Spring time in Atlanta, GA proves to be a very busy time for the city. Many festivals and events start to take place for the locals and tourists. One such festival that has been going on for years is the Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival which is hosted in Atlanta’s beautiful Piedmont Park. This year the event will take place on April 16, 17 and 18. Attendees will be able to enjoy fine art, live entertainment of different kinds ranging from music to comedy. There will also be a variety of food offerings all over the festival for visitors to try and buy.

This year at this 74^th Annual Dogwood festival there will be great new features like the International Stage, Friday Night Comedy Show and Friends of Dogwood Pavilion. Although, this is the city’s oldest festival every year they make it seem just as spectacular and new. Because the Dogwood Festival has become a major event in the Atlanta area, it was honored with a variety of awards including Reader’s Pick award for Best Annual Event (Creative Loafing), Readers Pick for Favorite Festival (Atlanta Magazine), Best Annual Event (Georgia Magazine) and a Silver Award for Best Community Outreach Program for the International Stage from the International Festivals and Events Association’s Pinnacle Awards.

Here are some things you are expect from this years festival:

Arts: The 2010 Atlanta Dogwood Festival Artist Market participants have been selected from the largest number of exhibitor applications in Dogwood history. The Artist Market welcomes fine artists from throughout the country and will include a special section featuring Georgia artists.

Global: Visit the exciting performances on the International Stage. Visit the International Village and get a picture next to a favorite foreign holiday destination without even having to leave town. There will be golf carts representing different destinations decorated by a local international organization or consulate to bring the world to Atlanta!

Spectators: The Main Stage at the 2010 festival will include performers from a variety of musical genres. Dogwood attendees can also enjoy the popular live dog show on the lawn or hit the Friday Night Comedy show at the Lake Clara Meer stage.

Foodies: The “Friends of Dogwood Pavilion,” a ticketed event that has become a popular feature of the Dogwood Festival, will be open Saturday and Sunday. The Pavilion pairs fare from top local restaurants with wines and beers to show the upscale side of the city’s longest-running outdoor festival. Tickets to Friends of Dogwood can be purchased in advance at www.dogwood.org or at the door.

Kids: Designed just for the younger festival visitors, the Kid’s Village has become a Dogwood favorite for families. This interactive zone comes complete with hands-on art projects, special kid-friendly displays and hours of entertainment for children. Spider Jump, anyone?

Contacts:
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
404-817-6642
www.dogwood.org
info@launchatlanta.com

Date & Time:
April 16 – Friday 12:00 – 9:00 PM
April 17 -Saturday 10:00 AM – 9 PM
April 18 -Sunday 10:00 AM – 5 PM

Location:
Piedmont Park
400 Park Drive NE
Atlanta

After a long workday, in the midst of Atlanta’s rush hour traffic, there exists a happy alternative to stalling on Interstate 75 or winding slowly down Peachtree Street.  Midtown’s Hotel Palomar, located on West Peachtree Street across from the staple Biltmore Hotel, is the eye of the urban grind storm, offering a complimentary happy hour between 5 and 6 p.m daily.  Including validated valet parking, the Palomar eliminates any possibility of frustration usually associated with parking in the city.

Whether your preference is red or white wine, the Palomar offers generous pours of either, rotating different varieties depending on the day of the week.  A knowledgeable attendant serves the wine, should you have questions about the grape, vineyard, etc.  The hotel restaurant, Pacci Ristorante, listed amongst Esquire’s best of 2009, pairs the tasty hors d’oeuvres placed around the lobby.

I choose red wine and settle in for a read by a couple that is here for a romantic evening away from the kids. Aside from this couple imbibing in their vintage between themselves, there is a gathering of cheerleaders anticipating an upcoming competition.  A group of posh professionals discuss the day in earnest tones before the hotel’s marble fireplace while others, like myself, browsing a magazine or listening to an i-pod, sip solo.

What a lovely indulgence that check-in time also coincides with happy hour!  Guests may drop their baggage at the lobby’s front door and be handed a glass of their preference.  Upon entering the Palomar, one has arrived.

The aforementioned Pacci Ristorante extends to the Palomar’s second-story rooftop bar, Alto-Rex, complete with open-air fire pits and a view of the classic Biltmore.

