside of Atlanta and didn’t have anyone to represent them. It took about a year and a half to have that change of heart. I like to say that the artists loved me into a space. And I’ve never looked back. My first gallery opened in 2012 on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue. I rented that for a few years and then moved to TULA. Last summer, I moved to Miami Circle where I share space with Marcia Wood and Mark Mason. We each have our own separate spaces with different artists, and people can go from gallery to gallery. It’s a great way to do business. Tell us about the artists you represent.

I focus on African American artists who are contemporary and emerging or mid-career and well established. Their styles are all different: portraiture, abstract, expressionism

and landscapes. I look for artists who continue to push the envelope and have a proven ability and talent to intellectually engage. I see myself as a steward of their art and ideas that reflect the times we live in. What sort of art do you have in your Buckhead home?

It’s mostly landscapes and portraits. The landscapes take me back to my childhood. I might also see a photo of a woman and child going through a colored entrance, and that reminds me of the struggles my ancestors went through. But I also love abstraction; it lets you linger on the piece, take in the texture and discover different pieces. Some things I picked up while traveling around the world, and they remind me of how much I enjoyed it. I believe art should say something about you. n SEPTEMBER GRAY FINE ART GALLERY 404.907.1923 • septembergrayart.com @septembergrayart

EVENTS

Ginger Strejcek

ART SMART

Go gallery-hopping along a quarter-mile block of Miami Circle

ong known as a treasure trove for home decor, The Shops of Miami Circle have added another feather to their cap. The Buckhead hotspot now boasts a dozen art galleries—the most on record at a single location in Atlanta. Scope out the eclectic offerings on a free Gallery Stroll from 5-7 p.m. May 14 with a bubbly mix of art enthusiasts, captivating works, light refreshments and fresh air along the quarter-mile stretch. Ten of the onsite galleries participate in the bimonthly event, with upcoming Saturday

walks also set for July 16, Sept. 17 and Nov. 19. “Visitors have access to an unparalleled selection of the finest contemporary art as well as craft by an array of local, national and international artists,” says organizer Judith Barber, development director at Bill Lowe Gallery. “This is really unique in the city and is helping Buckhead become better known as a destination for cultural activities.” The addition of four new gallery tenants in 2021 coupled with the social isolation of the pandemic has further bolstered enthusiasm. “People are excited about just getting out of the house,” says Carr McCuiston, owner of Signature Contemporary Craft, which recently relocated to Miami Circle after 57 years on Roswell Road. “This is the first time that Atlanta has had a large group of diverse galleries in walkable distance from each other. The Gallery Stroll introduces them to new galleries and artists. It’s free, inspirational and a laid-back way to get back out there.” Miami Circle’s art mecca also includes Alan Avery Art Company, Anne Irwin Fine Art, Balance Art and Frame, Marcia Wood Gallery, Mason Fine Art, Maune Contemporary, Pryor Fine Art, Reinike Gallery, September Gray Fine Art Gallery and Thomas Deans Fine Art. n miamicircleshops.com/miami-circle-galleries-art-stroll/ @shopsofmiamicircle

Patrons peruse works by Portugal painter Mario Henrique at Bill Lowe Gallery at The Shops of Miami Circle. Also on view (above) "Grandiflora," oil/graphite on canvas by Lynn Johnson, at Anne Irwin Fine Art, and (left) "Red," oil on canvas by Ashley Surber, at Mason Fine Art.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

EVENTS

Ginger Strejcek

Go Fetch! Music, trivia and comedy on tap at Buckhead dog park

BUZZ DUNWOODY ARTS FESTIVAL

For some off-the-leash fun, head to the newly opened Fetch Park at Buckhead Village, where dog lovers and their canine companions can let loose with live entertainment throughout May. Catch the Unleashed & Unplugged music series on Fridays and the Ales, Tails, and Trivia night on Wednesdays, both at 7 p.m. weekly. Stand-up comedy is scheduled twice a month at Barks & Banter, and singles can mingle at the monthly Could It Bae mixer. “Fetch Park is a community-driven social hub, and our events really help foster that,” says founder Stephen Ochs, a former college baseball player who designed the intown green space to resemble an old-school minor league baseball field, complete with mud-free field turf. “Our events are curated to get people off their phones and connecting with one another.” Like its flagship location in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, the Buckhead space also features a full-service bar serving both spirits and coffee housed in

Tea Time

May 7-8 splashfestivals.com/events-festivals/dunwoody-art-festival/ @dunwoodyartfestival

Treat mom to a fun day out at Brook Run Park at Dunwoody’s biggest art fest, featuring a whimsical gallery of artisan booths, culinary food trucks, Georgia-grown products and a Kidz Zone. The playground, skate park and dog park are open, too. Free entry. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Shop the online marketplace May 1-15 at eventeny.com.

a vintage Airstream, free Wi-Fi, outdoor TVs, cooling stations and shady seating. No pup? No problem. Everyone is invited to hang. All events are free for humans except the comedy nights, which are $5 per person. Memberships starting at $30 per month or $10 day rates are available for furbuddies. n

CHASTAIN PARK SPRING ARTS & CRAFT FESTIVAL May 14-15 chastainparkartsfestival.com @chastainartfest

Festival season is in full swing this spring with a smorgasbord of fine arts and crafts, live acoustic music, gourmet food trucks and a children’s area at this 13th annual event at Buckhead’s Chastain Park. Free entry. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.

fetchpark.com/buckhead-2 @fetchpark

FOREST BATHING May 22

Sip and socialize at afternoon tea in Dunwoody Ladies who lunch can don their Derby-worthy hats and floral frocks for an Afternoon Tea Party at Donaldson-Bannister Farm on May 15. Open to the gents as well, the spring social is held in a tented terrace on the lushly landscaped grounds of the historic site. Guests can take their seats at tables elegantly set with white linen, vintage fine china and fresh flowers. Goodies to nibble include homemade

finger sandwiches, scones, cookies and sweet treats, served with two types of hot tea. The accompanying program focuses on the history and etiquette of afternoon tea, an English tradition dating back to the 1800s. “It’s a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon,” says Noelle Ross, executive director of Dunwoody Preservation Trust that hosts the event. “Guests enjoy meeting up with old friends and making new ones. Another highlight is that they learn something new about tea through the program.” Tickets: $47 ($37 members). n dunwoodypreservationtrust.org/ afternoontea/ @dunwoodypreservationtrust

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dunwoodynature.org @dunwoodynature

Get grounded at Dunwoody Nature Center in this outdoor session led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Robin Hancock. Based on the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, this experience for those 18 and older is designed to reduce stress and restore calm through a deep connection with nature. $45 ($35 members). 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

SUMMER INVITATIONAL May 26-July 28 swangallery.org @swancoachhousegallery

Marvel at a showcase of spectacular original works from ceramics to textiles at this annual craft-based exhibition at Swan Coach House Gallery in Buckhead. The opening is May 26 from 6-9 p.m. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.-Sat.

