On Monday, January 23, Double Zero Napoletana is hosting a pizza making class!  The Sandy Springs restaurant is offering two separate seatings – one at 6:00 p.m. and one at 8:00 p.m.

During the classes, Double Zero Napoletana staff will offer guests an exclusive opportunity to learn the art of making Neapolitan pizza in the restaurant’s beautiful, hand-crafted Stefano Ferrara ovens.  Each class is limited to 15 attendees, and the cost is $39 per person. 

Participants will learn about the unique and nuanced process of making dough at the highest level of quality.  This interactive event also includes a glass of wine and a personal pizza creation.

So much fun! 

And, don’t fret that Double Zero is all the way in Sandy Springs.  It’s totally worth the schlep, as it’s one of the few restaurants that the Q+DD will travel OTP for!  Read about our recent visit to Double Zero HERE!

Can’t make the 1/23 class?  No worries!  Double Zero is hosting another on February 27. 

Make sure you register ASAP! 

xx, L

Double Zero Napoletana
5825 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA  30328
404.991.3666
http://www.doublezeroatl.com/home/

It seemed like such a hike to get there (it’s situated past I-285 on Roswell Road…no man’s land in my book), BUT the restaurant had had quite a stint on Urbanspoon since it opened and I was intrigued.  So, we gassed up the car + hit the road!

Here’s the Q+DD on Double Zero Napoletana:

Double Zero Napoletana (DZ) is an upscale southern Italian restaurant featuring the cuisine of the Campania region.  DZ has a strong focus on traditional Neapolitan Pizza among other southern Italian dishes.  They feature an extensive selection of Southern Italian cured meats and cheeses, Insalata (salad), Antipasti & Sfizi (small plates), fresh handmade pasta, and Secondi (Entrée) dishes.  Make no mistake, although pizza has an important place on their menu, DZ’s modern, contemporary versions of traditional Italian ingredients + specialties aim to delight Atlanta diners.

What’s In a Name?:

Double Zero refers to the type of flour used to make Neapolitan pizza.  In Italy, flour is classified either as 1, 0, or 00, and the designation refers to how finely ground the flour is and how much of the bran and germ have been removed.  Doppio Zero, the most highly refined, is talcum-powder soft.  The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which upholds the traditions and stipulations of traditional Neapolitan pizza, states that only Doppio Zero Flour, DOP San Marzano tomatoes, all natural Fior-di-Latte or Bufala fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, sea salt and yeast can be used in the making of Neapolitan Pizza.

This is serious business, obv.

Kevin and I arrived a bit earlier than Lauren and Greg, so we parked it at DZ’s bar.  Our bartender, a really friendly fellow w/ a heavy accent, cheerily greeted us.  (This was just the start to the exceptional service we had over the course of the evening.)  Kev ordered up DZ’s signature cocktail: Barrel Aged Negroni.  It tasted sort of like an Old Fashioned, but with a twist.  Gin, Campari, Carpano Antica Vermouth + a flamed orange (aged at DZ in bourbon barrels for 6 weeks).  It was an impressive drink to watch the bartender prepare:

I opted for my trusty go-to, an Aviation, which I was excited to find on the menu.  Maybe the suburbs are hipper than I think??  Shortly thereafter, Lauren + Greg arrived and we sat down for our meal.

DZ's massive menu

We ordered up + quickly devoured (too fast for me to snap a photo) the Burrata + Proscuitto: fresh burrata mozzarella, mangalista prosciutto, arugula, red onion marmalade, balsalmic caviar, saba vinegar + basil oil.  Also on our table (but not for long) was the delicious Pork Belly Risotto: crisp pork belly, sweet potato pumpkin risotto, balsalmic glaze, broccoli rapini + slow cooked poached egg.

My favorite app was the Arancini: lemon saffron risotto croquettes, peas, red pepper, scamorza cheese, roasted yellow pepper coulis + meyer lemon honey.

Each of the appetizers were exceptionally tasty and very thoughtfully plated.  I strongly recommend starting with a few before jumping to entrees. 

