July 2010 - Posts
Weekly Feature
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Some say it isn't polite to tout one's accomplishments, but I for
one think Atlanta deserves a pat on the back for this latest news. A few days
ago, PETA released their Top Ten list of North America's most
vegan-friendly cities. The coolest bit: Atlanta ranks fourth! While the "peachy" quip was just too cute for words, the
examples were spot on. Here you'll find their examples, plus a few of my
additions and just what to order.
PETA says:
Café Sunflower - Buckhead and Sandy Springs
The stuffed mushroom caps in a miso mushroom sauce is a favorite
starter.
(The menus differ per location. For those in Buckhead, try the
Southern Polenta Napoleon - a grilled coconut cornmeal cake layered with
veggies, tofu and mock ham, served with veggies in a peach coulis.)
Green Sprout - Midtown
For a spicy dish, try veggie pork and tofu, served in a Szechuan
sauce.
(This little joint fabricates the meat ingredients from "soy,
potatoes, and other non-meat products." Pretty cool, I think.)
Ria's
Bluebird - Downtown
Kickstart your morning with the Southwest tofu scramble and
veggies.
(Just an FYI: Ria's
serves up delicious
breakfast all day long.)
Insider picks:
Arden's Garden - multiple Midtown locations
Beat the heat with a freshly juiced treat! Manufactured right
here in the city, you can get all the health benefits of fresh fruit in a
succulent, sweet package. My votes go for the Citrus celebration smoothie and
the Blueberry Cheesecake.
Healthful Essence - Downtown
This cool little spot has redefined Caribbean cuisine. Offering
vegan and vegetarian menus, the dishes are prepared to order with your choice
of BBQ-, curried-, or jerk-unmeats. The jerk-unchicken with curried veggies is
a sure pleaser. If you've ever wanted to sip a rainbow, be sure to order one of
the Tropical Thirst Busters.
Urban
pL8 - West Midtown
While not specifically vegan-centric, this brainchild of Betsy
Pitts (of Bacchanalia and Floataway Café) offers tons of local, sustainable
fare. One must-try veggie dish is the Red Curry and Pan-Seared Tofu - roasted
sweet potatoes, green beans, basil and coconut milk.
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dank \dānk\ adj - 1:
being expression frequently used for something of high quality
dank
tank \dānk - tānk\ n
- 1: contains one-hit wonder brews
By now, SweetWater Brewery is revered throughout the Southeast
for its seasonal
and year-round releases. While each are admittedly delicious, I
eagerly await the latest release of each Dank Tank.
So named because "We make some dank stuff out of it.*", these
experimental brews are released
sporadically throughout each year. The tank holds approximately 1,500
gallons,
equating to roughly 500 22oz. cases and 24 kegs.
Magnum IP, the
latest creation to come from
the Creature,
hit stores at the first of the
month. Fermented for a month, this German-style Imperial pilsner has a
dash of
Cascade hops to give it that signature SweetWater tang and 9% ABV.
Though each
tank produces a relatively small yield, fortune has smiled on Atlanta.
Happily,
we receive 90% of the stock from each tank. Still, these one-hit wonders
are
snatched up within 30 days, so grab ‘em while you can!
While I love a good science experiment in the name of good beer,
I'm most impressed with SweetWater's charity efforts. On the side of
each
Tacklebox is a url to Adopt Your Next
Drinking Buddy, in efforts to
aid the Atlanta Humane Society (a no-kill shelter) in older dog
adoption. The
brewery is also entering its fifth year of their "Save
The Hooch" campaign which helps preserve the Chattahoochee River,
providing Atlanta with fresh drinking water and salvaging local aquatic
flora
and fauna. Finally, for the second year, SweetWater is participating in Spin For Kids,
a bicycle ride benefiting Camp
Twin Lakes - a camp which provides
adventures for seriously ill and challenged children. In addition to
pledging,
they're also preparing a special brew and donating the proceeds. This
once-a-year beer is the Rye'd Ale, a 22oz. 6% ABV with a rye-infused,
hoppy and
citrusy finish, hits shelves in late August.
Looking for a fun way to cool down this Summer? SweetWater offers
tours of the brewery every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:30p.m.
and Saturdays
from 2:30p.m. - 4:30p.m. For less than $10, you get six drink tickets to
sample
everything on tap, then a fun tour to learn what goes on behind the
brew. For more fun facts and constant updates, follow @SweetWaterBrew
or become facebook
fan today!
