Simply Buckhead June 2019

Page 1

June 2019 ISSUE 63 • FREE

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Chamblee and Dunwoody

Life's a Picnic.

. p U t I t a E YOUR GUIDE TO THE ART OF

ALFRESCO DINING

FORD FRY SPILLS THE BEANS ON HIS FIRST COOKBOOK A LOCAL FEMALE DESIGNER TACKLES FOOTBALL-INSPIRED FASHIONS A SWANKY STAY IN SAVANNAH


satisfaction

guaranteed

We don’t settle for anything less than the highest quality ingredients and we guarantee 100% satisfaction of our decadent desserts. Like us, IBERIABANK shares the same high quality standards, eagerness to please clients, and commitment to serving our local communities. Our banker is truly an extension of our team.They are the crème de la crème when it comes to banking. We identify with that.

Thanks IBERIABANK! Dina Birch, Margret Sapp and David Van der Blom

Atlanta Cheesecake Company

8 locations in Metro Atlanta to serve you

www.iberiabank.com


LET US HELP YOU BREATHE EASIER®ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Ranked As One Of The Top F ive F inancial Advisors In The United States. Source: Investopedia

Ted Jenkin, CEO

Text “Taxes” to 89800 to get your COMPLIMENTARY money guides. • • •

Top 10 Tax Mitigation Strategies 2019 Investor Guide Top 10 College Planning Mistakes

3060 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30305 Visit Us Online: oXYGenFinancial.com Call Us: 678-222-2320

Fee Based Financial Advice - Wealth Management - Tax Management & Planning - Employee Benefits - Online Financial Dashboard 401(k) Plans & Rollovers - Education Accounts - Budget Planning Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. oXYGen Financial is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. Kestra IS and Kestra AS do not provide tax or legal advice.


Christian Louboutin

A walkable city sanctuary with over 60 designer stores and unique restaurants, where art, style and ambiance converge.

COS

SIX CITY BLOCKS OF STYLE

BEAUTIFULLY BRIGHT AKRIS ALICE + OLIVIA AMERICAN CUT BILLY REID BILTONG BAR BONOBOS BRUNELLO CUCINELLI COS

CANALI

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

DIOR

DIPTYQUE

ETRO

HERMÈS

INTERMIX

JIMMY CHOO

LA PERLA LE BILBOQUET L’OCCITANE MONCLER NARS THEORY TOD’S WARBY PARKER AND MORE

3 0 3 5 P e a c h t re e R o a d N E , A t l a n t a , G A 3 0 3 0 5 | B o rd e r i n g P e a c h t re e R o a d , E . P a c e s F e r r y a n d P h a r r R o a d TheShopsBuckheadAtlanta.com | 3 Hours Complimentary Parking | @shopbuckheadatl

#buckheadatlstyle


ÂŽ

Build It!

Find It!

Your Journey – Our Mission!

Please contact us for all your Construction and Real Estate needs! Jim DeLany, Owner | Builder

Joe DeLany, Owner | Broker

Joe Smithson, Owner | Broker

770-231-5500

770-231-9744

404-316-8715

jim@pacesbuildergroup.com

joe@aldergroveproperties.com

joesmithson@aldergroveproperties.com

pacesbuildergroup.com

aldergroveproperties.com Independently Owned and Operated




D E R E K L AM 1 0 CROS BY


SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

JUNE 2019

48

20

34

69 50

38

Contents 12 Editor’s Letter [ SIMPLY NOW ]

17 News: Hitting the Big 4-0 Iconic Buckhead nightclub Johnny’s Hideaway celebrates four decades of dining and dancing

20 Travel Near: Perry Polished Savannah’s Perry Lane Hotel takes a weekend in Georgia’s oldest city to a refined next level

26 Approved: Write This Down

[ SIMPLY STYLISH ]

34 Home: Passion-Driven Decor A Brookhaven couple’s high-style interior puts family and fun first

38 Beauty: The Skin Game

58

50 COVER STORY Life’s a Picnic. Eat It Up. YOUR GUIDE TO THE ART OF ALFRESCO DINING

Preparing for summer with the season’s hottest beauty treatments

40 Wellness: Flexing Mommy Muscles Helping women stay fit during pregnancy, not just after

A roundup of pretty pens that will make you want to go back to communicating on paper

[ SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ]

28 15 Minutes With: Jennifer Morgan

44 On Stage: All That Jazz

A sit-down with the founder of Buckhead’s new women-only co-working space

A local makeup artist sings a different song on stage

30 Kids: How Their Gardens Grow

48 Literary: From Pan to Page

Play in the dirt with your kids in five easy steps

After years of nurturing successful restaurants, chef Ford Fry whips up his first cookbook

[ SIMPLY DELICIOUS ]

58 Review: Pass the Chopsticks Taste culture and tradition at Nakato Japanese Restaurant

60 Drinks: Golden Hour Day drink with a refreshing spritz

[ SIMPLY HAPPENING ]

69 Events: Places to go and things to do 73

Charitable: A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

9

Photos: 34, 50, 58: Sara Hanna. 69: Steve Eberhardt

58


YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

S E R V I N G AT L A N TA F O R O V E R 8 Y E A R S Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Chamblee and Dunwoody

Services Offered:

JUNE 2019 | ISSUE 63

Eyelash Extensions (Classic and Volume)

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com

Keratin Lash Lift Brow Design, Tinting & Henna

For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895 Publisher and Founder

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

Microblading

Joanne Hayes Chief Financial Officer

Sonny Hayes Editor-in-Chief

Jill Becker Creative Director

Ombré Powder Brows

Alan Platten ValueStream Media Chief Photographer

FACIALS:

Sara Hanna Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Dermaplaning

Cheryl Isaacs Account Executive

Vitamin C

Bill Garst Website Development Management

All-in-one Advanced Anti-Aging

BHG Digital

Caroline Cox Caroline Cox is a writer and editor from Savannah, Georgia. Since relocating to Atlanta in 2006, she has worked as co-editor-in-chief for local arts publication CommonCreativ, copy editor for ArtsATL, associate editor for five of Modern Luxury’s lifestyle print magazines and as senior editor for women’s online magazine Little Pink Book. Her bylines can be found at publications including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, InStyle, Nylon, Vice, BuzzFeed, Complex, Thrillist, Paste, Atlanta magazine and elsewhere. She currently works as the content marketing manager for a local tech company and as a freelance writer on the side.

Director of Audience Development

Lia Picard Copy Editor

H.M. Cauley Contributing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin Contributing Writers

Karina Antenucci Jennifer Bradley Franklin H.M. Cauley Rebecca Cha Carly Cooper Caroline Cox Jessica Dauler Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Nicole Letts Kevin C. Madigan Hope S. Philbrick Lia Picard Sue Rodman Giannina S. Bedford Jan Schroder Karon Warren Contributing Photographers

Paula Bond Heller Carson Matthews Graphic Designer

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.

5299 Roswell Road #114, Atlanta, GA 30342

404.906.3200 blinkandwink.com 10

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Copyright © 2019 by Simply Buckhead ®. All rights reserved. Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.

Layal Akkad Legal Counsel

Scott I. Zucker


FIND US ONLINE Read Simply Buckhead online at

SimplyBuckhead.com Facebook  facebook.com “Like” us at LivingWellATL

Twitter twitter.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead

Instagram instagram.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead

[ BEHIND THE COVER ] Outdoor photo shoots can be tricky, as you have to rely on the weather gods to smile on you. The forecast on the day of our June issue cover shoot was a little iffy, but we lucked out and avoided raindrops. We also lucked out with an awesome crew who helped make our faux picnic scene an actual picnic when it came to getting all the shots we needed. It was especially fun to watch our two youngest models, Kylie and Myla, interact and play together, as you would have thought they’d been friends forever.

Photographer: Sara Hanna Photo assistant: Lisa Dolny Models: Kylie Sabaugh, Sharon Stufken, Ryan Donovan, Myla Snyder, courtesy of Salt Agency Stylist: Jules Salinas Hair and makeup: Nyssa Green and assistant Margo Johnson, The Green Room Agency Wardrobe: Courtesy of Macy’s Picnic items: Courtesy of Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, King Barbecue, Macy’s, Savi Provisions, Storico Fresco Shot on location at Chastain Park

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

ife

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

[ P ROU D M E M B E R OF ]

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

11


SIMPLY BUCKHEAD®

JUNE 2019

[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]

I

’m originally from Dallas, Texas, and when I moved

to Atlanta way back in 2005, I discovered that it’s The Headshot Truck

a lot like Dallas, just with more parks and trees. I was surprised to find, in fact, how much green space there is in Atlanta, from everybody’s favorite Piedmont Park to lesser-known spots such as Lullwater Park. As the construction boom continues throughout the city and the skyline keeps morphing, I hope that doesn’t change. Because otherwise, where else would we be able to go for one of my favorite activities, the picnic? That brings me to our cover story this month (see page 50), which is an ode to the art of picnicking. In it, we discuss everything from great spots for enjoying an alfresco meal to delicious recipes to whip up for a fantastic outdoor feast. Speaking of outdoors, elsewhere in the issue (page 30), we offer some handy tips on getting your kiddos into gardening. We also share some advice for women on staying fit during pregnancy (page 40); chat with noted local chef Ford Fry about his new, and first-ever, cookbook (page 48); present a roundup of some stylish pens for writing the old-fashioned vs. digital way (page 26); and take a peek inside the snazzy new Perry Lane hotel in Savannah (page 20). There’s a lot more great content as well, so pack your copy of the magazine along with a blanket, a cooler of drinks and some tasty grub, and savor it all under a shady canopy at your favorite area park.

Jill Becker editor@simplybuckhead.com

12

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead


SUMMER’S NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

ATLANTA:

ATLANTA FISH MARKET BUCKHEAD DINER CORNER CAFÉ BOCA RATON:

KYMA

CHOPS LOBSTER BAR PRICCI

CHOPS LOBSTER BAR

FORT LAUDERDALE: MIAMI BEACH:

BISTRO NIKO 103 WEST SPECIAL EVENTS

CITY FISH MARKET

LOBSTER BAR SEA GRILLE

LOBSTER BAR SEA GRILLE

@buckheadlife buckheadrestaurants.com


Key Note:

Welcoming New Patients! Dr. Butler Offers Services For:

Call 404-497-1020 for an appointment. Exit 26

I-285

Hollis Cobb Circle

993 D

GA-400

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

o dy

Trimble Road

993 C

’s Saint Joseph Hospital 5665

Dr. Elizabeth Butler is a board-certified rheumatologist who brings over Center Marriott Pointe three decades1100of practice experience. She offers excellent, personalized Children’scare to adult patients, as well as thorough preventive screenings for the Medical Healthcare Quarters of Atlanta diagnosis5555and treatment of medical problems before other complications arise. Emergency

Sun Trust Bank

Parking

Cardiology ICU Admissions

Johnson Ferry Road 975

Cancer Center

5545

Meridian Mark Plaza 5445

Glenridge Connector

Peacht ree Dun wo

980

Exit 4A

14

The Tower at North-

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL

Meridian Mark

Glenridge Point Parkway Glenridge Connector

Parking

960

Exit 3

Marta

is Cobb Holl

Women’s Center

GA-400

875

5780 Interchange

5670

Women's Center Parking Garage

28 28 •Exit Rheumatoid Arthritis • Lake Lupus Hearn Drive • Gout • 5671 Osteoarthritis 5673 • Osteoporosis 5667 5669 • Auto-immune Disease

5505

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


N E W S | L O C A L S A L U T E | T R AV E L | A P P R O V E D | 1 5 M I N U T E S W I T H | K I D S

SIMPLY NOW

TRAVEL FAR

It's Better at Bahama House P22

The picturesque, pastel-hued Bahama House resort has the intimate feel of a private estate.

The 11-room Bahama House is located on Harbour Island, a charming escape only a halfmile wide and 3 1⁄₂ miles long. Photo: courtesy Eleven Experience

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

15



NEWS BY:

Karon Warren

HITTING THE BIG 4-0 I

n a city where restaurants and other businesses often come and go in the blink of an eye, Johnny’s Hideaway in Buckhead has maintained its longevity. In fact, the iconic Roswell Road dance club and eatery, which bills itself as “Atlanta’s only nightclub for big kids,” is celebrating its 40th birthday this year. Patrons both young and old go for the great music selection, feels-like-home vibe and menu filled with favorite bites. “Johnny’s Hideaway offers something for all people of all ages,” says owner Chris D’Auria. “Over the years, we’ve adapted based on the crowd, such as changing the music we play and the dress

Patrons have flocked to Johnny's Hideaway for dancing and dining since it opened way back in 1979.

code. We bend our rules to work with the crowd to make it a place for everyone.” D’Auria maintains this commitment to the customers is the reason they keep returning to Johnny’s week after week and year after year. “Our philosophy is that each person who walks in the door is entitled to the same experience whether it’s their first time or they’re one of our regulars,” he says, adding that guests should also expect the same service, atmoJOHNNY’S HIDEAWAY sphere and 3771 Roswell Rd. N.E. experience Atlanta 30342 whether it’s 404.233.8026 noon, 7 p.m. johnnyshideaway.com or 2 a.m. n

NEWS CLIPS LEARNING ACADEMY OPENS IN BUCKHEAD Serving students in grades 6 to 12, Fusion Academy Buckhead is now open in the Atlanta Financial Center. An accredited family of private, one-to-one schools, Fusion Academy focuses on personalized learning for youngsters who can benefit from a one-teacher-to-one-student ratio. Additionally, rather than struggling alone at home with their homework, students can complete their assignments at the Homework Café on campus with assistance and supervision from a teacher. Origi-

nally founded in San Diego in 1989, Fusion Academy has more than 50 locations nationwide. Fusion Academy Buckhead 3353 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 866.210.9479 fusionbuckhead.com

RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY OFFERS UNIQUE CONCIERGE SERVICES Recently opened on East Paces Ferry Road, The Ashley Gables Buckhead apartments welcomes new residents with 24-hour concierge services through a unique custom app. Using the app, residents can arrange for

personal styling, dog walkers, spa treatments, home doctor visits and more. All service providers have been fully vetted, saving time and research for the clientele. The Ashley Gables Buckhead 530 East Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta 30305 404.341.5264 theashleygablesbuckhead.com

SHADE STORE UNVEILS NEW SHOWROOM As part of its nationwide expansion, The Shade Store recently opened its third Atlanta showroom at The Exchange in Buckhead. Offering

premium custom window treatments, the shop is staffed by experts ready to assist customers with choosing handcrafted draperies, Roman shades, roller shades, motorized shades and more through interactive design displays. The store features collections from Sunbrella, Nate Berkus, Aerin, One Kings Lane, Jonathan Adler and more. The new location joins showrooms in the Westside Provisions District and ADAC. The Shade Store 3167 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.287.0286 theshadestore.com

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

17


As seen in Bold Women of Buckhead

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

HIGH-FLYING BROW STUDIO OWNER AND FLIGHT ATTENDANT

L

eza Bennett knows what it is to feel insecure about one of the least talked about features of a woman’s face. “I don’t have a whole lot of eyebrows myself,” the 47-year-old owner of The Perfect Brows admits. “And it made me feel really bad about my appearance.” Like the arc of a perfect eyebrow, Bennett’s journey from brow insecurity to creating a booming Buckhead brow studio has not been a straight line. The Milwaukee native applied to become a Delta flight attendant right out of college, even though she’d only been on an airplane once in her life. “I wanted to move to New York City and see the world,” she says. “I figured that was the way to make that dream come true.” By 2005, she found herself in Atlanta, loving her job, when Delta declared bankruptcy. “People were leaving, they were quitting, and the company was laying people off. I thought, ‘What am I going to do?’” By this time, Bennett had figured out how to overcome her eyebrow insufficiency. “I had practiced with different powders and pencils. I figured out how to make them look really amazing and give myself a look I felt comfortable with,” she says. So when Delta hit bumpy times, she knew what her “what else” had to be: brows. “I felt like if I could fix myself, I could fix other people,” she remembers. Turns out, she never got laid off, so she went to aesthetician school on days when she wasn’t flying. Two years at the Anastasia brow studio at Phipps Plaza followed before Bennett knew it was time to go out on her own. It was 2008, a terrible time to start a new business. “No one would give me a loan,” she recalls. “They said, ‘We don’t know what an eyebrow studio is.’” So Bennett used the tip money she’d saved up for two years as down payment on her rent, a space upstairs from the old Souper Jenny location on East Andrews Drive. Her next move still makes some people gasp.

