NEWS

SIPS AND THE CITY

KICKY COCKTAIL LOUNGE TO OPEN IN BUCKHEAD

Ogle-worthy offerings from the curated menu include robust cocktails and charcuterie.

For splashy drinks, savory bites and buzzy views, head to the rooftop lounge of The James Room at Buckhead Village, which opens later this month in a third floor interior space, complete with outdoor balcony.

Tapping into a spirited vibe with signature playlists and rustic woodsy decor, the restaurant features an extensive beverage program complemented by a selection of chef-driven small plates. Guests can imbibe with colorful concoctions such as the Angry Pina Margarita with Tanteo jalapeno tequila and Like A Jungle with Bacardi cuatro rum. On the menu: balsamic raspberry lamb chops, vegan meatballs, shrimp crudité and charcuterie board offerings.

The interplay of all five senses defines the eating and drinking experience here, says owner Harold Brinkley, who teamed up with restaurateur Aaron Mattison of Ponce City Market’s Bar Vegan and pop-up Excuse My French to open the second location of The James Room (the first is on the BeltLine in Old Fourth Ward).

“People love the way it feels! It's elegant enough to impress your date but welcoming enough to make anyone feel right at home,” Brinkley says. “Our guests love our musical selection: Music is at the core of our ethos, and we believe good music can be the difference between a good night and a great night.”

It will be open nightly, Wednesday through Sunday. n

THE JAMES ROOM thejamesroom.com • @thejamesroom

NEWS CLIPS

READY FOR MARKET

As fall conjures foodie dreams of pumpkin pie and sweet potato soufflé, get baking with farm-fresh fare delivered straight to your front door through a new online service from the largest supermarket chain in the country. The Kroger Farmers Market powered by Market Wagon connects buyers with more than 60 local food producers, cutting a 60-mile swath through the heart of Buckhead that covers 28 counties. Order everything from seasonal veggies to free-range eggs and grass-fed steaks—more than 1,150 goods total—with a flat $6.95 fee for delivery (available Tuesdays and Fridays), and no membership or subscription required.

“Market Wagon transforms the farm-to-table concept into a farmto-front-door reality,” says co-founder/CEO Nick Carter, who launched Market Wagon in 2016 with Dan Brunner. The two have since grown the business to 30-plus markets across 19 states. “Our mission is to enable food producers to thrive in their local markets.”

That includes family-run D&B Farm and Livestock in Loganville, Piedmont Kitchen Co. in Atlanta and 7W Farm in Winston that are all beefing up the supply chain with homegrown goodness. marketwagon.com • @marketwagon NEW HANG

Coloring the world of art patrons since 1996, Gregg Irby Gallery has unveiled a swanky new space at Peachtree Battle Shopping Center in Buckhead after relocating from Atlanta’s Westside. Step in to view an eclectic array of paintings by more than 45 artists, both emerging and established. From vibrant florals by Laura Park to moody landscapes by Jill Holland, the works are beautifully displayed in curated collections, with a mix of sizes and prices adding to the design appeal.

“Nearly every member of the gallery is represented on the floor. This exposure is key for our artists and beneficial to our collectors as well,” says Irby. “We love that we were able to build out the space ourselves to make it perfect for what we need.” greggirbygallery.com @greggirbygallery

BLAZING TRAILS

A destination for equestrians since 1939, Chastain Horse Park is saddling up for an epic expansion, with an $8.9 million upgrade that will double the horsepower of its nationally-recognized therapeutic riding program. The comprehensive redesign of the 15-acre property in Buckhead’s Chastain Park includes a Therapeutic Horsemanship Center, additional covered riding arena, new boarder barn and expanded outdoor paddocks, with projected completion by mid-2023.

“Equine therapy is at the heart of what we do—empowering individuals of all ages and abilities through life-changing relationships with horses,” says Executive Director Trisha Gross of the accredited Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship center. “With these improvements, we’re on course to double our impact with 10,000 therapeutic sessions each year.” chastainhorsepark.org @chastainhorsepark