Simply Buckhead November/December 2021 by Simply Buckhead

November/December 2021 ISSUE 83 • FREE Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

PERFECT BEAUTY GIFTS

PRECIOUS PETS LOCAL STORIES AND HELPFUL ADVICE

s BRIAN PATRICK FLYNN, ON DOGS & DESIGN!

WHISKEY & CHOCOLATE LAVISH LINENS

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ELEGANCE with a twist of MODERN

Steak Market is a new-age steakhouse taking the fine dining experience to a new territory. We blend elegance

with a twist of modern atmosphere. Our intention is to become the one and only address for meat lovers and for those seeking truly entertaining and one-of-a-kind experiences. From our extensive spirits and specialty cocktail list to our “members-only” cigar lounge; at S&M we pride ourselves on doing everything bigger and better.

www.steakmarket.com (470) 355- 6540 793 Juniper Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 info@steakmarket.com reservations@steakmarket.com IG: @steakmarketatl

Please contact us for all your Construction and Real Estate needs! 404.698.3898 pacesbuildergroup.com

404.809.4880 aldergroveproperties.com Independently Owned and Operated

Luxury. Style. Ambiance.

Ralph Miller, Photographer

The first, premier luxury showroom and concierge personal shopping service in Atlanta, located in the heart of luxury brand shops, Buckhead Village District. Jerrimiah James service provides a new experience to luxury personal shopping by considering the full life cycle of the wardrobes. We work exclusively with luxury brands, as an approved outside stylist and personal shopper, including Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Saks Fifth Ave, Hermes, Etro, Brunello Cucinelli, Neiman Marcus, Kimberly McDonald and more.

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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Contents

Photos: 63: Joann Vitelli, 74: Sara Hanna

63 COVER STORY 12 Editor’s Letter

28 Pets: Make Groom

[ SIMPLY NOW ]

Keep your dog looking fresh with these tips from local experts

16 Local Salute:

30 Kids: Raising Art

Finding Community

Aficionados Three local art experts share how to nurture your child’s art appreciation

Tech millennials give back

18 Travel Near: Get to know Knoxville This Tennessee town is more than just football

PRECIOUS PETS OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS TAKE CENTER STAGE [ SIMPLY STYLISH ]

[ SIMPLY DELICIOUS ]

42 Beauty:

74 Review: Dancing Through the Seasons

Better to Receive [ SIMPLY LIVING ]

32 Home: A New Frontier

Find the perfect gift to delight the beauty lovers in your life

Nancy Conrad puts her artistic stamp on a Peachtree Hills condo

44 Wellness: Waste-Less Wellness

Bungalows Key Largo is a close-tohome escape that feels world’s away

36 Bulletin Board:

Small but significant eco-friendly changes you can make now

24 15 Minutes With:

Lynn Lilly, founder of Craft Box Girls, shares her best festive tips

20 Travel Far: Paradise Found

Jackie Garson Howard Founder of Paces Paper

26 Approved: It Just Makes Sense Gifts that transport via the five senses

Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

38 Tastemaker: Zhoosh Up Your Zzz’s Meet the proprietors behind Buckhead’s lavish Gramercy linen boutique

Ecco Buckhead’s hyper-seasonal dishes make for ever-changing offerings

78 Foodie Journal: Art on Display Chamblee’s Distillery of Modern honors two creative expressions

[ SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ]

[ SIMPLY HAPPENING ]

60 Tastemaker:

85 Events:

Ready, Set, Design

Places to go and things to do

Brian Patrick Flynn stars in a fresh design show concept

88 Charitable: A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 82 P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895 Publisher and Founder

Joanne Hayes

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

Chief Financial Officer

Sonny Hayes [ E DI T ORI A L ] Managing Editor

Karina Antenucci Senior Contributing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin Creative Director

Alan Platten Contributing Home Editor The Headshot Truck

Giannina S. Bedford

Jill Becker Jill Becker has been a professional writer and editor for more than 25 years. She writes for outlets such as CNN, Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day, and is currently the editor of NW Georgia Living, Coastal Lifestyle and Coastal Palate magazines. She is also a former editor of Simply Buckhead. For this issue, Jill put together the first edition of the new Arts Bulletin page. Her personal forays into the arts world include playing the flute in high school, having a crush on her photography professor and once painting an abstract she titled “Menopause” that hangs in her hallway.

Copy Editor

H.M. Cauley Contributing Writers

Jill Becker H.M. Cauley Rebecca Cha Carly Cooper Lauren Finney Harden Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Taylor Heard Michael Jacobs Amy Meadows Hope Philbrick Claire Ruhlin Ginger Strejcek [ PHO T O GRA PHE RS ]

Sara Hanna Patrick Heagney Joann Vitelli [ SALES & ADVERTISING ] Senior Account Executive

Cheryl Isaacs Account Executive

Michelle Johnson Graphic Designer

Layal Akkad [ DIGITAL ] Website Development Management

BHG Digital Director of Audience Development

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. Copyright © 2021 by Simply Buckhead ®. All rights reserved. Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Mike Jose Legal Counsel

Scott I. Zucker

FIND US ONLINE Read Simply Buckhead online at

simplybuckhead.com Facebook Like us at @livingwellatl

Twitter Follow us @simplybuckhead

Instagram Follow us @simplybuckhead

[ BEHIND THE COVER ] You know what they say about the challenges of photographing dogs—they tend to be wild cards in front of the camera. Fortunately, our cover star, interior designer and TV personality Brian Patrick Flynn (here with his husband, Hollis Smith) has had his rescue dog, Gidget, involved in so many photo shoots over the years that she practically poses on command. Our Simply Buckhead team arrived for this pet-themed shoot on a sunny fall morning and set up in the designer’s gorgeously maximalist Buckhead home, taking cover-contenders in two different rooms. The winning image features Flynn—along with Gidget, of course—perched Photographer: Sara Hanna on his dining room table with striking backProducer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin ground art by Charleston-based artist Sam Photography assistant: Chris Sidney, who creates stunningly detailed Rothman Hair and makeup: Richie Arpino portraits of pop icons, such as Dolly Parton, Wardrobe: Flynn’s own, styled Lady Gaga and Elton John. Photographer Sara by his husband, Hollis Smith Hanna was the first person to correctly guess Art: Sam Sidney, shopsamsidney.com all eight celebrities. Serendipity!

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

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

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]

ot a day goes by that I don’t tell my little Shih Tzu, Elle, that she’s my best friend.

She was a surprise birthday present 16 years ago, and every day since, she’s been a source of joy, unconditional love and comfort. I know that many pet parents out there can relate. Pets, whether they’re dogs, cats or something more exotic (from cockatoos to salamanders), become part of our families and enrich our lives in myriad ways. Our cover story for this issue is dedicated to them. In it, you’ll read about how to get involved in fostering an animal, how much to budget to keep your pet healthy and happy, how to get the best results in a professional photo session, pet decor tips from interior designer-turned-TV personality (and cover model) Brian Patrick Flynn and much more. You’ll find the rest of this issue peppered with fascinating stories to inspire you. Lauren Finney Harden offers a round-up of holiday gifts designed to transport you to far-flung destinations in Simply Approved; H.M. Cauley explores Knoxville, Tennessee; and beverage writer Angela Hansberger shares expert insights about how to create a whiskey and chocolate tasting at home, just in time for your holiday gatherings. As we head into the festive season where we’ll be contemplating the many things we have to be grateful for and planning celebrations with family and friends, I know I’ll be evergrateful for my fourlegged loved one. Happy reading, friends! Jennifer Bradley Franklin Senior Contributing Editor

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

SIMPLY NOW

TRAVEL STAYCATION

Take Stock P22

The Bellyard's outdoor terrace has city views, verdant plants and cozy seating.

Midtown’s Bellyard Hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing stay, all without moving your car.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

NEWS BY:

Ginger Strejcek

Here Comes the Bride

Catering to brides from Atlanta and beyond, Suite Bridal offers a variety of designer gowns with in-house alterations available.

Buckhead boutique makes dreams come true

ooking for the dress? Shop designer styles in an intimate setting at Suite Bridal, newly relocated to Buckhead at 2285 Peachtree Road N.E. Custom Bridal Modifications, an alternations shop, is tucked under the same roof by the same owners. Both are by appointment only. Suite Bridal offerings range from sheath gowns by Stella York, the boutique’s bestseller, to sleek silhouettes by Barcelona’s Sophie Et Voilà, an Atlanta exclusive. Dress

prices range from $900 to $3,000, and offthe-rack samples start at $500. Sizing goes from 6 to 26. The alteration services extend from standard to special requests, such as adding sleeves, embellishments and layers. Both companies are run by husband-andwife team Ricardo and Melissa Barraza, who acquired Suite Bridal earlier this year and moved the 7-year-old business from its original Virginia-Highland location. A seamstress extraordinaire, Melissa first founded Custom

Bridal Modifications in 2014. Ricardo spent the past 15 years as a managing partner at The Capital Grille before joining his wife in the new venture. Finding the perfect dress for the big day is a big decision, says Ricardo, ringing in his 26th year of happily ever after with Melissa. “Brides want to be beautiful, whatever that means to them,” he says. “The dress they end up leaving with is a dress that makes them feel like their truest, most beautifully radiant selves.” n

SUITE BRIDAL 470.225.7500 suitebridal.com @suitebridal

NEWS CLIPS TRADING SPACES As the working world reemerges from its COVID-19 cocoon, Transwestern Real Estate Services has unveiled sleek new regional headquarters on the top two floors of Atlanta Financial Center, which is the former home of City Club of Buckhead. The firm teamed up with designers from Cooper Carry to reimagine a next-gen workplace that sparks connection and collaboration through a unique floor plan featuring glass office walls and a greenhouse-like amenity hub with floor-to-ceiling

windows and expansive cityscape views. transwestern.com @transwestern

SPORTY SPICE Just in time for the holidays, Veronica Beard is opening its first Atlanta boutique at Buckhead Village, rocking cool-girl vibes with such on-trend must-haves as the brown Miller Leather Dickey Jacket ($1,295), shearlinglined Daxi Clog Bootie ($495) and oversized cable-knit Collina Sweater Vest ($350). Making a style statement with feminine silhouettes tailored for the

real world, the American ready-to-wear brand was founded in 2010 by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, whose single rack of dickey jackets has since expanded into a lifestyle collection with 16 U.S. store locations. The label further empowers women through the #VBGivesBack initiative. veronicabeard.com @veronicabeard

READY, AIM, FIRE Insight Virtual Ballistics has hit the mark with a new entertainment venue in Upper Westside,

bundling gaming fun with sharpshooter skills in a safe setting that offers a realistic experience through the use of retro-fitted weapons, laser ammo and proprietary simulators. Available for corporate events, individuals and groups, the facility features private bays with life-size screens, comfy couches and catering. “Our guests have an absolute blast and don’t want to leave,” says owner Amy Dixon of the female-run business, which also includes certified firearm training. insightvirtualballistics.com @insightvirtualballistics

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

LOCAL SALUTE

BY:

Mickey Goodman Kendra Scott created a culture of giving at her namesake jewelry stores nationwide.

Family, Fashion and Philanthropy CURE-ing Childhood Cancer Targeting tumors CURE Childhood Cancer recently donated $3 million in research grants to Aflac Precision Medicine Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, bringing the total to $8.4 million since the program’s founding in 2017. At the time, the precision medicine program was only the third of its kind in the U.S. that focused on kids with high risk cancers or those who relapse after front line protocol. “Children’s cancers are biologically different from cancers in adults, and only 4% of the standard research looks at cancers that affect kids,” says Kristin Connor, CURE’s executive director. “Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Aflac focuses on precision medicine that maps a child’s tumors and targets the abnormalities.”

Giving is in the company DNA CURE Executive Director Kristin Connor helps young patients at the Aflac Children's Cancer Center at CHOA get ready for Halloween.

During the first four years of the program, 78% of the kids who received the genetic sequencing had results that affected their treatment. “It validated that it's crucial to use treatments most likely to work for children,” Connor says. Since 2006, CURE has raised more than $75 million with nearly $37 million going to research. The organization also fully funds training for critically needed pediatric oncology fellows and supports families. “After the Ronald McDonald House had to shut down last year due to COVID-19, parents had no place to stay, so we shifted some of our funding to provide housing.” For more information, visit curechildhoodcancer.org.

When Kids Lose a Loved One Grant supports grief group Northwestern Mutual wealth management advisor Robert Spencer received one of 16 company-wide awards for his service to Kate’s Club, an organization that provides therapeutic and recreational programming to the one in 13 Georgia children and teens who have experienced the loss of a loved one. As part of his award, Spencer presented the organization with a $15,000 dollar grant. “The award means a lot to me,” says Spencer, who is chair of the club’s board of directors. “I’m happy that a company as large as North-

Award winner Robert Spencer presents a $15,000 check to Kate's Club.

western makes an impact on local nonprofits.” Serving kids during the pandemic proved a challenge, but prior to the lockdown the organization had begun testing virtual program-

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

When Kendra Scott opened her first namesake jewelry and accessories store in Austin, Texas, in 2002, she created a culture of giving based on words her stepfather whispered to her as he was dying of cancer. He said, “You do good.” Those words have become the company’s giving hashtag (#youdogood). Today, each of the 100 stores nationwide participates in Kendra Gives Back events that raise money for nonprofits. Since 2010, the company has donated more than $40 million to local, national and international causes. In August, the Atlanta area stores at Perimeter Mall, Shops Around Lenox and Avalon hosted a three-day event and donated 20% of sales to Hope for Henry at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta that provides innovative programs for hospitalized kids. Based in Washington, D.C., it's named

ming to see what worked. As a result, the club was able to quickly transition to a remote community via Zoom to continue offering support groups with Buddy Volunteers. Fifteen percent have lost loved ones to COVID-19. Programming is currently hybrid, offering both in-person therapeutic activities at Kate’s Club in Brookhaven, as well as virtually. Spencer got involved in Kate’s Club 17 years ago after the death of his father. “The mission resonated with me and my wife, Kathryn. Today, it seems more relevant than ever before.” In addition to their financial support, the Spencers are hands-on and visit Camp Good Mourning, attend Clubhouse Days and partici-

for Henry Strongin Goldberg who had congenital Fanconi anemia and died at the age of 7. The program’s Super Rewards for Super Kids encourages critically ill kids to comply with often painful surgeries and treatments through gifts and activities. In 2021, Kendra Scott stores in Atlanta raised $20,000 for Hope for Henry and helped more than 65,000 kids in hospitals across the country. The brand also has a program called Kendra Cares. “We take our Color Bar program into pediatric hospitals and help patients and caregivers design their own pieces of customized jewelry at no cost,” says Andrea Knight, the brand’s regional marketing and philanthropic manager. For more information, visit kendrascott.com.

pate in the Memory Walks. "Robert thinks strategically about our future and works incredibly hard to ensure our success,” says Lisa Aman, executive director of Kate’s Club. “I am thrilled that Northwestern Mutual has recognized his long-term contribution to our community.” For more information, visit katesclub.org.

Want to nominate a volunteer, company or nonprofit that gives back to the community in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or Upper Westside? Please contact: editor@simplybuckhead.com

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

TR AV E L NE A R

The Sunsphere, a landmark created during the 1982 World's Fair, provides panoramic views of the city.

DETAILS visitknoxville.com @visitknoxville Osteria Stella 865.247.4729 osteriastella.com @osteriastella The Tennessean Hotel 865.232.1800 thetennesseanhotel.com @tennesseanhotel

Get to Know

and natural light the artist personally designed as her work area and where her paints, partially finished works and favorite portraits still hang. Ninety-eight years before the Lutz mansion was built, the first territorial governor and a signer of the U.S. Constitution, William Blount, erected a wood-frame house on a river bluff in the downtown district. A few blocks away is the East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum, packed with artifacts, exhibits and videos about Tennessee’s early days and the presidents it produced. All of the attractions, including the university, are linked by a free, hop-on, hop-off trolley system. Outdoor enthusiasts will find hiking and biking trails, a lake for swimming and paddling and nature programs at the free Ijams Nature Center on the east side of town. A 10-minute drive away is Volunteer Landing, where powerboat races are staged each June and the Star of Knoxville Riverboat and luxury yacht Volunteer Princess launch lunch, dinner, entertainment and holiday-themed cruises. One of the city’s newest holiday traditions is high tea at The Tennessean Hotel. This luxury destination has begun hosting themed teas served with several varieties of brews and a decadent array of sandwiches, scones and sweets presented on a china collection designed just for the hotel. Guests can also enjoy meals in the new dining room, make use of the free car service to check out nearby sites or stroll across the street to World’s Fair Park with its splash fountains, amphitheater, concert lawn and iconic Sunsphere observation tower, a remnant of the 1982 World’s Fair.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

Mike O'Neill

ne thing that’s hard to miss on the University of Tennessee’s campus is the football stadium. With a seating capacity of 102,455, it’s the fifth largest college football arena in the country, and its presence dominates the Knoxville campus and the town on game days. Whether the home team is playing or not, Knoxville has more to offer than football. The town’s history is closely tied to the university that was founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee was admitted to the Union, and is now the repository for presidential collections from the state’s three presidents: Andrew Jackson, James Polk and Andrew Johnson. Historically, the school has drawn people to the area to work in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and its research units devoted to nuclear science, engineering and more, or to its famous forensic anthropology center, irreverently referred to as “The Body Farm.” The area’s natural beauty on the edge of the Tennessee River has long been a magnet for artists whose work is highlighted in Higher Ground, the first permanent exhibit of East Tennessee creators at the free Knoxville Museum of Art. Among the collection are selections by James Cameron, one of the area’s first professional painters; portrait artist Lloyd Branson; and Branson’s protegee, Adelia Lutz. A short drive from the museum is Westwood, Lutz’s 1890 home, now a living museum where visitors are invited to sit on the sofas and check out the bathrooms. The main attraction of the Queen Annestyle, brick house is Lutz’s studio, a two-story space of wood beams

Above: The vaulted studio of artist Adelia Lutz remains as it was when she painted there in the 1890s. Left: Free free hop-on, hop-off trolleys take riders throughout the downtown district and the University of Tennessee campus. Justin Fee

KNOXVILLE

This Tennessee town is more than just football

Below: The gnocchi at Osteria Stella is a must-have.

