January/February 2015 ISSUE 28 • FREE
YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA
THE
KIDS &PETS ISSUE Extraordinary animals l Playtime faves Pet mani-pedis l Candy! l Doggie bootcamps Best kid menus... and much more!
STAYCATION: B&B RETREATS
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American Dreams by John Mellencamp
You know Mellencamp for his music, now know his art.
Get to know the other side of this brilliant artist, John Mellencamp, through fifty oil and mixed media paintings. Although his work is undeniably American, some critics say his portraits are similar to the paintings of the German expressionists. Come on over to the Morris Museum of Art and decide for yourself.
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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
Photos: Sara Hanna Photography. Playground Photo: Sandy Springs Conservancy
[ C OV E R S T ORY ]
65
KIDS & PETS STORIES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP, PHILANTHROPY AND FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS
Contents [ F E AT U RE S ]
HOME: IN GOHDE GRACES
13 LETTERS
47 SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A family of four makes their Buckhead home a sanctuary for long-lasting memories
15 SIMPLY NOW
53 SIMPLY DELICIOUS
33 SIMPLY STYLISH
77 SIMPLY HAPPENING
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TRAVEL NEAR: LIVE LARGE IN CHATTANOOGA
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TRAVEL FAR: DESTINATION WINTER
50
FROM CANVAS TO COVERINGS
Nashville’s great … but so is this Tennessee town
Snowmass, a fitting name for this powdery wonderland
Buckhead artist transforms works into fabrics and textiles
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BANGLADESH BECKONS Buford Highway’s Panahar is an appealing blend of the homespun and the exotic
Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
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[ DE PA RT M E N T S ]
42 BE JEWELED Lavish lovelies locally designed by Buckhead’s best January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
9
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YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA
Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 28
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Sue Rodman
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Sue Rodman is the editor and publisher of award-winning family travel blog Field Trips with Sue and the mother of three wonderful boys from elementary through high school ages. She is the author of 100+ Free Things to Do in Atlanta, and a contributing blogger for TravelingMom and MiniTime Travel. She has a frequent Field Trips with Sue segment on Atlanta’s WGCL Channel 46, and has been featured on WXIA and Fox 5, as well as in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Family Fun Magazine, Northside Neighbor, and other local, regional and national media. You may also see her around town speaking to moms’ groups about things to do in Atlanta with kids. In her spare time, she enjoys running and watching her sons on the soccer or lacrosse field. In this issue of Simply Buckhead, Rodman pens the “Best Places to Play” story in the cover feature.
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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[ B E H I N D T H E C OV E R ] Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Atlanta Humane Society and its volunteers, for bringing the adorable pups and cute kittens to participate in our January/February cover shoot. They, along with the turtles brought by one of our models, kept all of us laughing and amused throughout the shoot. We think a few of the puppies made it home the next day with some of our families. Atlanta Humane Society is a pet adoption center with a proven track record of helping the city’s homeless, abused and neglected animals. Many additional services are offered, including Canine Play Yards for potential adopters, spaying and neutering, dog training and educational programs, and a vetProducers: Giannina Smith erinary clinic. Every service or program is made Bedford and Joanne Hayes Chief Photographer: possible by generous contributions through Sara Hanna animal welfare charities and annual fundraisers Stylist: Katriesa Raines from the community. Over 8,000 animals are Wardrobe: Bloomingdale’s, Sprong Children’s Shoes and placed each year into forever homes. Gretchen’s Children’s Shop For more information, call 404-875-5331 Shot at Sara Hanna or go to www.atlantahumane.org. Photography Studios
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Letters
[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]
FROM OUR TWEET HEARTS AND FACEBOOK FANS! Follow us @SimplyBuckhead and on Facebook (LivingWellATL)
The November/December magazine looks fantastic! Thank you so much for reaching out to us for the Simply Stylish feature. The article looks gorgeous. Also, I love the Helping Hands cover story—thank you for sharing such inspiring organizations in our community! – Jennie Raborn Lorenz, Nandina Home & Design I happened to pick up your publication and really enjoyed reading it. Absolutely first-class. – Bob Littell, NetWeaver The magazine is beautiful and extremely impressive!! – Marty P. Hill, Sweet Science Fitness and Boxing Center I love the unique physical size of Simply Buckhead. It is fun to pick up and read! – Brooke Henze, Swell Forever Thank you for running the calendar/photo and ad on the 2nd annual Andee’s Army “An Evening of Hope” fundraising dinner at 103 West on October 17. Your coverage generated some interest and ticket sales from several of your readers and we had a sold-out evening along with a very successful silent and live auction. As result, we raised over $250,000 for a new Shepherd endowment program and Andee’s Army’s continued outreach efforts! We are so grateful for the support you gave to our success! – Lucy Crosswell, For Andee’s Army, Inc., ProjectPR
Exceptional writer, photographer and publisher … even made the guy on p. 36 presentable … well, as much as possible … – Raj Pandya via Facebook Great new article on our planned #AmericanSpiritWorks distillery in the current @SimplyBuckhead. Stay tuned for more! – @SpiritWhiskey Thank you @SimplyBuckhead for including the @captainplanetfd Gala in your current issue… – @LauraSeydel Here at @Caribou_Coffee in Sandy Springs watching people read and walk away with copies of @SimplyBuckhead magazine!! – @BuckheadRadioX Look who’s featured in @SimplyBuckhead this month! Admit it— makes your mouth water just reading it. #SimplyBuckhead – @GrindhouseATL S/O to my guy @Paulmillsap4 of @ATLHawks representing on the cover of @SimplyBuckhead current issue … – @HideokiBespoke
[ L E T T E R B OX ] Tell us what you think! Send your comments, compliments and criticisms to editor@simplybuckhead.com. All letters will be considered for publication and may be edited for length and clarity.
Since I adopted my rescued pit bull/boxer mix, Turner, from the Atlanta Humane Society six years ago, my life has never been the same. He’s taught me (and my husband) patience and given us so much joy. When life gets a little heavy, he reminds us to lighten up. One of the best parts of my day is our morning walk when I watch his exuberant excitement for simple pleasures like seeing one of his dog friends along the way or finding a stray tennis ball to play with. His happiness helps me notice and appreciate the little bright spots in each day that often get overlooked. So, as my family welcomed a new baby (a human one, that is) into our lives in November, I was a little worried about Turner’s reaction. Through the roller coaster ride of newborn-dom, however, our precious pooch has proved the ultimate big brother. During late-night feedings and diaper changes, he’s been at our sides providing support in endless kisses and cuddles. Of course, parenting—to animal or human—is not always fun and games. Our kids and pets can drive us absolutely bonkers, but the positive energy they offer is a priceless gift. For this reason, I’m thrilled to present our “Kids & Pets” issue, honoring those who add an extra measure of love into our lives. In our cover story, writer H.M. Cauley introduces us to a group of extraordinary animals that go above and beyond to help humans in need. Writer D. Aileen Dodd tells us about a group of “Parent-preneurs” who launched inventive products to make child rearing a little easier. And family blogger and mother of three boys Sue Rodman shares some of the greatest playgrounds in and around our community to take the kids to blow off some steam. You’ll also meet community pet rescue “heroes” and get the inside scoop on the healing power of pet therapy from dog trainer Kellie Cosby. Even if you aren’t a parent to a child (or a Chihuahua), the stories will resonate. After all, we were all kids once and, after reading this issue, you may be inspired to act like one again. As for my growing household of pet plus kid, I can’t imagine life without them.
Giannina Smith Bedford editor@simplybuckhead.com
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
W
hether they have four legs or two, our babies are the apples of our eyes.
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E V E N T S | L O C A L S A L U T E | T R AV E L | A P P R O V E D | P E T S
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Destination winter  P24
A snowboarder rides a wave of snow on the slopes in Snowmass, Colorado.
A rugged wonderland in Colorado provides majestic peaks for powder lovers. January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead 
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the stinky cheese man By Paul Mesner Puppets of Kansas City, MO Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith (used by permission)
NOW - JAN 11 Jack (of Beanstalk fame) guides us through this hilarious collection of fairy tale parodies, including a man made of stinky cheese instead of gingerbread!
the big bad,
little red,
pig show By Lee Bryan, That Puppet Guy of Atlanta, GA
JAN 14 - 25 Look out! Little Red is ridin’ into the ‘hood, the three pigs are hamming it up, and the Big Bad Wolf is working doubletime in this twisted, tangle of tales.
rainforest adventures Written by Jon Ludwig, Stephanie Kaskel Bogle, and Raylynn Hughes
JAN 29 - MAR 15 Anacondas, howler monkeys, and sloths, oh my! It’s a jungle out there in this entertaining and enlightening peek at the amazing Amazonian rainforest!
1404 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible Advance purchase is highly recommended as many shows sell out quickly. Season supported in part by: Fulton County Board of Commissioners; the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs; and Georgia Council for the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Photos: Gettheumbrella.com, Lee Bryan, David Zeiger
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
S I M P LY NOW
E V E N TS
Above: The show draws art and antiques fans from all over the country. Left and below: More than two dozen dealers will showcase displays of art, jewelry and period furniture at the show. Proceeds from the show benefit Covenant House Georgia, a residence for homeless youth.
[ F E AT U RE D E V E N T ]
OLDEN OPPORTUNITY
Below: Featured talks by industry vets like Jill Helmer, John Grady Burns, Timothy Corrigan and more are free to attend, but require advance online registration.
BUCKHEAD’S VENERABLE ANTIQUES SHOW TURNS UP THE DIAL ON INTERIOR DESIGN
H
ome is where the heart is—and sometimes the heart wants a piece of pristine 19th-century Chinese porcelain and a pair of Massachusetts Chippendale chairs. The Cathedral Antiques Show and Tour of Homes aims to fill this heart’s desire. Arguably the city’s most prestigious antiques affair—it’s been around since 1969—the show brings dozens of antiquarians and floral designers from as far away as Akron, Ohio, and Kennebunk, Maine, to the Cathedral of St. Philip Feb. 4 to 7. Festivities kick off on Wednesday, Feb. 4 with a preview gala that gives attendees first dibs on furniture, art and jewelry from bygone eras. The four-day event continues with activities that fill more than guests’ shopping bags— heads are crammed with inspiration on how to incorporate period pieces into décor, thanks to a series of stellar speakers. Timothy Corrigan, award-winning interior designer and author of An Invitation to Château du Grand-Lucé: Decorating a Great French Country House, for ex-
ample, will give a talk on the challenges of living “contemporary lives in historic homes” on Feb. 5. James Farmer, a nationally recognized gardening expert and author of Dinner on the Grounds, will speak on Feb. 6. Friday evening gives guests the opportunity to fill their cups at “Drinks and Antiques,” featuring beverages and hors d’oeuvres from Soiree Catering. Sunday brings the show’s grand finale, the Tour of Homes: a glimpse into five of Buckhead’s most opulent residences. Tickets may be purchased online for the following prices: preview party, $10; three-day passes including admission to all speakers (with reservations), $25; “Drinks and Antiques,” $50; and the Tour of Homes in Buckhead, $30. Plus it’s all for a good cause: The show has raised more than $4 million for Atlanta-area non-profits since inception. Net proceeds from this year’s show will go to Covenant House Georgia, a shelter for Atlanta’s homeless youth. – Maria Carter
THE CATHEDRAL ANTIQUES SHOW Preview Party Feb. 4, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 5 and 6; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 7; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tour of Homes Feb. 8; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.365.1107 www.cathedralantiques.org
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY NOW
E V E N TS
A tradition for more than 30 years, the Trinity School’s Spotlight on Art is the Southeast’s largest art market.
SPOTLIGHT ON ART Preview Gallery Through Jan. 27 Mon.-Sat.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
[ F RE E E V E N T ]
EYE CATCHERS
Neiman Marcus 3393 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.266.8200 Meet the Artists Feb. 2; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 7; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
TRINITY SCHOOL TRANSFORMS ITS GYMNASIUM INTO A WORLD-CLASS ART GALLERY What’s better than scoring a provocative painting or conversation-starting sculpture? Perhaps knowing that a portion of the purchase goes to educating children. Lauded by critics as one of the “art world’s best-kept secrets,” Spotlight on Art, Trinity School’s annual fundraiser, showcases original work by 350 local and national artists—including such distinguished talent as
Peter Bloch, Mark Boomershine and Jean Glenn—in 6,000 square feet of space. This year’s event began with a carefully curated preview gallery at Lenox Square’s Neiman Marcus, which continues through Jan. 27. The signature affair, the five-day Artists Market, kicks off Feb. 2 with a “meet the artists” opening night, followed by a cocktail party (another chance to hobnob with
the people behind the paintings!) on Feb. 7. Peruse the school’s gym, a makeshift gallery, for jewelry, pottery, sculptures and pieces from the contemporary, realism, folk, whimsical and impressionism genres. This is the real deal: A jury of industry pros has personally selected each presenting artist. Market admission and parking are free. – Maria Carter
Artists Market Feb. 3-5; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 6; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 7; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Trinity School 4301 Northside Parkway Atlanta 30327 404.231.8100 www.trinityatl.org/ spotlight_on_art
The Georgia Boy Choir Festival is an excellent chance for walk-on participants to improve their vocal skills in a short amount of time.
[ FA M I LY-F R I E N DLY ]
Tune in BOYS CHOIRS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY UNITE IN BUCKHEAD FOR TWO DAYS OF MUSIC MAKING These guys know how to carry a tune. On February 20 and 21, more than 250 boys will flood the practice rooms of Buckhead’s Peachtree Road United Methodist Church for the fifth annual Georgia Boy Choir Festival. Local and out-of-state groups, including the Newark Boys Chorus and the Florida Boy Choir, will work together to master new songs for the festival’s signature event, the Grand Finale Concert. The
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concert, a presentation of American spirituals, folk songs and classical music by the various choirs, followed by a performance by all participants, will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. Admission is open to the public; tickets are available on the Georgia Boy Choir website for $15 each. Festival participation is open to boys in 3rd through 12th grades. No prior musical experience is necessary. The opportunity allows
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
participants to “achieve a high level of artistry in a relatively short period of time.” Online registration is encouraged (open until the day before the festival) but walk-ins are accepted as well. The $55 participation fee includes sheet music, three meals and a Georgia Boy Choir Festival Polo Shirt. Georgia Boy Choir Conductor David White says it’s a “magnificent sound when the choir gets together.” – Maria Carter
GEORGIA BOY CHOIR Georgia Boy Choir Festival Feb. 20-21 Grand Finale Concert Feb. 21, 7 p.m. Peachtree Road United Methodist Church 3180 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.402.4083 www.georgiaboychoir.org/festival
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
S I M P LY NOW
LOCAL SALUTE BY:
Mickey Goodman Judith Moen Stanley and her son, Phillip, celebrate his new independence as a Kennesaw State University student.
Dee Horn, a 14-year CASA veteran, is proud of the connections volunteers make with children caught up in the foster care system through no fault of their own.
CASA Volunteers Make Lasting Connections
Buckhead resident advocates for people with disabilities
Advocating for kids in the courtroom and in life
Real Jobs Equal Real Lives
Becoming a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is an investment of time, energy and heart. It’s a commitment made so kids in foster care don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system. Only after extensive training and background checks are volunteers sworn in by a juvenile court judge. Ideally, volunteers, such as Buckhead resident Dee Horn and Brookhaven resident Marian Walls, remain with the children until they are placed in safe permanent homes. “For many foster children, CASA volunteers are the one constant adult in their lives,” says Horn, who got involved 14 years ago after reading about 5-year-old Terrell Peterson, who died while under the care of the Division
of Family and Children Services (DFCS). “It resonated with me and I wanted to help prevent future tragedies.” One of his favorite cases was a boy who had been in the system since age 4 and was adopted when he was 17. “I still keep in touch with him and his family,” Horn says. “It’s wonderful to watch kids thrive.” Walls became a CASA volunteer in January 2014 and was assigned two teenage girls in separate group homes. “I visit them, talk to their teachers, doctors and foster parents and make a written report to the judge monthly. I’ve become someone they can count on, and I think of them as family.”
For Buckhead resident Judith Moen Stanley, advocating for people with special needs is personal. Her son, Phillip, a student at Kennesaw State University’s Academy for Social Inclusion, who has cerebral palsy, is a prime example of how her efforts (and his) have paid off. As chairman of the board for the nonprofit All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD), she helps both parents and children navigate a rocky road. “A century ago, these kids were institutionalized, which was horribly medieval and came at a huge cost. Today, we’re caring for them at home, but we face enormous pressures, particularly as they reach adulthood,” Moen Stanley says. “AADD’s mission is to better integrate them into the commu-
l For more information, visit www.gacasa.org
Beautifying Buckhead Pet Waste Stations help keep neighborhoods clean The 28-square-mile Buckhead area is known for its stately historic homes, lush landscaping and a certain refinement not found anywhere else in the city. But according to former Mayor Sam Massell, founding president of the 26-year-old Buckhead Coalition, the area is evolving. “The growth of apartments in Buckhead over recent years has been phenomenal,” Massell says. “In 2011, there were 12,000 and, currently, 9,000 are under development—a 75-percent increase. Most of the occupants are 25- to
35-year-olds and many have pets, but no yards. Where else to walk them, but nearby neighborhoods?” Since the coalition’s mission is to “nurture the quality of life and help coordinate orderly growth,” the organization decided to act preemptively to protect the neighborhoods before pet waste became an issue. Almost simultaneously, Shannon Centola, owner of pet-sitting company Buckhead Pet Pals, approached the coalition with a solution. How about partnering on waste stations to accommodate her pet walkers and residents in the area?
nity so they can live real lives and have real jobs.” In October, the organization launched HireAbility Georgia to encourage companies to hire people with disabilities. “They not only receive tax benefits but also employee loyalty, lower rates of absenteeism, higher morale and longevity,” she says. “Pizza Hut reports that the turnover rate is 20 percent compared to 150 percent for able personnel.” Partnerships with major retailers, like The Home Depot and Publix, have been very successful, but AADD hopes more companies will consider employing the 80 percent of the disability population currently looking for work. l For more information, visit www.aadd.org
Sam Massell, president of the Buckhead Coalition, at the installation of the first of many Pet Waste Stations.
The coalition wrote letters to neighborhood associations in June of 2011 asking if they would like free Pet Waste Stations in their communities. The only caveat was that they had to agree to pay $25 and maintain them. The response was overwhelming. By August of 2011, 45 stations appeared along neighborhood streets, greenways and parks. Four more were installed on the Beltline Trail in the Collier Hills-Ardmore neighborhood in March of 2012. Livable Buckhead (a sustainable non-profit civic association) joined
in partnership with the Coalition and Pet Pals in November of 2014 to set up four additional stations along Phase I of Path 400. More are planned along the trail as it expands. l For more information, call 404.233.2228
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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TR AV E L N E A R Photos: Jason Jordan
S I M P LY NOW
Below: Bluff View Art District is the city’s first art district and covers 1.5 city blocks.
Above: The waterfront is a popular spot for outdoor events—including numerous festivals, regattas and river cruises.
Live large in
Right: The circa-1927 Martin House is one of the three cozy buildings that comprise the Bluff View Inn.
