Simply Buckhead November/December 2022

Mack Wilbourn

Mack

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the Buckhead

Don’t Scratch

for eczema and when to seek pro help

Itch

CULTURE

Bryson keeps a

in

Kennedy has taught Chastain art students for

DELICIOUS

the early signs

Howell wants to

of

Smith shines on screen

98 REVIEW

Pizza Powerhouse

Antico Pizza Napoletana brings a taste of Naples to Atlanta

102 DRINKS

Sealed Up Celebration Pop the cork with a bottle made for a joyous occasion

fête

104 FOODIE JOURNAL Mediterranean Escape Buckhead’s Knife Modern Mediterranean brings guests together through food and experience

106 TASTEMAKER

The Bagel Guys Goldbergs Fine Foods celebrates a half-century in Buckhead

108 Featured Restaurants A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

111 Charitable A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

116 Scene

Photographer: Sara Hanna

To bring our “Something to Celebrate!” issue to life, Simply Buckhead set up a shoot at the newly renovated lobby at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. To convey a convivial vibe, our talented hair and makeup artists came up with fun party looks to accent the luxury wardrobe chosen by Tootsies’ Sara Mixon. The two models toasted with glasses of Le Kool Cuvee Grand Cru Champagne (the new brand by Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool and the Gang fame) and tossed confetti while photographer Sara Hanna snapped away.

Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Photography assistant: Eli Zandman

Models: Ashton O’Neal and Millenea Roman, courtesy of The Salt Agency

Makeup: Nyssa Green Hair: Vincent Bell

Wardrobe Styling: Sara Mixon, Tootsies Nails: Sugarcoat Wardrobe: Bronx and Banco Dress ($495), Deepa Gurnani Earrings ($125), Bronx and Banco Dress ($750), Deepa Gurnani Earrings ($70) , courtesy of Tootsies

Special thanks to InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta and Le Kool Champagne.

Editor's Letter

It’s fitting that our last issue of the year is about celebrations because we have a lot to celebrate. This year marked the return to some semblance of normalcy post two years of pandemic times. People are out and about, being with one another, traveling like it is their job, attending events and filling up restau rants. Can we get a hallelujah for that?

Our cover feature for this November/December double is sue highlights ways to make merry with friends and family. Michael Jacobs covers festive Thanksgiving traditions for Buckhead-area folks and Shelley Sawyer taps local chefs for their incredible tips, menus and recipes for Christmas, Hanukkah, Nowruz and New Year’s Eve. Additionally, I write about fun, out-of-the-box ideas for upcoming birthdays and Amy Meadows pinpoints the best brunch spots for baby and bridal showers. We hope your celebrations this holiday season and the year ahead are the best ever.

I am personally celebrating having worked with Simply Buckhead since 2012 and having been its Managing Editor since the beginning of 2020. What a wild ride!

I’m proud that my co-editor, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, and I have grown the magazine’s editorial pages during such an unprecedented time. While departing as editor is certain ly bittersweet, I’m excited for my next chapter (keep up with me @badasshealthy and @messagesprout) and to wel come my friend and colleague Giannina Smith Bedford back to the helm. I look forward to continuing to contribute as a writer, telling the great stories of the people and places in and around Buckhead.

Signing off.

Karina Antenucci Managing Editor

Copyright

Printed

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

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Joanne Hayes

Publisher and Founder Sonny Hayes Chief Financial Officer

EDITORIAL

Karina Antenucci Managing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Senior Contributing Editor Alan Platten Creative Director

Giannina S. Bedford

Contributing Home Editor H.M. Cauley Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chelsie Butler H.M. Cauley Carly Cooper

Laurel-Ann Dooley Lauren Finney Harden Elizabeth Harper Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Michael Jacobs Denise K. James Nicole Letts

Amy Meadows Hope Philbrick Claire Ruhlin

Shelley Skiles Sawyer Ginger Strejcek

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sara Hanna Erik Meadows Joann Vitelli

SALES & ADVERTISING Cheryl Isaacs Senior Account Executive Michelle Johnson Account Executive Layla Ghadamyari Account Executive Layal Akkad Graphic Designer

DIGITAL BHG Digital Website Development Management Mike Jose Director of Audience Development LEGAL Scott I. Zucker Legal Counsel

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

business, legal and lifestyle topics with a focus on all things culinary. She has produced food features for CNN, had a weekly restaurant column in Creative Loafing then served as local editor of Zagat Survey’s Atlanta Restaurants guide for 17 years. She was also managing food editor for Flavors magazine for more than a decade. Sawyer is a founding member of the Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier.

PROUD SPONSOR OF

PROUD MEMBER OF

Sara Hanna

THE BEST GIFTS KEEP

GAME ON!

Get the party started at Your 3rd Spot, a hip new hangout that just opened at The Works in Upper Westside at 400 Chattahoochee Row. Catering to families by day and the 21-plus crowd at night, the clubby hub features a restaurant, bar and beer garden, plus games galore—from bowling to cornhole—all under one roof, with an outdoor patio to boot.

Set in a revitalized, historic indus trial building, the 26,000-square-

EAT, DRINK AND PLAY AT NEW

MECCA IN UPPER WESTSIDE

foot space radiates feel-good vibes with a tropical garden design. Sip craft cocktails and share small plates such as Pepper Jack Cheese Fritters and Beef Cheek Nachos, with a global menu of culinary delights overseen by Chef Stuart Rogers. Spirit-free refreshment is available as well.

Meanwhile, go old school or level up at the arcade, give it your best shot at high-tech darts or try stateof-the-art curling on synthetic ice.

Envisioned as a fun place to social

ize through food and games (“third” after home and work), the flagship location of the tech-driven concept by Amp Up1 Hospitality comes complete with a smartphone app for ordering and a Match & Connect platform for mixing and mingling with like-minded guests, based on game preferences and personality.

“We think Your 3rd Spot will res onate with people because it is not just a venue with great food, drinks and 75 different experiences, but be

cause our ethos is centered around connecting people and building community,” says co-founder Doug Warner. “Our goal is to utilize every tool at our disposal—great hospi tality, innovative technology and the science of human behavior—to make it easier and more comfortable for people to build and strengthen relationships.” n

NATURE BREAK

The grass is greener in Dunwoody, thanks to a new 5-acre park open ing at 50 Perimeter Center East. The outdoor oasis, dubbed Two Bridges Park, will feature the city’s first splash pad, a playground, pavilions, restroom facilities, exercise equip ment and trails. Construction is set to wrap at the end of the year, with splashy play on tap by next summer.

“Thousands of Dunwoody resi dents will finally have easy access to green space and park ameni ties,” says Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch, noting that the $3 million project that was put on hold during

the pandemic was resuscitated with American Rescue Plan funding.

Further boosting connectivity, the park also ties into the Dunwoody Trailway and pedestrian bridge over the North Fork of Nancy Creek. dunwoodyga.gov • @cityofdunwoodyga

BODY BOOST

While the mythical merits of the Fountain of Youth remain elusive, two Buckhead businesswomen are betting their bottom dollar on a regenerative discovery of their own. NutrifyPro, just launched by Katerina Kennedy and Rachel Singha, is a powder supplement that targets

free radicals to help reverse and prevent cell oxidation—in short, youth in a bottle.

Clinically tested and produced at an Atlanta lab, the product features a custom blend of amino acids, antioxidants and herbs, including resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, NAD, rosehip powder, astaxanthin and quercetin. It can be sipped straight up, mixed into a smoothie or stirred into a favorite beverage.

“We developed NutrifyPro to be an all-in-one supplement to meet health and nutrition needs,” says Kennedy, a lifelong fitness buff and former competitive bodybuilder/

model who now works in the medical sales field. “It’s easy to digest and gentle on your GI tract, so you’ll feel and look great!” nutrifypro.com

DAZZLING DIAMONDS

Ready to put a ring on it? Check out Blue Nile’s sparkly new showroom at Lenox Square. The first Georgia location for the luxury fine jewelry and diamond engagement brand offers a swoon-worthy selection of bling for budgets big and small, with hundreds of handcrafted ring settings and styles, and a treasure trove of ethically sourced diamonds, from .3

to 20 carats, pear and princess cuts to round and radiant.

“Our Atlanta showroom offers a unique and premium experience with enhanced features like private consultation rooms for one-on-one appointments with a personal jew eler who can help guide clients to designing their perfect piece,” says Dave Olsen, a senior VP at Blue Nile.

Founded in 1999 as an e-com merce jewelry retailer, the company now boasts more than 20 U.S. locations. Book an appointment online; walk-ins are welcome, but availability is not guaranteed. bluenile.com

@bluenilediamond

Popsicle

Thirteen-year-old Andee was an active teen until an arteriovenous malformation ruptured in her brain in 2011, requiring emergency surgery that left her in a coma for two weeks. She wasn’t expected to ever walk or speak again.

Thankfully, the Sandy Springs resident beat the odds. Andee began talking 18 months later, and two years after that, she walked across the stage at graduation. She’s currently a student at the University of South Carolina.

To help with medical costs not covered by insurance, and in 2013, they founded Andee’s Army Child Brain and Spinal Cord Founda tion in Buckhead to fill the gap for Andee’s family and others with kids

Their annual gala, Evening of Hope, funds their Patient Assistance Grant program that offers financial aid tailored to the individual needs of the patients. As in past years, donations topped $1 million.

Buckhead resident Thad Ellis III was one of three co-chairs of this year’s gala, held at Flourish in Buckhead in September, along with Sullivan Griffith and Chappell Loudermilk. “We take the use of our limbs for granted,” says Ellis.

“The thought of kids like Andee who are unable to move tugs at my heart strings. With a small organization like ours, you can see where the funds go.”

When Claire and Nick Mracek’s 3-year-old daughter, Millie, had unresolved swelling on one side of her face, doctors ordered an MRI. The diagnosis was an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue childhood cancer at the base of her skull that wrapped around nerves controlling her facial features.

The news was not all grim. Although there is no cure, treatment options include aggressive chemo therapy and proton radiation for the 46 children who are diagnosed every day in the U.S.

Millie proved to be a warrior and wore her tutu and Mighty Millie cape to every treatment. The only thing she craved was in short supply: popsicles.

The Mraceks immediately began filling the freezers on the Aflac Cancer

and Blood Disorders Center at Scottish Rite in Millie’s honor. “We wanted to have something for kids to look forward to when they came for treatment.” says Claire.

To raise funds and get kids involved, the Mraceks established the Mighty Millie Popsicle Project where kids set up stands. To date, they’ve donated more than 21,000 popsicles to 16 pediatric hospitals in the Southeast, including CHOA. They also estab lished The Mighty Millie Foundation to raise money for research, and scores of businesses have donated a portion of their proceeds to the nonprofit.

Although Millie’s treatments were going well, she died Feb. 8, 2021.

Emily Bridges and her father, Millard Choate, at Choate Construction's fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Co-chairs Sullivan Griffith, Thad Ellis and Chappell Loudermilk prepare for the Evening of Hope Gala for Andee's Army Child Brain and Spinal Cord Foundation.

Returning after a two-year hiatus, Choate Construction in Sandy Springs held its 13th Cars ’n Q for the Cause on October 22 to raise funds for the Georgia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It’s a cause near and dear to the hearts of founder and chairman Millard Choate, wife Sue and daughter, Emily Bridges, whose best friend, Leann Ott, was diagnosed with the incurable disease when she was 3.

“Ironically, just months after Leann’s death in 2019, CFF an nounced a massive breakthrough with Trikafta, a new drug that helps 90% of the CF population,” says Bridges, who is Choate’s vice pres ident of marketing. “We’ve raised approximately $3 million to date.”

Bridges says the event wouldn’t be successful without the willing

ness of Choate executives and em ployees to volunteer. “Cystic fibrosis is an ‘underdog disease,’ and they need us desperately. We want our organization to set the standard for corporate responsibility.”

More than 1,000 attended the event that featured 100 cars and live entertainment by The Rogue Tones. Local breweries, Earth, Pontoon, STATS Brew Pub and New Realm donated beer, and Deep Roots donated wine. Barbeque came from Jim ’N Nick’s, with dessert from Breadwinner Café. Former Braves star Sid Bream served as emcee.

Claire, Nick, Jack and Millie Mracek at a Mighty Millie event to promote the Mighty Millie Popsicle Project.

MIGHTY MILLIE POPSICLE PROJECT

CHRIS RICH

PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

n 2006, I worked in mergers and acquisitions for Huma na, and I lived in Louisville, Kentucky. Through my work, I had the opportunity to be involved with a number of charities, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and many of them hosted galas at Churchill Downs during the two weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby. As I volunteered for those events, often recruiting celebrities to attend the galas, I was introduced not only to horse racing but also to the culture that surrounds the sport. Today, it holds a very special place in my heart.

Every year, we have a group of 10 to 15 people who come together to attend the Kentucky Derby. We all met during my time in Louisville when we were doing that corporate hustling thing, and we are friends who have become family. It’s an incredible mix of people, and we all live in different places across the country. We look at our annual gathering at Churchill Downs as a reunion. We enjoy everything about the experience, from the brunches, the music events and the VIP areas to the traditions we’ve been able to create over the years around this wonderful horse race. It has become a chance for everyone to reconnect, and it brings us—and now our fami lies—back together every year. I met my wife, Luciaetta, at the Derby, and we return each year. We have a 6-year-old daughter, Simone, and I can’t wait to take her to the Derby in 2023. It will be the first time she has attended, and there is so much for her to see and learn.

For instance, when I first was in troduced to the Derby, I had no idea that, in its earliest days, the sport was put on the map by black jockeys. They were the best athletes, and

Buckhead entrepreneur’s longtime passion for horse racing has led to cherished personal and professional experiences

Left: Chris Rich enjoys learning about the history of horse racing, including the training that takes place at locales such as Buckhead's Chastain Horse Park (pictured here).

Below: Rich blends his professional and personal passions in horse racing and polo.

they dominated the sport. They were the LeBron Jameses of horse racing. In recent years, Churchill Downs has worked to recognize that and bring more people of color to horse racing and the track. There are also muse ums around the country highlight ing the history of African American jockeys. And horse racing events, as well as polo matches, are becoming popular all around the world.

Three years ago, Hawque Protec tion Group, the Buckhead-based private security firm I co-founded, was providing professional security services for a client in Kentucky. We were told about The Trifecta, a Makers Club polo event sponsored by Baccarat. As our company began offering security services at various polo matches, I began attending them as well. And for the last three years, our same group of friends that attends the Derby also has branched out for polo weekends. Last year, we went to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Califor nia. We’ve gone to The Trifecta in Louisville, and we’re talking about planning a trip to a polo match in Lagos, Nigeria. I’ve never been to Africa, and it would be an amazing bucket list item.

DO THE DERBY

If you want to experience the excitement of the Kentucky Derby without leaving Atlanta, check out Alpha Derby Weekend, a themed fundraising event hosted each year by Alphas of Atlanta, Inc., a collective of graduate chapters that focuses on social and communityoriented programming. It features a golf tournament, a Derby watch party, a jazz brunch and more. alphaderbyweekend.com

Born in the ATL

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Brick+Mortar Candle ($18-$28)

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In need of a gift that’s perfect for literally anyone? Stop the search. The Type Set Co.’s magnetic letter boards are the answer. A rainbow set for the kid’s playroom? Check. A monolithic black-and-white version for the study? You bet. A miniature size for quippy retorts in the kitchen? Absolutely. Imagined by a local husband-wife team, this modern magnetic board is the ultimate gifting crowd pleaser. Coton Colors • 404.883.2924 coton-colors.com • @thetypesetco

Black Eyed Pearls Peas Necklace ($250)

Combining the culinary with the metal arts, acclaimed Aria pastry chef Kathryn King debuts Black Eyed Pearls just in time for the gifting season. Inspired by the classic ingredient, King’s line of sterling silver jewelry is an ode to Southern cooking. In this necklace, the humble black-eyed pea is cast in silver for an elegant élan. Next on the docket for the renaissance woman, look for an expanded line to include bracelets, earrings and more.