For dinner, we shared the Carne Pizza: braised short ribs, bludi bufala cheese, fingerling potatoes + grape tomatoes.

And, of course, the Double Zero Napoletana Pizza: olive oil, garlic, mozzarella di bufala campana DOP, fresh arugula, prosciutto di parma, pecorino gran cru + basil oil.

The pizzas arrived with scissors which we used to cut slices.  We got a serious kick out of it!

To accompany our delicious meal, we all ordered wine from DZ’s extensive Italian collection.  Although I was unfamiliar with most of the regional grapes, the menu was very user-friendly breaking out the grapes in comparison to others that are more familiar.  For example, I ordered a glass of the Planeta La Segreta Blanco because above it was a line that read “think Pinot Grigio.”  I personally appreciated the guidance… 

ITP dining OTP

I guess sometimes you really just need to listen to the hype...  DZ has been killing it on Urbanspoon for a reason, y’all!  We’ll be back very soon. 

xx, L

Double Zero Napoletana
5825 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA  30328
404.991.3666
http://www.doublezeroatl.com/home/

On Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m., Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna is hosting an American Craft Beer Dinner featuring five courses paired with five of the nation’s leading craft-style brews.

The menu for the evening features the following dishes and beer pairings:

1.  Vidalia onion tarts, chèvrie cheese, peach jalapeno jam + Terrapin Golden Ale (Athens, GA)

2.  Chipotle lime shrimp, field greens, red peppers, roasted corn, tomato, red onion, lime vinaigrette + Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (Chico, CA)

3.  Ahi tuna poke marinated in ponzu sauce, avocado relish, crystallized candied ginger + Anchor Steam Beer (San Francisco, CA)

4.  Seared duck, glazed cherry reduction, sweet potato and pumpkin risotto + Ommegang Hennepin Farmhouse Saison (Cooperstown, NY)

5.  Caramel and espresso torte with sea salt + Abita Turbodog (Abita Springs, LA)

drink UP, smyrna-ites?

Cost for the dinner and beer pairings is $45 per person + limited seating is available.

Interested guests can call 770.435.1887 to reserve a spot.  Sounds so fun + super delish! 

See ya in the suburbs!

xx, L

Atkins Park Tavern – Smyrna
2840 Atlanta Road SE
Smyrna, GA  30080
770.435.1887
http://www.atkinspark.com/

In addition to sampling chili, Brunswick stew and cornbread, guests of all ages are invited to enjoy live music from some of the nation’s best tribute bands + partake in games such as the Mullet Flop (dying – OMG) and the Jalapeno Eating contest.  As in previous years, 100% of the proceeds will benefit Camp Twin Lakes!  Since 2005, The Great Miller Lite Chili Cook-Off has raised more than $380,000 for Camp Twin Lakes. 

Recap: Chili, tribute bands, mullet flop + jalapeno eating contest, AND Camp Twin Lakes.  My brain is exploding with awesomeness…

Here’s the Q+DD on The 32nd Annual Great Miller Lite Chili Cook-Off:

When: Saturday, September 24: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Stone Mountain Park, GA – Coliseum Meadow
Tickets: Tickets are $10 for adults.  Children 12 + under are free.  Tickets can only be purchased on-site the day of the event, and will not sell out. 
Parking: Each vehicle will be charged $10 for entrance into the park.
Benefit: 100% of the proceeds benefit Camp Twin Lakes!
Sponsors: Miller Lite, Aaron’s Sales and Leasing, Waffle House, Metro PCS, Rock 100.5, Camp Twin Lakes, Caren West PR
Event Website: www.theatlantachilicookoff.com

Sounds super fun + delicious!  If I wasn’t going to Music Midtown, I’d definitely want to check it out. 

This weekend is going to be ridic. 

xx, L

I know, right?  I was impressed, too! 

It was a fun morning, but we had one problem: Slick was seriously hungover from the night before.  Around noon, he began to really need something to cut up the alcohol aggressively overtaking his blood stream, so we searched the GPS for the closest non-fast food (yet still greasy/ heavy) restaurant in the area + up popped: Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q.