Chattanooga Nashville’s great … but so is this Tennessee town
B
y mid-October, I had just finished the first month at a new office job, my husband, Jason, was coming off of a major project at work and the two of us were craving a break. We didn’t have many requirements; we just wanted to visit a place close-by where we could have fun and enjoy being together. Chattanooga had been on our radar for a while, thanks in large part to those “Am I Dreaming” tourism commercials. Just two-and-a-half hours northeast, this Tennessee town was a no-brainer. The wow factor was immediate. Routinely ranked as a top town for the active set by the likes of Outside magazine, its picturesque mountain ranges, rock faces, lakes, rivers and verdant green spaces make it a popular locale for stand-up paddle boarders, runners, bikers, climbers, hikers, kayakers and more. Looking around at the litter-free sidewalks, the healthy locals and the vibrant natural surroundings, it’s difficult to believe that in 1967 Chattanooga was named the most polluted city in America by the Environmental Protection
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Agency. These days, it’s a far cry from its former condition. It even touts its own city-funded environmental ambassador of sorts, Outdoor Chattanooga, which serves to protect the nature scene and encourage people to get outdoors. We relied on this eco-minded group for advice on a good bike route and ended up cruising the 8-mile Tennessee Riverpark, then breaking off to explore the downtown area. It was a unique way to get a feel for the lay of the land and to experience the stunning waterside views and changing fall foliage. In Chattanooga, you can swipe a credit card at one of the several bike stands around town and go on your way— you’re charged $6 for a day. We chased our cycling adventure with a less athletic venture and snagged seats on one of Pints and Pedals Chattanooga’s 15-seat bicycles for a pedaling beer tour. Hitting bars around Southside and Downtown Chattanooga, you pedal your way from bar to bar as your designated driver steers you safely ahead. During
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
Photo: Courtesy Bluff View Inn
STORY:
Kelly Skinner
our two-hour pub crawl, we experienced happy hour in a whole new light (and slowed down traffic), as we maneuvered the cumbersome ride from block to block. Chattanooga Brewing Company’s spacious tasting room and flavorful beers were a favorite, but so too were the sites along the way. The majority of our four-day visit was spent in and around the walkable downtown area, which gave us easy access to many of the city’s most popular attractions. Favorite spots included the Hunter Museum of Art, the Tennessee Aquarium (the active sea otters and penguins stole the show), and the shops at Warehouse Row, a mixed-use development. Tupelo Honey Café, Brash Coffee, yoga and Pilates studios and a range of boutiques, such as Kayce Hughes, Anthropologie and Embellish shoes, all make an address here. We felt the modest exertion of riding bicycles and walking gave us license to gorge. First up was lunch at the famed Sugar’s Downtown. Reveling in its old-school roadside
stand atmosphere, we tried a little bit of everything—pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches, smoky grilled okra, wood-fired flatbreads and pork-smothered nachos. This “eat like there’s no tomorrow” philosophy carried over to other spots, such as the organic-minded 212 Market, the modern-styled Easy Bistro & Bar (where unexpectedly elegant small plates were exquisitely envisioned), and the European-inclined Back Inn Café at Bluff View Inn. Easy Bistro & Bar was my favorite by a small margin—I was partial to the delicate squash and pear soup. Jason rediscovered a long-lost love for bread pudding and managed to down four renditions within four days (no judgment). He claims you can get the best at 212 Market. We stayed in retro Victorian digs at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, in a repurposed train car that once chugged along the tracks of the Southern Railway. We were instantly charmed and found our hotel interesting for the novelty, the location (central to downtown) and the hotel’s designation on the Historic Ho-
Left: Besides sharks, big fish and your typical aquatic animals, the Tennessee Aquarium is also home to snakes, butterflies, river otters and penguins.
HAVE YOU DRIVEN A HYUNDAI LATELY?
If you go... Below: The historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel sits central to downtown Chattanooga and is surrounded by shops and onsite restaurants.
Eat: 212 Market 212 Market Street Chattanooga 37402 423.265.1212 www.212market.com Back Inn Café 411 E. Second Street Chattanooga 37403 423.265.5033 www.bluffviewartdistrict.com Easy Bistro & Bar 203 Broad Street Chattanooga 37402 423.266.1121 www.easybistro.com Sugar’s Downtown 507 Broad Street Chattanooga 37402 423.508.8956 www.sugarschattanooga.com
10 year, 100,000 miles Power Train 5 year, 60,000 miles
Do: Chattanooga Pints and Pedals 423.380.8359 www.pintsandpedalstn.com
Above: View works from American masters like Andy Warhol and Winslow Homer at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
tels of America list. Though these rooms may appeal to couples with kids or to train buffs, know that the walls are thin and bathrooms and lodgings could use an update. The hotel is actually undergoing a major renovation in 2015 that will include new restaurants and various hotel upgrades, so we’d be tempted to stay again, especially if we have kids in tow. While in town, we also stopped by the modern, upscale The Chattanoogan hotel and enjoyed moonshine cocktails beside an early evening fire. Next time we come through, I’ll be booking a stay at the cozy Bluff View Inn (rates from $105-$240) at Bluff View Art District, which boasts its own coffee shop, bakery, sculpture yard, art gallery and restaurant—all top-notch. Like all fun getaways, the trip ended too soon. Despite our fourday visit, we didn’t have time to go hang-gliding, to hike Ruby Falls or to see Rock City. What we did have time for, was each other. And that was the whole point. n
Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street Chattanooga 37405 423.643.6888 www.outdoorchattanooga.com Tennessee Aquarium One Broad Street Chattanooga 37402 800.262.0695 www.tnaqua.org The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Chattanooga 37403 423.267.0968 www.huntermuseum.org Warehouse Row 1110 Market Street Chattanooga 37402 www.warehouserow.net
Stay. Bluff View Inn 411 E. Second Street Chattanooga 37403 423.265.5033 ext. 2 www.bluffviewartdistrict.com Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel 1400 Market Street Chattanooga 37402 800.872.2529 www.choochoo.com The Chattanoogan 1201 South Broad Street Chattanooga 37402 800.619.0018 www.chattanooganhotel.com
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY NOW
TR AV E L FA R
Above: Snowmass’ charming mountain base has plenty of restaurants and bars for après-ski drinks to keep you refueled for your on-mountain adventures. Right: Skiing is a highlight in Snowmass, where there are runs ranging from novice to expert.
DESTINATION
WINTER Snowmass, a fitting name for this powdery wonderland STORY:
Jennifer Bradley Franklin
“Y
ou’re so lucky!” I listened to at least the twentieth person tell me during my visit to Snowmass, Colorado. The subject of my fortune? More than 2 feet of pure, powdery snow in just 24 hours—conditions that made it quite challenging to arrive in the Rockies from Atlanta. Though the journey was fraught with delays, the rewards of a Colorado whiteout were worth the trouble. Standing in a veritable ocean of snow —on skis, no less—was a completely otherworldly experience for this Southern-born writer. Though I’d only ever spent a few ill-fated hours on them in the past (when, in 2001, my University of Georgia roommates and I drove to West Virginia during the warmest spring break in recent memory—a recipe for slopes covered in pure ice), I felt completely comfortable, thanks to the expert lesson by Andrea Bishop of Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen Snowmass. We started the day on the small teaching slope halfway up Snowmass Mountain, specially manicured for beginners, and she coached me through the basics of starting, stopping, and turning. While there are super-challenging runs for more advanced skiers, the green-rated slopes were just right for my novice sensi-
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bilities. They were wide and not crowded, which offered the solitude to concentrate on my newfound skills and listen to Andrea as she occasionally called out a word of advice (“Bend your knees!” and “Keep your legs under your torso!” proved invaluable tips toward learning how to adopt a position that felt so foreign). The sense of accomplishment after spending a whole day on skis without falling made fighting through bouts of altitude sickness (from being more than 14,000 feet above sea level) worth the effort. When I was ready to retreat at the end of an adventurous day, The Villas at Snowmass Club, part of Destination Resorts, perfectly fit the bill for my stay. My unit came complete with two rustically furnished bedrooms, a fully outfitted kitchen and dining room, and a wood-burning fireplace, which offered comfort after a day of braving sub-freezing temperatures. Staying here was like staying in my own mountain condo, but with all the things I love about vacationing in a hotel (namely, daily housekeeping service and a dedicated concierge to offer advice). Plus, a visit to the Club’s athletic facilities’ steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi allowed me to soothe away aches and pains gained from a day on the slopes.
The next day, there was yet another opportunity to relish Colorado’s blizzard-like conditions: a speedy drive atop a snowmobile at TLazy-7 Ranch in nearby Aspen. The snow was falling so heavily that I could barely make out the majestic Maroon Bells, America’s mostphotographed peaks. After zipping through the winding Independence Pass in White River National Forest, my guide led me to the ranch’s charming Klondike cabin. The wooden structure held a rustic gastroIF YOU GO: nomic delight: grass-fed beef burgers, cooked Ski & Snowboard Schools over an open, outdoor of Aspen Snowmass flame and smothered 877.282.7736 in melted cheddar www.aspensnowmass.com cheese. Moments like The Villas at these—enjoying ColoSnowmass Club rado’s rugged landscape 0160 Snowmass Club Circle and the hospitality of Snowmass Village 81615 locals who liberally offer 970.923.7075 recommendations on www.snowmassclub.com places to sip an après T-Lazy-7 Ranch ski beverage—meant 3129 Maroon Creek Road that I couldn’t agree Aspen 81611 more: I was so lucky to 970.925.4614 experience this stunning www.tlazy7.com winter wonderland. n
Fine Ladies Attire
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREY HORTMAN
Please visit us at our new location, same shopping center
Daily dog walks and pet care services for happy clients all over Buckhead, Brookhaven, and North Atlanta since 2007
CASUAL & DAY WEAR • COCKTAIL MOTHER OF THE BRIDE BALL GOWNS • SIZES 2 TO 24
Over 150 Designers
(404) 365.0693
404-432-1192
www.BuckheadPaws.com
56 East Andrews Drive, NW • Buckhead Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY NOW
STAYCATION
Above: Tucked away in Inman Park sits Sugar Magnolia, an inviting Queen Anne Victorian home that’s been lovingly restored into a four-guestroom B&B. Right: Midtown’s historic Stonehurst Place B&B affords guests all the charms of a bed-and-breakfast with all the luxuries of a five-star hotel.
Hometown sweet spots
Atlanta B&Bs that return maximum pleasure for minimal travel investment
I
have to admit, I’m not usually one to stay at bed-and-breakfasts when I travel—one tooclose encounter sharing walls and bathrooms with oddball strangers, and I’ve been scarred ever since. But after a recent visit to two B&Bs in Atlanta, I am a self-proclaimed convert. Once you check into Stonehurst Place, you’ll understand. The elegant, modern retreat is perched on a garden-filled lot overlooking tree-lined streets in the heart of Midtown (in a shingle-style bungalow circa 1896, no less), affording guests all the charms of a bed-and-breakfast with all the luxuries of a five-star hotel. Original heart-of-pine flooring and crown molding commingle with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and luxurious linens draping designer beds. Cozy gathering spaces decked in vintage furniture and ornate fireplaces intermix with marble-clad bathrooms outfitted with soaking tubs, heated floors and spacious walk-in showers. And hospitable innkeepers dish out trendy restaurant recommendations in the dining area where the harvest dining table is garnished with homemade cookies. The roomy entry foyer hung with paintings gives way to a comfy music room, though we found ourselves on the rocking chairs of the front porch most often—sipping a glass of red with jazz humming in the background. It was the perfect way to admire the impeccably manicured gardens blooming with native plants, the same ones that would’ve grown here 100 years ago. Later, we strolled over to Empire State South, celebrity chef Hugh Acheson’s award-winning hotspot. The restaurant, one of many, is just a
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
STORY:
Kate Parham Kordsmeier
few blocks from Stonehurst, making it even more appealing. Before you check out, try innkeeper Lori’s breakfast—her sumptuous cornbread and eggs benedict rivals any restaurant around town. Yes, booking a stay in the restorative Hinman suite at Stonehurst Place transformed me into a full-on B&B fanatic, and that was before I learned of owner Barb Shadomy’s eco-friendly efforts. When she bought the place in 2007, she put 17 months and $1 million into transforming the home into a green oasis. The improvements, including solar panels and an irrigation system, made Stonehurst the first EarthCraft-certified bed-and-breakfast in the state. Surely a place like this was too good to be true, one in a million, the only gem in Atlanta’s B&B crown. I was wrong. A night at Sugar Magnolia proved as much. Tucked away in the first suburb of Atlanta (Inman Park), this inviting Queen Anne Victorian home from 1892 has been lovingly restored into a four-guestroom hideaway, complete with a three-story turret and grand staircase, six ornamental fireplaces, oval beveled windows, hand-painted plasterwork and a show-stopping crystal chandelier. Linger in the antique-furnished living room and you may be lucky enough to hear owner Jim Emshoff tickle the ivories on his baby grand—during our stay, he serenaded us with “Georgia on My Mind” and “Here Comes the Sun,” and we hear his repertoire of jazz and blues tunes is seemingly endless. Though this turn-of-the-century B&B is decidedly more quaint than Stonehurst, it’s not without its creature comforts. Coffee, soda
and beer are complimentary and found in the inviting dining room, though the peaceful plant-laden porches and private balconies are the prime spots for sipping and people watching. The whimsical rooms (none of which share walls with neighboring rooms) pump up the charm with heirloom furniture, and several are equipped with flat-screen TVs, whirlpool tubs, king-sized brass beds, gas fireplaces and/or cathedral ceilings with skylights. Innkeeper Kathryn Kain’s signature French toast will keep you coming back for more—it’s warm and comforting, laced with cinnamon, and utterly addicting. Best of all, there’s free street parking, direct access to MARTA (it’s just four blocks away) and you’re within walking distance to some of Atlanta’s best restaurants, such as BoccaLupo, Rathbun’s and Serpas. Or you can wander up the street to the brand-new Krog Street Market, a converted 1920s warehouse STAY: where you’ll find a Stonehurst Place plethora of trendy 923 Piedmont Avenue N.E. restaurants, Atlanta 30309 including Craft 404.881.0722 Izakaya and The www.stonehurstplace.com Luminary, along Rates from $159-$399 with food stalls Sugar Magnolia and prepared 804 Edgewood Avenue N.E. foods. All for unAtlanta 30307 der $200 a night. 404.222.0226 How many www.sugarmagnoliabb.com Atlanta hotels can Rates from $145-$185 say that? n
Holland Interiors
351 Peachtree Hills Ave. Ste. 501 Atlanta GA 30305 M-F: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 404-254-4710 www.hollandinteriors.com
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S I M P LY NOW
A PP ROV E D
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PRETTY SWEET
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Candies to satisfy your sugar craving STORY:
Jennifer Bradley Franklin PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
Sweet is a flavor that kids of all ages can appreciate. How better to get a sugar fix
4. Caja Popcorn: Sea Salt Caramel
than nibbling on some candies? Here are a few of our favorites, available in our
(starting at $23.95 for a 1-gallon tin)
neighborhood, Buckhead. Some are nostalgic, others are grown-up, but all of them are delicious—and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Lucy’s Market: Chocolate Almond English Toffee ($6.50 per box)
friends (or would-be candy thieves), these novelty candies fit the bill.
Butter is the first ingredient in this chocolate-covered toffee and you can really taste its richness. Made in Georgia by Emily’s Treats, the crunchy toffee is covered with a generous layer of rich chocolate and sprinkled with crushed almonds before being broken into bite-sized pieces, just right for a sugary snack.
Richards Variety Store 2347 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.237.1412 www.richardsvarietystore.com
102 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.869.9222 www.lucysmarket.com
2. Richards Variety Store: Bacon Candy ($5.93 per tin) These individually wrapped candies might look like old-fashioned red-and-whiteswirl peppermints, but instead of sweet mint, you’ll find a burst of sweet and smoky pork. That’s right, this kitschy tin contains bacon-flavored treats. Whether you’re a true bacon enthusiast or just want to play a sweet trick on your unsuspecting
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
3. Whole Foods Buckhead: Go Organic Hard Candies, Pomegranate ($2.99 per bag)
If you like a little butter with your confection, this crunchy, fresh-popped caramel corn might be your candy nirvana. Each fluffy kernel is doused with sweet and butter-laden caramel and finished with just a hint of salt to balance the flavor. Plus, since it’s made right in Buckhead, you know you’re getting the freshest popcorn in the neighborhood. 2333 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.846.2156 www.cajapopcorn.com
5. Southern Art: Peanut Brittle ($9 per bag)
For a one-bite sweet treat, these delicious hard candies fit the bill. Made with evaporated cane juice, brown rice syrup and pomegranate, the individually wrapped treats have a juicy, sweet-tart flavor. Plus, since they’re organic, gluten-free, non-GMO Project verified, void of artificial flavors and colors, and made in the United States (in Hillside, New Jersey, to be precise), you can enjoy this one guilt-free.
Few treats seem more quintessentially Southern than peanut brittle. This recipe is by celebrity chef Art Smith, who developed it from one his grandmother, Mable Jones, created in her home in Jasper, Florida. The result is Georgia-grown peanuts (naturally), suspended in lacquered, honey-hued, cooked sugar for an almost stained-glass effect. It’s broken into manageable pieces and bagged in clear cellophane for easy toting (or giving). Just a bite or two will have you in a happy, sugar-induced high.
77 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.324.4100 www.wholefoodsmarket.com
3315 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.946.9070 www.southernart.com
Buckhead’s team for total wellness. PROVEN SCIENCE IS THE CORE OF OUR APPROACH.
Jamie Bodner
Certified Personal Trainer & Fitness Expert
Laura Bodner
Certified Personal Trainer & Licensed Professional Counselor
t
Lose Fat + Get Stronger in 3 months Guaranteed or your money back! ▲ PERSONAL TRAINING ▲ GOLF FITNESS CLASS ▲ Tennis Fitness Class ▲ Pilates on Reformer ▲ Pinnacle Pump Weight + Cardio Class ▲ Nutrition Counseling ▲ Infrared Sauna ▲ Weights + Cardio Class with Kinesis ▲ Licensed Wellness Counselor
www.PinnacleFitnessGym.com Located in Buckhead at 3215 Cains Hill Place NW
404.228.3705
S I M P LY NOW
PE TS
Is it time to put your behaviorally challenged sidekick in boot camp? STORY:
Karina Timmel
New year, new dog Y
ou love your dog. You really do. But there are fleeting moments in between the sloppy kisses and wagging tail when you consider kicking him to the curb. (Not literally, of course.) Many dogs have some kind of behavior issue that will drive you bananas, whether it’s chewing on the remote control, jumping on guests or doing their business inside the house. Ready for an improved pup in the new year? Here are three beloved dog trainers with group or in-home classes in the Buckhead area to the rescue.
Jabula Dog Academy at CityDog Market Brookhaven
Happy Healthy Pup
Class offerings include Tricks Training at CityDog Market in Brookhaven. Many behaviorial issues happen when your dog isn’t mentally stimulated enough. Tricks are a fun way to do this, requiring critical thinking and troubleshooting from the dog. In this class, your pooch learns simple tricks like “shake” and more challenging ones, such as “sit pretty,” and “play dead.”
Happy Healthy Pup works with your dog right where the problems are taking place—in your home. They also offer a day-training option, where a trainer comes to your home and works your dog while you are at the office.
Cost: $222 for a 6-week series, meeting once a week for an hour. Requirements: All dogs must be current on vaccinations and puppies must have all three rounds of puppy vaccinations and boosters. TOP TIP: “Play with your dog! Tug is a valuable confidence-building and bonding game. It does not teach aggression. Let them win the tug— winning keeps them motivated to want to play with you” – Kate Jackson, Jabula Dog Academy. Contact: 404.816.8050, www.citydogmarket.com, www.jabuladogs.com
Good Dog Atlanta The in-home Basic Manners class for dogs of Buckhead residents helps owners and pets live in harmony together, with training that includes loose-leash walking; coming when called; commands, such as sit, down, go to your bed, stay, leave it and release (when the dog has something in its mouth); and eliminating problem behaviors, such as jumping on people. Cost: $185 for six classes arranged around your schedule. Requirements: The dogs have to be current on all vaccines and be more than 4 months old.
Anna Bettina Johnson with her Neapolitan, Pi.
Requirements: There are no prerequisites!
TOP TIP: “Remember that English is a second language for dogs, so when I train, I like to get the behavior at least 15 times in a row before I name the behavior. This way, there is a high probability that the dog will do the behavior, such as sit, when I say the verbal command and make the association with the word and the behavior” – Richard Fischhof of Good Dog Atlanta.
Contact: 404.626.0036, www.gooddogatlanta.com
Cost: $150 for an in-home consult, behavior modification plan of action and an hour and a half of training. From there, cost varies, depending on the type of training you desire and your dog’s needs. TOP TIP: “Don’t take anything for granted! If your dog is doing something you like, take the opportunity to praise or reward them for that behavior. So if you are sitting at your computer and your dog is lying calmly by your side, stop what you are doing and offer praise, petting or even dropping a tiny treat. They will very quickly learn which behavior gets your attention and pays the best!”