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Xocolatl Holiday Quintet ($47)

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Undisturbed Daufuskie

Nicole Letts

Unspoiled beauty amid wellappointed luxury awaits at Haig Point on Daufuskie Island.

owned by the island undertaker. Perhaps the most recognizable building is Mary Field School, a tworoom schoolhouse where Pat Conroy taught Gullah islanders. Today, the school houses a few Daufuskie businesses, including Daufuskie Blues and School House Coffee. The former is an indigo dying company specializing in hand-dyed clothing, accessories and home linens intro duced by enslaved Africans using the centuries-old technique and one of South Carolina’s most prosper ous crops, cotton. School House Coffee serves pastries and beverages throughout the day. Our tour guide tells us to order a frozen lemonade and take it over to Daufuskie Distill ery to add a splash of local bourbon.

It’s like a Hallmark movie,” says the woman at the table next to me. Like me, she’s dining alone at the Calibogue Club, a beachside restaurant at Haig Point on Daufuskie Island. She is here to explore the area for a second home. I’m here for a quick trip and to get a feel for the island author Pat Conroy made famous in his memoir, The Water is Wide. The 2006 Hallmark movie of the same name is based on what Conroy said was the most impactful time of his life. After just 48 hours here, I can see how the remote, untamed island could stick with someone for a lifetime.

Daufuskie rests on South Caroli na’s coast just a seven-minute water taxi trip from Hilton Head. It’s only accessible by boat, and the ride is a pleasant one in which dolphins dip their heads in and out of the water, and marsh grass swirls in the breeze. I am spending a few nights

at Haig Point, Daufuskie’s private club community featuring a Rees Jones signature golf course, several restaurants, stables, miles of beach es and the only historic lighthouse in South Carolina that doubles as accommodations.

On the island, the main mode of transportation is golf cart. The electric vehicles are the right size for the gravel and dirt roads, and emphasize the destination’s slower pace. There’s no reason to get any where quickly. I’m on Low Country

island time, and as I drive through the community to meet my tour guide, I allow myself to ease off of the gas or stop to take pictures.

My Tour Daufuskie excursion em barks from the county dock where visitors not staying on the island can hop on a ferry from Old Town Bluffton, Hilton Head or Savannah. Throughout the two-hour tour, we stop at various points significant in Daufuskie’s history, namely those associated with the Gullahs, the descendants of formerly enslaved people who can trace their ancestry directly to the West African coast. First Union African Baptist was the first church built on the island; Oyster Union Society Hall is a com munity gathering space; the Moses

After my tour, I feel equipped to explore the island on my own. For the next few days, with a small map in hand, I drive up and down bumpy, unpaved roads. I wander the grounds of Mary Field Cemetery, the largest of the six Gullah cem eteries on the island. I peruse the Bloody Point Lighthouse, an 1883 building that houses the Daufuskie Island Low Country Museum and gift shop. I taste wine at nearby Silver Dew Winery. I try deviled crab, the local crab-cake-like dish stuffed inside of a crab shell, from Old Daufuskie Crab Company, wash ing it down with a Scrap Iron, the restaurant’s signature cocktail.

I resolve that my short stint on Daufuskie will not be my last. Despite being just 5 miles long, there’s still much to see. n

Above: School Grounds Coffee operates in the same school house where Pat Conroy once taught.

Left: Daufuskie Island is rich with Gullah history and buildings including First Union African Baptist.

Right: Haig Point visitors can opt to stay at the historic lighthouse.

“

Above: A former bank, the Riggs Hotel incorporates architectural accents from its past, including columns, ceilings and teller windows.

Left: The historic Riggs Hotel features several uniquely outfitted suites, including this one in varying shades of pink.

A CAPITAL

boarding house where he died. A well-marked walking tour highlight ed what was our favorite Lincoln trivia tidbit: An alley beside the hotel is where John Wilkes Booth was spotted fleeing the crime scene. (And it’s appropriately anchored by The Escape Game D.C. venue.)

Atrip to Washington, D.C., comes with a must-see list of destinations. If you’ve never climbed the Lincoln Memori al stairs, toured the Capitol rotun da, ridden the elevator to the top of the Washington Monument, stood beneath Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis” or become teary-eyed at the many war memorials, put them at the top of the list.

Once you’ve crossed off the major tourist destinations, start exploring by neighborhood. The district has a wealth of quarters with distinct personalities, dining destinations, attractions and historical elements. Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle and Southwest are good options my kids and I have checked out before, but a recent visit led us to discover Penn Quarter just east of downtown.

It’s hard not to run into history in this town, and Penn Quarter comes through with its own well-marked walking tour that hits several high lights. The anchor of our stay was

the refurbished Riggs Hotel, built in 1881 and first converted into a hotel in 1999. The National Register property was revamped as a glam, 181-room property in early 2020. Fifteen suites are decorated around a “First Ladies” theme, with accents ranging from various shades of pink to a baby grand piano. The design highlights many of the original ele ments, from the below-groundlevel vault-turned-bar to soaring coffered and barrel-vaulted ceilings and Corinthian columns.

One of the hotel’s chief assets is its location. Even before unpacking, we whipped across the street to spend a few hours in the free Na tional Portrait Gallery. A few blocks farther brought us to Capital One Arena, home to D.C.’s hockey and basketball teams. It’s a one-minute walk to Ford’s Theatre, where we peered into the booth where Lin coln was shot, checked out related artifacts in the lower-level museum and headed across the street to the

We enjoyed a brief rest in the tranquility of the Victorian Gothic Revival St. Patrick’s church, dating to the late 1790s. Mass is celebrat ed each day at noon, but you don’t need to attend a service to take in the stunning architectural details of the double turrets, sandstone accents and intricate rose window.

A 20-minute drive took us out of the neighborhood to an off-the-beaten-path destination, The Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens. It was owned by Marjorie Post, the original owner of Mara-Lago, but the wife of a former Russian ambassador turned her Washington mansion into a show place for countless collections that include Fabergé eggs, china from the Imperial court and religious icons. Through Jan. 8, the museum hosts a collection of gowns worn by Princess Grace of Monaco.

Back at the Riggs, we kicked off a final evening with drinks in the bank vault bar, where the menu star is a fruit basket of Jell-O shots molded into frozen fruit rinds and paired with champagne shooters. Dinner at the French-influenced Café Riggs began with a creamy

goat cheese tart and a plate of sau teed scallops, followed by halibut and truffle risotto and sweetly concluded with a chocolate soufflé. As the night’s grand finale, we stood on the rooftop terrace and pointed out all those major attractions we’ve seen in the past, as well as the new ones we’d just discovered. n

FORD’S THEATRE

202.347.4833 fords.org • @fordstheatre

HILLWOOD ESTATE, MUSEUM AND GARDENS 202.686.5807 • hillwoodmuseum.org @hillwoodmuseum

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY 202.633.8300

npg.si.edu

@smithsoniannpg

RIGGS HOTEL • 202.638.1800 riggsdc.com • @riggshotel

Gowns worn by the late Princess Grace of Monaco are on display at the Hillwood Estate's museum.

Courtesy Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, photographed by Erik Kvalsvik

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Left: Dine in one of The Americano Restaurant's stunning crescent-shaped booths with butcher-block tables.

Take Another Look

Karina

The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta has been a local fix ture since it opened its doors in 2004, but it has never looked as dazzling as it does today. With a recent top-to-bottom renovation complete, the grand lobby and great hall greets guests with rose marble floors, lush planters, a massive chan delier adorned with 2,000 raw crys tals and large-scale abstract paint ings that inch out of their frames and onto the walls around them by local mixed-media artist Niki Zarrabi, whose custom pieces can be found throughout the property.

The design magic by Chicagobased KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group excited me to reconnect with the iconic hotel during my stayca tion with a girlfriend. The friendly service started upon arrival when I was greeted by a gracious butler who brought me to my king bedroom on the club floor.

All 422 rooms, including three Presidential-style suites, decked out in sophisticated black, gray and white with teal accents, have received mod ern updates including 65-inch LCD HDTVs and new marble bathrooms.

On the 21st floor, where I stayed, guests have access to the redesigned InterContinental Club Lounge, a spacious hospitality suite offering not only a place to meet, work or just relax but also a complimentary breakfast buffet and a plentiful eve ning happy hour spread that includes charcuterie, cheeses and cocktails. After settling in, my friend and I headed straight there for pre-dinner drinks to enjoy the city-skyline views.

Perhaps one of the most notable property transformations has been its restaurant, now the upscale Italian-American The Americano by celebrity chef and two-time James Beard award-winner Scott Conant.

The place was hopping on a Friday night. Patrons dressed to the nines decorated the moody, all-black decor warmly lit with gold wire light features. We started by ordering the Hamachi crudo, a chunkier take on the typical delicate slivers with finger lime, avocado and a Calabrian chili crisp. The pasta al pomodoro is a simple yet simply perfect hand made spaghetti and tomato sauce that I could eat for days, and the potato gnocchi with black truffle,

Below: A recently renovated king room at Buckhead's InterContinental hotel

Above: The InterContinental has been part of the Buckhead landscape since 2004.

Below: The impeccable filet at The Americano.

chives, peas and Parmigiano-Reggia no is a decadent delight. We shared an exquisitely prepared center-cut filet mignon with a side of the roast ed wild mushrooms featuring my favorite ’shroom, hen of the woods. A bottle of Primitivo from Puglia, Italy, recommended by the sommeli er complemented our courses.

When we wrapped up dinner around 10 p.m., the venue was still full and the wraparound bar all abuzz, making us wonder which club everyone was going to next, or if they would close out the night here. We didn’t wait to find out; a sumptuous bed awaited us.

The next morning, after enjoying bagels with lox and all the fixings at the club lounge, we headed to the hotel’s saltwater pool and heated jacuzzi for a dip. We enjoyed the comfortable loungers and putting our to-do lists off for as long as possible, but without many updates, the pool area looked like a different era than the rest of the hotel.

The new spa featuring Biologique Recherche products opens soon and offers an excuse to return. n

INTERCONTINENTAL BUCKHEAD ATLANTA 404.946.9000 • intercontinentalatlanta.com @intercon_buckhead_atl

Will Pryce

the

THE CREATION OF A MODERN MASTERPIECE

STORY: Giannina S. Bedford PHOTOS: Tara Carter Photography

David Reece has a passion for archi tecture and civil engineering. He earned a bachelor’s degree in the former and a master’s in the latter, both at Iowa State University, before getting an MBA from Northwestern University. As senior vice president of finance and capital markets at a national multifamily real estate company, he is responsible for project debt and equity financing. Outside of work, however, he’s been honing his gusto for construction and design.

“I’m in some spec houses, and I’ve always want ed to design. I did a three-story addition on my house in Roswell,” Reece says.

Recently, Reece took his hobby up a notch when, in 2020, he decided it was time to leave his 26th floor condo in Dunwoody for a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath modern residence in Buckhead. The three-story proj ect was designed by residential home designer Dave Price of Price Residential Design and built by Ray Bongers of Bongers Homebuilders, but Reece was actively involved in its creation. From altering the location of the master bedroom, resizing support beams with structural engineer David Palmer and adding upgrades, he remained involved throughout the five-month design process and 16-month construction timeline.

Fierce, the red and yellow abstract painting by artist Lynne McDonald, adds a warm vibrancy to the living space.

— David Reece

“It was a very collaborative process overall with the residential home designer, builder and interior design er working as a team,” says Reece, who moved into the 4,600-squarefoot domicile in July. “I really wanted to do this house for the whole expe rience: the design, the construction, having the ideas in my head for the house transform into a real living space pretty darn close as to how I imagined it would be.”

Stair-stepping a wooded hill in North Buckhead, the home was constructed to fit into the contours of the land. Reece loves to refer to his abode as a treehouse, a reference made more grand at night with out door up-lighting. “It’s a very dramatic setting, sitting up high and far back from the street on steel I-beams,” Reece says. “It’s very private in the back amongst the trees, and it makes you feel like you’re in the treetops.”

Cross a bridge over a trickling stream and ascend the steep drive way to get an up-close view of the commanding exterior, painted in Benjamin Moore Peppercorn and Iron Ore. Stacked stone, 12-inch Hardiplank siding and cedar soffits soften the modern lines, includ ing a section that cantilevers over

“It's a very dramatic setting, sitting up high and far back from the street.”

The Cantoni-furnished living room is surrounded by trees seen through the oversized windows and sliding doors.

Homeowner David Reece says he always wanted to participate in designing and building a modern home.

Joann

Vitelli

Right: The blue abstract painting, named Blue Reece hangs in the open dining space..

Below: The sleek quartz counter top in the kitchen weighs in at nearly 1,000 pounds making transport to the second floor challenging.

the hillside, held up by 52-foot steel beams anchored in concrete. Through the glass-paneled garage are Reece’s three sports cars and one of the reasons he wanted to trade high-rise living for a home with multi-car parking.

Through the heavy mahogany slab door is a mudroom and dramatic floating staircase with seven globe lights cascading down from the third level. On the second level, the kitch en, living and dining room share a mostly open floor plan. A partial wall with a double-sided fireplace divides the dining and living space.

The kitchen features a Concrete Cloudburst quartz island with waterfall ends and teardrop pendant lights from Restoration Hardware. Cabinets by FineCuts Custom Cabinetry are painted in Iron Ore to match the outdoor trim. The kitchen opens into the dining space where a walnut dining table that seats 10 is ideal for a large dinner party.

“I really couldn’t entertain in my previous two-bedroom condo, so I’m really looking forward to doing it here,” Reece says.

On the other side of the partial wall is the living room that features

Above: Pendant lights from Restoration Hardware illuminate the kitchen island. Below: Set up and back from the street, Reece's residence looks out over trees and a babbling creek.

Above: of the master bathroom.

Right: The minimalist master bedroom lets the view through the windows make the big impression.

Below: The master bathroom contrasts dark tile floor with white walls and cabinetry.

a 12-foot, wood ribbed statement wall behind air shelves filled with photos and mementos. The most noteworthy aspect of the space is the stunning view of the surround ing trees from the custom 9-foottall windows. Nine-foot pocket slid ers “disappear” into the wall, giving access to the outdoor deck.

“The front deck juts out from the hillside into the air to provide a great view down at the bridge and stream below,” Reece says.

A different vantage point of the view is available in various locales of the home. In his bedroom, Reece takes in the trees from the bed, looking through floor-to-ceil ing glass windows. Wood-ribbed walls hide the walk-in closet that connects to the angled bathroom where a standalone tub is set

between two picture windows. The bathroom also boasts an enormous shower with herringbone pattern black tile and three fixtures con trolled by a wall-mounted keypad.

An office is tucked between his bedroom and the living space, and behind a sliding frosted glass door. A glass desk and custom walnut credenza by FineCuts Custom Cabinetry make up his workspace. Above the credenza is a work by photographer Peter Lik, an 8-foot image of the bottom of a waterfall that Reece’s daughter picked out for him on a father-daughter trip.

The office also showcases car paint ings by artist Dr. Daryl Figa. Nearly all the other art Reece commis sioned from artist Lynne McDonald. Her five abstract pieces are sprin kled on each level.

Aside from a grandfather clock built by Reece’s engineer dad and the glass desk in the office, nearly all the furniture is from contemporary retailer Cantoni. Kohl Sudnikovich, Cantoni design consultant, helped Reece choose and place the pieces, and Margi Scott of LPH Home Finish es selected paint colors, plumbing, light fixtures and more.

The second level has all the living space the homeowner uses, but the third floor is mostly for guests, Reece says. Two bedrooms are next to each other, one with a white bed and closet, and the other with a black bed and closet. The top floor also has a game room with a pingpong table and wet bar/kitchen that opens to a resort-worthy pool area. Secluded high up in the tree tops, the deck features a saltwater

plunge pool with sheer descent waterfalls and a fire feature. A separate fire pit area and covered lounge space provide room to relax away from the sun.

“This area really gives you the feeling of being in a treehouse when looking out over the back-deck railing 30 feet above the ground and into the hardwoods on the east side of the house,” Reece says.