Eminently gracious, the young wait staff could not have been more unpretentious despite their snazzy surroundings.  Without giving too much away, they dish on celebrity sightings, a personal thrill for this entertainment reporter, and their anticipation of Summertime when the bar will be railing-to-railing with a scantily clad, affluent, and increasingly famous crowd.

Ever accommodating to all visitors, the Palomar staff is meticulous in their event planning, especially when it comes to the holidays.  Valentine’s Day was completely booked, with a preceding week of tarot-card readings for two and a special menu from Pacci.  Keep an eye on the hotel’s website for the forthcoming St. Patrick’s Day if you prefer to down your cocktails in style.

Though saving the experience of a full meal at Pacci for a luxurious date, I can’t keep from sampling their refreshing Avocado Citrus salad as well as their mouth-watering Anson Mills Polenta- made sweet and savory by its combination of mascarpone cheese and honeycomb.  This is definitely a restaurant geared toward the refined palate.

Take an hour for a glass of wine, spend the evening for a few more, or escape for the weekend and enjoy all the Hotel Palomar has to offer.  Oh, and did I mention there’s a Wii in the lobby?  Never has playing it appeared more suave.

Checkout our photo gallery of the place:

Whether you are heading to a metal show at Lenny’s or to the bottom of a pitcher at 97 Estoria, chances are you will pass through the Krog Street Tunnel.  Intersecting Dekalb Avenue and Wylie Street, the graffiti-blanketed tunnel conjoins more than Cabbagetown and Inman Park.

From the humblest tag – an artist’s signature, to intricate pieces – in the sense of slang for masterpieces – the tunnel is a cultural hub.  Along with its 4 and ½ star ranking on yelp.com, the tunnel has that other factor which makes something a place: pathos.

Built in the early 1900’s and becoming a popular canvas since the ‘80’s, the tunnel’s persistent controversy is more intriguing than its history.  Though not legally a free space to draw graffiti, and despite certain neighbors’ disapproval, it is clear the tunnel is going to be painted regardless of any resistance.

Even when a long-time Cabbagetown resident jumped from a tree at 2 a.m. and punched a kid who was tagging the wall, artists remained undeterred.

The tunnel today is proof that creativity will find its own avenue. Though it is considered poor form to “tag” over another’s work, any blank space the tunnel once had has been exhausted with multiple layers of spray paint. Unless one were to hazard a column closer to the road, in order to make a mark on this notorious street forum, it is considered a necessity to eclipse fellow artists. It is this “here today, gone tomorrow” sentiment that perhaps furthers the competition while also maintaining the public interest in the tunnel’s constant evolution.

Yet the Krog Tunnel does not just serve as a street gallery for tourists and locals alike to enjoy, it triples as a political forum and advertisement space also.  Littered with show posters, anti-war sentiments, and simply sentiment, the tunnel embodies a certain pulse of the city.  Though some artists simply scribble “Akron cats is da hardest,” another takes it upon themselves to lend perspective, i.e. “3,000 DEAD IN IRAQ IS BAD.  1,000,000 DEAD IN DARFUR IS WORSE.”  Whynatte, Atlanta’s original canned coffee drink, is endorsed in yellow letters on the outside of the tunnel on the Wylie Street side.

Many artists eschew a platform altogether and let the art speak for itself, using the colors of the Rasta – red, yellow, and green – to paint the sun rising out of a woman’s hair.  Someone even portrayed Detective Lenny Briscoe from the infinite-seasoned Law and Order.

Though not advisable at night – just a thought prompted by the sight of a column boasting a Sur 13 gang tag – visiting the Krog street tunnel and observing the diversity it represents is a must for those who want to see and know Atlanta.  May be if not visiting on purpose – a good idea might be just to begin noticing, when you inevitably drive through it, the constant evolution of one of Atlanta’s most interesting free exhibits.

Feel free to explore the original TheRealAtlanta.com photo collection here by the author of the article. Click on any photo image at the bottom of the page to get to a higher resolution one.

If you’re in need of a good laugh, one comedy club is soon to be the most talked about comedy venue in Atlanta.  In fact, at its previous location in the Warren City Club, it won the award for Best Comedy Show in Atlanta in 2008 by Atlanta Magazine.

Comedy Gold is the name, and Sidelounge is the place. Every weekend you can see some of Atlanta’s best up and coming comedians, along with others from all over the country.  Some of the regulars include Gilbert Lawland, Patton Smith, and Karen Hilton.