Richard Fischhof with his poodle, Rocky.
– Anna Bettina Johnson, Happy Healthy Pup.
Contact: 404.444.2022, www.happyhealthypup.com
TOP TRAINING TOOLS: THE TRAINERS WEIGH IN ON THEIR FAVES
Kate Jackson and her Cairn-Terrier mix, Wick. Photo: Elena Pesavento
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
Richard Fischhof: “There are many harnesses that decrease the dog’s ability to pull, but I like the Freedom No Pull Harness and the Sense-ation Harness. These help the owners walk their dogs without causing the dogs any pain or discomfort.”
Kate Jackson: “Treat totes filled with freeze-dried or dehydrated meat treats are a handy tool when training a dog. Not only does it keep treats readily available, it keeps your pockets free of crumbs and mushy treats. Be sure to change treats often since dogs can get bored easily.”
Anna Bettina Johnson: “I really love interactive food toys like Toppl Treat Toy, a nontoxic rubber toy that can be filled with food to encourage problem solving and also satisfy the urge to scavenge.”
Spend a day or evening on t h e To w n !
Buckhead’s Paw-fect Pet Sitters
Discover over 50 shops, services and restaurants. Town Brookhaven is truly your one stop shopping and dining destination with a blend of interesting boutiques, delicious restaurants and useful services.
Buckhead Paws Since 2007, Buckhead Paws has been taking care of Atlanta’s pets through dog walking, park visits, transportation to the vet or groomer, or stay-athome visits. There are no surcharges for last-minute bookings or cancellations and all of the pet sitters are members of Pet Sitters International. Contact: 404.432.1192 www.buckheadpaws.com
Buckhead Pet Sitting Services In addition to pet services like inhome stays for dogs and cats, they offer personalized attention and care to reptiles, fish, birds and amphibians. Contact: 404.592.7269 www.buckheadpetsittingservices.com
Laughing Pets Atlanta A licensed, insured, and pet first aid-certified service that offers professional dog walking, daily visits and overnight stays, while spending time cuddling and loving your pets as if they were their own. Contact: 404.281.8702 www.laughingpetsatlanta.com
Pets and the Sit-y A group of six pet-loving owners who provide services such as dog walking, overnight stays and a pet taxi to take your pets to important vet or grooming care appointments around town. Contact: 678.925.9841 www.petsandthesity.com
ANCHORS
CinéBistro/Cobb Theatre • Costco • LA Fitness • Marshalls • Publix
APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
The Bilt-House • Boogaloos • Collage Boutique Dress Up Boutique • Edyn Boutique • Lila Boutique
SHOES
Big Peach Running Co.
HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY
18/8 Fine Men’s Salon • Brookhaven Orthodontics European Wax Center • Fantastic Sams • GNC (General Nutrition Center) InShapeMD • The Joint - The Chiropractic Place Julian’s Cosmetics and Skincare • Massage Heights Nail Talk & Tan • Salon Red • Salon Red Kids • Town Dentistry Vein Clinics of America • Vida-Flo, The Hydration Station
DINING
Baci by Café at Pharr • Bua Thai and Sushi • The Flying Biscuit Café Lucky’s Burger & Brew • Marble Slab Creamery • Moe’s Southwest Grill Newk’s Express Café • Noche • Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub • Olive Bistro Shucks Oyster & Wine Bar • Smash Kitchen & Bar There Restaurant and Bar • Which Wich? • Yogurtland
HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR
MODA Floors & Interiors • Sugarboo & Co.
SERVICES
Bell Partners • Brookhaven Alterations Brookhaven Animal Hospital • Community & Southern Bank Keller Williams • Reflections Eyecare • Town Cleaners
ELECTRONICS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT AT&T
Wag and Purr Pet Sitting A professional pet sitting service that includes dog walks, daily visits and overnight stays at your home, so your pets can feel comfortable in their own environment. Contact: 404.343.1161 www.wagandpurrpetsitting.com
www.townbrookhaven.net Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.
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c a r p e t
styles to fit your style 404.352.8141 | www.myerscarpetatlanta.com | 1500 northside drive, atlanta, ga 30318
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HOM E | FA S H ION | B E AU T Y | AC C E S S ORI Z E | W E L L N E S S | TA S T E M A K E R
SIMPLY STYLISH
HOME
In Gohde graces P34
“We want to use our home as a means for people to connect … and feel loved on.” - Katie Gohde
The dining room’s mirrored sideboard is a statement piece interior designer Anna Braund selected to give the room a fanciful touch. Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY S T Y LIS H
HOM E
IN GOHDE GRACES A family of four makes their Buckhead home a sanctuary for long-lasting memories STORY:
Giannina Smith Bedford PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
M
Clockwise from left: The Gohdes—Steve, Katie, Maddie, Robbie and pooch Bismark—cuddle up on the kitchen’s comfy curved banquette.
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idwesterners Steve and Katie Gohde thought they’d only be in Atlanta while Steve attended graduate school at Emory University. But the couple—who met as undergraduates at Indiana University and lived in Chicago—fell in love with Atlanta and decided to make it home. After living in Decatur, they moved to a four-bedroom home in Buckhead’s Arden Habersham neighborhood to be closer to both of their jobs—Steve as director of marketing at Newell Rubbermaid and Katie as a therapist at LifeGate Counseling. In their new 4,000-square-foot brick abode, they’ve built a convivial home where they look forward to seeing their two young children—3-year-old Robbie and 1-year-old Maddie—make many lasting memories. “The location is perfect—on a cul-de-sac with sidewalks perfect for kids, close to restaurants and shopping. It feels like we are in the city, but also have a calm, quiet retreat from the noise and hustle and bustle,” Katie says. “We would love for our kids’ friends
to want to be here and for our house to be home base. That is how we grew up.” After purchasing the residence in 2012, the Gohdes hired Anna Braund of Anna Braund Interior Design to help bring their family-friendly interior design vision to reality. Katie, who works with Braund’s husband, had visited the designer’s home and liked her updated, laid-back style. One of the first projects Braund took on was outfitting the dining room—a room the Gohdes didn’t have in their previous home. Steve says they didn’t want it to be a “walkthrough room,” but rather a place where everyone congregates for fun. “We really like to entertain. We want people to feel like they can actually sit and eat at the table and that it’s not super formal,” Katie says. “We wanted a big, hearty table that felt like you could sit here and laugh and play cards.” “And if someone ends up on top of [the table], fine,” Steve adds with a chuckle. Anchored by a heavy wood table from
Right: The living room showcases a family heirloom grand piano and painting of Tuscany by Sara Linda Poly— the Gohdes’ favorite Washington, D.C. artist. Below and Left: Flooded with light from a nearby window, the kitchen, which leads into the formal dining room, is the Gohdes’ favorite space to relax and catch up at the start of each day.
“I have a vision of them sitting on the barstools doing their homework. I dream about that.” - Katie Gohde
We always eat breakfast together. Steve and I sit in there and have coffee and chat before the kids get up in the morning. It’s a sacred space,” Katie says. “It’s a family room within a kitchen so if we’re cooking or entertaining, people can be sitting on the barstools or couch. It has a view to the backyard so we envision that, as the kids get older, they can play outside and we can be watching. I have a vision of them sitting on the barstools doing their homework. I dream about that.” While the Gohdes’ kids are still young, however, they spend a lot of time in the basement playroom. Braund helped convert the once unfinished dumping ground for toys into an attractive (and more orderly) space with faux wood floors, white built-ins and a pillow-topped storage bench. The kid-friendly haven is also home to a comfy seating area surrounded by a variety of push toys, kitchenette and tool bench play sets and many more diversions.
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Century Furniture that can seat up to 12, the dining room features Visual Comfort light fixtures—including an elegant chandelier—and a circular mirror and neutral rug from Ballard Designs. The mirrored Hickory Chair sideboard topped with a sparkling Wallace silver tea service—a wedding present from Steve’s parents—gives the ambiance a graceful feel. “We wanted the dining room a little more updated. Anna did a great job pairing that table with a mirrored sideboard that is kind of fun,” Katie says. The kitchen—the place for Saturday pancake mornings and entertaining—also got a refresh with white Elkay Medallion cabinetry and new furnishings for the attached seating area, including a curved banquette and comfy club chair (requested by Steve) from Lee Industries, side table from Arteriors and barstools from Charleston Forge. “Our kitchen we love, love, love. We spend a lot of time in there with the kids.
Above: Designer Anna Braund refreshed the foyer with a new chair rail, Sherwin-Williams wallpaper and an antique sideboard refinished by Rose Whittaker that is topped with welcoming family photos.
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S I M P LY S T Y LIS H
HOM E
Above: The master bedroom features SherwinWilliams Sea Salt walls and Pottery Barn bedding.
“It feels more welcoming and we do spend a lot of time down here as a family listening to music and dancing around,” Katie says. “We wanted it to be able to grow with the kids so nothing we put in is kiddy as far as the built-ins. We thought after some time we’ll take away the play table and put in a ping-pong table.” Braund’s creative touch can also be found in the home’s study and entry foyer, where an antique sideboard from Buckhead’s Now & Again (that Braund had refinished) is surrounded by a Horchow mirror, Visual Comfort sconces, Sherwin-Williams wallpaper and greenery accents from Buckhead’s Boxwoods Gardens and Gifts. In the study you Below: Wall décor in the basement playroom includes a pushpin map for Robbie and Maddie to fill when they begin traveling with their parents.
Above: Sherwin-Williams Sedate Gray sets the mood for the casually sophisticated dining room.
can grab a seat in Lee Industries chairs next to the 1940s grand piano that once belonged to Katie’s grandmother. Since purchasing their home, the Gohdes also refreshed their upstairs master bedroom with soothing SherwinWilliams Sea Salt walls to complement the traditional Drexel Heritage furnishings and marble-clad master bath. Additionally, the bath cabinetry was updated with white Elkay Medallion cabinets. Whether they are hosting game nights, Bible study or a holiday family gathering, Katie says, “We want to use our home as a means for people to connect … and feel loved on.” While the Gohdes never expected to end up living in Atlanta (or Buckhead) long-term, after more than two years here, they couldn’t imagine another place to call home. n
Above: Offering a spacious walk-in shower, separate bathtub and toilet room, the master bathroom is a spa-like haven for Steve and Katie Gohde.
Katie and Steve’s top 5 must-haves in a kid-friendly home. 1. Storage. Storage. Storage. “Any form of storage keeps toys and crafts organized so pieces don’t get lost. The kids are responsible for cleaning up and because everything has a place, it’s easy to teach them responsibility without chaos.”
2. Clutter-free bedrooms. “The bedroom is a place to rest and unwind so we purposely only have books, stuffed animals and ‘quiet toys’ (like an art pad) in their bedrooms. They love their rooms.” 3. Comfortable kitchen table and chairs. “We spend lots of time at the table talking and sharing. If it were too formal or uncomfortable, time to connect would be cut short.” 4. A “pile on” chair. “We have a couple of pieces of furniture that are large enough (and durable enough) to withstand wrestling matches with Dad or watching Curious George with Mom during snack time (#smashedcheerios).” 5. Scotchgard. “Everything has been ‘scotch-guarded’ by Mr. Steam. Everything. So we can enjoy the furniture we love without having ‘off-limits’ pieces.”
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Talk Radio Exclusively for Legal Experts! Join talk show host Emily Rowell each Tuesday LIVE at 8:00 am along with lawyers, professors, authors and thought leaders discussing relevant topics impacting today’s ever changing legal world.
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Transform Yourself 2015
Tired of being overweight, unhealthy, lacking confidence and viewing life from the sidelines?
Each month in our live session we'll explore topics that are important to YOU, such as: * Why haven't I been able to lose weight and keep it off before now? * What types of food, activities and thoughts will support ME on my journey to optimal health? * What new habits do I need to develop to reach my weight loss goals? * How can I stay motivated and focused on what I need to do to get there? * What are the major obstacles to health in MY life, and how can I overcome them? * How can I create more time in a day for what I need to do to be more healthy, attractive and vibrant? * How can I get the self-care I deserve without feeling guilty? * What else do I really want in (or out of) my life, and what keeps getting in my way? You can participate in a unique, personalized group coaching experience with others just like you who are learning how to lose weight, gain more energy, and eliminate the need for blood pressure, cholesterol and/ or Type II Diabetes medications -- all without the excess hunger, tiredness or sugar cravings that have derailed you in the past.
Facilitator Cassandra Jackson, MPH
COPE Certified Health Coach Owner of Best Behavioral Health & Weight Loss
3rd Wednesday in January, February and March 6 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public
BUCKHEAD BRANCH
269 Buckhead Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404.814.3500 www.afpls.org Citizens needing reasonable accommodations due to a disability, including communications in an alternate format, please contact your local Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System location in-person, by telephone (TTY 711) or by email @ librarycomments@fultoncountyga.gov.
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead 
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FA S HION
LUXE PUPS Discover a few of Simply Buckhead’s favorite Bark Fifth Avenue picks for the pups below.
SNUGGLE UP What’s not to love about this adorable and oh-so-cuddly cable knit sweater? Just the thing your pooch needs for the cold winter months. Camel Angora Cable Knit Sweater: $47
PLAID-ING AROUND For your family’s male pup, this blue diamond plaid design vest by Oscar Newman is an ideal pick for showing off his cuteness at a party or to wear just for fun! The lightweight cotton knit material makes it great for even the spring and summer months. Photo: Anderson Smith Photography
Casual Friday Tank: $32
SPARKLING STUNNER All dogs need a collar, so why not dangle their tags from this option full of canine bling? The Pet Babu jeweled collar comes in five colors and three sizes, and it’s meant for all dog divas. Babu Collar: $20
DESIGNER DOGS The woman behind high-end pet retailer Bark Fifth Avenue
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ampa native Ashley Harris is now a Buckhead resident with a small business in her portfolio. Harris began her online pet boutique, Bark Fifth Avenue, in June 2013 to offer furry friends lavish clothing and accessories. “The primary reason I started Bark was the poor quality of products existing in the commercial market. They lacked the uniqueness in presentation that I imagine when I think of haute couture. I created Bark to allow my creativity and passion for dogs and fashion to shine,” Harris says. Harris’ career path has taken several turns. She first began studying political science and legal studies at Kennesaw State University, but two years in, decided that nutrition and exercise science was more suitable for her. She has been a fitness and fashion model for Click Models
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STORY:
of Atlanta since 2005, and continues to model while running her retail business. The combination of the two careers makes Harris feel very satisfied and happy. She carefully chooses her Bark Fifth Avenue designers—such as Dogs of Glamour, Bark n Bag and Babu—and the items she carries. With every purchase she makes from California, New York, Las Vegas and Milan, she has her own Chihuahua, Lucci, the inspiration behind her company, in mind. “I travel to the big designer shows in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and I’ve also visited a vendor in Milan while on vacation. Primarily, I work with five to six vendors who I contact on a weekly basis so I can discover the latest trends and fashions,” Harris explains. A typical day for Harris includes an early morning workout with her personal trainer,
Olivia DeLong and then it’s straight to her office on the corner of Peachtree Road and Lenox Road for client meetings, research and ship-outs of her fashionable wares. Harris likes to pack, wrap and send all of her clients’ purchases personally, to make sure they have everything they need for their pampered pooches. When the recently engaged Harris isn’t planning her Italian wedding and traveling, she can be spotted dining at her favorite Buckhead haunt, Tomo, and exercising at Pinnacle Fitness. She’s also looking forward to giving Lucci a new brother Chihuahua that will appropriately be named BARK FIFTH AVENUE Phipps (that she can dress up, 404.803.1771 naturally!) in the www.barkfifthave.com new year. n
This Way to the Beach.
Do you dream of retiring to the beach? Are you ready to make that dream a reality? At Marsh’s Edge, St. Simons Island’s Premier Retirement Community, we turn dreams into realities every day. Situated on beautiful St. Simons Island, Marsh’s Edge is the perfect retirement destination for those who are looking to relax and relish in the island lifestyle. Miles of beautiful beaches and marshland, award-winning golf courses, and boutique shopping are just a few of St. Simons’ amenities that Marsh’s Edge members enjoy. The community of Marsh’s Edge features: • Resort-like Amenities: A stunning Clubhouse that features a full-service Bar, Beauty Salon, state-of-the-art Wellness Center, and Library. • Stunning Accommodations: Cottages Homes and Villas are available to fit your needs. • Maintenance-free Lifestyle: Leave your worries behind and truly enjoy living like you are on vacation – from plumbing to light bulb replacement, it is taken care of! • Elegant, Fine Dining: Delicious, restaurant-style meals prepared by the community Executive Chef. Make your dream of retiring to the beach a reality at Marsh’s Edge. We invite you to tour our beautiful community and learn how you can make this retirement destination home!
Call 912-291-2000 to set up a tour today!
136 Marsh’s Edge Lane • St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912-291-2000 • www.Marshs-Edge.com
Independent Living • Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing Alzheimer’s Care • Rehabilitation
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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BE AUTY
BARK-WORTHY
BEAUTY
Bypass at-home pet cleaning, and invest in the professionals STORY:
Olivia DeLong
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f I’ve learned one thing from raising a puppy, it’s that finding a proper groomer is a necessity. My husband and I recently adopted McCoy, an adorable yellow Labrador Retriever (we got her at 8 weeks, and now she’s 8 months!). As new parents, bathing and grooming her ourselves hasn’t proved very effective—jumping out of the tub and crazy behavior always follow an at-home
soak session. So we’ve put McCoy in the hands of washing and grooming experts, and it’s been well worth it. Whether it’s a “take-home” bath after a stay at doggie daycare or a full-on grooming hour with a manicure, there’s nothing like a professional sprucing-up of your pet. Here, we give you some noteworthy neighborhood spots that cover the pet-pampering bases.
Bath and Grooming: Pup-N-Cuts
Cut and Style: Kelsey’s Dog House
Mobile Grooming: The Pet Set
For a basic, but oh-so-refreshing doggy bath, Brookhaven’s PupN-Cuts will take care of all the essentials in their regular bath package. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, bath, brushing and exterior gland expression (for small dogs only) is included in the bath pricings. Their HydroSurge BathPro 5.1 system makes cleaning sessions healthier for your furry one, since the technology releases just the right amount of shampoo based on the dog’s size. The InjectAir system of the BathPro brings oxygen to the skin by infiltrating the coat rather than drying out the fur. Frequent bather? Try their 10-bath package for a discounted price per bath.
Buckhead Avenue has a bedand-breakfast for your furry friends that is also a one-stop shop for boarding, daycare and all sorts of grooming. To help pet parents avoid the haircutting mess and hassle at home, Kelsey’s Dog House offers cuts and styling for all dog breeds and sizes. The standard “Bath and Tidy” package includes shampoo and conditioner; nails, paws, pads and face trim; ears; sanitary area; relief of glands; spritz of cologne; and a bow or bandana. The “Full Custom Style” package includes the Bath and Tidy services plus a custom cut and style. After a day at the salon and a spritz of cologne, you may not even recognize your family member under all that hair styling!
Finding the time to load Fido in the car and head to the groomer can be difficult. To the rescue is Bob Fawcett of The Pet Set, who not only grooms at his Briarcliff Road and Piedmont Avenue locations, but also travels to you. Fawcett travels within a radius of 5 to 7 miles within Fulton and DeKalb counties (including Buckhead, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs, of course!). His Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van is equipped with a washing and spa system ideal for pets that have a fear of leaving home. During the haircut and/or bathing service, your pet is the only client and will have Fawcett’s undivided attention. Something to look forward to: the future pet cam that will allow owners to watch their pup’s spa day from their personal computer.