Reece relished the creation of his new home so much that this project won’t be his last. “I would really love to build another modern house and do it all over again with the same team,” he says. “But I don’t think I can find a lot like this one that has such a dramatic setting.” n

Reece's home office is hidden behind a frosted glass sliding door.

BY Giannina S.

Gifting Local Goods

Purchase one-of-a-kind items at seasonal bazaars

Holiday shopping can be more than just a to-do list item. Enjoy an evening out and let the shopping inspire you to purchase a gift for a loved one, or yourself, at one of these seasonal strolls and markets.

Miami Circle Gallery Stroll Take in or take home the works of nationally recognized artists at this Nov. 18 event. From 4 to 6 p.m., at tendees are invited to walk the Buck head street off Piedmont Avenue and pop into 11 of the participating galleries. From the limited edition prints and works by international artists at Maune Contemporary to

the fine art at Bill Lowe Gallery, there is much to be admired. miamicircleshops.com/gallery-stroll @shopsofmiamicircle

Northside Methodist Preschool’s Holiday Gift Show

Pick up handcrafted jewelry and clothing from up-and-coming artists or gourmet treats (honey, pies, salsa) to share during the holidays at this annual community show. Taking place Nov. 10 through 12 at Northside Church, the event benefits the Northside Methodist Preschool. giftshow.northsideumc.org @nmpgiftshow

Spruill Gallery Holiday Artists Market

This 29th annual holiday market takes place in Dunwoody at the quaint Spruill Gallery & Gift Shop. From hand-painted orna ments to seasonal dishware, the artistic creations run the gamut. The market kicks off Nov. 16 and continues through Dec. 23. Dec. 10 brings a trunk show where attendees can meet the artists, and on Dec. 14 patrons are invited for a holiday wine tasting and after-hours shopping event from 6 to 9 p.m. spruillarts.org/gallery • @spruillarts n

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Indian blankets and floor cloths made from stitched-together saris are the foundation of Aloka’s vibrant pillows. The 60- to 80-year-old quilts are shampooed and softened in India before traveling to Aloka’s Buck head studio where they are cut and crafted into one-of-a-kind pillows and custom cushions for the brand’s curated home collections. Aloka’s pillows are available for $185 to $245 at Interior Philosophy in Buckhead or alokahome.com

Locally made ornaments are just one of the many creations st Spruill Gallery's market.

s New York-based furniture brand Burrow has opened its first brick and mortar location in the South at Westside Provisions District. Known for designing and manufacturing simple, modern home furnishings, Burrow’s Atlanta home boasts 7,450-square-feet of industrial space adorned with styled vignettes of furniture and home accessories. The

store

the brand’s seating collections, shelving, beds, mattresses, accessories and more. burrow.com

n A new dean now leads the SCAD School of Fashion. Dirk Standen recently joined the university to oversee its under graduate and graduate degree programs of fashion design, accessory design, jewelry design, fashion marketing and management, and fibers at the Atlanta and Savannah cam puses. Standen is recognized for his work in the publishing and luxury marketing space: He is the former editor-in-chief of Style.com and founding editor of 23 Stories, Conde Nast's creative agency. Standen joined SCAD in the fall of 2021 as a professor of fashion marketing and management. scad.edu

n Harry Norman, REALTORS’ agents are garnering recognition. Ashoo Sharma, the firm’s vice president

and general counsel and ambassador of the People and Culture Council, was recently recognized by the Georgia Legal Awards as a Diversity Champion for Professional Excellence. Sharma leads Harry Norman’s efforts on diver sity, equity and inclusion. The real estate firm also recently recognized two of its agents, Patty Webb and Dorrie Love, for being ranked in The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Top 250 Latino Agent Awards for 2022. harrynorman.com

n Movil Realty and Sistar Mortgage recently opened an office in Buckhead that also doubles as a coworking venue called The Chill Place. The real estate-meets-mortgage headquarters, located at 800 Lambert Drive, Suite A, brands itself the “Uber of Real Estate,” with wrapped and branded company cars for real estate agents. movilrealty.com

The Spruill Gallery Holiday Artists Market is an annual tradition.

Kristin Karch

Bunny Williams Home Cintamani 20” Pillow ($425)

Displaying highly technical Vietnamese hand embroidery and inspired by the Ottoman tradition, this indigo and cream pillow adds a dash of vibrant deep blue to any upholstery piece such as a chair, sofa or bed. For color purists, it’s also available in a neutral brown.

Mathews Furniture + Design • 404.237.8271 mathewsfurniture.com • @mathewsatl

Finery Fusion

Japandi is the evolution of two now tried-and-true 21st century designs: Scandinavian and Japanese. Grounded in a neutral palette, Japandi evokes the functionality, rustic look and simplicity of both styles and focuses on clean lines, calming, Zen-like colors and a tightly edited room. Functional pieces are minimalist by design and carefully thought out for their intentionality and style. Here’s how to get the look.

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Visual Comfort Tripod Floor Lamp ($579)

From the Chapman & Myers collection for Visual Comfort comes the Tripod Floor Lamp, a perfect exercise in restrained design. Made up of three tripod legs, it adds lighting to a room without compromising space. The wood is available in two finishes, and the shades are available in paper or linen, offering several configurations for your room.

Circa Lighting • 404.233.4131 circalighting.com • @circalighting

Anacapa Saddle Leather Lounge Chair ($1,599)

The Anacapa Saddle Leather Lounge Chair is part of Lawson-Fenning’s collection for CB2. It’s made from Moore & Giles saddle leather that will patina over time and oak that is certified sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council. A pair of these will anchor a sitting vignette and provide the right amount of comfort and style.

CB2 • 404.260.7264 • cb2.com • @cb2

Cassina Sengu Coffee Table (price upon request)

Imagined by superstar designer Patricia Urquiola, the Sengu series takes its cues from Japanese shrines. A series of artfully and intentionally stacked beams create the table base that’s topped by a simple glass sheet. Wood finishes are available in Canaletto walnut, oak-stained black or a sunny oak, and the glass is available in transparent, smoked glass or a variety of luxurious marbles.

Context Gallery • 404.477.3301 contextgallery.com • @contextgallery

Montes Doggett Ceramic Bowl ($255)

While handmade in Peru, the organic lines and immediate functionality of this ceramic bowl fit the Japandi style. Designed by Monica Porter, this petite bowl has a bevy of uses, from holding everything from fruit and houseplants to delicious dips and candles. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe.

Hudson Grace • 404.351.7501 • hudsongracesf.com • @hudsongracesf

Fine jewelry, diamonds, engagement and wedding rings, and more, all at unbeatable prices.

Special shopping hours!

Friday, November 25, 2022 Saturday, December 3, 2022 Saturday, December 10, 2022 Saturday, December 17, 2022

More information at Shop.AmericasMart.com

AmericasMart Building 3, Floor 6 75 John Portman Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30303 Monday – Friday | 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.

©2022 International Market Centers, LLC

SKY’S THE LIMIT

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Growing up in Montana, Skylar Morgan was in spired by nature and its organic warmth, and that can very much be seen translated into the furniture for his eponymous line, Skylar Morgan Furniture. Designed and crafted out of his studio on the Upper Westside, the avid outdoors man and former millworker has carved out a niche as a master of warm, modern furnishings such as casework, cabinetry and furniture. He’s widely considered a pioneer of modern design in Atlanta. The use of rare and exotic woods

and exquisite craftsmanship make each of his pieces of heirloom quality, whether it be a felt and wood stool or a custom dining table. Elegant combinations such as walnut and black leather, washed ash and travertine, and rosewood and brushed brass command attention in transitional and modern rooms. The pieces are sculptural and functional, and are informed by midcentury design but updated for modern living, such as his iconic Hillock Console. Made from stylish halfmoon dowels and stone, it’s a

perfect example of Morgan’s work: simplicity and sophistication.

“I take inspiration from the beauty of my medium and the small imperfections that exhibit a quality piece of handmade furniture,” he says. He regularly creates custom pieces for restaurants, retail, resi dences and offices, and you’ve seen his work at The Optimist, South City Kitchen Buckhead and Red bird, to name a few. While you have to make an appointment to see the pieces in person, it’s worth it to examine his artistry up close. Here, we caught up with the designer.

You’ve coined yourself

“American-made modern.”

What does that mean to you?

American design and manufac turing are very meaningful to me. Modern design is usually thought of as coming from European design ers, but when I see extraordinary design produced in America, it makes me very proud. I’m proud to be a part of the conversation of American design today.

What inspires you?

I like to explore pieces that blur the lines between form and function. I take inspiration from the beauty of my medium and the small imper fections that exhibit a quality piece of handmade furniture. In an era of mass-produced furniture that lacks spirit and attention to detail, I try to find beautiful pieces of wood in raw form and bring them to life.

What excites you?

I am excited about unusual shapes and materials in furniture design and construction. I think along the lines of how to construct a piece of quality furniture using these new forms and materials.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love getting the opportunity to work with great designers and watching our furniture line pieces move through the shop in fabrica tion, finishing, upholstery, assembly and packaging.

How does your commercial work inform your residential work?

Both commercial and residential projects influence one another and help us grow as designers and fabricators. Whether it be materials, finishes, new production methods or even logistics, we learn and gain so much valuable knowledge with every project.

What’s next?

We’re launching a high-end cabinet division, and we’re exploring our vi sion for furniture-grade cabinetry, finishes and offerings. n

SKYLAR MORGAN FURNITURE 404.565.0537 • skylarmorganfurniture.com @skylarmorgan_furniture

Skylar Morgan Furniture is defining American-made modern

Andrew Thomas Lee

. 255 . 7727 | SpaSydell.com

BUCKHEAD | PERIMETER | ALPHARETTA NOW

of the Woodhouse Spa in Buckhead Stacey Howell came to

Caftan Calling

Nicole Letts

Like many people, Garden Hills resident Sarah Lawler found herself with idle hands during 2020’s COVID-19 lockdowns. A self-described lifelong creative, Lawler craved an outlet. “I wanted to bring brightness to a dark situation and really was drawn to design,” she says. After her husband gifted her a sewing machine, Lawler began sewing punchy-hued, sequin- and lacecovered caftans, and launched her company, Tela Luxury Mercantile, a little more than a year later.

Lawler grew up in Brookwood Hills surrounded by creative entre preneurs. Her dad is in residential construction while her mom is a successful attorney and writer. She recalls being drawn to fashion at a young age. “I’ve always expressed myself through my style. I remem ber begging my parents for a pair of crushed velvet bell bottoms, and my

parents’ phone ringing off the hook the day after I wore them to school,” she says. During high school, Lawler launched two fashion lines and eventually graduated from the Uni versity of Alabama with a degree in apparel and textile design.

The road to becoming a designer was not without a few speed bumps. Akin to other wide-eyed fashion industry hopefuls, Lawler set her sights on a stint in New York, but she was injured in a boating accident just after college graduation that halted those plans and kept her closer to home in Atlanta. While that could have derailed Lawler completely, it instead rerouted her course and changed her idea of what fashion could be. “After the accident, I gained a lot of weight, and it was upsetting because it became harder to dress myself. Eventually, I started gravitating towards dresses, and

Sarah Lawler, founder of Tela Luxury Mercantile, found a creative outlet in making caftans.

particularly caftans, which are a one-stop style shop,” she says. “Just add fabulous accessories and go.”

Post recovery, Lawler stayed in Atlanta to work for Spanx before leaving the fashion world to be a business consultant. Her fascination with fashion, and fabric specifically, remained at the forefront of her mind, thanks in large part to travel. “I found a lot of inspiration during two trips to Africa. I went to local markets and was drawn to the colorful textiles that were being sold and worn. Fast-forward a few years later, my husband and I went to Morocco for our honeymoon, and again the tex tiles everywhere were so inspiring.” Feeling motivated, she got to work developing her own pattern.

“The thought of designing a simple silhouette that focused on the fabric is what directed me to caftans. I let the fabric speak for itself,” says Lawler.

Despite a Tela caftan being a simple silhouette, it required many

iterations to get to where it is today. “I wanted it to look just as good on a size zero as it does on a size 20. It’s important to me that my designs be size-inclusive so you always look and feel good, no matter what.”

As for her love for textiles, Lawler hopes to one day design her own fabrics for her caftan line, but for now, she’s enjoying the thrill of the hunt. “I have vendors in Nigeria, and I love using their fabrics. It’s amazing to support these small artisans on another continent.” Available online, caftan prices start at $155. n

TELA LUXURY MERCANTILE telaluxurymercantile.com @tela_luxury_mercantile

SOOTHE OPERATOR

Over-the-counter products designed to treat eczema can offer relief.

Eczema Honey Soothing Body Wash ($13.95), Oatmeal Body Lotion ($23.95), Antioxidant Body Oil ($18.95)

Food-grade ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and honey gently clean, moisturize and nourish without irritation.

Ulta Beauty • ulta.com • @ultabeauty

Don’t Scratch That Itch

'

Tis the season for sitting by the fire and cranking up the heater. While those activities sound cozy, they can trigger dry, itchy skin. But how should you know if you’re experiencing seasonal dryness or something more serious such as eczema? We tapped Dr. Mat thew Reschly, a Sandy Springs-based dermatologist who sees patients at Medical Dermatology Specialists, Inc., to understand what eczema is, when to engage a professional and what to do to soothe your skin.

What is eczema?

“To keep it simple, eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin that causes itching and subsequent rashes,” Reschly says. It’s also more common than you might think. According to the National Eczema Association, 31.6 million people in the U.S. have some form of eczema, and it’s estimated that one in 10 indi viduals will develop the condition at some point during their lifetime.

Prime spots for the itchy, red,

Relief for eczema and when to seek pro help STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

bumpy skin include the folds of the arms and legs, back of the neck and the face. If you start to have itchy skin or rashes on those locations or if you have had a history of child hood eczema (which can reoccur in adolescence and into adulthood), it could be a sign of the condition.

Avoid triggers and nourish skin.

“Certain things can set it off dry skin, such as change of weather, harsh soaps and even stress,” says Reschly, who suggests choosing fragrance-free and hypoallergenic lotions, body washes, detergent and fabric softener to minimize irritation. Since extreme tempera tures can be a trigger for those with sensitive skin, opt for luke warm showers and baths rather than super-hot ones.

If you’re hoping to treat eczema at home, Reschly advises amping up your moisturizing routine. Look for words such as emollient, hyaluronic acid and ceramides on the label of

over-the-counter products, all of which can help boost moisture in the skin.

“Aveeno, Cetaphil and CeraVe are three of the main ones that dermatologists like recommend ing,” Reschly says. “They all have their version of eczema care.” For generally itchy skin, non-sedating antihistamines such as Benadryl or Claritin may also offer some relief.

Engage a dermatologist. If at-home care isn’t doing the trick, it’s likely time to see a doctor. “If you see rashes that are staying there day after day, or if the skin gets rough, discolored or thickened, that generally falls into the eczema category,” Reschly says, noting that parents should watch out for these in children and make an appoint ment with a trusted pediatrician who can determine if a dermatolo gist visit is needed.

Additionally, some people have food intolerances and allergies that can impact their skin. A dermatol

CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, Dry ($9.29)

A fragrance-free cream with 1% hydrocortisone (the max available without a prescription), three essential ceramides for hydration and niacinamide to calm itches. cvs.com @cvspharmacy

ogist or pediatrician can determine if it’s time to see an allergist to rule out food-related triggers.

Doctors have more tools at their disposal, beyond what’s available at the local drugstore or beauty shop, including prescription topical medications and non-steroidal creams. For more severe cases, new breakthroughs in oral medications are gamechangers, offering more dramatic results.

If you have eczema, take heart. Thanks to advances in medicine and soothing products, relief is possible. n

MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS 404.939.9220 • atlantamedicaldermatology.com

Do You Recall?

Recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s

It can be hard to discern between the typical forgetfulness that comes with old age and the onset of Alzheimer’s. Dementia is a general term for people who experience issues with memory.

“Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and the onset is usually after the age of 65,” says Dr. Robert W. Gilbert Jr., a neurologist with Piedmont Clinic in Buckhead.