Knoxville also has a vibrant culinary scene with a number of independent eateries tucked into the Old City district also known as the “creative corridor” for its art galleries, coffee houses and breweries. Downtown’s newest gem is the side-by-side Brother Wolf and Osteria Stella, carved out of old storefronts and transformed into unique but connected dining destinations for authentic Italian cuisine. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi alone is filling up seats in the romantically lit Osteria and the casual, pubstyle Brother Wolf. Whether it’s a holiday tea excursion, an art adventure or a trek into a neigh-

boring state’s history, Knoxville makes an appealing getaway just three hours from Buckhead. Just be sure to check the calendar: If football’s in season, reservations for eating and sleeping just about anywhere are a must! n

Cheers to the

Holidays

The Chamblee/Brookhaven

location is open and we are ready to get you stocked up for the holidays! We have over 6,000 different wine, beer and spirit products as well as a wide selection of premium cigars. Chamblee/ Brookhaven 4783 Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA 30341 470.545.8483

Johns Creek 3719 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022 770.884.2450

Hours Mon - Thurs 9a - 10p Fri - Sat 9a - 11p Sun 12:30p - 8p

INTRODUCING THE CELLAR... Visit www.grapesandgrains.com to learn more about our secure climate controlled wine storage at our new Chamblee/Brookhaven store.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

T R AV E L FA R

Above: The author (right) with her mom, Debra, pause for a wind-blown photo on the resort's catamaran. Left: Spectacular sunsets from the pool deck are a nightly highlight at this Key Largo resort.

NEED TO KNOW Fee-ling good: Inclusive rates vary by season and start at $1,189 per night, based on double occupancy.

Paradise Found Bungalows Key Largo is a close-tohome escape that feels world’s away

STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

he Florida Keys are having a moment. Maybe it's the island atmosphere and stunning water or the ease of getting there in the face of passport renewal delays and ever-changing travel restrictions for farther-flung destinations. Regardless, a belated celebration for my mom’s birthday made a visit to the adults-only, all-inclusive Bungalows Key Largo the perfect excuse for a mother-daughter getaway. A scenic hour-long drive from the Miami airport brought us to the resort, tucked behind an unassuming gate on Florida’s northernmost Key. We checked in, and a uniformed porter whisked us away in a cute golf cart, trimmed in the resort’s signature teal and white stripes. Each of the 135 rooms are free-standing miniresidences, and our bungalow made a charming impression with its bougainvillea-perfumed private veranda and Adirondack chairs. The breezy coastal design marries old

Florida elements with modern conveniences. Ours featured a pillowtopped king bed, indoor sitting area and a private outdoor garden with a shower and deep kiddie-pool-sized soaking tub. Each room includes a pair of custom turquoise bicycles. Though the property is easily navigated on foot, the bikes were a fun way to explore. Eager to soak up as much sun-induced vitamin The resort gets its name from the 135 free-standing bungalows.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Hemingway's Bar is the best spot for a craft cocktail, made by eager-to-please mixologists.

D as possible during our three days, we found a spot on the small sand beach by the main pool. The resort has 1,000 feet of shoreline, but regular visitors to the Florida Keys know that the coastline is rocky. No matter: There are steps into the warm, clear waters, perfect for cooling off. We’d heard that the best vantage point for the most spectacular sunset viewing was aboard the resort’s 55foot catamaran, Lady B. We joined a handful of other guests as a captain and two skippers hoisted the sails. As we sipped glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and snacked on tacos, we sailed around the crystalline waters, relishing the salt-scented breeze. It felt like nature knew what we were after because as the sun dipped toward the horizon, the sky exploded

Here’s a tip: The resort is inclusive, but the staff still works for tips. So expect to sign a bill for gratuity after every meal, drink or excursion. It can feel like a nuisance, but the level of service is elevated from a typical all-inclusive experience. Checking in, checking out: If your flight schedule means you’ll be arriving early or departing late, you can organize access to the resort’s amenities for an additional $300 fee.

in an ever-changing array of yellow, pink, orange, red and violet. Our charmed evening was confirmed as our captain pointed out what looked like a star next to the moon. It is the same rare phenomenon referenced in the Grateful Dead song “Terrapin Station,” which says, “The spiral light of Venus...from the northwest corner of a brand-new crescent moon.” We felt lucky to see it firsthand. The undisputed highlight of the resort’s dining scene is Bogie and Bacall’s, inspired by the 1948 film Key Largo. We started with craft cocktails at the Hemingway Bar (my Guavalajara was made with silver tequila, Ancho Reyes chili liqueur and guava puree) before settling in for a multi-course, a la carte fine dining experience that included bone marrow with wild mushrooms, impossibly rich French onion soup, petite filet mignon au poivre and an elevated interpretation of a classic Key lime pie. Longing for a Caribbean destination without the hassles of international travel might have been what drew us here initially, but we soon realized the truth: Bungalows Key Largo is a worthy destination in its own right. n BUNGALOWS KEY LARGO 866.801.0195 bungalowskeylargo.com @bungalowskeylargo

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD JOIN US THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE ESCAPE AND REJUVENATE YOUR SENSES AT OUR FAMED WALDORF ASTORIA SPA. CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY TRADITION WITH OUR AFTERNOON TEA AND ENJOY A PERFECT STAYCATION IN ONE OF OUR LUXURIOUS ROOMS AND SUITES. INTRODUCING AN ALL-NEW DINING EXPERIENCE IN 2022. 3376 PEACHTREE RD NE., ATLANTA, GA 30326 | 404 995 7500 | W W W.WA AT L .C O M

SPA GIFT CARD AVAILABLE

S TAYC AT I O N

Above: The Bellyard anchors The Interlock, a new mixed-use development at the corner of 14th Street and Howell Mill. Below: Cooks & Soldiers' Basque cheesecake is a not-too-sweet masterpiece.

Above: Drawbar, The Bellyard's stylish lobby bar and eatery, invites guests to settle in.

Midtown’s Bellyard Hotel offers everything you need for a staycation, all without moving your car

After a shower upon arrival using the super-fragrant Grown Alchemist bath amenities, I felt instantly refreshed. We struck out to explore, marveling at how the hotel’s clever design manages to walk the line between industrial and cozy. Case in point: the main floor features white oak flooring, plush sofas, woven rugs and towering industrial-style ceilings. It’s hard to miss the lobby’s life-sized bull sculpture, a clever nod to the hotel’s name and the area’s history with nearby stockyards. We discovered a courtyard, complete with leafy trees, inviting seating areas and a colorful, two-story mural painted by local artist Lacey Longino. With happy hour upon us, we migrated over to Drawbar, the centerpiece of the boutique hotel’s lobby. The all-day eatery-turned-lounge was bustling with a mix of our fellow hotel guests, local revelers and a postworkday office set. We snagged seats at the bar and ordered picturePutt putt gets a high-tech upgrade at Puttshack.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

The Bellyard at The Interlock 404.806.8333 bellyardhotel.com @bellyardhotel Cooks & Soldiers 404.996.2623 cooksandsoldiers.com @cooksatl Puttshack 404.738.7888 puttshack.com @puttshack

Take Stock e need to plan a girls’ night out,” said the text from my newly acquired “bonus” sister (my mom got married last year) who lives north of town. Instead of a brief catch-up over dinner, I decided to plan a staycation at the stylish Bellyard Hotel. Opened this summer, the 161-room, Marriottmanaged hotel (as part of their Tribute Portfolio) is the centerpiece of The Interlock development at the corner of 14th Street and Howell Mill in Midtown. Once we valet parked my car, everything we wanted to do was just a few steps away. We settled into our room overlooking the Atlanta skyline and had fun picking out familiar buildings, from Buckhead’s towers to downtown’s state capitol building and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

St. Germain Bakery 404.825.3850 stgermainatl.com @stgermainbakery

STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

perfect cocktails and $4 frites with “fat boy” sauce, a heady mixture of ketchup, pickle relish, mayo and, the piece de resistance: bacon fat. Next time, I’ll plan to enjoy the breeze on the outdoor terrace overlooking 14th Street, adorned with a host of verdant plants and comfy seating. Next, we walked across the street for dinner at Cooks & Soldiers, where chef John Castellucci, who owns the restaurant along with his siblings, is newly back at the helm of the kitchen. He artfully navigates the cuisine of the Basque region of Spain and France with a menu of sharable small plates. Our meal included a crudo of translucent yellowtail, accented with mild Guindilla peppers, bright radish and crisp fennel, and sourdough toast smothered with black truffle goat cheese creme fraiche and local mushrooms. After dinner, we made our way back to The Interlock for a reservation at Puttshack, the tech-infused indoor mini-golf experience. Instead of the manual scorekeeping of yesteryear, our putters and balls came with sensors, so the system kept track of each time we hit our ball. We

Rooms at The Bellyard are just the right blend of industrial-chic and cozy.

played through one of the location’s three courses, complete with moving hazards and flashing neon lights, to indulge in a little friendly competition for the highest score. Instead of lingering over the drinks and snacks we saw other guests enjoying, we headed back to our seventh-floor room for a little latenight TV on the big screen before drifting off. My sister is a busy mom, so she was extra-grateful for the restful sleep, partially made possible by black-out shades to block the skyline’s nighttime brightness. The next morning, sustenance at the artisan St. Germain Bakery was just an elevator ride away. Fueled by strong lattes and flaky croissants, we hopped in the car to head back to our respective houses, marveling at how we’d felt right at home during our whole stay. n

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November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

15 MINUTES WITH

JACKIE GARSON HOWARD STORY:

Amy Meadows

How did you go from working at home to owning a shop in Buckhead? I did corporate identity stationery and worked with a Crane Stationery representative for years. But I’ve always loved social stationery. So I created my own line that Crane produced for me and sold across the country. Atlanta never had a fine stationery store, and I always felt like it deserved one. So that was my dream. What is your goal when custom designing stationery for a client? I’m very intuitive. When I

meet you, I have a sense of the way you present yourself, from the way you dress to the way your hair is. Then I will discuss what you like and what your favorite things are. When I design your stationery, my goal is that when your stationery hits someone’s mailbox, it looks like you. You’re not there, and yet you’re there because it looks like you. It should feel like your soul. What is your favorite printing technique or design element? I am a passionate lover of engraving. It gives

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Diane Crow

reativity has always been vital for Jackie Garson Howard, founder of Paces Papers, Inc., a fine stationery store in Buckhead. Howard, who was one of the first graduates of The Lovett School in 1962, started Paces Papers as a graphic design company in 1974, creating logos, stationery and commercial advertisements for clients from her kitchen table. The company was the culmination of a lifetime of creative pursuits, dating back to Howard’s childhood when her grandmother taught her to sew. The idea for the specialty paper store began in 1972 when Howard visited the Sam Flax art supply store on Peachtree Road. She met a store clerk who introduced her to pressed down type, a manual typesetting technique. The process enthralled her. “I would go in every week and buy materials to make presents or do designs for nonprofits. And eventually I said, ‘There’s more out there than I know,’” Howard says. Howard attended Georgia State University for a brief time, moving on in 1974 to Atlanta Technical College where she learned graphic design. “This was before computers. So I learned graphic design with pen and ink, T-squares and rulers,” she says. “I carved out my own world there.” She also began designing logos, starting with one for her parents’ showroom, Howard Unlimited. Soon she was receiving requests from all kinds of organizations for her work. In the mid-1980s, she opened Paces Papers' first brickand-mortar shop on East Paces Ferry Road, which moved to its current location on East Andrews Drive a few years later. Since then, the shop has become a hallmark for the area, offering the largest selection of handmade papers from around the world, custom-designed invitations, stationery and much more to generations of clients.

the cleanest, most beautiful image on a piece of paper. I’m also a big believer that, when it comes to stationery or a wedding invitation, you need to have an envelope lining. I think that when you open an envelope and see a pretty lining, it’s part of the whole beautiful design.

You’re also a philanthropist and activist who works with organizations such as the Bettie Brand Mothers’ Empowerment Fund and CHRIS 180. Why is this work so important to you? Each of us has been given a gift from God. If we can give the gift that God gave us, the world would

be a completely different place. That’s what’s important in life. n

PACES PAPERS 404.231.1111 pacespapers.com @pacespapers

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A P P ROVE D

Bella Cucina Dressed Basil Pesto & Pane Gift Set ($39) Alisa Barry’s Bella Cucina has long been a go-to for delectable delights—and that it’s been included in some of Oprah’s Favorite Things doesn’t hurt, either. Creamy, fresh basil pesto is paired with Italian pane rustico flatbread for the perfect pop in your mouth. Wrapped with an olivewood serving utensil, it’s a gift that’s ready to be devoured. Bella Cucina 678.539.8442 bellacucina.com @shopbellacucina

It Just Makes Sense One way to quickly whisk yourself off to another place, time or memory is through a sensory experience. How else could you go back in time to the height of Beatlemania or to a lavender field in Provence, all while sitting in your living room? Make this holiday season a special one by sending a cherished recipient on a mental vacation to Italy, East Asia, France and more through these gifts that transport via the five senses. STORY:

Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless Over Ear Headphones ($249) The recipient of this gift will be sounding off in a good way. Inspired by vintage aviation, the MH40 wireless over ear headphones are cordless, wireless and feature Bluetooth connectivity. More than 18 hours of playtime will keep any music lover happy. Available at BestBuy bestbuy.com @masterdynamic

Lauren Finney Harden

Bunny Williams Home Tresham Sofa Throw ($225) This block-printed throw from Bunny Williams Home will add layers to your living room and help you get cozy as the weather turns. Reversible, it can also be used at the foot of the bed or even as a tablecloth. Need a bigger size? It also comes in queen and king sizes. Available at Mathews Furniture + Design 404.237.8271 mathewsfurniture.com @bunnywilliamshome

Jack Be Nimble Flannel Candle ($25) Even though Atlanta’s weather can be unpredictable, ’tis the season to start hunkering down and getting your home holiday-ready. Start with a scent, such as Jack Be Nimble’s FlanAvailable at nel candle that has notes of sandalwood, amber and Broad Street Mercantile jasmine to create a perfect ambiance at home. Locally 404.210.7707 made in Chamblee by owner Paul Bruschi, these broadstreetmerchantile.com small-batch soy candles also make perfect hostess gifts. @jackbenimblecandles

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Laura Deems “My Secret Garden” (price upon request) Getting away to a colorful place on an average day is easy thanks to Buckheadbased artist Laura Deems and this mixed media on paper piece that is sunshine in any room. Deems’ 30-by-22-inch work is inspired by the way flowers rustle in the wind, the movement and sounds of streams, the touch of sunlight and the sound of being on a farm. “I’ve harnessed a love of these outdoor moments into a piece that, to me, Laura Deems represents what a secret garden of mine could be—full lauradeems.com @_lauradeems of color, warmth, emotion,” says the artist.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Gustavo Fring from Pexels

P E TS

MAKE GROOM KEEP YOUR DOG LOOKING FRESH WITH THESE TIPS FROM LOCAL EXPERTS

ust like you plan regular visits to the salon, pets need some planned TLC of their own. Especially when it comes to dogs, proper grooming practices are key to ensuring a healthy, comfortable life. To learn exactly what that entails, we picked the brains of experts at local pet grooming and boarding facilities for their top tips.

or at home, at least once per month. The same goes for trimming your pet’s nails, except, she warns, “Don’t do this yourself unless you truly know what you’re doing!” You could potentially cause harm to your pet if you accidentally clipped their quick (the nerve ending inside the nail), so it’s best to let a pro handle that part.

TRIM TIMING

GROOMING KNOW-HOW

Six weeks is the sweet spot for regular haircuts, but don’t wait longer than eight weeks. Of course, this depends on what breed your dog is as well as the natural or desired length of their coat, but Lexis Marvin, general manager of Perk-N-Pooch in Sandy Springs, recommends keeping a consistent haircut schedule. Her rule of thumb: “The longer you have us keep their coat, the shorter time you can go in between each appointment.” Anita Brown, CEO and founder of Pup-N-Cuts in Brookhaven, echoes similar advice, adding that “pets with undercoats or curly coats could use biweekly grooming services, such as all types of doodles, pomeranians and huskies, just to name a few.” And when it comes to bathing and nail-trimming, regardless of coat-type or breed, Lindsay Le, owner of Brookhaven’s Central Bark Atlanta, suggests giving your pup a bath, either professionally

While it may not seem like you’re doing anything wrong by your dog when you skip a grooming appointment or two, the consequences of infrequent visits don’t take long to appear and can cause extreme discomfort for your furbaby. “A lot of times, what we see when it comes to poor grooming is just a lack of information or misinformation from friends, people they know and breeders. They either go too long in between grooming, don’t have the right tools at home or have unrealistic expectations for what they want for their dog and what their dog can handle,” says Marvin. These types of poor practices can lead to serious issues such as matting, which can cause skin irritation, sores and hot spots, and other problems such as ear infections. Luckily, Le notes, if you’re unsure what type of grooming schedule your dog should be on, your groomer can provide you with a plan.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Taylor Heard

DOGS LOVE IT A consistent and personalized grooming routine makes a world of difference in a dog’s everyday life. In addition to noticeable benefits such as a healthier coat and skin, Marvin says regular grooming also helps some dogs walk and see better when the hair is clipped out of their paws and away from their face. Not to mention, it helps keep hair from floating around the house and hardwood floors from getting scratched—a major perk for the owners. To make the most of bathing and haircut appointments, Brown suggests brushing your dog’s coat once a day to keep it soft and healthy between trips to the groomer’s, and to avoid matting. “Proper brushing is very important,” she adds. “Starting from the skin, then work your way out to the tip of the hair strand. Use a metal comb and slicker brush.”

