Simply Buckhead January/February 2024 by Simply Buckhead

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

ISSUE 100 • FREE

Your Guide to Living Well in Atlanta

100 Issues Cheers to

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

ENHANCE YOUR SMILE TUTORING TIPS DOPAMINE DECOR

Upgrade Your Life IDEAS TO BOOST MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT IN 2024

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J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Contents 40

64 18

24 12 Publisher's Letter

UP FRONT 15 NEWS Beyond the Reading Rainbow Even more to check out for Fulton County Library System cardholders

16 LOCAL SALUTE Serving the Underserved Providing basic needs and education

18 LIVING THE LIFE Katie Alterman Rosenberg

24 TRAVEL FAR Beach, Please

34 BULLETIN BOARD Molto Bello

Sandy Springs catering sales manager makes a run for it in all 50 states

Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a next-level all-inclusive vacation

Natuzzi Italia's luxe leather

20 APPROVED Fresh Start

26 TRAVEL FAR Island Escape a la Française

These wellness gadgets and goodies will get you glowing from the inside out

St. Barth is a European gem in the Caribbean

22 TRAVEL NEAR Bullish on Durham

LIVING

This nearby getaway offers a weekend’s worth of destinations

28 HOME Captivated by Columbia

36 TRENDING Come On, Get Happy Dopamine decor's saturated hues are the antithesis to #sadbeige

38 TASTEMAKER Pillow Talk A Buckhead couple brings Indian textiles to a new audience

➥

A Buckhead designer helps a world traveling entrepreneur set up his Medellin home base

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Photos: 18: Erik Meadows, 28 Carlos Velez, 64: Joann Vitelli, 72 Madelynne Boykin

S I M PLY B UC KHEA D ®

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Contents

simplybuckhead.com

STYLISH

CULTURE

40 FASHION True Calling

58 LITERARY Back from the Brink

Designer Micole Love channels his own insecurities to create fashion for all

Author turns a personal story into a motivational message

42 BEAUTY Megawatt

59 ART A Museum in Buckhead

Dazzle with these healthy, smile-enhancing products

The PATH expands the area’s art offerings

44 WELLNESS Marriage and Business Guru Chantel Cohen counsels professionals

46 TASTEMAKER Swim for All

@livingwellatl

60 TASTEMAKER Artistic Ties that Bind

72 REVIEW Secret Garden The Chastain is an ever-changing wonderland of fresh flavors and beautiful presentations

COVER STORY

52 KIDS Conscious Tutoring

64 Upgrade Your Life

76 DRINKS Simply Selecting

Innovative ways to refresh your mind, body and spirit in 2024

Be prepared to buy wine, even if you don't know wine words

78 FOODIE JOURNAL Authentic Flavors

Set your kid up for success

Chef Santiago Gomez brings Mexican street food to the Westside with El Santo Gallo

54 PETS Portable Pets

80 TASTEMAKER Renaissance Man

Arrange your journeys for the coming year

Daniel Ortiz Photography

Prepping your cat or dog for long-distance travel

56 STRATEGIES Have Plan, Will Travel

@simplybuckhead

DELICIOUS

Husband and wife duo build a life around creative endeavors

Places to go and things to do

FAMILY

Icons: Freepik.com

@simplybuckhead

61 EVENTS

Nomads brings swim and resort wear to size XS through 5X

FI N D U S ON L I N E

Bar Ti Amo owner Marco Betti embraces everything he does with passion

85 Charitable

82 Featured Restaurants

A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

88 Scene

B EHIND THE COVER Sometimes our cover shoots are a literal representation of our cover themes, and other times, we get a little more creative or conceptual, working to evoke a feeling. This issue is the latter. To illustrate Simply Buckhead’s “Upgrade Your Life” cover theme, we couldn’t think of a better “upgrade”—particularly for an issue dropping in the dead of winter—than a stunning model enjoying a sunny day poolside. Nobu Hotel Atlanta's heated rooftop pool was the perfect location. Our team got ready in a gorgeous Nobu Villa (the hotel’s version of a presidential suite), and luxury swimwear designer Natasha Simmons outfitted our model in swimsuits, oversized hats and glittering jewelry. Photographer Erik Meadows gamely hopped into the pool to get the winning shot

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Photographer: Erik Meadows Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin Hair and Makeup: Nyssa Green Model: Amanda W., courtesy Click Models of Atlanta Wardrobe: Yacht Club Access Special thanks to Nobu Hotel Atlanta for hosting our team.

Davi d R . Coxon President & CEO

Kec ia Sm ith , V P Deposit Operations

Man i Swa rn a m, SV P Commercial Lending Team Leader

We Mea n Bu s i n es s Over 15 years ago, ‘we meant business’ when we

It is important that we remain accessible to our

believed our community deserved the personal and

customers. That includes everyone from our staff right

professional service that only a local bank could deliver.

up to our Board of Directors.

We offer a full suite

We have grown since then but

of competitive business, treasury

we still are locally owned with

and consumer banking services

local decision makers who take

to help you pursue your dreams.

pride in personalized service.

You don’t find that on every block.

Bu sin ess Loans

Depos i t Ser vi ces

Consum er Loans

A/R & Inventory Financing Lines of Credits Acquisition/Development Equipment Owner/Non-owner Occupied Real Estate

Remote Deposit ACH Services Mobile Banking and Deposit Business Debit Card Wire Transfers Commercial Analysis Accounts Merchant Services

Home Equity Lines of Credit Auto/Boat/Recreation Loans Home Improvement

SBA–7(a) & 504

GeorgiaPrimaryBank.com

Buckhead Financial Center 3880 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 404-231-4100 North Metro Financial Center 6080 Bethelview Road, Cumming, GA 30040 404-835-9980

NMLS #1174631

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

ISSUE 100

Publisher's Note T

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

his issue marks our 100th of Simply Buckhead.

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355

It is nearly impossible to adequately express my

gratitude for the 13 years this community has supported

simplybuckhead.com

our magazine. In 2009, when I moved to Atlanta, a city

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For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895

where I knew no one, and decided to start a publication from scratch, I could not have dreamed it would blossom into what you currently read. I have many people to thank, including editors Giannina

Joanne Hayes

Smith Bedford and Jennifer Bradley Franklin, copy

Sonny Hayes

Publisher and Founder

editor Helen Cauley and creative director Alan Platten,

Chief Financial Officer

as well as partners Tim Massey (Walton Press) and Terry

EDITORIAL

Caudy (Distribution Services Group), who have been

Managing Editor

Giannina S. Bedford

with me from the beginning. In a time when relationships

Jennifer Bradley Franklin Senior Contributing Editor

are often transactional, we are also blessed with a

Karina Antenucci

plethora of talented writers, many of whom have been

Senior Contributing Editor

with us for more than a decade.

Alan Platten

We are grateful for our advertisers whose support, belief in

H.M. Cauley

Creative Director Copy Editor

our magazine and the results they see for their businesses

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

keep them renewing year after year. Many of you have been

Chelsie Butler H.M. Cauley Carly Cooper Emily L. Foley Lauren Finney Harden Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Nicole Letts Amy Meadows Hope Philbrick Ashton Pike Claire Ruhlin

in our pages more than a decade (you know who you are!), and we would like to acknowledge your immense contributions to our continued success. Producing a magazine of this caliber would not be possible without you. The biggest thanks go to my husband, Sonny, who believed in me and encouraged my entrepreneurial journey while

Alan Platten’s design career began in the U.K. in the ’90s when he helped launch the home interest title Homes & Ideas. He freelanced for many magazines in London before relocating to Atlanta in 2004. Since then, he has designed award-winning publications for brands such as Callaway Golf and Sotheby’s International Realty. He also redesigned the globally distributed Ask Audio magazine before joining Simply Buckhead as creative director in 2012. During down time, he produces electronic music (his remix of “Night Café” for synth-pop band OMD got a release back in 2013) and enjoys juggling two needy cats whilst practicing qigong.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

raising two boys and taught a business. Without a part-

Madelynne Boykin Erik Meadows Carlos Velez Joann Vitelli

ner who is “all-in,” none of it

SALES & ADVERTISING

would have been possible.

Erin Haraway

We are truly blessed to cele-

Michelle Johnson

me so much about running

Erik Meadows

Associate Publisher

brate this milestone, and you can expect our journalistic in-

Senior Account Executive

Layal Akkad Graphic Designer

tegrity to continue to flourish.

Joanne Hayes

DIGITAL

Cheers to the next 100 issues!

Publisher

Website Development Management

BHG Digital Mike Jose

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

Alan Platten

12 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Director of Audience Development

LEGAL

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LIVING THE LIFE

APPROVED

T R AV E L

UP FRONT

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NEWS

BY Nicole Letts

The Atlanta History Center joins the Partnership Program through Fulton County Library System.

BEYOND THE READING RAINBOW Even more to check out for Fulton County Library System cardholders

uch like checking out a book, Fulton County Library System cardholders can check out a pass from their local libraries to use for free and reduced-cost admission at more than a dozen performing arts centers and museums around Atlanta. Most of these passes, available through all 410 public libraries in the state, can be exchanged for multiple entries to attractions on a given day. The Fulton County Library System recently

expanded its Partnerships Program, adding three more destinations and opportunities for learning to the mix. Atlanta Shakespeare Company is one of the latest attractions to be added to the already robust roster. Members can redeem their passes for free admission to one of the monthly performances at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse where adult ticket prices usually range from $26 to $46. As such, the new initiative is opening the doors

for patrons who otherwise would not be able to afford to attend. The Computer Museum of America is another new member of the Georgia Public Library Service Partnership Program. The Roswell museum, which opened in 2019, has one of the world’s largest collections of digital age artifacts including a retro gaming corner, examples of NASA computers and a WWII-era Enigma machine. It has 35,000 square feet of space for kids of all

ages (and their guardians) to meander. Buckhead’s Atlanta History Center also joined the partnership list. Other attractions include Chattahoochee Nature Center, Alliance Theatre, Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, The Breman Museum and more. Information about how to redeem passes as well as any blackout dates is available online on the Georgia libraries website. n fulcolibrary.org • @fulcolibrary

NEWS CLIPS Take Me Elsewhere Sam and Sara Kazmer, the husband-wife duo behind Grant Park’s Elsewhere Brewing, recently expanded to West Midtown with their latest concept, Greenhouse Taproom. The neighborhood pub is at the Westside Paper development near Boxcar Betty’s and Ancestral Bottle Shop. The new location has no kitchen and a sleek, contemporary design punctuated with plants. Specialty cocktails such as the Dirty

Bird, their take on a martini, and the Beermosa, orange juice mixed with saison, are served alongside the brand’s signature brews. It offers a lineup of weekly events ranging from pickleball to a drag show brunch with breakfast from Westside Paper neighbor El Santo Gallo. elsewherebrewing.com @elsewherebrewing

Immediate Relaxation Atlanta’s third NOW Massage has

arrived in West Midtown. The new location, part of the Star Metals District, joins its Buckhead and Roswell sister boutiques. Owned and operated by Atlanta residents Brian Herman and Adam Glickman, NOW is a spa offering services such as relaxation, Swedish and stretching massages in a serene, contemporary setting. Instead of typical service rooms, canvas draping is used to create private massage spaces and to add to the ethereal

atmosphere. Massage services start at $65 for a 25-minute treatment, while enhancements, such as gua sha, scalp treatments and gliding cupping are also available. thenowmassage.com @thenowmassage

Totally Rad New York-based fashion brand KULE is now open at Buckhead Village. It joins sister spaces in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center and Brooklyn’s

Cobble Hill. The first of its kind in the South, the Atlanta outpost is the brand’s largest retail space at 1,700 square feet. The brand was founded by Nikki Kule, first as a children’s clothing line and later as a complete brand of womenswear, menswear and accessories. It’s best known for its preppy personality paired with a classic sentimentality. Think striped T’s, quarter-zip sweaters and cheeky graphic sweatshirts. kule.com • @kule

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

LOCAL SALUTE BY Mickey Goodman DNA Brand Foundation's Akilah Love and Douglas Johnson help underserved communities around the world.

Serving the Underserved Providing basic needs and education

With a focus on impacting the lives of others, the DNA Brand Foundation for Global Empowerment steps in to help underserved communities during a crisis, whether it’s a lack of shelter, water or food. Founded by Akilah Love and Douglas Johnson, whose offices are in Buckhead, the organization has grown from serving 192 children in 2020 to over 1,000 today in Ghana, Nova Scotia, Toronto, Barbados and Atlanta. Love and Johnson have a personal connection to each area of service. They heard about the destruction of an orphanage in Ghana through a relative who was traveling in the country and stepped in to help. When there was a water crisis similar to Flint Michigan’s in Nova Scotia, Johnson’s home turf, DNA helped provide water and education. The

couple met in Toronto where they serve inner city kids, and Love’s parents are from Barbados where they adopted a school. “We start with basic needs like food and shelter then education through the DNA Academy,” Love says. “Our focus is to provide not only resources but support for youth. In Georgia, we focus on a day shelter for homeless kids who have aged out of the foster care system.” The foundation receives support from corporations and individual donors, but its major fundraiser is the annual DNA Diamond Ball that will be held at the Thompson Hotel-Buckhead on March 12. DNA BRAND FOUNDATION thednabrandgroup.net @thednabrandfoundation

Rescuing Racehorses

Beautiful inside and out

Saved from the slaughterhouse

Finding the perfect place for grooming became easier when Brazilian-born Raquel Souza brought the ancient art of sugaring hair removal to Atlanta and opened the first Sweet Peach Wax & Sugaring Studio in VirginiaHighland in 2012. As its success grew, she opened salons in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Vinings and Johns Creek. In addition to making women look and feel beautiful on the outside, the licensed aesthetician wants them to be equally healthy on the inside and partnered with the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance on its first education and prevention outreach program to promote early detection. When customers at every salon pay their bills, they receive information on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, one of the deadliest of gynecological cancers and the fifth leading cause of death among women. “We use all natural products for both sugaring and waxing,” says Souza, who proactively replaced talcum powder with cornstarch when she learned of the health

When Jennifer Astrop's then-6-year old son, Alex, was released from the hospital after a lengthy stay, doctors recommended hippotherapy, an approach where patients ride horses to address physical, occupational and speech concerns. Alex fell love with his pony, Zorro, and after Chastain Horse Park retired him, Astrop, co-owner of Minotti by HA Modern at Buckhead’s Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, adopted the loveable equine and founded the horse sanctuary Zorro’s Crossing in Chattahoochee Hills. Today, the 68-acre sanctuary has 11 rescues, mostly retired racehorses, and offers hippotherapy sessions with Sue Soha, Alex’s former therapist at Chastain. Zorro’s Crossing also trains therapy horses and hosts monthly events where children read to them. “We want to save, rehabilitate and provide a permanent sanctuary for as many racehorses as possible,” says Astrop. “Some are raced before they are even old enough to ride, which makes them prone to serious injuries. Once they’re retired from racing, they require expensive

Sara Hanna Photography

Symbiotic Partnership

Raquel Souza's Sweet Peach Wax and Sugaring partners with the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance.

risks. “In sugaring, we make a paste of sugar, lemons and water, and since sugar only sticks to the hair and not the skin, we can pull in the direction the hair grows, making it a gentler experience than waxing.” In addition to being a GOCA contributor, Souza is also active in a number of other nonprofits, including TurningPoint Cancer Rehabilitation. GEORGIA OVARIAN CANCER ALLIANCE gaovariancancer.org • @gaovariancancer SWEET PEACH WAX & SUGARING STUDIO sweetpeachwax.com • @sweetpeachwax

16 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Zorro's Crossing, a horse sanctuary founded by Jennifer Astrop, offers horse therapy.

treatment that many owners aren’t willing to provide. Instead, many are sold to slaughterhouses.” Astrop, husband Doug, now 11-year old Alex and his twin, Max, do much of the work around the ranch themselves. “We couldn’t do without our amazing volunteers who help clean out the stalls, groom and walk the horses, and do other chores,” Astrop says. The organization relies on donations to save more horses. ZORRO’S CROSSING zorroscrossing.org • @zorroscrossing

LIVING THE LIFE

Above: Katie Alterman Rosenberg proudly displays the fruits of her running efforts. Left: Katie Alterman Rosenberg is pacing herself as she strives to run a race in all 50 states.