We use this restaurant to cater work events from time to time, but I am rarely ever OTP + hadn’t visited its home base in Smyrna.  As soon as we got this close to the door, we were greeted with an overwhelmingly delicious aroma of BBQ.  Slick almost crumbled to the floor.  No joke. 

A friendly hostess sat us down + we ordered up large waters and Diet Cokes.  As we worked on Slick’s hydration, we perused the extensive menu.  I knew exactly what I wanted as soon as I opened the menu and read the item’s name: Pig in the Garden Salad.  It made me giggle, so I gave it a try.

Slick ordered a pulled pork sandwich + deep-fried onion rings.  While we impatiently waited for our food, the friendly hostess – who was now also our server – dropped over a basket of these tasty cheese muffins.  They were not fat free.  I can tell you that much.  That is pretty much all I can tell you, though, because they were gone almost immediately. 

Shortly thereafter, my salad arrived and it was enormo…and really satisfying.  I mean, how could you go wrong with pulled pork, smoked bacon + homemade croutons?  (I’m still convinced it was a healthy option, too, as there were numerous green + orange things on the plate.)

Slick’s pulled pork sandwich did the trick.  He ate it like a champ + started to feel better immediately. 

He described the onion rings* as ”a gift from God,” but he was slightly too ambitious with ordering them as we ended up taking the majority home with us. 

*Reader’s note:  Do not accidentally leave onion rings in your car for more than five hours.  Trust.

Seemed like the OTP BBQ did the trick.  Slick was pleased with his mostly clean plate + pork-stuffed stomach.

As we were heading out, we noticed a nice collection of pig paraphernalia and t-shirts with butt jokes.  (Oh, how I love a good butt joke.)

Do I recommend driving all the way out to Jim ‘n Nick’s for BBQ if you live in Midtown?  Probably not.  There are plenty of ITP options to explore.  However, if you are OTP + have a BBQ craving or need a quick hangover cure, Jim ‘n Nick’s is absolutely your place.  Prepare yourself for the butt jokes, friends + eat up!

xx, L

Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q
4574 S. Cobb Dr. SE
Smyrna, GA  30080
678.556.0011
www.jimnnicks.com

(seth: this is your big break!!)

Although I have been living in Atlanta for the past seven years + have done a pretty swell job – if I do say so myself – of exploring our great city, I somehow avoided ever spending time at Lake Lanier.  My lake trips have been confined to a work-related event I throw each year at Lake Burton – which is a calm + peaceful, relatively uncrowded lake that looks like THIS: 

lake burton

Lake Lanier, however, looks like THIS:

sunset cove - lake lanier

Eighteen boats tied up next to each other to form a massive party on the water!  How have I missed this awesomeness?!  Shame on me.  Shame on me!  The fact of the matter is that I HAVE been missing out.

Anyway, as I was saying…we spent a phenomenally beautiful day on Lake Lanier with SeLo.  About halfway into our Firefly + diet lemonade drinking, sunscreen-protected sunbathing afternoon, we were pretty hungry and wanted to stop to grab lunch.  SeLo highly recommended a restaurant located in Aqualand Marina (a little trivia: AM is the world’s largest inland marina) where they had recently eaten the “best burger they’ve ever had.”  Slick is kinda on a hamburger kick for some reason + I really needed to check out this “best burger” for myself, so we docked for lunch at Dockside Grill.

Behold its wooden quaintness:

And, freshly-laminated menus:

I started to believe the bold burger rumor a bit more as we sat down + glanced over the menu which proudly announced that Dockside Grill was voted “best burger” by Southern Living.  Not quite as skeptical, I ordered a huge burg and out came THIS guy: 

The picture doesn’t quite do it justice.  The burger was MASSIVE + super juicy.  I devoured it in every sense of the word.  It was, indeed, a great burger.  And best of all, it reminded me of the burgers my dad used to grill when I was a kid.  It tasted homemade + like home – which may sound silly, but really added to the dockside burger-eatin’ experience.  It was the perfect way to cut the alcohol, get us out of the sun for a bit + satisfy a burger craving without grease dripping everywhere and a mandatory post-lunch nap. 