COAT LENGTH When it’s warm outside, it doesn’t mean you necessarily have to cut your dog’s hair short. “It’s not an automatic rule for all dogs,” Le says. “For dogs that have double-coats, such as huskies, golden retrievers and Newfoundlands, their undercoat actually helps insulate them and keep them cool, so I don’t recommend going overly short on dogs like that during the warmer seasons.” Do your due diligence to learn what's best for your breed. n

CLEAN CAT “The [grooming] experience for cats can be very stressful if they are not accustomed to regular salon visits,” Brown says, so starting at an early age is key for those who need it. Brown suggests brushing cats’ coats daily at home to help with the maintenance of the coat and minimize the dander.

DETAILS Central Bark 404.248.2275 centralbarkatlanta.com @centralbarkatlanta Perk-N-Pooch 678.500.9237 perk-n-pooch.com @perknpooch Pup-N-Cuts 404.549.2031 pupncutsatl.com @pupncuts

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November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

K ID S

Raising Art Aficionados THREE LOCAL ART EXPERTS SHARE HOW TO NURTURE YOUR CHILD’S ART APPRECIATION STORY:

Giannina S. Bedford

efore kids learn their letters and numbers or start talking, they are creating art. Whether it’s coloring, painting or spreading glitter all over the house, it’s a natural way for them to express themselves. As they get older, their relationship with art can continue to grow, and parents can help by getting kids to think more deeply about what they are creating and seeing in the artinfused world around them. Buckhead resident Colleen Lane of Colleen Lane Art Advisory helps clients select and install meaningful works of art in their home. As a docent at the High Museum, she leads school tours to engage children with the museum’s collections. One way is by asking kids to read a painting like a book. “If it’s a scene, nothing abstract, you can look at different figures and say, ‘Is this scene at the beginning, middle or end of a book,’ and then you make a story from that,” Lane says. She also applies the elements of STEAM to art, exploring how artists work like scientists when mixing colors and working with different kinds of materials. “It’s not just going and looking at a painting, but finding different ways to engage with it,” she says. Spalding Nix of Peachtree Hills’ Spald-

ing Nix Fine Art says it’s never too early to start introducing kids to art. “Kids are pre-wired to start enjoying and experiencing art. The earlier the better. Start exposing them to different types of artwork whether it’s in a museum or looking at a sculpture in a public space.” For more formal art exposure, Nix suggests frequenting a museum that has a strong permanent collection. He and his two girls love visiting Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum that is filled with Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. “It’s nice for kids to go back and see their ‘old friends,’” he says. “If you can pick a museum where they can go and feel comfortable and remember, ‘That’s that one we learned about last time,’ they can keep building on that.” For more casual art exposure with fewer rules, galleries are ideal. Nix welcomes clients in with their kids, who often ask thoughtful questions and try to capture what they see exhibited in their sketchbooks. Plus, the art displayed in a gallery is often from local artists, making it easier for kids to connect with creators of the works. “Galleries are a great place to get kids’ feet wet in the formal art world because they’re intimate spaces. There aren’t security guards standing there, and kids aren’t constantly being told ‘don’t touch

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

this’ and ‘you are too close to that,’” Nix says. “At a gallery, you can take things off the wall and get as close as you want.” Encouraging kids’ creation of art is also an effective way to grow their appreciation. Leontyne Robinson, youth and teen programming and development coordinator at Dunwoody’s Spruill Center for the Arts, leads art camps in drawing, painting, sculpture and more themed around kid-centric topics, such as Harry Potter, to capture students’ attention. She says it’s important to make sure art projects are at the right level and don’t require too much prep work, especially for younger kids. “Make sure the activities are fun and something easily accessible for them to start and complete,” Robinson says. “If they have difficulty cutting circles or other types of shapes, cut the shapes for them.” As kids get older, critiques can also help them grow as artists. Robinson has been integrating this into the kid and teen classes at Spruill to great success. “We tell kids not to be nervous or afraid to get a positive or a negative critique,” Robinson says. “Take it as a way of learning and growing as an artist.” n

Spalding Nix of Spalding Nix Fine Art (left) and Leontyne Robinson of Spruill Center for the Arts (right) agree it's never too early to start encouraging a child's appreciation of art.

DETAILS Colleen Lane Art Advisory 404.423.7138 colleenlaneart.com @colleenlaneart Spalding Nix 404.841.7777 spaldingnixfineart.com @spaldingnixfineart Spruill Center for the Arts 770.394.3447 spruillarts.org @spruill.arts

HOM E | B U L L E T I N B OA RD | TA S T E M A K E R

SIMPLY LIVING

HOME

A New Frontier P32

“Your home is a place to reflect your personal style. I would call my style eclectic.” —Nancy Conrad

The art in the marble-clad master bathroom includes a sculpted figure holding an image of Earth from space. Photo: Patrick Heagney

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

H OM E

Above: Originally designed to be a second bedroom, this space was opened up to create an open floor plan with a spacious dining area. Below: Nancy Conrad’s style is reflected through collected artworks and global mementos.

A New Frontier Nancy Conrad puts her artistic stamp on a Peachtree Hills condo STORY:

Giannina S. Bedford PHOTOS: Patrick Heagney

ancy Conrad has lived a fascinating life. Born in Denver, she attended boarding school in Darien, Connecticut. In 1990, she married Charles “Pete” Conrad, the commander of Apollo 12 and the third man to walk on the moon. The couple, who met on a blind date, settled in Huntington Beach, California. Pete passed away in 1999, and in 2007, Conrad moved to San Francisco then to Washington, D.C. a year later. She spent much of her time traveling the globe as an author, publisher, entrepreneur and public speaker. Today, Conrad is a resident of Peachtree Hills Place, an upscale continuing care retirement community for ages 55-plus in Buckhead. What brought her to Atlanta, Conrad unabashedly says, was “My ‘exit strategy’ because you have to think about it. I’ve seen two parents off the planet, and it’s not a pleasant experience for parents or children, so I said, ‘I’m going to figure out my own exit strategy.’”

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Conrad came across the development when a cousin and his wife, Charlotte Margolin, residency counselor at Peachtree Hills Place, attended a dinner party she hosted in D.C. to honor a book about their aunt. Conrad later visited Atlanta, and Margolin showed her around. “Charlotte introduced me to people she thought I would vibe with, and right she was,” Conrad says. “Wherever I go, I need to find my vibe and my tribe. Otherwise, why be there?” Conrad closed on her fourth-floor condo in July 2020, but before relocating, she customized the residence’s interior. Instead of Peachtree Hills Place’s traditional twobedroom layout with a formal dining room, Conrad skipped the extra bedroom to create an open, loft-style one bedroom. “I love the openness,” says Conrad, who spent 15 years as an interior designer. Conrad worked with her friend, designer and architect Rahman Seraj of Seraj Associ-

Left: Colorful accessories pop in the neutral palette of the open kitchen. Below: Conrad brought many of her furnishings with her from her former residence at The Watergate in Washington, D.C. Above: From the interior, the faux double-door entry gives a grand feel to the foyer. Below: Conrad’s master bedroom features striking artwork of two zebras by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam.

My home brings me joy—and really, that is what it is all about.” —Nancy Conrad open living space where the modern kitchen features quartz countertops, lacquered white cabinets and painted taupe glass. “I couldn’t find a marble that worked for the overall color scheme. Rahman suggested a backsplash of glass tiles that are painted on one side as they have the appearance of lacquer but are easy to clean and adaptable to use in the kitchen. I am delighted with it,” Conrad says. Atop the countertops, pops of color come from the Zulu baskets made of recycled telephone wire and three glass cherry sculptures purchased in Denver. Nearby, the living room is furnished in Holly Hunt sofas, a Chinese opium coffee table and a Louis XIV desk. The dining room features a round table surrounded by burl and brass trimmed chairs that

Conrad purchased on 1stDibs.com and recovered in a regal gold and black damask fabric. Below the table sits a 10-by-10 rug from Westside Market. Suspended above is a crystal chandelier, inspired by a 2019 visit to the Baccarat Museum in Paris, that further elevates the room’s glamorous feel. Adorning the entire living space are artistic treasures, from a Wedgwood Philadelphia Bowl and collection of spears to an antique Chinese chest and taupe and black throw from Indonesia. The eclectic and modern interior also includes art that runs the gamut from a Picasso that belonged to her mother to an oversized painting by Conrad’s son. On the other side of the condo is the master bedroom where a custom bed is dressed in “a happy” orange comforter and flanked by nightstands of Macassar s

ates, to create an interior that fit her style and needs, from an oversized dressing room to a kitchen office. She also designed the home to accommodate many of the furnishings from her former apartment at The Watergate in D.C. “[Seraj] guided me and did all the working drawings, and then I hired a local contractor, MJR Construction,” Conrad says. “Due to the pandemic, Rahman and I guided the work on Zoom.” Conrad finally moved in on Nov. 1, 2020, to a completely transformed abode filled with her global mementos, curated artworks and one-of-a-kind furnishings. From the outside of the home, the single doorway matches all the others in the hallway. On the inside, however, a faux double-door creates a grand entry. To the right is the

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

H OM E

Above: A shag rug from Pottery Barn sets the stage for Conrad’s vibrant master bedroom. Right: Conrad’s condo features two outdoors spaces, including one off the master bedroom adorned in teak furnishings. Left: The customized dressing room showcases a gallery of treasured family photos.

ebonywood. In addition to the swoonworthy master bathroom—designed with glass enclosures, a stand-alone tub and handpicked art—the lady of the house has a dressing room, converted from a would-be sitting room or office. More of a private hangout, the dressing room is outfitted with custom storage and a window sofa that creates a “great place to read.” Atop the center dresser are family photos, and on Conrad’s makeup table is a collection of lacquered boxes and a decorative comb from Bali. One of the boxes was a gift from Pete on her birthday; another was given to her in Moscow by a cosmonaut’s wife who shares her birthday. Although Conrad didn’t know “a single soul” when she moved into Peachtree Hills Place, she’s met many friends and

even hosted a few dinner parties for neighbors. “I enjoy having friends at home. Wherever I live, it is something I have always enjoyed doing,” she says. Moving to Atlanta was a leap of faith, but it was not Conrad’s first. Like her late husband, she is not afraid of new adventures. n Conrad Foundation Founded by Nancy Conrad in 2008, The Conrad Foundation honors the legacy of her late husband, Charles “Pete” Conrad, the commander of Apollo 12 and the third man to walk on the moon. Nancy and the Foundation were recently honored by the Fulton County Commission for their work that combines science and technology-based education, innovation and entrepreneurship in an annual competition that invites students ages 13 to 18 to collaborate to develop solutions focused on challenges in sustainability. conradchallenge.org

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

NANCY CONRAD’S TOP 5 DESIGN TIPS: 1. Know your aesthetic: “When I was actively working as a designer, I encouraged my clients to pull pictures [from magazines] of things they liked without worrying if it fell into a category of decor. Your home is a place to reflect your personal style. I would call my style eclectic.”

are more straightforward, like a collection of books about Apollo and lunar exploration in my bookcase.”

2. Surround yourself with colors you like: “I choose colors that are calming: neutrals like beige, white and gray. However, I also incorporate small pops of color like a red accent wall or an orange comforter.”

4. Incorporate items that bring you happy memories: “I have been fortunate to have traveled the world and have collected many items along the way. They are displayed in my home. Where some people may not pair an inexpensive piece of folk art with the work of a wellknown artist, I prefer to place the value on what the piece means to me and the memories of a wonderful trip or fun experience.”

3. Reflect your life, interests and passion: “Sometimes these are subtle references. For example, the floral photography of Susan Middleton in the powder room. Susan uses a Hasselblad camera—the camera that was used to take the first pictures on the moon. Others

5. Add a touch of whimsy: “I absolutely love the larger-thanlife glass art cherries that I bought on one of my travels. Recently, I purchased a fun rocket-shaped pencil holder I found at the High Museum of Art. It sits on my desk and makes me smile every day.”

BULLETIN BOARD

BY:

Giannina S. Bedford Lynn Lilly, founder of Craft Box Girls, loves a good holiday party.

PRODUCT

SPOTLIGHT

Cover up that Kleenex box’s lackluster exterior with this Weezie tissue box cover. Made in India of 100% cotton, it’s available in a variety of prints, patterns and solids with piping along the edge to match your home’s decor. Punch it up with personalized embroidery, a specialty of Atlanta-based Weezie Towels, a company co-founded by Buckhead resident Lindsey Johnson. Available for $40 ($15 additional for embroidery) at weezietowels.com, @weezietowels.

STRESS-FREE

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING T

he holidays have arrived, which means it’s time to get into the entertaining spirit. If you’re out of practice, don’t fret; we have you covered with some tips from DIY and lifestyle expert Lynn Lilly, the founder of Craft Box Girls. Read on to get the Buckhead resident’s insight into stress-free holiday entertaining.

Plan ahead. Get ahead of stress by planning festivities a few weeks out, so when it’s party time, you can enjoy the celebrations alongside family and friends rather than

AWARDS

from the kitchen. I’m a goal and schedule-driven mom and business woman, so when it comes to entertaining, I treat it like I am planning for a work project. Create goals and deadlines for yourself.

Get the kids involved. My daughter is so much happier when she feels a part of the festivities. Find activities kids can do that will contribute to the celebration. These can be as simple as coloring place cards while you prep the meal so they stay out of the kitchen or inviting them to help decorate desserts.

celebration, think about the most time-consuming parts: cooking, setting up, running errands, etc., and ask friends and family to help with those ahead of time. Husbands make great assistants, too. Your friends and family will appreciate your asking for their help ahead of time instead of last minute.

Individual servings. People are still easing into celebrating in groups, and as a hostess, you want to make it as comfortable as possible for everyone. Think about menu items

Drumroll Please… Design Excellence Awards The American Society of Interior Designers Georgia Chapter (ASID GA) has announced its 2021 Design Excellence

Habachy Designs was recognized as Best-in-Show for its work on the Icon Buckhead.

Ask for help. When planning your

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Awards winners. Best-inShow recipients include Michael Habachy of Habachy Designs (commercial category) and Melanie Turner

that can be served in individual containers—salad in a jar, charcuterie cups, hand pies—to avoid shared serving utensils. If you have menu items that need to be served, have one person handle the serving.

Keep it simple. Don’t crowd the celebration with too many activities or a structured schedule. Keep it fluid and relaxed. Many families and friends have not been together much, so they’ll want time to catch up and enjoy each other as much as the food and festivities.” n craftboxgirls.com, @craftboxgirls

of Melanie Turner Interiors (residential category). Savannah College of Art and Design student Seoyun Bae was also recognized for her design of Excelsior Academy, a private school for students with learning or physical disabilities. For a full list of gold, silver and bronze commercial and residential recipients, visit ga.asid.org.

Southeast Designer of the Year Awards Hats off to the Atlanta finalists in ADAC’s 2021 Southeast Designers and

Architect of the Year Awards. The residential category included The Design Atelier, Whitney Ray and Joel Kelly of Wyeth Ray Interiors and Joel Kelly Design, and William Peace of Peace Design. Kelley Harris of Harris Interiors and Smith Hanes Studio were recognized for contract design. Architect finalists included D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Harrison Design, Historical Concepts and Summerour Architects. For a full list of finalists and winners, visit adacatlanta.com

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

TA S T E MA K E R

Meet Cam Reynolds (left) and Jenny Taubel (right), the owners of Gramercy.

What type of services do you offer for novice linen shoppers? JT: We have a design consultation. You can either do that here, or we can come to your home. CR: People will bring a picture or just talk through what they like. We’ll start by pulling out samples and asking questions. Do they want a print? Or would they rather do something that’s playful with an edge? Then we’ll build out some options, and we’ll quote it for them. We are happy to walk through every step, from the initial idea all the way through to installation. We also have a wedding registry in-store and online, as well as wish lists for holidays. If someone were going to outfit a queen bed, what would be a healthy starting budget? CR: If you were doing a duvet cover, shams, sheets and coverlet, $1,500 would be a great starting point. JT: Let’s say you have some of these other items already, but you want to add in a beautiful sheet set, you could start at $500. If I could splurge on one item at Gramercy, what should that be? JT: A true down pillow. It’s a luxury, and you cannot go back once you have one. I even take mine when I travel. CR: If you are looking for more bang for your buck, I’d start with an applique (bold, ornamental needlework). A lot of our vendors stay true to their colors over the years, so you’re able to add over time.

Zhoosh Up Your Zzz’s Meet the proprietors behind Buckhead’s lavish Gramercy linen boutique

ramercy in Peachtree Battle was born around a dinner table more than a decade ago. Owners and linen experts Cam Reynolds and Jenny Taubel were both newlyweds seeking investment pieces for furnishing their respective homes. Fast friends who met through a mutual acquaintance, the duo took a chance on being business partners, too. “We were both ready to step away from corporate America but were also looking to fuel our creative side,” Reynolds says. After tossing around a few ideas,

they landed on a fine linens store. “At the time, there was only one other similar fine linen shop. It was in Savannah. We knew there was a need in Atlanta too,” Taubel says. Since its inception in 2008, Gramercy has been the place for designers, decorators and dreamers to source top-of-theline linens. Over the years, the store has broadened its scope to include gifts such as elegant candles and bath items, D. Porthault accessories such as toiletry bags and sachets, and even baby gifts such as alpaca throws. This fall, Reynolds and Taubel ex-

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Nicole Letts

panded their tabletop collection to include even more china and glassware. Here, the pair divulges how linens are an essential part of a plush life. How are linens an important part of interior design? CR: In a bedroom, it’s the focus of the room. Linens make it feel fresh and good. JT: You spend the majority of your time [in the bedroom] in your bed, so why would you not treat that place, where you spend the most time, as a luxurious one?