KATIE ALTERMAN ROSENBERG Sandy Springs catering sales manager makes a run for it in all 50 states As told to Amy Meadows PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

hen I joined the Atlanta Track Club in 2011 to train for my first half marathon, I didn’t know what kind of socks or shoes to wear or what chafing was. Who knew that “cotton is rotten” because it’s so absorbent and holds on to so much sweat? Twelve years later, these are things I teach other people. In fact, I recently ran my 83rd half marathon and often serve as a pace runner in various races. My ultimate goal is to run a marathon or half marathon in all 50 states. So far, I’ve marked 25 states off of my list. Of course, that type of goal never entered my mind when a friend casually ap-

proached me about running the AJC Peachtree Road Race in July of 2011. The 6.2 miles of the Peachtree Road Race seemed daunting to me, and I told my friend I would commit to walking it—not running it. On that day, I walked the first 2 miles. The atmosphere was electric. The energy of the crowd pushed me along, and I found myself running. I ran the last 4 miles and felt incredible. I instantly knew I wanted to train for a half marathon and became part of the Atlanta Track Club. During my early running years, I couldn’t get enough. I liked the way it made me feel so accomplished; at

18 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

one point, I was running 60 miles per week. I started joining more races, which I could do thanks to the flexibility of my job at The Brickery, the Sandy Springs restaurant my family owned for 25 years. My undergraduate degree is in music, and I initially worked as a music therapist and in the nonprofit sector. I began working at The Brickery in 1997, moving up from server and bartender to bar manager and floor manager. I also did some catering with the restaurant before it closed in 2015. That experience made me realize where I wanted to be professionally, and I found my way to Three Sisters Catering in 2018. Of course, when you’re in catering, you’re very busy during certain times of the year, which affects my running schedule. Work will always come first because I love my job, so I choose races based on my availability. By 2016, I was running bigger races like the Chicago, New York and

Boston marathons. I ran 14 full marathons before focusing exclusively on half marathons. Traveling to other states for races inspired me to set a goal of racing in each of the 50 states. My friend and I travel together for the races, and other friends often join us. We look for races in states we’ve never visited, and we typically take several days to explore the area and do a food tour and try local activities. That’s how I combine my job and my hobby; if I try an amazing dish in another state and feel it will work with our menus at Three Sisters Catering, then I bring it to our chef. Right now, I try to do three races each year. I scratch each new state off a map my running friends gave me as a birthday gift. In 2023, I scratched off Arkansas, Colorado and Washington. When I’m not actively training, I run three days a week and do a Burn Boot Camp on three other days. I also volunteer with the Atlanta Track Club. Other than completing races in all 50 states, I’ve reached my personal running goals, including finishing a 5K in under 30 minutes and running a 10K in less than one hour. Now I enjoy helping train others. And I will continue to cross states off my race list. My motto has always been, “Do what you love and love what you do.” I love my job more than anything, and it’s the same with running. I love getting out there. Running isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s exciting and fun. It also offers a great way to meet people and make friends. Who knows? It could take me 15 more years to complete the list. I don’t know what reaching the goal will look like, but there definitely will be a big celebration. n ATLANTA TRACK CLUB atlantatrackclub.org • @atlantatrackclub THREE SISTERS CATERING threesisterscatering.com @cater_with_three_sisters

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

APPROVED Kea Beverages Kombucha ($4.25) Founded by Atlantans Sean Keating and Keaton Hong, Kea Beverages boasts a variety of bubbly kombucha to keep your gut health in check. More than 100 small businesses throughout Atlanta carry Kea Beverages kombucha in fun flavors like prickly pear and mango, peach, hibiscus and lavender, and strawberry and guava, among others. Savi Provisions Brookhaven • 404.869.1818 saviprovisions.com • @savi.provisions

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Fresh Start

Don’t forget to take care of your skin health as you embrace a new-year-newme mentality. This sheer daily moisturizer with SPF 50 protects your face from UVA and UVB rays, while antioxidants help fight the effects of blue light and environmental skin stressors. Heyday Buckhead 706.807.4014 heydayskincare.com @heydayskincare

Using the new year to hit the reset button on your health? These wellness gadgets and goodies will get you glowing from the inside out. STORY: Ashton Pike

WalkingPad C2 Mini Foldable Walking Treadmill ($599.99) If you’re setting a daily step goal for the new year, you’re not alone. The innovative WalkingPad reached viral status on social media as work-from-home life became the norm, and it’s the perfect workout buddy to help you achieve your New Year’s resolution without even leaving the house. Best Buy Perimeter 770.391.4749 bestbuy.com • @bestbuy

LARQ Bottle PureVis ($118.99) A new water bottle is a great way to get yourself excited about drinking more water this year—until it comes time to clean it. Enter: LARQ’s Bottle PureVis, a self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. According to the brand, one tap on the cap sends the PureVis technology into action to eliminate up to 99% of biocontaminants from your water and bottle. Hello, healthy hydration. The Container Store Buckhead • 404.963.9602 containerstore.com • @thecontainerstore

20 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Apple Watch Series 9 ($399$1,149) One of the newest offerings from Apple, the Apple Watch Series 9 doubles as a stylish accountability partner to help you prioritize your physical health this year. It also marks the first carbon-neutral product available from the tech giant. Tip: For a sophisticatedmeets-sporty look, opt for a band from the Apple Watch Hermès partnership (pictured here). Apple Lenox Square 404.926.3085 • apple.com • @apple

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

TRAVEL NEAR

The American Tobacco Campus has been transformed from factories into offices, shops and cafes.

Bullish on Durham

This nearby getaway offers a weekend’s worth of destinations STORY: H.M. Cauley

hirty-six years ago, the baseball movie “Bull Durham” put Durham, North Carolina, in the Hollywood spotlight. The town is still bullish on its Triple-A team, an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, and not just because Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon made it famous: They were also league and division champs in 2021 and 2022. But baseball wasn’t the draw that took me and my sister on a long weekend getaway to Durham. The town of almost 300,000 residents has a walkable downtown district that provides the backdrop for a relaxing, let’s-catch-up trip.

We found a few surprises along the way. The first was our hotel, the 21c Museum Hotel Durham, a historic former department store and bank with restored terrazzo floors and a green marble and silver leaf ceiling in the foyer. It also comes with a modern story: The 21c founders launched the chain to house their extensive art collection that rotates among seven properties. In Durham, artworks are incorporated into a second-floor, public museum and in the bar and restaurant where all the pieces are made of recyclable materials. Our favorite was a photo of a man sitting in a lawn chair reading

The museum level of the 21c hotel features a revolving display of artworks.

22 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

the Durham Herald-Sun and enhanced by a live screen that updated daily with the newspaper’s real front page. The hotel also stands out for bucking the bull trend: Its mascots are 3-foot pink penguins that appear in guestrooms, the lobby and on the ledges outside. A few blocks from the hotel is the 10,000-seat Durham Bulls Athletic Park, a charming stadium designed by the same team who created Baltimore’s Camden Yards. The space, noted for its 32-foot “Blue Monster” left field wall, also hosts concerts. Its classic red-brick construction blends with the refurbished buildings in the American Tobacco Campus nearby, where former factories now house artists, shops, restaurants and various events and pop-up markets during the year. And it’s home to Burt’s Bees where some of the busy buzzers are on display in the front window. The Lucky Strike water tower overseeing it all has become a local icon. Adjacent to the stadium was one of our best food finds. Press Coffee and Crepes is a quick-serve spot for sweet treats, sandwiches and salads, but in the morning, it was our favorite for the Nutella crepes. Another dining destination we loved was Mateo Bar de Tapas, whose menu boasts a blend of Spanish and Southern. It’s also extremely adaptable to food allergies and preferences. The local brewery scene is, well, hoppin’

The Bulls' minor league stadium puts 10,000 fans close to the action.

with more than a dozen destinations to explore. The oldest, Bull City Burger and Brewery, blends a menu of locally sourced ingredients with eight on-tap options at all times. Within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel are the Carolina Theatre of Durham, home to a variety of performances, and the Durham Performing Arts Center where traveling Broadway shows and national celebs such as Wynonna Judd and Jerry Seinfeld have entertained. About a 10-minute drive beyond the downtown leads to the Duke University campus, dominated by its English Gothic chapel with towering spires, high groined ceilings and crypt. Also on the grounds are the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, 55 acres of paths that meander along an arboretum of Japanese trees and flowers, native plantings, mosses and ponds. Nearby is the Bennett Place Historic Site, noted for the largest surrender of Confederate soldiers in April 1865. The Bennett family’s reconstructed farmhouse, kitchen and smokehouse are an example of how the rural area looked at the end of the Civil War. Durham’s compact size proved just right for a long weekend. After three days, we’d hit most of the highlights and only had only one regret: Our next trip will include planning ahead so we can down local brews and hot dogs at a Durham Bulls game. n discoverdurham.com • @durhamnc

El Azteca

SERVING ATLANTA FOR 40 YEARS AND COUNTING. Dunwoody Perimeter Mall 6115 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Buckhead 1784 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 404.249.1522

Join us on Sundays for Brunch! *Perimeter location only

Sandy Springs 5925 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404.252.7347

elaztecaatlanta.com

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

TRAVEL FAR Azure water, white sand and beachfacing suites are part of the tropical charm at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.

BEACH, PLEASE

Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a next-level all-inclusive vacation STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

remember the first time I visited an all-inclusive resort. I was in my early 20s traveling with a friend, and while we enjoyed the thrill of being in a tropical destination and soaking up the sun, we found ourselves faced with mediocre accommodations, over-sweet cocktails and indifferent service. Calling the food “uninspired” would be generous. Then and there, I told myself that I was “not an all-inclusive resort person” and mostly swore off them. But my latest all-inclusive experience couldn’t have been more different. Grand Velas Riviera Maya, a Mexican-owned boutique brand, is the height of luxury, from service

and food to accommodations. For this grown-up excursion, I invited my mother to join me for a few days away. Within 30 minutes of landing in Cancun, we’d cleared customs and were whisked by private transfer for a 45-minute ride to the pristine, 80-acre resort in Playa del Carmen. Like most of the ultra-luxe resorts along Riviera Maya, this one sits behind an impressive facade, so when the gates open, it feels like you’re entering a different world. Indeed we were: one where the service is attentive and thoughtful, food is creative and elegant, drinks are handcrafted, and every element is planned to

make you feel welcome. Our butler/ personal concierge, Leví, showed us around, and we settled into our 1,100-square-foot suite, complete with an oceanfront balcony and outdoor plunge pool, in the adults-only Grand Class section of the resort. The suite featured a minibar stocked with snacks and drinks, an espresso maker, spa tub and separate sitting area. It would have been easy to stay in the expansive room if there weren’t so much else to explore, namely a pristine beach and multiple pools. Though we were only visiting for three nights, we quickly settled into a relaxed routine: Wake up and set out to walk for an hour or so along the beach, stopping at Grand Velas’s full-service on-site coffee shop for an iced coffee. Have a light breakfast at either the Azul buffet or order

Left: Calming treatment rooms are havens of serenity at Se Spa, the region's largest spa at 90,000 square feet. Right: Piaf, the resort's French restaurant, is an example of Grand Velas' committment to flawless fine dining.

24 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

a la carte at Bistro and stake out loungers at the pool overlooking the gently lapping waves. During the day, we split our time between a shaded beach cabana with our toes in the sand and floating in the pool. One afternoon, I deviated slightly from our routine with a visit to the award-winning, 90,000-squarefoot spa. I got ready for relaxation in its seven-part guided water journey of steam rooms, ice rooms, hot and cold showers and a jetted infinity pool before my Bacal Massage using essential oil and corn cobs, deemed sacred in Mayan culture, to activate pressure points. Each evening we had dinner at one of the resort’s five gourmet restaurants. At Frida, named for painter Frida Kahlo, we ordered drinks from a mixologist offering top-shelf mezcal and tequila from a cart. Guacamole came with crunchy, nutty grasshoppers (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!). We enjoyed a six-course tasting menu at Cocina de Azur, the world’s first restaurant in an all-inclusive resort to receive the AAA Five Diamond award, where every avant-garde dish was as flavorful as it was artfully presented. At Piaf, we were transported to 1940s Paris with excellent renditions of garlicky escargot and rich beef bourguignon. This spectacular property has made me rethink my declaration that I’m “not an all-inclusive resort person.” Instead, I should say that I’ll happily get away to an all-inclusive if the property in question happens to be Grand Velas. n GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA rivieramaya.grandvelas.com • @grandvelasmaya

2024

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www.pharrroaddentistry.com | 404-261-1486 | info@pharrroaddentistry.com

TRAVEL FAR

Island Escape a la Française

Houses and hotels are built into the hillsides overlooking the impossibly blue water at St. Barth.