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Go Team! EXPLORING ATLANTA’S WINNING SPORTS TRADITION From Atlanta’s five resident professional league teams and nearby universities to our state-of-the-art venues that keep fans cheering on their favorites in style, Georgia’s capital city has something for every kind of sports fan. Read on for help scoring the tickets you need to see the big game in person, finding the right accessories to sport your team spirit and a look at some key behind-the-scenes players who make the games happen. You’ll also love our insider look at where some of Atlanta’s biggest sports stars spend their off-duty time and how they give back.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

COVER STORY

PLAY BY PLAY

THE PROS WEIGH IN ON THEIR FAVORITES

STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna

You watch them play, but ever wonder what they have to say? Four of Atlanta’s popular present and past

➥

Photo: Courtsey of Atlanta Hawks

players give us the scoop on everything from their top ways to recharge to what’s on their reading and playlists.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

COVER STORY

PLAY BY P L AY

MILES ROBINSON

DEFENDER, ATLANTA UNITED FC

Top Advice

“My advice for those who want to grow up and be successful is to stay true to yourself, never doubt yourself, work harder than hard and stay humble.”

tlanta United selected Miles Robinson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, making him the first SuperDraft pick in club history. The 25-yearold had a killer year in 2021 including starting in 25 of 26 MLS appearances, and being named MLS Best XI for the second time and to the MLS All-Star team for the first. Here, he offers a tidbit of advice that got him to where he is and shares his top fuel-up snacks and go-to activities when he isn’t working.

GO-TO ACTIVITIES “On a nice day, I like to bike around the BeltLine. I like to be outside and see other people in Atlanta enjoying their time in nature and all the murals around the city. I enjoy Piedmont Park and just vibing out and listening to music, too.”

Game-Day Routine “On gameday, I like to sleep in. I’ll make myself a nice breakfast, then I’ll take a shower and blast some hip-hop, and I’ll think about the game.”

On His Grocery List Robinson’s must-have fuel-up snacks include: Apples • Oranges • Pretzels Protein bars • Cereal atlutd.com • @_milesrobinson_

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KEVIN HUERTER GUARD-FORWARD, ATLANTA HAWKS

Professional Pointers

“You learn from the moment you come in how to be a pro, manage your time, prepare for practice, come down from practice and take care of your body. Obviously, off the court you have a lot of free time, but you’ve got to look at yourself as a business. It’s how to manage and best use your time.”

uerter, 23, was selected by the Hawks in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft as an early-entry candidate after two all-starting seasons at the University of Maryland. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, he has since scored in the double-digits 37 times including three games with at least 20 points. Here, he talks about his biggest life lesson as a pro, how he recharges and what’s usually on his playlist.

BATTERY RECHARGE “I like to watch TV shows late at night. It’s kind of my come-down before going to bed. Sometimes in the afternoon, I like to play videogames and connect with friends from back home [in Albany, New York]. For me, that’s really relaxing. It’s really good just to talk to old friends.”

Huerter’s pregame, postgame and anytime playlist includes these favorite artists: Lil Baby • Drake • Roddy Ricch Post Malone • Young Thug • Future nba.com • @kevin_huerter

Photo: Courtesy of Atlanta Hawks

On His Playlist

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PLAY BY P L AY

rowing up in Atlanta, McHugh says he watched every Braves game since he was 8 years old. His extensive baseball career includes playing for the New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays before bringing his talent home to pitch for the Braves this year. He also enjoys interviewing baseball players, coaches, writers and more on The Twelve Six Podcast that he launched in 2018. Here, McHugh divulges some of his preferred eateries, shopping destinations and a lesson he lives by.

SHOPPING SESSION When McHugh isn’t in athletic wear, you can usually find him looking sharp in a sport coat for travels with the team or a suit for date nights with his wife. “I like getting dressed up,” he says. “It’s built into how I think of my wardrobe.” Here are a few of his go-to spots for shopping: 1. Sid Mashburn in the Westside Provisions District 2. Suitsupply at the Shops Around Lenox

COLLIN MCHUGH PITCHER, ATLANTA BRAVES

Life Lesson

“When the going gets tough, I just rely on the experiences that I’ve had and learn from my mistakes. And that helps me get better each day.”

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3. Phipps Plaza

Top Eats McHugh’s favorite Upper Westside hangouts: Marcel and The Optimist “Both are Ford Fry restaurants and two of my favorites for a night out in Atlanta. They both have distinct vibes: Marcel is dark, broody with fantastic steaks and good cocktails. The Optimist is bright, airy and offers seafood. I’m a big oyster guy, and this place never misses. It’s good every time.” Hankook Taqueria “My hidden gem on the westside for Korean BBQ tacos. Their lunch special is one of my favorites in Atlanta.” mlb.com • @cmchugh

RENEE MONTGOMERY CO-OWNER/VP, ATLANTA DREAM

Personal Motto

“Moments equal momentum.” D

uring her 11-year tenure in the WNBA, Montgomery has won two championships playing for the Minnesota Lynx. After retiring in 2021, the All-Star assumed the role as vice president and co-owner of the Atlanta Dream. She also helms one of Apple Podcast’s top-50 sports and business podcasts, Montgomery & Co., where she discusses sports, big business and current news with her mother, sister and wife. Here, she provides insight into her regular wellness routine, personal motto and books she loves.

WELLNESS RITUAL 1. Massage “Selfcare comes in many forms, and for me, it’s great to get that hour every week to relax my mind and body. Our masseur is basically a part of the family now because of how much he’s there!” 2. Hydration “It’s probably a carryover from being a professional athlete, but I feel that my face and body feel better when I’m on my gallon-of-water-a-day routine.” 3. Prayer “There’s been a lot going on these past couple years, and so many things have been out of our control. When things are out of my control, I just stay prayed up and try be a positive spot on a daily basis. My attitude and behavior are all I can control, so it’s what I will control.”

Good Reads Montgomery recommends these books: Girl, Wash Your Face “Every woman has had to pick herself up once, and probably more than that, but hey, who’s counting? This book is your nudge to get back on track and also lets you know it’s OK you got off track.” The Alchemist “I believe everyone has a journey they are on, and we all are like Santiago trying to find our legend. Enjoy it.” dream.wnba.com • @reneemontgomery

COVER STORY

BEYOND THE

BALLGAME Behind-the-scenes with the professionals who bring game day to life STORY: Amy Meadows There’s nothing like seeing your favorite football player make a pick six, watching a baseball great hit one out of the park or being courtside when a beloved hoopster dunks in the final seconds. Anyone who’s attended a sporting event in person knows there’s so much more to the experience than simply observing all of that electrifying action on the field, the diamond or the court. Game day is an event in itself. And in Atlanta, we not only have outstanding sports teams, but also world-renowned venues that take the game day experience to the next level with some behind-the-scenes magic.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Executive Chef Joe Schafer, State Farm Arena PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

game-day meal has surpassed the standard stadium fare of yesteryear. This shift is evident at State Farm Arena, the home court of the Atlanta Hawks. “We believe that food plays a huge part in the overall experience,” says award-winning Executive Chef Joe Schafer, who joined the arena in 2017 to help transform its food offerings. “We provide a food story that is unique. So getting up from your seat to grab a bite is less of a chore, and you can get excited about what you’re going to eat." State Farm Arena’s food program is split into two sides: the restaurant, or concessions, and the premium side, which includes catering, suites and member clubs. The former consists of offerings that are familiar to fans, with more than 20 restaurants serving everything from pizza to pretzels with many items priced under $5. The latter features planned menus of seasonal,

unique dishes served during events. No matter the side, all of the food is fresh and homemade. In fact, during one Hawks game, the venue goes through roughly 1,400 pounds of chicken and between 400 and 600 pounds of every other protein. Additionally, 1,000 pizzas and 300 pounds of hot dogs are served. Often, the culinary staff creates dishes that coincide with the Hawks’ promotional schedule for celebrations such as Lunar New Year and Hispanic Heritage Night. What’s more, the staff prepares food for Hawks players and personnel during every game. In all, the culinary team feeds more than 17,000 people during any event. Some waste is inevitable with an operation of that scale, but Schafer is proud of the venue’s sustainability and waste diversion efforts, which include composting and donating unused food to organizations like Goodr and Second Helpings.