Monogramming is a big part of your business. How can people incorporate monograms in a contemporary way but still capture that traditional nostalgia? CR: The placement doesn’t need to be large and in the middle. It might be in the bottom corner or offset a little bit. It also might be an unexpected color, like a [neon]. What do you think is going to be a hot gift item this holiday season? JT: Mohair blankets in fun colors and tabletop glassware. CR: People are ready to be with their people again, as much as possible. And so I think entertaining and tablescapes are going to be huge. n

GRAMERCY 404.846.9244 shopgramercy.com @gramercyhome

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

SIMPLY STYLISH

TASTEMAKER

Haley Glass, owner of fitness and event studio FUSE Atlanta, wants the retro decor to trigger smiles.

In the Groove P46

Photo: Joann Vitelli

“Keep a positive attitude and don’t deprive, suffer or be miserable to get fit.” —Haley Glass

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

FAS H I O N

Granite linen scarf by Variously, $119; Pearl stud hoops by L.A. Stein, $2,150; Prasiolite and white diamond Pera ring by Selin Kent, $3,500, all available at TALD.

The Gift of Style Emily Shapiro takes gifting to the next level with her online shop

career in commercial real estate with a focus on retail led Buckhead resident Emily Shapiro to open her own online shopping destination, TALD, which stands for “things a little differently.” The e-commerce site was founded in 2020, and Shapiro spent the months prior researching to make sure she nailed her assortment of fashion accessories, as well as baby and kids, home decor, tabletop and bar, and wellness items. “I chose to offer curated collections that our clientele would find both striking and exhilarating,” she

says. “TALD is my way of introducing artists and independent brands alongside brands with similar values and ethos to an audience that values unique, high-quality pieces.” Shapiro, who recently moved to Atlanta from New York City, notes that shopping is as much about good products and design as it is about convenience for her customers who are all over the country. Instead of buyers having to go to multiple stores or brand websites to find just the right thing, TALD offers a one-stop-shop gifting destination to reliably find something they love without having

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Lauren Finney Harden

to search too hard. The marketplace brings together items from all over the world, such as handmade vacation totes from Paris and jewelry from New York City. All items have a common theme of a mostly neutral palette, which Shapiro likes for its refined look and versatility in the every day. Plus, each has a good brand story behind it. “Everyone we partner with is unique. From a former New York City architect-turned-ceramics artist to a San Francisco-based mom who makes modern children’s blocks, I genuinely find them all to be incredibly inspiring stories,” Shapiro says.

When shopping this holiday season, check out new additions to the site such as architectural fine jewelry pieces by New York City-based Selin Kent. Additional stylish accessories such as a Belgian linen scarf from Variously and a variety of delicate but wearable jewelry from Atlanta-based brand L.A. Stein are also on offer. Every piece on the site encapsulates Shapiro’s quiet luxury point of view. If you’re unsure of what to gift, Shapiro suggests always veering on the side of handmade and timeless— and of course, visiting a site like hers that takes out a lot of the discovery legwork for you. Your recipient will be pleased no matter what if you “gift intentional pieces that have a story behind them,” Shapiro says. And if holiday shopping stresses you out full stop, the TALD concierge is available to help you select items for your loved ones. Just name a budget, recipient and style, and Shapiro and her team will get to TALD work providing 404.919.1929 you with options discovertald.com for a thoughtful @discovertald gift. n

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B E AU TY The Good Patch Holiday Cheer Set ($30) This time of year can bring a touch of extra stress. For anyone who deserves a little boost to feel their best, this popular trio of plant-based patches is a thoughtful way to show you care. The set comes with B12 Awake to help the wearer feel alert without a caffeine crash, Dream to help with sound sleep and Rescue for feeling better after a night of over-indulgence (hello, office party!). For all, just peel and stick a patch on the inside of the wrist for eight to 12 hours and reap the Target benefits of a slow, sustained delivery system. target.com Each set comes with 12 patches. @target

Better to

Receive Spongellé Men’s Supreme Body Buffer ($20) This scrubbing pouf has a moisturizing body wash built in, making it a great stocking stuffer for any man on your list. He’ll just add water to activate the mango, shea and cocoa butter that scrub away dirt and dry skin. The formula is enriched with coffee and black tea and scented with cedar, oud, amber, lemon and black rose for an invigorating way to take his shower experience to the next level. This oneLucy’s Market step body treatment lasts lucysmarket.com for 20 or more washes. @lucys_market

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT TO DELIGHT THE BEAUTY LOVERS IN YOUR LIFE STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Don’t stress about finding just the right gift ideas to delight your beauty-savvy friends and family. We’ve taken the guesswork out

BOTA Warming Muscle Melt Crème ($28) If someone you love tends to get extra-stressed during the holidays, this soothing gift is a thoughtful gesture. BOTA, a brand known for its CBD-infused formulations, designed its body butter to help recipients unwind. It’s formulated with naturally warming cinnamon oil, ultrahydrating shea butter and hemp extract (less than 0.3% THC). It’s perfect for a post-workout pick-me-up or to soothe ULTA Beauty a stiff neck from too much ulta.com online holiday shopping. @ultabeauty

of selecting the perfect present with this fun guide that’s sure to help your recipients enjoy a more beautiful festive season.

Nécessaire The Body Ritual ($40) Who says beauty treatments should only be for your face? This cult-favorite brand is built on the principle that your body deserves the same care as your visage, offering gender-neutral, clean personal care products. This set of four comes with The Body Wash, The Body Exfoliator, The Body Serum and The Body Lotion. Each is packed with active nutrients and vitamins that guarantee your lucky Sephora recipient will see smoother, sephora.com healthier, more radiant skin. @sephora.com

Piggy Paint Polish Set ($9.99) For the littlest beauty-lover on your list, this cute set of non-toxic nail polishes is a perfect treat. The group of four bright, water-based polishes in blue, purple and two shades of pink are designed with kiddos in mind and are also notflammable and hypoallergenic. Plus, they’re Target scented! target.com @target

Tata Harper’s Daily Essentials ($75) If someone on your gift list is curious about cleaner yet super-effective skincare, this travelsized set from an award-winning clean brand is a great introduction. It includes the Regenerating Cleanser, Hydrating Floral Essence, Rejuvenating Serum, Repairative Moisturizer, Replenishing Nutrient Complex and Resurfacing Mask. Whether your recipient has a busy calendar of travel coming up or is looking to level-up their skincare routine, this set packaged in AILLEA the brand’s signature elegant aillea.com green glass bottles is a winner. @ailleabeauty

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

The Carlos Family in Honor of Thalia N. Carlos Presents

returns to live performances at a new venue! December 4–29, 2021 | For tickets, visit atlantaballet.com or call at 800.982.2787. Groups of 10+, email groupsales@atlantaballet.com Sponsors

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

W E L LN ES S

Waste-Less Wellness Small but significant eco-friendly changes you can make now STORY:

Karina Antenucci

Home Décor that produces Buckhead Candle. Seydel highly recommends clean beauty store AILLEA in Buckhead and high-end makeup line Kjaer Weis, a pioneer in refillable packaging.

hile the beauty and wellness industries produce products to make you look and feel good, they often have the opposite effect on the environment. “The products we use most often in the most intimate places in our lives have been found to be incredibly wasteful,” says Buckhead resident Savannah Seydel, vice president of sustainability at Better Earth. Fortunately, there’s also a growing sustainability movement with more and more brands making eco-friendlier moves with their packaging and overall ethos. “Consumers, brands and companies are choosing more sustainable packaging because we’re facing a massive crisis. Three hundred million tons of plastic are produced every year, 50% of which is for single-use purposes. And each year, 8 million tons of this plastic waste are dumped in the ocean. Research now shows that plastics break down into microplastics, which are extremely small pieces of plastic debris. These particles can be found everywhere, from the depths of Lake Tahoe to our stomachs,” Seydel says. If you’re looking for simple ways to waste less and make healthier choices for both the environment and your body, here are a few options that don’t require major sacrifices.

Choose Glass or Metal Select products in glass or metal containers, which are highly recyclable, instead of plastic. “Glass containers can be reused over and over. You can plant in them or wash them to store stuff. Please recycle or

Buy in Bulk

Savannah Seydel, vice president of sustainability at Better Earth.

reuse your containers,” says Ebru Karpuzoglu, Ph.D., founder and Chief Science Officer of local beauty brand AveSeena, which uses sustainable ingredients, biodegradable formulas and recyclable glass packaging. Bonus: It looks better than plastic on your countertops.

Shop Local When possible, purchase products from local businesses to reduce your carbon footprint and avoid packaging waste. Look for local brands that are doing the environment good, such as Buckhead Candle. Made in-house from clean soy wax and nontoxic essential oils for fragrances such as lemon verbena and lavender chamomile, the majority of its pretty holders can be refilled. “The concept is a win-win. People can keep the favorite candle containers they love and keep them out of landfills,” says Lawton Hall, owner of EcoHome Fine Gifts &

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Make use of the bulk and refillable options at your local grocery and beauty stores. For example, at Whole Foods’ bulk items stations, bring your own containers to fill with freshly ground nut butters and use the provided recyclable paper bags for nuts, oatmeal, granola and a host of other goodies for your healthy diet. And wellness shop Fig & Flower has a Common Good Refill Station where you can fill your own containers with dish soap, hand soap, laundry detergent and more.

Recycle and Refill For those who rely on the modern convenience of online shopping (we get it), one respectable practice is to recycle and reuse your purchases’ packaging, such as the box and bubble wrap, as much as possible. Also check out refill subscription options for everything from eco-friendly cleaning products to bath and grooming items. The Refill Shoppe, for instance, ships refillable face washes and laundry concentrate, as well as reusable dryer balls and long-lasting dish soap bars, right to your door. “Making small changes like refilling not only helps you to live more sustainably, it gets you thinking about other gradual changes you can be making to be kinder to the Earth,” says Michelle Stevens, founder and CEO of The Refill Shoppe, which favors glass, metal and cork in its packaging whenever possible. n

1. The Refill Shoppe Honey Face Wash ($18) comes in a refillable pouch and is shipped sustainably. 2. Buckhead Candle Silver Mercury Glass Cylinder Candle ($65) has a refillable container to fill with one of its essential oil-based scents. 3. AveSeena Ageelss Perfection Cream ($157) uses recyclable glass packaging and is synthetic fragrance-free.

DETAILS AILLEA 470.427.3992 aillea.com @ailleabeauty AveSeena aveseena.com @aveseena Buckhead Candle 404.948.2901 ecohomeatlanta.com @ecohomeatlanta Fig & Flower 404.998.8198 shopfigandflower.com @figandfloweratl Savannah Seydel becompostable.com @savannahmseydel The Refill Shoppe therefillshoppe.com @therefillshoppe

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

P.O. Box 11633 Atlanta, GA30355 404-538-9895 simplybuckhead.com

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

TA S T E MA K E R

cluded sound therapy by Alex Ballew with Secret River Sounds, readings by intuitive reader and coach India Leigh and nutrition advice from meal-prep service Perfectly Portioned Nutrition. Upcoming Wellness Weekends will be on Nov. 14 and Dec. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tickets cost $40 and are free for FUSE VIPs. Why would someone attend a Wellness Weekend? It’s a chance to try something new. Someone might be hesitant to try something they’ve heard of but sounds different. Get out of your head for a sec and try it! We take no proceeds; ticket fees go straight to our partner providers. What is FUSE best known for? We are known for our no-impact, highintensity cardio trampoline workouts called Bounce, a ’70s aesthetic and the people and energy here. The workout is for any body—that’s what keeps people coming back. Our community is unintimidating, unlike some other fitness studios. Our clients hang out outside of the studio. It’s not a group-within-the-group type thing; it’s everybody hanging out together. What is your wellness routine? I am a major fan of food. I love it so much that I eat all the ones that are bad for me. And I never took the time to learn how to cook. I recently discovered Perfectly Portioned [Nutrition] and loved the food so much that I had to partner with them. I also go to East Cobb Spine & Sport Chiropractic. They work with me on supplements and listening to my body and what it needs.

In the Groove Haley Glass brings wellness events to her ’70s-themed fitness studio

hen you enter FUSE Atlanta in Sandy Springs, you might at first think you’re in the wrong place for a trampoline or barre fitness class. The entry area and the loft above is an event space (rentable through Peerspace) decked out in bright ’70s-themed decor, including an old tube TV, pink record player, groovy teal-highlighter-hued wallpaper, jukeboxes and more. It isn’t until you walk through another door that you get the open, naturally lit classic ballet studio look that is

more recognizable as a fitness space. In keeping with the retro theme, however, a disco ball still sparkles above the hardwoods. “I wanted to design it in a way that you can’t be upset in here. If you’re having a bad day, it doesn’t continue here,” says Haley Glass, the 27-yearold entrepreneur who opened the studio in September 2019 after falling in love with a regular fitness routine at Pink Barre studio a few years earlier. Glass, who also lives in Sandy Springs, says of the opening, “It was

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Karina Antenucci

PHOTO: Joann

Vitelli

really close to the start of COVID. If you can make it through this, you can make it through anything. It was perfect timing and taught us to have patience, hope and, most of all, love, which is what’s kept us open.” Building on her growing following, last August Glass launched FUSE Atlanta’s Wellness Weekends. The events, which typically fall on the last Sunday of the month, have each hosted around 10 people and feature various experts within the wellness community. Past experiences in-

What is the most important thing everyone can do for themselves daily? Give yourself three healthy compliments. Positive self-talk is a big thing. Have any advice for someone trying to get fit? Have patience and grace with yourself. We all have an idea of how something should go, and when it doesn’t, we kick ourselves. Keep a positive attitude and don’t deprive, suffer or be miserable to get fit. At FUSE, we want to make sure you’re having fun. Be excited about what your body can do rather than what it can’t. n FUSE ATLANTA 470.588.1867 fuseatlanta.com @fuseatlanta

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Above: Long-range views of Lake Chatuge from atop Bell Mountain Left: Brasstown Valley Dining Room and Kitchen Below: Crane Creek Vineyards offers patio seating with views of the vineyard and rolling hills Bottom Right: Sunrise Grocery offers local honey, salsa, pickles, jams, soaps, and more. Above: Eric Champlin and Rob Sollie of Trailful Outdoor

Into the Woods: Nest At Brannon Ridge STORY & PHOTOS:

Joanne Hayes

or a true recharging experience, modern cabin living at its best can be found at The Nest at Brannon Ridge. I recently had the pleasure of staying in an energy-efficient, solar-powered luxury home, tucked in Young Harris, GA. Arriving at the front door, I took a deep breath, soaking in the expansive views of the mountains. A spectacular moonrise our first night, followed by an equally gorgeous sunrise the following morning, had me imagining what it would be like to enjoy this breathtaking view every day. Whether you’re a “second home” owner wanting a place to escape and work from home in a retreat-style environment, a retiree living here full time or an investor seeking passive income through a rental property, this is an area of North Georgia to be watched over the next few years. Land is reasonably priced; taxes are low. The best part? We came for the peace and quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience, yet everything we needed—provisions, outdoor activities, golf, spa, dining and charming shops— was available within a 15 to 20-minute ride to Blairsville, Hiawassee, or Hayesville, N.C.

Trailful in Hiawassee has the outdoor gear needed for a day hike or extended time on the Appalachian Trail. At Vogel State Park in Blairsville, hikers can choose from a variety of trails, including the popular 4-mile Bear Hair Gap loop that leads to Trahlyta Falls or the challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail. Brasstown Bald, the highest mountain in Georgia, offers spectacular long-range mountain views, and for the most breathtaking view of Lake Chatuge, considered one of the most beautiful lake views in our country, take a drive to the top of Bell Mountain, whose 18-acre summit was donated to Towns County by the Hal Herrin family to be preserved for all to enjoy. For those who love to ride horses, golf or enjoy spa services, nearby Brasstown Valley Resort has memberships available for local residents, along with its fine dining restaurant featuring stellar service, exceptional mountain views, and cozy fireplaces. The menu changes seasonally; we sampled the new fall menu’s fried green tomatoes, pecan chicken, and cheesestuffed portobello mushroom with tortellini, alongside a lovely bottle of Bravium Pinot Noir, followed by Nutty Irishman coffee drinks. If casual dining is more your style, Hiawassee

Brew has a great vibe, offering 8 brews and hard cider. Weekend live music, board games, darts, burgers and tacos attract a loyal local crowd and tourists passing through. With a quick online search, we stumbled on a family-owned Italian/ Hungarian restaurant, Casa Bella, in Hiawassee, where the owner, Connie, is the chef/server, and her husband tends the dishes. Reservations are required, guests are welcome to bring their own wine or beer, the food is deliciously authentic (we chose Stuffed Cabbage and Chicken Paprikash) and served on Connie’s mother’s treasured china from Czechoslovakia. For oenophiles, the Stone House Tasting Room at Crane Creek Vineyards is a wonderful way to spend a leisurely afternoon. Picnic baskets are welcome, however cheese, crackers, and the added option of charcuterie platters on the weekends, are available to purchase and enjoy with your sample flight or bottle of wine. The views from the patio, overlooking the vineyards and rolling hills, kept us enthralled for several hours on a gorgeous day, enjoying the award-winning Hellbender blend, alongside locally made goat cheese. Two “can’t miss” experiences in Blairsville include Sunrise Grocery, owned by the Clemmons family since the 1920’s, for local goods including honey, salsa, pickles, jams, soaps and candles, pottery, and their very own “Souled in Appalachia” branded merchandise. G & G Bakery came highly recommended, and we couldn’t roll out of town without trying their famous cronuts, a flaky glazed donut made with croissant dough, served warm and absolute perfection when we took our first bite. The Nest at Brannon Ridge offers the opportunity to cultivate a lifestyle based on your personal desires; whether you’re a renter, weekend warrior or resident, there’s something for everyone. And if all you want is to sit and read a book, there’s no better place than on a daybed on the deck, admiring the vistas with your cup of coffee in hand. ■ gonest.net

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ON S TAG E

| ART

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SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Artist Ashley Longshore’s bold and bubbly work is currently on display at the new Don Purcell concept gallery.