St. Barth is a European gem in the Caribbean STORY: H.M. Cauley

hether it’s called Saint Barthélemy, St. Barts or St. Barth, for Francophiles like me, the allure is the same: an 8.1-square-mile slice of France anchored in the blindingly blue waters of the Caribbean. Given the chance to experience a bit of that country’s culture blended with white sand and tropical breezes, I couldn’t say, “Oui! Oui!” fast enough. Getting to St. Barth doesn’t require a transatlantic flight, but it does take a bit of planning. The closest airport for jet traffic is St. Maarten, 28 miles northeast. Flying into the Dutch island first is an adventure in itself: The airport is noted for its extremely short runway, forcing the big birds to pass about 100 feet above a stretch of beach made famous for the crowds who gather at the boundary fence to experience the wakes. (Google it!) A puddle-jumper takes 15 minutes to land between St. Barth’s steep cliffs. The rugged terrain is

the result of the island’s having once been an active volcano. Those peaks and valleys presented a bit of a walking challenge, but the driver who whisked me to the hotel was adept at navigating the ups and downs that led to my destination, the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf. Though St. Barth has been a French overseas territory since the late 1870s, its origin story is steeped in British and Swedish

Each table in the Carl Gustaf's restaurant has a sweeping sea view.

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history, hence the non-French name of the island’s most intimate and luxurious accommodation. The property incorporates 21 suites and lofts, as well as a palatial villa, built into the side of a steep hillside. The bar and dining room at the top offer sweeping views of a harbor crowded with yachts and sailboats. The spa is one level down, and the accommodations are situated to the right and left of a rather daunting, out-

door staircase that requires some physical agility. I was grateful for the athletic bellhop who toted my bags without a luggage rack. The unusual configuration is also one of the hotel’s primary assets: Each suite offers almost perfect privacy. Expansive decks provide harbor views from the plunge pools with water-friendly stationary bikes. At the bottom of the hotel’s staircase is the path to Shell Beach, lined with white sand, crystal-clear water and topless sunbathers. A musical backdrop comes from the party beats blasting through the speakers of Shellona, an open-air restaurant where seafood and island cocktails are the stars. It’s a casual contrast to the Carl Gustaf’s fine dining experience, Beefbar, which opened in November last year. All the beaches are open to the public, and each offers a different experience. Saint-Jean is a favorite for its mile-long stretch of sand and views of the airport landing strip. The Grand Cul-de-Sac is a magnet for water sport enthusiasts who can rent equipment from nearby kiosks. And several spots like the Petit Culde-Sac are unspoiled stretches with nothing but sand and native plants. Exploring the various beaches is easy by boat. A variety of seafaring craft are available to rent, and charters with crews who know the best nooks and crannies can be booked. A sunset cruise on the St. Barth Sailor took me and a small group of catamaran travelers to a secluded cove where we watched the sun dip below the horizon while sipping champagne. But the best part of the evening was swinging into the water from a hammock off the back deck. Fantastique! With fine French food and gorgeous beaches to experience, I skipped the historic sites that mark the influences of former colonials. I traded a day of gallery hopping and shopping at Louis Vuitton and Cartier along the harbor for bobbing in the warm sea waters. A few days on this French isle wasn’t enough, and I left with one word in mind: “Encore!” n HOTELS BARRIERE hotelsbarriere.com • @hotels.barriere SAINT BARTH • saintbarth-tourisme.com @stbarthtourisme

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HOME

BULLETIN BOARD

TRENDING

TA S T E M A K E R

LIVING

Captivated by

Colombia A BUCKHEAD DESIGNER HELPS A WORLD TRAVELING ENTREPRENEUR SET UP HIS MEDELLIN HOME BASE

STORY: Giannina S. Bedford

PHOTOS: Carlos Velez

ouglas Barron fell in love

to create an international abode that

with Latin culture while

showcased its location. Odeneal, who’d

spending time in Miami,

worked with Barron to design his condos

so much so that when he

in Miami and Atlanta, sat in on virtual

visited Medellin, Colombia, he decided

home tours to help him select a sprawl-

he had to have a home there. The serial

ing 4,218-square-foot unit on the 21st

entrepreneur whose companies include

floor. Overlooking Medellin’s El Poblado

BizEnablement, Bristol Rentals, The

neighborhood, Barron’s new dwelling,

Ai Filter and more, enlisted his trust-

purchased in 2022, is two stories

ed interior designer, Buckhead-based

of concrete, brick and glass with four

Amy Odeneal of Amy Rebekah Interiors,

spacious rooms and five bathrooms.

28 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

➥

Filled with concrete, brick and glass, Doug Barron’s Medellin condo was made a home with the addition of vibrant street art, foliage and warm touches.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

HOME

Above: Views of Medellin’s lush surroundings are the main attraction on the outdoor balcony.

Below: Buckhead interior designer Amy Odeneal has worked on projects in various locales, from Big Sky and Cabo to Colombia.

30 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

“We loved the two-story windows in the main living area; that was a huge selling point for him,” Odeneal says. “It was important to me to take this giant space—those ceilings are two stories high—and turn it into something that is cozy and warm with a scale that works.” Barron also wanted his Colombian home to showcase its location, a place vibrant with local artisans and a stunning landscape. “I wanted a home that was able to mix the local cultures of Medellin with a modern flair that also fit into the mountains and jungle of Colombia. I also wanted to make sure that the space was bright and full of natural light,” Barron says. “My favorite part is how Amy was able to bring in so many plants and mix them throughout the home. When I open the wall-to-wall windows, it truly feels like I am outside.” To counteract the cool gray concrete, Odeneal brought in soft velvet tones, warmer grays and wood tones. She was inspired by Medellin’s art scene and used graffiti and street art to bring in additional color. “Doug wanted the home not to feel like a U.S. home; he wanted it to feel like it had some of that local culture,” Odeneal says. “I had a local artist graffiti an entire wall and designed the rest of the art in the house

around that concept and trying to find things that felt like street art.” The blue graffiti mural by Santiago Cortés Mazo livens up the media room that Barron considers his nonwork, relaxation space. A painting by Odeneal with a repeating Ja, Ja, Ja (Ha, Ha, Ha in English) adds pops of color to the living room, where a gray sectional and other custom furnishings face a wall of windows. The nearby dining room, Barron’s favorite space, boasts a custom 12-foot-long, live-edge table made from a slab of wood Odeneal found at a local wood shop. At nearly 1,000 pounds, the piece had to be carried up 21 flights of stairs by 20 men for the installation. “It’s a statement piece that wows everyone who comes through the door. The table is so unique and beautiful. It’s not overwhelming, but it can seat 10 comfortably. And, as someone who works from home most of the time, I feel comfortable working and taking meetings in this dining room, as well as hosting parties/dinners,” Barron says. Many of the condo’s upholstered furnishings were custom made because the scale required to fill the large rooms wasn’t easily available in Medellin, where many of the living spaces are smaller.

Right: One of the few “non-work” spaces, the theater room features a graffiti mural that brings Medellin’s street art scene indoors. Below: Barron’s 12-foot-long, liveedge wood table is a statement piece that required heavy lifting to install.

Odeneal also had most of the rugs cut from a carpet and bound at the edges, since a lot of what she found was, at most, 8-by-10 feet in size. “There were lots of challenges, but it was fun to get to do that and work with some of the local folks down there to make furniture,” she says. One of the most challenging areas to plan was Barron’s primary bed-

The island count went from one to two in the renovated kitchen that is ideal for hosting.

room, an oversized space with two balconies on each side. Odeneal had to figure out how to fill it without cluttering it. She opted for a massive custom headboard that spans most of the wall with nightstands in front. “Doug is pretty simple; he doesn’t like a lot of stuff everywhere,” Odeneal says. “When you walk into the space, it doesn’t

feel like you are in a gigantic bedroom. It feels good and really warm. I chose a giant area rug so the bed could be anchored in the space.” For the outdoors, Odeneal converted one balcony into a gym with a faux wall of greenery backing a large mirror. The other outdoor space became an open-air lounge with expansive views.

“The balcony surprised me. Amy decided to not crowd it with lots of furniture, even though I was pushing her to,” Barron says. “I thought, just like the master bedroom, that it needed to be full for it to feel warm because it was so cold, concrete and large. Turns out, I was wrong! It’s classy and simple, and really captures the picturesque views of the city.”

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

➥

HOME

An oversized custom headboard and foliage helped fill up the oversized master bedroom that opens up to two balconies.

The condo has several other intentional niche areas throughout, from a dog lounging space under the floating stairs where Barron’s two doodles, Ellie and Tucker, like to hang out on large bean bags to a secondary work space upstairs that overlooks the two-story windows. “I have owned my own businesses for almost a decade now and always worked from home. It’s really important for me to be able to move throughout the house during my day and not feel like I’m in an abandoned or unthought-of spot,” Barron says. “In order for a space to feel like home to me, everything needs to always feel good, like it was a purposeful choice and attention was given to it. Now I have a ton of spots to move through the house during the day to take calls.” What’s more, when Barron looks around his Colombian home, he is reminded of the vibrant culture that surrounds it. n

“I wanted a home that was able to mix the local cultures of Medellin, with a modern flair.” —Doug Barron

Barron’s pooch, Ellie, in the condo’s corner living room where gray seating is enlivened with pops of color from accessories and the Ja, Ja, Ja painting by Odeneal.

32 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

One of the homeowners' next projects is adding a larger front porch.

Left: Barron’s doodle, Tucker, loves lounging below the floating stairs that Odeneal outfitted with bean bags and plush pillows.

Above: Attached to the primary bedroom, the open-air gym was a must-have space for Barron who is often too busy to workout off site.

Below: Barron loves having various spaces to work from, including this second-level alcove overlooking the first floor and city sights below.

Amy Odeneal’s tips for working on an interior design project abroad 1. Start networking immediately. Join groups on Facebook. Ask friends of friends. Search LinkedIn. Reach out to vendors on Instagram. You’re going to run into conflicting information, but using various networking groups will help you validate the information you’re getting. You’ll also get great recommendations on reputable people to work with.

2. Have a calculator handy. Centimeters and meters are like a new language. Being able to quickly convert the dimensions of a piece of furniture or artwork is important, or you’ll end up with items that are the wrong scale for your project.

3. Hire a local assistant. Having someone on-site is extremely helpful to talk with vendors and do some local research for you. Plus they speak the language!

4. Watch those assumptions. Remember, you’re in a different culture. Things will be different. It’s a fact. Assuming things will be easy, like back home, will get you in trouble. For example, after realizing I couldn’t find a rug larger than 8-by-10, I knew I needed to switch gears to a custom carpet for my client.

5. Download WhatsApp. You're going to need it! What I've learned is that email isn't as successful as a quick WhatsApp message. Need to get a quote on a piece of artwork? Want to find out more about a store? WhatsApp.

6. Book your visit. In order to truly understand the culture and tap into some great design ideas, take a trip to the site and experience what the city has to offer. Use this initial trip to immerse yourself in the culture.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

BULLETIN BOARD

BY Giannina S. Bedford

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Cassidy Barnhart, store manager at the newly opened Natuzzi Italia, shares the benefits of leather.

Ben Rose Photography

Atlanta-based Mainly Baskets Home teamed up with Nashville-based interior designer Sarah Bartholomew to create this Trellis Bar Cart. Inspired by the trellis patterns found in European gardens, the rattan furnishing combines elegance with a natural, hand-woven look. Available for $1,264 at mainlybaskets.com.

MOLTO BELLO Natuzzi Italia's luxe leather

nown for its genuine leather furnishings and Italianinspired creations, Natuzzi Italia has opened its first Atlanta store in West Midtown. The 10,000square-foot showroom, designed by Fabio Novembre, features a center “piazza” with arches reminiscent of Apulian architecture that houses the onsite Interior Design Center. To celebrate its new Atlanta presence, we chatted with Store Manager Cassidy Barnhart about all things leather, getting some tips on its benefits and how best to care for the timeless material. How is Natuzzi’s leather unique? Natuzzi Italia is renowned for high-quality leather furnishings,

particularly genuine leather sofas, sectionals and chairs. We pride ourselves on using only genuine, top-quality leather sourced from reputable tanneries to ensure that it meets strict quality standards. Our skilled artisans carefully design and construct each piece, paying close attention to detail, stitching and finishing. This craftsmanship results in furniture that not only looks beautiful but is also built to stand the test of time. What are the benefits of leather furnishings? Leather is a strong and durable material that can withstand everyday wear and tear better than many other materials. It's less likely to tear or

puncture, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas. Leather has a classic and timeless aesthetic that can complement a wide range of interior design styles, from traditional to modern. Its rich texture and appearance can add a touch of elegance to any space. One of the nice things about leather upholstery is that it becomes more comfortable over time as it molds to the shape of your body. It also has a natural breathability that can help regulate temperature, ensuring you stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Leather is also relatively easy to clean and maintain. Spills and stains can often be wiped away with a damp cloth. What are some top leather care tips? Periodically dust the sofa with a clean, dry and non-abrasive white cloth. The dust can be a dangerous substrate that fat residues (e.g.,

sebum, sweat, etc.) stick to, and with time can stain the leather. In the case of pigmented leather, it is also possible to use a vacuum cleaner with a fabric brush. You should also avoid direct exposure to sunlight or powerful lamps; intense natural or artificial light degrades the color of the materials. Anything else buyers should know about leather? Not all leather is created equal. Leather comes in various types, each with its own characteristics and price points. Natuzzi Italia is recognized worldwide as a leader in this sector. We are leather experts as we have owned our own tannery in Italy since the early 1990s. Our products are produced exclusively with top grain leather. n NATUZZI ITALIA • 470.654.9660 natuzzi.com • @natuzzi

DESIGN & REALTY NEWS Building on the 50-year legacy of the former Cathedral Antiques Show, Cathedral Giving by Design kicks off for its second annual fundraiser Jan. 19 to 20. Benefitting The Boyce L. Ansley School, a tuition-free private school for children experiencing homelessness, the weekend event includes a welcome party with live auction at The Cathedral of St. Philip, designer speaker

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panel and tour of homes, with several historic Buckhead houses on the docket. Funds raised will support the elementary school’s addition of a fifth grade for 2024-2025. cathedralgivingbydesign.org @cathedralgivingbydesign n Harry Norman REALTORS recently reimagined its Buckhead office presence with

nearly 20,000 square feet of space in two Buckhead commercial developments. Harry Norman’s corporate office, Partner Services, relocated earlier this year to Piedmont Center with 10,189 square feet of multifunctional space, and the Buckhead Brokerage office recently occupied 9,183 square feet at Brand Properties’ new office building in Garden Hills. harrynorman.com • @hnrealtors

ERIN YABROUDY,

REALTOR ®

ANSLEY PARK JUST LISTED

PIEDMONT HEIGHTS SOLD

COLONY HOUSE JUST LISTED

CASTLEBERRY HILL SOLD

GARDEN HILLS JUST LISTED

SHERWOOD FOREST SOLD

CRAFTING EXCEPTIONAL MOMENTS:

Found Timeless Treasures for over 30 years ANTIQUES AND BEYOND 1853 Cheshire Bridge Rd. Atlanta GA 30324 404.872.4342

antiquesandbeyond.com

First Class Service, Tailored Concierge Experience.