* quote from Steve Farace
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Everyday, Atlanta is becoming a more green-friendly city. From LEED-certified businesses to sustainable restaurants and locally-sourced shops, the city is making strides. If you're looking to make a difference and have a little fun with it, you're in luck. Check out my top picks for eco-friendly fun in the ATL!
4. Bicycle Tours of Atlanta
This cool concept offers rides at all skill levels and even has a few fun themes. Hands down, my favorite ride is the Progressive Dinner Bicycle Tour. This 4 1/2 hour trip spins through the city, making stops at four of the city's can't-miss restaurants. Throughout the evening you'll see the city lights flicker on and enjoy a full meal along the way!
3. Atlanta Segway Tours
Maybe it's the futuristic design or the ease of gliding over the city streets, but I find segways utterly amusing. If you're looking for all the fun and funky facts about the city, the 3 hour tour is a great option. For a shorter ride, try the Evening Glide and soak in the architecture as it's backlit by the sunset. Need a good fright? The Legends and Lore Tour takes you through the back alleys of history, divulging the city's secrets.
2. Twilight Tours
Filled with ghostly delights and historic frights, the Twilight Tours of Oakland Cemetery are a fun way to spend the evening. Held on Saturday and Sunday evenings, each week features a different topic, ranging from symbolism and famous faces to long-forgotten war stories. Plus, at just $10 per person, you can skip across the street for dinner at the delectable Six Feet Under.
1. Rent Bikes in Piedmont Park
This one tops my list due to pricing and cuteness factors. Skate Escape, an outdoor activity shop, is directly across from Piedmont Park. Here you can rent regular bikes and skates on an hourly or daily basis. The cutest part, however, comes from the renting of tandem bikes. How adorable to spend the day cruising the lush lawns with someone special?
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The 4th of July means good food, great friends and, of course, a three-day break. Still weighing your options for fun Fourth festivities? These American classics with an Atlanta twist are sure to keep the whole crowd entertained all weekend long!
Saturday 7/3
Woodfire Grill presents BBQ & Beer - 5:30p.m. to 10:30p.m. you can tuck into a 3-course dinner of succulent American fare for just $38 per person. Chef Kevin Gillespie will prepare the entrée course by roasting a whole hog, which is then slathered with his Terminus City barbecue sauce. As a tasty bonus, SweetWater top picks are on draft all evening. All beer proceeds are donated to "Save the Hooch", SweetWater's eco-endeavor to preserve Atlanta's fresh drinking water.
Sunday 7/4
One word: fireworks! Two MARTA-friendly options are the fantastic pyrotechnic shows at Centennial Park and Lenox Square. Centennial Park has free family festivities all day long, and the fireworks start around 9:30p.m. Live at Lenox, two cover bands provide all-day entertainment along with kid-friendly activities and food. The show begins around 9:40p.m.
Decatur's Pied Piper Parade - Paint your wagon, face, whatever you like and jump in line! The 6p.m. parade winds through Downtown Decatur, ending at the bandstand. Afterwards a live concert ushers in a stunning fireworks display.
All Weekend 7/2-7/5
Head to Callaway Gardens just outside the city for a Star Spangled Beach Party! Celebrate America from sunrise to sunset with Beach Olympics, blueberry pancakes, bands and more! As an extra bonus, the FSU Flying High Circus will give soaring performances each evening.
Catch line drives, pop flies and maybe even a foul ball as the Braves take on the Marlins. Stay after the game to watch Friday Night Fireworks and salute America's heros during Sunday's pre-game flyover.
Visit Stone Mountain for the 42nd Fantastic Fourth Celebration. The combination pyrotechnics and laser show is choreographed to patriotic songs and, at just $10 for parking, easily the best deal in the city! The park is open all day, all weekend long, so come early and explore all the attractions the city's most-visited spot has to offer.
Insider Tip: Don't forget to book your Backyard Adventure packages. While these deals are as hot as the city's Summer temps, they won't last long. As one of the best stay-cation destinations, Atlanta has tons of attractions and accommodations for the whole family. Book your packages today then stay and play the Atlanta way!
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