ART BULLETIN

Spotlight: Ashley Longshore P58

Photo: Mary Ellen Matthews

“I love all genres of self-expression.” —Ashley Longshore November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

ART

LOCAL COLOR PUBLIC ART PROJECTS PAINT THE TOWN IN DUNWOODY

hen restaurants faced the pandemic fallout last year, Dunwoody stepped up to the plate with picnic tables and paintbrushes. In a maverick marketing move to boost business, colorfully decorated tables were placed outside area eateries to provide socially distanced seating options, with a map to follow the al fresco dining trail. Now, the city has unveiled a few more public art projects, including splashy murals at the Dunwoody MARTA Station and Spruill Center for the Arts. “Public art does so much to benefit a community, from acting as an economic driver to serving as a unifying aspect. As Dunwoody continues to grow, public art provides a sense of connection for our citizens and represents our dedication to improvement,” says Michael Starling, Dunwoody’s economic development director.

Art to Go Public transit was the perfect place for Neka King to unleash her artistic vision. Her murals at the Dunwoody MARTA Station, titled “The Commuters,” tap into the kinetic energy of the hub’s hustle and bustle in a larger-than-life streetscape, playing off the orange, yellow and blue color palette of the operator’s logo. “Being a citizen of Atlanta, going to MARTA always reminds us how diverse the city is. Everyone is living their own lives, almost like a little

STORY:

Above: Megan Reeves Williamson with her “Shine Your Light” mural at Spruill Center for the Arts. Left: Diana Toma’s “Daydreaming” mural at Spruill.

Ginger Strejcek

Below: Neka King’s “The Commuters” mural at Dunwoody MARTA Station.

movie,” says King, a frequent passenger while attending Georgia State University. “You may have a person getting flowers for his wife or a dad and his son going to a game. That’s just what I wanted to capture in this mural–the life that happens in these ‘in-between’ places.” The vibrant addition is part of MARTA’s Artbound public art program to jazz up stations with visual art, dance, theater and live music.

Making a Scene Spruill Center for the Arts has blossomed from the inside out this year as a trio of talented instructors transformed the exterior of the ho-hum building on ChambleeDunwoody Road into a spectacular open-air gallery. Diana Toma led the charge with “Daydreaming,” a fantastical scene

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

light, color and symbolic elements reflecting a rainbow-hued world of art and creation at the center’s entrance. After several weeks of prep work, she headed outdoors with supplies and ladder in tow to tackle the 22-by-9-foot canvas. Toma engineered a technique combining liquid paint and spray-painting for the rough stucco texture. Two new murals in the plaza are receiving plenty of fanfare as well: Megan Reeves Williamson’s “Shine Your Light” and Maureen Engle’s “Wooded Wall.” “My hope is that when people see my mural, they feel uplifted and guided to spread their own brand of magic and positivity,” says Williamson, who created a “selfie” wall with her spiritualthemed work. “The idea of someone holding a flashlight and shining their light filled with good vibes and won-

drous things into the darkness was the perfect concept for what everyone has been going through.” Maureen Engle had a little help with her enchanting forest of birch trees, serendipitously painted during Spruill’s summer camp for kids. “The children took quite an interest in the project and wanted to join in, and so I let them!” she says. The pint-sized Picassos picked their favorite colors and added leaves along the bottom. “The mural evolved from the original concept into an even more colorful landscape,” she says. n DETAILS discoverdunwoody.com @discoverdunwoody spruillarts.org @spruillarts itsmarta.com/artbound.aspx

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November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

ARTS BULLETIN

BY:

Jill Becker

HOW TO

O SPOTLIGHT

ASHLEY LONGSHORE A NEW SHOW HIGHLIGHTS THE ARTIST WHOSE WORK IS AS VIVACIOUS AS HER PERSONALITY

he newly opened Don Purcell concept gallery at Buckhead Village is showcasing the work of an exciting New Orleans-based but internationally known artist on its walls. Ashley Longshore, 46, whose work has been described as very Warhol-esque, has built a following that includes celebrities such as Blake Lively and Eli Manning and corporate partners such as Gucci and Maybelline. “The pieces are going to continuously rotate, and I’ve done a selection out of a lot of my different collections, so you have my

pop art, jewels, iconic women—a little bit of everything. They represent things I love and bring me joy,” says Longshore of the paintings, sculptures, purses and other pieces featured at Don Purcell. Longshore, who is self-taught, finds her inspiration in everything around her. “It’s my job to think outside of the box, to share with people my inner thoughts and create an environment that I react to,” says the Alabama-born mixedmedia artist. As bold and colorful as her paintings (and her wardrobe),

Longshore became the first female artist to receive a solo exhibit at Bergdorf Goodman in New York in 2018. She has since collaborated with various designers and fashion houses. “I love all genres of selfexpression,” Longshore says. “Fashion is very immediate, and when you’re in a crowd or you walk in a room, based on what you have on, you’re basically saying, ‘This is me. This is how I am. This is where I’m at.’ And I Don Purcell think that’s 404.239.4350 really excitdonpurcelljeweler.com ing.” n @donpurcelljeweler

riginally from Puerto Rico, and with multiple salsa and bachata world championships to his name, Jose Maldonado opened Atlanta’s first Latin dance studio in Sandy Springs in 2006. Formerly an engineer who holds five U.S. patents, Maldonado now shows off his skills on the dance floor, teaching group classes and private lessons at his PASOFino Latin Dance Studio. “Latin dance is energetic and fun, and you do it with a partner,” Maldonado says. “It’s enjoyed across all races and social classes all over the world.” Here, he instructs us on the basic beginning steps of the bachata, a partner dance that originated in the Dominican Republic: 1. Take a step left with your left foot, then step left with your right foot, closing your legs. Make sure to transfer your weight with every step. 2. Next, tap your right foot. Don’t transfer your weight when you tap. 3. Take a step right with your right foot, then right with your left foot, closing your legs. 4. Tap your left foot. 5. Repeat! PasoFino Latin Dance Studio 678.895.6955 pasofinodance.com @pasofinodance

ART HAPPENINGS The Nutcracker Nov. 26-28 & Dec. 3-5 Times vary; $27-$35 The Roswell Dance Theatre brings the holiday classic to the Byers Theatre stage in Sandy Springs as part of the Holiday at City Springs event. tysod.com @roswelldancetheatre_tysod

Atlanta History Center Author Talk Nov. 4: 7 p.m.; free virtual event Grace Bonney moderates a Zoom panel discussion featuring some of the women featured in her new

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

book, Collective Wisdom: Lessons, Inspiration, and Advice from Women Over 50, a compilation of interviews with more than 100 trailblazing women, from Olympic athletes to NASA team members. atlantahistorycenter.com @atlantahistorycenter

Chastain Park Fall Arts and Crafts Festival Nov. 6 & 7 Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free Painters, photographers, potters and more display their wares at this annual outdoor art gallery inside the

Sher Pruitt

Mary Ellen Matthews

DANCE THE BACHATA

upper area of Chastain Park. Artist demos, food trucks and a children’s area will be on hand. chastainparkartsfestival.com

TA S T E MA K E R

Why is the time right in your life for this show? It’s a really weird time. I’m 45. When I first started my design career, I was 30. I thought, “Oh gosh, I’m going to age out.” It still shocks me, but it turns out 40-somethings are the new 30-somethings. How did you select the spaces to makeover? One of the things I’m so happy about is the majority of episodes are my clients. In the last tear-jerky episode, I revisit the first clients I ever had at their home near Grant Park. The [two women] are frontline workers and still married after 20 years. In 2003, I used my DIY skills to make a huge mural for them. They were so in love with it that they kept it exactly how it was! It was so touching. We remodeled the kitchen but wanted it to reflect the same mural. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have had a career. Mind for Design has strong, touching story lines like this. No forced drama, but interesting stories of people being people. What is your favorite color? Forest green, but I’d call it a tie because I use blush or muted pink the most. There’s a ton of both in my home. If someone walks into a room, what makes them say “Brian Patrick Flynn has been here!”? There’s a small element of humor juxtaposed with something draped in classicism.

Ready, Set, Design Brian Patrick Flynn stars in a fresh design show concept STORY:

Karina Antenucci

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

tar of the new show Mind for Design on the Magnolia Network, Brian Patrick Flynn is such a natural on camera and with interior design that it’s surprising to learn his career actually started behind the scenes, and he’s never set foot in a design school. Flynn studied video production at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and became a TV and film producer and art director before beginning his foray into design at 30. His education and behind-thecamera know-how have served him well onscreen as an HGTV icon and in building his design empire over the

last decade and a half, which includes a social media following of upwards of 165,000 who regularly tune into his fun Instagram stories showing “backstage” glimpses of his work. “Joanna loved my Instagram stories,” says Flynn of Joanna Gaines, co-founder of Magnolia Network, whom he first met in 2019 and chatted with about Kacey Musgraves and watching TV on streaming platforms. “At the end of our lunch, she told me about the network she was going to launch.” A year later, he received a text from the network president, and the first season of the show documenting Flynn’s real clients, team and process is now streaming on Discovery Plus. Here, Flynn talks more about the unique qualities of Mind for Design,

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

which will stream new episodes in 2022, his signature design style and another new creative project. What sets this show apart from other design programs? It’s remarkably documentarian with an airy, dreamy feel. The thing that’s interesting about Mind for Design, which is produced by Atlanta-based Crazy Legs Productions, is it’s not staged. Crews get there before the design team, safety measures are in place, and the show runner is like “do the thing you are going to do to this room.” It’s so refreshing because most design shows follow the same format that you’ve seen a million times. You won’t find us leaving you with a cliffhanger like, “Oh no, is the chimney going to fall or not?” That doesn’t happen on my projects!

Why did you choose your Pine Hills home? I bought it in 2015 from a 94-year-old ex-client of mine. I remodeled the basement for her in 2010. I said to her this is my dream block, house, neighborhood, and she told me she’d sell it to me one day. Then in 2014, her granddaughter said her grandma wanted to sell it. If [my husband Hollis and I] start a family, it is close to everything in Atlanta. Do you have any other creative projects on the horizon? One of my best friends, local photographer Robert Peterson [of Rustic White Interiors], and I have been working on my first book for 4.5 years across four continents and counting. It’s design mixed with bucket list travel and spaces inspired by experiences. It is very unique, not the same design book you’ve seen time and time again. I’m hoping the next chapter of my career includes all facets of publishing so I can share my body of interior design work as well as my passion for adventure travel. n magnolia.com, @bpatrickflynn

TO YOUR COMMUNITY Now Accepting Toy Donations!

We’re Collecting Toys Until Friday, December 17th *Donated toys must be new & unwrapped for ages 2-14.

PLEASE DROP OFF TOYS AT OUR LOCATION DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.

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www.GeorgiaPrimaryBank.com 404-231-4100

Galloway students confidently embrace challenges while developing the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to thrive as enlightened contributors in their chosen pathways.

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DISCOVE R G ALLOWAY Visit gallowayschool.org to register for our open house on Sunday, December 5.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

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

maggie schreck

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

Maggie Schreck, PA-C

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Patrick Heagney

COV ER S TORY

PRECIOUS PETS OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS TAKE CENTER STAGE According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 70% of U.S. households have at least one pet. Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, snake or something more exotic, pet owners know that animals are official members of the family. Read on to discover key tips for fostering an animal waiting for its forever home, how to budget so your pet doesn’t mean unexpected financial strain, ideal ways to incorporate your pet’s gear seamlessly into your home’s decor and so much more.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

STRIKE A POSE INSTAGRAM SENSATION MIA THE WESTIE IS AMERICA’S TOP DOG MODEL STORY:

eople ask Juliana Acosta nearly every day where her photography studio is located. They want to know all about the setup that allows her to take such adorable and memorable photos of Mia, her 4-year-old West Highland Terrier. Over the past year, Mia has become an Instagram celebrity, garnering more than 16,000 followers of her posts in which she models a variety of cute outfits and accessories. To get the best shots for the fans, Mia typically spends two days per week with Juliana in an unexpected locale. “The studio is in my closet,” says Acosta, who lives in Brookhaven and works at Emory University. “I share a closet with Mia; my clothing is on the left, and hers is on the right. Right up the middle, I have the background, lights and a stand. That’s where all of the magic happens.” Acosta took the award-winning photo that helped Mia land the title of America’s Top Dog Model for 2021 in that closet. The nationwide contest has been a friendly competition among dog owners since pet lifestyle

Amy Meadows

expert Jo Jo Harder launched it in 2005. Each year features a different theme; 2021’s “Vintage Tails” encouraged pup parents to dress their fourlegged friends in vintage styles. Mia stole the show in a red satin and lace dress, complemented by a necklace and headpiece adorned in crystals. “When I took the picture of Mia, it was a sad time. COVID was affecting my family, and I felt like my heart couldn’t take that much pressure. But my mom helped me take the picture and said, ‘We can do it,’” Acosta says. Mia’s win brought unexpected joy in the midst of a tough year. Mia has brought that kind of happiness to Acosta’s family since she joined it in 2017. Luna, their black Labrador that served as an emotional support pet for Acosta’s mother, had recently passed. And although the family also has three Yorkies, something was missing. “We used to see the commercials for Cesar’s dog food, and my mother always said she wanted a dog like that,” Acosta says. On Dec. 23, Acosta’s husband surprised his wife and mother-in-

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

law by adopting Mia. “The moment I saw her, she looked at me with those eyes, and I was sold,” she says. “It was a beautiful moment.” Not long after, Acosta put Mia in a sweater. She seemed to love it, and it didn’t take long for Acosta to begin trying different outfits. Soon, Mia was sporting an array of snazzy dog apparel and blinged-out accessories, from dresses, tutus and swimsuits to bowties, handkerchiefs and sunglasses. Acosta, who has a penchant for photography, began snapping pictures and started an Instagram account for Mia. During the pandemic, when Acosta began honing her photography skills, the account took off. Now, the process of capturing Mia’s style has become a family affair, with Acosta spending about two hours per week taking photos and 30 minutes editing them for Instagram. And when the images are posted, the engaging Westie’s personality spreads good cheer. “Mia is a very joyful little dog,” says Acosta, who has never considered monetizing the account, instead

choosing to make it more of an experience designed to inspire others. “She loves fashion. She’s fun and loving. She’s also a regular dog that runs around the living room and has adventures. She always brings a smile, and she inspires us every day.” n @mia_the_westie_

LAUNCH YOUR PET AS AN INFLUENCER Have dreams of turning your pet into an Instagram sensation? Here are a few tips from Juliana Acosta that will help you do just that. Be inspirational. In addition to a great picture, add something to your posts, such as an uplifting quote. Don’t force things. If your pet doesn’t like to wear clothes, don’t try to make them. Find a moment when you can just take a beautiful picture. It’s about the memory you’re creating through the picture. Be a storyteller. Your posts should show the history and life of your pet. Give people a story that they enjoy following.

C OVE R ST ORY

Five-Dog Days A big heart for pets makes it tough for Shana Pope to say no STORY:

H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Joann

Vitelli

hana Pope has a big heart for animals, though being allergic to cats has kept her from welcoming felines into the house. “That would be a mess,” she says. But Pope hasn’t let that affliction keep her from being a pet owner, and she’s channeled her passion for pets into the five dogs who live with her and husband Todd. She’s particularly enamored of miniature schnauzers, a fascination she dates back to the first time she saw one in a pet shop. “I immediately fell in love with Cooper, but we had just gotten together, and Todd didn’t think we were ready for a dog,” says Pope, who manages the Five Paces Inn on Irby Avenue in Buckhead. “I came home pouting. Then my parents came to the house, and my dad pulled the little black dog from underneath his shirt. We wound up keeping him for a while, and I knew he wasn’t going home. He led the way.” Two years later, the couple bought Oscar, a black and silver miniature.