D: 404-504-7955 O: 404-233-4142 Erin.Yabroudy@HarryNorman.com @Erin.Sells.Atlanta ErinYabroudy.com

LARGE TEAM COMPANY WIDE

900+ HOMES SOLD

$750M+ LIFETIME SALES VOLUME

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

TRENDING

Alexandra von Furstenberg Nut Bowls ($295 to $1,195) Acrylic bowls are the perfect place for a pop of happiness, and some of the finest are those by Alexandra von Furstenberg. Available in 14 different colors from hot pink to amethyst, they add instant cheer. They can be used for candy, nuts, flowers and more. A series of two to three will elevate any tabletop. Don Purcell • 404.239.4350 • donpurcelljeweler.com • @donpurcelljeweler

Bubble Armchair ($5,270) First introduced to Roche Bobois in 2016, the Sacha Lakicdesigned Bubble armchair is now an iconic piece for the brand. Inspired by the puffy clouds found in nature, it is made from a unique four-way stretch fabric created especially for the chair. Choose from bright colors such as cobalt, yellow, fuchsia and mauve. Roche Bobois 404.467.1900 roche-bobois.com@ rochebobois

Come On, Get Happy Dopamine decor is the antithesis to #sadbeige, the neutral wash so prevalent in modern design. To combat flat neutrals, try saturated colors, peppy prints and interesting shapes to bring texture, visual interest and drama to your room. Here are a few items to give you a dopamine hit as you invigorate your space. STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Curated Kravet Java Jungle Pillow (price upon request) This 20-by-20 inch pillow is covered in Lee Jofa’s Java Jungle print from the LJ 200 collection. Finished with a knife edge, the pillow depicts animals in varying shades of peppy teal. As part of the Curated Kravet collection, the pillow is ready as-is and includes a feather down insert. Feel the real thing in person at Kravet’s ADAC showroom. Kravet • 404.812.6995 • kravet.com • @kravetinc

Calcada Rug (from $6,140)

ISOBEL Hamsa Twilight Wallpaper (price upon request) Local artist Isobel Mills created the Hamsa wallpaper to represent her inspired time in Morocco for her wallpaper and fabric line, ISOBEL. It features hamsa hands, which are a symbol of protection, power and strength, and comes in six color varieties. Twilight centers around a bright, brassy gold and deep cobalt blue, perfect for jewel box powder rooms and bold entryways. Check it out in person at Travis & Company at ADAC. Travis & Company • 404.237.5079 • travisandcompany.com • @travisandcompany

36 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Approximately 10-by-14 feet, this rug is a showstopper, reminiscent of ancient tiles and mosaics. It has a unique weave, comprised of bouclé and a high pile, for a nice feel underfoot. Small clusters of fringe on the ends of the geometrically shaped rug give it movement and dimension, mimicking a traditional rug. Natuzzi Italia • 470.654.9660 natuzzi.com • @natuzzi

LOVE OUR LOCALS

yatt Centric Buckhead welcomes our Georgia locals and neighboring state residents to escape the ordinary and enjoy the comforts of delicious foods and pristine rooms at a friendly rate. Receive 10% OFF Rack and Free Valet Parking with in and out privileges during your stay. Offer Code: LOCAL Booking & Stay Dates: 12/25/23 through 4/1/24

3301 Lenox Square Parkway NE Atlanta, GA 30326 (located behind Lenox Square) 470.391.1234 conciergeatlct@hyatt.com

&ŽůůŽǁ ƵƐ͗ dĞƌŵƐ Θ ŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶƐ͗ KĨĨĞƌ ǀĂůŝĚ ĨŽƌ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƚŝŽŶƐ ŵĂĚĞ ŝŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ϭϭͬϬϰͬϮϬϮϯ ĂŶĚ ϬϰͬϬϭͬϮϬϮϰ Ăƚ ,ǇĂƚƚ ĞŶƚƌŝĐ ƵĐŬŚĞĂĚ ƚůĂŶƚĂ͘ KĨĨĞƌ ŶŽƚ ǀĂůŝĚ ǁŝƚŚ ŐƌŽƵƉƐ͕ ĐŽŶǀĞŶƚŝŽŶƐ͕ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉƌŽŵŽƚŝŽŶĂů ŽĨĨĞƌƐ͕ ƚŽƵƌ ƉĂĐŬĂŐĞƐ Žƌ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ƌĂƚĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ͘ ZĂƚĞ ŝƐ ƉĞƌ ƌŽŽŵ͕ ƉĞƌ ŶŝŐŚƚ͕ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ ĚŽƵďůĞ ŽĐĐƵƉĂŶĐǇ ĂŶĚ ĞǆĐůƵĚĞƐ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĐŚĂƌŐĞƐ͕ ŵĂŶĚĂƚŽƌǇ ƌĞƐŽƌƚ ĨĞĞƐ͕ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂďůĞ ƚĂǆĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŝŶĐŝĚĞŶƚĂů ĞǆƉĞŶƐĞƐ͘ ĚĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ĐŚĂƌŐĞƐ ŵĂǇ ĂƉƉůǇ ĨŽƌ ĂĚĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ŐƵĞƐƚƐ Žƌ ƌŽŽŵ ƚǇƉĞ ƵƉŐƌĂĚĞƐ͘ ƉŽƌƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĂƚĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ŽĨĨĞƌ ŵĂǇ ƌĞĨůĞĐƚ ƚĂǆĞƐ͕ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĐŚĂƌŐĞƐ͕ ŐƌĂƚƵŝƚŝĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝƌĚͲƉĂƌƚǇ ĐŚĂƌŐĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĐĞƌƚĂŝŶ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞĚ ŝƚĞŵƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŽƐĞ ĐŽƐƚƐ ĂƌĞ ŶŽƚ ĞůŝŐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ tŽƌůĚ ŽĨ ,ǇĂƚƚ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ WƌŽŵŽƚŝŽŶĂů ďůĂĐŬŽƵƚ ƉĞƌŝŽĚƐ ŵĂǇ ĂƉƉůǇ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞĂƐŽŶĂů ƉĞƌŝŽĚƐ Žƌ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ĞǀĞŶƚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŶŽƌŵĂů ĂƌƌŝǀĂůͬĚĞƉĂƌƚƵƌĞ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƚŝŽŶƐ ĂƉƉůǇ ;ƵŶůĞƐƐ ŽƚŚĞƌǁŝƐĞ ŶŽƚĞĚͿ͘ dŚŝƐ ŽĨĨĞƌ ŵĂǇ ďĞ ĂůƚĞƌĞĚ Žƌ ǁŝƚŚĚƌĂǁŶ Ăƚ ĂŶǇ ƚŝŵĞ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ŶŽƚŝĐĞ͘ tŚĞƌĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͕ ĂŶ ĂůƚĞƌŶĂƚĞ ŽĨĨĞƌ ŽĨ ƐŝŵŝůĂƌ ǀĂůƵĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŽĨĨĞƌĞĚ͘ sŽŝĚ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƉƌŽŚŝďŝƚĞĚ ďǇ ůĂǁ͘ dŚĞ ƚƌĂĚĞŵĂƌŬƐ ,ǇĂƚƚΠ͕ tŽƌůĚ ŽĨ ,ǇĂƚƚΠ͕ ĂŶĚ Ăůů ƌĞůĂƚĞĚ ŵĂƌŬƐ ĂƌĞ ƚƌĂĚĞŵĂƌŬƐ ŽĨ ,ǇĂƚƚ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚŝŽŶ Žƌ ŝƚƐ ĂĨĨŝůŝĂƚĞƐ͘ ΞϮϬϮϭ ,ǇĂƚƚ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚŝŽŶ͘ ůů ƌŝŐŚƚƐ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĞĚ͘

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

TASTEMAKER

The Khambhampatis plan on expanding their accessible luxury decor line Fairhaven Circle into table textiles and paper goods in the future.

Pillow Talk

wathi and Kartikh Khambhampati are a lawyer and data scientist, respectively, by day. But they’re also the proud founders of Fairhaven Circle, a textile line sparked by a visit to Swathi’s grandmother’s house in Florida, where a closet full of traditional Indian saris got Swathi’s wheels turning. Swathi kept thinking about the artisans who had made the designs. The disconnect of the beauty of the saris and how few people these days wear them stayed with her, and on a trip back to India in 2018, she met with a sari and shawl weaver. “I asked what he was going to do since people don’t wear saris anymore. He said it was difficult; he had a hard time making ends meet, and it wasn’t a craft he was passing on to his children because they wanted to go to university and get white-collar jobs,” she says. She came back energized to help artisans in India pivot to a new market to diversify their businesses. The idea for entrepreneurship had

A Buckhead couple brings Indian textiles to a new audience STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

been percolating since visiting her grandma, and the couple, who still have their day jobs, made it come true in October last year. Working with the same manufacturer as big names like Jane Churchill and Pollack, they provide stunning pillows at accessible prices. Here, the couple, who designs the collection themselves, discuss the road to the brand's debut. Why did you decide to start with pillows? SWATHI: We started with the idea of doing bedding, and we spent the first three years working on that. The pandemic slowed us down, but we also realized that India is not the place you want to go to if you want to do duvets. They don’t have looms wide enough to weave a single piece of fabric to fit a queen or king bed. A lot of companies take those techniques to Portugal. Our inspiration always was to preserve Indian textile traditions, so the idea of

38 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

doing duvets and manufacturing in Portugal defeated the purpose. KARTIKH: We wanted to do these techniques as close as we possibly could to the traditional way, and that’s more cost-effective on pillows.

ing built over a lifetime, and we feel strongly about rebranding the techniques from “handicrafts” to art. We’re intentional about telling our customers the history, provenance and sheer level of work that goes into it.

What was the inspiration behind Nushka, your first collection?

Where does the brand name

SK: We wanted to innovate traditional

Fairhaven Circle come from?

designs and motifs. Every pillow in the collection combines two or three different techniques. Our Ami throw pillow looks like a polka dot pattern, and it’s inspired by a technique from Rajasthan and Gujarat called bandhani, historically a tie-dye technique. We did it by block and screen printing, with French knot embroidery on top to give it texture. We’ve been matching techniques from all over India that, historically, would never have been combined.

SK: We wanted the brand to reflect

roots, and for us, our family roots started on Fairhaven Circle [in Peachtree Hills]. And we’re bringing our heritage from India to our roots here in the U.S. You just launched, but what’s up next? SK: We're planning to use this

collection's designs in table linens, placemats, napkins and runners. We believe in offering accessible luxury across multiple product lines to expand for our artisans. n

Why was it important for you to work with Indian artists? KK: It takes a lot of skill and train-

FAIRHAVEN CIRCLE fairhavencircle.com • @fairhavencircle

FA S H I O N

BEAUTY

WELLNESS

TA S T E M A K E R

STYLISH

Marriage and Business Guru Page 44 Therapist and coach Chantel Cohen supports business professionals. PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

“We help with burnout, major anxiety, bouts of ADHD and fear of failure, all of which are common with entrepreneurs.” — Chantel Cohen S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

FASHION

t 33, designer and Buckhead resident Micole Love is one of those people who has lived so much life, it belies his young age. Growing up in Cincinnati, he loved watching his seamstress mother sew her own clothes and began sketching his own designs. He hid his creations from his mother, who was worried about her son’s sexuality, but when she found his sketchpad, she was floored by his talent. She even began sewing his designs to wear. Love was 6 at the time. In grade school, Love customized his school uniforms to look unique, but struggled with his weight and put fashion on the back burner as he became increasingly insecure about his appearance. After high school, Love took a job as a wheelchair assistant at the Cincinnati airport and became known as “Big Mike.” Despite being well liked, his self-doubt was all-consuming, and at 19, Love decided to take charge of his health. He began eating healthier, and pushing people as many as 30 miles a day around the airport helped as well. In one year, Love lost 115 pounds and went down eight clothing sizes. “After my weight loss, I was still insecure, so I started using fashion again to push myself out of those shy ways,” Love says. “I started making bowties and wearing them to work.” His style and personality caught the attention of a local celebrity who frequented the airport, and he suggested Love get an agent and pursue modeling and acting. In 2013, Love enrolled in the John Casablancas Modeling & Career Center and excelled in his training. He soon shifted from student to teacher, instructing modeling and acting classes at both Casablancas and at local high schools. A deeply spiritual man, Love says God leads him toward specific actions, including stepping away from a front-of-camera career and moving back to fashion, to the man he married in 2015 and to the couple’s move to Atlanta in 2018. In Atlanta, Love legally changed his name from his birth name, Michael Sprawl, to something he says reflects who he is as a designer, and officially left “Big Mike” in the past. He moved on from bowties, and in 2020 started creating the glasses that he is widely known for.

Genteel Black & Red Floral Ensemble, Top: $425; Bottom: $625

Genteel Red Asymmetrical Floral Suit, Top: $475; Bottom: $750

TRUE CALLING Designer Micole Love channels his own insecurities to create fashion for all STORY: Emily L. Foley In 2021, his unisex fashion line Miicon Genteel was born. “I design everything from my own insecurities,” he says. “I always wanted to be a masculine man, but when I tried to be, I felt very fake, so I realized I had to find balance between my masculine and feminine, and my designs reflect that.” Love introduced his most recent denim collection in November 2023 at a fashion show at Blue Martini nightclub in Buckhead. Four hundred people watched the runway exhibit hosted by model Maddie Gray, while DJ Babey Drew manned the music.

40 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Love doesn’t aspire to dress celebrities because he doesn’t want someone’s persona to outshine his designs, but he admits it would be a dream come true to gift Sir Elton John with a pair of his glasses. He’d also love to design something for singer Monica. “I met her when I was working at the airport in Cincinnati, and she is such a real person,” he recalls “She showed me my own star power way back then.” n MIICON GENTEEL miicongenteel.com • @miicongenteel

Designer Micole Love wearing a pair of his signature glasses.