MICROBLADING THREADING WAXING BROW AND LASH TINTING “DEDICATED TO CREATING BEAUTIFUL BROWS!” EST. 2008

LASH SERVICE

STORY:

Daryn Kagan

“I took every last dime out of my Delta 401(k),” she shares. “$35,000.” And she hasn’t looked back from that day she waited nervously for her first customer to walk through the door. Business is now booming at The Perfect Brows’ latest location in the One Buckhead Plaza building. “I have a 7,000- to 8,000-client base,” says Bennett. “My most loyal clients are booking through 2020 to stay on my calendar.” Even Delta Airlines has become a customer. Three years ago, the company asked Bennett to provide her brow service at the employee SkySpa at Hartsfield-Jackson airport. As for that 401(k) loan, she paid herself back in full after three years. And she continues to contribute to her Delta 401(k) account. Yes, even while running her brow business, Bennett is still flying. At first, it was to keep her benefits. Then, she wanted to hit 25 years with the company. Now, she simply loves her schedule. “I fly Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. I open my brow studio Wednesday through Saturday,” she says. “I feel like I have the best of both worlds, because I use the time I fly to regroup.” Somehow, through this incredible ride, Bennett managed to get married and have two kids, Frederick Junior, 7, and Georgia, 4. When she has a rare free moment, she and her husband, Frederick, love to go to Buckhead hot spots Storico Fresco and the rooftop of American Cut steakhouse. Future dreams include possible franchises and getting a storefront in the airport. But her business home will never change. “Buckhead is the best place to be in business in Atlanta,” says Bennett. “It’s a community. I have people who come from Mableton, Canton, Woodstock, East Atlanta, down south and Cobb County. This is the thriving area to be in.” As for what she thinks qualifies her as a bold woman, she says, “Being a bold woman is stepping out into the unknown to follow the dreams of your heart and trusting God to orchestrate each step.”

The Perfect Brows by Leza One Buckhead Plaza 3060 Peachtree Rd Nw Suite R70 Atlanta, Ga 30305 404.816.5392 The Perfect Brows by Leza Delta SkySpa Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Exclusively for Delta Employees Below Gate A19

www.theperfectbrows.com


LOCAL SALUTE

BY:

Mickey Goodman

Volunteer pilot John Alston and Angel Flight Soars executive director Jeanine Chambers stand with a young boy and his mother as he heads off for medical treatment.

Soaring with the Angels One man’s missions of mercy When Buckhead resident John Alston, the founder and CEO of ClubDrive, was learning to fly, he looked for a way to use his hobby to help others. The answer was Angel Flight Soars, an organization that enlists volunteer pilots to fly children and adults for lifesaving medical treatment. “One of my first missions was transporting an 11-year-old girl from Bainbridge, Georgia, to Atlanta to get treatment for her failing eyesight,” he says. “Over a threeyear period, Angel Flight flew her scores of times, and even though the outcome wasn’t 20/20 vision, she would likely have become blind without the specialized medical care she received in Atlanta.” Another of Alston’s favorite missions was flying two military para-

troopers from North Carolina to Atlanta to visit an injured comrade who was hospitalized at the Shepherd Center. “He had no family other than his platoon members,” says Alston, “so two fellow paratroopers got permission to give him some badly needed moral support.” Alston has been a volunteer pilot since 2007 and serves as chairman of the board of the 501C3 that has operated out of Peachtree DeKalb Airport for 36 years. He's flown hundreds of missions, and his company also provided pro bono IT services to ensure that Angel Flight personnel can coordinate missions from alternate locations in the event of a disaster. l For more information, visit angelflightsoars.org.

Kids Raising Money for Kids In 2013, Go Long For Luke, a flag football tournament, was created by Luke Greenfield’s twin sister, Sophie, and their friends Cole and Jesse Faller—also twins— after meeting at their school in East Hills, New York. Cole’s poem, My Buddy Luke, describing his friend Luke’s autism as “just a different way of thinking,” sealed the friendship. By getting pro bono spots on social media and local commercial media outlets, the friends attracted 120 kids from ages 6 to 17 for the first Go Long For Luke tournament, with the Twin power: Jesse Faller, Luke Greenfield, Sophie Greenfield and Cole Faller kick off last year's Go Long For Luke tournament.

Dan Miller digs in to help plant 100 trees in south Atlanta in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation.

More Time to Serve Retirement provides a golden opportunity for one area resident For Dan Miller, former vice president and general manager for the Atlanta region at Enterprise Holdings, retirement is not about slowing down but rather ramping up his involvement in the Atlanta community. He’s already been a member of the board of directors at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Sports Council, and active with the Light the Night walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “I’m looking forward to digging even deeper and helping even more,” says Miller. The organization most near and dear to the Buckhead resident’s heart is the United Way of Greater Atlanta, where he’s a member of the board of directors and contributes at the Ivan Allen Circle level to its Tocqueville

Society. “The leadership is outstanding, and 85 to 90 percent of the donations go directly to those in need,” says Miller. While at Enterprise, Miller set the bar high for employee involvement by promoting a company-sponsored 50 percent match of their contributions to various charities totaling $850,000 in 2018. Miller is also hands-on, helping, for example, plant 100 trees in south Atlanta in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. “I’ve been blessed to have a great job where giving is an integral part of the company. It’s rewarding to see how many people care and give back.” l For more information, visit unitedwayatlanta.org.

Creating awareness for autism proceeds going to Autism Speaks. “The tournament helped bring the community together and raise awareness for autism,” says Luke and Sophie’s mom, Sandi. Prior to moving to Buckhead at the end of 2017, Sophie, Cole and Jesse, along with the help of their parents, held four successful fundraisers that collected more than $25,000 each for autism causes. “Go Long For Luke was so successful, it was featured in Sports Illustrated,” says Sandi. As soon as the Greenfields settled into their new Atlanta home, Sophie, a student at The Galloway School, organized a fifth flag football fundraiser in Chastain Park that took place in September of

2018. Cole and Jesse flew in from New York to carry on the tradition. Once again, the event raised nearly $25,000, all of which was donated to Jacob’s Ladder Center, Luke’s new school, and other autism causes. Plans are underway for the fall 2019 tournament. l For more information, visit golongforluke.org.

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

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

19


TR AV E L NE A R

Above: Stop in for a tasty cup of Joe at the in-house Bowerbird Coffee. Left and below: NYC-based design and development firm Flank studied local design for five years to achieve the Perry Lane's Southern-chic look.

Perry Polished Savannah’s Perry Lane Hotel takes a weekend in Georgia’s oldest city to a refined next level STORY:

Giannina S. Bedford

I

’ve been to Savannah, Georgia, several times. First, during college for a whirlwind 24-hour stopover, then a before-kids, party-filled St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Two years ago, I went with my in-laws, husband and young daughter. Needless to say, every visit has been drastically different. That was again the case when I visited earlier this year for an adults-only getaway at the recently opened Perry Lane Hotel. Thanks to the five-star accommodations, this latest sojourn was without doubt the classiest side of Savannah I’ve experienced. Opened in the city’s historic district in June 2018, the Perry Lane Hotel personifies the life of Savannah’s elite through style and service. Split between two buildings separated by a brick-clad street, the hotel feels more like a renovated manor than a 167-room hotel. Perry Lane is part of Feast on dishes ranging from fresh fish to wild foraged mushrooms at Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market.

20

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Marriott International’s The Luxury Collection, but it achieves the difficult task of personalizing the hotel stay in a destination where lodging is aplenty. Here, the focus is on an immersive guest experience and how it relates to the historic city that surrounds it. How do they do that? For us, it began the moment my husband and I

stepped into the lobby. We were greeted with a glass of Champagne and invited to sit at an antique-style desk during check-in. My eyes scanned my surroundings, taking in the Old World millwork, vintage furnishings and collections of maps and travel mementos strewn about the interior. Through the lobby into a separate

sitting room and library, the discovery of art and unique objects continued to surprise me. It was easy to see the design wasn’t just simply put together. In fact, it’s all the “vision” of a fictional character named Adelaide Harcourt, created by NINE dot ARTS, a Denver-based corporate curatorial firm, to set the tone for Perry Lane’s look. The story they concocted is that Adelaide is a seventh-generation Savannian and “grande dame” whose life experiences, travels and love of Savannah inspired the hotel’s eclectic art collection. Pretty cool. Adelaide’s intriguing touch also extended to our upstairs guestroom, where a marbled foyer, wood paneling and dark-hued walls mixed with leather headboards, Frette Italian bed linens and animal-inspired artwork, creating a grand modern-meetshistoric feel unlike that of any other hotel I’ve experienced. The design eye candy was particularly striking at Peregrin, the hotel’s rooftop bar and pool area. Stepping off the elevator,


Shop. Sip. Savor. Above: Perry Lane's rooftop is the place for fun and games, not to mention sweeping views of historic Savannah. Below: The Wayward serves handcrafted cocktails and is adjacent to the hotel’s karaoke room and arcade.

shop

I felt transported to a chic tropical playground with skyline views, lawn games and lush landscaping of jasmine, boxwood and podocarpus—the vision of award-winning landscape designer Fernando Wong. In addition to Peregrin, the hotel offers street-level hospitality concepts in each of its buildings. The Wayward is an upscale but offbeat take on a neighborhood watering hole, and The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market is an all-day American brasserie highlighting Southernsourced ingredients. Although we didn’t have a chance to hang out at The Wayward, our dinner and morning brunch at The Emporium were stellar. From comfy leather banquettes under vintage-style lighting, we sipped Butter Pecan Old-Fashioneds and dined on garlicky mussels and classic steak frites. Adjacent to the dining room is Bowerbird Coffee, where I got my afternoon pick-me-up, as well as a wine shop and a market offering artisanal to-go items. And yes, during our visit, we did get out to explore Savannah’s outstanding restaurants, burgeoning art

LOCAL FLAIR The Perry Lane Hotel offers a variety of Savannah-centric experiences for guests, from private architectural tours of the city to behind-the-scenes looks at where the world-famous Benedetto Guitars and Byrd Cookie Company cookies are made. A full list of activities is available at perrylanehotel.com/ unique-experiences.

Blo Blow Dry Bar • CorePower Yoga • Crate & Barrel Draper james • Fab’rik • Gill’s alterations • indochino Kendra Scott • Lululemon • Ona Atlanta • Paper Source south moon under • soulcycle • Sprint • Suitsupply The Impeccable Pig • West elm

sip & savor Bhojanic • Dantanna’s • Flower child Roots Juices • Seven Lamps

scene and flourishing history, but at the end of the day, we were eager to get back to Perry Lane. Savannah is a fascinating destination that seems to beckon me back again and again, each time showing me a new side to enjoy. I just hope my next visit to Georgia’s oldest city meets the level of the sophistication I experienced on my most recent encounter at this mansion-like retreat in the heart of a storied city. n

PERRY LANE HOTEL perrylanehotel.com

3400 Around Lenox Drive Atlanta, GA 30326

ShopsAroundLenox.com

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

21


T R AV E L FA R

Right: Located in the hotel’s historic main house, the Colebrook Suite offers a view overlooking the bay.

It's Better at

Photos: Courtesy Eleven Experience

Above: With a max capacity of 22 guests, Bahama House never feels crowded. And you’ll always find a chair at the freshwater pool.

Bahama House A home-like lodging enchants Bahamas visitors

22

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Jan Schroder

lifestyle guru India Hicks’ The Sugar Mill home goods store; The Landing Restaurant, where I enjoyed the delicious gingered lobster with lemongrass risotto cake; and Sip Sip, a popular oceanfront spot for lunch. At Bahama House, guests greet the day with the complimentary chef-prepared breakfast (think lobster and avocado eggs Benedict) served Executive chef Niki Lightbourne greets guests with a smile and a yummy breakfast each morning. Jan Schroder

I

f I could design a spacious home in the Bahamas for entertaining friends and family, it would have the look, feel and amenities of Bahama House on Harbour Island. There would be a tiki bar, freshwater pool, chef-prepared meals and golf cart transportation for getting around the small island off of Eleuthera. The picturesque, pastel-colored Bahama House resort has the intimate feel of a private estate with a unique Palm Beach-meets-theCaribbean-style decor in each of its 11 rooms. The accommodations include two cottages and nine suites, three of which are in the 19th-century main villa. My room in Cottage East included a four-poster bed, shared living room with fully stocked minibar and a covered terrace overlooking the large pool. Tucked behind a white picket fence in Dunmore Town on Harbour Island, which has 1,500 residents and is only a half-mile wide and 3 ½ miles long, Bahama House is within walking distance of numerous shops and restaurants. The list includes

STORY:

alfresco on the main villa’s terrace. An in-house dinner can also be arranged. I recommend the Bahamian feast, consisting of heaping plates of chicken, lobster, peas and rice, and salad. Also included in the room rate is the minibar, all beverages and roundtrip boat and taxi transfers to Harbour Island from North Eleuthera Airport. The property is part of Eleven Experience, an international collection of lodges, chalets and beach houses focused on experiential travel. Fittingly, guests at Bahama House can choose from a host of activities that include kayaking, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, surfing and yoga or picnicking on the island’s famous pink-sand beaches. We did the latter and enjoyed a lunch of plantain chips, chicken pasta, conch salad and local Kalik beer as we gazed out onto the Atlantic. We also opted for a boat excursion that included an island tour and snorkeling. At one stop, we wandered in the shallow water, spotting dozens of shells and starfish. At another, our guides took us to a secluded blue hole where we jumped off a cliff into

the sapphire water far below. We also made a quick stop at Pig Island, where you can swim with the wild hogs that spend their days hanging out on the beach. After returning from our adventurefilled day, we were warmly greeted by the bartender, “Dr. Robert,” who stood at the ready to mix a cocktail of our choice. Another option for adult beverages is the fix-it-yourself Rum Bar in the main villa, which features close to 40 types of the island’s most popular spirit. We enjoyed our island drinks and reveled in the memories of our Bahamian journey from the second floor of the main building as we watched the sun lazily dip down below the horizon. n BAHAMA HOUSE Note that the resort is closed July 31 to November 16 for storm season. Pets and children are allowed, and full property buyouts are available.

For reservations and more information, visit elevenexperience.com/ bahama-house-harbour-island.


{Siz zling Summer}

.

22 Locations in Atlanta brazilianwax.com


S TAYC AT I O N

Luxuriate in the middle of the action with a stay overlooking Ponce City Market STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Dreams M

y husband and I have had the same conversation at least 50 times in the five years since we built our home near Brookhaven. “I love our house, but would you ever want to live more in town? Like, in a loft on the BeltLine?” he’ll ask. “It sounds nice, but I love our house,” I’ll respond as if reading from a script. “I do too, but it would be cool to be able to walk to everything and never have yard work,” he’ll counter. So when I learned that Atlanta Luxury Rentals offers stays in their units at the Flats at Ponce City Market, I knew it would be a chance to experience the high points of true intown living. I checked in on a drizzly Sunday and felt like a VIP as Atlanta Luxury Rentals CEO Chad Salenius welcomed me and handed over the keys to the 725-square-foot Jade Loft, its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the PCM sign. He told me that the modern, industrially designed units have been a hit with guests in town for long-term projects. Several Avengers cast members even called the units home during filming. The apartments range from a loft to a threebedroom, and all come with homey comforts such as fully equipped kitchens (including Vitamix blenders and Keurig coffeemakers) and a washer and dryer. However, the crisp Italian linens, super-HD televisions and Molton Brown bath products felt

24

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

plucked from a posh hotel. On a normal visit to Ponce City Market, I’d have to struggle to find a spot and pay to park, but this time my car was already safely in the attached garage, so I simply took an elevator down to the ground level and started wandering. Botiwalla’s chicken tikka roll and masala smashed potatoes fueled my afternoon. As I walked toward the BeltLine, the hardest decision was whether to head north toward Piedmont Park or south toward Inman Park. I set out to the north, stopping to explore the newly reconfigured Paris on Ponce market. Vintage cocktails shakers, kitschy art with local neighborhood names and a particularly bright Japanese kimono caught my eye, but my only purchase was a latte from Three Heart Roastery (in warm weather, the walk-up window serves shaved-toorder frozen watermelon). Walking south, I enjoyed art installations and skateboarders defyWith a stay at the Flats at Ponce City Market, a dozenplus eateries are just steps away.

Above: The Jade Loft, one of Atlanta Luxury Rentals’ properties, has a prime spot overlooking the Ponce City Market lawn.

Below: The BeltLine gives guests the feel of intown living convenience.

The Sintoses

City

Courtesy of Atlanta Luxury Rentals

Sweet

ing gravity at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. It didn’t exactly feel like my home neighborhood, but the lack of a timeline or need to monitor traffic to my next destination let me pretend for a day. After freshening up back at the Flats, I walked down for dinner at Bellina Alimentari. I’d stopped by for a quick bite

a few times before, but this visit was a leisurely tour of the menu, from the salt-flecked focaccia to the tagliatelle made with East Pole Coffee's locally roasted espresso. Plus, it was easy to say yes to a second glass of wine since I was just steps away from a cozy bed. After a night of blissful sleep in the Jade Loft, aided by full-length blackout curtains, I picked up one last bite before heading back to my real home. Strong coffee and Root Baking Co.’s flaky croissant stuffed with sorghumglazed ham, cheddar and mustard greens were the perfect send-off. While the grass in my own yard a few miles north is still as green as ever, this intown staycation reminded me I don’t have to travel far to feel like I’ve gotten away. n Book your own staycation at the Flats at Ponce City Market through atlantaluxuryrentals.com; three-night minimum stay required.