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“This is not your typical arena,” Schafer says. “Not only do we have a little something for everyone, but we also do it with fresh ingredients and passion. We try to be as innovative as possible to create that great experience that fans have come to love at State Farm Arena.” n

STATE FARM ARENA • 404.878.3000 statefarmarena.com • @statefarmarena

BREAKING NEW GROUND Nick Pappas, Mercedes-Benz Stadium

here are 70,000 seats in this building, and they all point at one thing: the field,” says Nick Pappas, head groundskeeper and conversions manager for AMB Sports and Entertainment at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta United FC soccer club. “It’s the canvas that everything happens on.”

From NFL to MLS games, the synthetic turf field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium sees practically year-round sports action. What people don’t realize, Pappas says, is that the turf is 100% green: Every logo, number or line must be painted on and removed before and after each game. There are no permanent inlays, as the turf must be converted between football

MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM 470.341.5000 • mercedesbenzstadium.com @mercedesbenzstadium

FAN OUT

Geoffrey Schmidt, Truist Park

hen Truist Park opened as the official home of the Atlanta Braves in 2017, fans immediately realized that it was a different kind of stadium from its predecessor. “The fan experience begins as soon as you step foot on the property and before the gates have even opened,” says Geoffrey Schmidt, director of entertainment and events for the Atlanta Braves. “It’s a true community experience that immerses you. There’s just so much to see and do.” That begins with The Battery, the mixed-use development that surrounds the stadium. There, visitors can eat, visit a brewery, shop and enjoy an array of entertainment provided by the events team. On game day, The Battery sees a flurry of activity as fans both with and without tickets

gather to enjoy a day at the ballpark. The Battery Atlanta Plaza, located just outside the stadium gates, features a large green space, splash pads, a set for Bally Sports South to broadcast pre- and post-game shows, the Georgia Power Pavilion stage for live musical performances and more. Periodically, visitors also can find themselves treated to performances by the Heavy Hitters drumline or the ATL Breakers hip-hop dance troupe. “You don’t have to have a ticket to a Braves game to have a great time on game day,” Schmidt says. The entertainment continues before,

Courtesy of Atlanta Braves

“

and soccer games, which requires different setups. This often happens in fewer than 12 hours since Falcons and United games can occur back-toback on Saturdays and Sundays when seasons overlap. With about 30 major televised sporting events annually, including college football games, there’s a lot of work to be done. The venue also hosts up to 10 concerts per year that require the staff to spend 10 hours covering the field edge to edge with protective, interlocking flooring that can handle the weight of trucks, cranes

and elaborate stage equipment. And that doesn’t account for private functions and events such as Monster Jam and Supercross. “There’s a team here that works tirelessly to get it all done,” Pappas says. That responsibility includes managing the safety and lifespan of the field, which is tested regularly by the NFL and MLS. The stadium boasts state-of-the-art technology that monitors the turf 24 hours a day, and the turf is replaced periodically. Pappas’ team recently swapped out the previous surface after three seasons; the turf was recycled through a cutting-edge process that separated the infill, green fibers and backing, with the infill being used in other stadium installs nationwide and the fibers being melted down for the secondary use market. Some of that fiber will return to the stadium in the form of ADA-compliant picnic and seating benches for the 4.5 acres of landscaped grounds around the building. “Our goal is to provide safety and have a field that shows great on game day,” Pappas says. “Mercedes-Benz Stadium prides itself on being a leader in the industry, and we expect our field to play at a very high level.” n

during and after all nine innings. From taking pictures with the World Series trophy display, which will soon feature both Commissioner’s Trophies from 1995 and 2021, to rock climbing and ziplining at Hope & Will’s Sandlot in the Kids Zone, there’s something for the whole family. During the game, various ceremonies and segmented features also are presented. And after the game, the party continues with DJs

out on the Plaza that stays open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. “Our show is really thought out from start to finish to appeal to as big a crowd as possible,” Schmidt says. “We pride ourselves on being the best in the business. And year over year, you’re always going to see something new.” n TRUIST PARK • 404.577.9100 mlb.com/braves/ballpark • @truistpark

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

COVER STORY

PASSION

PLAYS

COMMUNITY SERVICE ISN’T A GAME FOR SOME ATHLETES STORY: Michael Jacobs

rofessional athletes’ team passion and personal history combine to contribute more than donations to their communities. Retired Atlanta Falcons running back and limited partner Warrick Dunn says community service isn’t an obligation, but “I would always encourage athletes to give back, give a little bit of their time, set an example.” Atlanta United defender Mikey Ambrose grew up in a low-income community in El Paso, Texas, so he works with kids in similar circumstances in Atlanta. “I feel for them because I went through it.”

Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins, a Buckhead resident who, like Ambrose, volunteers for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, finds time for veterans because both his parents served in the military. “My mom raised me the right way,” Collins says, echoing Ambrose and Dunn. “If somebody can feel your genuineness and energy, the positive effect is long-lasting.” Atlanta-based Warrick Dunn Charities focuses on single-parent families because Dunn was the oldest of six children raised by a single mom. “I just want to do more, create more impact, help more families,” he says.

HOPE FROM TRAGEDY WARRICK DUNN

Sara Hanna

unn played in the NFL from 1997 to 2008, including six years with the Falcons. As a rookie with Tampa Bay, he launched the program at the heart of his charitable efforts: Homes for the Holidays helps with the down payment, stocks the pantry and furnishes a new home for a single parent participating in a program such as Habitat for Humanity. At the start, he says, he did little more than write a check. The program served as therapy for Dunn, still struggling with the trauma from his mother’s shooting death when he was a high school senior.

Betty’s Hope, named for his mother, helps bereaved children who lost a parent in his native Louisiana. Dunn ran it from 2012 to 2015 when the money ran out, then relaunched it this year. He has added other programs that complement Homes for the Holidays over the years: Count on Your Future financial education, including a $500 match for new savings accounts; SCULPT wellness, featuring healthy eating, gardening and working out; and Hearts for Community Service that provides $5,000 college scholarships.

KICK-START FOR KIDS MIKEY AMBROSE

mbrose has worked with kids throughout his seven years in Major League Soccer, including five in Atlanta, to help them overcome resource gaps. “Usually it’s a soccer-related thing,” he says, “but even if it’s not, I try to get involved in whatever way I can.” United facilitates players’ community involvement, and Ambrose supports friends’ programs. One example is UPPER90, a Christian-based soccer mentorship program started by Jorge Vallejo. Ambrose likes the faith element and plans to join an UPPER90 mission trip to Honduras this summer. He and teammate Miles Robinson have raised money for VOYCENOW, founded by U.S. national

team goalkeeper Zach Steffen in 2020 to address racial inequality through sports and education. Ambrose finds personal connections most meaningful. For example, he began volunteering time with a kid five years ago. He wasn’t a strong player, Ambrose says, but as a high school freshman this year, he made varsity. Soccer has helped him gain friends and confidence and could be his ticket to college. “I think the kids really benefit from having a role model in their lives,” Ambrose says. “It gives these kids an idea that if they work hard, it is possible to reach their goals and their dreams.” n atlutd.com • @mikeyambrose5

SLAM-DUNK CONNECTIONS JOHN COLLINS

C Warrick Dunn Charities

Warrick Dunn says his charitable organization always needs donations because “if we raise more, we can create more impact.”