The Signs

Alzheimer’s short-term memory loss is often paired with executive decision-making problems or bad judgment calls. These can include struggling to pay bills, forgetting appointments, making a financial decision that doesn’t make sense, difficulty with multitasking like planning a trip, getting a little dis oriented in familiar places or having trouble recalling a close friend’s name. You might also notice per sonality changes, such as increased

anxiety, moodiness, depression, easy distractibility and sleep disorders.

Gilbert emphasizes that family members play an important role in helping a loved one seek help and should attend appointments to fill in blanks. He initially asks them if the person experiencing short-term memory loss tells the same story over and over, or asks the same questions repeatedly.

Getting a Diagnosis Dementia can develop from a host of things, including family history, head trauma, a brain tumor or vita min deficiencies, and Alzheimer's is caused by amyloid protein deposits in the brain, not old age. So Gilbert encourages everyone with shortterm memory loss to get checked.

Whether you visit a primary care physician first or go straight to a neurologist, the doctor will want to do bloodwork to rule out things such as a thyroid imbalance or vitamin B-12 deficiency. They’ll also look at any drug interactions that

can aggravate the condition.

During a neurologist’s exam, you’ll be asked a short series of cognitive questions. If there’s reason for further examination, you will be referred to a neuropsy chologist for cognitive testing. This takes around two to three hours and includes an in-depth assessment of memory, decision making, numbers and calculation.

From there, you may also receive an MRI scan that is useful for ruling out underlying causes such as mini strokes, brain tumors and a subdu ral hematoma (brain bleed).

“The office exam and cognitive testing are the main tools we have to rule out depression, regular aging and underlying issues versus Alzheimer’s,” Gilbert says.

Additional diagnostic tools in clude amyloid PET scans that show protein plaques in the brain and spinal taps that measure the levels of proteins in the cerebrospinal flu id, but Gilbert says those aren’t rou tinely used by neurologists as they are still in research trial phases.

Lifestyle Treatment

Physical exercise and eating a healthy diet are proven to be the two most important things you can do to slow the disease’s pro gression. “Simply walk 10 minutes a day. If you can’t walk, stretch or do yoga. All of these things are helpful. We don’t know for sure why, but it could have to do with improvement in blood flow to the brain because we know decreased blood flow makes dementia worse,” says Gilbert, who recommends a Mediterranean diet focused on plant-based foods, whole grains and lean proteins.

Social interaction inside and out side of the home is also key to re duce hopelessness that might come with the disease and exacerbate a sedentary lifestyle. “Depression, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and stroke are all comorbidities of Alzheimer’s,” Gilbert says.

Hopeful New Drug

Currently, no prescription drug has been proven to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s. However, Gilbert is hopeful about Lecanemab, an IV in fusion therapy that has been in the news this fall and looks promising in its phase three trials. “It is showing a 27% reduction in decline for those diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s, which is better than anything else we’ve had.” n

PIEDMONT CLINIC • 404.351.2270 piedmont.org • @piedmonthealth

Neurologist Robert W. Gilbert Jr. sees patients experiencing memory loss.

Stacey Howell’s whole life pre pared her for her role as spa owner and general manager of the Woodhouse Spa in Buckhead.

The New Jersey native spent summers working with her mom, a factory employee who became a quality control manager. Howell’s father was a businessman, and she had the experience of traveling to Europe and gaining an under standing of the finer things.

“This balance helped me understand people and quality,

and that the luxury is in the details,” Howell says.

The diverse career for this mom of seven (four biological) also played a part in leading her to the spa busi ness. Her roles have included buyer, which provided retail experience, and sales and marketing, which taught her about customer relation ships. Always an active volunteer with a love of community, she also served as an elected official in New Jersey before moving to Atlanta in 2013 and becoming CEO and

executive director of Every Woman Works, a nonprofit whose mission was to put women back on their feet after trauma. “That was most pur poseful work I’ve done,” says Howell.

The nonprofit shuttered after COVID’s onset. Wanting to stay in wellness and going through a time when everyone needed extra support, Howell was drawn to the spa industry for her next venture. Having been a client of Woodhouse’s when she lived in New Jersey, she decided to open Atlanta’s third location in May.

Why did you choose Buckhead as your Woodhouse location?

I love Buckhead because of its thriving diversity. I want our staff to represent everybody and be a re flection of the community. I love our building space. It is the flagship loca

tion for Woodhouse’s new modern, rebranded look and is different than the other 79 around the country. It’s the only location with a salt therapy room and a beautiful terrace.

How did running a nonprofit inspire your spa launch?

The women I dealt with gave me the courage to step out of my com fort zone like I never had before.

I thought if they can do it—build themselves back from the ground up—I can do it. My business is still dedicated to giving back. My employees are given two paid volunteer days a year.

What does a normal work day look like for you?

Every morning, I ask myself, “How do you eat an elephant?” Answer: One bite at a time. My days are all different, which is what keeps me excited. If I’m not in my office, I talk to guests or roll up my sleeves with my staff and check on things like the laundry and snacks. I make charcuterie boards for customers who rent the patio space. I love that there are bridesmaids, birthdays and best friend outings here.

What’s it like working closely with your husband?

We thought he was going to be more of a silent partner, but he wears a lot of hats! I’m the CEO and visionary; I come with the ideas. And he’s the COO who thinks out the process and implementation. It’s both of our second marriages, so we come in with more wisdom but also more independence that gets in the way sometimes, if I’m being honest.

What’s your favorite spa treatment and space?

I’m still trying to get through them all because I’ve been so busy! I love The Tub Room, where we do specialty treatments like shirodhara and the Meditative Mood Soak, with its dim lights and candles. I also love a facial!

What wellness activities do you enjoy outside of work?

I’m an outdoor person. I ski and love adventure—traveling and exploring new places, people and more. n

WOODHOUSE SPA – BUCKHEAD 678.391.4333 • buckhead.woodhousespas.com @woodhousebuckhead

Brent Ellis

Beloved Books

TOP PICKS FOR KIDS

STORY: Giannina S. Bedford

Reading to and with your kids from an early age helps establish a love of books and provides a special time for family bonding. Just 10 to 15 min utes per day can also encourage speech development and vocabulary building. With so many wonderful stories to share, we asked some bibliophiles to give us their top picks. Here are their favorites stories for kids from ages 0 to 12.

Babies and Toddler-Age Children (Ages 0-3)

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

“My all-time favorite as a child. It not only taught me to try things that are new; it also taught me not to have a builtin bias against something because I was not familiar with it.  This can apply to many different things in life.”

—Eric Kennington, Northside Library children’s librarian

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom  by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault and Lois Ehlert (Illustrator)

“Nobody teaches the alphabet quite like Bill Martin Jr. The colorful and lively illustra tions in this book will captivate even the youngest of readers’ attention, making learning the alphabet a fun and rhythmic experience.” —Scott Berkowitz, manager of children’s books, Barnes & Noble

Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton “Sandra Boynton’s wildly popular book features her lively and spirited text that introduces readers to animals and the noises they make. A quiet final spread begs the little ones and their caregiversto OINK!, SNORT!, QUACK! and MEOW! in a noisy animal ending.” —S.B.

Preschool to Elementary School-Age Children (Ages 4-8)

Harry the Dirty Dog By Gene Zion

“It is about a dog who loves to play and get dirty. However, in his joy of having fun and getting dirty, he gets a little too dirty. The change is so dra matic that even his family doesn’t recognize him as he longs to return home. In the end, Harry digs up his bathing brush and begs for a bath from his family and is transformed back into a white dog with black spots once again. A wonderful story about how home is perceived and how it makes one happy.”- E.K.

The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! by Mo Willems “Mo Willems’ menagerie of animal mates has been a bookseller, educa tor and story time favorite for almost 20 years. This is a brilliantly fun and highly relatable ride that will have both reader and listener highly en gaged.”—S.B.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson “If you’re looking for a story that teaches creativity and confidence (and one that also has a song to sing, too), The Gruffalo is the story for you.”

—S.B.

Books for Pre-Teens and Tweens (Ages 9-12)

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

“Poetry and basketball collide in this power ful, mid dle-grade novel in verse about 13-year-old twin broth ers Josh and

Jordan. Rich with imagery, emotion and heart, The Crossover packs a serious punch.”

—Stephanie Pinheiro, manager of children’s books, Barnes & Noble

Odder by Katherine Applegate  “This sweet story about an otter named— you guessed it—Odder, is the perfect read for the young animal lover or aspiring marine biologist in your life.” —S.P.

A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty

“A Corner of White pulls you right into two worlds: Madeleine’s, in Cambridge, England, and Elliot’s, in Cello, a parallel reality. These two teens communicate through letters slipped into the cracks between their worlds. It’s a charming, quirky start to a wonderful trilogy.”

—Amy Alexander, branch manager, Northside Library

BARNES & NOBLE 404.261.7747 barnesandnoble.com • @buckheadbn

BUCKHEAD LIBRARY • 404.613.7350 fulcolibrary.org/locations/buckhd/

NORTHSIDE LIBRARY 404.613.6870 fulcolibrary.org/locations/NRTHSD/

It is an amazing feeling when you bring a new cat or dog into your home, but it’s important to ensure your new friend is also comfortable with you and the new surroundings. Some animals may have endured abusive or neglectful backgrounds before being adopted, so they may need a little more time getting used to a new owner, other pets in the home and navigating new surroundings such as stairs (if they have never used them before) and a backyard or litter box location.

“When we talk about socializa tion for pets, we mean exposure in a positive way,” says Amy Campbell, certified professional dog trainer and co-owner of Behave Atlanta that services several neighborhoods in town, including Buckhead.

Doggie Dos Campbell suggests being mindful of how your new dog reacts to things in or outside a new home, and if they seem fearful, take it slow and add positivity when you can. Teach them that sounds such as sinks and TVs aren’t scary and that their dog crate is a fun, safe place to be. “For most dogs, this is easiest delivered in the form of treats, but it might also be a happy voice, more space from the upsetting element or playtime,” she says.

Kitty Cues

When you bring home a new cat, Ingrid Johnson, certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Fundamentally Feline, suggests giving them their own “safe” and confined space. Once they are

eating, drinking and eliminating normally, allow them controlled access to other areas. “It is ideal to utilize play, food and praise to do this,” she says. “Cats learn better if they gradually explore new spaces themselves versus being picked up and forced to go to a different area of the house.”

Johnson says the socialization window ends between nine and 12 weeks old, and the best piece of advice she can offer to ensure a so cially normal kitten is to adopt two.

“Cats need other cats to learn from, and no human or other pet can teach them appropriate play, bite inhibition, etc. Single cats, raised alone without their own species, tend to have behavior prob lems like fear and aggression.”

Pet Bonding

Once your pet is more comfortable with you and their surroundings, it’s time to think about a more permanent relationship. Staying close to a routine with daily play, walks (for dogs) and meals is important. Johnson says training is great for developing a language with which you can communicate with your pet, and it plays a huge role in bonding. Plus, if you’re struggling to socialize or bond with your dog or cat, professional training can help both pet and owner. n

Courtesy of the Horst

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 goals. She is known for her excellent bedside manner, exceptional patient care, and innovative treatments that cannot be found at other prac tices. 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

postoperative care. Maggie is a native of upstate New York and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.

Maggie Schreck, PA-C

These days, we often choose the most convenient way to accomplish a task. When it comes to thanking someone, it’s easy to tap out a quick email or text message to acknowledge your appreciation. However, according to Brent Ellis Fraim, founder of creative paper studio Dear Elouise and print shop Buckhead Printery, there’s something to be said for putting pen to paper and writing a proper thank-you note.

“When you get an important piece in the mail—a birth announcement, a wedding invitation, a thank-you note—you feel the importance of it,” she says. “You can write a thank you in an email, but I think the gratitude comes through so much more when you make it a tangible piece.”

Here, Fraim shares a few tips for mastering the art of writing thank-you notes.

When should I consider writing a traditional thank-you note?

Of course there are things you auto matically write a thank-you note for, like a wedding or a baby gift. Right now, we are entering the season of hosting and gifts. But you really can write a thank-you note for anything. It could be for an event that was hosted in your honor or to thank someone for letting you stay at their home while you were in town. You can write a thank-you note to any one who has gone out of their way to do something nice for you.

What should the note say? Thank the person for whatever they gave you or did for you and then share something a bit personal. Maybe you can explain how you’ll use the gift you received, or you can share your favorite moment from the event you attended. Just be sure to bring in your personality and thank them again at the end. It can be quick—four or five sentences.

How soon should I write a thank-you note?

I always recommend that you write a thank-you note as soon as you can. For instance, I often tell my brides to write it as soon as a gift arrives so they don’t get backed up with the correspondence. If you put it on your to-do list for later, you may not

get to it. However, it’s always better to do it late than never.

What kind of stationery should I use?

When writing a thank-you note, it’s important to use stationery that feels authentic to you. Don’t just go and find a box of thank-you cards in your mom’s cabinet. You should have some of your own. And today’s thank-you notes don’t have to just be black ink

on plain paper. You can choose a color or artwork that feels like you.

How can I make sure that my thank-you note is both beautiful and well written?

Type out your note first before you write it down. If you’re using your personal stationery, you don’t want to scratch things out as you’re writing. So type it out and make sure

you’ve said what you want to say. You also can check to see if everything is spelled correctly. It’s a great way to prep. You get the modern conve nience of the computer, but you can still put the words down on paper. n

Heidi Harris

Brent Ellis Fraim stands in front of shelves of colorful inks at Buckhead Printery.

Renaissance on Peachtree

With a daily schedule that can include fitness, educational programs, hobby groups and plenty of chances to socialize with other fascinating residents, your life will be an adventure of your own design!

See for yourself when you attend an upcoming event: Mahjong Mondays Monday, November 14 & Monday, December 12 | 1 – 3 p.m. If you love games of strategy and skill, join us for Mahjong Mondays!

Taste of Spain Tuesday, November 29 | 3 – 5 p.m. Join us for a festive celebration, including delicious tapas, refreshing drinks and a dazzling flamenco dancer.

Holiday Sip & Paint Tuesday, December 6 | 3 – 5 p.m. Martin will show you how to create your own masterpiece as you enjoy holiday hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music. Limited seating. RSVP today! 404-334-5700

For the safety and well-being of all residents and guests, all recommended safety precautions will be taken. Please call to inquire about our safety measures for these events.

Aging Parents?

help keep

Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood now has a new support system, called Naborforce. Naborforce brings joyful and independent aging to older adults through a trusted network of “Nabors” now available in the area for on-demand support and social engagement.

Naborforce founder and CEO, Paige Wilson, was inspired to launch Naborforce after caring for her mother as she aged. Paige was raising a teenage daughter and working full time just when her mother began to need more help. When Paige began looking for support, she saw a gap between the light assistance needed around the house and more extensive care provided by aides and nurses. Today, Naborforce serves as the first and only technology

“platform to dispatch a carefully vetted network of local Nabors ready to provide light assistance to older adults.

Older adults and their family members can set up a Nabor force account within minutes. There are no contracts and visits may be scheduled for as little as one hour at a time. “Nabors are on-demand and ready to help anything from taking a walk, cleaning out a closet, setting up an iPhone, changing an over head bulb, preparing a meal, or simply sharing a cup of coffee,” says Paige.

Buckhead can now easily tap into Naborforce’s passionate and caring community by visiting naborforce.com or calling 404.493.9555.

NABORFORCE atlanta@naborforce.com • 404.493.955 naborforce.com

Innovative

BOOK A TOUR

(404) 595-2034 sandysprings@townsquare.net

8601 Dunwoody Place8601 Dunwoody Place Suite 130 Sandy Springs, GA 30350 townsquare.net/sandy-springs

Step inside and be transportedStep inside and be transported to a mid-century American town designed to spark memories.designed to spark memories.