June 2019 | Simply Buckhead 

25


AP P ROV E D

Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Anello Ivory Fountain Pen ($425) Tiffany & Co. Executive Tiffany T-clip Retractable Ballpoint Pen in Tiffany Blue Lacquer ($180) Armed with this handsome pen from the legendary Tiffany & Co. jewelry and specialty retailer, you’ll find any excuse to pull it out of your purse or jacket pocket. Nicely weighted stainless steel sits under the unmistakable Tiffany Blue lacquer case with sterling silver accents and signature “T”-shaped clip.

Proof that fine writing instruments don’t have to be boring, the Classic Anello has a few nuances that distinguish it from the rest of the pack. The manufacturing process alone involves more than a hundred steps, most of them carried out by hand. Its design includes a barrel made of ivory-colored resin separated by thin platinum rings, which gives the pen its name (“anello” is Italian for “ring”). B.D. Jefferies 3736 Roswell Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.231.3004 bdjeffries.com

Tiffany & Co. 3500 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.261.0074 tiffany.com

Montblanc John F. Kennedy Special Edition Burgundy Rollerball Pen ($880)

WRITE

THIS DOWN In this age of technology, there’s something to be said about writing by hand. For many, pens bring back memories of school days, while for others they’re a status symbol or treasured gift. Here are five stylish writing utensils that will have you wanting to ditch going digital in favor of pen and paper. STORY:

This special edition pen commemorates the life of our 35th president with attention to specific details relating to JFK’s life. The burgundy-colored resin, for instance, embodies Kennedy’s Ivy League education at Harvard. The initials “JFK” are engraved on the fittings clip, and the three champagne-colored cap rings are representative of Kennedy’s three brothers. Possible ink colors range from Mystery Black and Chestnut Brown to Fortune Green and India Orange. Saks Fifth Avenue 3440 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta 30326 404.261.7234 saksfifthavenue.com

Jessica Dauler

Dunhill Sidecar Wave Rollerball Pen, Black ($495) British luxury goods brand Dunhill has been synonymous with English elegance and refinement for more than a century. The Wave collection is inspired by founder Alfred Dunhill’s love for 20th-century Japanese design, and the Sidecar rollerball is textured with the same wave pattern that originally appeared on butane gas lighters launched by Dunhill in the 1950s. The cap shape is inspired by the cylindrical Neiman Marcus U.K. post box, and the 3393 Peachtree Rd. N.E. screw-on cap features Atlanta 30326 the vintage Alfred 404.266.8200 neimanmarcus.com Dunhill logo on top.

26

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Kate Spade New York Something to Write Home About Ballpoint Pen ($36.95) Perfect for a more feminine hand, this affordable ballpoint has a playful look and is a stylish way to make a statement while sitting at your desk or on the go. Finished with a subtle off-white shimmer, it boasts Papyrus festive polka dots and a flip-top 3393 Peachtree Rd. N.E. box to match. Oprah liked the Atlanta 30326 pen so much it made her 2014 404.233.1292 “Favorite Things” list. papyrusonline.com


on the Palmetto Club Chair

*Full Sunbrella® Outdoor Collection available online

jaxxbeanbags.com

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

27


15 MINUTES WITH

JENNIFER MORGAN STORY:

Jill Becker   PHOTO: Sara Hanna

"I

thought the successful, smart part of me was dead,” says Jennifer Morgan, referring to the years she devoted to being a busy stay-at-home mom. Before that, the Buckhead resident had spent seven years jet-setting around the world as a journalist and news correspondent for both CNN and NBC, reporting on everything from deadly hurricanes to the D.C. sniper trials. “I loved the research and the writing,” she says of her time in the trenches, but the lifestyle was not ideal. It meant being called on at a moment’s notice and forgoing important life events. “I missed my brother’s law school graduation,” she notes as an example. “I was on a plane, and they paged me and said, ‘There’s an outbreak of mad cow disease in Dallas.’” More than a decade and four kids later, Morgan got the idea to open a women-only co-working space in town, but never acted on it. Then, on the day of her mother’s retirement party, she decided to make it happen. “I looked at my mom, who had gone to law school in her forties with two kids and went on to work as a public defender in South Carolina, and I thought to myself, it’s not too late.” The result is Eleanor’s Place, a female-centric, members-only co-working space set to open at the corner of Northside Parkway and West Paces Ferry later this summer.

How did the idea for Eleanor’s Place come about? I used to go to the old Cactus Car Wash on Piedmont Road with my duffle bag and just sit there in the quiet, with the crappy Wi-Fi, and pay bills, deal with school stuff, fill out camp registrations and make phone calls. I just needed a quiet place to get things done. Why is there such a demand for co-working spaces these days? In such a mobile community, we need to be able to get things done anytime, anywhere. Where did the name Eleanor’s Place come from? Eleanor Roosevelt is a role model of mine. It started when my mom would put quotes of hers on index cards on my vanity. My favorite is “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Tell us about the new space. I would call it boutique. It’s your living room meets

28

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

the New York Public Library— beautiful but approachable. The front area is where you can mix and mingle. They’ll be lots of bookshelves everywhere. As you move back, it gets quieter. The last third is made up of private cubicles. There’s also going to be a boardroom with state-ofthe-art audio/visual and a business center for printing, scanning, stamps and everything else they need. Other than the fact it will be for women and members only, what will make Eleanor’s Place unique? My goal is to build a real sense of community. I plan to have events such as Tech Tuesdays, where experts come in and talk about various topics. I also want to have a book club. I’m a big reader, so the thought of curating my own book club makes me happy. They’ll also be things such as wine tastings and game nights. Besides Eleanor Roosevelt, who is one of your role models? Wolf Blitzer [whom she worked with at CNN]. He is one of the sharpest men I’ve ever met.

What’s the best career advice you ever received? Nothing is worth doing if you don’t do it well. My secret weapon is … My height. I think it can demand attention when I might otherwise feel ignored, especially around men. I love putting on my heels and putting my shoulders back. The book I could read over and over is … Help, Thanks, Wow, by Anne Lamott. I’ve read it probably seven times. No matter where I am in life, it speaks to me. My pet peeve is … Tardiness. It shows such a lack of respect, in my view. Some of my favorite places in Buckhead are … The coffee shop and bookstore in the Atlanta History Center, the trails behind The Westminster Schools and Sama for tea and avocado toast. n

ELEANOR’S PLACE 3535 Northside Pkwy. N.W. Atlanta 30327 678.909.0960 eleanorsplace.com


A Place Where You Belong

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

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES Boogaloos • Dress Up Boutique • Vestique

SHOES Big Peach Running Co.

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

DINING Amore Cucina & Bar • Bua Thai and Sushi The Flying Biscuit Café • HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern Lucky’s Burger & Brew • Marble Slab Creamery Moe’s Southwest Grill • Newk’s Express Café Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub • Red Pepper Taqueria Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea • Tanaka Ramen There Restaurant and Bar • Tin Can Oyster Bar Tropical Smoothie Café • Which Wich? • Yogurtland

HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR Redefined Home Boutique • Sugarboo & Co.

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

ELECTRONICS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT AT&T

www.townbrookhaven.net Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

29


K ID S COMMUNITY GARDENS IN BUCKHEAD For inspiration, visit these area community gardens, but please, leave the picking to the plot owners. Blue Heron Community Garden 4055 Roswell Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30342 bhnp.org/community-garden Little Nancy Creek Park Community Garden 4012 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta 30342 littlenancycreekpark.org/portal/ community-garden.html Peachtree Hills Community Garden 308 Peachtree Hills Ave. Atlanta 30305 communitygarden.org/finda-garden/gardens/peachtreehills-community-garden

How Their Gardens Grow PLAY IN THE DIRT WITH YOUR KIDS IN FIVE EASY STEPS

K

ids are natural gardeners. They love to dig in the dirt, pick dandelions and try to catch butterflies as they flit from plant to plant. Gardening is also a great way for them to learn about the environment around them, increase their awareness of where food comes from and gain healthy eating habits. We asked Matt Arnett, a Pike Nurseries regional manager who oversees the Buckhead and Lindbergh locations, to offer some tips to help get youngsters started, as well as what to plant this summer. It all comes down to five simple steps, so grab some gloves and a trowel and get digging.

Getting Kids Excited About Gardening The best way to get the little ones interested and keep them involved in gardening is to have them grow something they can eat. Strawberries are a great option since they produce

30

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

fruit rather quickly. Also, children love being involved in the process, so let them have a say about what you’ll grow. Most of all, have fun. If you’re enjoying the experience, they will too.

Planting in pots is a great way to garden with kids, and the pot itself can be part of the fun. Buy a basic terracotta version and let them paint or decorate it prior to filling it with their favorite flowers or vegetables.

Sun or Shade The first thing to consider when planting a garden is the location. If it’s in an area that’s sunny most of the afternoon, you’ll want to choose plants that love the light. Some good kid-friendly options include marigolds, geraniums or petunias that come in lots of colors and patterns. Don’t be afraid to mix in herbs such as basil and mint, too. If the area is mostly shaded or only receives morning sun, choose shade plants such as impatiens, begonias or caladium.

Managing the Garden A garden doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal and take up a lot of space.

Types of Vegetable Gardens A child who never touches a green bean at the dinner table might just be curious enough to eat it if he’s grown it in his own garden. But a safe bet for vegetable garden success is to choose things your kids like to eat. For example, if your child loves tomatoes, plant a traditional variety such as Better Boy or even the lesser-known Sungold that produces sweet, juicy and perfectly sized orange cherry tomatoes. If your son or daughter likes vining veggies such as cucumbers, beans or melons, try growing them on a trellis and let the whole family enjoy the tasty results.

STORY:

Sue Rodman

Attracting Butterflies Butterfly gardens are also an ideal option for kids since the plants have bright, colorful blooms. Alyssum, echinacea, verbena, lavender and butterfly bushes (buddleia) are good choices for a fluttering garden. Keep in mind that butterflies need water as well, so be sure to incorporate a birdbath and place a flat rock somewhere to give them a place to rest. n WHERE TO BUY Visit the following for all your gardening essentials. Pike Nurseries Buckhead 4020 Roswell Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.843.9578 Pike Nurseries Lindbergh 2410 Camellia Ln. N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.869.2875 pikenursery.com




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

SIMPLY STYLISH

HOME

Passion-Driven Decor P34

“I was used to the California aesthetic of clean lines and not a whole lot of window dressings.” — Zora Foote

A mix of patterns, metals and textiles makes the casual eating area off the kitchen anything but casual. Photo: Sara Hanna

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

33


H OM E

The formal living room showcases an eye-catching painting purchased on a trip to South Africa.

Passion-Driven Decor A BROOKHAVEN COUPLE’S HIGH-STYLE INTERIOR PUTS FAMILY AND FUN FIRST STORY:

Colin Meadows and Zora Foote, with son, Hamilton, created a home that reflects their love of hosting guests and hanging out.

P

ersonalizing a home is a process that can take years. For Zora Foote and Colin Meadows, it has been an ongoing journey for more than a decade. The couple, who met in California, moved to Atlanta in 2006 when Meadows accepted a job at investment management company Invesco, where he’s currently the company’s chief administrative officer. In looking for a home, walkability was key for the pair. “Coming from California, we walked a lot, so we wanted a home where we could walk to the grocery store and Starbucks,

34

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Giannina S. Bedford   PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

and there aren’t a ton of areas [with houses] that offer a substantial yard that were still walkable and fit the bill,” says Foote. The family found that in a five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home in historic Brookhaven. Upon move-in, the three-story stone residence was essentially turnkey, but the interior reflected the popularity of beige and the ornate fixtures of the ’90s. “I was used to the California aesthetic of clean lines and not a whole lot of window dressings. When we came, it was builder’s beige everywhere,” says Foote. The couple has slowly overhauled the look, teaming up with various designers to create an interior that echoes their passions. From the stylish living room to the relaxed family room, each space speaks to Foote and Meadows’ love for family, art, travel and entertaining. Foote’s main-level closet—a multi-room space created by combining an office and master bedroom walk-in closet—is a perfect example.

It’s an impressive homage to all things high fashion, where the creations of designers such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Tom Ford are displayed with Smithsonian-like care. “These shoes, for example, are from McQueen’s last collection, so they mean everything to me. They’re a piece of art,” says Foote. In the future, Foote has plans to drop the floor of the closet into the basement apartment to create a two-story dressing area with a glass staircase. But for now, she’s relishing the results of the most recent renovation, which took place a year ago when she joined forces with Heather Hogan Roberts of Ivy & Vine to overhaul the kitchen and basement after seeing the upgrades Roberts had made to a friend’s nearby townhome. Roberts revamped the rooms based on the couple’s penchant for understated glamour and a laid-back vibe that jives with their fondness for throwing parties, including huge birthday bashes for their youngest


Left: Not many houses can claim to have their own salon, where Foote gets her hair done. Right: Reupholstered high-back chairs, an oversize mirror and marble floors accentuate the foyer. Below: The newly renovated kitchen replaced the heavy brown and beige color scheme with sleek black, white and gray.

“We really needed a new kitchen. We’re a fun house that entertains a lot.” –Zora Foote

Above: After a complete gutting, the basement bar came together with blue cabinets, mirrored tile and chic Lucite barstools.

aesthetic and balance the darker-hued cabinetry. The center of the kitchen is anchored by a range strategically placed in the island facing out so Foote, an avid cook, can converse with family and friends while preparing meals. Next to the pantry, a Viking oven creates a baking area with all necessary ingredients at arm’s reach. Adjacent to the kitchen, a casual-yet-cool dining area features a round table from Restoration Hardware, Cyan pendant light and a black-and-white carpet from FLOR. Blue chairs with gold metallic bases that Foote

s

son, 11-year-old Hamilton. Their older son, Kenneth, is currently a student at Syracuse University College of Law. “We really needed a new kitchen. We’re a fun house that entertains a lot. Our sons are our everything, and we also needed an area for them to hang out in the basement,” says Foote. In the kitchen, Foote wanted black cabinets, which Roberts paired with Cambria Brittanicca quartz countertops and backsplash. “I really wanted someone to let me do black cabinetry,” says Roberts. “Everyone is wanting grey. I love it, but creatively it’s not very challenging, so when Zora said black, I said, ‘Yes!’” A custom coffee station, equipped with a drawer fridge and water source, was a must-have. The inconspicuous standalone unit is stained in a bluish-gray that matches the island, which helps unify the room

Right: Foote says her custom-built coffee station with all the bells and whistles was worth it “in spades.”

sourced from Overstock.com give the space a little bling. “Zora says she doesn’t have any design skill, but she totally does,” says Roberts. “She has amazing taste in art. And she loves color, and I love color, so that’s a fun little plus.” Art is displayed throughout the home, with showstopping pieces taking center stage in the foyer, which was also part of the latest refresh by Roberts. It features marble floors, reupholstered high-back chairs and an enormous chandelier (a holding piece until Foote finds something else she likes). It all sets the scene for the eye-catching works purchased during trips to South Africa, Cuba and regular trips to Miami and Las Vegas, where the couple also own homes. “Now we are getting my son into it, and he’ll choose pieces of art,” says Foote. In the basement, Roberts and Foote created an ’80s-themed recreation area with Nintendo decor and converted a former wine cellar into Hamilton’s spraypainted DJ-ing space. There’s also a beauty salon that, like the upstairs closet, reflects a penchant for couture with framed illustrations of Alexander McQueen runway looks flanking the wall-to-wall vanity where Foote

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

35


H OM E

gets her hair done. Hexagonal marble tile and Lucite hardware elevate the VIP feel, and an edgy powder room with “F-a-b-u-l-o-u-s” wallpaper and a toilet painted blue by artist friend Arias Bell brings the cool factor to the next level. “That bathroom is my favorite because of the wallpaper,” says Foote. Another much-loved spot is the basement’s shimmering bar with blue cabinetry and beveled antique glass tile that reflects the outdoor pool Son Hamilton mixes music in his very own basement DJ-ing room complete with a graffiti mural by artist and family friend Arias Bell.

seen through the French doors. “We do a great deal of entertaining and wanted a low-key, casual, hip space to do it in. The basement had to be reflective of us and our style and remain useful,” says Foote. The redecoration of the FooteMeadows home wasn’t done overnight, and it’s still an ongoing process, but through it all, the homeowners have given their life priorities thoughtful consideration. It’s taken more than a decade, but the end result is an artistically chic but chill home where good times for all ages rule. n

Above: The neutral master bedroom gets a pop of color from a Leroy Campbell painting purchased at Westside Market.

Below: Foote’s two-room closet and dressing area houses some of her most prized couture fashions.