First created by comedians Jarrod Harris and Gilbert Lawland, this comedy club has something for everyone.  The performers are always on their game, tackling even the touchiest subjects in a way that will have you spitting your vodka tonic out your nose!
It is always a surprise at Comedy Gold.  You never know what the comedians are going to say, or who is going to show up!  In fact they recently had comedian Ron White, of the ‘Blue Collar Comedy Tour’, show up for a secret show!

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the doors open at 8 pm, with shows starting at 9 pm.  Get there early to take advantage of the great drink prices at the bar. Admission is very reasonable as well. In fact, you get in for only $5 with a student ID, while general admission is $12.

Comedy Gold is located at 3652 Roswell Rd on the corner of Piedmont and Roswell Road right next to Landmark Diner, a convenient location from anywhere in the Atlanta area.

Once you have had enough laughing for the night, walk on over to the Landmark Diner to grab a quick bite to eat.  They are known for their extensive menu items and great tasting diner style food.

Once you have been to a comedy show here you will see what all the fuss is about.  They have everything you look for when making your weekend plans- entertainment, good food and great drinks.  Add in the bonus of the funniest comedians in Atlanta, and you have a perfect venue for your next weekend!

Eight O’clock on Sunday night, I sat with a group at The Punchline for my first time.  It’s a small, comfortable place in a quaint little strip mall type setting, centered amongst a group of establishments that are specifically there for a fun night out.  The neon sign above the door that portrays Groucho Marx is very welcoming and so fitting.  The people who work there made us feel welcome from the time we walked in the door.  No cold-shoulder-we’re-busy treatment for us!  Many will appreciate the non smoking environment.

This is a top entertainment spot that has appeared on various morning shows such as The Today Show and Good Day Atlanta.  Located just off of 285 at exit 25, it has been around since 1982, and is known for a full house.  Many of the top comedians we’re familiar with were seen on The Punchline’s stage when they were starting out and later as headliners.  In 2008 The Punchline was awarded one of the 10 Best Bet Awards and Best in Atlanta in 2007 by Creative Loafing and Insite.  It’s owners’ experience in comedy are no laughing matter.  Jamie Bendall started out on the stage in 1991, and Chris Dipetta began his work in 1982 on the expansion of The Punchline, branching out to other shows and many headliners such as Jeff Foxworthy and Steve Harvey.  Chris Dipetta   continues to manage a number of comedians today.  The Punchline’s  website has a daily listing of the upcoming shows.  You can choose seats and order your tickets at www.punchline.com.

This is a place where comedians try out jokes that either become great closers or just never should have been tried.  Headlining on this night is Mike Speenberg vs Scotty K.  The show starts off rather dryly with an MC that just can’t get the audience to connect.  We’re polite as we patiently wait for either a real reason to laugh or the next comedian to be introduced.  Suddenly, Landry is introduced and our interest is perked.  Landry came all the way from Canada, we’re reminded a few times throughout the evening.  The show was beginning to take shape.

Mike Speenberg made his way out onto the stage next.  Speenberg portrays a “down home kinda guy” who grew up in the country lifestyle.  His description of the differences in the generations brings the audience together in agreement and lots of laughter, because it’s so true.  He talks about life as a kid, the big wheel he loved, and the rat tail that was in style.  My particular favorite was the guy he describes riding his bike at 44 years old to an interview in daisy duke cutoffs.  Yeah, we all know that guy …  Speenberg got his fill of being distracted by a table full of chatty cathies and blasted them for about half a minute, turned to the other side of the audience and smiled as he continued with his act. He’s a known name now, having performed nationally and internationally, and with huge names like Robin Williams.

Finally, we got to meet Scotty K.  Wow!  He reminds me so much of my childhood, the mind goes in fifty five directions all at one time, and you’re just trying to catch one, just one concept as it darts about within.  Scotty portrayed the ADHD personality to a tee.  The facial expressions that went so fittingly along with everything he said and did.  Expressions of embarrassment, confusion, anger … his version of his mothers frustration while introducing him to other children as she tried to get him to light just for even one second on a stool she was offering to him.

And then there’s the gay skit, the one he says his kid brother inspired.  My group couldn’t help but to talk on the way home about how dead on he performs the gay act.  He does a few musical impressions, his version of the singers of popular hit songs, which included a hit from his kid brother’s favorite group Backstreet Boys, “I Want It That Way”.  His twist on the song left us rolling with our jaws dropped open.