BEAUTY

GuruNanda Concentrated Mouthwash ($8.78) If you don’t like the intense burn of typical mouthwash or don’t like knowing that many contain mostly water and alcohol, this efficient product may be the perfect solution. Highly concentrated, the 2-ounce bottle contains enough for up to 300 uses. It’s made of essential oils such as clove, cardamom, fennel, tea tree, peppermint, spearmint and jasmine. Simply add four drops to a small cup of water and swish for a minute, and you’re good to go. walmart.com • @walmart

Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips ($34.99 for 14 treatments) If you’re nervous about using harsh products to whiten and brighten your smile, these peroxide-free strips could be your answer. They get their non-abrasive whitening power from coconut oil, Dead Sea salt, sage, and lemon peel oil, and mold to your top and bottom teeth. It’s recommended to leave them on for 30 minutes per day for 10 to 14 days, and results can show up in as little as a week.

AquaSonic Icon ($24.95) Twice daily brushing is a vital part of any oral hygiene routine, and this slim, portable electric toothbrush makes the process enjoyable. The brush with densely packed bristles creates micro-vibrations to gently lift away debris in two modes: clean and whiten. It features a built-in timer that signals you to move onto the next quadrant of your mouth every 30 seconds. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it holds its charge for 30 or more days. Choose from six sharp colors including black, lavender, pink and mint. Pack it up in the included case for easy traveling and stick it on the magnetic holder for at-home use.

cvs.com • @cvspharmacy

amazon.com • @amazon

MEGAWATT

Dazzle with these healthy, smileenhancing products STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin A bright, friendly smile is one of the most endearing ways to make a great first impression. Good oral hygiene requires a little bit of effort, and practical, effective products can go a long way toward making sure your teeth are as healthy as they are attractive. Here are some smart finds to keep your chompers in beautiful shape.

The Humble Co. Lemon Dental Floss ($4.99) Flossing is one of the important steps in any dental care regimen. Why not make the process a pleasure? The design eliminates the typical waste of a plastic container because the package itself dispenses 50 meters of shred-resistant, wax-coated, lemon-flavored floss. Developed by dentists, it’s coated in xylitol, which is proven to help with remineralization that’s vital for enamel health. Bonus: A portion of proceeds go to fund health care projects around the world. sprouts.com • @sprouts

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Crushed Lip Color in Plum ($33) It may come as a surprise that what you put on your lips can influence how white your teeth look. In fact, lipsticks and glosses with blue undertones, such as plum and berry hues, provide a contrast to your teeth, making them appear whiter. This pretty product from celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown glides on to deliver a hydrating stain effect that will give you something to smile about. nordstrom.com • @nordstrom

Davids Premium Toothpaste, Peppermint ($9.95) Many of us are thinking critically about anything we’re putting in and on our bodies. For an effective whitening and anti-plaque toothpaste that’s free from fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate, which removes the protective mucin layer in the mouth, this tube is just the ticket. It’s flavored with natural peppermint oil; 98% of the ingredients are sourced domestically; and it comes in a recyclable metal tube with a key, so you can squeeze every last drop for a minty fresh smile every day. wholefoods.com • @wholefoods

42 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

WINTERIZE YOUR SKIN What Causes Dry Winter Skin and How to Avoid it By Elise P. Barnett, M.D. Founder of Atlanta Skin Wellness Center

e have now reached the coldest, driest season of the year and your skin is likely experiencing some of the effects. Rough, dry, flakey skin can not only cause embarrassment but can be uncomfortable and itchy too.

To fully assess a patient’s complaints of dry skin, I first ask about medications and other Elise P. Barnett, M.D. personal habits that may promote the Board-Certified Dermatologist problem. For example, certain cholesterollowering medications called statins are associated with dry, itchy skin. Statins work by reducing cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, but also reduce fats and cholesterol in the outer layers of the skin, leading to hydration loss, especially in older adults. Another medication, infamous for causing dry skin and eczema is isotretinoin. This medication successfully treats cystic, scarring and stubborn acne, but one of its main side effects is dry skin. Note, isotretinoin’s drying effects are magnified in the winter. Luckily, whether your dry skin is due to a medication, a decrease in humidity or just heredity, there are simple tips to follow to treat your itchy, dry winter skin. First, I recommend showering or bathing daily in warm water that isn’t too hot. Although hot showers temporarily feel great, they dry out the skin, making it feel even more itchy. I also recommend avoiding shower gels. Gels strip our skin of its natural moisture, something which we desperately need during the colder months. Using a fragrance-free, moisturizing bar soap is best. Second, I recommend a thick moisturizing cream. Moisturizing the skin with a thick cream (not a thin, alcohol-based lotion) immediately following a shower or bath, holds moisture in the skin and slows down the process of trans-epidermal water loss (losing moisture through the skin). Third, I instruct patients with sensitive, dry skin to avoid fragrances and dyes in their laundry detergent and fabric softener, as those aggravate itchy skin. Following these simple steps can dramatically improve the skin’s health, making it more supple, hydrated and less itchy. If the itching and dryness fails to improve with these actions, in office treatments or prescription medications or both may be necessary. One of our signature hydrating facials immediately plumps the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles disappear. Or, if more lasting results are desired, Skinvive® may be the perfect treatment for you. This new hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable, delivered right below the skin’s surface to reduce dullness and dryness gives the skin a boost of hyaluronic acid, delivering a beautiful glow lasting up to six months. This treatment is ideal during the winter months or before events or parties and pairs beautifully with all your anti-ageing skin care. If you are feeling the drying effects of winter on your skin, our experts at Atlanta Skin Wellness will get your skin hydrated and glowing once again.

www.AtlantaSkinWellnessCenter.com 755 Mt Vernon Hwy NE, Suite 305 Atlanta, GA 30328 | (404) 446-4840

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

WELLNESS

uckhead resident and owner of CWC Coaching & Therapy Chantel Cohen is both a certified business coach and a licensed therapist. She opened her practice in 2011 to bring both skills together in support of business professionals and entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities, including people of color and women. As an African American woman, she felt there was a need for her services. Black therapists represent just 4% of the psychology workforce in the United States, according to a report from the American Psychological Association. “I look at what we do as vitally important. Our work contributes to families staying together and to the economy by helping their businesses. Entrepreneurs are more likely to divorce and deal with unique struggles,” Cohen says. CWC’s goal is to create a paradigm shift by supporting clients on a personal level with their relationships to self, business, co-founder and/or spouse, which in turn has positive repercussions for their businesses. Cohen often starts with individual therapy and then brings in the client’s partner in life or business as needed. Cohen provides a hypothetical example of an entrepreneur struggling with delegation to describe how the coaching-therapy hybrid works: “If you’re in corporate America, you have to trust and grow your team to grow your business. So we would talk about times when somebody may have failed them. It doesn’t necessarily have to have been in childhood; it could have been in another work situation or with a business partner or significant other,” she says. Cohen says if the professional isn’t willing to delegate, they might feel resentful, overworked and burnt out with no time for themselves. “Those are the things that must be broken through so business leaders can be all that they can be. A lot of it is a head game, the way you view the world and what you tell yourself, not necessarily utilizing hard business tools,” Cohen says. The therapist-coach feels passionately about supporting women in business in particular. CWC is

Marriage and Business Guru Chantel Cohen counsels professionals STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Joanne Vitelli a certified community partner of the Women’s Entrepreneur Initiative, which provides resources to emerging and aspiring entrepreneurs. “Women, no matter what race, only get 2% of venture capitalist money. Nobody is investing in us. Black women-owned businesses get only 0.31%,” Cohen says. She adds that her female clients across the board face the distinctive challenge of balancing demands of family, children and community with their businesses. “The load on their shoulders oftentimes keeps

44 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

them from being able to move forward as quickly as men. I want to help them succeed,” Cohen says. CWC’s group of six coaches and therapists is often contracted by leading organizations such as Google, Coca-Cola, Lenovo and Coursera to provide vital mental health services for the founders and participants in their incubator and accelerator programs. They have done 2,500 sessions for Google for Startups’ Black Founders Fund, which allowed participants to seek support for the duration of their

cohort, typically a year. “We help with burnout, major anxiety, bouts of ADHD and fear of failure, all of which are common with entrepreneurs, as well as whatever the person needs,” Cohen says. As for her own mental and physical wellness, Cohen has a rigorous routine. Since experts say that if you write something down, you’re more likely to do it, every Sunday, Cohen puts pen to index card with what she will do in the week ahead and X’s it out when she’s completed each task. Her routine includes four days of cardio, two days of yoga, five minutes of pranayama breathing four times per week, four days of reading for 20 minutes and transcendental meditation every day. “I encourage my clients to do the same. Writing it all down really works,” she says. n CWC COACHING & THERAPY • 470.296.3090 chantelcohen.com • @chantelcohen

TASTEMAKER

ccording to Women’s Wear Daily, 67% of women in the U.S. are plus-size, defined as a 14 or larger, but only 8% of brands cater to this. So in 2020, Taylor Long founded Nomads, a size-inclusive swimwear and resort wear line that goes from XS to 5X (women’s size 32). Plus-size herself, Long designs her pieces from her West Midtown headquarters. In May 2023, the line was picked up by Anthropologie and is now the most size-inclusive line offered at the retailer. Here, Long discusses how she got her start, her intentions for the brand and what’s up for next season. You worked as a model for Kohl’s, JCPenney and other big retailers. How did that spark your idea for a swim line?

Yes, and I saw what was available to plus-size women in the swimwear category. I wasn’t always plus-size. I had dealt with my share of disordered eating and played volleyball, so I hadn’t let my body be as it naturally is. I wasn’t aware how abysmal the options are. The average American woman is a size 18 to 20. I decided to explore a size-inclusive swimwear line for my senior capstone collection at the University of Cincinnati. It started as a school project and went into development about two months after I graduated, and I launched in July 2020. How did you come up with the name Nomads?

The basis for the initial collection, called Sydney, was a trip I had taken to Australia. I noticed that a lot of the prints [at the time] were computer-generated and looked two-dimensional. There wasn’t a lot of texture. I looked at the photos I had taken exploring Australia and thought they’d make really cool prints for swim. From there, I decided I wanted each collection to be inspired by a different destination. The name came from an Instagram story poll. I liked that it was gender-neutral because I knew at some point I’d want to try to get into men’s or unisex swim.

Swim for All

Above: Nomads Bay Top II and Bay Bottom II. Below: Nomads designer Taylor Long.

Nomads brings swim and resort wear to size XS through 5X STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

those pieces ever ended up in a landfill, they would break down on their own. For our resort wear, we use biodegradable and compostable viscose. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, and I didn’t want to contribute to that. This is my way of doing my part.

How is your line sustainable?

How did your partnership

We manufacture in LA in small batches. Last year I started exploring biodegradable fabrics. We use a yarn called Amni Soul Eco to make the swim fabric biodegradable. If

with Anthroplogie come to be?

It’s difficult when you’re starting out to get noticed by buyers for larger retailers. I reached out cold to the chief merchandising officer

46 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

who I knew was plus-size. She was very receptive and responsive, and connected me to the right buyer. I think that the size-inclusivity and sustainability helped me stand out. What’s on the horizon for Nomads?

We’re launching our resort collection in January and spring in March. We’re putting an emphasis on resort wear and building out full looks around the swim. There are the swim pieces that are our best-sellers, which is crazy to think about because I designed those while I was in school, and they’ve stood the

test of time. You'll have the whole look to take you from the beach and the pool to dinner and beyond. The great thing about those pieces is that they can be worn anywhere. n NOMADS nomadsswimwear.com • @nomadsswimwear

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KIDS

PETS

S T R AT E G I E S

FAMILY

Conscious Tutoring Daniel Ortiz Photography

Page 52 Find a tutor that suits your child and family the best with TutorVille Buckhead's service.

“This extra family helper is supporting and strengthening [the child] where they need it.” — Jess Rogers S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Daniel Ortiz Photography

KIDS

Above: TutorVille matches tutors to families with children in pre-K through college.

CONSCIOUS TUTORING

Maintain Open Communication

Find the Right Match

Choose Consistency

Whether your child is 6 or 16, pairing them with the right tutor is everything. “It’s not just about finding the best person at prealgebra but also someone who will mesh well with your kid,” says Rogers, who recommends paying just as much attention to credentials as to personality and demeanor. For instance, are you looking for fun and upbeat, calm and patient or more of a bootcamp coach style? To note, a concierge service like TutorVille’s takes the matching legwork out of your hands, as the staff spends time custom-coupling families and students with teachers so all parents have to do is provide input (well, and foot the bill).

Just like school or sports, a consistent schedule for tutoring is in the best interest of the child. “Don’t hire someone with a sporadic schedule or who cannot commit to the entire semester,” Rogers says. Likewise, try not to cancel on your tutor.

The tutor should be communicating with you about sessions and what your child will need to work on between meetings that may need your oversight, depending on the child and/or their age. If you’re not already getting regular communications from the instructor, Rogers suggests asking questions such as, “What did you work on today?” “What is the homework?” “Do we need more sessions?” Plus, don’t forget to talk to your kid about how it’s going for them, too. “The most important thing, and one of our core values, is [building] ‘trust through transparency,’” Rogers says.

Create the Physical Space

Keep an Open Mind

Tutoring should never be done in the bedroom or with smartphones within reach, Rogers says. “Pick an open space, somewhere quiet, such as a dining room table. If it’s a nice day, it could even be out on a patio.” Make sure your child has the materials they need at each session, including pens, notepads and markers. It also can be helpful if a printer is nearby.

A tutor might notice that a child requires help beyond the topic parents knew about. Be open to that feedback so your child can excel and gain confidence. “It’s not always an easy fix,” Rogers says. n

Set your kid up for success STORY: Karina Antenucci

ould your child benefit from a tutor? Fostering their positive relationship with tutoring and finding the right person to do the job sets the stage for success. Jess Rogers, founder and CEO of TutorVille, a one-on-one tutoring company for pre-K to college students that recently opened a franchise location in Buckhead, offers the following advice for parents.

Talk It Up, Not Down Some children might not like the idea of a tutor. These additional studies can get in the way of other more fun activities or downtime at home. Or students might look at having a tutor as a personal weakness. Caregivers can promote it with positive encouragement to get kids on board. “Tell the child to think of meeting with a tutor like having secret weapon. This extra

family helper is supporting and strengthening them where they need it,” Rogers says.

52 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Jess Rogers, founder and CEO of TutorVille.