ZORA FOOTE’S TIPS FOR SELECTING ART FOR YOUR HOME 1. Don’t take it too seriously. “Art always scared me a bit as collectors, museums, galleries and artists can be intimidating. Once I realized I was a curator of my ‘home gallery,’ it put me in a better position to evaluate art on my terms.” 2. Art is everywhere. “You don’t always have to go looking for art

36

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

at the traditional places. In our home, purses, furniture and even our [painted] toilet are artful statements.” 3. You don’t have to agree on art. “My husband and I don’t generally share the same taste in art, but we don’t enjoy the same taste in clothing either. We decided we’ll buy what we like individually, and then on larger-

scale/cost pieces, we decide together based on facts outside of just personal taste.” 4. There’s art for every taste and budget. “Art should inspire, move, amuse or capture you. A $100 painting from a street fair can be more meaningful than a $20,000 piece from a gallery. As long as you enjoy it, the monetary value is meaningless.”


Feel the luxurious grandeur of 92 WestPaces. Our discerning Buckhead address is within walking distance to the finest of Buckhead dining, exclusive retail, and entertainment.

BUCKHEAD

Distinctive Residential Settings | Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Premier Health and Wellness Programs | Award-Winning Memory Care Professionally Supervised Therapy and Rehabilitation Services

The Community Built for Life.® 404-252-6271 belmontvillage.com/buckhead

92 WEST PACES FERRY ROAD ATLANTA | 30305 | 404.504.9292 92WESTPACES.COM PCH 008036 © 2019 Belmont Village, L.P.

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

37


B E AU TY

THE

SKIN GAME

PREPARING FOR SUMMER WITH THE SEASON’S HOTTEST BEAUTY TREATMENTS Rebecca Cha

S

ummer is upon us, and that means shedding some of those clothes and showing off more skin. So even if you’re not going to be strutting on the beach in an itsy-bitsy bikini or skimpy swim trunks, you want to look your best. Skincare specialist and physician assistant Casey Powell, who, in addition to practicing on the West Coast, works out of the Buckhead office of the concierge 2UMedical clinic, has laid out five of the season’s trendiest treatments.

1. Hand rejuvenation. The hands, like the neck area, are a dead giveaway of age, and exposure to the sun, even if you’re just sitting in traffic resting your hands on the steering wheel, can wreak havoc on your exposed skin. But by using fillers normally used on the face, hands can be restored to their onceyouthful appearance. “Rejuvenation treatments usually last up to 14 months,” says Powell. “And there’s no downtime and no problem with immediate sun exposure.”

2. Sculptra Butt Lift. Feel like heading south for the summer but don’t want your booty to do the same? Sculptra can help keep gravity at bay. As with other injectables originally used on the face, it has become one of the most popular solutions for plumping up less tradi-

38

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

tional areas, including the derriere. “Sculptra stimulates your own collagen to ‘wake up’ and produce more of it,” says Powell. “The backside takes anywhere from 10 to 40 vials, and the results last five to six years.” And the treatment doesn’t affect regular activity or exercise.

gen via response to the tiny puncture wounds. But is it safe for summer? And what about redness or peeling? “Your skin may be sensitive for a couple of days, and the sun can break down collagen, but as long as you’re using a good sunblock [minimum SPF 30], you’ll be fine,” says Powell.

3. Microneedling.

4. Kybella.

Who would guess that getting thousands of tiny needles stuck in your face would be a beauty treatment? One of the many procedures that fall under the umbrella of Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), microneedling stimulates the skin to build more colla-

Originally approved by the FDA to destroy fat cells under the chin (what experts like to call “submental fullness”), Kybella is now being used to In additional to general dermatology, Casey Powell is an expert injector of everything from Sculptra to Kybella.

treat other “off-label” areas. “It works to dissolve fat around the knees, the bra area and the jawline,” says Powell. “It’s also amazing at mitigating unsightly jowling and for tightening the neck.” She advises that there will likely be a few days of swelling post-treatment, but that the results can be worth a little downtime.

5. Fillers. Whether you’re looking to plump up lips, cheeks, under the eyes or elsewhere, fillers such as Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Juvéderm, Radiesse and Sculptra are summer-friendly. “These fillers are injected deep in the skin, not superficially, so there’s virtually no adverse effects from sun exposure,” says Powell. As with any cosmetic procedure, Powell recommends talking with your provider about any health issues or concerns you may have, as well as what your expectations are before moving forward to maximize the results and make sure it’s the right step for you. n

Nathan Morgan Photography

STORY:

2UMEDICAL 3125 E. Shadowlawn Ave. N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.847.9555 2umedical.com


June 2019 | Simply Buckhead 

39


W E LLN ESS

Flexing Mommy Muscles Helping women stay fit during pregnancy, not just after

K

atie Scharf is the happily married, proud mom of two boys. Beyond these important roles, Scharf also holds a few other titles. She’s a certified perinatal fitness trainer, a certified personal trainer and a women’s strength specialist. She’s also the owner and lead trainer behind Strength in Moms, an in-home personal training company servicing Brookhaven, Sandy Springs and other Atlanta neighborhoods specifically for prenatal and postpartum mothers. While a lot of attention is placed on women bouncing back to their pre-baby exercise routines after giving birth, we don’t often recognize the safe ways to stay fit during pregnancy. According to Scharf, “Research has shown that staying strong and fit during your pregnancy can help reduce overall pregnancy weight gain, help mom prepare for the physical needs of labor and delivery, reduce body aches and pains, maintain better posture and balance, and even reduce the need for delivery interventions [such as induction and cesarean deliveries].” The trainers at Strength in Moms have determined how to provide expectant mothers with the best personalized fitness for their changing bodies. “We focus on total body strength and conditioning with

40

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

a primary focus on core and pelvic floor strength,” says Scharf. “Pregnancy is such a dynamic time in a women’s life. She will have to adjust to a constantly changing body, so being strong and fit is important for the mother, the baby and the whole family.” To get started with Strength in Moms, clients must first schedule a visit with their doctor or midwife. “We require a [completed] medical waiver that allows the medical professional to add additional comments that the trainer may need to safely create a workout program.” Scharf also recommends investing in comfortable, bump-friendly workout gear, including a supportive sports bra and athletic shoes. Proper hydration and meals are important, too. “A mother needs to drink water throughout her workouts in order to avoid dehydration as well as properly fuel her body before and after,” says Scharf. Most important, “a mother needs to learn to listen to her body,” says Scharf. “It will speak to her, and she needs to listen and breathe deeply.” For women who haven’t been all that active prior to pregnancy, Scharf says not to worry. “The previous myth of pregnancy was that a woman wasn’t supposed to start anything new. This doesn’t mean that if she

STORY:

Nicole Letts

KATIE SCHARF

AN AT-HOME WORKOUT FOR THE MOM-TO-BE Strength in Moms’ Katie Scharf recommends these exercises for pregnant women.

1. Squats are great for opening a woman’s hips and building lower body strength. They can be performed with no weight, holding a weight or even pushed up against a wall.

isn’t active, she shouldn’t start to become active during pregnancy. A woman who’s healthy can begin a fitness routine during her pregnancy and maintain her fitness throughout. A sedentary life for an overall healthy mother can be dangerous and lead to other health concerns. Being a mom is hard work, and a strong and fit mom is ready for the challenge.” n

STRENGTH IN MOMS strengthinmoms.com

2. Overhead shoulder presses provide the shoulder strength a mom will be need after she welcomes her little bundle of joy. Use 5- to 15-pound hand weights, or even a gallon of milk or something else you have around the house. 3. Lunges work the lower body. You can perform them to the front, the back or to the side. Focus on foot placement and form to protect the hips and knees. 4. A great piece of equipment for a pregnant mom is a stability ball. She can incorporate it in her workouts, sit on it when her hips are aching, use it during labor and delivery for ease of lower back pain and also softly bounce on it to calm a crying newborn.


Blue Ridge, Ga LAKE BLUE RIDGE PRIVATE PREMIUM BUILDING LOT

LAKE BLUE RIDGE, GA

$1,599,900

Private Building Lot for a 6 Bedroom Home, Build at Water’s Edge, Deep Water, ADJACENT TO OVER 600 ACRES OF U.S. FOREST SERVICE PROPERTY, 230 Tons of Tennessee River Rock installed on Lakeshore, 0.98 Acre Lot, Owner has GA Real Estate License

GRADED COMMERCIAL TRACT

ACREAGE

BLUE RIDGE, GA

ELLIJAY, GA

$2,085,425

12 +/- Acres Graded Commercial Property with Sanitary Sewer, Ideal location for Apartments, Assisted Living Facility and/or Commercial Mixed Use Facility

$7,200 per Surveyed Acre

60-241 Wooded, Contiguous Acres with Views, Streams and a Road System

GARY KEEL

404.213.5754

The Real Estate Specialist

keelg@earthlink.net

Licensed over 38 years!

www.KeelProperties.com

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

41


TA S T E MA K E R

and there just weren’t a lot of options. [The idea] started when I was home on maternity leave with my second child. I thought about where I was in my career. I had a lot to be proud of, but I wanted to go on a different route. And the more I thought about it, I realized there was a huge gap in the marketplace for women when it comes to game-day apparel. What was the startup process like for you? There was a lot of trial and error. Luckily, I’ve been able to self-fund the business, and every dime that we make goes back into the company. We originally intended to make everything here in the U.S., and as much as I really wanted to do that, I couldn’t find a factory that could get me where I wanted to be. After three attempts at it, I finally found a factory I love to work with [in India] and that we’ve used ever since. Do you have a favorite piece right now? The reversible dress. In the next 2019 line, we’ll have a new print on our reversible dress, reversible tops, tunics and girls’ dresses. The reversible dress is two dresses in one, and both sides have pockets. You can’t go wrong with that.

A Fashion Touchdown Shena Simmons designs apparel for game-day-ready gals of all ages STORY:

Caroline Cox

T

hroughout Shena Simmons’ life, she’s lived in different states, had different job titles and worked in vastly different industries. But her love of football has remained constant. The Florida native landed in Atlanta in 2012 to

42

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

earn her MBA from Emory, and after falling in love with the city, she and her husband decided to take root in Brookhaven. During her second maternity leave from work, and after four years of building her finance career, Simmons decided to pivot from employee to entrepreneur. She launched Stewart Simmons, a mix of her maiden

Shena Simmons (left) creates game-day fashions for female fans of every SEC and ACC school in the South. Go team!

and married names, in 2016. The women’s wear, college-athleticsinspired line boasts game-day-ready separates for every SEC and ACC school in the South, from tomahawk T-shirts (Simmons met her husband at Florida State, so they’re Seminoles fans all the way) to bulldog-laden dresses and tiger tank tops. Her pieces can be found in more than 130 retail locations throughout the Southeast. We recently spoke with Simmons to learn more. What inspired you to create a fashion line? A longtime love of entrepreneurship and college football. When I was [an undergrad at Florida State], I felt like my friends and I spent every fall looking for items to wear throughout the season,

What can people expect from Stewart Simmons when football season returns? We do a new collection every fall, and we’ll have a completely new line I’m super excited about. It will launch around the end of July or beginning of August. Hopefully, either later this year or the beginning of next year, you’ll also see us expand outside of the game-day space. Your company’s mission is to inspire joy and community. How do you implement that into your designs? When I think about the fall game days, women love that they’re part of a community that’s special to them, whether it’s a place they spent four years in undergrad or a team that they rooted for their entire lives. We want to create products that allow women to celebrate that community and to feel good while they do. Whether you’re an 18-year-old in college or a middle-aged woman who still loves to go to games and support her team, the line is for that fashion-forward female customer. n

STEWART SIMMONS stewartsimmons.com


ON S TAG E

| ART

| LITERARY

SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON STAGE

All That Jazz P44

“I sing what I feel.” —Sarai Mateo

Sarai Mateo draws inspiration for new songs from recent life changes. Lahcen Boufedji Photography / Wardrobe courtesy of Tootsies

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

43


Lahcen Boufedji Photography / Wardrobe courtesy of Tootsies

O N S TAGE

ALL THAT JAZZ A local makeup artist sings a different song on stage

L

atin jazz singer and songwriter Sarai Mateo can be found most Friday evenings and various other dates throughout the month performing at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Buckhead, but she took a long, circuitous route to get there. Mateo is Puerto Rican but started life in Nicaragua in 1979, just as Sandinista rebels took over the capital, Managua. “I was born there, but we had to get out suddenly,” she says. “There was a war going on, so [my parents] had to escape, because as U.S. citizens they were targets.” Her parents were missionaries who traveled a lot in Central America, and during the course of one particular year, Mateo attended seven different schools. “Honduras wasn’t that bad,” she says, “but my dad was kidnapped. He was confused with somebody else.” Then a stint in Panama coincided with the U.S. invasion and the ouster of military

44

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

dictator Manuel Noriega. Again, Mateo and her family had to leave in a hurry. Eventually, they settled back in Puerto Rico, where the aspiring chanteuse started finding her voice. “I’ve been singing since I was 7,” says Mateo. In due course, she became a student at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and a member of the Lyric Theater at the local university as a singer and actor. “That was one of the most enjoyable times because I love acting, so to be able to act while singing was fantastic,” says Mateo. “At the Lyric, I had the opportunity to perform Zarzuela and musicals accompanied by the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico.” Mateo has other skills, too, including painting. “I love it,” she says. “It’s liberating. I can sit and paint what I see, or I can paint what I feel. I’m the same way with music. I sing what I feel.” Painting on canvas led to painting on faces. Mateo moved to

the U.S. and established herself as a makeup artist, working for Christian Dior and Tom Ford, and now runs her own freelance beauty business, The Standard, in Buckhead. But music is where her real passion lies. During a recent set at the Waldorf, Mateo sang some of her own compositions, a few covers by the likes of Al Green and Sade, plus a version of “The Girl from Ipanema” in Portuguese. “I’m a lucky girl,” Mateo said, pointing to her two musicians—Dave Frackenpohl on guitar and Dishan Harper on upright bass—and several friends who came to show their support. When Mateo writes a song, she says, “It’s mainly because something happened or something changed. That brings me inspiration. It could be a really good thing, or it could be a bad thing. Most of my music comes out of life experiences.” A frequent collaborator is Edgar Vargas, from Venezuela,

STORY:

Kevin C. Madigan

known as Chatai. “I met him and we connected,” says Mateo. “He showed me how to express myself more easily. He was very involved and gave me confidence.” Several of Mateo’s newer songs, such as “Metamorphosis” and “Back to Life,” are now available on iTunes. “We are putting together a remix of ‘Back to Life’ with a video clip in honor of Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Maria recovery to create awareness and raise money,” she says. “My family was very much affected by Maria.” Mateo is also working on more new songs. “I’ve been through a lot of changes in my life lately, so it’s a good time to write.” n

The best way to find Sarai Mateo’s upcoming singing dates is to check the Waldorf Astoria Buckhead’s website, waldorfastoria3.hilton.com, or follow Mateo’s Instagram account, @sarai_life.