Scotty tells us that he was a preacher’s kid, and incorporated some of his religious knowledge into his act while his southern upbringing flavored everything he did.  He reminded us repeatedly that he performed on BET, and he truly connects with the black audience.  It almost seemed to me that the African American guests were having a better time that the rest of us were!  His shows are never duplicated.  He is spontaneous, a master of improv.  Scotty finished his act as he showed us one of the tee shirts he had available to the audience.  He read off what it said and described his mothers embarrassment as she read it at his families Christmas gathering.  He described her as she stopped in mid sentence and then scolded him with “I didn’t raise you that way”.  He snapped his fingers in a feisty gay gesture and retorted, “Oh yes you did !”

So, who won the war between Mike Speenberg and Scotty K?  You needed to have been there to decide for yourself.

Established in 1939, The Plaza Theatre is the most sustained, continuously-operating independent theater in Atlanta. Though, in the 70s it was an x-rated adult cinema, that phase has ended. It is located on Ponce De Leon Avenue, and home to many film festivals throughout the year. The remodeled marquee alone has a lot of personality describing the theater originality and class. The Plaza shows a lot of independent films and classics, surely to make a memorable night. For a decade now, they have been presenting The Rocky Horror Picture show.

… he most sustained, continuously-operating independent theater in Atlanta …

The tale is about a newly engaged couple who are lost with a flat tire on a cold, rainy, November night. While seeking help from people in nearby castles, they are interrupted by a very strange group of people. Dr. Frank N. Furter decides to take them under his wing. He claims to be from the planet Transsexual, Transylvania, and invites the couple into his world for a little bit. After a few crazy events occur, things eventually restore to order. The couple remains alive, and the entire castle takes off to its destination to the galaxy of Transylvania.

The Rocky Horror Picture show was first performed in the 70’s in London, England. It ran in the United States the year after it is presented, and had 9 months of successful viewings. It’s first midnight showing was on April Fool’s day in New York, New York starting the audience participation practice. The audience participation started to heighten by throwing props at the screen or the audience at certain times of the show. A national fan club was established and eventually became a cultural statement rather than a passing fad.

… audience participation started to heighten by throwing props at the screen or the audience at certain times of the show …

The tradition still continues, having the show play at midnight with folks geared up and costumed out. The Plaza Theatre ritually has this playing every Friday at the strike of the clock. Beware if you are a RHPS virgin! This is not your average musical. The confusion might really set in when everyone arises from their seats and start getting down to the Time Warp song. Nonetheless, Rocky is an incomparable experience, and definitely worth paying seven dollars.

If you go, you will see actors right in front of the screen portraying the whole movie. This is a Plaza tradition, which definitely intensifies the Rocky experience. The cast is called Lips Go Down on Dixie. They have been in their current form since 2000, and surely to squeeze a few laughs out of the audience.

… There are many of people that routinely watch and perform this every week in Atlanta. It is the most cult classic film of all time, after all. …

Many of you must be fairly interested in seeing what this whole ordeal is for yourself! There are many of people that routinely watch and perform this every week in Atlanta. It is the most cult classic film of all time, after all. Give it a go, and experience the Rocky Horror Picture Show!

This past weekend, there were a slew of art and photo shows, but only a handful of them were recent graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design. In Atlantic Station, taking over the former location of Chaplins, Jennifer Hope Jacoby had her first photo show. Ten photos adorned the walls, each of them had a phone number beneath them and a stop number included. When one dialed the number and entered the stop number, the subject of the picture spoke a thousand words about themselves.

Jennifer told me that she originally wanted twenty-five people to participate in the show, but due to time constraints and various other outside factors, the field was narrowed down to ten. The subjects of the picture included her mentally handicapped sister, a former roommate of hers, friends and even one friend that she had known for two decades, after re-connecting on Facebook.

One of the photos from the show

Each of the pictures captured the subject with something that defined them as a person. For one, it was the jewelry she makes. For another, it was her children. Everything from a laptop to a snake were brought to define the subject of the photo. Listening to the subjects talk about themselves was an experience in and of itself. Each person revealed something about themselves that they normally would not.

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and each person at the show probably drew their own story from the picture, without even hearing what the subject had to share. Food was provided and there was an open bar, complete with beer and wine. At the end of the tour, there was a total of ten pictures and each person was asked to write their own story about what was behind the photograph.