Dunn says he offers a hand up, not a handout, and some beneficiaries have gone on to launch businesses. Homes for the Holidays prepared its 200th house in Los Angeles in February. Now Dunn hopes to have houses in each of the NFL’s 30 cities and to support more single fathers, only four of whom are among the first 200 participants.

Dunn also has launched WD Communities to build affordable homes for all families in the belief that controlling housing costs is a key to longterm success. “We don’t have the haves and the have-nots anymore. We have the haves and the nots,” Dunn says. “The gap is just so huge.” n atlantafalcons.com • @warrickdunn

ollins earned the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy as the Hawks’ leading community ambassador in 2020 by grabbing what he calls “spontaneous opportunities” to improve Atlanta. Now in his fifth season, he continues to find personal meaning in efforts such as helping food rescue organization Goodr provide pop-up groceries amid the pandemic in mid2020, joining nonprofit Vision to Learn to bring free eye exams and glasses to a middle school last fall, and honoring Atlanta’s original black firefighters and opening a community basketball court at Station 16 this spring. Nothing means more than his support for Veterans Empowerment Organization that helps

Atlanta military veterans with housing, health and employment. Beyond donations and fundraising, Collins connects with vets on a personal level, from bringing them to Hawks games to taking them on shopping sprees and furnishing new homes. “If I try to do something positive for the community, and I give my heart and soul and genuinely put that effort and love into what I’m doing, some folks might not respect it or appreciate it, but that’s not necessarily the goal,” Collins says. “It’s to be around and visible and show that there are people who care and are willing to help.” n nba.com/hawks • @jcollins20_

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

COVER STORY

Even if the Atlanta Falcons sell out games this fall, you can count on ticket brokers to have good seats available.

SAFE TICKET BETS Win with trusted brokers, electronic transfers and patience

uying tickets to sporting events used to be risky if you weren’t dealing directly with the team or venue. You had to beware of forged physical tickets or duplicate copies of print-athome fakes. Electronic transfers have largely eliminated that risk by replacing physical pieces of paper, says Kevin Mendel, owner of Upper Westside-based The Ticket Magician that buys tickets from individuals and sells them through other sites. Whether purchased from a team or a broker, tickets are sent to an account that works like an electronic wallet on your mobile device. You can transfer tickets, but they can be associated with only one account at a time. “You should be able to tell on your phone quickly whether it’s the real thing,” Mendel says. To ensure security, says Avi Spector, director of development for Buckhead-based Front Row Seats,

many electronic tickets use a dynamic barcode that changes every few seconds. Others, he says, don’t use any barcode; instead, the ticketing system recognizes the account holder’s mobile device at the gate. In other words, your tickets are as secure as the password to your account. The remaining risk for being scammed, therefore, is you. “You have to make sure you’re buying from people you can trust,” says Spector. Most experts advise avoiding the anonymous sellers of Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, where you have little recourse if you don’t receive tickets you buy. Saving a few dollars isn’t worth the risk unless you know the seller, says Corey Ussery, Front Row’s customer experience specialist. “If it just seems too good to be true,” she says, “it likely is too good to be true.” The safest option is to use companies that are members of the Na-

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

STORY: Michael Jacobs

tional Association of Ticket Brokers, whose standard is to offer a 200% money-back guarantee if you don’t receive the promised tickets or better. Buckhead-based Empire Tickets and Front Row are NATB members, as are such national brokers as StubHub, Vivid Seats and TickPick. “It’s important to do your research in terms of buying tickets online. I’m personally not comfortable advising people to other websites that don’t have good policies,” says Spector. Sports fans with unneeded tickets, often season ticket holders, turn to brokers to sell them. The best seats usually are sold as season tickets, making such surpluses appealing even when games aren’t sold out. Sellers typically list the same tickets on multiple sites, just as hotel rooms and airline seats are sold around the web. Because trustworthy sites monitor and adjust prices in response to

demand and list much of the same inventory, big price differences are rare, but watch for varying fees and commissions. Spector says to consider the value of working with a site you know and trust, particularly when you need help finding tickets for a sold-out game. Even if a team has tickets available, it’s worth checking broker sites because Mendel says tickets on the secondary market are cheaper for most events. The closer you get to kickoff, tip-off or first pitch, the cheaper tickets are likely to be, he says, so you can find bargains if you’re willing to wait and risk missing the game. n EMPIRE TICKETS 404.467.0227 • empiretickets.com FRONT ROW SEATS • 404.633.2726 frontrowseats.com • @frontrowseatsllc THE TICKET MAGICIAN theticketmagician.com • @theticketmagician

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S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

COVER STORY

GAME GEAR

ROOT FOR YOUR FAVORITE TEAM IN STYLE STORY:

Lauren Finney Harden

Has there ever been a better time to be a sports fan in Georgia? A bevy of teams and sports makes it easy to find one to root for, not to mention that we’re riding high on two national championships for the Atlanta Braves and the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Upgrade your game day gear Atlanta United Scarf of the Month ($25) Did you know Atlanta United has its own scarf of the month? Your wardrobe will never be boring if you continue to rotate these unique and collectible pieces. The doublesided design gives you twice the fan power when you’re at a game, and you can wear the scarves during the chillier months of play.

for the next season with these special accessories.

fanatics.com • @fanatics

Atlanta Falcons Apple Watch Sports Band ($39)

Braves 2021 World Series Needlepoint Belt ($175) There's no better way to commemorate a national championship than with a celebratory accessory. Smathers & Branson is known for its needlepoint, in particular its belts. The brand also has a University of Georgia Bulldogs National Championship style ($185), so you can sport your favorite team's colors. The hand-stitched needlepoint sits atop a tanned Italian leather belt and comes in 12 sizes. Finished with a brass buckle, it's a style you'll keep forever.. smathersandbranson.com @smathersandbranson

Sometimes you want to just be more discreet with your merchandise. If that’s you, try this branded Atlanta Falcons Apple Watch band that you can sport every day in support of the Dirty Birds. Made from water-resistant silicone, it comes in a 42-44mm size with a pin and tuck closure for a snug fit. shop.atlantafalcons.com @atlantafalcons

Kelly Wynne Clear Mingle Mingle Mini Crossbody Bag ($175) The rules about what you can and can’t bring into a sports venue have changed, so always double-check before heading out. Many only accept small, clear handbags now, but that doesn’t mean they have to be clinical. This one from Kelly Wynne features a printed strap and panel in addition to gold hardware for a little shine. The gold and printed chain strap is removable if you prefer to carry your bag under your arm. It’s just the right size for your card case, phone and lipstick to ensure you have the essentials covered for game day. Nordstrom Phipps Plaza • 404.442.3000 nordstrom.com • @nordstrom_phipps

The Point Flat ($148) Finding the right shade of Hawks yellow or Georgia Tech gold can be tricky, but these flats from newly opened Rothy’s in Westside Provisions District might do the trick— and cover both teams in one accessory. Knit from recycled plastic water bottles, it’s a shoe you can feel good about and feel good in. Bonus: They’re 100% machine washable. Rothy’s • 404.549.2115 • rothys.com • @rothys

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

REVIEW

DRINKS

FOODIE JOURNAL

TA S T E M A K E R

R E S TA U R A N T S

DELICIOUS

Carnivore's

Paradise LITTLE ALLEY STEAK ALLURES AT EVERY TURN

“F

STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

PHOTOS:

Sara Hanna

ortune favors the

that was in play, but rather that this

be ideal; Buckhead already had several

brave” is one of my

big, daring, somewhat over-the-top

worthy steakhouses; and other skilled

favorite sayings. It

restaurant exists at all.

restaurateurs, including celebrity chef

kept coming to mind

When Hicham Azhari and Fikret

Emeril Lagasse, had tried and failed

as I sat cozily tucked into a leath-

Kovac, who own an eatery by the

to operate successfully in the venue.

er-clad booth in Little Alley Steak

same name in downtown Roswell,

Instead of shrinking from the chal-

in Buckhead on a recent weeknight.

were approached about taking on the

lenge, they went for it, opening in

The adage came up not because of

massive restaurant space, they were

2018. It was a bold, brave move, and

the bold flavors presented on the

dubious for good reason. At a whop-

one that’s paid dividends since, with

menu, the over-the-top environs

ping 12,000 square feet, it was signifi-

Little Alley’s Buckhead outpost

or the expert service, though all of

cantly larger than they thought would

drawing a loyal clientele since.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

➥

Steaks are the star of the show, with 100% black Angus cuts flawlessly cooked to your desired temperature and accented with garlic and fresh herbs.

A meal at Little Alley is an escape, an immersive experience.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

REVIEW

Far from utilitarian, a meal at Little Alley is an escape, an immersive experience no matter where you find yourself seated—tucked into the one of the windowless dining rooms adorned with rounded oxblood leather banquettes and light fixtures made from meat hooks, the outdoor bar or in the indoor lounge with soaring ceilings. The understated opulence makes a meal here feel

Decadent bone marrow is caramelized and topped with fragrant herbs.

An ever-rotating selection of fresh, raw oysters come with a dramatic presentation thanks to dry ice.

like an event, and my husband and I decided to embrace the luxury of having a special meal “just because.” We started with a trio of ultrafresh raw oysters: mild James Rivers; big, briny Johns Rivers; and plump, sweet Shigokus. The presentation

Loaded potatoes are twice-baked with creme fraiche and Vermont cheddar and studded with salty bacon.

Keep it simple with the steak of your choice and customize the experience with shareable side dishes.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

The moody dining room is artfully lit with Edison light bulbs hanging from meat hooks.

gets a theatrical upgrade with dry ice “smoke” swirling around the tangy house-made mignonette, horseradish and cocktail sauces. Unable to choose between one other appetizer, we indulged in two. Roasted bone marrow comes topped with smoked sea salt and parsley, served simply with rustic bread to mop up the brûléed marrow that’s so rich it could double as butter. It’s pure indulgence. Different, but no less tasty, is the garlic, tomato and harissa-spiced shrimp. served with saffron flatbread. It’s inspired by Azhari’s homeland of Morocco. While every morsel from our meal was worth writing about, the main event at Little Alley is steak. Prime beef is sourced from Meats by Linz, a Chicago butcher that’s been at the top of the industry for more than half a century. The menu features 100% black Angus cuts both wet- and dry-aged from 28 to 60 days, so guests can choose their steak’s flavor intensity, cut and tenderness. Our massive 18-ounce, bone-in ribeye arrived perfectly medium rare and still sizzling. Aged for 38 days, it had just the right blend of earthiness and minerality with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Though sauces were unnecessary— this steak needed nothing to be the meal’s pièce de résistance—Point Reyes blue cheese butter and a sauce of mushrooms, shallots and brandy added nice variety. If you’re really going for broke,

Make it a surf-and-turf by adding a batter-fried Maine lobster tail alongside your steak.

follow our lead and make it a surf-and-turf with the addition of a flash-fried Maine lobster tail with drawn butter. Far from being an afterthought, the sharable side dishes shine: Creamed corn is studded with shallots and Parmigiano Reggiano; the “loaded” twice-baked potato is decadent with Vermont cheddar, bacon and creme fraiche; and creamed spinach with Gruyere makes it an indulgence to fit in a serving of greens. It’s hard to miss the floor-to-ceiling wine cellar clad in glass walls, reminding you that there are hundreds of bottles and dozens of glasses available. Lean on the knowledgeable staff and sommelier team to choose something tailored to your tastes. While a steakhouse isn’t typically at the top of the list for vegetarians, those looking for a more veggie-centric dining experience will find plenty to enjoy. Aside from the rather decadent array of sides from which you could build-your-own vegetable plate (mushroom confit with roasted shallots and herbs, French green beans with brown butter and toasted almonds, and triple cream mac and cheese with black truffle oil, to name just a few), the Sichuan-spiced tofu steak comes with cauliflower puree, crispy Brussels sprouts and a tangy-sweet hoisin glaze. It’s not the “steak” your meat-eating companions will be sinking their teeth into, but it’s satisfying, nonetheless.

When we stepped out into the balmy Atlanta night, surrounded by the bright lights of Buckhead’s skyscrapers, I thought again how fortunate for our neighborhood that visionaries and business owners take chances to build something special, such as this thriving restaurant. Cheers to that! n

A petite white chocolate Key lime tart is a sweet send-off.

Little Alley Steak 404.254.1899 • littlealleysteak.com • @littlealleysteakatl Prices: starters: $16.95-$27.95; steaks: $51.95-$139.95; sides: $11-12; desserts: $12-14. Recommended: Raw oysters, roasted bone marrow, bone-in ribeye, fried lobster tail, creamed spinach brûlée, creamed corn, twice baked “loaded” potato, white chocolate Key lime tart. Bottom line: This go-to spot for serious steak lovers is a carnivore’s paradise, with aged prime beef, ultra-fresh seafood and hearty sides served with gracious, professional service in a luxe atmosphere.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

DRINKS

SAKE TO ME

Getting comfortable with sake begins with understanding rice and that there are 100 different strains used to create it.

Taste thousands of years of brewing history in every sip

The Cocktail Shaker

ristine and complex, sake (“sa-keh”) is often as misunderstood as it is revered. Part of what’s mystifying is how it is made and its various grades. To help grasp the nettle, Certified Sake Sommelier Jeff Banks offers some guidance. As the beverage director for Omakase by Yun, a restaurant moving from West Midtown to Buckhead this year, Banks guides diners through proper sake pairings with modest style and grace. First, the proper terminology of what we call sake is nihonshu, which translates to “Japanese alcohol.” In Japan, sake refers to all alcoholic drinks in general. The making of nihonshu, or sake, involves a fermentation process like beer or wine in which rice is added with a particular mold spore (koji) and converted to alcohol by yeast. Brewer’s alcohol is an optional ingredient. A range of variables brings out various flavors and quality differences. More than 100 different types of sake rice are used, each yielding a different flavor profile. The milling process has great significance. “Polishing rate (seimaibuai) is one of

Certified Sake Sommelier Jeff Banks.

the most crucial steps,” says Banks. This process removes the outer layer of each grain. “This is important because the outer shell of rice contains fat and protein, which could impart negative tastes on the finished product,” he says. The more polishing, the higher the classification level. Think of it this way: To get from brown rice to white rice, rice needs to be polished to about 90% (i.e., polishing off 10%). Polishing rates for good sake vary between 50 and 90%.