IfIfIf You're Lookin For An Amazing You're Lookin For An Amazing You're Lookin For An Amazing If You're Lookin For An Amazing View in an At anta Highrise View in an At anta Highrise View in an At anta Highrise View in anRead At anta Highrise This Read This Read This Read This

- Detailed map of the High rises in Atlanta If you're looking for an amazing Atlanta High rise, the - Detailed- map of the rises in Atlanta If you're looking for anTo amazing High rise, wi the Pic tures andHigh details about each of the Highrise Summer 2019 Guide AtlantaAtlanta H ighrise Prices - Detailed map of the High rises in Atlanta If you're looking for an amazing Atlanta High rise, the11 - Pic tures details about the Highrise Summer 2019 Guide AtlantaAtlanta H ighrise Prices wi 11 - Detailed map of theand High risesData in Atlanta buildings - Market oneach all theof sales If you're looking for anTo amazing High rise, the be helpful for you. - Pic tures and details about each ofHighrise the Highrise Summer 2019 Guide To Atlanta H ighrise Prices wi 11 Market Data all thethe Highrise sales be helpful2019 for you. - Picbuildings tures and--details about each of Highrise in Atlanta for the last on 90 days Summer Guide To Atlanta H ighrise Prices wi 11 buildings Market Data on all the Highrise sales be helpful for you. There are over 70 Highrises in Atlanta and you in Atlanta for the last 90 days buildings - Market Data on90 all days the sales be helpful for you. info on the Highrises forHighrise sale right now There arebeover Highrises Atlanta inPLUS Atlanta for the last want sure70 find the in right Highand rise you There to are over 70toHighrises in Atlanta and you PLUS info the Highrises sale right in Atlanta foron the last 90 daysfor - Price ranges and square footage for now each want to be sure to find thein right High rise PLUS info on the Highrises for sale right now There are over 70 Highrises Atlanta and you for your needs. This guide gives you all the want to be sure to find the right High rise - Price and square each PLUS inforanges on the Highrises for footage sale right for now Highrise building for your needs. This guide givesHigh you all the want to be sure to find the right rise Price ranges and square footage for each information you need to make a sma rt for your needs. This guide gives you all the Highrise building - Price ranges and square footageand for each -Highrise Info onbuilding building amenities special information youThis need to make a sma for your needs. guide gives you all rt decision about Highrisewill be right information youwhich need to make a sma rtthe - Info on building amenities and special Highrise building services offered by each Highrise. decision about Highrisewill bert right information youwhich need to make a sma Info on building amenities and special for you. decision about which Highrisewill be right services offered by each Highrise. Info on building amenities and special To get your Guide to Atlanta High rise for you. about which Highrisewill be right decision services offered by each Highrise. for you.what you get in the new Guide to Here's To get your Atlanta High rise offered by Highrise. !!!�--�...... services Prices, just call.Guide .. eachto for you.what you get in the new Guide to To get your Guide to Atlanta High rise Here's Atlantawhat Highrises: !!!�--�...... To Prices, .. to Atlanta High rise get just yourcall. Guide Here's you get in the new Guide to !!!�--� ...... Prices, just call. .. Here's what you get in the new Guide to 855.214.5690 Atlanta Highrises: code 1052 !!!�--� ...... Prices, just call... Atlanta Highrises: Atlanta Highrises: 855.214.5690 codde 1052

detoAtlantaHi ghrises.com 855.214.5690 codde 1052 or visit www.Gui 855.214.5690 co e 1052 Guide provided by the Zac Team RE/MAX Metro Atlantaor CitySide. If your home is currently for sale, please disregard our pro-active and aggressive marketing. It is not our intension to solicit the ddlisted gghrises.com visit www.Gui etoAtlantaHi Zac@Zac.Biz 404.564.7272 or 404.917.0710 business of our colleagues. Zac Pasmanick, or visit www.Gui etoAtlantaHi hrises.com Guide provided by the Zac Team RE/MAX Metro Atlanta CitySide. If your home is currently listed for sale, please disregard our pro-active and aggressive marketing. It is not our intension to solicit the d g orbusiness visitof www.Gui etoAtlantaHi hrises.com our colleagues. Zac Pasmanick, Zac@Zac.Biz 404.564.7272 or 404.917.0710 Guide Guide provided provided by by the the Zac Zac Team Team RE/MAX RE/MAX Metro Metro Atlanta Atlanta CitySide. CitySide. IfIf your your home home is is currently currently listed listed for for sale, sale, please please disregard disregard our our pro-active pro-active and and aggressive aggressive marketing. marketing. It It is is not not our our intension intension to to solicit solicit the the Zac@Zac.Biz 404.564.7272 or business our colleagues. Zac Guide provided by the Zac Team RE/MAX Metro Atlanta CitySide. is currently listed for sale, please disregard our pro-active and aggressive marketing. It is not our intension to solicit the Pasmanick, Zac@Zac.Biz 404.564.7272 or 404.917.0710 404.917.0710 businessIfof ofyour ourhome colleagues. Zac Pasmanick, business of our colleagues. Zac Pasmanick, Zac@Zac.Biz 404.564.7272 or 404.917.0710


ART

Artist Alan Vaughn creates durable works for floors as well as walls.

LAY IT ON ME A Buckhead artist moves from walls to floors with hand-painted rug designs

P

ut a painting on the floor? The idea does raise eyebrows, says Buckhead artist Alan Vaughn. But in fact, it’s been happening for eons. “It goes back many hundreds of years, when big expanses of ship sails were painted by house painters or artists and used as rugs to cover wooden floors,” says the painter and retired Art Institute of Atlanta professor. The concept of colorful protectors for hard-surface floors faded with the popularity of linoleum and

46

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

other easy-to-maintain finishes, but it began making a comeback in the 1980s. For Vaughn, a rug offered a way to combine art and practicality. “I wanted to express myself as a painter but also have the work be functional,” he says. “I believe things have more appeal if they have more functionality.” While he was still teaching, Vaughn showcased some of his painted rugs at a local gallery, where they were quickly snapped up. “I sold everything I could make and then started

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

applying to juried shows around the country and was getting in,” he recalls. “That launched a full-time business that I had, working with designers and decorators, for almost 22 years. And I’m still doing rugs for people out of my warehouse studio in Chamblee.” Unlike a wall painting, Vaughn approaches the floor art with the user in mind. “I do have designs I know people really like, but sometimes they’ll bring in photos from magazines they want to include,” he says. “I also make

house calls to take measurements and look at samples. We start with my designs and then alter things. In the end, they’re all one-of-a-kind because they’re hand-painted; I’m the single person doing it. And I sign each one.” Many of Vaughn’s rugs feature mosaic patterns with plenty of straight lines and right angles, though he’s into exploring curves and spirals, too. The size can vary from 2-by-3 feet up to a 12-by-15-foot rug or a 30-foot runner, and costs range from $40 to $60 per square foot. And although the rugs are painted on the same canvas material as that of wall paintings, Vaughn leaves a deep margin all around so the edges of the canvas can be neatly folded over. (If this were a painting, the margin would be the part of the canvas that got stapled onto the frame.) He finishes the design with a clear varnish that’s scuff proof and adds a skid-proof backing. “The acrylics are the most durable, so you can walk on them without cracking them,” says Vaughn. “And you can wash them.” That’s another fact that raises eyebrows, he admits. “When I first started, people were trying to figure out if I was telling the truth that it would really work as a rug,” he says. “But I just remind them that rugs are paintings on canvas for the floor.” n

Alan Vaughn’s rugs will be on display during the Brookhaven Arts Festival on Oct. 19-20. For more information about his work, visit facebook.com/alanvaughnstudios.


BUILD MUSCLE AND BURN FAT

NO SWEAT REQUIRED!

non-invasive procedure to efficiently build your muscle and reduce fat • Strengthen core • Refine six pack • Non-surgically lift buttocks • Real Self satisfaction rating of 96% • Average fat reduction of -19% • Average increase in muscle mass of +16%

Book your FREE consultation today! Two convenient locations: 4800 Olde Towne Parkway Suite 250 Marietta, GA 30062 770-971-3376 2045 Peachtree Road N.E. Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-351-7546


L I T E R ARY

Be it fajitas or flan, Ford Fry’s new Tex-Mex tome has it all.

From Pan to Page After years of nurturing successful restaurants, chef Ford Fry whips up his first cookbook

A

tlantans have long enjoyed dining at Ford Fry restaurants. In Buckhead alone, the Texasborn chef is behind the flavors of St. Cecilia, King + Duke and Superica, while also overseeing operations at nine other eateries around town. Since opening JCT Kitchen & Bar on the Westside in 2007, he’s been a fixture on the local dining scene. But it wasn’t until a few months ago that he unveiled his first cookbook. “For years, I’d go to different events, and people would say, ‘Bring your cookbook,’ and I’d have to tell them I didn’t have one,” says the 49-year-old Fry. “Part of it was trying to figure out if I wanted to do a chef-y book with lots of pictures [of recipes] I’m not sure people would cook, or something different.” In the end, different won out. Tex-Mex: Traditions, Innovations and

48

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Comfort Foods from Both Sides of the Border features more than 250 pages of Fry’s favorite foods, many drawn from his memories growing up in the Lone Star State. “This is a book people will really cook from, and it documents my feelings about Tex-Mex as a cuisine,” he says. “I’m very passionate about it. I love the history of how cuisines like this came about. I think there’s a tone out there that Tex-Mex is cheap or bastardized Mexican, but it’s no different in my mind from French or Creole.” Fry defends Tex-Mex as an authentic cuisine by pointing to the cooks who created it. “These were immigrants who came from Mexico into Texas and had to cook with the ingredients available to them,” he says. “So they spiced up American or Texan recipes with their own flavors. I remember as

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

a kid, we’d go to a cafe or diner where you could get chicken fried steak, but there were tacos and cheese enchiladas on the menu, too. I also have memories of going to Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston where the menus were very simple, and fajitas weren’t even a thing yet. It’s interesting to see how the food’s progressed.” Fry has helped that growth by introducing Atlanta diners to his menus that hark back to those simpler days of fresh cuisine. It shows up in his favorite recipes, starting with made-from-scratch flour tortillas that he insists the average cook can easily make at home. “There’s nothing I despise more than a store-bought flour tortilla,” he says. “I’ve been making tortillas for years, and they’re just flour, shortening, lard and water. They don’t last because there are no preservatives, but when

they’re really fresh, they’re fantastic.” Ford’s new book blends original recipes along with a few favorites from Superica, his outpost in Chastain Park. “A favorite there is the pancake with maple syrup that people go crazy for, though you wouldn’t [typically] go to a Mexican restaurant for pancakes,” he says. “I put it there because, in Texas, you can get pancakes or waffles at Tex-Mex-inspired places.” An original creation is Fry’s take on meatballs, big balls of ground pork, beef and ricotta cheese stuffed with Oaxaca cheese cubes and simmering in a chile sauce. “I make meatballs the Italian way all the time, but I did these the way some of my cooks make them for a family meal,” he says. The recipes and stories behind them from Fry’s food journey are the meat of the book, which is available now on Amazon.com. n


Rachel Callihan Cowart

252 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

706.258.8067 DIRECT

706.632.7211 OFFICE (ask for Rachel) Rachel.Callihan@HarryNorman.com HarryNormanBlueRidge.com

“My family was one of the oldest to settle in Fannin County. There is a book, two mountains and a creek named after them. Being raised in the area and coming from a family that settled this area in the early 1800s, I grew up riding my horse into the beautiful trails of Cashes Valley. I grew up in real estate as my dad sold a lot of mountain property. I also grew up around the construction business, so I have a good working knowledge of the cabins that are built locally. I consider mountain property and cabins to be my specialty. I am a former founder of a very successful local trail riding business that helped folks enjoy the beauty of the mountains like I did growing up. THIS IS MY TOWN! The area has long been known for its fishing, golf, horseback riding and the train ride through the mountains. New shops are continuing to open, restaurants are continuing at its peaceful, joyful pace. I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR REALTOR!” 2018 Awards & Achievements Life Member of the N.E. GA Board of Realtor’s Circle of Excellence: Senior Marketing Consultant Blue Ridge Office: #2 Closing Units-#2 Overall

Company Wide: #8 in Volume

Welcome Dr. Diana Denman Perimeter North Medical Associates is now offering services in endocrinology for the Greater Atlanta and North Fulton communities. Dr. Diana Denman is a fellowship-trained endocrinologist and board-certified physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disorders of the glands and hormones in adult patients. She serves with the same excellent, attentive care you are accustomed to, treating each patient with compassion and empathy. She accepts most insurance plans and is welcoming new patients in our Atlanta and Alpharetta locations.

We offer a full range of services for: • • • •

Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes Thyroid Nodules Thyroid Cancer

• • • •

Parathyroid Disease Adrenal & Pituitary Gland Disease Osteoporosis Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Call 770-395-1130 for an appointment PNFM.com

Diana Denman, M.D. Endocrinology Locations: Atlanta Office: 960 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30342 Alpharetta Office: 3400-A Old Milton Parkway, Suite 130 Alpharetta, GA 30005

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

49


. c i n c i P a Life's

. p U t I t Ea YOUR GUIDE TO THE ART OF

ALFRESCO DINING

INTRO:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin   PHOTO: Sara Hanna

The birds are singing, the sun is shining, the temperature is climbing and the oppressive Atlanta pollen has vanished. Is there anything more blissful than the golden glow of this glorious time of year? And is there any better way to indulge in it than with a mouthwatering alfresco meal? The styles of picnicking are as diverse as our world itself. In India, for example, the tiffin (a stacked metal container with separate compartments) is a popular way to take a meal wherever one is going. The French love to pick up a bottle of wine, fresh baguette, some cheese and cured meats and plop down on whatever picturesque plot strikes their fancy. Here in the States, a wicker basket filled with favorite foods and a comfy blanket laid out on a lush lawn has become the quintessential way to partake.

1

Whether you opt for a simple meal with a handful of tasty to-go items from your local market or a full-fledged shindig where you fire up the grill and pop the Champagne, let this be your guide to making the most of your picnics this season.

3

5

7 8

SHOOT ASSISTANT: Lisa Dolny

WARDROBE:

MODELS: Kylie Sabaugh, Sharon Stufken, Ryan

Daughter on left: Dress, Epic Threads ($36); jacket, Belle du Jour ($50); sneakers, Michael Kors ($59).

Donovan, Myla Snyder, courtesy of Salt Agency HAIR AND MAKEUP: Nyssa Green and assistant Margo Johnson, The Green Room Agency STYLING: Jules Salinas WARDROBE: Courtesy of Macy’s PICNIC ITEMS: Courtesy of Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, King Barbecue, Macy’s, Savi Provisions, Storico Fresco

Daughter on right: Denim top, Kids Headquarters ($38); white jeans, Epic Threads ($36); shoes, Sugar ($30).

Mom: Dress, BCBG ($419); earrings, Charter Club ($20.50). Dad: White undershirt, Tasso Elba ($29.50); yellow polo shirt, Club Room ($39.50); shorts, his own; shoes, Donald Pliner ($135).

2

4


C OVE R ST ORY

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR BASKET Not sure what to take on your outdoor feast? We put together the ultimate picnic roundup, from gear to grub. 1. Picnic Time Bristol Picnic Basket ($126) Just grab this cute woven wicker basket and go. It’s loaded with all of the accessories you need for a picnic for two, including plates, forks, knives and spoons, as well as salt and pepper shakers, a corkscrew and shatter-resistant wineglasses, each neatly secured with straps so there’s no jostling. The plaid interior sets the picnic tone, and there’s room inside for food and other extras.

Macy’s 3393 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.231.2800 macys.com

2. Draper James Cookout 80” Square Picnic Bandana Blanket ($60) Meet the quintessential picnic blanket. Designed in Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle brand Draper James’ exclusive bandana pattern, this 100-percent pure cotton percale throw

STORY: Karina

Antenucci

brings on the country charm in rich blue with black and white flourishes. The 80-inch square is spacious enough so you can really kick back and relax on it, and spread out your wares. Bonus: It’s machine washable, so you can easily remove any dirt stains or spills once the party is over. Crate & Barrel 3400 Around Lenox Rd. Atlanta 30326 404.239.0008 crateandbarrel.com

3. 2015 Von Hovel Riesling Kabinett ($18.99) Pop the cork on the perfect pairing for almost any alfresco meal with this beautiful summer white hailing from the Von Hovel Estate along Germany’s Saar River. “Rich, ripe and blooming with zesty, clean acidity, this wine is the living embodiment of the slate soils of the Saar Valley itself,” says Jeff Leiker, wine consultant at Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits in Buckhead. The vintage is very well priced for an estate wine, he adds. Double cheers to that. Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits 2161 Piedmont Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.881.0902 towerwinespirits.com

4. Trader Joe’s Lemon Elderflower Soda (case of 4, $3.49)

6

A fun twist on traditional lemonade, this sweet-tart sparkling beverage is sure to make a splash at your outdoor outing. Flavored with real, cold-pressed lemon juice (not concentrate!) and the subtle essence of elderflower, it is bright and refreshing. Drink it straight from the can or use it as a cocktail mixer. Calorie-conscious? Don’t sweat it—this sipper quenches your thirst with just 70 calories, which gives you an excuse to have that extra piece of pie. Trader Joe’s 3183 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta 30305 404.842.0907 traderjoes.com

5. King Barbecue Smoked Whole Chicken ($15) Brought to you by chefs Shaun Doty, Lance Gummere and Anthony Rivers of Bantam & Biddy, Chick-a-Biddy and The Federal, King Barbecue’s whole chicken is legit. Using a unique blend of white oak and Georgia hickory, the juicy bird is smoked for 45 to 55 minutes and served with your choice of four barbecue sauces. Whether you pick the Alabama sauce with a mayonnaise and vinegar base or the South Carolina mustard sauce that blends yellow mustard, dark brown sugar, King’s signature brisket rub, honey and a few secret ingredients, you can’t go wrong. Just don’t forget the Wet-Naps.