Jennifer Hope Jacoby’s show will be running through Tuesday, the 22^nd of December, viewings are available by appointment only. For more information, please contact Jennifer Hope Jacoby at JHJ.Photography@gmail.com or visit her website at www.JenniferHopeJacobyPhotography.com

Eddie’s Attic
(15^th at 8:00pm.)
We will be In the Round with – Jim White, Otis Gibbs, and Caroline Herring. These artists are more in the folk music stereotype. Eddie’s Attic is full of aspiring artists, and was even the starting place of John Mayer! Buy a combo ticket for not only listening pleasure, but dinner too!
Tickets

Atlanta Ballet performing The Nutcracker
(16^th – 20^th at 7:30pm; 19^th – 20^th at 2:00pm.)
The 50^th year of tradition continues letting Atlanta inside the magical world of the Nutcracker. Holiday essence up rises as this fantasy world takes place here at our very own Fox Theatre. This show is very inviting for all ages, and you may be able to get tickets as low as $20 a piece.
Tickets

Club Opera presenting DJ Mario Ochoa
(18^th at 10:00pm to 3:00am.)
Mario is one of the most well known DJs in Columbia. Not only is he signed with many labels, he has created one. Club Opera never fails producing a fun filled night. Techno will fill the air, and you will enjoy the night as long as you’re following their strictly enforced dress code!
Tickets

The Anderson Theatre presents Home for the Holidays
(18^th-19^th at 8:00pm; 20^th at 3:00pm.)
Home for the Holidays is not your cliché type holiday show. A ton of emotion heaps up, but in the end, the real reason for holiday gatherings surfaces. Grab a family member and drive up to Marietta Parkway this weekend!
Tickets

Norma Jean playing at the Masquerade
(19^th at 7:00pm.)
Norma Jean’s metal core originated in our very own Douglasville. They have been on many tours around the country, including Warped Tour and Ozzfest. The show this Saturday is surely to be a lively one. Don’t forget to wear closed toe shoes if you are interested in joining any pits!
Tickets

Atlanta’s Original Uptown Comedy Corner features Red Grant for a Friday Midnight Show
(19^th at 12:30am.)
There is nothing comparable to being up close and personal to comedians! Red Grant will be headlining. A big name that has been on television for years.  A thrilling aspect of this urban comedy club is the possibility of any comic dropping by!
Tickets

Apache Café presents Spoken Word Open Mic
(20^th at 7:00pm – 12:30am.)
This is not your average open mic by any means! In fact, nothing is average about the Apache Café. Midtown presents this open forum for poetry, musical artists, and spoken word. Drop by, and please do not shy away from showing your unconventional talent off!
Tickets

The metro Atlanta area is dotted with hundreds of tucked away culinary gems. Field Good Gourmet Deli, featuring the refined creations of Chef Christophe Le Metayer, is a North Fulton jewel that should not be missed. Hailing from France, with over 25 years of gastronomic experience, Le Metayer remains humbly understated in a world of overboard cuisine. I stumbled upon his restaurant when my publisher summoned me there for a meeting. As we ordered a couple of espressos, I asked the chef if they had chai tea to make a dirty chai latte. Unfortunately for me, I had to settle for a simple latte, because they did not carry chai. By the time my meeting was finished, I returned to the counter to thank our host, and to my utter dismay, Christophe presented me with a pot from his stove filled with chai tea he had made from scratch. Starbucks, eat your heart out. It was the best dirty chai latte I have ever had. At that point, if I may sound so trite, Christophe Le Metayer had me at chai!

… Hailing from France, with over 25 years of gastronomic experience, Le Metayer remains humbly understated in a world of overboard cuisine …

On a cloudy Monday afternoon, with the quiet café closed to the public for its day off, I spent two inspiring hours indulging in conversation and cookery with the charismatic chef. I would leave that day with a fresh outlook on my, admittedly less than positive, preconceived notions about French food, as well as French chefs.