But when Cooper passed away suddenly, Pope was ready to expand the crew. On a visit to pick up two miniature male schnauzers, Irby and Winston, they also fell for Dolly. “She’s the tiniest and fiercest nine pounds of fury,” Pope says. Four years ago, Pope adopted Riggs from the Angels Among Us Pet Rescue. The Staffordshire terrier and schnauzer mix is now 4. And when Oscar died, Pope thought she was done expanding the brood, but then fate introduced her to Willy Jackson. “I met a couple walking him in Buckhead, and he was so cute,” says Pope. “But they told me they hadn’t been able to find him a home and were taking him to the pound the next day. I didn’t even talk to Todd; I just brought him home. He’s about 54 pounds now and constantly on the go. He’s like having two dogs.” While all five critters get along, keeping the crew organized is the secret to Pope’s sanity. “We have a sunroom off our bedroom where each has their own bed,” she says. “When I tell them it’s time for bed, they know which one to go to. That’s a good thing because having dogs sleep in the bed with us

isn’t my husband’s favorite thing.” The dogs also eat, go outside and sleep all at the same time. Behind the couple’s Cumming home is a deck with a stone drainage system where the furry kids hang out during the day. An Infinity SUV is the ideal size for transporting them to the vet or groomer, although Pope does it in shifts “so I’m not tripping over all of them at the same time.” And she took each one to obedience classes. “Staying consistent is really impor-

tant,” she says. “I make sure they all know when it’s time to sit, time to go out. They know which is their bowl and their specific toys. That makes it super easy.” But it’s not always calm, she admits. “There’s never a dull moment,” Pope says with a laugh. “It’s still hard to get a little peace when I’m trying to concentrate or go to the restroom, but it’s really not that difficult. We’ve learned how to make it work. And I have enough love to go around.” n

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Madeline Bowen, Unsplash

Jamie Street, Unsplash

Anna Kumpan, Unsplash

COVE R S T ORY

BECOMING A TEMPORARY PET PARENT ISN’T AS COMPLICATED AS YOU MIGHT THINK

hile fostering an animal isn’t a new concept, the process can often seem more complicated than it is. “We’ve created our foster program to be as easy as possible, give foster [parents] the support they need and work with them to find the best match possible for their individual home and lifestyle,” says Kristen Sugg, communications manager at Best Friends Animal Society, an animal welfare organization that works with Atlanta’s shelters, related organizations and individuals to save the lives of pets in shelters.

How It Works After filing an application to foster, which is used to help pair the foster parent with the right pet for their lifestyle and personality, a representative from the shelter is required by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to conduct a brief home check, either in person or virtually, to ensure the home is safe for the animal. Then you’re matched with a foster pet of your choice. “We provide all of the supplies you’ll need for your foster pet, too—food, toys, beds, crates,

blankets, etc., and provide all of the medical assistance your foster pet needs while they’re with you,” says Christina Hill, associate vice president of marketing and communications at Atlanta Humane Society, which has a facility on the Westside, among other neighborhoods throughout the city. Providing supplies and medical needs is common among many shelters throughout Atlanta to encourage fostering and lower the overall financial investment required from the foster parent. Some foster organizations offer classes to educate new foster parents, especially those caring for pets that require medical assistance. Atlanta-based Furkids, for example, provides classes on bottlefeeding neonatal pets that are in most need of a foster home because they won’t survive in shelters with their fragile immune systems and round-the-clock feeding schedule. Atlantans can also spot these shelters partnering with the likes of Petco and PetSmart, where those interested can learn more about fostering programs in person.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Ralu Gal, Unsplash

THE F WORD

STORY:

Foster pets come in all shapes and sizes.

Taylor Heard

Why It Helps “The No. 1 problem fostering helps solve is capacity. The shelter will only hold so many animals, yet there are so many more that need to be saved. Foster homes also provide the emotional support these animals need that we don’t always have the staff resources to provide in the shelter,” says Samantha Shelton, executive director and founder of Furkids. “On average, we’ll have anywhere from 400-500 animals in foster on any given day; that’s how much we rely on our foster home partners.” Hill notes that an ideal foster parent doesn’t have any existing pets and isn’t looking to bring a new animal into the home permanently but rather offers a comfortable, temporary home for a pet that would otherwise be placed in a shelter until they’re adopted. “The goal of fostering is ‘goodbye,’ because there are always more pets who need you to foster them,” she says. “When animals go into a foster home, we learn so much more about them. They settle in, and their personality traits start to shine, so we’re better able to match them up with a new family.” n

LOCAL FOSTER ORGANIZATIONS Atlanta Humane Society 404.875.5331 atlantahumane.org @atlantahumane Atlanta Lab Rescue atlantalabrescue.com @atlantalabrescue Best Friends Animal Society 404.815.6680 bestfriends.org @bestfriendsanimalsociety Furkids 770.613.0880 furkids.org @furkidsatlanta LifeLine Animal Project 404.294.2996 lifelineanimal.org @lifelineanimal PAWS Atlanta 770.593.1155 pawsatlanta.org @pawsatlanta Rescue Me Georgia rmgdogs.org @rescuemega

Got Chickens, Koi or Parrots?

Dr. Carol Tobias cares for the unusual pets among us, including African Grays, snakes, chickens and more.

This mobile vet works with pets in ponds and backyards STORY:

H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Joann

Vitelli

r. Carol Tobias’ workdays are rarely the same. A veterinarian with a mobile business, she might begin with a visit to a koi pond in Sandy Springs and end up in a backyard full of chickens in Dunwoody. In between might be sessions with exotic birds in Brookhaven or guinea pigs in Buckhead. Tobias fell into the role of traveling vet by an accident of training. Her four years at UGA’s veterinary school taught her about cows, dogs and chickens, but her real love was the “exotics,” such as birds and fish. Her last year included an internship at Orlando’s SeaWorld. After graduating, the Sandy Springs native went back to Florida to practice and take specialized classes at SeaWorld. When she returned to Atlanta in 2001, she volunteered at the Georgia Aquarium, where she ensured incoming fish were healthy. That led to people asking if she would extend her expertise to their backyard pond pets. “I started treating fish, and then people would say, ‘And my dog needs a rabies shot,’” she says. “Other people also had cats, birds, chick-

ens, guinea pigs, rabbits and goats I started treating. So I found the job by accident; I never thought I’d have my own business.” Nathan’s Ark Mobile Vet Service, named for Tobias’ son, was formally launched in 2010. Today, it’s one of a small number of veterinarian businesses that make house calls in the metro area. The service’s convenience and competitive pricing have kept her busy, especially during the pandemic. “I get feedback from pet owners all the time that they really like how it’s less stressful for the pet for me to come to them,” she says. “There’s no waiting in the lobby. For people with multiple pets, it’s economically better: one house call, one fee.” The smallest pet she’s worked with is an African dwarf frog, and the strangest was a hermit crab the owner wanted to be sure was healthy. (“I was able to weigh it and do a physical,” she says proudly.) Koi owners get very attached to the pets that can recognize them and be fed by hand. And as the owner of an African grey parrot, Tobias has no fear of exotic birds. “Many vets won’t see them because they’re difficult,” she says. “But I’m comfortable with them. And I see a lot of fish that have health issues around water quality and feeding. They get tumors, and I have done

surgeries on them. They’re a minority of my practice, but it’s great for owners who want them treated.” When more sophisticated care is called for, Tobias can treat animals from a space she leases in a Decatur clinic. “That’s where I can do things like x-rays,” she says. Another service Tobias offers is in-home euthanasia. “It’s a much more peaceful process than doing it in a clinic,” she says. But most house calls are full of happy barks and purrs from the cats and dogs that make up the majority of her practice. “Some families I see have five or six dogs,” she says. “In Buckhead and Brookhaven, I see lots of pocket pets—rabbits, guinea pigs. I probably see more chickens in Decatur and Tucker, but Sandy Springs and Dunwoody are getting more.” Along with the aforementioned parrot, Tobias keeps chickens, four cats and three dogs. One positive outcome of COVID: Her husband, Jim, has a new appreciation for the menagerie. “He wasn’t a pet owner before we met,” she says. “But he’s enjoying them since he’s been home and gotten to know them.” n Nathan’s Ark Mobile Veterinarian 404.218.2776 nathansarkmobilevet.com

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

THE PRICE TO KEEP PRECIOUS PURRING Here’s how to plan financially for a four-legged family member

ost shouldn’t be an obstacle to pet ownership, says Andrea Peterson, the COO of LifeLine Animal Project. “Everybody who chooses to have a pet should have a pet,” says Peterson, whose organization runs the animal services and shelters for Fulton and DeKalb counties. “We want to support whatever that takes.” LifeLine’s Pets for Life program helps more than 300 people a month in Atlanta with expenses from food to vet care, and it has special funds for emergencies. Pet cost estimates vary widely. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests an annual average of $1,391 for dogs and $1,149 for cats. Lifestyle site The Spruce Pets offers a range for dogs of $1,500 to $9,900. Americans spent a record $103.6 billion on pets in 2020, up 6.7% from 2019, according to the American Pet Products Association. Your spending depends on the size and age of your cat or dog, any pet health issues, your lifestyle and choices on such items as toys, food and treats. Cut initial costs by adopting from a shelter or rescue group. LifeLine charges $85 for a dog, $65 for a cat or $40 for either if the pet is older than 5

or the adopter is over 55. Those pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, saving approximately $620 per dog or $345 per cat. A dog will require a collar or harness and leash ($60), a carrier ($50), a crate ($60), grooming tools ($40) and training ($200), the ASPCA says. For a cat, one-time costs include grooming tools ($20), a carrier ($40), a litter box ($20), a scratching post ($15) and perhaps a collar or harness and leash ($15). You can spend much more, such as $600 for a self-cleaning litter box. Here’s what you can expect to pay annually: l License: Fulton and DeKalb require dogs and cats to be licensed for $10 per year or $25 for three years if they’re fixed or $25 for one year or $60 for three if they’re not. l Food: The ASPCA estimates $300 a year for dogs and $225 for cats. The Spruce Pets suggests $250 to $700 for dogs. The bigger and more active your pet, the more you’ll need. l Veterinary care, vaccinations and preventives: The ASPCA advises planning on $410 for a dog and $300 for a cat, but differing approaches and costs for vet offices produce widely varying prices, says veterinarian M. Duffy Jones, founder

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

of Buckhead’s Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital. The Atlanta Humane Society and LifeLine can save you money with $20 annual exams and vaccines starting at $40. Preventive medications for fleas and ticks cost around $200 a year through vets’ offices and less from outside pharmacies. Budget $100 annually for a dog’s heartworm testing and prevention. l Pet insurance: The ASPCA includes $516 for a dog or $348 for a cat for insurance against accidents and illnesses, when treatments can cost thousands. Jones says it’s a good idea to buy insurance while a pet is young and free of disqualifying conditions. Even better: self-insure by saving money for future catastrophes. l Litter: The ASPCA suggests a lowball cost of $150 per cat. l Toys: The ASPCA estimates $37 for a dog and $22 for a cat, though some pets are happy with a used hair ribbon or an old shoe. l Treats: The ASPCA sets aside $60 for a dog and $36 for a cat. l Other stuff: Expect $20 to $25 a day to board a pet while you travel and at least that much whenever someone else walks your dog. Each professional grooming session can top $50. A $10 pet brush for home should last years. n

STORY:

Michael Jacobs

VETS DON’T BITE, SO JUST ASK Veterinary costs can cause friction between the partners in a pet’s health: the owner and the doctor. The best treatment, Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital founder M. Duffy Jones says, is communication. Ask your vet to detail the costs underlying service fees. Don’t hesitate to request an itemized estimate before getting treatment and ask for further information. Just remember that the doctor is supposed to be an ally, not an enemy. Tight finances? Nonprofits such as the Atlanta Humane Society and LifeLine Animal Project provide discounted services. And Jones says good vets will work with you to make care affordable. Vets are “the MacGyvers of medicine,” he says. “We’ll figure out a way to get it done to give your pet the best care in a way that you can afford.”

LifeLine Animal Project Community Animal Center 404.292.8800 lifelineanimal.org @lifelineanimal Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital 404.812.9880 peachtreehillsvet.com @peachtreehillsanimalhospital

C OVE R ST ORY

Wag-Worthy Abode Brian Patrick Flynn’s interior design tips for incorporating a pet into your home STORY:

Karina Antenucci

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

ant a cat or dog, but the thought of all of their stuff mucking up your home’s interior design has you in a tailspin? Interior designer and HGTV and Magnolia Network personality Brian Patrick Flynn, who has two rescue dogs—a 7-year-old cattle dog, Fylgja (“feel-k-yuh”), and a 12-year-old Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix, Gidget— understands. He provides the following advice to make it work.

Choose Performance Fabrics If you have a pet that sheds, avoid linen and velvet at all costs, as they act like sticky tape for hair. “When it comes to performance fabrics, anything with lots of texture helps, as it will camouflage fur and hair. I’m also a huge fan of anything that’s canvas-like as it usually means it’s so flat that nothing sticks to it.”

Take a Stand “Whenever possible, I opt for pet bowls that have their own stands so they sit just above the ground and look more intentional, design-wise.”

Cue Neutral Colors “A lot of pet toys come in super-bold colors which can instantly turn them into eye sores. I opt for ones made from organic materials in neutral tones so they just kind of fade away in a space.”

Hide the Litter There is no such thing as a stylish cat litter box. “Whenever possible, I try to keep them tucked behind potted greenery. The cat can have some privacy and the greenery blocks the litter box from sight.”

Buy Real Furniture Instead of run-of-the-mill dog and cat beds, Flynn opts for pet sofas. “These are designed to look like actual people’s sofas but to a pet’s scale. And when it comes to crates, I choose end tables that have crates incorporated into them.” n @bpatrickflynn

OH,

J3lly B3ans Photography

Patrick Heagney

COVE R S T ORY

SNAP! TOP TIPS FOR A WINNING PHOTO SHOOT WITH YOUR PET

ets are lucky. They don’t need to book hair appointments, get their makeup done or clean up around the house before a photo shoot. Whether your pup or snake is getting ready for their close-ups, all they have to do is show up and be 100% authentic. All of the prep work falls on their humans. We tapped a couple of professional photographers for their advice on what to do in advance and on picture day so your pet portrait turns out picture perfect.

STORY:

THE BEST SPOT

THERESA VAN STADEN

For the majority of pets, photographers agree that the best photo shoot location is where they are the most comfortable: at home. That is, except for dogs. “Parks are always a good option with dogs as they get to run around, and the natural light is nice to shoot in. You can get fun shots chasing them around, and once they tire themselves out a bit, they’ll be easier to convince to sit still and pose in areas with good backgrounds,” Heagney says. PATRICK HEAGNEY

Keep Calm The best way to assist the photographer in capturing your animal is to stay relaxed and be patient. “Pet owners often arrive for their animal’s session in an [anxious] state about whether they will behave or not. Your pet doesn’t know how to smile on command,” says Theresa van Staden, photographer and owner of J3lly B3ans Photography in Dunwoody.

“It’s my job to get the animal to look at the camera and ‘smile.’ The best thing a pet owner can do is be calm and hold the leash when needed.”

Know Your Pet Some animals just don’t have the right temperament for a photo shoot. “Whether it’s the flashing lights or the strange people, if an animal is freaked out, you won’t get good photos, and you’ll just be torturing the pet. In those cases, I think it’s best not to put them through a traumatic experience,” says Patrick Heagney of Patrick Heagney Photography. Likewise, if your pet is aggressive toward human strangers, stick to your smartphone for photos.

Clean Home

Patrick Heagney

Tidy up your spaces prior to the photographer’s arrival if the photo session is happening at home. “This saves time and makes the photos turn out nicer,” Heagney says.

Well-Groomed Your pet will put its best paw forward

Karina Antenucci

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

if it gets groomed a day or so before the shoot, especially if it has long hair, van Staden says. Also, keep a brush on hand the day-of. “They’ll be running around during the shoot and will likely need a touchup,” Heagney says.

Outfit Selection Putting your furbabies in outfits or accessories can look adorable but is only appropriate if they’re familiar with dressing up. “A photo shoot is a bad time to introduce it,” Heagney says. Otherwise, an attractive, clean collar is simple and looks great.

Tricks with Treats Have your pet’s favorite treat and toy on hand to get its attention. Van Staden says, “I normally bribe dogs with high-value treats like Stella and Chewy’s freeze-dried meal toppers or chicken or turkey pieces. For cats, a wand toy can get them to look in the photographer’s direction.” Heagney adds, “Sometimes dogs get so excited they leap up and run for the treats, but eventually this approach usually works.” n

One of van Staden’s favorite outdoor locations is Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, which has various backdrops including a community garden and a 2-mile, multi-use loop trail. “I prefer to shoot dogs in any wooded area. I look for a quiet location where they can’t get so distracted by people and other dogs walking by,” she says. At home, van Staden says the best area for photos is outside in the shade, facing the direction of the sun so the animal will be illuminated from the front. “Find a spot that is uncluttered and has nothing distracting in the background.” On the other hand, Heagney, who always brings extra lighting just in case, prefers a well-lit space such as a room with a lot of windows. “It helps if it’s a place where the animal likes to hang out. They’ll be more comfortable and may cooperate more.”

J3lly B3an Photography 404.719.3605 jbp.studio @j3lly_b3ans_photo Patrick Heagney Photography 404.788.7744 patrickheagney.com @patrickheagney

THANK YOU, ATLANTA! FOR LETTING US WOO YOU!

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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

Ecco's interpretation of classic scampi includes perfectly al dente bucatini, Georgia shrimp and Sapelo Island clams.

RESTAURANT REVIEW Dancing Through the Seasons P74

Photo: Sara Hanna

"There aren't four seasons; there are actually around 16." —Drew Van Leuven

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

REVIEW

Dancing Through

THE SEASONS

Fall in love with this seasonally inspired dish of tender smoked duck breast and Cotechino sausage, accented with roasted pumpkin, local mushrooms, soft apples and braised chestnuts.