TUTORVILLE BUCKHEAD 470.920.6726 • tutorvilletutors.com/buckhead @tutorvillebuckhead

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S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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PETS

Portable Pets

With a little preparation and planning, you can bring your four-legged pals with you while you travel.

Prepping your cat or dog for long-distance travel STORY: Chelsie Butler

lthough it may be easier to board your dog or hire a kitty sitter while you go out of town, sometimes it’s imperative that you take them along. We asked veterinarian Dr. Riva Wolkow, owner of Belle Isle Animal Hospital in Sandy Springs, for some tips on how to make travel with your pets less stressful for all.

Embrace the Crate When traveling with your pets, they may need to be safely tucked away in their carriers or crates, especially cats and smaller dogs. “One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is only bringing out the carrier when they need to take their pets to the vet,” Wolkow says. “Leaving it out all the time so it becomes a day-to-day sight and not a scary place can be helpful.” Wolkow suggests placing treats

inside the carrier or crate and taking your pets on short drives that don’t include a trip to the vet to allow them to get used to a longer car ride without panicking. Place the crate or carrier on the floor in the backseat or secure it with a seatbelt. Dogs can also use harnesses or be taught to sit in a safe place of your choice in the vehicle, but you must be consistent with the training, and start sooner than later.

Alleviating Anxiety If you know your cat or dog is going to have a hard time on a long car ride or flight, vets can prescribe medications to calm them. Some pets suffer from car sickness, which causes anxiety about traveling, Wolkow says. You can tell if your pet is anxious if it’s vocalizing during the whole trip, drooling or panting; some animals will outright vomit. Plan ahead if ex-

54 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

tra care is needed. Classical music can be soothing to cats, and exercising your dog before a trip or providing a chew toy to keep them busy on the drive or flight can be helpful as well.

Potty Preparation When traveling by car, include a litter box for kitty or make regular pit stops for your pup. Lots of airports have doggy potty accommodations, too. Wolkow says adult dogs can usually hold their bladder for 12 hours, but puppies can only do so for one hour per the number of months they are plus another hour. So, a 3-month-old can only hold its bladder for four hours. Pee pads may be a necessity on a plane flight for younger dogs and kittens.

Rules to Consider Various airlines and countries have different pet travel regulations, so

do your research ahead of time. Your dog or cat may need certain vaccinations, treatments and preventatives to travel abroad, and some airlines and countries may require certifications with different timelines—some as soon as 10 days before the date of travel. Some countries also require your pet to be quarantined for a period once you reach your destination. Find out what the airline’s pet weight and age requirements might be, especially if you do not want to have Fido or Tigger travel in cargo. Going on a trip with your precious pup or cherished kitty does not have to be an unpleasant experience. If you and you pet are well prepared, you can go a long way. n BELLE ISLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL belleisleanimal.com @belle_isle_animal_hospital

STRATEGIES

out the year. Winter break is becoming a popular time for ski trips. For some, spring break lands in late March, which is the tail end of ski season but still gives people plenty of time to fly to Utah or Colorado to enjoy the snow. Options like Disney World, Caribbean destinations and cruises are great for fall break, which usually lands in early to mid-October and offers a great time for small crowds and low prices. Anyone not confined to a school calendar will have more flexibility; they just need to choose what works best for them. How should I manage my travel budget?

I recommend working with a travel agent who can help you set realistic expectations. Prices are higher today due to inflation. Based on the funds you have available, you may have to pick and choose what you can do. You can also maximize things like credit card points or frequent flyer miles. The Disney Rewards Visa is another great option; Disney Reward Dollars can be used dollar-for-dollar to pay for things like cruises, tickets and food. When you plan far enough ahead, you can use something like that to your advantage. What are some of the travel logistics I need to keep in mind this year?

HAVE PLAN, WILL TRAVEL Arrange your journeys for the coming year STORY: Amy Meadows

ccording to Stephanie Oprea, platinum senior planner and director of marketing for Dunwoody-based Pixie Travel, the number of people taking trips and vacations has skyrocketed over the last year and reached levels even higher than pre-pandemic 2019. The return of

wanderlust, as well as the widespread dropping of vaccine requirements, has contributed to the trend. Whatever the reason, people are getting back out there. If you’re ready to do the same, then it’s time to put a plan in place for 2024. Here, Oprea shares her tips and advice for setting your travel agenda for the coming year.

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How far in advance should I make my travel plans?

I recommend booking early. People who did manage to travel in 2021 and 2022 were able to make last-minute plans. However, because demand for travel is so high again, it will take some early planning to get a good deal. You’ll especially want to plan ahead for popular weeks like spring or fall breaks.

If you’re planning to travel overseas, now is the time to either apply for or renew your passport. The processing time is around seven to 10 weeks if you don’t expedite it. Some destinations, including a few cruise lines, require your passport to be valid for six months after your sailing date— so be sure to check the expiration date. As far as airfare, try to book at least six months prior to your travel for international flights and three to four months ahead of domestic flights to get the best deals. Also, make sure you are well-versed on the cancellation or modification policy on your vacation. What is your top travel tip for 2024?

What’s the best time to travel?

We have traditionally seen summer as the key time to travel, but the perception of summer is changing as many people believe destinations are going to be crowded and expensive. In metro Atlanta, many schools have several breaks built in through-

The pandemic taught us that things can change instantly. So take the trip now while you can. We don’t really know what the future’s going to hold, so enjoy those times with your family, friends or significant other. n PIXIE TRAVEL • pixietravelco.com • @pixie_travel

L I T E R A RY

ART

TA S T E M A K E R

EVENTS

CULTURE

Back from the Brink Page 58 Dunwoody's Gabriel Tuggle turned his personal struggle into a motivational book. PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

“Everybody’s going through something, and I know that my story can help a lot of people.” — Gabriel Tuggle

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

LITERARY

BACK FROM THE BRINK Author turns a personal story into a motivational message STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

abriel Tuggle had more than the proverbial brush with death. For several weeks in 1991, the 51-year-old Dunwoody resident was locked in a battle that few people believed would end happily. Then a senior at Newton High, Tuggle was at a neighborhood hangout when an offhand remark (that he won’t repeat) infuriated another teen who shot Tuggle in the head with a 44-caliber gun. “I was in surgery for hours, and the doctors told my mom they didn’t think I would make it,” he says. “The odds were stacked against me, and I was pretty much written off.”

Tuggle pulled through the worst but spent almost three months in the hospital. Unable to walk, talk or feed himself, he also had memory issues that turned his family members into strangers. When he was finally sent home, the hospital staff lined up to applaud his persistence and determination. But while Tuggle survived, his dreams of being a pro athlete were dead. “I was blessed with amazing athletic skills that parents and coaches recognized at an early age,” he says. “I put in a lot of hard work and played football and baseball, and ran track. When other kids were playing, I was training. I ate,

58 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

breathed and slept sports—and I was having fun.” After the shooting, Tuggle funneled that same determination into getting his life back. He won that battle, graduating from high school and attending DeKalb Community College. He moved through a series of jobs until 2000 when he trained in IT and began working in warehousing logistic operations. He’s built a 30-year career in that field but last year carved out time to write a book, Stronger than a Speeding Bullet. “For years, I had a nagging idea to write the book,” he says. “I started writing in 2016, found an editor in 2020 and went from there.” What kept him going was the belief that his unique story could connect with others going through difficult times. “I wanted others to know that no matter what you’re going through, it’s not over. The gifts you were blessed with are inside of you, and we all have purpose. I felt the book could help people by encouraging and inspiring them to never give up.” Along with managing a full-time

logistics job, Tuggle spends time sharing his message with school groups, sports teams, corporations, churches and conferences. “Everybody’s going through something, and I know that my story can help a lot of people,” he says. “I was near death, and they wrote me off. All the odds were against me. But what I’m doing now is delivering the message that you’ve got to believe.” n alive4greatness.com

ART

The PATH Museum brings a free art experience to Buckhead and highlights artists with connections to Atlanta.

A Museum in Buckhead The PATH expands the area’s art offerings STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Erik Meadows

uckhead offers a plethora of entertainment offerings, but museums, particularly art museums, are in short supply. Mark Karelson, owner of Mason Fine Art on Miami Circle, has always wanted to see a broader scope of arts and culture in the area where he grew up. In summer 2023, Karelson’s curatorial dreams came to fruition. He opened The PATH Museum on the ground floor of an office building next to Lenox Square. “The PATH Museum is an attempt to enhance the cultural profile of Buckhead,” Karelson says. “In my opinion, museums aren’t entities that compete and instead enhance one another. More museums in Atlanta mean more people coming to see all of them.” The name PATH has a double

meaning. One part is for the museum’s location: It sits along the route of PATH400, a 5.2-mile walking and biking greenway running adjacent to Georgia 400 that will extend through Buckhead when completed. It also is an acronym for “Presenting Art That Heals.” “Art heals by allowing you to look at things, acknowledge them and move forward. It’s a means of expression of the spirit. And for certain artists, it’s a way of overcoming great obstacles,” says Karelson, who has always been drawn to artists who prevail despite physical, financial and developmental hurdles. The museum, which is free and open to the public Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will have rotating exhibitions curated by both Karelson and guest curators.

The broad vision is to “highlight artists with connections to Atlanta that deserve to be recognized.” The PATH’s initial exhibition displayed the diverse private collection of iconic artist and Georgia State professor emeritus Larry Walker. The second displayed works by internationally renowned visual artist Charly Palmer, who created John Legend’s last album cover and TIME magazine’s bold 2020 cover “America Must Change.” Last fall, the space highlighted a retrospective exhibit of the city’s history by Atlanta photographers Jim Alexander and Susan J. Ross (pictured above). This year, visit The PATH to view “The Next 100 Years,” an exhibit curated by Tracy Murrell and Ren Dillard. The emerging Atlanta

curators are addressing the topic of Afrofuturism, a cultural aesthetic that combines science fiction, history and fantasy to explore the African American experience. Karelson hopes to use the museum as the jumping off point for another larger project he has in the works: a walking museum throughout Buckhead that is projected to launch later this year. This “trail of art” will feature privately owned sculptures and murals on loan for public consumption. “I am returning to a vision that has been in the works for years. Between The PATH Museum and this new project, I want art to be accessible to everyone,” he says. n THE PATH MUSEUM • 404.879.1500 pathmuseum.com • @pathartmuseum

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

TASTEMAKER

Artistic Ties that Bind

Husband and wife duo build a life around creative endeavors STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

n a case of never knowing where Cupid’s arrow will land, Amy and John Gresens had followed their individual interests in art without crossing paths. But part-time jobs at a Tinder Box tobacco shop at Gwinnett Place Mall put these two creative types together 26 years ago. Since then, the couple has shared artistic projects and developed their individual styles. Amy, a jewelry maker, is also the education director at the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody, where John is a ceramics instructor. Here, they share their insights into making a life around art.

When you met, did you know you had art in common? AMY: We had a lot of the same

interests, but we didn’t think about being artists. I knew I wanted to have art in my life but didn’t know it would end up being my career. I

worked in the advertising industry and did art on the side for years before coming to Spruill 15 years ago. Now I’m fully immersed in art, and that’s where I want to be. JOHN: As a kid, when people asked what I wanted to be, I said an artist. I knew I was a creative person, but growing up in the ’80s, the idea of going to art school wasn’t something a lot of parents got behind. When Amy and I met, we were both into woodworking. We did it together for a while, and that was exciting. How did you find your own mediums? AMY: We did start by outfitting our garage as a woodworking studio, but we eventually found different mediums to explore. If you’d asked me 20 years ago if I would make jewelry, I’d have said no. But it clicked when I started taking classes. JOHN: In 2003, I went to Georgia State

60 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

and majored in art education and discovered ceramics. The minute I took the wheel, I was smitten. I still love it.

What advice do you have for someone who is interested in art but thinks they have no ability? AMY: People often come in and say,

What classes do you teach at Spruill? AMY: I teach beginning and advanced

jewelry. Some people have been taking courses with me since 2018. They like the demonstrations and projects, but it’s as much about the friendships and camaraderie. At Spruill, we say people come in for a class but stay because of the teacher, and they stay with that teacher. JOHN: I’ve been teaching ceramics for seven years, and I took classes there for a long time before that. I see a broad spectrum: On Tuesday nights, I have students in their 20s and 30s who are just starting, and I have teens on Tuesday afternoons. I also have a lot of people who have been taking the same class with me for a long time. Each class has its own personality.

“I don’t do anything creative.” But you don’t have to. It’s more about perfecting the craft, and the creativity happens naturally after that. There’s a lot of science and chemistry involved, and I did not like those subjects when I was in school. Now I’m in this world where there is so much science: the way you heat the metal, getting it to certain temperatures and more. If you follow the science, it will work for you. JOHN: Ceramics is the same. It doesn’t require artistic ability; it’s really about process. You have to learn the mechanics of the wheel, and if you trust the process, then creativity comes with that. n SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS 770.394.3447 • spruillarts.org • @spruillarts

EVENTS

BY Nicole Letts

ART TAKES CENTER STAGE W hen the movable pegboard walls go up in the Allison Williams Activity Center at Trinity School, it’s time for Spotlight on Art. The Buckhead school’s annual signature fundraising event draws thousands and averages 1,000 pieces of sold art daily. This year, it’s back for its 42nd anniversary. The main event is the Artists Market, a six-day, gallery-style shopping showcase that features new, original works by more than 300 established and emerging local, regional and national artists spanning all price points and styles. Various mediums are presented, as are works from jewelry and home artists. “I am excited about the new artists this year. We always try to balance the right number of returning and new artists and want to make sure each show doesn’t feel exactly the same,” says Director of Spotlight on Art and Special Events Leisy Stevenson of the 2024 event. Spotlight on Art kicks off the evening of January 29. During the party, artists mingle with guests over complimentary small bites and beverages. The closing event, Cocktails & Canvases on Feb. 2, completes the nighttime soirees. The weeklong daytime market spanning 6,000 square feet of gallery space is open to the public daily beginning Jan. 30 with free admission and parking. Since its inception, Spotlight on Art has launched careers for artists such as Renee Bouchon, Colleen Leach, Julie Torres and others. Works by current and

Opening night at Spotlight on Art at Trinity School draws a crowd of enthusiastic collectors annually. This year's evening event is on Jan. 29.