Come discover how our stateof-the-art, therapeutic therapeutic programming is designed to preserve cognitive function andpreserve cognitive function and postpone long-term care for those diagnosed with MCI,those diagnosed with MCI, Alzheimer’s, and relatedAlzheimer’s, and related

Imagine that you are newly retired, or soon to be retired, with big plans for how you in tend to spend your golden years traveling, perhaps with a partner, enjoying visits with family, taking time to finally enjoy the life you have worked so hard for. Now, imagine receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia at this time and being told that you or your loved one will experience ir reversible cognitive decline, over an unknown period of time, to an unknown extent.

It’s no surprise that receiving such a diagnosis is devastating to both the patient as well as their loved ones, especially their primary care partner. Unfortunately, those impacted are often left with a plethora of unanswered questions, concerns, not to mention the tremendous anxiety of the uncertainty that haunts them. Care consultations are a critical piece of this daunting puzzle –and should be utilized at every

stage of the disease.

Care consultations provide an assessment of a patient’s current needs and an opportunity discuss ways to maintain or even improve quality of life, leveraging the care partner’s and patient’s strengths and mitigating their weaknesses. Effective consultations include options for respite, clinical infor mation and referrals, and general advice from a credentialed expert in the field – and should result in a comprehensive care plan that is flexible and considers the needs of both the care partner and the person living with dementia.

Town Square Sandy Springs, an innovative adult day and family Alzheimer’s resource center, of fers free care consultations to the greater Atlanta community.

TOWN

sandysprings@townsquare.net

THINK SENIOR LIVING MEANS LIMITS? THINK AGAIN.

Today’s seniors are more active and engaged than ever, which leaves little room for yesterday’s ideas about aging. That’s why one senior community — Lenbrook — is built around a far more dynamic approach.

At Lenbrook, residents live as vibrantly and fully as they ever have — maybe even more so. With a myriad of cultural and intellectual opportunities, five unique dining venues, a fitness center, outdoor walking trails, and gathering spots, this community is practically a trendy village of its own.

There is a wide array of floor plans to choose from — all well-appointed with high-end finishes. All Lenbrook Residents have access to amazing amenities, services, and a full continuum of on-site healthcare services. And for peace of mind,

Lenbrook is the first and only Life Plan Community in Atlanta to achieve international accreditation and an investment grade rating.

LENBROOK 3747 Peachtree Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30319 • 404.531.2011 LiveatLenbrook.com

ORCHARD AT BROOKHAVEN

Assisted Living & Memory Care

Like You’ve Never Seen it Before

Orchard at Brookhaven 3523 Buford Hwy NE, Brookhaven, GA 30329 404.775.0488

orchardseniorliving.com

ORCHARD

Aging Gracefully

W

e are equally committed to our residents, relationship with families and being a resource to the Brookhaven community. Here at Orchard, we are sincere in our effort in helping our residents age gracefully. We collaborate and build relationships with families to foster a personalized approach to care. We provide community outreach and education as we seek to be a part of improving the senior living experience and eliminating stigmas related to aging and dementia.

At Orchard, we believe that quality of life is rooted in all relationships.

We truly do wish to partner with you on this journey. Our mission is to be part of your solution!

ORCHARD AT BROOKHAVEN 3523 Buford Hwy NE Brookhaven, GA 30329 404.775.0488 www.orchardseniorliving.com

5Church Midtown

Peachtree Street

GA 30361

5Church Buc head 3379 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 303 6(470) 19-4 41

Peabo Bryson loves his life.

At 71, the R&B singer still loves writing, performing and recording. After 12 years of marriage, he loves being a husband, father and grandparent. He loves Atlanta, where the South Carolina native has lived since 1971, mostly in Buckhead. And he loves love.

“Love is the only true commodity

worth anybody’s salt,” says Bryson, who has performed professionally since age 15. “Love has never been so unpopular, and I’m still writing about it.”

Many of Bryson’s biggest successes have been love duets, including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” with Roberta Flack, “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A

films, won him Grammys in 1992 and 1993. “So many things have to align for it to happen,” Bryson says. “Being the best has nothing to do with it.”

Bryson credits Jeffrey Katzen berg, who was Disney’s No. 2 exec utive. He says Katzenberg recused himself when Bryson’s name came up among possible singers for the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack. “He said he couldn’t be objective because he considered me the greatest male vocalist of our time.”

The people who worked for Katzenberg got the message.

Bryson says talent doesn’t seem to matter anymore. “We’re moving into an age of ‘I am who I say I am,’” he says. “People equate popularity with substance.”

Still, he says the truth in his songs appeals across generations, even to young fans shocked that his guitar playing is real and not a TikTok prank.

“People have come to expect a high level of sincerity, objectivity and honesty from me and my music. I’ve kept that standard,” Bryson says.

He waited 11 years between stu dio albums before releasing 2018’s Stand for Love, but lead single “Love Like Yours and Mine” hit No. 3 on the U.S. adult R&B chart.

Stand for Love producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are working with Bryson on another album. It includes a song about people preferring hookups to relationships, Bryson says, with the line “one more TikTok pretender swipes right for love on Tinder.”

Despite a heart attack in 2019, Bryson keeps up a steady concert schedule, tailoring each show to the audience. He hopes to return to Chastain Park, a favorite venue.

He’s also busy at home. His son, Robert, will be 5 in January, has perfect pitch and reads on a sixthgrade level, Bryson says. His wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, 30 years his junior, has reunited with her early-2000s British girl group, The 411. The family has a Rottweiler, Kirby. Bryson also is a grandfather through his grown daughter.

He’s a foodie who loves to cook, is known as the pasta king and keeps drawers full of exotic spices. He enjoys “everything and anything Atlanta has” in restaurants, including Buckhead Life and the Iberian Pig, though he regrets the absence of Mr Chow, the London-New York-Los An geles institution that is his favorite.

Bryson also casually speaks of UFOs, alien technology, ghosts, multiple dimensions, nonlinear time, human free will and the higher power above everything. “Expe riences have taught me not to go crazy when I see the unbelievable,” he says. “Not that everything is true, but I believe in the possibility of everything.”

He says life has brought him a continual series of life-changing epiphanies, not least of which is the value of love. “I don't do evil for the sake of being evil,” Bryson says, “I’m trying to bring understanding and make the world better. Otherwise, what’s the point?” n peabobryson2.com • @peabobryson2

Peabo Bryson keeps a steady rhythm in a changing world STORY: Michael Jacobs

STANDING UP FOR LOVE

Meeting the World Through Art

cial print plate maker. But I soon realized I just wanted to be a painter.”

Not long after starting at Chastain, Kennedy expanded her class offer ings. “As opportunities presented themselves, I taught landscape, figure drawing and advanced water color. I gradually just taught more and more.”

STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

Dolores Kennedy has been woven into the fabric of the Chastain Arts Center for so long that even she didn’t realize it.

“Just before COVID shut every thing down, Chastain celebrated 50 years, and I realized I started five years after that [founding],” she says. “That’s 45 years. I had no idea I’d been teaching that long.”

The 91-year-old Brookhaven resident wasn’t looking far into the future when she joined Chastain’s instructor lineup. Her original goal was to expand the then-new

center’s offerings by adding drawing and watercolor painting classes.

Those were her two areas of exper tise, gathered initially through three years of classes at what was then known as the High Museum School of Art. At the end of the program, she was awarded a scholarship to stay for a fourth year, but she decid ed to pursue a formal degree, which she obtained from Georgia State.

“I’d paint until 4 p.m. then go downtown and take classes,” she says.

“I had the chance to paint sets for the old Atlanta Municipal Theater Under the Stars and worked as a commer

Kennedy lived with her family in the Morningside neighborhood to save enough money to rent a studio in what is now dubbed The Castle, a 1909 house on 15th Street that, at the time of the early 1950s, was home to a bevy of artists and performers. While working there, she earned a number of awards from prominent juries, such as the South eastern Annual Art Show that drew submissions from eight states.

“One year I won second place in the oil painting division, and the next year, I won first in watercolor,” she says. “I believe I was the only person who won two consecutive top prizes, and I certainly was the only woman.”

The awards provided the mo tivation and confidence to keep Kennedy focused on painting. “And I’ve stayed with it for the rest of my life,” she says.

When she went through a divorce, friends encouraged her to get out and socialize. But Kennedy knew she needn’t go far.

“I realized I didn’t have to get out to meet people: If I kept teach ing, the world came to me,” she says. “I’ve taught people from all around Georgia, New York, Peru, England—people from all over the world who moved to Atlanta wound up in my classes.”

She’s also met people in classes she’s taught at the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody and the Abernathy Arts Center in Sandy Springs. But she considers Chastain her home base and plans to keep teaching there.

“I love doing it; it keeps my feet in the studio,” she says. “And there’s no better way to learn than to teach.” n

Dolores Kennedy has taught Chastain art students for 45 years

When Shaquita Smith told her father she wanted to be an actress, he said she couldn’t rely on the full-scholarship drama major she was pursuing and needed to get a second degree. Far from feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, she took it as good advice and promptly added a business degree. It turned into far more than a backup plan. Based in Buckhead, Smith has appeared in numerous movies

and television shows, and is most known for her role in “NCIS: New Orleans.” Alongside her on-screen success, she is putting that business training to good use and triumph ing as a producer.

Right now, her dual roles are both operating at full speed. She is gear ing up for Alabama Girl, a movie she is co-producing and starring in about a woman racing against time to retrieve her sister from a sex trafficking ring. The story is based

on a poem she wrote as a young girl dealing with abuse.

This month, her new series, “Wicked City,” launches on the AMC streaming service ALLBLK. Set and filmed in Atlanta, the show is a supernatural drama, with Smith playing Jordan, one of five modern-day witches. Here, she speaks about her current projects and how her past has led her to where she is now.

This is an exciting time, with “Wicked City” premiering this month. Was playing Jordan a different sort of role for you? Yes, really different! I was excited and nervous because portraying someone that allowed me to be vulnerable was intimidating. The

more I prepared, the more I start ed seeing the little girl that I was, wanting to be loved and accept ed, in my character. Jordan is a 25-year-old witch who is insecure and immature, and trying to find her innocence throughout the story was so beautiful. My childhood was kind of taken away from me, and this allowed me to have it back. It was really therapeutic.

Your childhood was also the basis for your upcoming project, Alabama Girl. Can you talk about that?

When I was a little girl, I was abused by my uncle and later, when I was about 12 or 13, I started writing po etry. The poems were an expression of myself and getting out how I felt at a very young age. [Alabama Girl is based on] one of those poems, and every time I look at that poem, I think, “I’m not there now. I’m mov ing up. I know where I come from, but that’s not where I’m staying.”

And you then wrote a play based on the poem ?

Yes, and performed it in Atlanta at the Greater New Hope Baptist Church.

So how does producing compare to acting?

I’m a person who doesn’t like to wait for someone to give me something. I’d rather get the ball rolling, and so that’s how I got to producing. I’m excited about acting, but I’m happier about producing because, for me, producing is about giving opportunities to other peo ple. The love that I have is bringing other individuals around to jump on board as well.

When you’re acting, how do you get ready for being on set?

I have my script in the morning, and I make sure I know all my lines, how many scenes I have and what emo tions I will feel that day. I also have a role playlist, music about how the character feels that are moti vational songs to get me up and running. Sometimes I get a car, and sometimes I drive myself to set. And that’s when the games begin! n

SHAQUITA SMITH shaquitasmith.com • @shaquita_official

Shaquita Smith shines on screen and behind the scenes

STORY: Laurel-Ann Dooley

Poetic Act

DANCE INTO THE HOLIDAYS

ATLANTA BALLET 2 PERFORMS AT BUCKHEAD VILLAGE

Tired of the Thanksgiving cleanup and making turkey sandwiches? Load the family into the car and head for Buckhead Village on Nov. 26 for a free performance from Atlanta Ballet 2. Starting at 6 p.m. and open to the public, this magical holiday kick-off features selections from favorites including “The Nutcracker” and “Snow White,” plus contemporary pieces choreographed by Atlanta Ballet Company dancers Darian Kane, Evelyn Robin son and Anderson Souza.

“Core to the mission at the Atlanta Ballet is sharing the power and joy of dance with our community, and I can’t think of a more magical time and place to show case dance than at Buckhead Village during the holi day season,” says Sharon Story, dean of Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. “The Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers represent the highest level of training at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education, and it’s an honor to share their talents with the community.” n buckheadvillagedistrict.com/happenings/atlanta-ballet-2 @atlantaballet

After a COVID hiatus, Wine, Women & Shoes is back on Nov. 13 to raise money for the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. This year, the event benefits research for cancers in women, men and children. According to event planner Janon Redmond, attendees can look forward to “a bigger marketplace, more shopping and more wine vendors” at the Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta. A fun new feature is the Bourbon Lounge with tastings, comfy sofas, TVs and a sports memorabilia auction.

“This is the first year since 2019 we’ve had the event, so we want to get everyone back on board and drum up excitement,” says Redmond.

The first half of the afternoon offers wine, hors d'oeuvres and mingling, followed by a sit-down lunch with survivors’ presentations and a live auction. Tickets start at $150 for general admission and $250 for front-seat VIP at the fashion runway featuring looks from stylist Randi Layne. n

Savor a festive beverage and toast the season at this year’s Hot Choco late Crawl, a highlight of the “Miracle on Peachtree” event series from Livable Buckhead. Featuring live per formances, delicious drinks and fun

8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Bring the kids and your sweet tooth, and get ready to check out a variety of hot drinks offered by an array of Buckhead businesses. Partners of the Hot Chocolate Crawl include restau

Place, among others. For adults who crave their cocoa spiked, liquors and liqueurs will be available for purchase.

“We had about 12 drink stops last year, and we are hoping to expand on that,” says Anna Sharp, communi ty engagement manager for Livable Buckhead. “Also, while it’s called the Hot Chocolate Crawl, we’ll have many drink flavors, so get ready for other interesting holiday beverages. It’s a great event for both kids and adults.” Live performances are curated by local musician and DJ Mike Zarin. Think: a three-piece brass band, folk singers, classical carolers and more. For even more magic, head over to Loudermilk Park and gaze at the twinkling trees “adopted” by business es and individuals for delivery to fire stations around Atlanta. n

APPLE CIDER DAYS IN DUNWOODY

Nov. 12

dunwoodypreservationtrust.org/ apple-cider-days/ Enjoy a free celebration of food, arts, crafts and music at the his toric Donaldson-Bannister Farm, hosted by Dunwoody Preserva tion Trust.

CHAMBLEE

HOLIDAY HOOPLA

Dec. 4

chambleeholidayhoopla.net

Visit downtown Chamblee for holiday-themed activities and crafts, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a local market, a special holiday lights display and more.

A CELTIC FAMILY CHRISTMAS

AT CITY SPRINGS

Dec. 10

sandyspringsga.gov/events/ celtic-family-christmas

Listen to familiar holiday classics mingled with Celtic songs and performances by Canadian fid dlers Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy and their family at City Springs. Tickets start at $25.

Celebrate!

THE FÊTE TRADITIONS THAT WARM OUR HEARTS

PHOTO: Sara Hanna

As we enter into the most festive season, it feels like there’s a lot to celebrate. From creative ways to give thanks and surprising ways to celebrate birthdays, weddings and babies to menus and chef-created recipes to mark some of the season’s biggest holidays, this feature is sure to provide plenty of creative inspiration to fuel your gatherings.

LaMarque jacket

Deepa Gurnani earrings

Available at Tootsies.

Wardrobe: Retrofete dress

Jonathan Simkhai dress ($695) and Sylvia Toledano earrings

Tired of doing the same-old birthday dinner scenario year after year? Consider supercharging your next celebra tion with one of these fun ideas.

BIG HAIR AND BIG LAUGHS

WHERE TO GO: LIPS IN BROOKHAVEN

THE EXPERIENCE: Ring in your new year with the performers at Lips, a dinner and drag show experience available five nights a week, plus brunch on Sundays. From the campy and hilarious “Twisted Broadway” show featuring tunes from “Annie” to “The Lion King” and hosted by Brigitte Bidet to “Glitz & Glam” that prom ises a glamorous good time hosted by Christian Valentino, expect major laughs from the over-the-top entertainment. Enjoy the prix fixe, three-course dinner, offering entree selections such as shrimp and grits and wild mushroom ravioli, under a plethora of disco balls. Make your reservations at least two weeks in

advance. Tickets are $17-$46 per person, depending on the showtime.