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STORY: Angela

Hansberger

Sake comes in many styles, but knowing just a few major ones will make you feel comfortable with a menu. Junmai means “pure rice.” “This style means they can only use rice, water, yeast and koji with no distilled alcohol added,” says Banks of the style in which rice is usually polished to 70%. “These are generally richer and with a fuller flavor.” Ginjo uses rice polished to at least 60% and is considered premium. It’s light, aromatic and refined. Daiginjo is highly polished to 50% or less. It’s light with a complex flavor and aromas, and is considered super premium. Adding the word “Junmai” to either of these categories means there is no added distilled alcohol. If the label reads “Junmai Daiginjo,” you know you’re ordering one of the purest forms of high-grade sake. Honjozo has a polishing rate of 70%. “Distilled alcohol is added at the end of fermentation to release trapped aroma compounds,” says Banks. “These tend to be clean and easy to drink.” Futsushu translates to “table sake,” with no rules or regulations of

production. “It’s the equivalent of table wine,” says Banks. Nigori is a style that is coarsely filtered. “This cloudy, milky style is generally the richest in texture and flavor and can be on the sweeter side.” “Dassai 45 is a really great bottle to fall in love with sake,” says Banks. “The title ‘45’ refers to the rice polish ratio, and the texture on it is so dreamy. It’s got a ton of fruit on the nose with hints of anise, maybe even white gummy bears.” It has pronounced flavor, texture and acidity. Banks is also fond of Amabuki Ichigo Junmai Ginjo Strawberry. “This is a great sake to try for beginners and long-time lovers,” he says. The brewery specializes in using flower and fruit yeasts to ferment its sake. While it's not sweet, it has a honeyed strawberry flavor to it. Sake has been refined through its thousands of years of brewing history. Whether you like it served hot or cold, sip it as you would a glass of fine wine. Kanpai! n OMAKASE BY YUN • 470.427.3171 omakasebyyun.com • @omakasebyyun

Now Re-Open at Phipps Plaza! Join us for Lunch, Sunday Brunch & Dinner! For reservations call 404.844.4810 or visit www.davios.com/atl 3500 PEACHTREE ROAD NE, ATLANTA, GA 30326

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

Claire Ruhlin

Just Desserts Apt 4B’s Crème Brûlée

In addition to Caribbean-inspired cuisine, you’ll now find a new dessert menu at Buckhead’s Apt 4B, thanks to recently appointed Executive Pastry Chef Derek Mullins. Here, Mullins shares the recipe to his crème brûlée, a fresh take on a classic thanks to a burst of passionfruit chocolate.

Clockwise, from above: Chef-approved picnic provisions: fresh mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes, along with sliced prosciutto. Tre Vele’s Chef Ian Winslade.

INGREDIENTS Yield: 3 servings 1 quart heavy cream ½ cup sugar 10 egg yolks 1 tablespoon vanilla 250g Valrhona Passion Fruit Inspiration

Picnic Perfection

Chef Ian Winslade’s tips for the perfect spring picnic

s spring ushers in warmer temperatures, the turn of the season also welcomes an Atlanta-favorite pastime: outdoor dining. We spoke about tips for the perfect, packed meal with Ian Winslade, chef and partner at Buckhead’s Mission + Market and Sandy Springs’ Tre Vele, which also boasts a Market + Coffee Bar with an assortment of picnic provisions. If we stopped by Tre Vele for picnic supplies, what provisions would you advise us not to skip? We bake our own fresh focaccia in-house, so for me, the ingredients would be something like fresh focaccia with sliced prosciutto, some fresh mozzarella and some seasonal heirloom tomatoes in the mix, too. What are your tips for building the perfect picnic spread? Balancing food is the key. Make

sure you have something acidic and something to balance it with. For instance, tomatoes are nice and sweet, so you could have some balsamic to give an acidic kick and then some olive oil to round it out. And then of course, fresh herbs. If you have access to fresh herbs, just tearing them up and throwing them in is delicious as well. How would you elevate a picnic or make it an extra-special occasion? Good black caviar is underutilized. I feel like caviar has a place in a picnic because it goes with so many different things. Caviar and cheese are a killer combination, and so are caviar and beef tartare or sliced cold cuts or salami. Can you tell us about Tre Vele’s pre-prepared meals? We’re really taking our market and developing more ready-to-eat meals

so you can just grab and go. If you wanted to have a picnic in the park or bring something to one of the concerts at Chastain, we’ll have tailor-made packages put together. We also sell wine as well, so you can basically do a one-stop shop and build yourself a little picnic basket out of what we're going to be providing this spring. We also have meals you can pop into the oven for 20 or 25 minutes, and you end up with a great hot dish. n

INSTRUCTIONS Add heavy cream, sugar and vanilla to the pot and heat to steaming. Temper heavy cream and sugar to egg yolks. Add Passion Fruit Inspiration to a large bowl. Pour cream and yolk mixture over the chocolate. Add mixture to three 8 oz. baking dishes. Preheat the oven to 300F. Bake with a water bath. Brûlée is done when there is a slight jiggle. APT 4B • 404.709.2906 apt4batl.com • @apt4batl

TRE VELE • 404.303.8423 treveleatl.com • @treveleatl

FOOD NEWS n Charleston-based cafe The

n Yeppa and Co., a new Italian

Indian restaurant Sankranti

Daily’s first Atlanta location is now

concept from the team behind

is now open for dine-in service,

open in West Midtown. Highlighting

Storico Fresco Alimentari e Risto-

offering a menu that draws

seasonal and local ingredients, the

rante and Forza Storico, is slated

from both northern and southern

new location offers indoor seating

to open this summer in Buckhead

regions of India. Expect a menu

and an outdoor patio, alongside a

at 306 Buckhead Ave., the space

of health-conscious curry bowls,

menu of coffee, smoothies, toasts,

formerly occupied by Biltong Bar.

kati rolls, kabobs and more.

bowls, wraps and more.

Dishes will be influenced by Italy’s

sankranti.com

shopthedaily.com/atlanta

Emilia-Romagna region. storico.com

Dunwoody’s fast-casual

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Spring Real Estate Market

Homes are star ting Are you re ady t o

to Bloom

Sell?

into the Market. can help. RE/MAX, LLC Each office independently owned & operated. Equal Housing Opportunity-RE/MAX Center Broker Patrick Finnick1140 Old Peachtree Rd Suite D, Duluth Ga 30097-770-932-1234

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

TASTEMAKER

Brandon Amato

FUN FACT D’Auria has a commercial real estate license.

Mr. Johnny’s Hideaway Chris D’Auria celebrates 25 years at the Buckhead nightclub STORY: Carly Cooper

ince 1979, Johnny’s Hideaway has been the late-night spot for dancing in Buckhead. It’s one of the few places where young and old commingle in search of a good time. Owner Chris D’Auria joined the Johnny’s team 25 years ago and is credited with keeping the service strong and the drinks stronger. “When I started, it was really laid back: The staff could drink whenever; the DJ could play whatever he wanted,” he says. “I put a lot of controls in place and retrained everyone. I lost half the staff in the first six months. Now we’ve had some staff for more than 20 years.” He transitioned the music from Big Band to Top 40s from the ’60s to 2000s. And when the demolition of

Buckhead Village in 2007 brought a younger crowd, he helped the two demographics learn to coexist. These days, he manages the money, licensing issues and any drama that arises. “I also pop in for a surprise visit a couple nights a month,” he says. Though Johnny’s is best known for its bar scene, it does serve lunch and dinner—think wings, chicken tenders, burgers, tacos and its signature cheesesteak. In fact, D’Auria says about 20% of Johnny’s latenight crowd orders munchies like tater tots and mozzarella sticks, designed to soak up the drinks. Here, he shares memories and learnings from the last 25 years.

enough for younger generations?