Field Good is too relaxed to label as a bistro, yet it exudes more character and experience than the images we often associate with a simple delicatessen. The awning above the door advertises the quaint, café-like surroundings as a gourmet deli. Although, I came to discover that Chef Christophe isn’t completely comfortable having his French background associated with the sometimes haughty term, “gourmet”. The chef attended the formal French culinary school, Lycee d’état De St. Quentin en Yve Lines, beginning when he was just sixteen. However, the experience of working as a chef in France did not develop into as desirable an experience for Christophe. After years of predictable, unfulfilling, albeit appreciated, positions throughout his career, Le Metayer hopes to have finally unearthed a long sought after sense of job satisfaction. That has been his goal in creating Field Good, which Christophe has successfully done with the aid of partner chef, Cody Taylor. The pair formerly worked together at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead, prior to opening this store. Though, with its relaxed, inviting atmosphere, Field Good presents itself in a manner far more inviting than your average table at the Ritz.

Approximately, three years ago Le Metayer began to dabble in food photography. A collection of his work was published this year in his book, “Enhanced Cuisine”. Today, the walls of Field Good illustrate the chefs beautiful, abstract portraits of simplistic, raw foods. I, curiously, asked Christophe, “Where do you believe the relationship between food and art meet?” He explained to me that food has escaped from its natural connection with human beings. Keeping food simple and beautiful brings the act of eating back to nature and awakens all of the human senses, and as a result, consumption rediscovers its more animalistic roots. Le Metayer prefers using no more than four or five ingredients in preparing a dish. He feels it is better not to over-complicate the palate. Le Metayer’s sentiments concerning the art of food are best summed up in the following excerpt from his book.

… keeping food simple and beautiful brings the act of eating back to nature and awakens all of the human senses, and as a result, consumption rediscovers its more animalistic roots …

“Coming from a place where food has been treated with a cultural approach for centuries with a diversity of specialties, even in the smallest villages, made me understand that I have the opportunity to transform in a few hours, minutes, or even seconds, an ancestral edible product into a moment of pleasure. These magic transformations happen in my hands and reflect on the faces of the guests. It is not insignificant. It goes in the mouth. It is swallowed. It can’t be more carnal and sensual. Transform an ephemeral moment into an unforgettable memory. In a great kitchen and at a great table, so much can be shared with others. These are probably the last civilized places where pleasures with no limit can be experienced. Let your imagination wander. I try to transpose all these feelings in my photos…”

The fare being showcased at Field Good is not limited to recipes of French descent. While, you could be tempted by the gorgeous pastries for breakfast or a croque monsieur for lunch, Christophe informs me that he really takes pleasure in offering personalized variations on American classics, such as the traditional BLT, homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, and even a Georgia trail mix salad with peach dressing. Each Sunday is highlighted by the “Field Good Brunch” from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., starting at an affordable $10. Beyond breakfast and lunch, Le Metayer is serving pre-set five course dinners every Saturday evening. Do not be intimidated, I am assured the dinner is a casual affair. The restaurant is certainly worth a trip to dine-in, however the chef offers meals made fresh to go, with tailored menus for all occasions. An, “In Office Friday Delivered Lunch”, can be ordered, delivered, and is served in individually packaged portions of lunch menus that change for each Friday of the month. Catered menus for holiday events are also available to order for pick up. I witnessed the popularity of this option for myself, as I interviewed the chef just a few days prior to Thanksgiving, the chef was still busy taking calls from patrons on his day off. I really enjoyed seeing a restaurant that is breaking the mold, giving the public options that don’t follow the lead of what we typically find in each new shopping center that makes up the urban sprawl around Atlanta.

If you are interested in paying Chef Christophe a visit, you can find Field Good Gourmet Deli at11500 Webb Bridge Way in Alpharetta 30005. For ordering info call (770)-343-9697 or go to FieldGood.com.

(Enjoy some of Christophe Le Metayer’s photography masterpieces  – above in the article and here the images are click-able for a higher definition version:)

Oh, the holidays. It’s that time of year again when people come together, share wonderful meals, traditions…and in many cases, plenty of booze. Oh, Atlanta, you offer so many wonderful temptations! Atlantans know how to party and really get down with the best of ‘em, and this year should be no different. I don’t often indulge in cocktails, (definitely more of a beer kind of girl) but I do have a special place in my heart for seasonal delights, and alcohol is no exception. Our fair city offers a plethora of amazing seasonal micro-brews, superb mixologist-created cocktails, and plenty of places to purchase such delights to bring home to share with friends and family (except on Sundays, of course). I could go on forever, but it seems obvious I’m just a sucker for a well-crafted beverage. I also know I’m not the only one. With that said, here are my top ten seasonal beverages available all over town to get you more “spirited” for the holidays.