I ate so much that I felt like I needed to wear my cover up on the boat for the rest of the afternoon, but I didn’t mind one bit.  That meal was worth it + it certainly didn’t stop Slick from enjoying the rest of the day on the lake…

Lake Lanier:  I’ll be back for you, new friend!   

Dockside Grill:  Your burger is pretty darn amazing.  I can’t think of a place I’d rather eat at on the lake.  Keep up the excellent work!  I’ll be back for another burg soon!

xx, L

Dockside Grill – Aqualand Marina
Open Fridays, Saturdays + Sundays (Seasonal)
Call for Hours: 770.363.2318
Menu: BIG BURGERS
Map: FIND DOCKSIDE

As you know, Camp Dance is this weekend + I’m sure you’re all super pumped for it!  If you are looking for plans during the weekend days, I strongly recommend that you check out these two exciting festivals!

1 – Smyrna’s Spring Jonquil Festival
(April 30 & May 1, 2011)

The Jonquil Festival is located on the beautiful Village Green in downtown Smyrna.  It will showcase arts + crafts by more than 150 artists/ crafters from across the country.  The event also offers fun for the entire family to enjoy with continuous entertainment, a children’s section + a wide selection of festival foods.  The show will draw a crowd of around 15,000 people.  Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday + admission is FREE!

More information + directions to Smyrna’s Spring Jonquil Festival here: Spring HAS Sprung!

And (THIS IS EXCITING NEWS), just guess who will have a tent at the Festival….

J. Rishel Woodworks!  You will not want to miss his tent!  Justin is an amazing woodworker – so be sure to look out for him!

my j. rishel woodworks cutting board

Read more about J. Rishel Woodworks here: Got Wood? (Ahh, couldn’t resist.)
J. Rishel Woodworks’ Etsy Page here: Buy Some Wood! (Not nearly as funny…)

2 – Inman Park Spring Festival
(Also, April 30 & May 1, 2011)

Inman Park Spring Festival takes place in one of Atlanta’s oldest + most scenic neighborhoods.  First developed in the late 1800s, Inman Park is home to many historic homes + parks.  The Festival began in the early 1970s as a means to attract attention to gentrification efforts that sought to revitalize the community.  Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the festival offers something for everybody.  Music, kids activities, a Tour of Homes, a marvelous street parade, an artists’ market + some of the city’s best people-watching. 

inman park festival parade

I’m a serious fan of this Festival + blogged about my love affair w/ it last year…please review here: I Heart the Inman Park Spring Festival.

More information + directions to the Inman Park Spring Festival here: Inman Info!

This is going to be SUCH a great weekend.  Enjoy the festivals, festival-goers! 

xx, L

www.becomingthecaseys.com

…you can bet that I’d be planning to go to Derby Day 2011!

The 29th Annual Derby Day will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA.

Derby Day has been an Atlanta tradition since 1983.  Each year, the event is held on the first Saturday in May to coincide with the Kentucky Derby.  Considered a highlight of Atlanta’s spring social calendar, Derby Day attracts more than 1,000 people every year, as well as hundreds of sponsors.

All proceeds generated from the event go to support the Shepherd Center’s Therapeutic Recreation Program.  Derby Day is organized by the Shepherd Center’s Junior Committee.

The Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers was the site for the 1996 Olympic Games equestrian events.  The Derby Day location within the horse park is a beautiful natural setting along the Yellow River in an open, grassy infield where driving events + polo matches are often held.

If you ask me, the best part of Derby Day – aside from the day drinking + horse watching, of course – is definitely the HATS.  Oh, the hats!

I. love. them.

Just think!  You could be Derby chic like Audrey, above, or Derby legend-wait for it-dary like the lady in red below.  The world is yours!

life is so happy in my big, big hat!

(Dressing up for a horse race is almost more exciting than putting together a Halloween costume!)  Just look at my friends next door:

Perfection.