King Barbecue 308 Pharr Rd. Atlanta 30305 678.761.1833 kingbarbecueatl.com

6. Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante Lemon Couscous Salad ($5) Storico Fresco has a wide range of yummy to-go dish options, but our favorite is the lemon couscous with toasted pine nuts and spinach in a housemade lemon vinaigrette. Inspired by the food traditions of Old World Italy, this fresh, healthy and vegetarian-friendly side is light and satisfying, and pairs well with just about anything. Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante 3167 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.500.2181 storicofresco.com

7. Savi Provisions Pimento Cheese Dip ($5.99) Pimento cheese is one of the South’s most cherished food staples, although if you ask a group of Southerners how they make it, you may discover that each recipe differs a little from the next. The traditional, housemade version from the Savi Provisions gourmet market blends pimentos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Find this savory, creamy cheese spread in the prepared food section and serve it as a dip for cut vegetables or as a spread for crackers. Delish! Savi Provisions 308 Pharr Rd. Atlanta 30305 678.973.0473 1388 Dresden Dr. N.E. Atlanta 30319 404.869.1818 saviprovisions.com

8. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop Granny’s Apple Pie (4-inch $4.75, 9-inch $28)

What summer picnic would be complete without an allAmerican apple pie? Good news: You neither have to spend time baking one from scratch nor pick up a bland store-bought version. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop has you covered with its outof-this-world homemade apple confection, boasting Granny Smith apples, a flaky crust and a cinnamony apple crumble topper. It’s no surprise it tastes like grandma made it in her own kitchen, because the recipe was passed down by the grandmother of Buttermilk Sky’s owner. We recommend serving up each slice with a dollop of whipped cream. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop 4600 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs 30342 404.975.3822 buttermilkskypie.com

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

51


Picnic Perfection

DIY

Easy recipes from three Buckhead chefs

STORY:

Rebecca Cha

Zeb Mozley

So you want to orchestrate an unforgettable, homemade picnic but are intimidated by the process and time involved? (Pinterest makes it look so easy, right?) No worries. Here are some simple, scrumptious dishes from local chefs that are easy to shop for and make ahead, that will stand up to a little heat and travel, and that will definitely impress your hungry companions.

Pimento Cheese Serves 3-4 From Zeb Mozley, The Hungry Peach 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese (not pre-shredded) 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese ¼ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s brand) 1 tablespoon Sriracha 2 ounces pimentos, minced 1 tablespoon yellow onion, grated Pinch of salt and pepper Grate cheddar cheese in food processor or by hand. Place in large bowl and add feta, mayo, Sriracha, pimentos and onions. Mix well by hand. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to airtight container and chill for at least 30 minutes. Serve with toast points and red pepper jelly.

Lemonade-Brined Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits and Whiskey Maple Syrup Drizzle Serves 4

From Suzanne Vizethann, Buttermilk Kitchen 4 4-ounce boneless chicken breasts Vegetable oil for frying LEMONADE BRINE:

1 quart cold lemonade (Natalie’s brand) 1 quart cold water 4 cloves garlic, crushed 3 bay leaves ¼ cup kosher salt 1 tablespoon black peppercorns ½ bunch parsley BUTTERMILK BISCUITS:

4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons baking powder 2 ½ teaspoons salt ½ pound cold unsalted butter, grated (Banner Butter brand) 2 ½ cups buttermilk (Banner Butter brand)

52

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

WHISKEY MAPLE SYRUP DRIZZLE:

2 tablespoons rye whiskey (ASW Resurgens brand) 2 cups real (100%) maple syrup FRIED CHICKEN DREDGE:

1 cup all-purpose flour ½ tablespoon garlic powder ½ tablespoon onion powder ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon cayenne ½ teaspoon black pepper, ground 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup whole-fat buttermilk To make brine, mix together lemonade, water, garlic, bay leaves, salt, peppercorns and parsley. Place chicken in brine, cover and store in refrigerator for 2-6 hours. While chicken is brining, make biscuits and syrup drizzle. For biscuits, preheat oven to 350°F. (Note: temperature and times are for convection oven; adjust if using conventional oven.) Mix together all dry ingredients (everything from flour through salt) in bowl. Mix grated butter into dry ingredients until crumbly and fully incorporated. Slowly add

buttermilk until dough is sticky consistency (start with 2 cups and add ½ cup more if needed). Scoop biscuits onto pre-greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate and cook another 10-12 minutes until golden brown. To make syrup drizzle, mix together whiskey and syrup in 4- to 6-quart saucepot. Over high heat, bring mixture to a boil, then down to a simmer. Continue simmering for about 5 minutes until flavor infuses. Remove from heat. If not using right away, cool and place in refrigerator; syrup will keep for 3-5 days. When ready to fry chicken, combine all dredge ingredients except buttermilk in shallow baking pan. Place buttermilk in separate shallow baking dish. Preheat oil in deep, heavy-bottomed frying pan or fryer to 275°F degrees. Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Dip chicken in dredge, then in buttermilk and then back in dredge. Add dredged chicken to fryer and cook for 7-8 minutes (internal temperature should read 165°F). When ready to serve, place chicken between two biscuits and drizzle with syrup.

Organic Tuscan Kale Salad Serves 8

from Nick Cassidy, True Food Kitchen ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 garlic cloves, mashed ½ teaspoon salt Pinch of red pepper flakes 2 bunches lacinato kale (about 14 ounces), ribs removed and leaves sliced into ¼-inch shreds ½ cup Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, finely grated on a microplane 2 tablespoons toasted whole wheat bread crumbs Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese shavings (for garnish)


C OVE R ST ORY In salad bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes. Add kale and toss well to coat. Let salad sit at room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes. Add grated cheese and bread crumbs and toss again. Garnish with cheese shavings before serving.

1 cup onion, minced Paprika (for garnish) Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside to cool. In medium bowl, combine mayo, vinegar, sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper and relish (with juice). Stir well and place in fridge. Once potatoes are cooled to room temperature, put in large bowl and add onion. Remove chilled mixture from fridge, pour into bowl with potatoes and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with paprika if desired. Place back in fridge until ready to eat.

Truffle Brownies Yields 15 brownies

THE THRILL OF

Zeb Mozley

From Suzanne Vizethann, Buttermilk Kitchen

Southern Potato Salad

Serves 4-6

From Zeb Mozley, The Hungry Peach

Henri Hollis

8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (Duke’s brand) 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon spicy mustard 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 2-3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

THE GRILL

28 ounces chocolate pistoles (66%), chopped fine 20 ounces butter, cubed 4 cups sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla extract Pinch of salt 8 eggs, whole 4 egg yolks 12 ounces all-purpose flour Preheat oven to 325°F. (Note: temperature and times are for convection oven; adjust if using conventional oven.) Melt chocolate and butter over double boiler. Let sit for about 5 minutes. Add sugar, vanilla and salt. Pour chocolate mixture into bowl (fitted for countertop mixer) and add whole eggs one at a time, then add yolks. Add flour and mix for 30 seconds. Pour onto half sheet pan. Bake for 15 minutes, rotate and bake 15 more minutes. Brownies will still be a little gooey in center. n

The barbecuer’s top accessory comes from right here in Buckhead STORY: Rebecca

Cha

G

rilling and picnics go hand in hand. And perhaps no grill on the market has garnered more of a cult following than the Big Green Egg. But while hordes of Atlantans are devotees of the kamado-style grill, which refers to its ability to cook at a consistent temperature, what’s likely not as well-known is that the Big Green Egg was invented by longtime Buckhead resident Ed Fisher. He started selling his ceramic, oval-shaped unit back in 1974, and the line and its popularity have soared ever since, with sales in more than 50 countries around the world. It’s hard to describe the awe this celebrity cooker inspires. Curling, aromatic smoke gives way to ambrosial meats, veggies and so much more. Besides being among the amateur cook’s favorite grilling accessories, the Big Green Egg supports hundreds of “culinary partnerships” that invite chefs to bring the picnic inside and get creative with the Egg. “The Egg can be adapted to make so many dishes, so it’s fun to think outside of the box,” says chef Chris Hall from Local Three in Buckhead. “Just the other night, we prepared a dish where we cooked shrimp and mussels on the Egg with butter, garlic and beer in a big cast-iron pan. It was fabulous.” Chef Jamie Adams, from Il Giallo Osteria & Bar in Sandy Springs, uses the Big Green Egg every day at the restaurant. His Eggsmoked duck and fontina agnolotti was even featured on the Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Here are some of Adams’ top-notch Egg tips for ensuring your next picnic or barbecue goes off without a hitch.

charcoal. It gets hot fast and can cook the steaks quickly. For larger pieces of meat and longer cooking times, add more fuel.

1. Know your cooking times, as this determines the amount of fuel you’ll need. For example, if you’re cooking two small steaks, you need very little

Ace Hardware Peachtree Battle 2365 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.841.9525 acehardware.com

2. Clean your grill regularly. Grease build-up can ignite, so after a couple of cooking sessions, remove any grease from the firebox. Be sure to also scrape out the ashes from underneath the firebox, which helps with proper air flow. If it does ignite, close all vents and carefully “burp” the lid to release some heat. 3. For short-cook items such as fish, use wood chips to enhance the smoke as the charcoal won’t impart much smoke in 10 minutes.

Big Green Egg: Where to Buy High Country Outfitters 3906 Roswell Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.856.0910 highcountryoutfitters.com Ace Hardware Chastain 4365 Roswell Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.255.2411

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

53


Where to

PARK Your PICNIC SIX SWEET SPOTS FOR YOUR ALFRESCO FEAST

STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

1

2

When the urge strikes to eat outdoors, you needn’t look far. Here are six favorite neighborhood spots, each with its own appeal. 1. CHASTAIN PARK Spanning 268 acres, Chastain is Atlanta’s largest city park and has everything you need for a fun and fabulous outing, from jogging paths and tennis courts to a horse park and arts center. Picnic possibilities abound, too, including bring-yourown meals accompanied by tunes from acts such as Styx and Mary J. Blige at the multitude of outdoor concerts held at the Cadence Bank Amphitheater.

delightful place to enjoy a meal, and the paved paths around the lake are just right for walking off whatever caloric treats you may have packed.

4. LITTLE NANCY CREEK PARK Earning its name, this petite green space on Peachtree Dunwoody Road clocks in at just shy of five acres. What it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. It features a thriving community garden, covered pavilion and playground, all beautifully

2. BLACKBURN PARK This 51-acre recreation area bordered by Johnson Ferry and Ashford Dunwoody roads has an expansive covered pavilion for nearly 100 people, perfect if you prefer your picnic at a table in the shade. Alternatively, there’s a large open field next to the pavilion. On a beautiful weekend day, don’t be surprised if a bunch of your fellow Atlantans have the same idea.

54

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

5. RIDGEVIEW PARK You’d never guess that you’re adjacent to GA 400 when you’re picnicking at this lush Sandy Springs

park, complete with a dog park, playground and tree-lined trail. If you prefer to cook something outdoors, you’re in luck: Ridgeview boasts barbecue grills for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

6. THE GREEN AT CITY SPRINGS

3. LENOX PARK This former golf course in Brookhaven feels hidden, tucked between Roxboro and North Druid Hills roads. Its manicured, rolling hills are a

maintained by the engaged neighbors who make up the Friends of Little Nancy Creek Park.

6

If you like a little musical accompaniment with your alfresco feasts, find a plot on the grass at this Sandy Springs spot and enjoy City Green Live, a lineup of free Friday-night concerts held throughout the summer. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, pack your favorite snacks (or buy something from the on-site vendors) and enjoy four acres of pristine outdoor space. Kids of all ages will love the interactive water features for cooling off as the temperature climbs. n

Carson Matthews Photography

C OVE R S T ORY


WATERFRONT

ACREAGE

Your Luxury Connection to the

858 Adra Road Costom Built with Guest & Boat House 6 BR/4.5 BA - $1,850,000

WATERFRONT

2941 Mobile Road 192+ Acres for Ready for Development 4 BR/3.5 BA - $2,400,000

MOUNTAIN LODGE

29 Carters Cove Gated Community w/ Lake Access 5 BR/5 FB/2 HB - $896,500

201 Mountain Parkway, Ellijay Lake Front Lodge & Guest House 5 BR/5 BA - $725,000

ACREAGE

MOUNTAIN VIEW

Blue Ridge Mountains

Kim Knutzen cell: 770-402-1908 44 Cedar Ridge 25+ Acres Perfect for Horses 4 BR/ 4.5 BA - $1,500,000

245 Big Timber Road 2+ Acres 3 BR/ 3 .5 BA - $549,900

ACREAGE

WATERFRONT

2185 Macedonia Church Road 43 Acre Private Estate/ Farm 4 BR/3 BA - $549,000

RIVERFRONT

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

81 Journeys End Blue RIdge Lake Cottage w/Dock 4 BR/4 BA - $1,450,000

MOUNTAINVIEWS

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

192 Delphi Hills Lane Perched Above Fightingtown Creek 5 BR/4 FB/2 HB - $1,800,00

89 Foster Cove Cabin w/ View of Cohutta Wilderness 4 BR/4 BA - $329,000

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

55


Advertising For information, email us at advertising@simplybuckhead.com or call 404-538-9895

56 

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead


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

SIMPLY DELICIOUS

Your first visit to Nakato? Consider ordering a combo plate so you can sample a variety of dishes from across the menu.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Pass The Chopsticks  P58

Photo: Sara Hanna

While the dining options offered at Nakato are rooted in traditional Japanese culture, you wouldn’t typically find them all under one roof. June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

57


REVIEW

Above: The yum yum roll, featuring tuna, salmon, cream cheese and asparagus, is one of the most popular sushi rolls. Below: Sit at Nakato’s sushi bar to watch masters prepare wave after wave of mouthwatering rolls.

PASS THE CHOPSTICKS

Grilled calamari gets a citrus zing from a drizzling of lemon butter.

Taste culture and tradition at Nakato Japanese Restaurant STORY:

Y Shrimp fans will savor the steamed shumai dumplings.

58

Hope S. Philbrick   PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

ou can literally eat at Nakato Japanese Restaurant four times in a row and enjoy a completely different dining experience each visit. The restaurant offers four distinct dining ambiences: the main dining room, where modern tables are arranged under a flock of origami paper cranes hanging from the ceiling; the sushi bar, where chefs prepare orders while interacting with guests; the high-energy hibachi teppanyaki tables, where

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

the chefs demonstrate their knife and grilling skills; and the private tatami rooms, where kimono-clad servers pamper shoeless guests. Wherever you sit, expect fresh ingredients, clean flavors and attentive service. Don’t consider yourself fluent in Japanese cuisine? Fear not, as staffers readily offer guidance and tasty suggestions with a smile. And if over the course of multiple meals you settle upon favorite dishes, you can order them again most anywhere you choose to sit. But the menus offer extensive variety, so you can also try new things on each visit. While the dining options offered at Nakato are rooted in traditional Japanese culture, you wouldn’t typically find them all under one roof. “Each section would be a standalone concept in Japan,” says Sachiyo “Sachi” Nakato Takahara, who owns the restaurant that was founded by her grandmother more than 40 years ago. “A sushi restaurant would have a sushi bar and that’s it, and so on. We’re more like a cultural heritage place. We have an array of everything, because when my grandmother started the restaurant in 1972, she wanted to share Japan’s culinary culture.”

Everything at Nakato is made from scratch, even the vinegar used to prepare the sushi rice. And there’s no slacking on details or compromising on quality here. The fruits and vegetables are sourced locally, while some items, including the sushi-grade fish, are imported from Japan. Customary Japanese cuisine, known as washoku, was designated by UNESCO for its heritage status in 2013, an honor that Japan was the second nation after France to earn. Washoku is both a culinary philosophy and set of guidelines for preparing food. Emphasizing seasonal ingredients, it is celebrated for its ancient cooking techniques and respect for nature. Nakato brings the tradition to Atlanta. Whenever I ordered a mix of my own menu picks alongside server recommendations, I was consistently happiest with the server’s suggestions. This encouraged me to get increasingly more adventurous with each meal. On a future visit, I might be ready to try the omakase service. Translated as “I trust the chef,” or “I leave it to you,” ordering omakase-style means getting treated to innovative edible surprises. A combo plate can also be a tasty introduction to Nakato. It presents a roundup of bites from across the menu, such as miso soup, white rice and pickled vegetables, and a choice of protein options such as beef teriyaki and calamari tempura. Make a meal of sushi or enjoy it as a course. Nakato’s sushi rolls can win over


Above: The flash-fried agedashi tofu is served with ground radish, scallion and tempura sauce. Left: The soba salad combines buckwheat noodles, cucumber, seaweed, hard-boiled quail eggs and more in one tasty bowl.

Below: An excellent vegetable option is the Japanese mushrooms with spinach in a light soy sauce.

Dishes across the menu are as yummy as they are beautifully presented.

Left: Pay a little extra per person to enjoy dining in the private tatami rooms that can accommodate up to 18 people.