Ecco Buckhead’s hyper-seasonal dishes make for ever-changing offerings STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna

S A side of pommes frites (that's fancy fries) with sherry garlic aioli is a simple pleasure worth the indulgence.

ome of my fondest memories are of gliding around the dance floor, being led through the elegant one-two-three of the waltz or the crisp, drama-filled steps of the tango. What started as an elective ballroom dancing class in college turned into a full-fledged passion for me. Meals at Ecco in Buckhead have that same elegance and spontaneity. Instead of a partner leading him to music, Executive Chef Drew Van Leuven allows

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

himself—and his highly developed sense of creativity—to be driven by what’s in season. “Farmers grow vegetables throughout the year, all with a short timespan of perfect seasonality,” he says. “There aren't four seasons; there are actually around 16 [when it comes to produce].” He maintains strong relationships with regional growers, so he’ll know what’s coming into its peak of freshness, even if ingredient availability is short-lived, sometimes even a handful of days. Case in point: Though there was a scant two-week interval between recent dinners, the menu was transformed. During my first visit, I fell in love with a starter of impossibly creamy burrata with peppery arugula, English peas, sweet-tart strawberries and pickled fennel, drizzled with peppercorn vinaigrette; grilled Spanish octopus, charred in all the right places and served with Castelvetrano olives and fried shallots; and a rather extraordinary grilled pork tenderloin with beet top risotto, crispy pancetta and golden beets. Though their memory had my mouth watering in advance of my second reservation, they’d been replaced with updated dishes according to micro-changes in what was available from local farmers. During my second visit, I decided to stick to items that tend to be perennial Ecco

favorites—the things that might incite a riot among regular guests if they were removed. No matter when you visit, the tangy goat cheese, fried to golden, drizzled with honey and flecked with cracked black pepper (a holdover from Fifth Group’s original location in Midtown), is a must-order. The pastas are made fresh, so you can’t go wrong with carb-loading here. A classic, the toothsome, just al dente pappardelle is tossed with silky pork, braised with garlic, basil and mild, sweet peppadew peppers. At lesser restaurants, a flatbread can feel like a safe or uninteresting choice. Here, the Allora arrived crisp and char-spotted from its brief stint in the ultra-hot, wood-fired oven and topped with ruby red San Marzano tomato sauce, still bubbling mozzarella, hot sopressata and pepperoni. That dish alone will keep me coming back; it’s casual, comforting, unpretentious and perfectly done. If you’re looking for a way to exercise a bit of your own creativity, the culinary crew is known for its fresh bread and curing many of the meats on offer, so you’re always able to build a spectacular charcuterie board. Mortadella studded with pistachios, duck confit rillette and enough smoked sausages to make a meat-lover’s head spin come served with seasonal accoutrements such

Above: The Allora flatbread is an elevated version of a classic Neapolitan pizza. Left: Octopus and calamari are skewered and served with coal-roasted potatoes and putanesca. Right: Build your own charcuterie board from Ecco's delectable array of house-cured meats and imported cheeses.

Left: Carb load in style with housemade pappardelle tossed with silky braised pork. Right: This unlikely combination is a perennial Ecco favorite: goat cheese fried to golden, drizzled with floral honey and topped with cracked black pepper. Below: Peak-ofseason fruit comes baked inside puff pastry and served with house-made salted caramel gelato for a sweet end to your meal.

Executive Chef Drew Van Leuven allows himself—and his highly developed sense of creativity—to be driven by what’s in season. as pickles and jam, the ideal counterpoint to house-made mozzarella or gorgonzola dolce imported from Italy. Whether a meat and cheese platter is your preferred start to the meal or the meal itself, it shouldn’t be missed. An always on-duty sommelier can help you choose a nice glass (or bottle) of wine from the largely European list to complement whatever you’ve ordered. Another thing that stays consistent through every visit is the restaurant’s understated elegance that makes it easy to relax and enjoy yourself. The 12-foot-tall walnut door seems to signal that dining here is an event, something to be savored. The expansive dining room and bar fuse Old World gravitas with a streamlined, modern sensibility. Towering ceilings are made cozier with dropped wooden platforms, from which hang giant, softly glowing

circular light fixtures. Sumptuous leather chairs and booths invite guests to stay a while. The bar and lounge area, which opens into a covered patio, is adorned with black and white photos that serve to give the space a sense of history, even though it’s only been here since 2018. The frequent changes at Ecco are a double-edged sword: They make for an exciting experience every time you visit, rather like my joy at being led around the dance floor, unsure what step my partner will choose next, but it can be disappointing if one of your favorites isn’t available. There's an easy fix: If you fall in love with a dish, visit again quickly because this inventive and intuitive kitchen team will continue to dance to the music of the seasons, creating ever-new dishes to delight their guests. n

ECCO BUCKHEAD 404.347.9558 ecco-atlanta.com, @ecco.atl Prices: small plates: $9-$18; flatbreads: $15-$21; pasta and mains: $19-$36; sides: $7-$12; desserts: $6-$9. Recommended: Allora flatbread, fried goat cheese, agnolotti, pappardelle with braised pork, wood-grilled pork tenderloin, seasonal fruit tart. Bottom line: Meticulously crafted and highly seasonal interpretation of Italian and Spanish cuisine, served in a cozy atmosphere that marries Old World grace with contemporary vibes.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

D R I NKS

Whiskey & Chocolate AN ALCHEMY OF AROMATICS AND FLAVOR

t’s well known that wine and cheese are standard bedfellows, but whiskey and chocolate can have quite a courtship as well. Both can bring forth an intense tasting experience on their own. Together, a sort of alchemy happens, transforming them both. Whiskey is a perfect pairing for chocolate, with the drink’s inherent sweetness and ability to cut through fat. Its high alcohol content enhances aromatics in chocolate, while the fat content of chocolate tempers strong alcohol flavors. Chocolate and whiskey stored in oak barrels even share similar chemistry, both having compounds such as tannins, vanillin and lactones that dominate the aromas in whiskey. There are two ways to taste chocolate and whiskey: pairing it with similar flavors to bring out similarities or tasting for contrast. While matching similar flavors can reveal deeper essences and characteristics within both, “discordant pairings assault the palate with contrasting flavors,” said Spirits Brand Educator Kaleb Cribb, who works with Atlanta area bartenders and restaurants. The disparity “shocks the palate

and makes flavors brighter,” he says. To begin, get to know your whiskey. Swirl it in your glass to check its “legs.” The faster it moves, the lighter bodied it is. Hold it up to the light and note its color. Nose the whiskey. That is, keep your lips parted and breathe in through your nose to take in aromas. Take a sip and let the whiskey roll around in your mouth for a few seconds. Get acclimated. Then focus on flavors, noting the sweet, the spice, the bitter. When tasting chocolate, take into consideration the cacao content. This is the number of cocoa solids, cocoa butter and milk (in any form) incorporated in your piece of chocolate. As cacao content increases, the taste is more chocolatey and less sweet. The remaining percentage consists of all the other ingredients (sugar, vanilla, fruit, nuts, salt or other flavorings). Now get to know your chocolate. Take in the scents. Let a piece settle on the middle of your tongue. Chew a little, then hit it with a little bit of whiskey while it’s still on your tongue. As you swallow, discover the evolution of flavor as the two substances interact. Milk chocolate has a smooth bal-

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Buckhead’s ASW offers a selection of chocolates and whiskey to fuel your tasting at home.

Angela Hansberger

ance of sweet and rich. Its cocoa content is generally low, between 1050%, but generally coming in around 40%. It’s a great match for bourbons with a bit of spice. For example, on the palate of Old Forester 100, you’ll find baking spices, caramel and milk chocolate. It’s a seamless match. Pair milk chocolate or dark with a rye whiskey, and the spice in the rye explodes on the palate. High West’s Rendezvous Rye has notes of oak, cocoa nibs, caramel, allspice and cinnamon that come out when sipped with chocolate. ASW’s Resurgens Rye is floral on the nose, with a little spice and grassiness on the palate. Introduce chocolate, and not only do brilliant spice flavors like cardamom jump out, but it enhances a lot of the chocolate notes from malted rye in the whiskey. Fruity and lighter Scotches such as Speysides also match perfectly with the creaminess of milk chocolate. Pull out the Macallan. There is no legal definition for dark chocolate, but this category is usually 50-90% cocoa, with most coming in about 70%. This is where whisky comes to play. “The general rule is

the smokier or peatier the Scotch, the darker the chocolate,” says Cribb. French Broad Chocolate’s Sea Salt is 75% cacao and is the perfect partner for Talisker Storm, made by the shore on the Isle of Skye. It brings out the fruit notes of the chocolate while simultaneously giving a coastal hit with peat. The warm and peaty aromas of Laphroaig are also an elegant match, bringing forward underlying smoky notes. Softer and fruitier Scotches pair well with flavored chocolates, especially those with hints of oranges and berries. When pairing a chocolate with nuts, look towards an oak-forward whiskey such as George Dickel Bottled in Bond, with complementary flavors of chocolate, vanilla, caramel and cinnamon on the palate. The flavors of smoke and wood from Scotch disappear into the richness of chocolate, whether bitter or creamy, revealing secondary flavors of both. “It creates someASW thing better 404.962.8702 than the sum aswdistillery.com of the parts,” @aswdistillery says Cribb. n

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

BY:

Claire Ruhlin

Clockwise, from left: The Southside Fizz from the Distillery of Modern Art. Owner and founder Seth Watson. A peek into the 15,000-squarefoot space.

TACO

’BOUT TASTE Whip up this delicious Mexican corn recipe from Yumbii

Art on Display CHAMBLEE’S DISTILLERY OF MODERN HONORS TWO CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS

ounded by event producer Seth Watson, Chamblee’s Distillery of Modern Art (DoMA) blends two creative expressions. Part distillery and part art gallery, the 15,000-square-foot space opened for tours and tastings over the summer. There’s also an additional 2,800-square-foot event space that may be rented out for private events. Here, we spoke with Watson about his vision.

What excites you most about opening the Distillery of Modern Art?

I'm looking forward to blending art and distilled spirits under one roof. Our goal is to make fantastic craft spirits that are approachable and affordable in an upscale environment. Most distilleries forget

FOOD NEWS

about the customer experience; that's where we started. The goal was to create a cohesive experience between a local spirits brand, an events space, an art gallery and a cocktail lounge under one roof. What kind of spirits can guests expect?

Our incredible head distiller, Matt Greif, will be producing vodka, peach vodka, gin, corn whiskey and amaro. As these products are being brought to market, we will produce and lay down bourbon and rye barrels. The selection will continue to expand as we perfect our offerings. What kind of artwork will be featured, and how often this will change?

We are looking to stay with modern

n Asian-fusion restaurant chain Wagamama is opening its first Georgia location in the Star Metals District in West Midtown. The restaurant, which originally opened in London in 1992 and now has seven locations worldwide, will feature a

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

art, from canvas to murals, sculptures and more. For our on-site gallery, as with our bottle art, art will rotate in and out, some staying for weeks, days and months. The goal is to work with local artists first to highlight our vibrant city and expand over time. We have zero intention of charging artists to display in our facility. We feel a duty and commitment to the arts, not a transactional relationship with artists. What kinds of events will the distillery host?

DoMA will host everything from distillery-sponsored cocktail classes, restaurant pop-ups, live music, art installations and more. But the space is also a kind of a blank canvas for others to use and create their own events. n Distillery of Modern Art 404.482.2663 distilleryofmodernart.com @distilleryofmodernart

menu of cooked-to-order noodle dishes, signature ramens, shareable plates and craft cocktails.

Taco-lovers, this one’s for you. Food-truck-turned-taco-shop Yumbii and sister restaurant The Queso Shop, a takeout destination for tacos and queso, are set to open at Moores Mill Center at the end of this year. Until then, you can get a taste of Yumbii’s Mexican corn using the recipe below.

Yumbii’s Mexican Corn Serves 2

1 cup corn, cut from the cob 1 tsp canola oil 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp green onion, sliced 1 tbsp red onion, small diced 1 tbsp Korean chili flakes 1 tbsp cotija cheese 1 tbsp Yumbii BBQ aioli 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped Sautée corn, red onion, green onion, season with salt and pepper. Place in a dish of your choice. A small soup cup works the best. Top with BBQ aioli, cotija cheese, chili flakes and cilantro. Garnish with a lime wedge.

munity-boosting tonics, teas, cold-pressed juices and artisanal chocolates. wave3coffee.com

wagamama.us

n Wave 3 Coffee will open this winter at Buckhead Commons, offering a menu of coffee, im-

n Chef Pat Pascarella, who is also behind Italian restaurants Grana in Piedmont Heights and The White Bull in Decatur,

Yumbii yumbii.com @yumbii

will soon open Bastone mozzarella bar in the former Bocado space in West Midtown. The winefocused eatery will offer hand-stretched mozzarella and cheese imported from Italy, as well as handmade pasta and craft cocktails. bastoneatlanta.com

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November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

TA S T E M AKE R

Kamel played soccer in college at the University of Naples in Italy.

Buckhead or Bust 5CHURCH FOUNDER AYMAN KAMEL HAD ONE GOAL: EXPAND TO BUCKHEAD

n Italian-Egyptian immigrant, Ayman Kamel arrived in New York in the ’90s, trading his engineering degree for a career in hospitality. Kamel learned the business from his uncle, but after losing his restaurant located across from the World Trade Center to 9/11, he moved south. He opened the first 5Church in Charlotte, followed by Charleston, and in 2016, Midtown Atlanta. “I fell in love with the restaurant business,” he says. “Seeing the smile on our guests’ faces on their way out, saying they had the best time, makes it all worth it.” As he explored the city, he became enamored with Buckhead. “It was my dream for the last five years to be a part of the community,” he says. “The area is so unique; it has everything every neighborhood would wish for. I knew it was only a matter of time—I wanted to be associated with Buckhead.”

That dream is coming to fruition with the fall opening of 5Church Buckhead in the former Sage Woodfire Grill space. Slightly smaller than the Midtown location, 5Church Buckhead boasts a sunroom with a retractable glass ceiling and a new menu specific to the area. “I plan to be in business for the next 20 to 25 years. To be able to do that, our business continues to evolve,” he says. We spoke to him to learn more. What’s the funniest thing that happened when you were opening 5Church Midtown? The artist we hired, Jon Norris, was painting the words to The Art of War on the ceiling of the restaurant and got annoyed with me because I kept asking him when it would be finished. So he told me afterward that he hid “beware of the owner” or something like that in the text.

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Carly Cooper

Why did you decide to expand to Buckhead? In 2019, I took a survey of every guest who walked in the Midtown restaurant (3,000 a week) asking what ZIP code they came from. More than 6% were from Buckhead. That’s when I knew 5Church Buckhead would be the perfect location. What’s unique about the Buckhead restaurant? The most popular items—the lamb burger, 60-second steak and scallops—will stay. Part of the menu will change weekly based on local farms. The key is the art and ambiance. We’ll be choosing local artists and changing the artwork every six months. Instead of The Art of War, we’ll showcase the history of Buckhead. We’ll have a chef’s table for 10-12 people. The chef will present the dishes and the thought behind them. I am working hard to put it inside the prep area of the kitchen

so diners can watch the staff working while they enjoy their dinner. What are your hobbies? When I’m not getting my butt kicked by work, I love to spend time with my lovely wife and two kids (a collegeaged son and a daughter in high school). I love to watch soccer. I watch European soccer, but my children and I are big Atlanta United fans. In fact, [the players] come to enjoy themselves at 5Church. I’ve traveled all over. You name it, I’ve been there: France, England, Holland, Spain, Egypt, Germany, Denmark. My family loves Mexico. That’s the happy place for us after a long year. My dream is to travel to Japan. n

5CHURCH BUCKHEAD buckhead.5church-atlanta.com @5church_buckhead

Brandon Amato

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404-458-0065 November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

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

Brock, Rebecca Cha, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick

THE ALDEN Chamblee's popularity as a residential and dining destination seems to be on the rise, and Chef Jared Hucks is here to make sure diners eat like royalty. Winning starters include a homemade bread plate with prosciutto butter and cheddar pimento cheese, silky sweet potato bisque and sashimi quality seared scallops. For mains, go with the cold smoked salmon, Moroccan-spiced shrimp and grits or the hickory smoked Brasstown coulotte steak. Desserts are deliciously unique. If you’ve got belly room to spare, be sure to witness the chef’s gastro-theatrics with the banana bread pudding service. Our favorite was the lunar chocolate, which the chef calls his “dessert moonscape.” Smaller dishes: $11-$21 Larger dishes: $23-$45 Desserts: $9-$15 Chef’s tasting menu: seven courses/$95 thealdenrestaurant.com

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

PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna, Joann Vitelli

are unlike anything else in town. We like the herb-based qurma sabzi with super-tender lamb shank and the bamia (okra and tomatoes) with oxtail. Don’t leave without a sip of the anise-flavored aperitif called arak and a bite of kanafeh, a sweet made of shredded phyllo, housemade sweet cheese, rose- and orange-water syrup and pistachios. Appetizers and sides: $2-$7 Entrees: $12-$20 babyloncafeatl.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-Deep-South 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-can-drink 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 consider carpooling or ridesharing. Starters: $4-$12 Salads, sandwiches and tacos: $11-$13 Entrees: $15-$19 Brunch items: $12-$15 bigskybuckhead.com The Alden's lemon tart with cantaloupe sorbet is a refreshing dessert. The dish is finished with local honey, bee pollen and Chantilly cream.

Veggie lovers will delight in Casi Cielo's milhojas de verduras, a napoleon loaded with sliced eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes, topped with cotija cheese.

CASI CIELO

if you’re willing and able.

Casi cielo translates to “almost heaven,” and it’s a fitting description for this sophisticated Sandy Springs Oaxacan eatery. You’d be loco to miss the tender, charcoal grilled octopus, earthy portobello or mahi-mahi tacos, the crunchy plantain croquettes or buttery Chilean sea bass. Equally enticing is the world-class mezcal collection and the exotic cocktails made with favorite brands such as Alipus, Nucano and Gracias a Dios. The gracious staff epitomizes high-bar professionalism.