10.Terrapin Wake ‘N Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout – those kids up in Athens are crazy! This beer is extremely thick, warming, and jam-packed with bold, biting, coffee flavor. This stout is made with Chinook Hops, chocolate malt, and plenty of oatmeal flakes. The combination is certainly not for the faint-of-heart, but is more than worth trying. At 8.6% alcohol per volume, this beer stores well…so it’s perfect to save for a special occasion or for the holidays next year.

9. Whiskey Blue’s Clementine Crush – this refreshing, spicy drink is made with Svedka Clementine Vodka, tonic, fresh OJ, fresh ginger, and a hint of sugar. Clementines, or

“Christmas Oranges” as they are sometimes nick-named, are in season at this time of year and are much sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. The ginger adds a warming kick reserved for crisp fall days.

8. Lumen at the Ritz-Carlton’s Peppermint Martini — made with Absolut Peppar and real crushed candy canes, this swirly white and pink drink is almost a dessert in itself. Delicious, sweet, yet still refreshing. Candy canes are no longer for stockings anymore!

7. Trader Vic’s Hot Buttered Rum – an oldie, but a goodie. Made with brown sugar and cinnamon, this classic drink is one of the best in town. Having recently moved back to Atlanta from Las Vegas, I was quite happy to see that while I was gone my favorite new franchise out west had set up shop in my hometown. Classic and well-crafted, this rum concoction will warm even the coldest of pirates’ hearts.

6. 5 Season’s Brewing Pumpkin Ale – although only available at their Westside and Alpharetta locations, this extraordinarily fresh, pumpkin-packed beer is slightly sweet, and out of this world. Using Georgia-grown pumpkins and plenty of pie spice, 5 Seasons could not have done a better job at combining one of my all-time favorite Fall ingredients.

5. ABC’s Red Brick Winter Brew – this Belgian-style Ale is out of this world. New this year, ABC has really out-done themselves. This deeply fruity, malty, hoppy brew smells slightly like bananas baking, and goes down as easy as apple pie. Pairs well with any and all desserts, and its gentle, warming effect makes me want to take it to a tailgate or in front of a campfire. Cuddle up with someone, but make sure you know them well, as this beer packs a wallop at 8.2% alcohol per volume.

4. He’brew Jewbelation (Bar Mitzvah) – available at Taco Mac, Brick Store Pub, and Green’s Beverage, (among other places) this beer might not be unique to Atlanta, but since we are a city of people from other cities…well, you know. I ordered this recently on a newbeer-trying-adventure, and boy was I glad I did! This beer is dark, rich, caramel-y, and as brown as they come. There are over 13 million Jews in the world, and about 13% alcohol per volume in this brew…try it with Latkes and you might see God (or Abraham).

3. West Egg Cafe’s Pumpkin Spice Latte – well,I do love coffee, and after all that holiday imbibing, trust me, you are going to want to try this! Spicy, sweet, and perfectly roasted, this latte is homemade and best when topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Oh. My. Too tame? Take it home and add a touch of Goldschlager, you alcoholic, you.

2. Hop City Craft Beer & Wine- Bruery Autumn Maple Ale – this unique, seasonal wonder is brewed with yams, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and maple syrup, just to name a few. Just don’t let the syrupy title fool you, this Ale does have a spicy kick! The coziest beer in the city…perfect for snuggling on the couch or pairs great with anything and everything on your Thanksgiving table.

1.  Sweetwater Festive Ale – this is one of my all-time favorite seasonal beers.

Sweetwater always produces an amazing beer, however, this one really gets to me. It’s heavy, very full, and laced smoothly with cinnamon and mace. It’s the type of beer I crave on a freezing cold day, and it pairs incredibly with pie and turkey. Who could ask for more? Oh wait, I left out the best part…at 8.6% alcohol per volume, it’s, uh…more fun to drink, wink, wink! Festival Ale is only brewed once a year and is only available through December. Get it while you can, but save some for me!

For hours, locations, etc. please visit the websites below.

Sources:

www.sweetwaterbrew.com

www.terrapinbeer.com

www.atlantabrewing.com

www.gerberbars.com

www.concentricshospitality.com

www.tradervics.com

www.ritzcarlton.com

www.5seasonsbrewing.com

www.hopcity.com