SPOTLIGHT ON ART TURNS 42

former featured artists hang in prestigious museums and collections around the world, including the High Museum of Art, the National Gallery, The Smithsonian and the Museum of Modern Art. Spotlight on Art is Jan. 29 to Feb. 3. n trinityatl.org/spotlight-on-art • @spotlightonart

Spotlight on Art will have on-site ear piercing as well as welded permanent jewelry as new additions to the 2024 Artists Market.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

EVENTS

BY Gillian Anne Renault

BUZZ SKATE CITY SPRINGS Jan. 1-21 citysprings.com/skate

Winter fun has just begun at City Springs in Sandy Springs. Now through Jan. 21, take to the ice on the rink at Skate City Springs. Timed hour-long entry tickets are available for purchase for adults, $15, and children ages 2-10, $13. Admission includes skate rental. Refreshments such as hot chocolate will be available to keep you warm from the inside out.

SCAD TVFEST Feb. 7-10 scadtvfest.com

Raise the Curtain The 24th annual Jewish Film Festival is back for two weeks of entertainment beginning Feb. 13. It runs until March 7. Movies will be shown at iconic theaters and venues throughout the city including at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, The Tara, Plaza Theatre, Georgia Theatre Company

Join Savannah School of Art and Design at its annual celebration of the best in television, streaming and digital media. The four-day festival offers students, fans and production professionals screenings, premieres, panel discussions, workshops and more. Last year’s honored guests included Wes Bentley, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sterlin Harjo and Craig Robinson. Passes are on sale now.

The Jewish Film Festival returns

Merchants Walk and Springs Cinema & Taphouse. New this year, films will be available for home streaming beginning Feb. 27 through March 7, allowing audiences beyond Atlanta to view the festival’s roster. In addition to showing world-class international and independent

features, documentaries and shorts, the festival will also include panel discussions with industry experts, academics and other community leaders. It will close with an awards night on Feb. 26. n

EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

ajff.org • @atljewishfilm

Feb. 22 - March 3 actors-express.com/play-pageeverybodys-talking-about-jamie

En Vogue

Back for its third season, Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe and Actor's Express are producing Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. The musical follows small-town dreamer Jamie as he pursues his ambitions of becoming a drag queen. Tickets start at $36. Discounted student tickets are available.

Fashion meets ballet

AUTHOR TALK Feb. 28 atlantahistorycenter.com/ event/michael-l-thurmond

Conrad Dy-Liacco

The intriguing life of a French legend is the subject of Atlanta Ballet’s Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon. Taking the stage at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center as a U.S. premiere, the ballet is choreographed by Belgian-Colombian award-winner Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and is in partnership with Hong Kong Ballet and Queensland Ballet. The original narrative follows Chanel’s rise to fame intertwining true events with fictional characters and happenings to create one fascinating performance. Chanel’s life was one of fame and fortune, but also controversy. The designer was known to be antisemitic, and as such, Atlanta Ballet is working with the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum as

well as SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film to provide additional resources and adjacent programming that delve into the complicated legacy of the fashion house and the

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woman behind it. Performances are Feb. 9-17. n atlantaballet.com/performances/coco-chanellife-of-a-fashion-icon-3-2 • @atlantaballet

In his book, James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia, Michael L. Thurmond recounts Oglethorpe’s unlikely friendship with two formerly enslaved black men and how their relationship impacted his abolitionist beliefs. Admission for Atlanta History Center members is $5 and $10 for nonmembers. Bundle tickets that include a discounted rate for the book are available starting at $21.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

COVER STORY

Upgrade

Your Life INNOVATIVE WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT IN 2024

STORY: Karina Antenucci

PHOTO: Erik Meadows

With a new year comes a fresh start. Take a cue from one of our feature subjects, a life enrichment director, whose advice includes never stop trying new things. All of our experts would agree that this is especially true when it comes to your well-being. So what will 2024 bring into your life? This could be the year you pursue your passion, make self-care a priority, branch out from the same-old routine to try something just for fun, or tackle head-on any mental or physical issues, such as anxiety or aches and pains, that seem to have crept up. Whether it's for your mind, body or spirit—or a combination of all three— we've included some incredible local resources to help enrich your life here.

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S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

COVER STORY

M IN D

ive years ago, Jill Weinstein, a licensed professional counselor, was working at The Galloway School and noticed an unprecedented increase in anxiety among adolescent students. This level of anxiety was not able to be effectively managed in outpatient therapy and necessitated a higher level of care. Alarmed by such a need in the community, Weinstein went to her friend of 20 years and fellow therapist Alyza Berman, founder of The Berman Center in Sandy Springs that offers mental health and substance use intensive outpatient services for adults. Weinstein said, “We have to do something.” Their collective passion for helping people led to the launch of Ignite at The Berman Center, a specialized, outpatient teen therapy program. Weinstein is now the program’s clinical director. “The Berman Center, which opened in 2017, is a special place. It’s not your typical treatment center. It has a family feel and takes a more whole-person approach. Everyone’s treatment looks very different,” Weinstein says. Here, Weinstein talks about the epidemic of anxiety and when it’s time to seek help, and shares what it means to do intensive outpatient therapy. How does “intensive outpatient” differ from “regular” therapy?

You would typically go to therapy once per week. With our intensive outpatient program (IOP), you’re in group therapy for nine hours each week, plus one hour of individual therapy and one hour of family therapy, so about 11 hours of therapeutic work. We also have a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) that is 25 hours per week and includes extensive academic support for adolescents. IOP is a way to prevent people from going on to higher levels of care, such as inpatient hospital or a crisis stabilization unit, or for those stepping down from a higher level of care who need more support.

MINDFUL MOVES Jill Weinstein discusses anxiety and intensive outpatient therapy PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

like the war in Israel coming at them. They are exhausted. Adults, just like kids, are constantly connected to phones and devices. I don’t want to make tech out to be the devil, but we have to learn to have healthy relationships with our phones just like with food and shopping. Tech is here to stay. Current parents and adults didn’t grow up with technology, so we have to learn how to manage it and to help kids manage it. For teens, social media adds a lot more pressure to excel, to get into college and to look good while doing so. Many don’t have the skills of resilience and grit.

Why does it seem like anxiety is at an all-time high?

Do anxiety disorders affect

In general, people are struggling more because of COVID burnout, and constant information and news

women more than men?

That’s what the research shows [women are twice as likely to have

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an anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America]. There are a lot of pressures on women—to work, be a mom, to have it all. At the same time, it’s more socially acceptable for them to struggle with anxiety or depression than men and boys. Finally, we’re beginning to see adolescent boys coming into The Berman Center to get help. For a while, it was just women and girls. How can one know when it’s time to seek help for anxiety?

When it starts to interfere with daily functioning. If you’re not finding pleasure in things you used to like, pulling back from family and friends, not sleeping, not eating, not doing the daily things that you used to

do. Anyone is more than welcome to call us at The Berman Center. Mental health can be a hard space to navigate. We love to be a resource in the community for people. For outpatient therapy, we have a lot of connections and can direct people to the right space. Or speak with your doctor or your child’s pediatrician. What are some daily or weekly practices adults or teens can do for themselves to alleviate or prevent anxiety?

Everybody is different. Test things out, such as meditation, yoga, journaling, knitting, walking or building LEGO, and see what works for you. Connection is important. Spend undistracted time with your family or people you love. Put down your phone and enjoy that time. n THE BERMAN CENTER • 770.336.7444 bermancenteratl.com • @thebermancenter

LOCAL RESOURCES

MIND

FL E X TH OSE M E NTAL MUS C LE S WI T H N E WFOU N D KNOWLE D G E

Right: Samuel Vernhes, dean of education, and Myriam Chedouteau, executive director, École du Samedi, which offers adult French classes on Saturdays.

Get schooled in comedy at Jeff Justice's Comedy Workshoppe.

LISTEN AND LEARN WHERE: Buckhead Heritage

Society in Buckhead WHAT: Learn about Buckhead, Atlanta’s history and more at Buckhead Heritage Society’s free speaker series that is open to the public. Throughout the year, the organization brings in local authors who present their books or professionals to discuss the history of various locations in the area, such as Chattahoochee Brick Company, Shepherd Center and the Atlanta BeltLine. Buckhead Heritage also puts on additional events just for members that include walking tours, book club gatherings, a holiday party and more. Join the email list to find out what’s coming up. buckheadheritage.com

SAY “OUI!” WHERE: École du Samedi

in Garden Hills WHAT: Heading to France on a

vacation or just want to brush up on your French? École du Samedi translates to “Saturday school,” and that’s exactly when you can take language lessons at this French school in Buckhead or online (Advanced Plus level only). The nonprofit organization was founded by two French teachers in 2002 and now lives on the campus of the Atlanta International School and enrolls approximately 180 students in a school year. All levels of adult

classes run for two hours for 12 weeks. We can hear Paris calling now. frenchschoolatlanta.org

LAUGH OUT LOUD WHERE: Jeff Justice’s Comedy

Workshoppe in Buckhead WHAT: If you love making people laugh, or want to add humor to business presentations, take a comedy class taught by former comedian, professional speaker and “motivational humorist” Jeff Justice. He has had more than 3,100 graduates go through his comedy course in the three decades he’s been teaching it. One night a week for six weeks at the Atlanta Punchline Comedy Club, you’ll experience four, 3.5-hour, info-packed classes, two rehearsals and a graduation night onstage at the Punchline. Increase your know-how on everything from basic joke-telling skills to how to handle hecklers. comedyworkshoppe.com

GET CREATIVE Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody WHAT: Who said art classes were just for kids? Whether purely for fun or to hone an existing skill, all ages are welcome to explore a course in the arts as a great outlet for creativity and relaxation. The Spruill Center offers classes across many mediums, from ceramics and drawing to knitting, basketry, calligraphy, flower arranging,

Feed your creativity with a class at Spruill Center for the Arts.

glass blowing, jewelry making and more. It’s also a great way to create handmade gifts for loved ones while blowing off some steam. Research published in The Arts in Psychotherapy suggests that making art activates the reward pathways in the brain and may have health benefits, including lowering stress. spruillarts.org

GAIN PARENTING SKILLS WHERE: Save Atlanta in Chamblee WHAT: Every parent could use an ex-

tra tool in their kid kit now and then. If

you’re interested in gaining advice to prevent or address issues in the current or next chapter of parenthood, the Parents Actively Learning classes at Save Atlanta offer curricula for adults with 0-4-year-olds, 5-12-yearolds and teens. Depending on the target age, topics cover things such as non-violent discipline, building courage and self-esteem, effective communication, school success and teen risky behavior prevention. There’s no shame in adding to your parenting game! saveatl.com n

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COVER STORY

B O DY farms is great. When are wheat, corn, soy, rice and beans in season? For a short period of time. No animal on the planet eats those regularly. Most people don’t realize that grains inflame. Genetically engineered corn is legally a pesticide now. When you buy an apple in July, it’s been gassed and stored in a warehouse for a whole year. All that said, if you do enough things right, you can do some things wrong. You are not a fan of eating grains. Why is that?

So many people have gut issues like IBS, diarrhea and bloating because of U.S. grains. What is your best wellness advice?

Chew your food well, don’t eat foods that your body doesn’t want, exercise, don’t smoke cigarettes, get fresh air and have lots of good friends. I tell my patients to say out loud what they want, such as “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.” It works. How do you use kinesiology in your practice?

We figure out through muscle testing what the body would like to have or avoid—what helps or drains you. If you eat or drink something that you’re reactive to, you’ll go weak. The body tells you what it wants or can’t have, but people don’t always listen. I have seen patients have dramatic improvements with key supplements that their bodies needed.

WELLBEING WHISPERER

Tim Kelly is teacher first, chiropractor second PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

im Kelly, founder and chiropractor at Buckhead Wellness Center, is 72 and, remarkably, has no aches and pains. The spry septuagenarian credits this to the same anti-inflammatory wellness regimen that he recommends to patients. “Inflammation is involved with every pathology, every sickness, every disease. I’m an anti-inflammatory doctor,” he says of his work that combines chiropractic care with a whole-life approach that largely takes into consideration diet, among other things. In addition to spine and joint adjustments, Kelly brings in nutrition counseling, supplements, applied kinesiology,

orthotics and other tools and techniques as needed to help patients. Here, we chat with him about how he works and the nutrition practices he advocates. How do you approach chiropractic care differently from others in your field?

I take a lot of time with new patients to uncover what is causing them pain or illness. Doctor means teacher. I want to help you stay out of my office and fix the problem versus seeing you for a short amount of time on an ongoing basis. If you have a disease, you’re either doing too many of the wrong things or too little of the

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right things for your body. Also, we do non-force adjusting without any pushing or cracking. For the last 20 years, I have been using an electrical adjusting device that gently taps the joint that’s stuck and makes a sound. When the joint is moving again, it makes a different sound. Everything is gentle and designed to offer relief right away. What kind of diet do you follow and suggest to most patients?

I recommend eating what all animals on the planet eat: other animals and plants that are in season. That means fresh, organic, non-GMO produce that is picked when ripe, so buying from local

What do cold lasers do for pain relief?

Cold lasers are not a cure-all, but they help to rehabilitate muscles by shooting particles of light into cells. Some will hit the mitochondria, which is what turns sugar to energy. That is like blowing on embers in a fire; it cranks up and creates massive amounts of energy in the treatment area. So we can put the laser on a patient’s weak muscle and instantly make that muscle stronger. You’ll see the Atlanta Braves getting their necks and shoulders lasered in dugouts during games. Raphael Nadal used one on his knee in between U.S. Open sets. It looks like a red flashlight. n BUCKHEAD WELLNESS CENTER 404.477.1589 • drtimkelly.net

LOCAL RESOURCES

BODY

TAK E CAR E OF YO U FROM H E AD TO TO E

LOOSEN UP WHERE: Woodhouse Buckhead WHAT: Release everyday stresses and muscle tension with a transformative massage. At the luxurious Woodhouse spa, choose from treatments that go deep, such as the Sports Massage that’s great for active people, or a more soothing service, a relaxing Body Balance Massage. Begin or end your time in the tranquil salt therapy room to improve respiratory and skin health. For a bonus rest, book lounge time in a plush quiet room solo or with a friend. You won’t regret it. woodhousespas.com

FREEZE INFLAMMATION WHERE: CryoEVOLUTION

in Chamblee WHAT: Do like the professional

athletes do and add cryotherapy to your wellness routine. Step into a whole-body cryo chamber at around -150 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three minutes and reap the benefits of reducing inflammation, which is associated with many diseases. Freezing for a few minutes might sound unpleasant but the discomfort is brief, and the benefits last longer. Exposing the body to ultra-cold temperatures for a short amount of time helps with relieving muscle pain, increasing circulation, releas-

ing endorphins, stimulating cellular regeneration, metabolizing calories and clearing toxins. cryoevolution.com

STRETCH IT OUT WHERE: StretchLab in

Buckhead and Sandy Springs WHAT: Stretching improves your

range of motion, opens up tight muscles and improves flexibility and posture. Complement your workout routine by signing up for 25- or 50-minute individual or group stretching sessions. In the one-on-one sessions, a flexologist (yes, that’s a thing) will stretch you out and offer a deeper and more customized approach to address your stiff areas. In group classes, the instructor guides you through a set series and teaches you how to use stretch tools. On your first visit and on a monthly basis when you return, a 3D body-scanning tool will measure how well you are moving to better customize your stretch sessions. Wear comfy athleisure attire and grip socks. stretchlab.com

Get a deep stretch at StretchLab to improve flexibility, among other things.

staying accountable? A health coach can offer support, guidance and check-ins to keep you on track. HOM’s coaches create six-month customized wellness programs that include movement, meals and mindfulness such as stress-management techniques for a holistic approach to make a healthier lifestyle sustainable for the long-run. They’ll keep up the encouragement along the journey so you’re more likely to follow through. homhealthcoach.com

FOCUS ON SKIN CARE WHERE: SkynBar in Buckhead WHAT: Taking care of the biggest

GET A SUPPORT SYSTEM WHERE: HOM Health Coach

in Buckhead WHAT: Not sure how to meet your fit-

ness or weight-loss goals? Need help

organ in your body with regular facials and skincare can do wonders for self-esteem, not to mention for putting your best face forward. SkynBar offers a wide range of facials and skin

services to target your needs and that are suitable for your age, starting with the Teen Facial that addresses breakouts all the way to more intense anti-aging methods. Choose from options ranging from a classic facial to leading-edge treatments, peels and injectables. skynbaratlanta.com

A massage at Woodhouse Buckhead resets the body and can be a fun self-care activity with a friend or partner.