Courtesy Nakato

even folks like me who don’t think they like sushi. Descriptions are on the menu, but if you have a question about whether a sushi roll has raw or cooked seafood or might be mild or spicy, just ask. My husband and I particularly enjoyed the bagel roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, crab, Masago caviar and avocado. The popular yum yum roll is a deep-fried combo of spicy tuna, cream cheese, asparagus and smoked salmon. Dishes across the menu are as yummy as they are beautifully presented. For example, each soft, tangy bite of the nasu dengaku (grilled eggplant with miso) makes taste buds dance. Gindara, Nakato’s signature misomarinated grilled black cod, is cooked to tender perfection. The soba salad, which won me over after the first bite, is a cold toss of buckwheat noodles, cucumber, seaweed and hard-boiled quail eggs with sesame dressing. The slow-cooked pork kakuni is reminiscent of Georgia barbecue. Steamed shumai (shrimp dumplings) are sweet savories with a bite as tender as a marshmallow. The flash-fried agedashi tofu are squishy squares that melt in your mouth; add ground radish to each bite for tang. Grilled calamari gets a citrus zing drizzled with lemon butter. Drenched in a bright soy sauce and butter broth, the Japanese mushrooms sautéed with spinach make a scrumptious side to fish, poultry or beef. The restaurant’s hibachi areas are typically its busiest. “For the American palate, teppanyaki is very popular,” says Takahara, “although sushi is definitely becoming more and more

Above: Gindara, aka black cod or sablefish, is marinated in miso and then grilled to perfection.

an embraced cuisine.” Some evenings, seats at the sushi bar remain vacant; on others, they’re packed. For an extra $20 per person, the tatami rooms are a private dining option that can accommodate up to 18 people. Remove your shoes at the door, then sit on the floor. All but one tatami room has a hidden well under the table, so it feels like sitting in a standard dining chair. In each of its dining ambiences and across its menus, Nakato impresses. n

NAKATO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 1776 Cheshire Bridge Rd. N.E., Atlanta 30324 404.873.6582 nakatorestaurant.com Prices: Starters: $6-$17. Soups and salads: $3-$14. Noodles: $11-$15. Sushi: $2-$21. Tempura: $8-$29. Dinners: $9-$58. Desserts: $5-$10. Recommended dishes: Soba salad, nasu dengaku, Japanese mushrooms, bagel roll, gindara. Bottom line: Nakato is a longtime Atlanta dining treasure that celebrates authentic Japanese flavors and traditions.

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

59


D R I NKS

DETAILS Dantanna’s 3400 Around Lenox Rd. Atlanta 30326 404.760.8873 dantannas.com Ecco Buckhead 3586 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.347.9558 buckhead.ecco-atlanta.com

GOLDEN

St. Cecilia 3455 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.554.9995 stceciliaatl.com

Day drink with a refreshing spritz Angela Hansberger

S

ummer’s sizzling afternoons call for a sipper that follows the rules for cocktailing under the sun: easy, fizzy, refreshing and low in alcohol. Enter the spritz. Originating in the northeast of Italy, it’s a drink splashed together with a carefree dedication to leisure. The spritz is one of the most popular aperitifs (before dinner drinks) in Italy, but it’s perfect for any time of day or occasion. Its bitterness readies the stomach for a meal, and those bubbles and bitter herbs aid digestion after dining. The spritz is more a style of drinking than a recipe for a cocktail. Follow three general guidelines when spritzing. It’s always effervescent, whether the bubbles come from Prosecco or soda water. It’s low in alcohol; generally no more than an ounce of a strong spirit is stirred into a spritz, which allows for imbibing in more than one. Lastly, it’s bittersweet, incorporating an Italian aperitif or amaro. Best of all, it’s as easy to make as it is to drink—no bar tools needed. Simply fill a glass with ice (Italians use a wineglass), then combine wine, bubbles and a bitter element, and garnish with an orange wheel, lime wedge or even an olive, as the Venetians do. If you don’t want to craft your

60

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

own, here are some places to get your spritz fix around town. Yebo Beach Haus boasts the atmosphere of a charming coastal getaway and a menu of small plates focusing on fresh seafood that are perfect to accompany the lighthearted spirit of a spritz. Its Aperol Spritz combines both Aperol and Campari, Cocchi vermouth, mineral water and sparkling wine. At Ecco Buckhead, beverage director Erin Mason thoughtfully composed a spritz in the same manner architects and stylists designed the stunning interior. Mingling in the Napoleon Complex is quinquina, an aperitif wine made from Corsican ingredients, and pear liqueur.

St. Cecilia has a daily apero hour to celebrate drinks like this Strawberry Spritz.

Above: While brunching at Dantanna’s, diners can trade the traditional Bloody Mary for an effervescent, aromatic spritz. Right: At Yebo Beach Haus, pair your spritz with the savory seafood dishes or other light, fresh menu items.

“The Napoleon Complex is an effort to move away from dense, concentrated cocktails and on to those with more subtlety and nuance—more cocktail as aperitif, rather than boozy and stirred,” says Mason. Whiskey Blue’s rooftop vantage point, with its plush leather couches and views of the Atlanta skyline, is an ideal setting for cocktails of any sort, particularly a spritz. The aptly named Buckhead Spritz mixes Absolute Elyx vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, mint and sparkling wine. Start your weekend off right with a spritz at brunch at Dantanna’s, where executive chef Brad Parker’s menu includes crab cakes, cured salmon avocado toast and other light bites. Forgo the traditional mimosa or Bloody Mary in favor of the citrusy Aperol Spritz with Aperol, sparkling wine, grapefruit juice and sparkling water. The team at St. Cecilia readily embraces apero hour (short for aperitif),

Kamil Lee

STORY:

Yebo Beach Haus 111 West Paces Ferry Rd. N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.869.1992 yebobeachhaus.com

Shelby Gordon

Mia Yakel

HOUR

Whiskey Blue 3377 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta 30326 678.500.3190 gerberbars.com

the cultural tradition the restaurant draws inspiration from. “We are introducing our own take on it, to include different parts of the Mediterranean and a number of various cultures,” says beverage guru Clarke Anderson. The ritual of the European coastline is about unwinding with food, friends and a libation in hand, and specially priced spritzes are available from 4 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays and 3 to 6:30 p.m. on weekends. Summer options include the Aperol Strawberry Spritz and Peach Sangria Spritz. n


For reservations please call 404.844.4810


FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

BY:

Lia Picard

At Southern Custard, Heather and Matthew Mohalski dish out frozen custard in crispy waffle cones and alongside delicious Dutch poffertjes.

Dessert Institute in St. Louis to learn the craft before opening their doors in Brookhaven. We chatted with Heather, who handles the recipe and flavor development, to learn more. You serve three flavors a day: chocolate, vanilla and a rotating flavor. What have been some of the most popular rotating options?

Sweet Summer

Delight I

n the thick of summer, it’s good to know where to cool off. You could jump in a pool or hide out in the movie theater, but our favorite way is to snack on something cool and refreshing, such as frozen custard. Southern Custard, the creation of husband and wife team Matthew and Heather Mohalski, has been delighting frozen custard fans since 2017. For the uninitiated, frozen custard is

The Mohalskis more than cut the mustard when it comes to frozen custard denser and creamier than ice cream, thanks to its low air content and the inclusion of the egg yolk. Matthew is from Wisconsin, where they scoop it, as opposed to most other places where frozen custard comes from a soft serve machine. Disappointed in the lack of frozen custard in Atlanta, the Mohalskis attended the Frozen

Jeff Moore

FOOD NEWS

The sushi from District M is almost too pretty to eat. n District M, a modern sushi restaurant, recently opened its doors in Sandy Springs. Executive chef Jackie Chang serves a variety of sushi, including jackfish and bluefin tuna, as well as grilled items and entrées such as sous vide chicken roulade with jujube and glutinous rice. districtm.com

62

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

n It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the new restaurants that open in Atlanta what seems like every week, but plenty of eateries worth celebrating have been longtime fixtures on the local dining scene. Take Henri’s Bakery, for example, which is celebrating its 90th

It’s hard to believe, but we’ve made more than 100 different flavors in the past two years. Some of the most popular are Lavender Rose, Apple Crisp, Olive Oil and Pine Nut, Balsamic Fig and Goat Cheese, and Georgia Clay [sweet potato custard with a salted caramel ribbon and pecans]. You also serve something called poffertjes. Tell us about them.

Poffertjes are a Dutch treat similar to small, airy pancakes. They’re delicious little puffs of heaven. Traditionally, they’re served with a little butter and powdered sugar, but we add fresh frozen custard and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

anniversary this year. It’s moved several times since first opening on the corner of Peachtree and 10th, but it now has a flagship location in Buckhead, in addition to outposts in Sandy Springs and the Upper Westside. Another milestone celebrant is Souper Jenny, now ringing in its 20th year. Diners enjoy its delicious soups, sandwiches and more at the outpost in the Atlanta History Center and other locations around the metro area. And Taco Mac, known for its casual American fare and numerous “crafts on drafts,” is turning 40 this year. So the next time you’re hungry, consider stopping in to one of these stalwart restaurants and wishing them a happy birthday.

How did you decide to open your shop in Brookhaven?

We love Brookhaven. We’ve lived in the area for 11 years and have been impressed by how residents support local businesses. It has always been a goal of ours to not only bring frozen custard to Atlanta, but directly to the community where we’ve grown roots. What flavors can we expect to see this summer?

Summer flavors tend to include lots of seasonal fruit. Customers can expect, for example, strawberry custard made from strawberries our family picks from Georgia farms. And this year we intend to experiment more with herbs such as rosemary, mint and basil, as well as with melon flavors. We also plan on offering our frozen custard blended with sorbet to create a refreshing treat. And every summer we have “Christmas in July,” when warm flavors such as winter spice, pumpkin Southern Custard and pepper3575 Durden Dr. N.E. mint come Brookhaven 30319 back for 404.402.1570 a week. n southerncustard.com

BUCKHEAD RESTAURANTS MAKE THE LIST FOUR LOCAL EATERIES ARE NAMED AMONG THE COUNTRY’S BEST OF THE BEST Making any list is an accomplishment, but to make restaurant reservation platform OpenTable’s “100 Best Restaurants in America” is especially so. Such is the case for four Buckhead restaurants. Umi, Atlas, Bones and Blue Ridge Grill were chosen for the accolade based on an analysis of 12 million reviews of more than 28,000 restaurants nationwide.

Blue Ridge Grill’s Georgia trout


Parkside

Parlor

BLOW OUT

parksideparlor.com

404.252.9099

5920 Roswell Road, Suite C-205, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (Located just outside of 285 off Roswell Road)

Hours of Operation Tues-Sat 9-7 Sunday 12-5 Mondays Appointment only

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead 

63


TA S T E M AKE R

ICE CREAM ROYALTY Queen of Cream’s Cora Cotrim brings her unique treats to Buckhead STORY:

Carly Cooper

C

What makes Queen of Cream ice cream different? The biggest thing is the grass-fed milk we use from Greenstone Grazing in Louisville, Georgia. It’s the backbone of our flavor. Ours is a high-fatcontent ice cream. It’s not as sweet; it tastes like cream. What’s your favorite flavor? Brown Butter Pecan. It’s the most Georgia flavor ever. We use Banner Butter. The pecans are from Georgia. It has a lot of layers—sweet, savory and nutty.

64

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

FUN FACT Cotrim is 32 years old but doesn’t drive.

Why did you decide to expand to coffee and vegan ice cream? Coffee came as a necessity based on the weather. With the popularity of vegan and gluten-free dietary restrictions, we decided to do a vegan ice cream, and people kept asking for it. At Lenox, we serve vegan Coffee Cocoa Nib Crunch, Passion Fruit, Matcha with Strawberry Chocolate Chips and Black Pearl [a coconut base with activated charcoal and chocolate chips]. All of the vegan flavors have a coconut base. How much ice cream do you eat in a week? I taste everything, but I only eat a scoop a few times a month. I’m not a huge dessert person. I’m more of a savory person. People love ice cream, and I enjoy their happiness.

Does your 2-year-old daughter eat a lot of ice cream? Whenever I take her to work with me, she runs around and asks for ice cream. I give her a kid cone with a tablespoon on it maybe once or twice a week.

Nashville for the weekend. We’ve been to Austin a couple times, and we go to Charleston for family vacations. We also go on walks and listen to podcasts. “Radio Cherry Bombe,” about women in food, is very inspiring.

What’s surprised you most about being a business owner? The connection we’ve made with our fan base. People drive from East Cobb to get a scoop.

Before you had a family, you spontaneously moved to L.A. How did that happen? I went there for Coachella in 2006 and never came back. I was 19 and had one friend who lived there. I found a place to live in Venice Beach and got a job waiting tables. A year and a half later, I returned [to Atlanta]. n

What’s next for you? I’d like to start offering ice cream cakes, vegan treats and ice cream sandwiches. What do you do for fun? These days, I do a lot of mom things. My husband was a chef for 20 years, so we travel for food. We’ll go to

QUEEN OF CREAM queenofcream.com

Alyssa Fagien

ora Cotrim, the woman behind Atlanta’s Queen of Cream artisanal ice cream, taught herself to make the sweet, scoopable treat. She had bartended at various restaurants and worked as a pastry chef at Paper Plane, a Decatur watering hole now known as The S.O.S. Tiki Bar. But it was the challenging consistency of ice cream that captivated her attention. “I started experimenting, and it became an obsession,” she says. Cotrim started her business with her friend Davis Sandling in 2014 with an ice cream cart, then opened her first brick-and-mortar location in Old Fourth Ward two years later. A few months ago, she partnered with Revelator Coffee on the aptly named Coffee & Ice Cream at Lenox Square. Her unique flavors (think Lavender Honeycomb and Black Pearl) are now also served at Revelator’s new Sweet Tooth Café in Phipps Plaza. She opened another traditional Queen of Cream in Poncey-Highland in the spring. We spoke with Cotrim to learn more.


Under the Cork Tree 5600 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA 30342 404-228-7470

corktreerestaurant.com

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead 

65


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

Brock, Rebecca Cha and Angela Hansberger

PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna

ANIS CAFÉ & BISTRO Anis is everything you’d hope to find in a French bistro, without having to buy a plane ticket: traditional Provençal dishes, relaxed patio dining and often a small congregation of Frenchspeaking diners to help set the mood. Grilled North African-style Merguez sausage, coquilles St. Jacques or a bright, crisp salade d’Arnaud (named after the owner) are all winning starters. Entrées of truite meunière, poulet rôti and boeuf au poivre are sure to bring you back to that quaint Provençal village square. Best-in-class items are the croque monsieur, salade Niçoise, moules marinières and not-to-bemissed chocolate mousse. Lunch prices: $8-$19 Dinner prices: $8-$35 anisbistro.com

BANGKOK STATION Of all the restaurant staffs in Buckhead, these folks may be our favorite. Polite and accommodating to a fault, they make it nearly impossible not to enjoy its exotic comfort food. Whether you eat in the cavernous dining room or out on the sexy, music-infused patio, starters such as peek gai tod, thoong-thong and Crying Tiger will crush any doubt you may have about whether there’s good Thai food down South. For more substantial but no less authentic fare, dig in to the massaman and panang curries, Drunken Man

Flying Biscuit’s famous Flying Biscuit Breakfast features “creamy dreamy” grits, fried eggs, chicken sausage and those yummy biscuits.

noodles or our favorite Thai chicken dish, gai yang som tum. Save room for homemade coconut cake; it’s as sweet and genuine as the staff’s warm invitation to return again soon. Starters, soups and salads: $7-$23 Curries, sautés and noodle and rice dishes: $14-$23 Main entrées: $19-$32 Desserts: $5-$9 bangkokstationthaifood.com

BIG SKY BUCKHEAD The laid-back cattle ranch decor in this West Village hotspot is the perfect foil for top-notch Tex-Mex-meets-DeepSouth eats. Specialty cocktails served up by fresh-faced mixologists combined with events such as Wednesday trivia nights, game-day viewing parties and weekend brunches with all-you-candrink mimosas make Big Sky Buckhead a favorite urban escape. Best-in-class dishes such as the Big Sky Nachos, Goose Island IPA wings, Original Burger and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich are good enough to brand this place in your memory forever. Good to know: Big Sky is a cashless establishment, so don’t forget your alt-currency. Also, free on-site parking spots are limited, so check the website for alternative options. Starters: $4-$12 Salads, sandwiches and tacos: $11-$13 Entrées: $15-$19 Brunch items: $12-$15 bigskybuckhead.com

A glass of Sicilian Morgante Nero d’Avola is the perfect accompaniment to Cibo e Beve’s flavorful chicken parmigiana.