People come here because they want to hear the old stuff: disco or Southern rock. If you put on “Sweet Home Alabama,” everyone starts screaming. They want the classic dance stuff you don’t hear anywhere else. Everyone is here to have a good time. You can’t let a drunk person infringe on it. The staff is trained to have eyes out for sloppy, fallingall-over-the-place drunks. What have you learned

was down, and I told him he had to take off his hat. He looked up at me, and it was George Clooney! I told him he could wear whatever he wants, and then I comped his tab. He was with two women. They had kamikazes, danced and stayed for about two hours. He left a $100 tip. This was ’98 or ’99. What do you do for fun?

I go to the gym and smoke cigars. Every other Friday, I come in at night for fun. I have two dogs and a wife, and am working on baby No. 1.

at Johnny’s lately?

The younger generation orders drinks backwards—they ask for the mixer first. “Red Bull and Tito’s” or “Coke and Jack.” What’s the most memorable thing

What are your plans for the future?

I want to get a second location open before I’m 60. (I’m 53 now.) I looked at Nashville, but the real estate is so expensive. If I do it in Atlanta, it will be a different concept. n

that’s happened on your watch? How do you preserve the character of Johnny’s while keeping it modern

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

A guy came in wearing jeans, a black T-shirt and a black cap. His head

JOHNNY’S HIDEAWAY • 404.233.8026 johnnyshideaway.com • @johnnyshideaway

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

Sharing is the best way to experience Aziza's modern Israeli cuisine.

Chamblee Hot Chicken gives the iconic Southern dish international flair with Szechuan-style heat at Southbound.

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

The tiramisú at Davio's is a layering of ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone and espresso ice cream.

BY: Wendell

Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick

AZIZA Meaning “happiness” in Arabic, Aziza is tucked into the lower level of Westside Provisions District, with a dimly lit dining room and diminutive bar. The open kitchen, with its large wood-burning oven that factors heavily into most dishes, is a welcoming focal point. Have a cocktail such as the herbaceous Shug Shake to whet your appetite for the simple, elegant and intensely flavorful dishes to come. Sharing is the best way to maximize your tour of the menu. Don’t miss Hummus No. 1, a silky chickpea mixture topped with braised duck, pecans, pomegranate and nutty tahini served with laffa bread. You can’t go wrong with tender-crisp octopus with coriander, tuna tartare with preserved lemon labneh, short rib tagine or grilled lamb shoulder with fava beans and herbed rice. Blending Israeli cuisine with seasonal ingredients available in the American South, Aziza strikes just the right balance between adventurous and comforting. Small plates: $10-$21 • Mains: $29-$43 Desserts: $13 • aziza-restaurant.com

BONE GARDEN CANTINA Beyond the colorful Día de Muertos dining room decor, the well-curated mezcal and tequila selections and the uber-friendly service, Bone Garden Cantina offers some of the most authentic Mexican cooking in Atlanta. Tastier guacamole and hot dipping queso you will not find, and we’ve tried! The tender-to-the-bone Mexican pork ribs are meaty, miraculous bites of earthy richness, and the tomatillo-rich pozole verde soup is pure south-of-the-border goodness. Garlicsautéed shrimp enchiladas and adobo steak quesadilla seasoned with guajillo chile are among many fine familiar classics. Smaller plates include exemplary tamales and tacos. Appetizers: $2.50-$9.50 • Soups and salads: $4.50-$9 • Tamales, tacos and empanadas: $3.50-$5 • Mains: $7.50$12.75 • bonegardencantina.com

BROOKLYN CAFE This Sandy Springs institution is never without crowds of satisfied diners, and it’s easy to see why. Join lunching locals over sandwiches and fresh salads such as the petite Caesar with peppery cayenne croutons or the mission fig and crumbled blue cheese with greens. The in-house smoked salmon salad is near perfection, as is the Brooklyn-famous Reuben consisting of juicy corned beef piled atop buttery toasted rye. Dinner highlights include the blackened mahi tacos and crab cake salad. Wrap things up with mile-high double chocolate cake or the homemade Key lime pie, each one sliced to feed two or more.

PHOTOS:

Sara Hanna, Joann Vitelli

And as if the phenomenal grub weren’t enough, it’s all served up by a friendly, whiz-bang staff, making for a delightful meal you won’t soon forget.

Breakfast: $3.29-$12.99 • Lunch: $4.99-

including the double-stack burger, Southern ramen, smoked short rib, Chamblee hot chicken and wild Georgia Shrimp.

Appetizers and salads: $7-$12

$12.99 • flyingbiscuit.com

Small plates: $4-$18 • Mains: $14-$33

across the walls and ceiling adds a funky, kitsch-cool vibe to the Brookhaven outpost of this breakfast and brunch favorite.

Sandwiches and mains: $11-$31 Desserts: $7 • brooklyncafe.com

DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE 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 seasalt-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

FARM BURGER Of the locally pastured gourmet-burger chains, Farm Burger, which has a Buckhead shop on Piedmont Road near Tower Place, has long been a favorite. And it’s hard to imagine a more decadent list of toppings for your grass-fed, dry-aged patty than oxtail marinade, apple slaw, red-bean chili, pork belly, bone marrow, cured lardo, bacon, fried egg or the six kinds of cheese. Keep your eye on the blackboard for seasonal specials, too. In spring, you might get a burger decked out with Vidalias and pesto; in summer, a dollop of peach chutney. While we don’t normally pass on beer-battered onion rings, Farm Burger’s sweet potato fries are irresistible.

Sides: $4-$6 • Desserts: $6-$9

HEARTH PIZZA TAVERN Sandy Springs is lucky to be home to Hearth Pizza Tavern, where world-class pie is served up in a cozy corner of the Exchange at Hammond. Pizzas such as the Ring of Fire and The Cure would earn three Michelin stars if there were a pizza rating, and other menu items aren’t far behind. If you’re eating carb-free, go for the Tavern chopped salad, piled high with Italian meats and cheeses, or dig in to hot, crispy Brussels sprouts or zesty roasted cauliflower. If those don’t tempt you, then the steaming bowl of PEI mussels or an oozing, medium-rare Angus beef burger will be your best bet. Openers and salads: $6-$12 Burgers and sandwiches: $10-$12 Pizzas: $7-$19 hearthpizzatavern.com

PRICCI Opened in 1991, Pricci is the Italian jewel in Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s crown. This Buckhead institution still aspires to (and delivers) exceptional service, superlative Italian cooking and a vibe that’s both elegant and inclusive. Nothing says buon appetito like silky burrata Pugliese (cream filled mozzarella), tangy parmesan and anchovy-rich Caesar salad and aromatic steamed cozze (mussels in tomato-garlic sauce). Barbera-braised short rib ravioli, pecorino-sauced cacio e pepe and pizzas of all varieties are favorites, but if you’re extra peckish, order the Dutch-imported 16-ounce veal chop. Mangia bene, but don’t forget to try Pricci’s world-class tiramisu. Appetizers and salads: $8-$26 • Pizza and pastas: $17-$27 • Entrees: $24-$46 Desserts: $6-$15 • buckheadrestaurants.com

Snacks: $2-$4 • Burgers: $6.75-$8.50 farmburger.com

FLYING BISCUIT CAFÉ Flying Biscuit Café is a touchstone of diner life here in Atlanta, and with good reason. “Creamy dreamy” grits and flaky Southern biscuits round out most every meal, and there are loads of tummy-warming substantial dishes to choose from. Turkey hash, the Not Your Mama’s Pimiento Cheese Sandwich and chicken pot pie (made with hot, buttery biscuits, of course) are reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen, and the congenial staff will keep you coming back for more. Gordo Stevens’ artwork