Services start at $30 and vary according to dog size and breed. Pup-n-Cuts 2573 Apple Valley Road N.E. Atlanta 30319 404.549.2031 www.pupncutsatl.com
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The Bath and Tidy packages start at $60. Kelsey’s Dog House 339 Buckhead Avenue Atlanta 30305 404.816.4100 www.kelseysdoghouse.com
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
Mobile Spa Bathing starts at $50; Mobile Spa Haircut starts at $69. The Pet Set Mobile Grooming 404.633.8755 www.thepetset.com
Manicures: Pupcakes If your dog is one that just loves pampering, a manicure might be the perfect treat. Buckhead’s Pupcakes offers nail clippings and filings with all grooming services, but also à la carte so you can bring Fifi in anytime for a quick manipedi, which includes a trim and filing. Another bonus? You can choose the nail polish add-on! If your pup is in need of a pick-meup, call for available nail polish colors, which vary from week to week. Nail services start at $35. Pupcakes Playcare 2989 N. Fulton Drive, Suite B Atlanta 30305 404.237.7440 www.pupcakesplaycare.com
Teeth Brushing: Barking Hound Village Whether you’ve got a puppy with baby teeth on the verge of falling out, or a full-grown dog with all his pearly whites, the tooth brushing process can be quite a challenge. Barking Hound Village has five Atlanta locations, including one on Pharr Road, where they offer daycare, boarding, grooming, pet supplies and training. Teeth brushing starts at $10. Barking Hound Village 50 Pharr Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.883.3028 www.barkinghoundvillage.com
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ACCE S SORIZE
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Be jeweled Lavish lovelies locally designed by Buckhead’s best STORY:
Lillian Charles PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
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oliday parties may have come to a close, but you’ve got (at least) one more special date coming up before you’re off the hook, guys: Valentine’s Day. Don’t fret! As always, we’ve got you covered. We touched base with three Buckhead-based jewelry designers on how to deliver something sparkly and spectacular for the special lady in your life. Order right off the designer’s website or visit one of the Buckhead boutiques that carry these beautiful jewels to make your selection.
2. Diamond in the Rough We got our hands on these earrings before local designer Keisha Noel shipped them off to Los Angeles, where this gothic-glam style has sold so well. When asked about the inspiration for these stunning ornaments, Noel told us that she created them as a “symbol of celebrating life.” For the rocker-chic gal in your life, the ornate wing and skull combination earrings made of stunning oxidized sterling silver, 14-karat gold and pavé diamonds are the ticket to your (diamond-loving) lady’s heart this Valentine’s Day. Skull & Wing earrings, price upon request
3. Simply Stated Talk about artistry! Lisa Stein melts a combination of 18-karat gold and rose gold to create her custom crest initials before carefully placing champagne diamonds in each letter. These short, chokeresque necklaces are perfect for solitary everyday wear or layered with other personalized pieces. Charms are sold separately on a leather cord, but listen up, fellas: the more charms, the better.
While many of Ingrid Ysla’s creations are big, bold, beautiful statement pendants, we chose this particular piece from her vast collection because it shows the designer’s softer side. In this wear-with-anything-and-everything necklace, Ysla pulled together a variety of materials. The black matte beads hold a CZ gunmetal and gold cross, brass coin and vintage brass fleur-de-lis charm. We picked this necklace up from Range Boutique in Buckhead but Ingrid will also put together a custom necklace of hand-selected pendants, beads and medals if you so desire. Contact designer for details.
Crest Charms on leather cord, $800 each
Charms on beaded strand, $145
1. Frosted Femininity
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FEATURED DESIGNERS: Ingrid Ysla www.ingridysla.com Available at: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Nicole Miller Range Boutique KZ Noel www.kznoel.com Available at: Huff Harrington Home Morgan Kylee Boutique L.A. Stein www.lastein.com Available at: Tassels
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1ON1MATCHMAKING.COM | 404.355.7828
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NEVER WAIT IN THE ER AGAIN.
www.modernemergentcare.com 5550 Roswell Rd. Atlanta, GA | 404.334.3000
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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WE LLN E S S
Photos: Courtesy of Jump Start Gym
S I M P LY S T Y LIS H
Top: Parents and their little ones use the gym’s giant parachute for sensory play. Left: Coach and co-owner Todd Dawson steadies two babies on Jump Start Gym’s cushioned mats. Right: The facilities are specially designed to accommodate babies as young as three months.
Child’s play Set the stage for a lifetime of activity
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visit to Jump Start Gym in Sandy Springs makes it clear that it’s never too early to get children involved in fitness and activity. In fact, parents can participate right along with their babies as young as just 3 months old. The laughter and squeals of delight are perhaps the best endorsement that even the littlest gym members can benefit from physical engagement. The sessions, which are divided into five different groups (based on development and ability with loose overlapping age brackets) for children under 3 years old, are fun for both parents and their little ones. During classes—with cute names like Crawling Caterpillars and Jumping Jaguars—activities include playing with bells, bars and rings; tracking bright objects with their eyes; rolling both ways on the floor to strengthen the non-dominant side; and core work like lifting up and balancing. During each stage of development, the parents are present and participating, so the bonding and engagement are real. “We really focus on development, so that classes are fun and productive for
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parents and their children,” says co-owner Courtney Smith, who founded Jump Start Gym five years ago with her husband, Todd. “We’ve designed them to help kids develop motor skills, socialization with other children, and hand-eye coordination.” The couple has three children, ages 8, 12 and 15, who are each active in the gym’s gymnastic programs, which go all the way through adult. Sandy Springs resident Megan Robison, whose 3 1/2-year-old daughter, Ryleigh, started attending when she was 13 months and her 18-month-old son, Cole, started when he was 10 months, is a believer in the benefits. “With Ryleigh, we immediately noticed an improvement in coordination and gross motor skills, especially climbing stairs safely and walking on uneven surfaces like grass and carpet. With Cole, most of his improvements are in learning how to take turns, listening and trying to follow directions,” she says. “It’s also a great bonding time with your kids.” While the classes focus on motor skills and coordination for developing
STORY:
Jennifer Bradley Franklin
children, there are also elements that are valuable for parents. “We help teach parents how to play with their children,” Smith says. “For instance, by the time a child is 2 or 3, it’s important for the parents to have verbal involvement, rather than physical, in the class, which teaches independence and helps kids learn to listen to the teacher.” Such skills help prepare children for another milestone in life: school, where listening to teachers is paramount. The sessions also help parents learn safety and create a community with other parents whose kids are in the same stage of development. n
JUMP START GYM 45-minute classes start at $83 per month, with discounts for siblings. The first class, Moving Monkeys (for children 3 months old to crawling), is free. 5920 Roswell Road Sandy Springs 30328 404.252.5867 www.jumpstartgym.com
I know how to make leaders better leaders
... even if I don’t know anything about your company.
“Consultants for me weren’t the answer as I know more about my company than they’ll ever know. Someone introduced me to Jane Ann Covington. She quickly assessed my situation, helped me clarify my blind spots and moved me towards a new level of being competitive in the current market. Her methods continue to make me a better leader to advance my company in our field.” - Richard K.
Executive Solutions Institute Behavioral & Perceptual Coach Hypnocoaching Since 1985
Confidential-Call 404-276-8789 or visit www.ExecutiveSolutionsInstitute.com 3495 Piedmont Rd. NE, Bldg 12, Suite 112 Atlanta, GA 30305
Always Tired? You’re Not Alone 70 million people in the United States suffer from sleep disorders. A good night’s sleep can fuel your day with energy, keeping you refreshed, alert, and less-stressed. However, for more than 70 million Americans, sleep does not come easy. Northside Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center is here to help. With more than 30 years of experience, our specialists will help you find personalized solutions. To learn more about the benefits of sleep, please contact the center nearest you. Relaxing & Comfortable Settings in 3 Convenient Locations.
Centralized SChedUling: (404) 236-8200 View videos on sleep disorders at northside.com/sleep
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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TA S TE M A K ER
MedZed Co-Founder Dr. Jeffrey Grossman.
The
doctor is in! Buckhead dad and doc develops innovative house-call model STORY:
Alexa Lampasona
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any parents have endured the dreaded after-hours visits to an ER and urgent care facility, worried that their child’s illness couldn’t wait until morning. Dr. Jeffrey Grossman, a Buckhead resident, father of two children—Alexa (6 years old) and Zachary (4 years old)—could relate. As a busy father, he was inspired to create MedZed as a way to take the stress out of handling a sick child’s doctor office visit at the end of a long workday. This Atlanta-based company focuses on after-hours house calls for sick children (ages 2 to 17) and serves the Buckhead, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs area. A registered nurse comes to your home and streams live with a pediatrician to treat your child’s problem. Grossman, MedZed’s co-founder and executive chairman, began using telemedicine five years ago. He performed virtual house calls on his spine patients at his Sandy Springs private practice, Peachtree Spine Physicians, the largest independent physiatrist practice in the Southeast. He realized that sending a medical presenter to his patients’ homes was more efficient and easier on the patient. This quickly transformed the ordinary telemedicine encounter into a modern-day house call. Grossman and his business partner, Scott Schnell, formed MedZed in March 2013 to expand this model to focus on pediatrics. They began seeing patients in July 2014 with a board of pediatricians. Grossman still works full-time at his private practice, but we talked with him about this house-call model.
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Why did you choose to focus on children with MedZed? Scott Schnell, the co-founder, and I were thinking about less mobile populations that have a difficult time getting to the doctor’s office. We thought of the young and the old. As a father, I can relate to the burden of packing up my children for the trek to the ER or urgent care at challenging hours. In certain other fields of medicine, the key to the diagnosis is 99 percent history, which wouldn’t leverage our state-ofthe-art exam diagnostic equipment, but for pediatrics, the exam and lab tests are so important. What makes MedZed more effective for children than a doctor’s visit? It is meant to complement the doctor’s office. While children love their pediatricians, they typically don’t enjoy the process of leaving their house while they are sick to go to the doctor. MedZed stands out in a child’s mind as a treat—it just feels nurturing. What are the benefits of in-home pediatric care? It’s as effective as an after-hours alternative because there is no unnecessary exposure to other sick children or germs in the waiting room. Parents are now more likely to seek treatment sooner and less likely to put off seeking treatment, due to the convenience of an at-home service. Allowing the MedZed pediatrician to observe a child in their own setting is a more accurate assessment of their state than examining them in an unfamiliar examination room. What is the extent of illnesses that MedZed can treat before parents should know to seek additional help?
MedZed treats common symptoms, such as rashes; mouth, eye or ear pain; sore throats, colds and flu; UTI and bladder infections; allergies; fever; and sinus problems. We are not prepared to treat trauma and acute respiratory distress. As a dad and doctor, how do you reassure parents about their children not seeing a doctor in person? We offer a more intimate and natural encounter with the pediatrician, because kids are more comfortable in their homes than in a traditional setting. I am a customer of MedZed for my own children. The care we offer is convenient and requested based on the patient’s time and terms, which allows for an efficient experience. Also, the MedZed pediatrician can learn valuable information about the child’s home environment and that can impact a diagnosis. How do you see it growing in the future? Further down the road, MedZed plans to expand beyond pediatrics. It is a delivery channel for how people will consume medicine in the future. While we are currently looking at other patient populations and different options, we are still finalizing the next patient population to serve. MedZed has a much bigger purpose and mission in our evolving health care system. n
MEDZED 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Suite 130, Atlanta 30342 404.382.8859 www.mymedzed.com
ON S TAG E | A RT V I E W | L I T E R A RY
SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON STAGE
Dana Barrett puts her spin on business radio.
On the air (and loving it) P48
“There is no reason a business show can’t be entertaining and smart and funny, all at the same time.” - Dana Barrett January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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ON S TAGE
“I like being able to connect to people and get the information out.”
On the Air
(and loving it)
Dana Barrett winds her way to her first love—radio
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he’s done a little bit of everything while living in Atlanta, but now she’s doing exactly what she wants. Brookhaven resident Dana Barrett hosts her own daily talk/business show—appropriately called “The Dana Barrett Show,” airing at 9 a.m. daily on 1190 AM as well as online—and is looking to do no less than change the face of radio. Barrett is certainly aware of the fact that a business talk show is not everyone’s cup of tea. Many feel it’s dull—or simply not for them. Yet she thinks what she is doing has a unique slant. “It’s new,” she says. “It’s something different. Business has been traditionally stock and market oriented … For me the idea that the only people who care about business are people in the stock market is shortsighted. We all care about our jobs, careers, finances.” Despite what some may think, the show is not all serious either. “We all like to laugh,” she says. “There is no reason a business show can’t be entertaining and
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smart and funny, all at the same time.” Barrett grew up in Philadelphia and left the area to go to college at Cornell University and study hotel management. She moved to Atlanta in 1988 after school and veered toward a career in management and technology. “It was a business I was good at, but never particularly passionate about, so I was always doing something else on the side—radio, writing, stand-up comedy—anything I could try,” she says. Among her ventures was starting her own firm called DB Consulting, opening an independent bookstore in Roswell in 2003 called Coffee Buy the Book and doing some freelance radio assignments. It was when her daughter, Lauren, decided to go to college in 2012 that she knew the time was right to move on. She was no longer under the same pressure, as a single mom, to keep her high-paying tech job. It all came together in March of 2014 when her show launched. She has not had a problem finding
STORY:
Jim Farmer
guests. Many come to her and the others she meets out and about, all of whom are happy to share their stories. Guests range from the VPs of SunTrust and Comcast, to nonprofit leaders, to a 21-year-old CEO who created a better walking crutch. “I love stuff like that,” she admits. For Barrett, radio has long been a passion. “I like being able to connect to people and get the information out,” she says. She respects personalities, like Neal Boortz (“whether you agree with him or not, he’s always entertaining”) and Clark Howard, whom she credits for being able to find his own niche. She’s lived a few places in town, but Barrett loves Brookhaven and being in the center of everything. Her long-term local plans (besides world domination, she quips) are to expand her show and perhaps get it syndicated. She would also like to see the field not quite as maledominated. “Women are doing talk radio, but there is room for more,” she says. n
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY A & E
A RT V IE W
“My mom was always putting a brush in my hand, even when I was very little.”
From canvas to coverings
Artist Lisa Kabus is noted for creating designs full of color and shimmer. Most of her works come directly from her imagination.
Buckhead artist transforms works into fabrics H.M. Cauley and textiles STORY:
M
ost artists are used to walking into a gallery and seeing their works on the wall. For Lisa Kabus, some of her work now is the wall. The career of this 16-year Buckhead resident took an unexpected turn about a year ago when she was approached by the wall-coverings company U.S. Vinyl about turning some of her paintings into fabrics and textiles. The company specifically wanted to rework Kabus’ designs into wall décor for commercial ventures, including hotels. “The woman who saw my work at my studio at the Goat Farm had a vision; it was up to me to figure out how to see what I could do as a wall covering,” Kabus says with a laugh. “She liked that my work has a lot of silver in it.” Kabus also works with metals, so her final pieces usually have elements of shine and color. But Kabus doesn’t start out to create a fabric; her first goal is to create a piece of work on canvas, something she’s been doing since she was a youngster growing up in various parts of the country, including artist colonies in the Southwest. “I grew up in a family where every-
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body was either an artist or a musician,” Kabus says. “My mom was an artist, my dad had a great eye for photography, and my grandfather was an artist. My mom was always putting a brush in my hand, even when I was very little.” Kabus entered the professional art world by starting an art-brokerage business while she painted on the side. But enough buyers were lining up for her bright, abstract pieces that 10 years ago, she gave up sales to concentrate on her own creations. “For years I said ‘no’ to my art, but it had to come out,” she says. “Even now, I never know what is going to come out. If I had to classify it, I’d say it’s ‘illusionary abstract’—a place where figurative, nature and energy intersect. I don’t ever decide what it’s going to be; I just let it emerge, so it might be an illusionary landscape or an abstract of trees.” Regardless of what each piece eventually becomes, Kabus is partial to making them bright. “I’m known for my color choices and how they react to each other. But it’s all from my mind; I don’t look at anything when I’m painting. That also lets the viewer interpret what they see.”
Most of Kabus’ followers have found her by word-of-mouth and her website, and the commissions keep her so busy she has no time to create a body of work to exhibit. “Usually, I’m painting something that’s already sold,” she says. “I have buyers from all across the U.S., and I just had my first in Australia.” But don’t be surprised if on your next visit to a Canadian hotel (where her designs have lived so far), it is decorated in a signature style of metal and color. “I never expected that,” Kabus says. “I’m very happy to be so fortunate with my work because I love it, whether it’s on canvas or the wall.” n Information on Kabus’ art can be found at www.lrenaykabus.com.
Leza Bennett Owner & Founder of The Perfect Brows by Leza
By Leza Bennett
DEDICATED TO CREATING BEAUTIFUL BROWS! Eyebrows are the frame of the eyes and face, and Leza is the most sought after eyebrow artist in Atlanta. The Perfect Brows by Leza was voted best brows studio in Atlanta for 2013 and 2014 and featured in Simply Buckhead Magazine as the Publisher Joanne Hayes’ Favorite treatment. You can also see Leza’s commercials on one of Atlanta’s many metropolitan stations. Whether you’re having your brows threaded, waxed or tweezed, Leza and her team feel no one should leave The Perfect Brows until their brows are perfect, because they’re “dedicated to creating beautiful brows.” Leza’s Services also include lashes, The Perfect Brows’ signature facials and express facial, full body, Brazilian and bikini waxing. Makeup service is also available.
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S I M P LY A & E
LITE R A RY
Radhika Behl’s first cookbook features traditional Indian favorites learned in her extended family’s kitchen.
Steeped in tradition Cookbook recreates family recipes for a new generation
R
adhika Behl has fond memories of family that are intricately linked to food. Growing up in an extended Indian clan in Newcastle, U.K., the Brookhaven resident spent considerable time in the kitchen, helping prepare traditional dishes such as mango-spiced lamb chops and mushroom pulau. “We lived with my grandparents for a while, but even after that, everybody lived very close to each other,” Behl recalls. “We wanted to keep the family feel, and the connection often came from being in the kitchen and then having big dinners together.” Even as a child, Behl was put to work filling spice jars, chopping vegetables and peeling lentils—jobs girls needed to know how to do. “The goal of a good Indian mother at that time—and in many families even at this time— was to groom her daughter to be a good wife and mother,” Behl says. “One of the best ways to do that is to feed your family well.” After an arranged marriage brought Behl to the U.S., many of those long-established family ties began to loosen. The couple first thought they’d be in Atlanta for two years, and it’s now been 14. Behl’s 12-year-old daughter, India, and 10-year-old son, Kargil, are growing up as Americans, and she wants them to learn the same food traditions she experienced as a child. “We are not surrounded by family, and I wondered who was going to teach these
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STORY:
H.M. Cauley
things to my children without any aunts or grandmas around,” she says. “So I started to jot down ideas and recipes to share with them. I made them get in the kitchen with me and chop cilantro—even when they didn’t want to.” Those jottings also went to friends who requested Behl’s recipes. Soon they were asking her to do cooking classes. “I’d have a group of 10 or 12, do a demonstration and then we’d enjoy a drink and have dinner. It was a great way to show how to prepare simple, no-fuss north Indian food.” Behl then took her food passion to the next logical step. Six months ago, she published her family recipes in Simply Radhika, a 246-page cookbook with more than 90 recipes, family photos and images of the preparation stages and finished dishes. Behl also added a glossary of Indian ingredients and a bit of history about India and its cuisine. “The book was a goal for myself and my own children,” she says. “Even though I didn’t know if they’d use it, they love it. Now they have the recipes with very clear, concise directions and minimal ingredients so they can make things themselves. My boy loves the rice with onions, peas and cumin seeds. That dish is an everyday staple, so plain and simple, but it’s his comfort food. When he loses a soccer game, he asks me to make pulau.” Behl also hopes the book will introduce more Atlantans to the authentic dishes
Indian cooks prepare at home. “This food tastes Indian. Do I spend as long as my grandmother or mother did fixing it? No, but it’s still very authentic. It’s very important to me that my family has at least one meal a day that is Indian, even though we are living a nice American life and have learned to eat macaroni and cheese.”” n SIMPLY RADHIKA, published by BookLogix, is available on Amazon.com and in Barnes & Noble stores, as well as on Behl’s website, www.simplyradhika.com.