PAINTING PARTY

WHERE TO GO: PAINTING WITH A TWIST IN SANDY SPRINGS OR BUCKHEAD

THE EXPERIENCE: No artistic skills are required to paint the town with your friends. Just grab a brush and follow the instructor-led, stepby-step instructions (or not) to create your own canvas. Choose from scheduled events or custom ize your private party by selecting from themes, such as Zen Collection where you paint an original peace ful scene, or Paint Your Pet, where the focus is a portrait of your animal family member. To book a private party, the venue requires a mini mum of 10 painters on weekdays and 15 on the weekends. Feel free to bring your own wine, beer, food and birthday cake. Tickets are $37-$40 per person for two-hour classes; inquire for private party pricing.

GLAM-PICNICKING

WHOM TO HIRE: PIC-NIC, A MOBILE SERVICE

THE EXPERIENCE: Select a location, from your backyard to a public park, that’s within a 15-minute drive of the I-285 Perimeter for your catered, boho-chic birthday pop-up picnic. Then go barefoot and fabulous while the PIC-NIC team sets up your lounge blankets, pillows, umbrellas, flowers and table with sweet and savory nibbles, such as antipasto, paninis and lemon curd-filled raspberry cake ($100).

STORY: Karina Antenucci

Customized specialty cakes are also available with advance notice. Addons include cornhole, photography and a live vocalist or musician. Prices start at $350 for two hours for two to four people.

POSH TEA TIME

WHERE TO GO: THE ST. REGIS ATLANTA IN BUCKHEAD

THE EXPERIENCE: Feeling like an elegant affair this year? Share the afternoon tea ritual at The St. Regis Atlanta’s Astor Court with up to 12 of your loved ones. Sip an artfully blended Lavender Earl Gray (or choose Champagne!) and enjoy a selection of bites, such as cucumber and curried chicken salad sandwich es, marzipan scones and bourbon crème brûlée, while live local enter tainment sets the soothing ambi ance. Tea times are on Saturdays and Sundays between 12:30-3:30 p.m. for the 1.5-hour experience. From Nov. 26 to Dec. 24, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance, bringing holiday treats and festive decor to the tea ritual. A mischie vous hotel elf will also be making the rounds. Pricing is $65 per adult and $50 per child aged 3 to 10. (Tea with Santa is $95 for adults and $75 for children.)

GAMES GALORE

WHERE TO GO: PUTTSHACK, THE PAINTED DUCK AND TOPGOLF IN UPPER WESTSIDE

THE EXPERIENCE: Score birthday fun points at one of these upscale gam ing venues featuring big and bold

decor, top-of-the-line tech, music, food and cocktail service. Mini-golf rules at Puttshack; Topgolf offers a driving range experience; The Paint ed Duck provides bowling in addition to other games such as horseshoes and shuffleboard. Whether you’re a golf pro or bowling champ, or are just in it for casual competition, all levels are welcome to get their games on. Pricing varies by venue. n

LIPS • 404.315.7711 lipsatl.com • @lipsatl

PUTTSHACK • 404.738.7888 puttshack.com • @puttshack

THE PAINTED DUCK • 404.352.0048 thepaintedduckatl.com

@paintedduckatl

PAINTING WITH A TWIST Sandy Springs • 470.294.2926 @pwatsandysprings Buckhead • 404.975.3423 @pwatbuckhead paintingwithatwist.com

PIC-NIC • 404.692.3144 pic-nic.com • @picdashnic

THE ST. REGIS ATLANTA IN BUCKHEAD 404.563.7900 • marriott.com/st_regis @stregisatl

TOPGOLF • 404.475.4000 topgolf.com • @topgolf

Left: Score birthday points with your friends at Puttshack.

Above: A PIC-NIC setup is just the thing for a boho bestie.

Friendsgiving appealed to Atlanta artist Ariel Dannielle as soon as she saw it on social media. Thanksgiving with family can be a stressful obligation, but a potluck with friends makes fun the main course.

Dannielle, now 31, hosted these celebrations each November from 2017 to 2019. “It became something I really cherished,” she says.

She captured the joy in Cheers to You, Friendsgiving 2019, part of a show at the Buckhead contemporary art museum MOCA GA. At 7 feet high and nearly 11 feet long, the painting evokes The Last Supper, though un like Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the faces are turned to the center, where Dannielle sits in pink braids.

The painting even has a Last Sup per backstory: It premiered around Thanksgiving 2020, when the pan demic interrupted the Friendsgiving tradition, and Dannielle hasn’t had another Atlanta gallery exhibit since. But she has a hometown solo show booked for next fall, and Friendsgiv ing might be back this year.

A candid photo was the reference to capture her friends talking and

laughing. “If it’s a moment in my life that I think is special,” she says, “then I want to solidify it in a painting.”

Dannielle says Friendsgiving cross es cultural lines and represents a universal desire to spend special oc casions with the family you choose, not just the family you’re given.

Here are some more creative ways to celebrate this Thanksgiving.

Get Active

n Atlanta’s Invesco QQQ Thanks giving Day Half Marathon can burn calories Nov. 24 before Thanksgiving dinner. A 5K, a mile and a children’s 50-meter dash are

options. Registration is open until Nov. 23, but the price rises by $5 Nov. 6 and again Nov. 21 to $100 for the half-marathon. atlantatrackclub.org/2022-invesco-qqqthanksgiving-day-half-marathon-5k-mile-dash

n The virtual Turkey Trot Chal lenge “Top Bird” 5K lets you run, walk, swim, bike, hop, skip, jump or otherwise move wherever you want during November. Registration is $25. challengeinmotion.com/products/ 2022-turkey-trot-challenge

n Historians say the first Thanks giving featured seafood, and November is the perfect time for licensed trout fishing in the Chat tahoochee River National Rec reation Area Georgia’s Wildlife Resources Division usually stocks the river below Morgan Falls Dam from November to April, though you have to release what you catch. nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/fishing.htm georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/Trout

Give Back

n Second Helpings Atlanta, the food rescue nonprofit born at Sandy Springs’ Temple Sinai, always needs volunteers to pick up surplus food and box up meal kits. 678.894.9761 • secondhelpingsatlanta.org

n Hands On Atlanta’s volunteer opportunities Nov. 19, the Saturday before the holiday, include a Food Well Alliance community garden workday in Buckhead at 9 a.m. and adult support for grieving children at Kate’s Club in Brookhaven at noon. foodwellalliance.org • handsonatlanta.org/ volunteer • katesclub.org

Go Out

n The Buckhead Theatre brings in 1980s metal band W.A.S.P. on Nov. 25 and Rome & Duddy, whose mem bers are from Sublime and Dirty Heads, on Nov. 26. Each show is at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30 for Rome & Duddy and $38 for W.A.S.P. 404.843.2825 • thebuckheadtheatre.com

n Upper Westside venue

Terminal West offers North Carolina alt-country band American Aquarium at 8 p.m. Nov. 26. Tickets are $25. 404.876.5566 • terminalwestatl.com

n The Roswell Dance Theatre opens Christmas ballet The Nutcracker on Nov. 25 for 10 performances through Dec. 4 at City Springs’ Byers Theatre, Tickets are $27 to $40. 770.206.2022 • citysprings.com/events/ roswell-dance-theatre-presents-nutcracker n

Ariel Dannielle’s Friendsgiving painting (top) reflects the joy of the gatherings, down to the vegan fried chicken that’s her signature dish.

OUT TO BRUNCH

TOP SPOTS FOR UNFORGETTABLE BRIDAL AND BABY SHOWERS

After Amanda Bowersox and her husband, George, got engaged, they decided to have a French-filled day. They were supposed to be in Paris during the monumental event, but the pandemic changed their plans. So they headed to one of their favorite Buckhead restaurants, Le Bilbo quet, for lunch on the afternoon of their betrothal. In March, just one month before her wedding, Bower sox went back to the eatery to cel ebrate her bridal shower luncheon with 14 of her closest friends and soon-to-be family members.

“It made sense to have the shower there, too,” Bowersox says. The group dined on classics such as charcuterie, soup, salad and entrée options of chicken, mussels and beef tartare. The crisp white table cloths and pink floral arrangements were the perfect touch for the shower, as was the Chateau d’Es clans Whispering Angel Rosé the group enjoyed. “The restaurant feels very French, and it’s just love ly,” she adds. “It was a great time to relax and have a fun and stressfree lunch with all of the girls.”

Amy Meadows

Whatever theme or feel you want for your shower brunch or lunch, be it bridal or baby, Buckhead clearly has a locale to suit. From formal Southern ven ues to charming, laidback locales, you’ll find what you are looking for practically around the corner. Here, we look at a few options to consider for your special day.

French Twist: Le Bilboquet

From its sidewalk, cafe-style out door dining to the more formal, Parisian-inspired interior space, Buckhead’s Le Bilboquet offers a shower atmosphere that is beyond magnifique. The menu offers classic French dishes and an eclectic bar with wine, beer and cocktails.

Brunch is available on Sundays, and groups of up to eight are wel come on the weekends in the main restaurant (consider a week day luncheon for larger groups). Private events are available as well.

Southern Elegance: Swan Coach House

The epitome of Southern taste and old school elegance, the Swan

Served in Style

If you’re throwing a shower brunch, you probably can depend on the venue to provide the dishes and decor. However, you might be keen to bring your own special cake or dessert. This offers a chance to de sign the look of that sweet course, down to the platter from which it’s served. For something special, Coton Colors by Laura Johnson offers an array of functional and beautiful dishes, bowls, platters, keepsakes and more. You can even gift the bride or soon-to-be mom with the platter and cake server afterwards. coton-colors.com

Left: South City Kitchen combines a chic, contemporary atmosphere with creative comfort food.

Below: The Garden Room’s dishes are as colorful as its floral accents.

Coach House, built in 1928, provides a luxurious and historic backdrop for any shower lunch. The venue, located on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center, boasts a menu of New Southern fare and cocktails, with soups, salads, sandwiches and more (don’t miss the afternoon tea and the signature French Silk Swan dessert, a choco late mousse topped with meringue). It also is home to private event spaces that seat from 20 to 100 guests and have charming names such as the Katydid Room and Sally’s Porch.

Upscale Classic: South City Kitchen Buckhead Who says you can’t have fried chick en, grits, collard greens and pimen to cheese at your baby or bridal shower? Not South City Kitchen, which offers all of this and more at its Buckhead location. Events can be held in the private or semiprivate dining room, as well as out on the patio amidst the high-rises on Peachtree Street. Wherever you choose to celebrate, you’ll enjoy Southern sophistication along with your comfort fare.

Floral Fantasy: The Garden Room

If you want your shower to be a Sun day brunch, there’s no better place than The Garden Room, a spectac ular spot in Buckhead Plaza that’s brimming with gorgeous florals and topped with a glass roof. Boasting sea-inspired dishes of caviar fettuc cine, farm-fresh options including chicken and waffles, and harvest en trees such as smoked salmon avoca do toast, the menu is the essence of brunch. The venue also offers group dining for groups of 13 to 60 with a menu of New American cuisine and innovative cocktails. n

LE BILBOQUET • 404.869.9944 lebilboquetatlanta.com • @lebilboquetatlanta

SWAN COACH HOUSE • 404.261.0636 swancoachhouse.com • @swancoachhouse

SOUTH CITY KITCHEN BUCKHEAD 404.815.6677 • southcitykitchen.com @southcitykitchen.atl

THE GARDEN ROOM • 404.600.6471 thegardenroomatlanta.com @thegardenroomatlanta

Heidi Harris

Sara Hanna

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

You don’t have to believe in Santa Claus to appreciate the magic of the Christmas season, when Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Merrymaking takes on different forms for different folks, and exploring what makes the sea son ring for others can add flavor to the revelry. Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse facilitates that with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian American Christmas Eve meal. “One year we decided to stay open on Christmas Eve and showcase the seven fish dinner,” says Davio’s culi nary director Rodney Murillo.

At first, the chefs served items in keeping with a typical multi-course Vigil (La Vigilia), such as bacalao (salted cod) and smelt. After noticing people weren’t really into it, they shifted. “We now incorporate season al ingredients and give each location its own twist, like local clams in New England and trout in Atlanta,” Muril lo says. Now it’s one of Davio’s busiest days of the year. Guests also embrace the chance to relax and celebrate together, one fish at a time.” n

DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE

FEASTING ON TRADITION AT CHRISTMAS EVE

Atlantic Cod Loin, Mussels, Scallops, Yukon Potatoes, San Marzano Tomato Brodo

Yield: 2 servings

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 large Yukon gold potato, peeled and diced

½ cup leeks, diced

1 shallot, diced

2 pinches red pepper flakes

½ cup fresh fennel, diced

1 cup white wine

1 cup San Marzano tomatoes with juice

1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 5-ounce pieces cod, skin on

6 mussels

4 scallops, medium sized

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Heat a large braising pot over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the potatoes, leeks, shallots, pepper flakes and fennel to the pan and saute, stirring often, until tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the white wine and boil about 5

minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juice, then top with the basil and salt and pepper to taste.

Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, pushing down on the tomatoes until they break up.

Season the fish with salt and pepper. Add the fish, mussels and scallops to the pan and cover each piece in the sauce. Cover the pan and simmer over very low heat until the fish is almost cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Flip each fish piece over and let everything simmer until the fish is cooked all the way through, about 5 additional minutes (the mussels should open).

Using a large, slotted spoon, carefully remove the fish from the sauce and remove the skin. Place each piece of fish in a serving bowl, surround with 3 mussels and 2 scallops each and then using a ladle, divide the sauce equally into each bowl and garnish with parsley.

Suggested pairing: Davio’s Reserve by Peter Merriam, 2016 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Rodney Murillo, culinary director at Davio’s, shares a traditional

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jew ish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple after the Jews drove the Syrians out of Jerusalem, is replete with tradition and togetherness. “I like the idea of the Jewish free dom fighters,” says Mali Wilson, Grammy-nominated producer and artist, Emmy Award-winning actor, philanthropist and chef to the stars, such as Ludacris, Lenny Krav itz and Carly Simon. “It’s a wonder ful celebration of redemption.”

Raised in a multicultural family learning many different religions, Wilson didn’t tap into her Jewish

roots until later in life. But she’s always cooked, and since one of the hallmarks of Hanukkah is the food, she has a knack for tweaking a tra ditional dish with a healthy hack or adding a little soul to her matzah ball soup. “Food brings everyone together, but dishes like kugel and latkes can get boring if you don’t watch it,” she says.

Wilson loves sharing her reci pes and time-saving tips with her Hanukkah-celebrating friends who might want to keep things simple but traditional with a twist. (She also shares her culinary gifts week ly on NBC’s “Atlanta & Company”

HANUKKAH

if you’re hungry for more.) Her easy cheat sheet pick-ups from the grocery store include challah bread as well as cans of lentil and split pea soup. “Grab a low sodium can of each, then combine them, add some garlic powder and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling creative, garnish the soup with some grilled red onions. This makes a great pro tein-rich Hanukkah starter that’s perfect for cooler days,” she says.

Wilson is working on a new album, so maybe next year you’ll have music to cook by. n

CHEF MALI’S HANUKKAH MENU

Baked Salmon

Sweet Potato Apple Kugel

Crispy Potato and Zucchini Latkes

Instant Pot Apple and Pear Sauce

Roasted Hanukkah Cauliflower Steaks with Harissa Tahini

INSTRUCTIONS

the oven to 435 degrees. Trim cauliflower stems and cut head into 4-6 one-inch-thick steaks. Spread (do not stack) cauliflower steaks on a foil-lined baking sheet and coat in olive oil and honey, taking care not to break them.

a medium bowl, combine the spices, salt and pepper. Sprinkle both sides of the cauliflower steaks with a healthy dose of the mixture. (Save remaining mixture for future use.)