Meats (whole, half and sandwich): $7-$28, sausages $5/link Wings: $9/$18 for half dozen/dozen Side dishes (in regular, pint or quart): $3-$23 Desserts: $3-$5 dasbbq.com

Appetizers, soups and salads: $6- $18 Quesadillas, tacos and bowls: $12- $18 Main dishes: $15-$43 Desserts: $9 casicieloatl.com

DAS BBQ In 2016, Stephen Franklin had a dream to make Georgia the most “inclusive, creative barbecue experience in the country,” and that’s just what he did at DAS BBQ. Whether it’s the rosy, smoke-ringed brisket, equally pink and juicy St. Louis-style ribs or the spicy, smoked chicken wings, every bony bite is a testament to Franklin’s focus on the art and science of smoked meats. Bring the whole family and don’t pass up house-made sides of decadent cream corn, mac ’n’ cheese and stickto-your-ribs Brunswick stew. Dig into white chocolate banana pudding after

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

FORZA STORICO The fact that the odds of success are notoriously bleak for new restaurants doesn’t seem to have fazed Westside newcomer Forza Storico. The baby sister of Buckhead’s popular Storico Fresco, Forza Storico focuses on Roman cuisine, proffering dishes such as fried carciofo and saltimbocca with exemplary flavor and flourish. Extra-regional fare such as a breathtaking plate of San Daniele prosciutto and milky mozzarella, charry grilled octopus with Calabrian chili pesto and herb-stuffed, pan-fried branzino are well worth the trip, but one taste of Forza’s house-made chitarra arrabbiata or tonnarelli cacio e pepe, plus one of Jose Pereiro’s specialty cocktails, and you’ll instantly be transported to your favorite Roman piazza. Antipasti: $10 - $23 Pastas: $16 - $26 Salads and veggies: $7 - $10 Specials and mains: $19 - $26 Desserts: $3 - $9 storico.com

KR STEAKBAR Atlanta chef Kevin Rathbun’s only Buckhead restaurant feels customtailored for the community. A contemporary nocturnal cubbyhole where small plates rule, wine flows and the air bristles with excitement, the fashionable “steakbar” concept finds Rathbun and chef de cuisine Jessica Gamble fusing two venerable concepts: meat and Italian. Here, nearly everything speaks with a perky Mediterranean lilt: amari-kissed cocktails, steak doused with espresso sauce, heavenly olive-oil cake with almond brittle and citrus cream. (Pastry chef Kylie Akiyama is terrific.) Hidden touches, like the speakeasy-style bar behind the kitchen and a patio that feels like a sunken garden, make us want to continue to explore this romantic spot. Antipasti: $6-$19 Pasta: $12-$16 Entrees: $18-$68 krsteakbar.com

LE COLONIAL Le Colonial’s website describes this upscale French-Vietnamese restaurant as “a luxurious escapist oasis,” and we’d agree. Amidst potted palms, starched white tablecloths and whirring vintage fans, glitzed-up diners are transported back to 1920s Vietnam and enjoy the culinary synthesis of the era. Favorite street fare such as banh mi thit nuong (chargrilled pork sandwich) and pho bo (beef noodle soup) get the white glove treatment with chef Richard Lee’s skillful way with Asian herbs and spices. Classic favorites of crispy panseared chicken dumplings, garlicky beef rice noodle rolls and curried green papaya salad will have you hankering for a one-way ticket to Saigon. Small plates: $12-$24 Soups and salads: $10-$18 Large plates: $14-$60 Sides: $4-$11 Desserts: $12-$14 lecolonialatlanta.com

NEWK’S EATERY This Mississippi-based chain has popped up in the Atlanta market, and though it looks like a fast-food joint, it tastes like homemade. Salads—from shrimp remoulade salad to a delicious steak-and-blue-cheese version to old-fashioned chicken salad—are a standout. At this casual, familyfriendly, crowd-pleasing spot you can also get sandwiches, pizzas and mac and cheese but, refreshingly, no burgers. We are pretty crazy about the sausage-and-pepperoni pie, with

Southbound's Chamblee hot chicken gives the iconic Southern dish international flair with Szechuan-style heat and flavor.

its thin crust and warm and gooey toppings. And who can resist a crispy rice treat with chocolate and peanut butter? Not us. Salads, sandwiches and pizzas: $7-$11 newks.com

and an unforgettable peanut butter chocolate pie. Breakfast: $9.75-$14.75 Appetizers: $4.50-$17.50 Sandwiches, salads and veggie mains: $5.99-$17.50 Entrees: $13.25-$20.75 Desserts: $6.50-$8.75 rthomasdeluxegrill.net

Small plates: $4-$18 Mains: $14-$33 Sides: $4-$6 Desserts: $6-$9 southboundatl.com

R. THOMAS DELUXE GRILL Open 24/7 and bedecked with ’70sstyle disco lighting, beaded curtains and groovy plastic walls, this Buckhead favorite feels like a throwback to the days when the health food craze was in its genesis. Whether you go for the sizzling bone-in hot wings or Dr. Joe’s Mango Salad with a side of raw cashew “cheese,” R. Thomas lives up to its promise to “treat carnivores and vegetarians with equal respect.” More menu favorites include the quinoa-rich Thai Express bowl, the classic Thomas Burger with sprouts and guacamole, the curry coconut seafood linguine, Southwestern-style R.’s Quesadilla You can’t talk to an R. Thomas fan without hearing gustatory praise for their fish tacos.

changes about three times a year, but popular favorites remain, including the double-stack burger, Southern ramen, smoked short rib, Chamblee hot chicken and wild Georgia Shrimp.

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

TAKA SUSHI AND PASSION Chef Taka Moriuchi learned from perhaps the most famously finicky and cult-inspiring Japanese chef Atlanta has ever known: Sotohiro Kosugi, owner of Buckhead’s legendary (but now shuttered) Soto Japanese Restaurant. Today, Moriuchi holds court at his own sushi bar, where his impeccably fresh fish and hot and cold appetizers compare to the best Japanese food in town. The only difference: His prices won’t shipwreck your budget. Among our faves, the UPS roll is a delicious nod to the Atlanta-based Big Brown fleet, and the black cod and okra tempura are packages you’ll be happy to see arrive at your table. Appetizers: $6-$20 Nigiri: $2.50-$11 Sushi rolls: $4.50-$19.50 takasushiatlanta.com Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

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

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

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Gift cards for the Holidays makes the perfect gift

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

SIMPLY HAPPENING

EVENTS BY:

Ginger Strejcek

DREAM MAKER STARFISH BALL BOOSTS COLLEGE GOALS OF NSORO FOUNDATION ood times will roll at the 16th annual Starfish Ball on Jan. 22 at the St. Regis Atlanta. With the theme “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler,” the black-tie benefit for the nsoro Educational Foundation features an entertaining evening of dining and dancing in a glitzy ballroom setting with a roster of distinguished guests. Honorees Kwanza Jones and Vince Burkett will reign over festivities as the Queen and King at this year’s event, sponsored by Simply Buckhead. A musical artist and entrepreneurial powerhouse with a law degree, Jones, along with her husband José E. Feliciano, co-founded the SUPERCHARGED Initiative, a philanthropic grant-making and impact investment organization. “From the open bar to insanely exciting live and silent auction offerings, Starfish 2022 will redefine party with purpose,” says Monica Pantoja, executive director of nsoro, a nonprofit that provides college opportunities for youth aging out of the foster care system. The New Orleans-style extravaganza is a nod to the heritage of founder

Darrell Mays, who launched nsoro in 2005. The intentionally lowercased name is derived from the Ghanaian term nsoromma, meaning “children of the heavens.” All proceeds from the gala, which raised $1.3 million in 2020 and $1.2 million in 2019, benefit the foundation’s scholarship program with the ultimate goal of helping students transition from college to career. Attendees will get a first-hand look at the program’s effectiveness, as nsoro graduates share their stories. “Nsoro serves as a powerful disrupting agent for youth who are often trapped in systemic poverty and cyclical setbacks,” Pantoja says. “At nsoro, scholar success goes beyond achieving the dream of a college degree; it empowers equitable opportunities for a population of young people who reside at the edge of awareness.” Patron tickets cost $2,500 for two.

Enjoy a festive night of fundraising at the annual Starfish Ball, which helps provide educational opportunities for youth who have aged out of the foster care system. Photos: Kimberley Evans

NSORO FOUNDATION nsoro.foundation, @nsorofoundation

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

E V E NTS

BUZZ TEDXPACEACADEMY: THE FORCE OF WORDS Nov. 14 paceacademy.org

[ FA M I LY ]

Winter Wonderland

Watch from the sidelines or join the Sparkle Brigade as Sandy Springs shows off its holiday spirit.

SANDY SPRINGS LIGHTS UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS ’Tis the season for some elfin magic at Sparkle Sandy Springs, a month-long celebration that kicks off with a holiday parade at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, along with a tree lighting, menorah lighting, snow machines, food trucks, free hot cocoa and photo opportunities with Santa on the City Green at City Springs. The festive presentation also features a twinkling display of 20 decorated playhouses, strung with lights and

painted by local businesses, schools and nonprofits. Creative designs of the 6-foot-tall miniatures range from a gingerbread house to Snoopy’s doghouse. “Sparkle Sandy Springs has become a highlight of the winter holidays,” says Mayor Rusty Paul. “We kept it going last season by having the spectators drive by in parade formation while the floats, bands and other entertainers were in fixed locations,

and it generated twice the expected turnout. We hope to return to a more traditional parade [this year], depending on the public health requirements at that time.”

Get schooled at this TEDx event from 2-4 p.m. on the campus of Pace Academy in Buckhead, featuring 10 dynamic speakers, including Pace students and teachers, as well as Heisman trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, National Geographic photographer Kristi Odom, musician Melvin Myles and Rabbi Micah Lapidus. Topics range from the social stigma of wearing hearing aids to random acts of kindness. Catch it on YouTube afterward.

LIGHT UP DUNWOODY SPARKLE SANDY SPRINGS sandyspringsga.gov/events @sandyspringsga

Nov. 21 dunwoodyga.org/light-up-dunwoody

Ring in the holidays at CheekSpruill Farmhouse with scheduled activities from 3-6 p.m. at the historic hotspot on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. A community tradition, the annual event is capped with the lighting of the tree and menorah just after sunset.

JINGLE BELL RUN Dec. 11 arthritis.org/events/jbr

Show off those crazy Christmas socks at this festive fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody. The event features a timed and untimed 5K, with T-shirt and jingle bell swag, as well as a virtual Jingle in Your Jammies option. Every penny goes toward finding a cure.

[ NEAR ]

Green Screen

Grab a seat on the Plaza Green at The Battery Atlanta for free weekly screenings of family-friendly flicks this fall.

BATTERY ATLANTA HOSTS OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES Load up the kids and head to The Battery Atlanta for some free family fun at the Xfinity Fall Movie Series, with screenings under the stars on the Plaza Green at 7 p.m. on Fridays now through Dec. 10. Catch “Trolls” Nov. 5, “Land of the Lost” Nov. 12, “The Muppet Movie” Nov. 19, “Jurassic World” Dec. 3 and “The Grinch” Dec. 10. Programming

switches to Saturday night on Nov. 27 for Christmas Tree Lighting festivities followed by the movie “Abominable.” Bring a blanket or lawn chair and grab to-go food from the on-site restaurants, including El Super Pan, PH’EAST and Wahlburgers. Coolers, outside alcoholic beverages and glass containers are not permitted. “The movie series is a fan-favorite

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

THE BATTERY ATLANTA

event that our batteryatl.com guests look @batteryatl forward to every year,” says Lauren Abernethy, senior director of marketing for Braves Development Company. “It’s just one example of how The Battery Atlanta is committed to providing a year-round experiential environment for locals and visitors.”

BELIEVE BALL 2022 Jan. 15 believeball.org

Support the powerful mission of CURE Childhood Cancer at this eighth annual benefit at The St. Regis Atlanta, kicking off at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by silent and live auctions, a seated dinner with program and late night dancing with a live band. Long-time advocates Pat and Sylvia Tylka of Atlanta will be honored with the Ragab Spirit of Hope Award. To date, the event has raised more than $6.5 million for pediatric cancer.

Change His Story

Cancer is part of his life story. Help us write the next chapter.

CURE Childhood Cancer funds life-saving research to help kids and families in your community. Join the ﬁght at curechildhoodcancer.org.

CH AR I TABLE

Gigi Rouland and Sydney Langdon

Ed and Judy Garland, Vincent Anthony, Michelle Schweber

STRING FLING STORY:

Photos: John Glenn

Matt and Jennifer Kim, Aparna Reddy

H.M. Cauley

L Oliva and Zach Wall, Catherine Love

ed by luminary puppets of dragonflies, owls and cranes, more than 200 guests paraded around the grounds of Judy and Ed Garland’s Kingswood home in October during the Center for Puppetry Arts’ String Fling fundraiser. The procession, produced by Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of Grateful Gluttons, highlighted the theme, “Illuminate the Night.” The evening, chaired by Board Members Sydney Langdon and Gigi Rouland, included delectables from BaddaBing Catering, music from the Atlanta Jazz Trio and a drawing for a two-night stay at Chateau Elan. Vincent Anthony, founder and strategic advisor for the center, was honored with the Luminary Award for his more than 40 years of work with the organization.

Kenneth Goggins, Anne L. Cross, Kathy Waller, Bob Hope

Judy Garland, Vincent Anthony Ireland Stackhouse, Beth Schiavo, Maddie Carpenter

Vir and Lucy Nanda, Gail and John Chandler

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

Allen W. Yee, Gigi Rowland, Sydney and Joel Langdon

At Financial Innovations, LLC, you matter.

Providing money management by building relationships through financial planning for the entire family.

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Connect... simplybuckhead.com

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November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

CH AR I TABLE

Miguel Wilson

Photos: Walil Archer, Paul Biagui, Larry Cooper, Selam Woldemichael

4TH ANNUAL ATLANTA FASHION & POLO CLASSIC STORY:

H.M. Cauley

P Martell Holt and Christal Jordan

Patrice Basanta-Henry, Frank Ski, Audrey BasantaHenry, Miguel Wilson, Frank Rodriguez, Erica Benoit

resented by the Miguel Wilson Collection and sponsored by Bentley Atlanta, the 4th Annual Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic kicked off with a weekend of events at The Georgian Terrace Hotel in early October. The “Polo & Pumps Day” afternoon party filled the hotel’s Livingston bar and patio. The same space hosted the evening’s “Cocktails and Cigars under the Stars,” with smokes provided by Kammer Avenue Cigars in Sandy Springs. Another featured event was the “Black Tie Experience,” a passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktail party with a fashion show highlighting styles created by Wilson. The weekend wound up at the Bouckaert Farm, an 8,000-acre equestrian facility in Fairburn, where two matches took place featuring Wilson and national polo star Dale Johnson. Proceeds from the weekend went to the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, a nonprofit started by Wilson to give underprivileged youth access to equestrian sports. Tommy Maksanty

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

DJ Bombshell and J Winston of Gritz and Jelly Butter Band

Chancey Timmons

Danielle Holt is an ACE-certified personal trainer. She has always been an active person and since childhood was playing some kind of sport in school or in her parents' back yard. When she got married, fitness and health were put on the back burner until one day she realized she needed to get in control of her health again. At that moment, fitness changed her life and became more than just a hobby, but a passion to help others take back their health! Visit our website to learn more about and schedule a workout!

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S C EN E

BOUNCING AROUND Haley Glass of FUSE Atlanta shows off the fun of a trampoline fitness class. PHOTO: Joann

Vitelli

November/December 2021 | Simply Buckhead

FINE CATERING - CULTURED CULINARY EXPERIENCES - UPSCALE FLAVORS CORPORATE - SOCIAL - WEDDINGS - MIXOLOGY - PLANNING

AV Gourmet loves the holidays! We can’t wait to host your corporate holiday events and home dinner parties. We offer incredible catering options customized just for you.

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Main Level Floorplan

The ASTER | Lot 15 | ONE Level

The LAUREL | Lot 7 | TWO Levels

CUSTOM LUXURY HOMES STARTING AT $1.4M FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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Brooks Kittrell (828) 230-4453 | John Muir (404) 245-7027 www.saratayfalls.com

488 Main St, Highlands, NC | 2334 Cashiers Rd, Highlands, NC 196 Burns St, Cashiers, NC © 2021 BHHS Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHHS Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Main Level

IN-TOWN HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA CUSTOM LUXURY HOMES STARTING AT $2M PRIVATE GATED COMMUNITY WALK TO RESTAURANTS, ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING ONLY NINE .75+ ACRE LOTS AVAILABLE Bear Mòr is a new community of luxury mountain homes to be built in the heart of Highlands, NC, by developer Loudermilk Homes, a large, custom home builder out of Atlanta, GA, known for a relentless focus on quality craftsmanship, transparency, and advanced smart home technology.

Mitzi Rauers (404) 218-9123 | Judy Michaud (828) 371-0730 www.MeadowsMountainRealty.com

Lot 9 | TWO Levels

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EXPERIENCE THE ART OF THANKSGIVING. Add a little Southern hospitality to your holiday celebrations with a weekend stay in Savannah and a Thanksgiving meal at 700 Drayton, where delicious holiday classics get an artful twist. Make your holiday reservations today on OpenTable. For private dining, call 912.721.5012. 700drayton.com | @MansiononForsythPark

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© 2021 BHHS Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHHS Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Simply Buckhead November/December 2021

Articles inside

Foodie Journal Art on Display

Events

Bulletin Board Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

Review Dancing Through the Seasons

Travel Far Paradise Found

Travel Near Get to know Knoxville

Pets: Make Groom

Editor’s Letter

15 Minutes With Jackie Garson Howard

Approved It Just Makes Sense

Local Salute Finding Community

Kids: Raising Art