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE! A TRADITIONAL INDIAN DISH WITH A SOUTHERN TWIST
Bhindi (Ladies’ Fingers/Okra) INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons canola oil 1 small onion, finely sliced 1 tablespoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon garam masala 1 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon mango powder 1 pound okra/ladies’ fingers, washed, dried, chopped into 1” pieces 1. Heat the oil over a medium flame for a minute or so. Add the onion and cumin seeds, turn the heat up to
medium/high, and stir for 5 minutes or so. 2. Add the salt, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and mango powder. Cook the spices for a further 2 minutes—do not allow to burn. 3. Fold in the okra, coat well with the spiced onions, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. 4. Cover the pan, turn the heat to low/medium, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir once or twice during this time. Done.
RE V I E W | DRI N K S | F O ODI E J OU RNA L | TA S T E M A K E R | RE S TAU R A N T S
SIMPLY DELICIOUS
RESTAURANT REVIEW
At Panahar, tandoori lovers can indulge in platters of chicken, lamb, kebabs, shrimp and chicken tikka.
Bangladesh beckons P54
Just a short trot from Brookhaven, Panahar claims to be Atlanta’s first and only purveyor of Bangladeshi food.
Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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R E V IE W
Above: Panihar’s Mulligatawny Soup is made of orange lentils perked up with lemon and cumin.
Left: Breads, like this garlic-flecked naan, are a special treat at Panahar.
Bangladesh beckons T
he food arrives—colorful and complex, aromatic with herbs and spices, paired with bowls of beautifully flaky basmati rice. Let’s see: There’s chopped spinach dripping in a creamy cheese sauce; korma, a lovely stew of turmeric, ground almonds and raisins; and the spicy rice dish called biryani. Except for the fact that the biryani is studded with cubes of tender beef, you would probably assume that we are enjoying the staples of Northern Indian cuisine. Close, but not quite. We are in fact seated in the curtained booths of Panahar, which, in this context, means “an invitation to eat” in Bengali. Just a short trot from Brookhaven, the Buford Highway restaurant claims to be Atlanta’s first and only purveyor of Bangladeshi food. With its unpretentious interior (wood paneling, lots of mirrors and burgundy carpet) and $9.99 daily lunch buffet, Panahar could be mistaken for just another nondescript naan stop, should you cruise past the bright-yellow stucco building in the Northeast Plaza shopping mall in the bright light of day. But come here on a weekend night, and you will find a lively scene: in-towners stop-
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Above: A good way to start the meal is with a sampling of the samosa-like shingaaras and the little veggie-and-chickpea-flour fritters called pakoras.
Buford Highway’s Panahar is an appealing blend of the homespun and the exotic STORY:
Wendell Brock PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
ping by to pick up takeout orders; regulars who come bearing their own wine and beer. (Panahar does not serve alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own, and your accommodating server will bring appropriate stemware to your table.) Though the lunch offerings are fresh and delicious— a good way to try a variety of vegetarian dishes and a few meat choices, plus naan, rice, condiments and a couple of sweets— dinner puts you in the driver’s seat, where you can custom tailor all the parts of your meal to your liking. To give you a little background, Bangladesh is bordered by India on three sides, and their shared Bengali culture is barely distinguishable to Western eyes. Bangladeshi food tends to be less spicy and uses more coconut milk than Indian, and the Bengalis of West India rarely do beef. A bit of Panahar’s fare, according to a friend of mine from the region, is essentially North Indian. Arriving early on a Sunday night, with a little cooler of beer and wine in tow, I watched the room slowly fill as I waited for my guests. After taking our time to order, we soon found ourselves munching on poori
chicken teek-ka (aka chicken tikka), Tandoori bird sautéed with onions and spices and served on fluffy poori bread; slurping Mulligatawny soup made with orange lentils and perked up with lemon, cumin and tomato; and divvying up our appetizer platter for two among the three of us. At $6, that sampler is a smart way to discover Panahar’s signature starters: We loved the little veggie-stuffed fritters called pakoras and the samosa-like chicken and vegetable shingaaras. Moving along to the mains, the shaag poneer maang-sho with shrimp (the Indians call the dish of spinach melting in cheese saag paneer) and the korma with lamb were just the thing to push our garlic-flecked naan around in. Next time, I might skip the peas polao (basmati mixed with peas, onion and raisins) the staff tends to push in favor of plain rice; there’s flavor enough in the spicy gravies that bathe the proteins. (Instead of the polao, maybe ask for a dish of aamayr achaar, a green-mango chutney zipped up with pungent mustard oil and plenty of salt. Love that stuff. ) In the end, our meal was an altogether pleasant way to spend an evening indulging in this hauntingly fragrant cuisine.
Above: Shaag poneer (spinach and cheese) and korma (a stew flavored with almonds, turmeric and raisins) can be ordered with chicken, shrimp, fish, beef, lamb or goat and always come with flaky basmati rice.
A trio of desserts: Pastry Chef Kathleen Miliotis loves dairy and treats it playfully.
Left: Spicy chicken teek-ka is meant to be scooped up with fluffy, whole-wheat poori bread.
Above left: Cookies and milk is a spin on Oreos and comes with a boozy little milkshake.
Right: Papal-daal is a vegetarian dish with cubed green papaya and moshoorayr daal (orange colored lentils) sauteed with turmeric, ginger, onions, garlic and medley of other spices.
Above right: Panna cotta is crowned with citrus, basil syrup and candied pine nuts.
Anyone with a passing familiarity with Indian food will feel at home here. Since takeout seems to be a big part of the business, I decided to give it a whirl on a second visit. Though I was quoted a 30-minute wait time on the phone, the half-hour turned into 50 minutes, thanks to the bustling Saturday night crowd. Apologies were offered and accepted, and I arrived home with a heaping pile of Tandoori, biryani, and charred poraata bread stuffed with smashed potatoes and peas. The mixed Tandoori platter comes with succulent shrimp, chicken tikka and Tandoori, lamb and beef kebabs—all wonderful. I am also rather partial to Panahar’s biryani—essentially a spicy dish of dry rice that can be had with lamb, goat, beef, chicken and so on. Our final mission was to try the daily buffet, and let it be said that we did not go away hungry. Potatoes with beef; Tandoori chicken; boiled eggs floating in fragrant orange curry; sautéed eggplant with to-
matoes; potatoes and cauliflower; a gently spiced garbanzo salad: It was a Bengali feast of belt-popping proportions. Still, we had to try the desserts: a gently spiced rice pudding and laal-mohon (aka gulab jamun), little cheese-and-whey dumplings floating in honey-sugar syrup. After such a rich repast, these homey little sweets were welcome and comforting. To be honest, I approached Panahar without quite knowing what to expect. (Bangladeshi food—how exotic!) But there is nothing intimidating or weird about it. Anyone with a passing familiarity with Indian food will feel at home here. Don’t go expecting a luxurious fine-dining destination. Do plan on a homespun ethnic hole-in-thewall with a friendly, easy-going staff and loads of lovely food that that won’t break the budget. I’d travel far to dine at Panahar. n
Left: Tiramisú is a layering of ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone and espresso ice cream. Below: A gently spiced rice pudding provides a nice, comforting finish to a meal at Panahar.
PANAHAR BANGLADESHI CUISINE 3375 Buford Highway, Atlanta 30329 404.633.6655 www.panaharbangladeshi.com Appetizers: $4-$6. Mains: $11-$15. Recommended dishes: Appetizer platter, poori chicken teek-ka, Mulligatawny soup, mixed Tandoori platter, biryani with beef, shaag poneer maang-sho, garlic naan, aloo poraata, firni, laal-mohon, spiced iced tea. Bottom line: A delightful ethnic find.
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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D R IN KS
Get a fresh start in 2015 at these local juice spots
Photo: Karen Anne Photography
S I M P LY D E LICIOUS
The main squeeze STORY:
Swap your standard salad with a green gulp—either juiced at home or at one of these Buckhead shops.
Kelly Skinner
Y
ou celebrated. You overindulged. You wrote resolutions and are now poised to start the new year smarter and healthier. Post-casserole season, taking advantage of Buckhead’s various juice bars can be a savvy first step. “There isn’t a specific profile of a person who would benefit the most from juicing,” advises Julie Taube, local Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. “If you know that you’re not getting enough fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, then juicing would definitely be a healthy addition.” Taube reminds us that all of us should be devouring six to eight cups of fruits and vegetables a day. So if you know that you aren’t coming close, juicing is a great way to squeeze in all of those daily requirements. “Variety is key,” says Taube, noting that different fruits and veggies offer varying antioxidants and nutrients. “So juicing is a great opportunity to incorporate fruits and vegetables you don’t normally eat into your diet.” Just make sure you’re getting fiber and protein, too, since you lose much of the roughage naturally found in produce when you juice it. While Taube gives the green light on drinking juice as a complement to your diet, she’s cautious regarding multi-day cleanses or fasts (where your diet consists strictly of water and juice). “Going on a juice cleanse isn’t necessarily a recipe for weight loss—in some instances, you can actually gain weight. Instead, you need to look at what your goals are and what you want out of your fast. If you’ve been devouring a ton of junk food lately, a fast can be a good way to avoid those foods. At the same time, though, you can get similar health benefits by eliminating processed foods and eating a clean diet.” If you do decide that a juice cleanse is the course you want to take, make sure you talk with your doctor first. Ready to get your sip on? Here, a few Buckhead-area juice spots share their juicing know-how and get us revved up for a nutrientfueled reboot. n
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Arden’s Garden
Juicy Jenny
This 20-year-old smoothie and juicing company has locations throughout Atlanta (including Buckhead) and has a prominent presence in major grocery store chains like Whole Foods, Kroger and Publix. Though there is a menu of suggestions at each of the stores, you can create your own blended juice and add in matcha powder, wheatgrass and extra nutritious supplements at your whim.
You know Jenny Levison first for her incredible soups and hearty salads at Buckhead lunch locales Souper Jenny and Cafe Jonah and the Magical Attic. Now the wellnessminded restaurateur has a juice shop (just 33 steps from Souper Jenny!), where she serves a robust menu of cold-pressed organic juices along with smoothies and a vegan lunch bar. Juices are pressed each morning and are ready for you to grab and go.
Juicy Secret: “Try juicing a rainbow of different fruits and vegetables,” says owner Leslie Zinn. “The more diverse the colors, the better the mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients.” Blend With: “Our favorite juicer is a Green Power juicer. It yields a very high-quality juice and it will juice all sorts of fruits, veggies and wheatgrass (which is unusual).” Drink: Go with the company’s vitamin-rich Complete Recovery juice this winter when you feel like you’re coming down with a cold. Ingredients include apples, oranges, strawberry, bananas, echinacea extract and even royal jelly. Arden’s Garden (Buckhead) 3757 Roswell Road N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.844.4477 www.ardensgarden.com
Juicy Secret: Levison recommends that newbies “go as green as you can tolerate and try juices with as little fruit as possible. This will give you the most health benefits.” Blend With: Levison prefers Vitamix for smoothies and the Omega series for juicing. Drink: “I like to add coconut water to a green juice before or after a workout because it’s ultra-hydrating.” Levison suggests her store’s Love Your Liver tonic after a weekend of too much fun (read: wine). “It’s a great recovery and detox drink.” Juicy Jenny 56 East Andrews Drive, Suite 25A Atlanta 30305 404.848.1480 www.juicyjennyatl.com
traditional & modern spanish cuisine T O R E S E R V E Y O U R TA B L E C A L L 4 0 4 9 3 9 9 8 4 0 O R V I S I T G Y P S Y K I T C H E N AT L . C O M
3035 PEACHTREE RD / ATL / 30305 2ND LEVEL @ CORNER OF PEACHTREE & BUCKHEAD AVE Sipping healthy is a cinch at True Food Kitchen.
Roots Juices
True Food Kitchen
Close by at Shops Around Lenox, this juice company bottles its juices in the store and makes nutrientpacked smoothies to order. We like stopping by on the fly and grabbing a juice to-go, or ordering their cleanses for delivery (when you spend $30 or more, shipping is free within a 10-mile radius).
This whole-food restaurant tailors its menu to wholesome ingredients and serves mindful plates within an open, Zen-like space. Part of the appeal (aside from its address next to Lenox Square), is its sprawling juice bar and eclectic juice menu serving cold-pressed juices made fresh to order.
Juicy Secret: When making juice at home, owner Brent Rodgers suggests adding a root vegetable, a citrus fruit and a green veggie to max out the flavor and the nutrition. “One juice a day is necessary, but mix it up. When you get the fresh enzymes [found in that produce] you are going to do so much more for leaning out your body and maintaining a desirable figure.”
Juicy Secret: General Manager Christopher Payne advises drinking juices with ginger to aid with digestion; turmeric to relieve joint pain and inflammation; and carrots and cucumbers for skin, hair and nail nutrition.
Blend With: Rodgers recommends blending with a solid juicer, like Breville’s Juice Fountain Elite 800JEXL. Drink: The Immune Booster to fight a cold, the green juice for afterworkout recovery, and the beet or carrot juice as a meal replacement. Roots Juices 3400 Around Lenox Road, Suite 202A Atlanta 30326 888.666.0290, option 2 www.rootspressedjuices.com
Blend With: True Food Kitchen uses a powerful commercial juicer called a Nutrifaster. Drink: “Our Medicine Man juice has sea buckthorn in it, which is a berry from the Himalayas that is high in antioxidants and vitamin C. It’s an excellent source for energy and well-being,” Payne says. True Food Kitchen 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Suite 3058B Atlanta 30326 404.481.2980 www.truefoodkitchen.com
sun-wed 5:00 -10:00pm / thu-sat 5:00 -11:00pm / bar open later
Yes Indeed,
WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR DINNER DAILY T O R E S E R V E Y O U R TA B L E C A L L 404.939.9845 OR VISIT T H E S O U T H E R N G E N T L E M A NAT L . C O M 3 0 3 5 P E AC H T R E E R D / AT L / 3 0 3 0 5 2ND LEVEL@ CORNER OF P E AC H T R E E & B U C KH E A D AV E S U N-W E D 5 :0 0 -10 : 0 0 PM / T H U-S AT 5 : 0 0 -11: 0 0 PM / B A R O P E N L AT E R
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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FOODIE JOURNAL
Culinary News & Notes
BY:
Kate Parham Kordsmeier
Buckhead’s Best Kids Menus S
ick of resorting to chicken fingers and buttered noodles every time you eat out with your kids? Fear not—these Buckhead hotspots dish out children’s menus as exciting and innovative as what the big kids are eating. Take a look:
True Food Kitchen Treat your offspring to wholesome, fresh fare at this healthful, yet delicious eatery—the almond butter, apple and banana sandwich is a clear lunchtime winner, while the turkey sloppy Joe and chicken teriyaki bowls always please at dinner.
Bhojanic Indian may not be the first cuisine that comes to mind when you think of kidfriendly meals, but this family-owned restaurant is sure to satisfy youngsters with their mild dishes, such as flatbread stuffed with potatoes, yogurt and mango chutney and kid-sized thali
(platters) with protein, veggies and rice. Don’t forget the mango mousse cake for a sweet finish!
Kyma Give your rug rats a cultural experience when you bring them to Kyma, where chef Pano Karatassos puts a kid-friendly spin on Mediterranean favorites, such as wood-grilled prawns, dolmades and squash chips. “My advice to parents is to hold their tongue and let their child choose something for themselves [without offering substitutions right away],”explains Karatassos. “No child has ever asked for ketchup instead of tzatziki sauce.”
KID-FRIENDLY COOKING CLASSES What better way to expand your kiddo’s palate than to teach them to cook? Don’t miss these tyke-friendly (ages 4 to 9) classes at Buckhead’s Whole Foods: l Colors On My Plate! (Jan. 24 at 10 a.m.) This hands-on, produce-driven class teaches kids healthy eating habits through games and colorful cooking lessons. l Cookies, Crafts and Kisses (Feb. 14 at 10 a.m.) Bring your little one to this craft-centric class, chock-full of festive treats and spirited seminars.
True Food Kitchen’s almond butter, apple and banana sandwich is a clear kiddo winner.
Bhojanic 3400 Around Lenox Road N.E., No. 201 Atlanta 30326 404.841.8472 www.bhojanic.com Kyma 3085 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.262.0702 www.buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma
s Indian fave Bhojanic dishes up mild, kid-friendly Thalis sure to please. t Chef Pano Karatassos puts a tot-approved spin on Mediterranean favorites, like dolmades.
True Food Kitchen 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.481.2980 www.truefoodkitchen.com/ locations/atlanta/ Whole Foods Buckhead 77 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.324.4100 www.wholefoodsmarket.com/ stores/buckhead
Eat for a Cause FEEL GOOD ABOUT DINING AT THESE BUCKHEAD RESTOS.
www.shakeshack.com/location/ atlanta-ga
l HAVEN & Valenza Don’t miss this Brookhaven restaurant duo’s annual events (think BMW raffles and private chef dinners), which raise money for Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. www.havenrestaurant.com
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l Ford Fry Empire builder Ford Fry is well-known for his philanthropic efforts (his Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival raised $80,000 last year for Georgia Organics), particularly at Buckhead beauties St. Cecilia and King + Duke—the pair contributes to The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that assists workers in the service industry with health care, such as local chef Ryan Hidinger’s cancer treatment. www.fordfry.com
l Buckhead Life Restaurant Group CEO Pano Karatassos sets the bar high when it comes
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
to philanthropy. Not only does his restaurant group serve food for at least one charity event every month, but they’re also deeply devoted to raising money to help relieve childhood hunger—they give to March of Dimes, Children’s Museum of Atlanta and Meals on Wheels, among others. Karatassos also founded Atlanta’s Taste of the Nation charity event, and has since personally raised more than $10 million for Share Our Strength. www.buckheadrestaurants. com
PB&J FOR GOOD Last October, co-founder Mike Levison, native Atlantan and brother to the famous Souper Jenny, launched PB&J for Good in Atlanta, uniting restaurants throughout the city to feature peanut butter and jelly-inspired dishes on their menus. The proceeds went to Stop SAM, a nonprofit organization providing treatment to children suffering from the most severe stage of starvation. Some of our favorite renditions around town came from Cibo e Beve, who served up a PB&J tiramisù, and Local Three—their peanut butter and jelly mousse cake with peanut butter shortbread, peanut butter mousse, raspberry gelée, compressed grapes and crème anglaise was a showstopper. www.pbjforgood.com/atlanta Photo: Kathryn Johnson
l Shake Shack Five percent of sales from the “Campfire S’mores” concrete (chocolate custard, marshmallow sauce, graham crackers and Cacao dark chocolate chunks) go to Camp Twin Lakes, which provides year-round camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and life challenges.
Local Three’s PB&J mousse cake was divine.
NOW OPEN
Few Buckhead restaurants do chicken and waffles as well as Bantam + Biddy.
CHECK OUT THREE NEW FAST-CASUAL BUCKHEAD RESTAURANTS. SEVEN HENS SANDY SPRINGS This cutlet-centric eatery (the first location is in Decatur) dishes out schnitzels inspired from around the globe in a retro space decked with chalkboards, rustic finishes and a semi-open kitchen. We’re partial to the Chinese chicken schnitzel platter, where tender white meat gets the crispy-fried treatment before being drizzled with teriyaki glaze and ginger-laced Chinese mayo. GUSTO! WOOD FIRE GRILL: Former NFL quarterback and Georgia native Nate Hybl grew tired of the unhealthy fast-casual options littering the city. His solution: Gusto!—a globally influenced eatery where flavor-packed, fresh ingredients commingle with wood-grilled proteins and housemade sauces. Choose your flavor profile (think tahini cucumber feta or sweet soy sriracha) and your vehicle (salad, rice bowl, sandwich or flatbread wrap) and enjoy. BANTAM + BIDDY The fourth location of this Atlanta favorite, the brainchild of chef Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere, is now serving at Lenox, bringing its pastured poultry and seasonal, organic vegetables along for the ride. Make a beeline for the carryout counter and be sure to try the fried chicken and waffles and the deviled Bantam + Biddy Lenox eggs with bourbon-spiked paprika. 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.841.7559 www.bantamandbiddy.com
Handmade pasta, perfectly cooked steaks & fresh seafood expertly prepared using the �nest ingredients.