Reduce temperature to 420 degrees and roast cauliflower for 12-15 minutes, then flip and roast for another 8-10 minutes or until steaks are ten der and golden. (If they’re tender but not golden, broil for 20-30 seconds until brown, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn.)

While cauliflower roasts, in a medium bowl combine Harissa Tahini ingredients, adding water (or almond milk) as needed until you have a thick yet pourable sauce.

To serve, place hot cauliflower steaks on plates or a serving platter and drizzle with Harissa Tahini. Optional garnishes include raisins, pistachios, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, mint or currants.

MALI WILSON • @iam_mali

Mali Wilson is a chef to the stars.

Chef Mali Wilson’s

salmon

A

A

Caviar Baked Potato

Classic Rack of Lamb

Caviar Baked Potato

Yield: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

8 medium-to-large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean Melted butter (or olive oil) as needed

Coarse kosher salt to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper to taste 36 ounces of your favorite caviar

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with foil and top with a wire rack.

Using a dinner fork or small paring knife, poke each potato at least 10 times on all sides and place on the rack. Bake for 25 minutes then remove from the oven. Using a pastry brush, brush the outside of each potato with 1-2 teaspoons of melted butter or olive oil until completely coated on all sides. Sprinkle potatoes with generous pinches of salt and pepper and return to the baking sheet, reverse-side-up so potatoes can cook evenly on both sides. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Using an oven mitt, carefully squeeze a potato to check for doneness. If the insides are soft and give under pressure, remove the potatoes from the oven. Otherwise, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until soft.

Using a small paring knife, slice halfway through each potato lengthwise, then give it a gentle squeeze to open. Top each potato with 4 ounces of caviar and serve immediately.

Suggested pairing: Do Ferreiro Albariño, Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Spain 2020

LEGENDARY NEW YEAR’S EVE

Whether it’s done sipping bubbly in sequins or snuggling with the pooch in your pajamas, marking the beginning of a new year is always an excuse for merrymaking. Tony Conway, bon vivant extraordinaire and owner of Legendary Events, knows a thing or two about celebrations and what it takes to pull out all the stops.

“Elements of surprise, like a private fireworks display, are always a lot of fun for a New Year’s Eve gathering of friends,” he says. Before guests arrive, Conway suggests creating printed, personalized menus for place cards, preselecting the music and lighting

the fireplace if you have one. “If it’s not chilly outside, turn the A/C down and light it anyway!” Conway says.

His ideal fête would feature a multicourse dinner including decadent, caviar-stuffed baked potatoes as well as rack of lamb. “It sounds difficult, but it’s oh so easy,” he says. “I also like to move guests around between courses to make things more inter esting.” If your budget allows, hire a server so you can enjoy every minute of the revelry. Cheers! n

Tony Conway, of Legendary Events, is a master at creating unforgettable celebrations.

NOWRUZ: A JOYOUS, FRESH START

Many diverse cultures world wide take their cue from the sun—the spring equinox to be exact—when it comes to ringing in the new year. Nowruz (“new day” in Persian) is a secular holiday cele brated globally by people of differ ent faiths and backgrounds. Persian American Atlanta-based caterer Mojy Shahab loves celebrating New Year’s on the first day of spring. “It’s such a beautiful, happy season, and everything we do for Nowruz has meaning, from spring cleaning, vis iting friends and family—especially the elderly—and preparing special food,” she says.

In anticipation of the March equi nox, celebrants display a collection of symbolic food items known as the haft-seen, or Seven S’s, repre senting a hope for the new year. Shahab says sabzeh, a sprouted grain or grass, represents rebirth; senjed, dried fruit, is for love; sib, apple, signifies health and beauty; seer, garlic, is for health care; samanu, a sweet pudding, symboliz es wealth and fertility; serkeh, vinegar, connotes patience and wisdom; and sumac, a spice, rep resents the dawning of a new day.

“We then feast on a traditional meal that includes herbal rice with fish of any kind, noodle rice and an herbal frittata. Then, on the 13th day, when the Nowruz holiday ends, we celebrate again by going out to a park for more merriment where we take and eat a special noodle soup,” she says. Mark your calendars for March 21, 2023. n

NOWRUZ MENU

Sabzi Polo Mahi (Persian Herbed Rice with Fish)

1 bunch each fresh dill, parsley, cilantro, scallions (green tops only)

Neutral-tasting oil as needed Saffron to taste (optional)* 8 portions cooked fish of choice

INSTRUCTIONS

To remove the starch from the rice, rinse in water and drain 3 times. Cover the rice with water and soak overnight.

To prepare the tahdig (the crispy bottom crust), generously coat the bottom of the pot with oil. Add a handful of rice to cover the bottom of the pot then top with some of the herbs. Add another layer of rice and top that with more herbs. Continue layering until all the rice and herbs have made it into the pot.

To collect the excess steam and keep the rice from getting mushy, cover/wrap the pot lid with a towel and gently press it over the pot. (Secure or fold the towel to keep it away from the burner.) Return the pot to the stove, turn heat to medium for 2-3 minutes then reduce heat to low and cook for 45 minutes.

Assorted

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, drain the rice and add it to the pot. Boil, uncovered, for 6 minutes, or until the outer part of the rice is cooked but the inside is still hard. Pour the contents of the pot into a fine-mesh strainer to drain.

While the rice is parboiling, clean, dry, stem and finely chop the herbs by hand or in a food processor.

Remove the lid, let the steam dissipate, then using your hands, gently incorporate the rice and herbs, taking care not to disturb the tahdig. Using a spoon, transfer the fluffed rice onto a serving platter, then carefully flip the pot over the platter until the crispy layer rests on top. Arrange fish alongside the rice, garnish dish with saffron/rice mixture if using and serve.

*If using saffron, grind a few strands into a powder, mix with 1 tablespoon boiling water, add mixture to 1 cup cooked rice and set aside.

Ash-e-Reshteh (Persian Greens, Bean and Noodle Soup)

Kookoo Sabzi (Persian Herb Frittata)

Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice)

Mojy Shahab creates memorable menus for all kind of events.

DELICIOUS

Powerhouse

ANTICO PIZZA NAPOLETANA BRINGS A TASTE OF NAPLES TO ATLANTA

STORY: Hope S. Philbrick PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

In the right hands, the classic trio of tomatoes, cheese and bread can ex ceed taste expectations. Such was my recent experience at Antico Pizza Napoletana’s original Westside location. One bite of the San Genna ro Neapolitan pizza, and I was swooning. The combination of Italian sausage, dolce piccante

pepper, bufala (water buffalo milk mozzarella that’s mildly sour with a slightly granular texture) and cipollini (Italian onion) is perfection atop the charred yet chewy crust. Sweet, spicy, savory and salty notes combine in tongue-tingling harmony. Each ingredient is distinct, yet the sum is greater than its parts. No element

overpowers. Think you don’t like spicy? These little red peppers may well win you over. Antico’s straightforward menu presents 11 pizzas (five with red sauce, six white) plus three calzones with marinara on the side. All are large and cooked to well done and slight ly charred. No half-toppings or substitutions are permitted.

DOP, for Denominazione di Origine Protetta, is a legal certification that all ingredients are sourced from Italy.

Right: The sauce for Antico’s red pizzas is made of imported San Marzano tomatoes. The signature crust is made using imported wheat flour.

Below: All of Antico’s pizzas are large and cooked to well done with slight char in wood-fired ovens that were shipped from Naples.

Margherita D.O.P. leads the list of rosso (red) pizza options. “DOP” stands for Denominazione di Origine Protetta (protected name of origin), a legal designation certifying that all ingredients are sourced from Italy. Antico’s imported San Mar zano tomatoes and bufala sit atop its signature crust made using imported wheat flour and cooked in wood-fired ovens that were shipped from Naples. A sophisticated cheese pizza with a hint of garlic and sprin kled with basil, Margherita D.O.P. features the colors of the Italian flag (red, white and green) while of fering a tantalizing combination of sweet, tangy, salty, savory and bitter notes. Though a crowd-pleaser in its original form, it’s the only pizza on the menu that offers modifications. You can add sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, Calabrian peppers and/or artichoke to personalize the classic. Pepperoni adds a salty-spicy zing. But trust the pizzaiolo and try any of the suggested combos.

The specialty of the house is the Sophia pizza; a poster of Italian actress Sophia Loren hangs adjacent to the menu, showcasing its namesake. This white pizza is topped with bufala, petite cipollini onions, roasted mushrooms and white truffle oil. Truffle in any form is a risky ingredient, but here it’s skillfully applied so it adds an attractive and alluring depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Lasagna pizza tops red sauce with meatballs, ricotta and romano chees es. Mild yet satisfying, it marries savory, salty and sour flavors. Bianca pizza features four cheeses: cow’s milk mozzarella, ricotta, pecorino and bufala that are salty and filling. The Vesuvio calzone is stuffed with spicy sopressata, salty prosciut to cotto and spicy hot pepperonata that packs a punch; temper that heat with a hefty pour of the tangy mari nara sauce served alongside.

Off-menu items include a pre-packaged salad and imported drinks such as San Pellegrino sparkling water and Peroni beer. You’re welcome to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy alongside your meal with no corkage fee.

Service is efficient, curt. But you’re not coming here to be pampered; you’re coming for pizza. Call ahead

and odds are you’ll reach a voicemail box that’s full. If a human happens to pick up, you can get answers to one or maybe two questions before the phone is hung up. Face-to-face interactions with staffers are rushed, understandably, considering the line of people likely waiting behind you. Order and pay at the counter then help yourself to a seat at any of the tables near the pizza ovens and dough room, at a high wooden table or counter near the registers, outside at umbrellaed patio tables, or take your order to go. A bench near the register under a window ledge filled with framed reviews and certificates is available while you wait.

What’s the best pizza? That topic is frequently debated at our house. But can there be one right answer for a food that makes equal sense when shared on a romantic date, with friends on a rowdy sports night and nibbled solo over the kitchen sink? A food that can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature and straight from the fridge, at any time from breakfast to late-night crav

ings? Pizza done right encourages one greedy bite after another. The best pizzas linger in memory and spark cravings long after that last piece is gone and the box recycled. Antico presents several contenders.

On a recent rainy Saturday, the parking lot and dining room were so crowded we opted for to-go. Surpris ingly, the pizzas survived their halfhour drive across town, staying hot in boxes from the restaurant to our kitchen counter with no reheating necessary. On a previous on-site visit, we sampled so much that leftovers were inevitable. We discovered the pizzas and calzone were equally enjoyable the next day; reheat at 350˚F for a few minutes, and they’re almost like fresh. Can’t decide on one thing? Get several with no regrets.

What Giovanni DiPalma opened in 2009 as a pizzeria has grown into a Little Italia hub with Antico’s com panion restaurants Gio’s Chicken Italiano & Maccheroni, Bar Amalfi and Caffé Antico Gelateria and Pas ticceria. Head here when you crave an authentic Italian experience. n

Antico Pizza Napoletana

404.724.2333

• littleitalia.com • @gioantico

Prices: Pizza, $19-27; Calzoni, $18-19.

Above: The Vesuvio calzone packs a punch with spicy and salty flavors; temper that heat with the tangy marinara sauce served alongside.

Left: For gelato dessert, cross the street to Antico’s sister restaurant Caffe Antico Gelateria and Pasticceria.

Recommended: San Gennaro, lasagna and Sophia pizzas plus the Vesuvio calzoni.

Bottom line: An award-winning Atlanta pizzeria known for its signature Neapolitan pizzas and casual setting.

Succulent roasted chicken and fried okra sits atop creamed collards and tomato coulis.

STORY: Angela Hansberger

Champagne has long been the ebullient ambassador of celebration. Sparkling bottles have a lavish history being a part of life’s rituals. We pop the cork for marriages, new jobs, birth days and graduations. Ships are launched with a surge of bubbles.

Light and tiny, whirling, popping, fizzy and fast: Those bubbles come from a second fermentation in a bottle of bubbly. Champagne or

sparkling wine is typically made from a blend of three grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir and petit meunier. Those bubbles come from

a process of bottling still wine and adding a small amount of yeast and sugar. The combination pro duces carbon dioxide (those bub bles) when yeast consumes sugar. Purists maintain that the smaller the bubble, the better the wine.

Bottles can only be called Cham

pagne if they come from the Cham pagne region of northeast France. All Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Whether it’s Champagne, blanc de blanc (made from 100% chardonnay grapes), cava (from Spain), or prosec co (from Italy), crémant or sparkling rosé, it lifts a happy occasion.

As iconic and synonymous with festivities of all sorts is a particular song. You know the one, “So bring your good times, and your laughter too; we gonna celebrate your party with you.” Kool & The Gang’s “Cele bration” can be found on playlists of

all sorts and probably the number one spot on one entitled “Most likely to initiate a crowd singalong.” What if you could combine the two?

Founder and leader of the band Robert “Kool” Bell figured out how to do it with Le Kool Champagne. “Celebration” is played everywhere, so why shouldn’t there be a ‘celebra tion’ Champagne?” he says. It wasn’t only concerts and promotions that took him to France over the last 30 years, but the love he and his late wife, Sakinah Deborah, had for Champagne. This is not your aver age celebrity-branded spirit, but a stunning legacy Champagne made in France and produced using the méthode champenoise

Bell sought out grand cru vine yards from a generational vineyard house for his dream product. After a friendship with the Berthelot family, Kool (as he likes to be called) purchased a plot on the farm in the southern hillside of Épernay at the foothill of Montagne de Reims, a sub-region of Champagne. For five generations, House Paul Berthelot has operated as a multi-vintage Premier Cru-Grand Cru Producer since 1884. Le Kool launched in the U.S. in 2020 and is building as much momentum as the crowd that forms on the dance floor when a DJ spins “Celebration.”

Brad Tolleson, formerly of Hole man & Finch and now field wine manager for Savannah Distributing, says, “This wine sings!” describing the 80% pinot noir, 20% chardon nay Le Kool Grand Cru that sells for $99. “From the old school producer Domaine Berthelot, this blend fea tures notes of chamomile and fern on the nose, and pear, lemon zest and under ripe strawberries on the palate.” It has those tiny, scintillat ing bubbles that rise to the top of a glass in a bead like string. It also has a wonderful, biscuity aroma and a lengthy, savory finish.

“Made in France; ready for the world,” is what Bell said about Le Kool. With a season of celebrations upon us, I can’t think of a better bot tle with which to toast a new year. n

Claire Ruhlin

Mediterranean Escape

Buckhead’s Knife Modern Mediterranean brings guests together through food and experience

Knife Modern Mediterranean is open in Buckhead, en sconcing guests in a moody at mosphere and offering Mediter ranean-influenced cuisine (think kebabs prepared on a charcoal grill, whole grilled branzino and baba ganoush with avocado). It also includes a speakeasy-style bar tucked behind the kitchen. We speak with Managing Partner Ali Ebrahimi, formerly of Gypsy Kitchen and Southern Gentle man, about the vision.

What is your goal with opening Knife?

Our goal was to capture the culinary essence of the region as the core of our menu, but so that it lends itself to a total immersion into the dining expe rience itself. We feel that friends and family gathering, sharing plates, conversing and enjoying a few hours are an important part of human connection.

What's unique about the menu?

We want guests to enjoy a variety of dishes with a variety of flavors and textures. The menu is designed to guide you through a series of small dishes and dishes with unique twists that stimulate both the palate and the conver sation. Some examples: Greek octopus finished with a beet and lavender foam and baba ganoush made with avocado, which adds zest and freshness.

Describe the restaurant’s design. How was it influenced by the Mediterranean?

We wanted to create a seclud ed getaway from the outside world that focuses on taste, ambiance, and overall experi ence, and we felt we could only match that if our design reflect ed the elegance and simplicity of the Mediterranean along with modern aesthetics we know

Managing Partner Ali Ebrahimi

guests would enjoy. We took inspiration from every country in the region in the design.

Tell us about the restaurant’s speak easy-style bar. How is it different from the main dining area?