CIBO E BEVE An unassuming strip mall cover belies the cozy sophistication awaiting inside this popular Sandy Springs trattoria. Chef Linda Harrell’s menu is punctuated with exquisite, simple fare such as Tuscan kale and bean soup and braised short rib ragu with spinach ravioli, and is anchored by classics such as woodfired pizzas and chicken parmigiana. Don’t bypass the Italian wine list with top-notch selections both familiar (Santa Margherita Vermentino) and obscure (Morgante Nero d’Avola). On Monday evenings, select bottles are half price. Weekends are especially busy, so plan your visit accordingly. Appetizers, soups and salads: $5-$16 Pasta, pizza and sandwiches: $13-$32 Mains: $23-$36 Desserts: $4-$8 ciboatlanta.com

DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE While the Texas-based chain is known for superb steaks, fusion appetizers and flatbreads, we think the burgers are sensational. In particular, the Pimento Cheese Burger, an uptown riff on the Big Mac, is a tower of juicy deliciousness: two patties with lettuce, tomato and pickle; plus housemade “sloppy sauce” (it’s like a smooth Thousand Island); plus two generous smears of pimento cheese, which

66

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

slides down the stack and seals in all that juicy goodness. Del Frisco’s gets special points for packaging: The burger sits coyly in a partly open paper wrapper, while the fries are in a little paper cone on the side. A cold, frothy draft beer is the clincher. Appetizers: $7-$16.50 Sandwiches and flatbreads: $12.50-$18 Steaks: $29.50-$39.50 delfriscosgrille.com/atlanta

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 across the walls and ceiling adds a funky, kitsch-cool vibe to the Brookhaven outpost of this breakfast and brunch favorite. Breakfast: $3.29-$12.99 Lunch: $4.99-$12.99 flyingbiscuit.com


HAVEN RESTAURANT AND BAR Haven is exactly that—a safe, inclusive place where your every gastronomic need is met. If weather permits, enjoy the serenity of patio dining while indulging your taste buds with crisp Gulf oysters, the Southern cheese board or Timmy’s Wild Georgia shrimp. Or go inside and soak up the classy atmosphere while digging into seared Georges Bank scallops or spice-roasted Green Circle Farms chicken, and wrap things up with a warm chocolate brownie with artisan espresso sauce. On Tuesdays, many four-star bottles of wine are half price. Sunday is burger night, available from 5 p.m. until they run out. Small plates and salads: $6-$15 Entrées: $18-$38 Steaks: starting at $51 Sides and desserts: $7 havenrestaurant.com

KATANA TEPPANYAKI & SUSHI Inside the pan-Asian playground that is Katana, you’ll discover a level of service and professionalism that’s rare these days. Located on the busy Lenox Road strip, Katana is a serene haven where you can sip on exquisitely crafted cocktails while nibbling signature sushi rolls with names such as Sex and the City and Chanel Replica, as well as small plates of bang bang shrimp and JG poke. If dining and theater are your pleasures, head back to the teppanyaki room and watch the chef toss and juggle ingredients, whipping up entrées of mouthwatering lobster tail, sea bass, filet mignon and more. Lunch appetizers: $4-$10 Lunch mains: $10-$18 Dinner appetizers and salads: $4-$35 Signature sushi: $12-$20 Teppanyaki and mains: $18-$42 katanaatl.com

Haven’s fragrant Green Circle Farms chicken is roasted with tarragon and cumin.

PASTA VINO You can surely find trendier pizza parlors or posher places to eat Italian in Atlanta. But if you’re looking for old-fashioned linguini with clam sauce or chicken Florentine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with a loyal following, this Buckhead favorite has got you covered. The restaurant is beloved by many for its home-style cooking, casual ambience, reasonable prices and a staff of servers who have acquired faithful customers of their

own. Owner Nancy Powell treasures her crew, most of whom have been on the job for more than a decade. Given the refined state of Italian dining in America today, Pasta Vino is not likely to win any awards for innovation or inspiration, but it remains a perfectly fine, frequently delicious trattoria. Starters and salads: $2-$10 Entrées: $10-$22 pastavinoatlanta.com

PIG-N-CHIK

Katana’s bang bang shrimp with chile paste aioli is a spicy twist on classic tempura.

Co-owner Jim Graddy tells us he learned the art of the pit on his granddaddy’s pig farm in Manchester, Georgia. Graddy remembers cooking whole hogs all night long over hot coals, and when we tear into his pulled-pork sandwich—a delicious pile of pink, smoke-tinged meat between two thick slabs of white bread—we believe him. Graddy has proudly transported his family’s traditions to his casual Southern ’cue counter. Man, is the food good. The fresh-tasting coleslaw (with just a little mayo) and excellent new potato salad are just the things to cut the richness of the succulent pork. Some other tasty go-withs are fried okra, long-cooked collards, mac and cheese and Brunswick stew. We’re sated. We’re sauce-splashed. We need a moist towelette and a nap. Entrées: $8-$24 pignchik.net

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 buzz-inducing 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 Entrées: $14-$26 truefoodkitchen.com

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

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

67


CHILDHOOD CANCER

doesn’t take a summer vacation

SAVE SUMMERTIME CHILDHOOD DREAMS. CURE CHILDHOOD CANCER. Together, we can make sure children spend their summers as they should - having water balloon fights, splashing in the pool, building sandcastles, and flying kites. Learn more at: curechildhoodcancer.org


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

SIMPLY HAPPENING

EVENTS BY:

Karon Warren

Jason Getz

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

RUN, ATLANTA, RUN THE AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS ood, friends and fireworks remain an integral part of every Fourth of July celebration, but for many Atlantans, there’s one more tradition required: the AJC Peachtree Road Race. The world’s largest, the annual 10K brings together runners, walkers and spectators to Peachtree Road starting in Buckhead and finishing at Piedmont Park. This year, 60,000 participants will take off in waves behind event sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead’s pace car, with the wheelchair start at 6:25 a.m. Every year, the event gets bigger and big-

ger. “For 50 years, Atlantans, joined by runners and walkers from every state and dozens of countries, come together to share their love of health, fitness and America on July 4,” says Jay Holder, director of marketing for the Atlanta Track Club, which directs the race. “The Peachtree brings out the best in Atlanta, and it truly is an event for everyone.” Along the way, there have been many memorable moments. For example, in 1971, thengovernor Jimmy Carter started the race. Looking to the next 50 years, you can expect to see many more.

AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE July 4; check schedule for rolling starts Free for spectators Check site for race route atlantatrackclub.org/ peachtree

Paul Ward

F

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

69


Steve Eberhardt

E V E NTS

BUZZ ATLANTA MOON RIDE June 7 atlantamoonride.com Atlanta’s favorite evening bike ride returns for another year, challenging cyclists to come up with their best costumes and night gear to date. The 7-mile jaunt starts and ends in Piedmont Park, and all proceeds benefit Buckhead-based nonprofit Bert’s Big Adventure.

[ N E A R BY ]

Taking It to the Streets EVENT ENCOURAGES ATLANTANS TO DITCH THEIR CARS FOR THE DAY On June 9, enjoy Atlanta like never before when some of its streets close down to cars and open up to pedestrians. Through Atlanta Streets Alive, an initiative of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, the cross-city route will stretch nearly 9 miles from east to west along Howell Mill Road, Marietta Street, Decatur Street and DeKalb Avenue, connecting 21 neighborhoods. Started in 2010 along Edgewood Avenue with 5,000 participants, the event now

attracts more than 130,000 attendees. In addition to walking, biking and scootering along the route, participants can enjoy games, exercise classes, live music, street performances and more. “The open street environment of Atlanta Streets Alive lends itself to impromptu social gatherings and the discovery of local businesses that are often missed from within the confines of a car,” says Atlanta Bicycle Coalition program manager Heather Luyk.

FOOD THAT ROCKS June 8 foodthatrocks.org Want to sample great eats and drinks from area restaurants such as District M, Flower Child, Casi Cielo and Gus’s Fried Chicken all in one place? You can at this annual food fest, which also features live tunes from The Biffs and DJ Jimmy.

ATLANTA STREETS ALIVE–CROSS-CITY June 9, 2-8 p.m. Free Check website for route 404.881.1112, ext. 1 atlantastreetsalive.com/ cross-city

SANDY SPRINGS LANTERN PARADE

100 Digital Creativity

June 15 visitsandysprings.org/lanternparade This free event welcomes participants to bring their lanterns to Steel Canyon Golf Club, where they’ll join the parade to Morgan Falls Overlook Park. At the Chattahoochee River, select lanterns will continue on in a floating parade.

JUNETEENTH

A Deeper Look

June 15-16 atlantahistorycenter.com/ programs/juneteenth-6 Bring the family to this free Atlanta History Center event examining the end of slavery in the U.S. through activities, immersive theater performances and crafts.

©2019 David Kaufman

[ A RT ]

PHOTOGRAPHER TURNS HIS LENS ON PEACHTREE CREEK Although most Atlantans may only give Peachtree Creek a quick glance when they drive over it on Piedmont or Peachtree roads, photographer and historian David Kaufman decided to take a closer look at the waterway. In 1990, he researched its history and photographed the creek from its headwaters down to its junction with the Chattahoochee River. Today, a selection of Kaufman’s original photos is on display at

70

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

the Trustee Room in the Turner Lynch Campus Center at Oglethorpe University. Visitors can also examine the story and timeline of the creek, along with conservation issues related to the watershed, as well as renderings showcasing the “model miles” being created along the creek’s north fork. Note that while the Turner Lynch Campus Center is open 24/7, the exhibition may be off-limits during meetings or other prescheduled events.

“PEACHTREE CREEK: A NATURAL & UNNATURAL HISTORY OF ATLANTA’S WATERSHED” Through Aug. 4 Free Oglethorpe University 4484 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30319 404.364.8555 museum.oglethorpe.edu

WEIRD AL YANKOVIC: THE STRINGS ATTACHED TOUR 2019 June 30 livenation.com Relive your youth with the ultimate king of parody during this lively concert at Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park. Expect a show filled with costumes, props and a full symphony orchestra.


Bariatric Innovations of Atlanta & General Surgery

An Advanced Weight Loss Practice Call or visit: 404-250-6691 BariatricInnovationsAtl.com

Regain Your Health & Mobility! We specialize in non-invasive, minimallyinvasive and robotic techniques for advanced weight loss and general surgery procedures. Let Dr. Srinivasa Gorjala, a board-certified physician, and our on-site dietician help you to live to your full potential with one of our medical or surgical weight loss programs.

Procedures We Offer • • • • • • • • •

Robotic Surgery Gastric Sleeve LAP-BAND ® System LINX® Reflux System Non-Surgical Gastric Balloons Thyroid/Parathyroid Surgery Gallbaldder Surgery Hernia Repair Non-Surgical Weight Loss

6135 Barfield Road, Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30328

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

71


THE HIGHEST POINT OF FITNESS!

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

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

404.228.3705 Located in Buckhead at 3215 Cains Hill Place NW

pinnaclefitness8@gmail.com www.pinnaclefitnessgym.com


CH AR I TABLE

Jim Henning, Shari Henning

Photos: Paula Bond Heller

ATLANTA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S WELCOME TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD GALA Angela Laughter, John Laughter

Liz Blake, Raj Deshpande, Sheila Deshpande

Darryl Lesure, Candice Lesure, Quincy Springs, Keith Luse

A

mong the 500 attendees at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s recent Welcome to Our Neighborhood gala was Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who rushed to the event after sending her teenage son off to his first prom. Also in attendance was noted home improvement guru Chip Wade. The Emmy-winning HGTV host acted as auctioneer for the “mission moment,” in which eventgoers were able to donate via their phones to the building of a house that will join the more than 1,500 homes Atlanta Habitat for Humanity has built for deserving families since its inception in 1983. Now in its second year, the Welcome to Our Neighborhood gala, which was held at Legendary Events’ gorgeous venue Flourish, fittingly featured a block party theme complete with a photo booth, street artist, professional dancers, acapella singers and an after party with a DJ and dancing. The event, which is the first large-scale fundraiser in Atlanta Habitat’s history, raised more than $700,000.

Ashley Kyser, Jonathan Kyser

Kenneth Perry Jr., Norm Findley

Manny Marquez, Jaimie Marquez, Susan Richard, Anna Hinson, Michael Hinson, Christopher Gagnon, Marcel Gagnon

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

73


Atlanta Pet Life atlantapetlife.com

Simply Buckhead simplybuckhead.com

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 • 404-538-9895


CH AR I TABLE

Rachel Thomas

Photos: Paula Bond Heller

Sherry Boston

Marci Healy, Zobida Dat, Kylie McGregor

GEORGIA CENTER FOR CHILD ADVOCACY CHANGE MAKERS BREAKFAST

P

Sheila Ryan, Nikki Berger, Yvonne Bryant Johnson, Karla Sadler

lentiful tears were shed at the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy’s annual Change Makers Breakfast recently as former Emory University student Rachel Thomas stood at the podium and bravely told her story of going from being a junior at one of the area’s top universities to becoming a victim of sex trafficking. A champion for sexually and physically abused children since 1987, the GCCA has donated its services to more than 17,000 youth in Fulton and DeKalb counties, and through moving stories from survivors such as Thomas, uses the gathering to raise awareness and funds for its efforts. This year’s event brought in more than $65,000. The breakfast, which coincides with Child Abuse Prevention Month, also included the presentation of the 2019 Nancy Chandler Child Advocate of the Year award to Dalia Racine, an attorney advisor at AEquitas, who during her time with the Fulton and DeKalb County District Attorney’s Offices, prosecuted dozens of cases involving human trafficking and sexual and physical assault.

Eddie Chase, Tabitha Pazmino, Katrina Harden

Zack Gober, Geoffrey Gober, J. Scott Jordan

Dock Hollingsworth, Oto Ekpo, Quinasha Pritchett, Terena Lott, Chris Patterson

Matthew Wilson, Lawrence Kasmen, Sachi Cole, Laura Penn, Darren Penn

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

75


S C EN E

THROWBACK Graffiti, Super Mario, bean bag and balloon chairs— Hamilton Meadows’ 80s-themed playroom has it all. PHOTO: Sara

76

June 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Hanna


4315 GARMON ROAD | Price Upon Request

3150 HABERSHAM ROAD | $3,750,000

231 PEACHTREE BATTLE AVE. | $2,950,000

4179 RANDALL COURT | $2,595,000

1692 FRIAR TUCK ROAD | $2,250,000

1130 MOUNT PARAN ROAD | $1,750,000

Travis Reed 404-617-1770

Studie Young 404-495-8350

Pam Santiago 404-667-7088

Studie Young 404-495-8350

Travis Reed 404-617-1770

Travis Reed | 404-617-1770

find out more at HarryNorman.com

don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook at: @HNREALTORS

@HARRYNORMANREALTORS

532 East Paces Ferry Road | Suite 300 | Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404-504-7300 The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice.


i nt r o du cin g t he a l l - n ew, a l l - in cl u s iv e

Artist Designed. Unrivaled Exclusivity.

open bar. in-seat delivery.

Premium beer, wine and liquor exclusive to your guests.

award winning food. top-shelf spirits.

biggest concerts. biggest gameS.

All-inclusive food and beverage for every event.

Membership includes yearround access to events.

PULL RIGHT UP. WALK RIGHT IN.

Premium parking next to your private entrance.

learn more at

statefarmarena.com/concertclub or call/text 866-715-1500


Whether before or after your flight we have more than 300 locations you can shop, dine and explore.

WWW.ATL.COM

@ATLAIRPORT #ATLSKYPOINTE

© CITY OF ATLANTA


2018 Atlanta Magazine Best New Steakhouse Luxurious Private Dining Available

2700 APPLE VALLEY ROAD, BROOKHAVEN, GA (404) 969-0701 ARNETTESCHOPSHOP.COM

INTRODUCING ARNETTE’S CHOP SHOP KNIFE CLUB

WE

INvITE yOU TO bECOmE A mEmbER Of OUR

K NIfE C lUb . f IND OUT HOW ARNETTESKNIfEClUb.COm

ExClUSIvE

AT



FOR DINNER AND A GAME.

WITH OVER 15 RESTAURANTS TO CHOOSE FROM, YOU’RE SURE TO SATISFY ANY CRAVING AT THE BATTERY ATLANTA™ Ring in summer on our patios amidst the electric atmosphere of a gameday at The Battery Atlanta. Only steps away from SunTrust Park, you won’t have to miss a minute of Atlanta Braves™ action.



HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA

Elevated Living in Highlands Country Club No expense was spared in the quality of materials views of Satulah, Whiteside, and Shortoff mountains This idyllic retreat was designed and craftsmanship of this gorgeous home! From the with luxurious relaxation in mind. as well as Blue Valley. An custom bar in the corner of beautiful landscaping to the stone porches and terthe room offers easy access to the kitchen. The kitchYou will never want to leave! race to exquisite finishes, luxury greets you at every en includes a large walk-in pantry and wood island 6BR/5.5BA | $5,000,000 turn. The elegant living room with high, coffered with seating. The spacious dining room is ideal for ceilings and a stone fireplace with carved custom entertaining and has walls of windows that overlook mantle are reminiscent of a Scottish manor house. the beautiful yard and a stone terrace that offers an The great room boasts a large two-story stone fireplace and cathedral outdoor kitchen, hidden waterfall, and another stone fireplace. There are wood ceiling with a custom crafted antler chandelier. A wall of stone two gracious master suites that include stunning spa-styled baths and and glass doors leads onto the covered porch that has stone flooring and private sitting rooms. En suite guest rooms, a bunk room for the kiddos another floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace; it provides amazing panoramic and a theatre room complete the picture.

REAL ESTATE SALES: VACATION RENTALS: 828.526.1717 828.526.1762 meadowsmountainrealty.com renthighlandsnc.com REAL ESTATE SALES OFFICES: 488 Main Street, Highlands 2334 Cashiers Rd, Highlands 132 Hwy 107 S, Cashiers

RENTAL OFFICE: 2334 Cashiers Road

Š 2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. Ž Equal Housing Opportunity.


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.