Gusto! Wood Fire Grill 1935 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30309 404.352.4157 www.gustowoodfiregrill.com
s Don’t miss the tahini cucumber feta flatbread wrap at newly opened Gusto! t Seven Hens’ owner ensures the perfect breadingto-chicken ratio at his cutlet-centric eatery.
Seven Hens Sandy Springs 6615 Roswell Road, No. 24a Sandy Springs 30328 404.228.5381 www.7hens.com
For reservations please call 404.844.4810
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY D E LICIOUS
TA S TE MAKER
RECIPE MASTER Simply Buckhead’s own Kate Parham Kordsmeier launches her first cookbook Carly Cooper
Photo: Heidi Geldhauser
STORY:
B
rookhaven resident (and Simply Buckhead contributor) Kate Parham Kordsmeier will launch her first cookbook, Atlanta Chef’s Table: Extraordinary Recipes from the Big Peach, Jan. 6. A freelance writer, Kordsmeier started her career as a copywriter for Neiman Marcus, but quickly decided the corporate world wasn’t for her. She began covering food and travel for magazines and newspapers around the country, and never looked back. Today, when she’s not spending time with her husband and their two cats, she can be found writing recipes for publications like Cooking Light and Fitness. But her cookbook takes a slightly different turn. Here, she tells us what it is.
Why did you decide to write a cookbook? My husband’s job brought us back to Atlanta [from Washington, D.C.] in 2013. Soon after we arrived, I got an email from the publisher of the Chef’s Table series asking me if I’d be up for writing the Atlanta cookbook. It was such perfect timing and such a great way to reintroduce me to this wonderful city. What was your process like? Because this cookbook includes recipes from chefs around Atlanta (I didn’t write any of the recipes myself), the process was quite a bit different than a traditional cookbook. I was able to handpick what I
considered to be 75 of the best restaurants in town and then it was up to me to convince the chefs to share their recipes with us. From there, it was a lot of rewriting, editing and formatting, to make sure all of the recipes made sense for home cooks. Then came the photo shoots and the interviews, which was definitely my favorite part. I love hearing from passionate, talented people about what food means to them and how they translate that to their tables. What makes your cookbook unique? First of all, this book includes over 100 recipes from insanely talented chefs, so it makes cooking your favorite restaurant dishes at home not only possible, but easy! Plus, in addition to being a cookbook, this book really tells the story of Atlanta’s dining scene. Each restaurant has its own profile along with its recipe. We were also able to include sidebars on other food-related happenings in Atlanta, like the great beer scene, or the incredible farmers markets and the groundbreaking food halls.
IT’S FISHY ONE OF KATE’S FAVORITE [ UMI ] RECIPES FROM HER COOKBOOK
Black Cod Misoyaki (Serves 2) INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup mirin 1/2 cup sake, boiled about 3 minutes to evaporate alcohol and chilled 1 cup white miso 1 tablespoon salt 10 ounces black cod, filleted and cut into 1-inch slices 1 lemon for garnish
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
In a nonreactive bowl, mix the sugar, mirin, and sake together until the sugar is dissolved. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Add the mixture to the white miso and purée in a food processor until smooth. Set aside. Lightly salt the cod and allow to dehydrate at room temperature for 15 minutes. Rinse the fish in cool water to remove all of the salt, and dry with a paper towel.
Pour three-quarters of the white miso marinade over the fish and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days (yes, days!). Remove the fish from the marinade and place on a grill preheated to 425°F. Cook until well done, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Carefully place the fish on a plate with the remaining white miso dressing on the side. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon.
What are some of your favorite recipes from the cookbook? Some of my favorite Buckhead restaurants in the book are Kyma, Aria, Seven Lamps, Umi, Watershed and Woodfire Grill. Chef Pano’s [Pano Karatassos of Kyma] whole grilled sea bass recipe is one of my favorites from the book. I think Seven Lamps is one of the most underrated restaurants in all of Atlanta and I can only think it’s because of its surreptitious location—look for Chef Drew Van Leuvan’s recipe for twice-cooked cumin wings. Umi is my go-to for sushi, and even after visiting Japan, I still think it’s the best sushi I’ve ever had. I was beyond thrilled when they agreed to share their black cod misoyaki recipe—it’s one of my all-time favorite dishes. What was the hardest cooking technique for you to master? I’ve yet to truly master any baking skills. It’s too precise for my cooking style. But I do feel like my knife skills aren’t half bad. It took me a while to get comfortable and chop swiftly, but watch enough Food Network—and have a sharp-enough knife—and you’ll get there. n
Meet the Author Join Kordsmeier and some of Atlanta’s best chefs for dinner and a book signing on January 18 at Umi. For details, email kpkords@gmail.com.
Buckhead
Full service b ar live music Festive patio
BuckheaD 404.841.8472 3400 Aroun d L en ox D r, Buc khead, GA 30326
TradiTional indian food in a n o n T r a d i T i o n a l aT m o s p h e r e
D e c at u r 404.633.9233 1363 C l airmon t R d, D ec at ur, GA 30033
w w w. b h o j a n i c . c o m
Shops Around Lenox Next to Crate & Barrel™
Just North of N.Decatur and Clairmont Rd Intersection
Craft Beer that
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Four Locations ITP (Inside the Perimeter)
Independent Family Owned Since 1979 Turnke y Office,Virtual & Meeting Spaces Professional Barista Free Zone
Gordon-Biersch Buckhead 3242 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA, 30305 404.264.0253
(404) 250-3200 www.PeachtreeOffices.com
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY D E LICIOUS
FEATURED RESTAURANTS A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead BY: Wendell
Brock
PHOTOS:
Sara Hanna
BHOJANIC After two meals at this North Indian restaurant, I’ve come to admire the flavorful, long-simmered, aromatic home cooking. The Samosa Chat was a wonderful smash-up of potato-and-pea samosas topped with tamarind and mint chutneys and cool yogurt. As for the entrées, I really loved the intensely flavored goat curry and wanted to sop up every drop of the gravy with rice. This second location of Archna Becker’s beloved Decatur restaurant is an appealing minimalist space, and it’s easy to get in and out and have a solid and affordable meal. We are delighted that it’s finally here. Tapas and appetizers: $4-$9 Entrées and thalis: $12-$18 www.bhojanic.com
BUCKHEAD DINER This indispensible, neon-splashed diner is a jewel in the crown of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, which includes the Greek temple-like Kyma next door and the Atlanta Fish Market down the street. For 27 years, fans have flocked here for the housemade chips with Maytag blue, the “sweet heat” Thai-chili calamari, juicy burgers and the decadent white chocolate banana cream pie—all classics. Simply by
virtue of the way it lights up Piedmont Road, this diner has always been, and will always be, a star. Appetizers: $6-$12 Sandwiches and burgers: $13-$16 Entrees: $17-$30 www.buckheadrestaurants.com/ buckhead-diner
CAFÉ AT PHARR New Orleans owns the po’boy. Philadelphia has its cheese steaks. Maine gave us the lobster roll. So … what about Buckhead? I’d have to say that the neighborhood’s defining dish is chicken salad, the classic bird-andmayo spread that can be crammed in your mouth between slices of bread or eaten daintily with a fork. Thanks to the entrepreneurial zeal of Johnny Liu—whose Taiwanese immigrant parents opened the original Café at Pharr in 1993—this comfort food has become a new fast food. You have to love the story of Café at Pharr. An enterprising family comes up with a formula that charms and beguiles the locals: Fresh food served in an accessible and unfussy environment that never loses its friendly neighborhood feel. Entrée sandwiches and salads: $7.50-$9.50 www.cafeatpharr.com
Buckhead Diner’s banana cream pie, buried under an avalanche of whitechocolate shavings, never goes out of style.
Davio’s Top sirloin with a Gorgonzola crust, wilted greens and crispy fries is a dish fit for a king, especially when paired with Davio’s Reserve Cabernet.
DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE With its handmade pasta, terrific steaks and foundation of classic Italian dishes, the Atlanta outpost of Massachusettsbased chef-preneur Steve DiFillippo sets a higher-than-usual standard for a mall restaurant. Fine-food lovers flock to Phipps Plaza for Davio’s delicious fried calamari, tagliatelle Bolognese, and warm spinach salad like ravenous shoppers on the hunt for Louis Vuitton bags, Tiffany silver and Dior gowns. And they can do no better than the buttery medallion of impeccably grilled top sirloin, slathered with Gorgonzola and paired with wilted spinach and sea-salt-and-truffle-oil fries. No wonder the Davio’s menu is as tantalizing as the shoe department at Nordstrom. Appetizers and salads: $9-$16 Pastas, entrées and steaks: $18-$48 www.davios.com/atl
FARM BURGER Of the locally pastured gourmet-burger chains, Farm Burger, which has a Buckhead shop on Piedmont Road near Tower Place, has long been a favorite. And it’s hard to imagine a more decadent list of toppings for your grass-fed, dry-aged patty than oxtail marinade, apple slaw, red-bean chili, pork belly, bone marrow, cured lardo, bacon, fried egg or the six kinds of cheese.
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Keep your eye on the blackboard for seasonal specials, too. In spring, you might get a burger decked out with Vidalias and pesto; in summer, a dollop of peach chutney. While we don’t normally pass on beer-battered onion rings, Farm Burger’s sweet potato fries are irresistible. Snacks: $2-$4 Burgers: $6.75-$8.50 www.farmburger.net
DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE While the Texas-based chain is known for superb steaks, fusion appetizers and flatbreads, we think the burgers are sensational. In particular, the Pimento Cheese Burger, an uptown riff on the Big Mac, is a tower of juicy deliciousness: two patties with lettuce, tomato and pickle; plus housemade “sloppy sauce” (it’s like a smooth Thousand Island); plus two generous smears of pimento cheese, which slides down the stack and seals in all that juicy goodness. Del Frisco’s gets special points for packaging: The burger sits coyly in a partly open paper wrapper, while the fries are in a little paper cone on the side. A cold frothy draft beer is the clincher. Appetizers: $7-$16.50 Sandwiches & flatbreads: $12.50-$18 Steaks: $29.50-$39.50 www.delfriscosgrille.com/atlanta
GEORGIA GRILLE
LITTLE BANGKOK
Twenty-two years after its opening, Georgia Grille remains true to Atlantaborn owner Karen Hilliard’s original vision, which means she still splashes the bright flavors of Santa Fe onto the plates of her happy and devoted customers. The French-trained Hilliard dresses her creations in voluptuous cream sauces accented with smoky poblanos or tart tomatillos—and drizzles them with colorful squirtbottle squiggles of flavor. We dug her smoked-pollo enchiladas, which are stuffed with onion and sour cream, smothered with green-chile sauce and tomato salsa and served with a little salad in a taco-shell cup. The flat-iron steak, rubbed with salt and spices and cooked until its crust is charred, was another solid choice. Atlanta has plenty of regional restaurants, but a good Southwestern place is hard to find. Hilliard, who lives in nearby Peachtree Hills, knows what her neighbors want, and she dares not let them down.
Little Bangkok is a decidedly humble hole-in-the-wall, yet many Atlanta ethnic-foodies insist that it is their favorite go-to joint for casual Thai. Not the fussy business of intricately carved radishes and gilded bowls. Not the throwaway curries and stir-fries of lastchance airport concessions and mall food courts. Little Bangkok is that happy place somewhere in the middle—a spot where the spring rolls are always crispy and the pad thai always a plate of tangy-sweet comfort, and where adventuresome diners can savor the green-peppercorn bite of spicy catfish and the sweet, Rice-Krispie weirdness of mee krob. At its best, Little Bangkok is like a brief, belly-pleasing adventure to the Land of Smiles.
Entrées: $15-$31 www.georgiagrille.com
Pasto Vino’s classic veal piccata packs the zing of lemon and capers.
Entrées: $8-$18 www.littlebangkokatlanta.com
PASTA VINO You can surely find trendier pizza parlors or posher places to eat Italian in Atlanta. But if you are looking for
The Pig-N-Chik pulled-pork plate with mac and cheese and slaw.
old-fashioned linguini with clam sauce or chicken Florentine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with a loyal following, this Buckhead favorite has got you covered. The restaurant is beloved by many for its home-style cooking, casual ambiance, reasonable prices and a staff of servers who have acquired faithful customers of their own. Owner Nancy Powell treasures her crew, most of whom have been on the job for more than 10 years. Given the refined state of Italian dining in America today, Pasta Vino is not likely to win any awards for innovation or inspiration. But it remains a perfectly fine, frequently delicious, middle-of-the-road trattoria. Starters and salads: $2-$10 Entrées: $10-$22 www.pastavinoatlanta.com
PIG-N-CHIK
The meatloaf from Okay Café, shown here with macaroni and cheese and broccoli, is stellar.
Co-owner Jim Graddy tells me he learned the art of the pit on his granddaddy’s pig farm in Manchester, Ga. Graddy remembers cooking whole hogs all night long over hot coals, and when I tear into his pulled-pork sandwich—a delicious pile of pink, smoke-tinged meat between two thick slabs of white bread—I believe him. Graddy has proudly transported his family’s traditions to his casual Southern ’cue counter. Man, is the food good. The fresh-tasting coleslaw (with just a little mayo) and excellent new potato salad are just the things to cut the richness of the succulent pork. Some other tasty go-withs are fried okra, long-cooked collards, mac and
cheese and Brunswick stew. I’m sated. I’m sauce-splashed. I need a moist towelette and a nap. Entrées: $8-$24 www.pignchik.net
WOODFIRE GRILL After a three-hour, four-course dinner with cocktails and wine, we can report without hesitation: The Woodfire team remains at the top of its game. We decided to investigate by checking in on a crucial Tuesday. Woodfire is closed on Mondays, so Tuesday night is the swing shift, when the week’s new dishes are being tweaked, wine pairings selected and the staff is on high alert to absorb it all and not go blank when customers ask what the orange mayonnaise-y stuff in the bouillabaisse is. (It’s the classic aioli-like French sauce called rouille.) While it could use a bit of a makeover on the design end, the food and service show no signs of wavering. First and second courses: $8-$18 Main courses: $20-$42 Five-course tasting menu: $70 Seven-course grand tasting menu: $90 www.woodfiregrill.com
Hungry for more? Visit the Simply Buckhead website to read all of our Restaurant Reviews! www.simplybuckhead.com
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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PRESTON LEE HALIBURTON The Haliburton Law Firm is a Buckhead-based full service law firm dedicated to full recovery for all our clients. From complex corporate litigation, to personal injury, to wrongful arrest, we are in your corner!
Buckheadʼs neighborhood bistro
Lunch|Cocktails|Dinner
Bellini Night every Wednesday evening 5 - 8 p.m. featuring $6 Bellinis 3060 Peachtree Rd. Suite 785 • Atlanta, GA 30305 Office: 404-CER-TAIN • 404-237-8246 • Cell: 404-217-9028 Prestonhaliburton@gmail.com
3630 Peachtree Rd. NE Atlanta 30326
404-254-1797 www.fandbatl.com
JH JAMES HURLEY DESIGNS Floral • Events • Interiors • Gardens
renew ‧ recover ‧ rejuvenate
Some benefits of Icebox include: • Natural detox & energy booster • Aids in relief of muscle & joint pain • Increases circulation & reduces inflammation • Tightens skin & reduces the appearance of cellulite
404.817.7773 jameshurleydesigns.com Call us for a complimentary consultation.
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
Icebox provides innovative services that stimulate the body’s natural healing process 3872 Roswell Rd, #A-2 • Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 890-7066 • IceboxTherapy.com
S IMPLY B U CKHEAD COV ER S TORY
Happy tales Photos: Sara Hanna Photography
PETS
KIDS
Family-friendly stories of entrepreneurship, philanthropy and four-legged friends.
P70 Compassionate companions
P66 Parent-preneurs
Three animals dedicated to making lives better
Local moms and dads create kid-friendly products
P72 PET RESCUE HEROES P73 LEADER OF THE PACK P74 TRAINING FOR THE BIG TIME
P66 BEST PLACES TO PLAY
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead 
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C OVE R S T O RY
KIDS & PETS
Parent-preneurs Local moms and dads create kid-friendly products STORY:
D. Aileen Dodd PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
DESIGNING WOMAN
The joys of parenthood
Search for nursery décor launches a new career
inspired these three community residents to discover their entrepreneurial side and create new kid-friendly products that make the responsibilities of child rearing easier. These moms and dads saw a niche in the market and seized the opportunity, taking on risk to leave a legacy for their kids. Luckily, their ingenuity and ambition is paying off with demand for their products on the rise.
D
ivya Vaswani of Brookhaven was an expectant mother on a mission to design the perfect nursery. She searched malls and magazines for baby décor in vibrant hues that would give the room a splash of color. But all she found was muted pastels that gave her the baby blues. “Kids react to colors,” says Vaswani, owner of baby bedding company Rajer Rabbit and manager of strategic operations at KIS (cubed) Events. “I felt like there was something missing in the décor market.” Somewhere between late-night feedings and diaper changes of her newborn, Rajer, Vaswani had a brainstorm that launched a budding new baby brand. She thought that surely she wasn’t the only mom who wanted a break from predictable pastel. In India, where her parents were born and she spent several summer vacations as a child, adults and children wear brilliant colors and patterns to mark celebratory occasions from wedding to births. That’s when it hit her: Why not use those exotic colors and patterns to adorn babies in the United States? In 2013, Vaswani designed a line of muslin cotton
BEST PLACES TO PLAY STORY:
Sue Rodman
Kids just need space to run and play. Thankfully, our community has several playgrounds where kids can let off steam and just be kids. Although the local playground is always fun, sometimes it’s nice to try something new. The following play spaces offer something a bit more than just a swing set and monkey bars.