Tucked away from the rest of the restaurant, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a pre-meal cocktail or a nightcap and ex tend their dining experience just a bit longer. With limited seat ing, it’s available by reservation to allow everyone to enjoy this different experience. n

KNIFE MODERN MEDITERRANEAN 404.963.6395 @knifeatl

Three Arches, a Pan-Mediterranean restaurant and bar, is now open at the Hyatt Centric Buckhead. Highlighting fresh ingredients and inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, the menu will highlight shareable dishes alongside a creative cocktail menu. hyattcentricbuckheadatlanta.com

n New York-based burger chain Shake Shack will open a new Atlanta location in early 2023. Situated in West Midtown at 1168 Howell Mill Road, previously home to Yeah Burger, the space will feature indoor dining as well as a patio area. This will be the chain’s eighth Atlanta outpost. shakeshack.com

BOWL TO SOUL

Celebrate Wagamama’s first Atlanta location with savory yaki udon

Now open at West Midtown’s Star Metals District, Wagamama, which originated in the United Kingdom, offers an Asian-inspired menu of cooked-to-order noodle dishes, ramen and shareable plates. Enjoy one of the restaurant’s most popular offerings with this at-home recipe for yaki udon.

INGREDIENTS

2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoon vegetable oil

16 ounces udon noodles

2 eggs, lightly beaten

10 cooked and peeled prawns

1 leek, finely sliced

1 red pepper, finely sliced

1 large green pepper, finely sliced

1.4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced 2.8 ounces beansprouts

1 tablespoon chili oil, to taste

1 tablespoon light soy sauce sea salt + white pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon toasted mixed sesame seeds

1 tablespoon crispy fried onions

1 tablespoon pickled ginger

INSTRUCTIONS

Season the chicken and heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and fry until brown. Cook the noodles as per instructions and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, cooked prawns and chicken to the noodles and stir through so the noodles are thoroughly coated with the egg. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat, add all the vegetables and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Add the noodle mixture to the pan with chili oil and soy sauce, and toss the ingredients for two minutes. Divide the noo dles between two serving plates and garnish with the sesame seeds, crispy onions and pickled ginger.

WAGAMAMA 404.446.3344 wagamama.us • @wagamamausa

n Atlanta-based low-carb, keto, sugar-free and gluten-free bakery Zambawango Desserts & Coffee is expanding its footprint within the greater Atlanta area with franchise opportuni ties. Founded in 2018, the Sandy Springs-based bakery utilizes natural ingredients and non-GMO sugar alternatives. zambawangofranchise.com

FUN FACT

The name Goldberg & Son was initially

BAGEL GUYS

Carly

Today, Goldbergs makes more than 15,000 bagels a day, including catering and food truck offerings.

a multipurpose food store.”

Still, as Goldbergs celebrates 50 years in business, its name remains most familiar to Atlantans. “Gold bergs is an iconic brand,” Wayne says. We spoke to the Saxes about their work and what they do when they need a break.

What are your current roles?

Wayne: I’m CEO of the group. I help empower the people I put in place to run the business. We are a familyoperated company. We run the busi ness as a team. Our most important asset is our employees. A typical day goes from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. My phone is on all day and night.

Bradley: I’m CEO of Mainline Foods. I run manufacturing and supply.

How are you celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary?

Wayne: We’re working on a new menu design and recipes for winter that look back on our history. For example, we might take an item that was popular 25 years ago and use it in a new way that is forward looking.

What are your plans for the future of Goldbergs?

Wayne: There are a lot of different areas that could use a concept like Goldbergs. We’ve held off because we want to perfect the concept. At the Battery, we started to introduce alcohol—beer, wine and cocktails. We’re looking at a nighttime factor and how we’ll bring that into our business. The biggest challenge is people relate us to breakfast and lunch.

What do you do for fun?

In 1992, Wayne Saxe and How ard Aaron moved from South Africa to Atlanta with an inter est in starting a business.

“Someone told us to look at Gold berg & Son because it was a great product, but they didn’t know how to scale the business,” Saxe says. “They had a phenomenal product, and they wanted out at that specific time.”

The brothers-in-law soon became business partners and owners of the

original 1972 bagel shop on Roswell Road in Buckhead. At first, Aaron did the baking, while Saxe managed finances. Their hand-rolled, boiled and baked bagels were a hit, and they expanded the offerings from six to 21 varieties and included deli salads and sandwiches.

Over the next 30 years, one loca tion became nine, including space at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Inter national Airport and The Battery.

Eventually, Saxe’s son, Bradley, joined the business and helped drive innovation and evolution (think frozen foods, take-home meals and prepared foods for two of the largest airlines). This prompt ed the creation of the spinoff company Mainline Foods, focused on wholesale manufacturing.

“We are about a multitude of food products,” Bradley says. “We didn’t want it to be a Jewish deli because we are not kosher: We are

Bradley: I don’t get a lot of down time. I love food and frequenting restaurants on Buford Highway. It’s fun to go adventuring there. I enjoy exercising—biking, lifting weights, hiking and taking my dogs to the river. I have a Great Dane and a Mini Goldendoodle.

Wayne: We are workaholics. What’s our hobby? Goldbergs. What do we do for fun? Goldbergs. We are very dedicated to what we do. That’s why we are successful. I have a wife and three kids. I love to play golf (in theory). I have a weekend place in Ft. Lauderdale. n

404.256.3751 goldbergsfinefoods.com

GOLDBERGS

Goldbergs

Bradley Saxe and Wayne Saxe carry the Goldbergs Fine Foods legacy forward.

A MODERN CHEESE SHOP

Cheese, wine + charcuterie for your next celebration!

with Triad Advisors, LLC.

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

The pièce de résistance at Anis Café & Bistro? Creamy chocolate mousse topped with fresh berries.

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

Canoe's idyllic location along the Chattahoochee River feels like an escape.

ANIS CAFÉ & BISTRO

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

Lunch: $8-$19 • Dinner: $8-$35 anisbistro.com

BONE GARDEN CANTINA

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

CANOE

Dining at Canoe feels like a vacation. Nestled on the shores of the Chattahoochee River, it serves upscale food and pampering service surrounded by manicured gardens, flowing water and birds. Celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2022, Canoe offers more than 300 bottles of wine, 40 by the glass. Beers range from well-known international brands to local craft brews. Creative cocktails are updated often and include riffs on classics. The food menu is driven by ingredients at the peak of flavor, so changes are frequent. While salmon, steak, chicken, rabbit and kangaroo are menu constants, presentations vary. Meats are cooked to perfection and paired with impressive sides such as tender brie ravioli, crusty vegetable tart, savory bread pudding or other creations. The signature dessert is popcorn-flavored ice cream layered with peanut Cracker Jack, Chantilly cream and salted caramel sauce for a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

Cocktails: $9-15 • Appetizers: $9-22 Burgers & Sandwiches: $14-19 • Entrees: $16-48 • Desserts: $11 • canoeatl.com

ECLIPSE DI LUNA

At the tail end of Miami Circle is one of the most convivial joints in town. Head over for happy hour Monday through Thursday when most drinks and tapas are half price, and there’s live music. Yummy small plates of habanero-spiced ahi tuna ceviche, smoky sun-dried-tomato mac and cheese (made with three different cheeses) and refreshing Granny Smith apple salad are some of our favorites. Still hungry? It’s hard to pass up the succulent balsamic-y spare ribs and flavorful, crunchy calamari. If you’re with family (or a family of friends), consider the exquisite saffron-infused paella, made with authentic Calasparra rice.

Tapas: $2.95-$14.95 (most in the $5-$8 range) • Large plates (for two or more): $20-$24 • eclipsediluna.com

THE HUNGRY PEACH

Despite the hyper-elegant surrounding showrooms, The Hungry Peach, located inside the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, serves up anyone’s idea of a perfectly down-home lunch. Colossal salads and delectable renditions of classic sandwiches, such as the melt-in-your-mouth corned beef Reuben, egg salad and smoked bacon-pepper jack wrap, are sure to please welcome visitors and hungry professionals alike. Sides including the Cajun mac ‘n’ cheese and loaded potato salad will knock your designer socks off. Not to be missed are the freshly made sweets, such as the five-layer coconut cake and Callebaut chocolate brownie. Wash it all down with a bottomless mason jar of iced sweet tea.

Starters: $4-$9 • Salads: $10-$12.50 Sandwiches: $8.50-$12.50 Desserts: $2.50-$6 • thehungrypeach.com

KALEIDOSCOPE BISTRO & PUB

Kaleidoscope is one of Brookhaven’s most popular watering holes. Fabulous small plates include pimento mac and cheese, roasted cauliflower seasoned with garlic and a touch of lime, and the smoked pork and pimento spring rolls.

The steak frites with garlic-heavy chimichurri is exceptional, as is the poutine, a Canadian treat consisting of crisp, hand-cut fries smothered in gravy and mozzarella. Looking for somewhat lighter fare? Go for the fried chicken club salad tossed with sundried tomatoes, fresh avocado and golden chunks of bird. A table on the pet-friendly patio guarantees top-notch people-watching. Appetizers: $5-$12 • Salads, pizzas and burgers: $7-$14 • Mains: $13-$19 • k-pub.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, family-friendly, 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 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

THE ONE SUSHI +

This glam space wedged in the back corner of Brookhaven’s Town Village is a neighborhood hot spot for Japanese small plates. The freshest fish flown in from Japan’s Tsukiji Market will impress the discerning sushi eater, while colorful rolls with clever names please the occasional dabbler. Sharable offerings and inspired snacks of zesty, yellowtail jalapeño shots and crispy fried bang bang rock shrimp are as fun as they are tasty. The drinking experience is worth celebrating as well, with a large selection of sake, shochu and whisky. We recommend the smoked toro, tender slices of tuna served under a dome of hickory smoke and the bulgogi-like Gangnam-style roll. Dinner: $6-$37 • theonesushiplus.com

PRICCI

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

R. THOMAS DELUXE GRILL

Open 24/7 and bedecked with ’70s-style 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 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

SOUTHBOUND

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

Small plates: $4-$18 • Mains: $14-$33

Sides: $4-$6 • Desserts: $6-$9 southboundatl.com

THE WOODALL

With its friendly, relaxed vibe, it’s easy to feel among friends at The Woodall in Westside Village, whether you prefer the comfortable dining room or outdoor patio. Whitewashed brick, shiny metal, warm woods, brown leather and modern light fixtures cozy up the converted warehouse while a mural of eagle talons clasping a silver spoon adds personality. The dinner and brunch menus present globally inspired dishes and drinks featuring local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, with options such as lump crab beignets, openfaced tenderloin sandwich, Sicilian calamari and rock shrimp and fried chicken tucked into a feather-light biscuit. The restaurant’s website confidently asserts, “You’ll be back!” There are plenty of reasons to do just that.

Small plates: $9-$15 • Salads: $9-12

Sandwiches: $11.5-17 • Mains: $13-$43

Sides: $5-$6 • Desserts: $9-$10 thewoodallwestside.com

Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Visit simplybuckhead.com to read all of our restaurant reviews!

BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick PHOTOS: Sara Hanna, Joann Vitelli

PARTY IN THE KITCHEN

O pen Hand is dedicated to delivering medically tailored meals, snacks and supplements to homebound seniors, disabled individuals and families facing chronic disease issues. But in late Septem ber, the food focus shifted to fundraising as a bevy of Atlanta’s top chefs came together for the “Party in the Kitchen” at The Stave Room. Co-chaired by Buck head residents Sandra Baldwin and Tom Abrams, the evening kicked off with a VIP cocktail reception and chef tastings, and continued into the main event where 20 renowned chefs and two mixologists tan talized the taste buds of more than 500 guests. Leading the list of those showing off their culinary talents were chef chairs Gerry Klaskala and Kevin Rathbun. With live and silent auction items, and con tributions from sponsors such as Simply Buckhead, the event raised $600,000 to bolster the nonprofit’s work.

Roger Smith, Steven Carpenter, Suzanne Dansby, Britt Wood

STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTOS: David Carr

Sally Nelson, Butch Whitfield, Tracie Arnold

Chef John Metz

Chef Zeb Stevenson

Carmen Titelman, Bob Titelman, Carr Scott, Ashley Scott

Christian Sullivan, Jennifer Fleenor, Brock Tekin, Jack Tekin

Top Atlanta chefs join forces to support Open Hand.

Rachel Frieson, Helen S. Carlos, Paul Goggin, Morria Goggin

DJ Yvonne Monet

Sonny Hayes, Joanne Hayes, Gerry Klaskala, Kevin Rathbun, Sandra Baldwin, Tom Abrams

EMPOWHER GALA

STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTOS: Vosamo Photography

As was fitting for an event dedicated to the Dress for Success nonprofit, about 200 guests donned glam and gorgeous outfits, and headed to the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta in September for the 2022 Empow Her Gala. The evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions raised about $250,000 for the organization dedicated to empowering women to achieve economic success by offering a support network, life and workplace skills and, of course, professional attire.

The gala was chaired by Tammy Farley of Duluth and Buckhead’s Thu Saunders who coordinated auction items that included experiences by Saks, Bill Lowe Gallery, United Distributors, the Thompson Buckhead and more. They welcomed the evening’s honoree, Johnita Due, executive vice president of Integrity & Inclusion for CNN Worldwide.

Media sponsor Simply Buckhead joined other sponsors ADP, Morgan Stanley, ACS, J.P. Morgan, Georgia Power, Artisan Beauté and Iron Oaks Wealth Advisors to make the evening a success.

Amanda Boron, Justin Mennen, Hilary Weinstein, Adam Weinstein

Tammy Farley, Cathy Schwartz

Charles Platz, June Carlson Platz, Roz Huang, Angelo Molino

Kelly Macke, Jill Kersh, Melanie Walton

Susan Bonds-McCulloch, Nikkia Wright

Doug Schiffer, Lisa Taranto Schiffer, Austin Schiffer, Molli Botnick

Gina Bracks

Julie Buckley, Jane Logie, Holly Firfer, Johnita P. Due, Jovana Due Willoughby

Jennifer Dainelli, Jana Thomas

CRYSTAL BALL

STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin PHOTOS: Glenny Brown

The Crystal Ball has been raising funds for the Arthritis Foundation since 1982, topping $10 million since its inception. The elegant affair’s 40th anniversary gala, chaired by Taylor and Stacy Courtnay, was held at The St. Regis Atlanta and raised more than $500,000 to support Camp Ache Away, for children diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, among other initiatives. The ballroom was fes tively arrayed with decor by Tony Brewer and Co. to match the “Under the Sea” theme. The evening consisted of a VIP pa tron reception followed by a three-course dinner, silent and live auctions and danc ing to the musical stylings of The Stephen Lee Band. Jordan Campbell served as auctioneer, and Phil Van Gelder served as emcee. Sponsors included Northside Hospital, Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Center and Genuine Parts, while Simply Buckhead served as media sponsor.

Mark Mapp, Carrie Mapp, Haley Mapp, Kyle McGuire

Jon Swanson, Taylor Courtnay

Jordan Campbell

Stacy Courtnay

Morgan Van Gelder, Nicole Rothwell

Aaron Carmack, Kerry Carmack, Connie Sinclair, Michael Sinclair

Taylor Courtnay, Stacy Courtnay, Carrie Mapp, Joy Ross, George Ross

Phil Van Gelder

LIFE OF THE PARTY

Our cover models revel under a shower of shimmering confetti at our shoot in the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta's newly renovated lobby.

PHOTO: Sara Hanna

two hour drive from the

Highlands, North Carolina. At a

of more than 4,000 feet, this quiet

and bustle of metropolitan Atlanta, GA is the idyllic mountain town

at the

of the Blue

surrounded by national

belies the fact that there

a

THE MICHAUD/RAUERS GROUP

JUDY MICHAUD: (828) 371-0730

Main Street,

(828) 200-9045

downtown Highlands. Talk to us about

Sanctuary on 1ST and Bear Mór

MITZI RAUERS: (404) 218-9123

JOHN MUIR: (404) 245-7027

NC 28741