SOUTHBOUND A “welcome to the neighborhood” vibe lingers throughout Southbound in Chamblee, whether you sit at the bar stocked with artisan spirits, on a comfortable chair in the main dining room or under an umbrellaed picnic table on the patio. Weathered wood, exposed bricks and dangling light bulbs give the space casual elegance. The menu presents Southern comfort food with some creative international flavors and influences. Variety means there’s something for just about any preference, diet, budget and hunger level. The menu changes about three times a year, but popular favorites remain,

southboundatl.com

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN Don’t be put off by the mobs of hipsters waiting for a table or the funky menu items with unfamiliar ingredients such as hemp, flax and chia. Though it could easily be mistaken for an ephemeral, crunchy beardo hangout, True Food Kitchen is here to stay—not just because of its good intentions and exemplary karma, but because of its tasty eats. Favorites include the shiitake lettuce cups, spring asparagus toast and the T.L.T. (tempeh, lettuce and tomato) sandwich. Good for the uninitiated are the margherita pizza, steak tacos and Mediterranean chicken pita. Recommended drinks include the non-alcoholic Cucumber Cooler and Medicine Man tea or the buzzinducing lemongrass margarita, citrus skinny margarita and Strawberry Smash. Starters and vegetable plates: $7-$13 Salads and bowls: $10-$14 (added protein $3-$9) • Pizzas and sandwiches: $12-$16 Entrees: $14-$26 • truefoodkitchen.com

WOODALL With its friendly, relaxed vibe, it’s easy to feel among friends at The Woodall in Westside Village, whether you prefer the comfortable dining room or outdoor patio. Whitewashed brick, shiny metal, warm woods, brown leather and modern light fixtures cozy up the converted warehouse while a mural of eagle talons clasping a silver spoon adds personality. The dinner and brunch menus present globally inspired dishes and drinks featuring local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, with options such as lump crab beignets, open-faced tenderloin sandwich, Sicilian calamari and rock shrimp and fried chicken tucked into a feather-light biscuit. The restaurant’s website confidently asserts, “You’ll be back!” There are plenty of reasons to do just that. Small plates: $9-$15 • Salads: $9-12 Sandwiches: $11.5-17 • Mains: $13-$43 Sides: $5-$6 • Desserts: $9-$10 thewoodallwestside.com Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Visit simplybuckhead.com to read all of our restaurant reviews!

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

Atlanta Peach Movers Simply Buckhead copy.pdf 1 5/18/2016 10:51:31 AM

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M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

CHARITABLE

Scott Walton, Leah Skinner

Gala guests bid generously during the scholarship auction.

OUR KIDS GALA

Art Terrell

STORY: H.M. Cauley

Cara Kneer

ore than 270 supporters of The Boyce L. Ansley School gathered at Clark Atlanta University in March to support the school’s mission of educating homeless youth. Named for the late philanthropist, civic crusader and long-time Buckhead resident Boyce Ansley, the private Midtown school is tuition-free, and the almost $200,000 raised at the evening event will support the school and scholarships. Hosted by 11Alive reporter Cara Kneer, the dinner event featured a live auction, a raffle and entertainment by Breona Joyelle, president of the school’s Parent Advisory Committee. An immersive presentation by the Dignity Museum and Love Beyond Walls featured a homelessness simulator that gave guests insight into the difficulties faced by those in poverty. Among the honored guests were Shepard Ansley, widower of the school’s namesake; Clark Atlanta President George T. French Jr.; and Sam Burston, Clark Atlanta’s vice president of University Relations and External Affairs.

Shepard Ansley, George T. French Jr.

Meg Walton

Gala guests enjoyed dancing, dinner and auction action.

Breona Davis, Aleta McDaniel , Miriam Harris

Clark Atlanta's Executive Chef Chillonda Brown catered the event.

Love Beyond Walls and Dignity Museum Homelessness Simulator

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • M AY 2 0 2 2

SCENE

GAME FUEL State Farm Arena Executive Chef Joe Schafer surveys the court before a Hawks game, during which his team keeps fans satisfied. PHOTO: Erik Meadows

100

M AY 2 0 2 2 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

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BROOKS KITTRELL: (828) 230-4453 JOHN MUIR: (404) 245-7027 MeadowsMountainRealty.com 488 Main St, Highlands, NC | 2334 Cashiers Rd, Highlands, NC 196 Burns St, Cashiers, NC © 2022 BHHS Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHHS Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.

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$1,495,000 MLS# 98429 4BR/4BA

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ROSE COTTAGE

CHARMING COTTAGE RETREAT HIGH ABOVE SAPPHIRE VALLEY

ELEGANT STONE HOME AT THE TOP OF OLD EDWARDS CLUB

On a clear day you can see forever from either of the TWO charming cottages on this 13+ acre property. Sitting at 4,500 feet with clean, cool air are TWO wonderful cottages — each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There are many views in the area, but you would be hard-pressed to find one better than this! Wider than 180 degrees, you can see from Shortoff and Whiteside mountains in Highlands to Lake Hartwell in Georgia, and south to Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and Clemson in South Carolina. Situated on the side of a mountain, the Darby house boasts almost 1,700 square feet and was renovated in 2017 to feature an open floor plan and a fully modernized kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and barn-style paneling. Host guests and still have privacy with the entirely separate, but equally beautiful, and fully furnished Rose Cottage. With more than 1,300 square feet of living space, your guests can gather around the floor-to-ceiling fireplace or enjoy the sunroom where expansive windows showcase the mountain views. The cottage features a brand-new roof, fully equipped modern kitchen, hardwood floors, and much, much more. Sapphire Valley offers the finest amenities for mountain living including swimming, golf, tennis, boating, and dining.

Built by John Lupoli, one of the premier builders on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau, this fabulous custom stone home has gorgeous panoramic views visible from almost all rooms. The main floor has an inviting foyer adjacent to a room that could be used as either a den or as a music room. A stately wood-paneled living room boasts a wall of bookcases and a stone fireplace. The large kitchen has an oversized island that will thrill any cook, and right off the kitchen is a covered, screened porch with electronic panels that allow usage in any weather or season. The upstairs is home to a stylish owner’s suite plus an office, a lovely sitting room, and an ensuite guest bedroom. The terrace level has high ceilings, multiple windows that let in plenty of light, and three guest suites. Also on the terrace level you will find a family room with a stone fireplace, a workout nook, and a kitchenette that is the perfect place for game day fun. Located at the top of Old Edwards Club with a circular drivewaywell-groomed grounds, this beautiful home has plenty of space for your multi-generational family and great privacy when you entertain friends. A breezeway connecting the detached two-car garage completes this home. Offered with an additional lot to protect your fabulous mountain views.

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MeadowsMountainRealty.com 488 Main St, Highlands, NC | 2334 Cashiers Rd, Highlands, NC 196 Burns St, Cashiers, NC © 2022 BHHS Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHHS Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.

“”

A HOME IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS THAT MOST PEOPLE WILL EVER BUY. HOMES ARE ALSO WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE AND YOU WANT TO WORK WITH SOMEONE YOU CAN

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CHAIRMAN AND CEO, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, INC.

HIGHLANDS, CASHIERS, AND LAKE TOXAWAY, NORTH CAROLINA 828.526.1717 | MeadowsMountainRealty.com © 2022 BHHS Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHHS Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Simply Buckhead May 2022

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