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CHASTAIN PARK PLAYGROUND Although this playground, near the NYO sports fields, currently looks like lots of other playgrounds with swings, slides and climbing structures, the Chastain Park Conservancy has plans to create a wonderful new play area that uses the natural terrain as a guide. Plans call for plenty of room for
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
blankets for swaddling and playtime inspired by her trips to India. Her line of “Rajer Rabbit” blankets are made with carved block prints and imported from India. They carry Hindi names like “Suraj,” which features dazzling patterns of the sun, and “Neela,” which has a blue denim look. Her line sold out on Zulilly.com in its first year. Mariella Shepherd of Brookhaven purchased Vaswani’s entire collection of blankets for her 22-month-old son. “When she showed them to me, I fell in love with them,” Shepherd says. “I love the material. I love the design. Every blanket has meaning. The first blanket that I got was the one with the Indian elephants. I use it to cover the stroller, the car seat and the crib. It is very light.” Shepherd, who is pregnant with a girl, said she is looking forward to swaddling her next baby in one of the nine imported blankets when she is born. “I have one in purple and gold.” Vaswani has had requests to create everything from clothing to crib sheets. “It’s a proud moment when I see a baby swaddled in one of my blankets. I have had a lot of people ask me for adult-size versions.” n
lawn play, as well as a tumble hill. In addition to repurposing the existing playground for young children, the Conservancy intends to have new ‘play pods’ to entice older children to play, with activities such as zip lines and racing slides. The Conservancy expects to break ground on the $2.8 million new playground in spring 2015 with a dedication set for late summer. There’s still time to donate to the playground by visiting www.ChastainConservancy.org and contributing to the 10th Anniversary Capital Campaign. 135 W. Wieuca Road N.W. Atlanta 30342 404.237.2177 www.chastainparkconservancy.org
GARDEN HILLS PLAYGROUND This playground is especially fun in the summer when you can go from pool to playground and back again. The Garden Hills Pool is a public pool that offers memberships to those who live in and outside of the neighborhood, as well as day passes. In addition to playground equipment, the sports field and pocket park make this playground special year round. The flat, sunken field is a perfect place for a pick-up game of soccer or tag. A wooded pocket park sits across from the playground. Its stone bridges and old-growth trees are a beautiful setting for family portraits, but the pocket park is also a great place for a short nature walk before a picnic
Divya Vaswani What I sell: Imported handcrafted blankets inspired by the culture of India. The blankets come in an assortment of patterns from bright paisleys to whimsical prints of elephants. Where my product is available: www.rajerrabbit.com. $23.95. My five-year plan: “To expand the line, come up with more designs and additional products. I would love to see them in more stores.”
lunch picked up from Publix at the nearby Peach Shopping Center. 335 Pine Tree Drive N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.848.7220 www.gardenhillspool.com
NOGUCHI PLAYSCAPE AT PIEDMONT PARK The Noguchi Playscape at Piedmont Park is located just inside the 12th Street gate and is another wonderful art-inspired playground. Isamu Noguchi was a sculptor and landscape garden designer whose playground designs achieved accolades only after his death. The playscape at Piedmont Park was completed in 1976 with involvement from Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, and renovated in 2013. It’s the only Noguchidesigned playground completed in his lifetime and the only playground in the United States. To visit other Noguchi playgrounds, you’ll have
to go to Sapporo or Yokohama, Japan. Noguchi called his playgrounds “the sculpture of spaces” and it’s easy to see why. Kids can find triangles, circles, squares and rectangles to crawl over, under and even through. Once the kids tire of the playground, go on a hunt around the park. Piedmont Park has downloadable activity sheets for a Scavenger Hunt, Habitat Hunt “I Spy,” Animal Tracks, and Nature Hunt available at www.piedmontpark.org/ programs/activity_sheets.html. 1071 Piedmont Avenue Atlanta 30309 404.876.4024 www.piedmontpark.org
OVERLOOK PARK AT MORGAN FALLS Kids will love the playground. Parents will love the view. Overlook Park is located on a bluff above the Chattahoochee River. The fireplace of a former homestead is the centerpiece for a circle of swings and benches. The playground has a soft turf base and canopy for shade from the hot sun. In addition to traditional equipment, there is a large rope spider web for climbing. Bring some bread to feed the ducks at the dock after the playground or take a short, easy hike along the trails. Note that the park can be hard to find. Travel down Morgan Falls Road until
Photo: Sue Rodman
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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TODAY’S BOOM BOX Executive dad-turned-inventor creates wireless product for kids on the go
L
ee Killian, a former radio executive, used to power walk through airports in sleek gray suits on his way to business trips. He flew so much that he could find his way with his eyes shut. But after a family vacation to the mountains two years ago, Killian gave up his executive title for a new title: Inventor. In April, he launched a revolutionary new product that now has him working from his Brookhaven home in khakis and loafers while his 10-year-old daughter plays nearby. His invention, Jambanz, is the first wearable Bluetooth wireless speaker on a slap band. The dad was inspired to create it after watching kids on his trip to Currahee Club near Toccoa try to talk and socialize while wearing headphones. “It was an awkward sight,” he says Killian, CEO of Jambanz. “I asked the kids, ‘What if you had your own affordable Bluetooth speaker that would allow you to enjoy your music without the headphones,’” Killian recalls. “We came up with the name Jambanz that night. The next thing you know, I was developing the product with partners, and we were selling Jambanz on Amazon.” Jambanz are inexpensive and easy to use. Kids can link Jambanz to their iPods or iPhones. The wireless technology allows them to play their music outside and still hear traffic or a parent calling them home. “It’s so cool,” says Killian’s daughter, Emma, who is learning the business with her dad. She pushes product just by wearing them to malls and outings with friends. “People are always asking me what it is.” Jambanz speakers are interchangeable from band to band so kids can match the candy colors with their mood. They come in tangerine, kiwi and black licorice. Five more colors will soon be added, including bubble gum and blueberry. What I sell: We have a patent on the first Killian says sales are picking up. wearable Bluetooth speaker in a slap band. He says he sells “hundreds” of Where my product is available: Jambanz each month. Amazon and Learning Express stores in An adult version, Jambanz Atlanta. Jambanz for kids cost $29.99. Pro, will also be available that My five-year plan: “We are launching a will play music and allow usKickstarter ers to answer calls through campaign to Jambanz while jogging. “I am help us develop having the most fun I have had massive distribuin years,” Killian says of his life as tion to big retail an inventor. “This is like a dream stores and a wider come true. I always wanted to selection of designs.” be an entrepreneur.” n
BEST PLACES TO PLAY you think you’ve gone too far, and then keep going. You’ll find the park around a sharp curve.
PLAYABLE ART PARK Kids aren’t only able to touch this art, they can climb, slide, jump, crawl, swing and play on it. The City of Sandy Springs officially opened the Playable Art Park at the Abernathy Greenway in July of 2014.
200 Morgan Falls Road Sandy Springs 30350 770.730.5600 www.sandyspringsga.org
70 Abernathy Road N.W. Sandy Springs 30328 770.393.1993 www.playableartpark.org Photo: City of Sandy Springs
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This unique playground, located in a milelong green space, allows kids to explore six fine-art sculptures. The pieces include a swing set with no upper crossbars, creating a perfect view of the sky; a dragonfly slide and climbing wall; a colorful mosaic to play in; a climbable spider; a granite relief to explore both inside and outside the sculpture; and a modern day jungle gym of twisting loops, swoops and curves.
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
Photo: Sandy Springs Conservancy
Lee Killian
C OV ER STORY
KIDS & PETS
SHARING TOO MUCH? Mom markets app that gives families a safe place to share online
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o share or not to share? That is the question more parents should consider before revealing too much about their kids online, warns Titania Jordan, the self-described “Chief Mom Officer” of a Buckhead tech firm with a free new app that protects family business from social media predators. Videos of baby milestones. Photos of family vacations. Blogs on new cars and raising teens. A parent’s footprint on social media can provide a disturbing amount of private information about their kids—information that can be accessed by strangers. “Should you blog about every detail in your life and use your first and last name?” asks Jordan, a Brookhaven resident, mother of a 5-yearold and chief marketing officer of KidsLink. “Do you really want your Facebook profile photo to be that of your kids? People are cyber swatting. They have no respect for copyright laws or digital privacy. They think if it’s online and they can get a screen shot of it, it’s theirs. Bloggers have seen photos of their families in ads in other countries.” KidsLink empowers moms and dads by providing a secure platform for them to share news about their kids with a select group of people. Parents can download the app for free on their iPhones (the app will be available for Android users in 2015) and control who sees what they post. Users can build profiles about their individual family members, and allow them to post, or restrict access with parental controls. What I sell: A free app that em“Our app gives parents the ability to share with 10 powers moms and dads, helps to 20 of their close friends and family in a private sothem get organized and protects cial network,” Jordan says. “We are stalker free. Unlike their children’s digital legacy. Facebook and Twitter, you cannot search for people Where my product is available: on KidsLink unless you have their phone numbers.” www.mykidslink.com KidsLink’s features were designed with help from My five-year plan: Jordan to be irresistible to moms. The app can be “I see us being as used for scrapbooking and storing secure photos big as Facebook. of immunization records and birth certificates. We will be the KidsLink even reminds parents to schedule place parents go medical checkups for their kids. Thousands have to manage their downloaded it since it debuted in September. family’s world.” “In our generation, it takes a virtual village to raise a child,” Jordan says. n
Titania Jordan
A MOMENT FOR MOM There are a variety of “Mom’s Day Out” programs in Atlanta. Most require pre-registration, so contact the facility before making plans. l The Carl E. Sanders Buckhead YMCA has a variety of drop-in programs that include Parents Morning Out (PMO), as well as Parents Night Out (PNO). PMO classes run in sessions and are available for children 18
months to five years old. PNO is for children 18 months to 12 years old and can be scheduled per evening. Classes are open to non-YMCA members for an additional fee.
enjoy the loft, art center, dramatic play area and rotating toy selection.
404.350.9292 www.ymcaatlanta.org/sby
l The Cathedral of St. Philip Mother’s Morning Out is open to all members of the Atlanta community and provides a bright, loving environment for children three months to four years old, five days a week during the school year. Children attend a music class twice a week and are otherwise engaged with pretend play, stories and
l You don’t have to be Jewish to take advantage of the fantastic programs at the Marcus Jewish Center in Dunwoody. The Kid Zone offers flexible drop-off childcare for kids six months to five years old. While there, children
678.812.4000 www.atlantajcc.org
other age-appropriate activities. 404.365.1000 www.stphilipscathedral.org l Buckhead’s The Little Nook boutique education program is like a fairy tale come to life. Children learn through play in the Enchanted Forest, art room, glow-in-the-dark music room and exploration room. The Little Nook offers walk-in, monthly and yearly classes for children three months to five years old. 404.846.2232 www.thelittlenook.net
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Compassionate companions STORY:
H.M. Cauley PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
Three animals dedicated to making lives better There’s something so comforting about cuddling up with a purring cat or enjoying a jog with a loyal dog. Our pets are often those nonjudgmental, always supportive companions who, regardless of our moods, offer us their devotion. And some pets go even further. Not only do they provide unconditional love, they also provide needed support for the seriously ill and disabled. Three such exceptional animals make their homes in Buckhead, acting as a young girl’s medical monitor, an example of survival and hope, and a set of legs for those who can’t walk on their own.
Kokua Owners: Don and Krista Johnson and their daughter, Gigi (pictured)
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he Alpharetta-based Canine Assistants is one of the premier facilities in the country that trains dogs to be working companions for the visually or physically impaired. About two years ago, the nonprofit also began training dogs to be sensitive to physical conditions, such as the Type I diabetes 10-year-old Gigi Johnson was diagnosed with. The Westminster student heard about the program through a presentation at her Brownie troop and took the idea back to her parents, who put their names on a waiting list. It took a year, but in the fall of 2013, the family was finally invited to the facility where five trained dogs were introduced to Gigi. “They came into the room one by one, and we got to see which ones were most attentive to her,” recalls Krista Johnson. “We wanted the dog to be a good personality match for a young child, but it also had to be very friendly and not aggressive so it could go with her to school. As soon as Kokua came in, she was smelling Gigi’s insulin pump and sniffing her all over. I think in some ways, the dog picked the person.”
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Kokua, a 2-year-old goldendoodle (half golden retriever, half poodle), had been at the facility since her puppy days and was only the second dog Canine Assistants trained to sniff out sugar imbalances. After the match was made, the family collected swabs from Gigi’s mouth and sent them to the facility where they were used to train Kokua to recognize the girl’s distinctive scents. After several more months of training, Kokua finally became part of the Johnson family last fall. Wearing an official working dog vest, she accompanies Gigi to school and her daily activities from homework to playing with her siblings, 7-year-old Bram and 6-year-old Piper. She’s always alert to any shifts in her owner’s physical condition and ready with a gentle tug on the girl’s shirt or pants to let her know it’s time for medication. “It doesn’t happen very often, but she even lets me know if there’s a problem in the middle of the night,” Gigi says. “The best part is she makes me feel there’s always someone on my side. And she’s really snuggly and fuzzy.” The entire family, as well as their cocker spaniel Lula, has taken to Kokua as well. “When she has her vest on, she’s very calm and doesn’t seek attention,” Krista says. “But when it’s off, she’s on the furniture, romping with our other dog and opening Tupperware containers to eat food she’s not supposed to. She’s such fun and nice to be around, but at the same time, she gives us tremendous peace of mind.” n
Roxy
Owner: Laurie Berkin
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aving been bred to chase lions, it’s surprising that 10-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback Roxy isn’t always running at breakneck speeds. But this 85-pound trained therapy dog is one of the most popular visitors to a number of local hospitals and care facilities where her calm demeanor brings a degree of peace. And she has a story to tell that makes her even more appealing to patients. “Roxy’s a cancer survivor herself,” says owner Laurie Berkin, who got the dog from a breeder when she was a few months old. “In the summer of 2013, she had a skin cancer tumor removed and went through chemotherapy, just like the patients we visit at St. Joseph’s radiation oncology center. For a year, she went for treatment every three months, just like a person, and had tests to make sure there were no other tumors. The good news is that in September she had a year of clean scans, so now she only goes back every six months.” Even before Roxy had her own story of survival, she and Berkin were making the rounds at Northside and St. Joseph’s hospitals and a Dunwoody rehab center as part of the Happy Tails Pet Therapy program. In the last nine years, Roxy’s become an attraction because of her spiky mane, an unusual feature of the breed. But her size sometimes made Berkin wonder if she was well suited to visit hospital rooms. “For a while I was really worried about her jumping up on the beds, which she does,” Berkin says. “But once there, she snuggles up and lets people pet her. She’s also tall enough that she’s practically bed level, so people can just reach out and pet her, too. Everyone’s fascinated by the hair on her back; it’s like a mohawk.” Four years ago, Roxy and Berkin went through crisis response training so they can be part of a response team that goes in after an emergency or natural disaster to offer emotional support to victims. “It’s usually well above and beyond hospital visits; it’s dealing with people who are in crisis,” Berkin says. “The good news is there was never a disaster that we’ve been called out for. More people get to hear about Roxy’s cancer, and it’s amazing to see how they react to her as if she were a human survivor. It’s another positive story for them to hear.” n
Apache Owner: Chastain Horse Park Therapy Program; Kelcy Rainer, manager
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f the 20 horses that participate in the Chastain Horse Park’s therapeutic riding program, perhaps none is as adaptable and easy-going as Apache. The 27-year-old palomino Appaloosa has been providing support for disabled riders since he was purchased in 2006. To participate in the program, Apache completed several months of training largely centered on desensitization, such as having rubber balls tossed under his hooves and trotting around a ring with walkers close by his sides, to make him ready for whatever situations a therapy session might create. What makes him a particular favorite with the youngsters who ride him is his unflappability, says program manager Kelcy Rainer. “Our horses need to have a really good temperament that can handle the strenuous work of carrying a lot of off-balance weight,” she says. “Apache is our Steady Eddie. He tolerates larger, unbalanced riders, and he takes care of our smaller pipsqueaks that he can barely feel on his back. He’s patient and accommodating in difficult circumstances; for instance, we utilize a lift for riders who are in wheelchairs or immobile, and the apparatus can be very scary to some
horses. But Apache just goes about his job willingly and helps so many clients achieve their goals.” Those goals are physical, cognitive and social, Rainer explains. “A horse’s natural gait mimics a person’s walking gait, so sitting on a horse exercises and strengthens the same muscles as walking. The rhythmic motion even helps people who have trouble organizing thoughts. Plus there’s an emotional bond between the rider and the horse that’s great; the horse is nonjudgmental. And it’s empowering for a 6- or 7-year-old to get on this 1,000-pound being and control it.” Apache spends most of his days working with riders, but he occasionally gets to break out of his working routine. In October, he was part of the program’s horse show, sporting a costume from “The Lion King” and looking every bit a regal creature. And every so often, he does show a little bit of ego, Rainer says. “He can be a little bit grouchy at times,” she says with a laugh. “But he also has a sixth sense that tells him when to bow his head to the lap of an 11-yearold in a wheelchair. He’s very endearing.” n
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KIDS & PETS
Pet rescue heroes Four Buckhead residents commit time and passion to furry friends STORY:
LAUREN GENKINGER Adopt a Golden Atlanta Founder
“G
Alexa Lampasona
iving up a dog is a very hard thing to do and there are many reasons why people have to do it. I was sensitive to these owners because I was one of them.” says Lauren Genkinger, a Buckhead resident. She founded Adopt a Golden in an effort to save golden retrievers from the fate of a local shelter. In 2003, she was involved with Dixie Golden Retriever Rescue, but it was shutting down at the end of the year, and the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta focused on shelters. Genkinger wanted to help with owner surrenders. “[When] I had to give up my beloved golden retriever, it was the hardest thing I ever did. I vowed I would help people in circumstances like mine and let them know their pet would be taken care of,” Genkinger says. Buckhead-based Adopt a Golden rescues an average of 250 golden retrievers each year, many of whom are given up by their owners for various causes, such as financial and medical reasons or behavior issues. Since the nonprofit started in 2003, they have rescued and rehomed more than 3,000 golden retrievers to permanent homes in Atlanta alone. Now the nonprofit is the largest breed rescue on the East Coast and one of the top five in the country. Beyond Atlanta, Adopt a Golden has expanded to Knoxville and Birmingham. No golden retriever is turned down, as it homes all goldens regardless of their medical conditions or age. www.adoptagolden.com
GREG PROKOPCHAK Atlanta Pet Rescue Board of Directors Chair
Photo: SAlexa Lampasona
hat started as a trip to donate toys solidified into a longtime commitment for Brookhaven resident Greg Prokopchak. As he was leaving Atlanta Pet Rescue’s shelter, a calico cat caught his eye and winked. The cat, named Phoebe, found her forever home with Prokopchak that day. “I look at the animals in the shelter and I always ask them the same question, ‘What is your story and what brought you here?’” Propkopchak says. “Our pets give us such unconditional love and, long ago, I made the decisions to put my efforts and energy into helping these animals find a better life. Through no fault of their own, they ended up in our shelter, which is a much better place.” He was hooked by the kindness of the staff and on that day he visited the shelter in 2008, he made a commitment to volunteer and support the organization financially. In 2013, Propkopchak was invited to join the board of directors, where he supports the leadership and staff through fundraising efforts and community outreach. Atlanta Pet Rescue, founded in 2000, works with shelters, animal control facilities and pet rescue groups around the state to rescue dogs and cats. All pets are temperament tested, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated before they are deemed adoptable. www.atlantapetrescue.org
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ELIZABETH RICKENBAKER Atlanta Humane Society 1873 Society Club Vice Chair
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fter Buckhead resident Elizabeth Rickenbaker adopted her own cat, Bixby, from the Atlanta Humane Society, she began volunteering at the shelter. In 2011, she joined the board as cochair of the 1873 Society Club, which is an internal organization that targets 20- to 40-year-olds. “I have always been an advocate for animals, so having the opportunity to lead an organization that does this on such a large level has offered me great fulfillment,” Rickenbaker says. “I knew it was a reputable organization with a wide impact, so I felt that it was the perfect place to focus my energies.” The 1873 Society Club brings together what Rickenbaker believes are the future advocates and supporters of the organization because they are the ones who will continue to donate time and finances as the Atlanta Humane Society grows. She has noticed the members of the 1873 Society Club are always looking for a way to give back. In 2014, the club opened to the community at large and gained more than 100 members. By utilizing the highly connected social and business networks of this age group, the club has raised awareness for animal welfare through fundraising and events, including the Spring Social and The Humane Event in the fall. Founded in 1873, the Atlanta Humane Society is the oldest charitable organization in Atlanta. It continues to fulfill its mission to prevent neglect, abuse, cruelty and exploitation of animals. More than 8,000 animals in Atlanta are adopted each year through the nonprofit. www.atlantahumane.org
Photo: SAlexa Lampasona
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Photos: Sara Hanna Photography Photo: Alexa Lampasona
AMY LANCE Fix Georgia Pets Co-Director
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my Lance thought she was just caring for a rescue temporarily. “A friend brought me a one-year-old Catahoula, which was found starving in the woods. We already had one dog and I wasn’t ready for two. But as I researched the odds of a dog’s fate in a shelter, it broke my heart to think of him ending up there.” Lance ended up keeping the rescue, but it opened her eyes to Georgia’s pet overpopulation. In 2013, she became co-director of Fix Georgia Pets, after founders Ginny Millner and Rubye Reid invited her to ramp up the fundraising efforts and growth. With 18 years in the nonprofit sector working with chronic diseases, Lance saw that a solution to fix pets was within the community’s reach. More than 300,000 pets are euthanized each year, making Georgia a state with one of the highest kill rates. Fix Georgia Pets was created in 2012 to address the root of the cause as a whole and has since made a significant impact on the problem. The nonprofit coordinates and funds low-cost spaying and neutering programs for pet owners. Lance says the problem is especially common in rural areas where low-income pet owners want to fix their pets, but can’t afford it. Those who support Fix Georgia Pets are stretching their dollars, because Fix Georgia Pets coordinates with several animal organizations around the state. www.fixgeorgiapets.org
LEADER OF THE PACK Meet the dynamo behind a local hospital’s physical-therapy pooches
STORY:
Maria Carter
For those who’ve had the unfortunate experience of sustaining a brain or spinal cord injury, the grueling work of learning to walk or talk again can seem insurmountable. Yet when dog trainer Kellie Cosby walks into the Shepherd Center with her two Rottweilers Mazie and Coosa and Belgian Laekenois Hannibal, patients often find new motivation, pushing themselves physically during animal-assisted therapy. Cosby, the owner of Cosby’s Therapy Animals, helped launch the program at the center with her late partner, Bill Reynolds, in 1991. Cosby, who splits her time between a condo at the Plaza Towers in Buckhead and a home in Ball Ground, Georgia, calls the rehab setting inspiring: “There are so many good outcomes.” Here, we talk with Cosby about training canines, animal personalities, and how her brand of therapy makes physical rehab feel more like play. How did you get into this line of work? My son, Matthew, contracted spinal meningitis at seven days old. During the 30 or so days he spent at Scottish Rite, I refused to leave him for any length of time. I would go home just to shower, and sometimes return with one of our dogs. One day a physician saw me and said, ‘You have such nice dogs; wouldn’t it be great if you could let some of the kids pet them?’ My son made a full recovery and I became very interested in being more than just a friendly face at the hospital.
cal therapy mat can be frightening because you no longer have your center of balance. If a patient likes dogs—luckily, 80 percent of the population does— it will comfort them. Depending on the patient’s injury and level of strength, we may ask them to reach out and pet the dog or throw a ball for the dog to retrieve. We might put them in a wheelchair and have them do a wheelchair push while walking the dog. There also have been several documented incidents where patients who were comatose have said the dog is the one who woke them up.