And, the mint juleps.  Don’t mind if I do…

mint julep heaven.

Is there anything better than this?   I think not.

Here’s the Q+DD on Derby Day 2011:

Location: Georgia International Horse Park
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2011
Time: Gates open at 2:00 p.m. – close at 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $60 in advance/ $70 at the gate.  Price includes entry, food, alcoholic + non-alcoholic beverages, music + optional bus transportation to and from the event.
(That’s a pretty amazing deal for $60!)

There will also be live + silent auctions, two live bands (daytime: Crash Davis/ nighttime: Sweetwater Junction), games + drawings and a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby on two big screen TVs.

Buy your Derby Day 2011 tickets here: Mint Juleps + Enormous Hats…Life IS Grand!

I can’t wait to hear all about it! 

xx, L

TAFKAP

Aaaaanyway… the Q+DD on Purple Rain is that it’s a bar, a restaurant, a lounge, and a late-night hangout all in one.  It’s mission is to bring a first-class dining/playing experience to the area and serve creative fare in the form of small plates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

When Mandy told me about Purple Rain, she described it as “a restaurant suited for Vegas…but in Gwinett” and she was right.   When I rolled up to the 9,000 square foot space and viewed the glossy, uber sexy interior filled with pretty people, I immediately wished I were wearing something a little slinkier than a sensible skirt suit from work.

I found Mandy and Laura gabbing away at a buttery booth in the back of the spacious main dining area sipping on Lychee Sparklers which looked DELISH:

Grey Goose, blended with lychee with syrup and topped with champagne

The super attentive wait staff made sure I didn’t experience cocktail envy for very long and within minutes, I had a Cloud 9 – their version of a white sangria – in my hot little hands.

White wine blends, tangerines, lychees, pineapples strawberries, and ginger ale.

For dinner, we tried all kinds of deliciousness starting with the Risotto Fritti (risotto croquettes, buffalo mozzarella, and romesco sauce, the New England Lobster Roll (butter poached lobster, lemon and saffron aioli), and the Moroccan Yucca Fries (spiced yucca, roasted garlic, parsley and lemon essence)

Then moved on to the Duxelle Stuffed Artichoke (roasted artichoke, wild mushrooms, red peppers, gruyere cheese, and lemon beurre blanc)  
For dinner, I chose the appetizer plate Beef Negimaki (beef rolled with enoki mushrooms, scallions, and oyster sauce) and polished it off before I could snap a photo!

For dessert…we couldn’t resist the “Tempura Goodness” – which is basically whatever goodies the chef happens to have on hand, tempura fried, served with salted caramel.    As luck would have it, they just happened to have Swiss Cake Rolls and Twinkies back there….check it out:
I had a fantastic time there…if you’re in the area, I’d recommend you check it out for yourself.  With both and enormous space and menu, there’s truly something for everyone!

Personally, I’d like to meet the person who orders the “Purple Rainmaker.” At $1000, this dessert consists of a Criollo Chocolate Soufflé, a chocolate truffle,  and gold nugget streusel  dressed with a genuine amethyst necklace on a spun sugar sculpture.  Check it:

Need something a leeeeeeetle more reasonably priced this Valentine’s Day?  Enjoy a prix-fixe 3 course menu and live music by Stephan Lee for $60.

“Let me guide you to the Purple Rain.  Purple Rain….Purple Raiiiiiinnnnn…”

xx, L

Purple Rain Restaurant & Lounge
(770) 418-9086
3550 Mall Blvd.
Duluth, GA 30096
www.purplerainatl.com

Beginning tomorrow, Saturday January 29th, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna is offering a 3% discount for every inch of high heels! PLUS: live DJs, $3 shots, and girly sips sponsored by BACARDI.

It gets better – “High Heel Night” will be held EVERY Saturday starting at 10PM and there is NO cover.  What a deal, ladies!  Time for those Louboutins to earn their keep! 

(Although…you know those babies can score you free cocktails any day of the week...)

xx, L

Atkins Park Tavern

2840 Atlanta Road Southeast

www.atkinspark.com