How do your dogs help patients? The main thing is motivating them to achieve their therapy goals. When you’re partially paralyzed, getting on a physi-
Do you have therapy animals besides dogs? Yes, I’m training a Bengal kitten. She walks on a leash. I realized there are a lot of people who would appreciate a cat more
than a dog. I’ve been taking her to Shepherd Center for a few months now—the patients really love her. How do you train a cat? Very carefully. It has nothing to do with obedience; it’s about personality. But that’s true for dogs too—we screen them to make sure they have the makeup and personality for this sort of work. Dogs can be trained, but we want them to enjoy this. How can you tell if the dog is enjoying it? Some dogs are homebodies—just like people, they have personalities. I start them at seven weeks of age with basic puppy training, housebreaking, socialization and basic obedience. By the time they are 6 to 8 months old, I’ll be able to tell if they enjoy riding in a car and being in public. What breeds are best suited for becoming therapy animals? I enjoy the working breeds— Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds. Right now I have two Rottweilers and a Belgian Laekenois. I’m not opposed to using mixed-breed dogs but I prefer those with pedigrees I can trace. They have to be outgoing to be in a hospital setting. My dogs know how to work a room better than any politician. n
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TRAINING FOR THE
BIG TIME Bert Weiss’ lovable bulldog shows off his talent STORY:
H.M. Cauley PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
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Riggins Owner: Bert Weiss Trainer: Jennifer Gagne
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very Thursday morning, animal trainer Jennifer Gagne heads to the Sandy Springs home of Q100’s The Bert Show radio personality Bert Weiss for her hour-long appointment with the household’s next Hollywood star: Weiss’ bulldog, Riggins. Gagne’s goal is to get the 1-year-old pet in shape to handle the chaos of a movie set. The idea of turning Riggins into an actor bubbled up last spring, when Gagne, then working for an animal talent agency, was looking for a bulldog for a commercial. A friend connected her to Riggins, and though the shoot never happened, Gagne was asked to work with the dog in preparation for the next opportunity. “When we started, he was just a puppy and didn’t even know ‘sit’ or ‘stay’,” Gagne says. “But when the family saw how much he was learning during the few weeks I worked with him, they asked me to come every week. So now we’re working on anything I think he’ll need to do that I’ve seen in scripts. He’s getting good at riding a skateboard and pushing open doors.” Along with developing special talents and mastering basic commands, Gagne focused on getting Riggins ready to handle the racket of a crowded set. “He’s learned how to answer commands when there are distractions, which is important when you’re on a set. You have to have a dog that will do what you need him to do when asked. Right now, he has a strong sit and stay, and he also knows ‘on your mark’ and ‘watch me.’ He can stay in one place for a long time, which is very hard for dogs to do.” The training also includes getting out in public and socializing. “He really needs to get used to loud places,” Gagne says. “He’s not quite there yet, but I think in another year, he’ll be very solid.” But the competition for four-legged stars can be just as intense as it is for human actors, Gagne points out. “It all depends on what they’re looking for. A lot of jobs never pan out. But you have to be ready for the next casting call.” n If you think your dog’s got talent, Gagne can be reached at 843.696.8660 or jtgagne1@yahoo.com.
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Buckhead Business Association presents
2015 Annual Luncheon Thursday, January 22, 2015 The BBA hosts an Annual Luncheon each January, which brings together BBA members, community and civic leaders, business executives, and local media. The Annual Luncheon features a keynote address by one of Georgia’s business elite as well as the presentation of several community awards, including the prestigious Buckhead Business of the Year Award. Each year, the BBA honors five Buckhead businesses that fill a niche in the market, showcase excellent customer service, and demonstrate a commitment to the community. Other BBA annual awards include Bullish on Buckhead, the Buckhead Beautification Award and Entrepreneur of the Year. For additional information and to register, please visit www.buckheadbusiness.org
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B U Z Z | C H A RI TA B L E | S C E N E
SIMPLY HAPPENING
Above: Atlanta Ballet company dancers at last year’s ball. Below: Atlanta Ballet leadership from left to right: Executive Director Arturo Jacobus, Centre Dean Sharon Story, Robert Barnett, Board Chair Allen Nelson and Artistic Director John McFall.
SPOTLIGHT
Photos: Kimberly Evans
Atlanta Ballet Ball celebrates two noteworthy anniversaries Atlanta Ballet Ball Feb. 21 St. Regis Hotel Atlanta 88 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.873.5811 ext. 208 www.atlantaballet.com/ get-involved/ballet-ball
The 2015 Atlanta Ballet Ball will mark two significant milestones for Atlanta Ballet. The motto, “A tribute to our past, a celebration of the future,” celebrates the company’s 85th year and the Atlanta Ballet Ball’s 35th anniversary. The event is hosted by chairs Doug Weiss, former professional ballet dancer and founder of Doug Weiss Interiors, and his partner, Chris Casey. Special to this year’s ball, all prior Ballet Ball chairs are honored. Throughout its 85 years, Atlanta Ballet
is touted as one of the country’s premier ballet organizations and is the official state ballet of Georgia. They continue to empower and educate audiences through dance with performances and events throughout the year. The Atlanta Ballet Ball is the organization’s largest fundraising event, and all proceeds from the event directly benefit operations and initiatives, including the Centre for Dance Education, which allows children and adults to continue their passion for dance. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by a seated dinner catered by the St. Regis at 7 p.m. The program features a ballet performance by Atlanta Ballet company members and it offers a preview of resident choreographer Helen Pickett’s production “Camino Real.” Throughout the evening, live and silent auctions are available for bidding, includ-
ing a private chef’s tasting at King + Duke, a Scotland weekend golf getaway, a hotel package from the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta and certificates for Fifth Group Restaurants. Individual tickets for the Atlanta Ballet Ball are $500, or table seating for eight begins at $5,000. Patron packages are $1,500 for two. For reservations and more information, call 404.873.5811, extension 213. – Alexa Lampasona
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S I M P LY H APP E N ING
BUZZ
Events, exhibits, galas and more
Alexa Lampasona
The Cask Ale Tasting features more than 40 rare cask-conditioned ales.
Taste of Love ball benefits the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia.
Kids get a chance to play superhero for a day at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta Super Kids Save the World exhibit.
Photo: Phil Farrell
Photo: Andria Lavine
Photo: The Magic House
BIG MIKE GEIER AND HIS KINGSIZED JAZZ QUARTET Jan. 18 6110 Bluestone Road Sandy Springs 30328 404.851.9111 ext. 4 www.heritagesandysprings.org Smooth sounds of swooning jazz float through the air as Heritage Sandy Springs’ annual “Heritage Winter Classics” series continues through the new year. Once a month, the outdoor park will fill with harmony to celebrate jazz and classical music. For January’s live performance, Big Mike Geier and his Kingsized Jazz Quartet take the stage. The quartet was named both for Geier’s 6-foot-8 presence and his rich baritone vocals. His style is compared to that of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. The concert is held in the heart of Sandy Springs at Heritage Hall. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the concert runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5.
CASK ALE TASTING Jan. 24 5 Seasons Brewing Company & Taco Mac Prado 5600 Roswell Road Sandy Springs 30342 404.255.5911 www.classiccitybrew.com/acat Calling all beer geeks! Sandy Springs’ Cask Ale Tasting draws more than 40 premium cask-conditioned ales from both the United States and United Kingdom. The malty, aromatic beers that are classified as ales use barley, malt and rye to produce an unfiltered, unpasteurized and non-carbonated beverage. The lineup of participating breweries includes locals, such as Monday Night Brewing and Three Taverns, as well as national
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breweries New Belgium Brewing and Highland Brewing Company. All guests will take home a free Monday Night Brewing souvenir pint glass. Tickets are $43.99 and can be purchased online at www. xorbia.com/e/brewtopia/atlantacask-ale-tasting-2015. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta Humane Society. The event is from 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot outside both restaurants. Guests will have the option to purchase food from both 5 Seasons Brewing Company and Taco Mac for 10 percent off.
RAINFOREST ADVENTURES Jan. 29-March 15 Center for Puppetry Arts 1404 Spring Street N.W. Atlanta 30309 404.873.3391 www.puppet.org Welcome to the jungle, where fun and games run amok in the “Rainforest Adventures” puppetry show. The audience is transported to the Amazon rainforest where anacondas, howler monkeys and leopards tell the tale of one of the earth’s vital ecosystems. The show is performed in the Center for Puppetry Arts’ Czech Black theater using black lights and fluorescents to highlight the rainforest’s spectrum of colors. Two special half-price previews will take place Jan. 27 and 28 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Regular show times are Tuesday to Friday, 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Saturday, 12 and 2 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets are $16.50 and can be purchased online at www.ticketsales.puppet.org. After the show, children can take the instructional hands-on puppet workshop to create their own ultraviolet electric eel puppet.
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
CONNOR CHRISTIAN & SOUTHERN GOTHIC AND DAVIN MCCOY Jan. 31 Buckhead Theatre 3110 Roswell Road Atlanta 30305 404.891.6168 www.thebuckheadtheatre.com The diverse sounds of Connor Christian & Southern Gothic, along with singer-songwriter Davin McCoy, come to the Buckhead Theatre for a concert of roots rock, Americana and country. Both groups touch on the spirit of the South, combining distinctive instrumentals with exposed lyrics that convey strong emotions. Connor Christian & Southern Gothic seamlessly blend instruments, such as the guitar, drums, mandolin and fiddle. The theme of McCoy’s work is described as “pain, suffering and loss” through heart-wrenching vocals. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster. com, and are $16 in advance and $19 on the day of the show.
TASTE OF LOVE BALL Feb. 7 The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead 3434 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.527.7155 www.epilepsyga.org/ events/taste-of-love The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia supports the more than 150,000 Georgians living with epilepsy and seizure disorders through fundraising and events. One of these events is its annual Taste of Love Ball, an evening of philanthropy, entertainment The Deadfields and dining at The Ritz-Carlton
Buckhead. Expect a three-course plated dinner and live entertainment as well as live and silent auctions featuring wine, vacation packages, boutique gift cards and sports tickets. Tickets are available to purchase online at www. epilepsyga.org/events/taste-oflove for $300 per person.
SUPER KIDS SAVE THE WORLD Feb. 7-May 3 The Children’s Museum of Atlanta 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive N.W. Atlanta 30313 404.659.5437 www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org Every kid loves to don a superhero cape, and now they can know that super powers do exist when they decide to go green. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta kicks off the Super Kids Save the World traveling exhibit with a variety of hands-on activities that train kids to become good stewards of the environment. The immersive exhibit features a family home with a garden, a re-use charity shop and a recycling center. Kids learn the four R’s—reduce, reuse, repair and recycle—through pretend play and engaging learning experiences. The exhibit begins Feb. 7 and runs through April. Admission to the exhibit is included in the museum admission fee of $12.75 (children under age 1 are free).
CUPID’S UNDIE RUN Feb. 14 Big Sky Buckhead 3201 Cains Hill Place N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.481.5168 www.cupidsundierun.com/ city/atlanta
Just in time for the most romantic holiday of the year, Cupid is challenging runners across the country to strip down to their undies and compete in a 1-mile race to raise funds for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. In Atlanta, Cupid’s Undie Run kicks off in Buckhead after months of fundraising by participants both individually and as teams. Big Sky Buckhead opens its doors at noon for a pre-party, followed by the 2 p.m. race when the scantily clad participants take to the streets. The registration fee is $40 until Jan. 16, $45 from Jan. 17 to 30, and $55 from Jan. 31 to Feb. 14. You can register and begin fundraising up until race day online at www.cupidsundierun. com/city/atlanta.
DISNEY’S MULAN JR. Feb. 19-21 2890 North Fulton Drive N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.841.3840 www.aischool.org Disney’s classic tale of Mulan is the story of tenacity, friendship and adventure as the heroine Mulan disguises herself as boy to serve in China’s army. The performance comes to Atlanta International School’s stage in the middle school spring production. Students put their twist on the story in musical format with choreographed numbers including the tale’s famed song “Honor to Us All.” Performances are at 7 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased outside the school’s Lademacher Performing Arts Center Jan. 12 to Feb. 19 from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for all Atlanta International School students and staff.
The journey is under way to save children’s lives.
Yo u r C h A N C e oF A l i F e T i m e
1 1 1 7 Pe r i m et er Cent er West • S u it e N -402 • At l ant a, GA 30338 7 7 0 986 0035 • 800 443 2873 • 770 986 0038 Fax w w w.cu rec hil dho odc ancer.org
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configuration and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2013 The LEGO Group.
what’ s
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ON PEACHTREE ROAD AT W. PACES 404.864.1252
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Christie Allen and Allison Spicer look over numerous raffle prizes.
Allyson Houser, Christie Allen, Allison Spicer and Suzannah Fogle
Mini Woody’s “Cheesesteak” sandwiches were served during the cocktail hour.
Evan Chames, Susan Douglass, Julia Donini, Chef Suzanne Vizethann, Amanda Donald, Justin Peek and JD Dauro
Photos: Tina Rowden
BUTTERMILK KITCHEN FANCY FRIED CHICKEN DINNER
Gladys’ Midnight Train Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Malt Waffles, Sriracha Butter, and Whipped Maple Syrup
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orth Buckhead’s beloved brunch and lunch spot Buttermilk Kitchen hosted a Fancy Fried Chicken Dinner to raise funds for local nonprofit Bert’s Big Adventure. Passed bites and Champagne during cocktail hour kicked off the evening, which included a four-course dinner specially created by Executive Chef Suzanne Vizethann. The menu—kept secret until the night of the event—reinterpreted iconic recipes from around Atlanta and highlighted the eatery’s famous fried chicken. Dishes included Woody’s “Cheesesteak” with Shaved Beef, Onion Jam, Cheese Whiz, and White Bun; Mary Mac’s Pot Licker with Bacon Dashi, Collard Ramen, and Cracklin’ Bread; Gladys’ Midnight Train Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Malt Waffles, Sriracha Butter, and Whipped Maple; and Varsity “What’ll Ya Have” Fried Apple Pie, PC Ice Cream, and Ice Flakes. A number of raffle prizes, such as a tasting menu at midtown restaurant Better Half and a subscription to Atlanta-based meal kit delivery service PeachDish, were also handed out at the event. Profits supported Bert’s Big Adventure’s mission of providing all-expenses-paid journeys to Disney World for Atlanta-area children with chronic or terminal illnesses, and their families.
Susie Bell and Ronda Chenault
Wes Elijah dons a Varsity hat during the dessert course.
Chef Suzanne Vizethann with guests during dinner
Adam Parrot, Chef Suzanne Vizethann, Crystal McKone and Chef Lervi Varsity-inspired fried apple pie with the PC ice cream.
Kelly Sullivan, Wendy Hayes, Anita Pavadore, Carrol Geross, Susan Campbell and Trish Leahy
Bobby Kelly, Ziyonne Carter, Stacey Weiss, Shavonda Carter, Aniya Carter and Bert Weiss.
January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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Sean Weatherspoon and his Falcons teammates—ready to serve!
Photos: Cherise Richards Top Photo: Janet Howard Studio
SPOONful of Hope Celebrity Waiter Night Wes Durham, the Voice of the Falcons
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Sean Weatherspoon chats with a guest.
Matt Bosher, Anson and Liza Williams
Parker Osborne and Jacquizz Rodgers
tlanta Falcons’ linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and 12 of his teammates played the role of servers—topping off water glasses, cracking pepper and more—at Buckhead’s Ocean Prime in the name of charity. The professional athletes served 130 guests a three-course dinner to raise money for Weatherspoon’s SPOONful of Hope Foundation, which aims to provide educational tools and opportunities to Atlanta youth. The goal of the Foundation is to impact the lives of more than 150,000 at-risk Atlanta-area children and youths by the end of 2016. The dinner’s ticket sales as well as donations and proceeds from a live and silent auction helped raise more than $87,000 at the second annual event, which included recognized names such as Jonathan Massaquoi, William Moore, Jacquizz Rodgers, Matt Bosher and Paul Worrilow. The evening was emceed by Voice of the Falcons Wes Durham. Paul and Adrienne Mulligan
Jonathan Massaquoi, Zeke Motta, Sean Weatherspoon and Tyson Jackson
Nate Stupar grinds pepper for his table.
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ADOPT ME! An Atlanta Humane Society pup goes in for a snuggle at our cover shoot. PHOTO: Sara
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January/February 2015 | Simply Buckhead
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Upgrade Your Summer - Today Singleton Marine has been serving boating families in the Southeast since 1988. As the #1 Southeast Malibu dealer, as well as the Top Dealer worldwide for Cobalt, Regal, and Harris pontoons, no other dealer can upgrade your summer like Singleton Marine. So stop by one of our seven North Georgia locations and upgrade your summer‌ today.
Visit SingletonMarine.com for more information and the location nearest you.
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Let us plan a wedding celebration that’s traditional or anything but. Let us imagine a menu that adds a new twist to an old family recipe. Let us position the sunset over the lake for your walk down the aisle. Let us write the next chapter of your enduring love story.
We invite you to plan your wedding with us, at one of Georgia’s most elegant locations for inspired celebrations. To learn more, please call The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta at 404-527-4483, Buckhead at 404-495-2684 or Reynolds Plantation at 706-467-7115, or visit ritzcarlton.com/georgiaweddings.
ATLANTA BUCKHEAD REYNOLDS PLANTATION
©2014 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
Years of research help create years of memories.
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute treats more men with prostate cancer than anyone else in Georgia. And Northsideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patients have access to the latest research and treatments. These are a few more reasons why people from across the country trust Northside for their cancer care. No team works harder to help make cancer a distant memory. For help ďŹ nding a cancer specialist, call 404-531-4444.
Where the Extraordinary Happens Every Day
CANCER INSTITUTE
Run through our historic downtown. Then come on back and see what you missed.
The Georgia Regents University Augusta Half Marathon & 10K Weekend is becoming a fast favorite. The three-day weekend includes a race expo, three distance races and a fun run for the kids. So donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just take a stroll through Augustaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic downtown and beautiful Summerville. Run instead.
RunAugusta.com
Perfection. We insist on it.
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*MASERATI GHIBLI BASE MY2015 MSRP $69,800; GHIBLI S Q4 BASE MY2015 MSRP $77,900. NOT INCLUDING DEALER PREP AND TRANSPORTATION. ACTUAL SELLING PRICE MAY VARY. TAXES, TITLE, LICENSE AND REGISTRATION FEES NOT INCLUDED. ©2014 MASERATI NORTH AMERICA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MASERATI AND THE TRIDENT LOGO ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MASERATI SPA. MASERATI URGES YOU TO OBEY ALL POSTED SPEED LIMITS.