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COVER STORY

SPI R I T

ince she was a little girl, Taylor Smith has known her life’s path was to serve others. “I just wanted to help people but didn’t know how to do that in an educational degree sense,” says the life enrichment director at Corso Atlanta, a retirement and assisted living community in Buckhead. “I tried studying nursing, but I wasn’t scientific enough. I then tried business and was bored to tears.” So, at 18, Smith chose a career in ministry. For 12 years, she worked at a church in North Georgia, where she lives, serving her community in homeless shelters, clothing closets and food pantries. “When I was 30, I felt the Lord call me out of this megachurch world. A friend of mine had a great opportunity at a senior living residential community where I had done volunteer work,” Smith says. Nine years later, that work led her to Corso Atlanta, where her job is to enrich the lives of all residents. Here, we talk with her about what that means. What does a life enrichment director do?

Quite simply put, I create environments and opportunities for people to connect, form relationships and thrive at any stage of their lives. When a new resident moves in, I meet with the family and the resident to get to know the person first and establish a connection and understand their goals for themselves and their abilities—physically, emotionally and mentally. I am trying to build community within a community so I can tailor activities to that specific person to create realistic and comfortable situations for them to gain independence and thrive.

SPIRIT LIFTER

Taylor Smith enriches the lives of seniors PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

What are the most spirit-enriching How is this job unique?

activities for senior citizens?

The foundation of this job is love and passion for people. All people. Life is messy; people are messy; you have to be prepared and sometimes dive into family dynamics. Some people come into senior living grieving from a spouse’s death or losing their home. Even if they have chosen this, it can be overwhelming to make that transition. You have to meet them where they are.

The most enriching activity is something that is purposeful. I make sure our residents can take the focus off of themselves and their own lives and put it on giving back to others. We have done work with various local charities, such as The Sandwich Project, The Salvation Army, Atlanta Mission and, our favorite, Atlanta Humane Society, where residents make enrichment

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toys for dogs and cats. We also do a school supply drive for Backpack for Kids. Pet therapy is incredible, too. Companiontrained Labradors come in and spend time with our residents. How can one stay young at heart?

You can’t stop dreaming. Have goals. Try something new. Laugh and don’t take life so seriously. Find the humor in the season that you’re in.

What types of wellness activities do you personally enjoy?

Anything outside—hiking, forest bathing. When you go outside, it opens you up to how vast the world is and [gives you a chance to] to pause for a moment, slow down, enjoy the sunshine, look around, look up, use all your senses and take time to be quiet and still. n CORSO ATLANTA • 678.336.5137 corsoatlanta.com • @corsoatlanta

LOCAL RESOURCES

SPIRIT

FI N D AN ACTIV ITY TH AT’S G OOD FOR YO UR S O UL

CREATE CHANGE WHERE: Successfully Accelerating

in Life Coaching in Brookhaven WHAT: Feeling unfulfilled in your

career? Get clarity on your life’s purpose and move toward your goals with the help of a life coach who specializes in working with people ready for a change or going through a major transition. Private coaching sessions with S.A.I.L.’s Certified Professional Coach and former Naval Officer Kim Green can help define a clear vision for a new path forward. Choose from the coaching package that suits you best to break through old habits and obstacles to stay on task to live a more fulfilling life. successfullyacceleratingcoaching.com

GIVE BACK WHERE: VolunteerMatch WHAT: Doing good for others feeds the spirit. Meet your volunteering match on this site that features opportunities in the Atlanta area by ZIP code. Get ideas for organizations to work with and contact them through VolunteerMatch. A few

include The Amphibian Foundation, a conservation effort to protect amphibians and their habitats in the Southeast located at Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead; LaAmistad, an organization based in Buckhead that helps Latino students and families achieve success through academic and life enrichment programs; and Bagel Rescue, a nonprofit that supports hunger relief and reduces food waste in Atlanta started by a local family. Choose from a wide variety of categories, including animals, children, human rights, technology, health, the arts, seniors and more to find what suits your time and interests. For those who want to contribute from home or office, organizations also post virtual opportunities where you can use your unique skills, such as public health, finance, communications or fundraising. volunteermatch.org

MAKE HEADSPACE WHERE: Body & Brain

in Sandy Springs WHAT: How often can you just be

Sandy Springs is home to a plethora of hiking trails and greenspaces including this one in Big Trees Forest Preserve.

these days? Gain peace in your busy mind and clarity with guided meditation classes. Start with a 50-minute private introductory session in the studio or online, where the instructor will check your current energy condition. No matter if you’re experienced with meditation or not, you’ll gain mindful techniques to help you relax, get in touch with your energy and steady your thoughts. Benefits of meditation include sleeping better, releasing stress and stimulating creativity, to name a few. Plus, just doing something positive for yourself is a spirit booster. bodynbrain.com

EXPLORE YOUR FAITH WHERE: A house of worship

or community center near you WHAT: No matter what your faith

or beliefs are, spirituality can be a remarkable support system throughout life. During times of emotional distress and loss, it can serve as a lifeline for your spirit. Buckhead and its surrounding neighborhoods have a plethora of houses of worship as well as faith-based community centers that provide the opportunity to explore your beliefs through adult education classes. Here are just a few options: Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Muslim Community Center of Atlanta and Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. atlanta.jcc.org • mccatlanta.org • prumc.org

GET OUTSIDE WHERE: Sandy Springs WHAT: Time in nature boosts

serotonin (aka the happy hormone) levels and simply feels good. While we’re lucky to have many neighborhoods in Atlanta with great parks, trails and other greenspaces, they are particularly abundant in Sandy Springs. Choose from these outdoor recreation areas’ offerings that include easy and advanced hikes, kayaking, fishing and more: Big Trees Forest Preserve, Lost Corner Preserve, Morgan Falls Overlook Park and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. visitsandysprings.org n

Find some headspace with Body & Brain's guided meditations.

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REVIEW

DRINKS

FOODIE JOURNAL

TA S T E M A K E R

R E S TA U R A N T S

DELICIOUS

Secret

Garden

THE CHASTAIN IS AN EVER-CHANGING WONDERLAND OF FRESH FLAVORS AND BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATIONS STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

“A

PHOTOS: Madelynne Boykin

nd the secret garden

and inspiration—they hold if you

bloomed and bloomed

know where to look. As I discovered

and every morning

on recent visits to The Chastain, Chef

revealed new miracles.”

Christopher Grossman and his talent-

I read those poetic words in one of my

ed team definitely know where to look

favorite books growing up, The Secret

to find the best in-season ingredients

Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

and to use their culinary wizardry

The story awakened my sense of

to turn them into something even

wonder at gardens and the secrets—

greater than the sum of their parts.

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➥

The Chastain walks the line between comforting and supremely elegant.

Faroe Island salmon is fresh and flavorful, accented with justpicked herbs from the on-site garden.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

REVIEW

Perfectly marbled ribeye, served a la carte, goes well with any of The Chastain's seasonal side dishes, including the chili-garlic eggplant.

Above: The TC cheeseburger is a hearty, decadent choice for lunch or dinner. Right: Beef tallow tater tots are creamy on the inside, crisp on the outside and extraindulgent topped with caviar.

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Grossman comes by his love of seasonality and creating stunning flavors that double as art on the plate honestly. He worked at chef Thomas Keller’s famed Napa restaurant, The French Laundry; with chef Gerry Klaskala at Aria; and led the kitchen at Atlas at the St. Regis Atlanta before striking out on his own to create The Chastain. I stumbled upon the eatery for the first time in spring of 2021. The effect was like dining in a greenhouse with the main room’s floor-toceiling windows; I was immediately charmed. The building, which got its start as a roadside general store in the 1930s well before Chastain Park and the stately homes that surround it today, has a sense of history and touches of modernity. It might seem impossible to recall precisely what I ate nearly three years ago, but it made such an impression that I’ve thought of that experience on many occasions since. That meal of a super-fresh salad of sprouts, sunflower seeds, buttermilk ricotta and dill aioli; toothsome agnolotti stuffed with butter-poached lobster; and a nightcap by the roaring fire pit

had me longing to become a regular. I’d visited for the odd morning pastry and coffee with a friend (the ever-rotating selection of Danishes and buttery, flaky croissants is a treat), a working lunch on the all-weather covered patio (whoever thought of serving the buttermilk biscuittopped chicken pot pie as a side dish is a genius) and a special event. But I’d failed in my quest to add it to my regular rotation of “evening out” spots. Determined to change that, my husband and I returned on an autumn Saturday night. Part of what I love about The Chastain is that, aside from some mainstays you’ll always find (the decadent cheeseburger with caramelized onion aioli, Vonnie’s sprouts salad and a few kinds of daily-made pasta), the menu changes so frequently that there’s always something new to discover. Though the selection of drinks was tempting, I opted for one of the zero-proof cocktails. The “phony Negroni” by Brooklyn-based distillery St. Agrestis came with a fresh orange slice in the ruby-hued liquid and all of the balanced bitterness and sweetness

Fish fingers get a major upgrade in this rendition of crisp-battered turbot over tangy, eggy sauce gribiche.

The diminutive chicken pot pie, topped with a biscuit, is offered as a stout side dish.

of the boozy version, sans alcohol. It was a fun, appetite-invigorating start to the meal. A few diminutive portions of fluke, a sweet, flaky white fish, were battered with locally brewed Steady Hand IPA and served with sauce gribiche, a creamy, tart and eggy version of a remoulade. We also chose beef tallow-fried tater tots, served with tangy creme fraiche and chives, and topped with briny Osetra caviar. The two starters paired were quite possibly the most elevated take on fish and chips I can imagine. I was tempted by the trio of handmade pastas, but we opted for protein-rich mains instead. Faroe Island salmon came with almond-infused brown butter, new potatoes and tender-crisp French green beans. My Châtel Farms ribeye, a beautifully marbled and wet-aged cut, was cooked perfectly medium-rare, sliced and served in a justright puddle of rich jus. I paired it with a side of spicy-sweet chili garlic eggplant that was fall-apart tender and bursting with flavor. The hyper-seasonality of the menu is by design. Behind the eatery, the staff maintains a robust

culinary garden, strategically planted based on what can be wholly used on the menu and what will most benefit native pollinators and the ecosystem as a whole. Beyond simply growing organic produce, The Chastain is committed to repurposing other byproducts, such as coffee grounds and ash from the smoker, to enrich the soil. Chefs source other ingredients from a cadre of boutique local farms, so produce and proteins are served at the peak of freshness and travel a short distance from farm to plate. Such practices are part of what earned the restaurant a Michelin Green Star, a relatively new category that denotes an exemplary commitment to sustainability. The Chastain also received a Michelin nod for beverage manager Juan Fernando Cortés as the guide’s Atlanta 2023 Sommelier Award Winner. On my recent visits to this Buckhead gem, I was struck by how The Chastain walks the line between comforting and supremely elegant. While it’s far from a secret, thanks to the eatery’s bucolic, parkadjacent setting, it still feels like a discovery every time. n

The chocolate and hazelnut bar comes accented with mandarin-yuzu sorbet.

The Chastain 404.257.6416 • thechastainatl.com • @thechastainatl Prices: first courses: $7-$24; greens: $16-$17; mains: $29-$49; a la carte: $50-$125; pasta: $16-$44; sides: $10-$15; desserts: $10-$15. Recommended: Beef tallow tater tots with caviar, Faroe Island salmon, chili garlic eggplant, Châtel Farms ribeye, TC cheeseburger, chicken biscuit pot pie. Bottom line: The culinary team uses ingredients at their peak of freshness, some of which come from the on-site garden, to create an ever-changing menu that reflects micro changes in the seasons to beautiful, delicious effect. A deeply thoughtful beverage program is designed to complement every bite.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

gilaxia

DRINKS

SIMPLY SELECTING

Be prepared to buy wine, even if you don't know wine words STORY: Angela Hansberger

uying wine can be a daunting process. You may know what you like, but if you don’t have the vocabulary, it’s tricky to suss out the particular bottle your tastebuds seek. Going the route of picking by way of a pretty label doesn’t always work out. Are Syrah and Shiraz the same grape? Do I like tannins? Why would I want to drink “acid”? It can be intimidating. All you need are a few key steps and questions to find the right bottle. Thankfully, there are people who have done the research, tasted the wines and even visited the vineyards to explain “terroir” for us. The first step is to find a wine shop. “Also, find the right person, somebody you feel comfortable with,” says Adam Williams of Ansley Wine Merchants.

What’s your style? “To help customers find something they are going to be happy with, the initial question is always going to be ‘red or white, bubbles or rosé?” says Kaitlyn Hines of Holeman & Finch Bottle Shop. A secondary question is likely to be

whether you like something fruity or earthy. “Just one or two words about what you are looking for helps me pick the right bottle,” says Bethany Taylor of Brookhaven Wines. “The right questions will tell me a lot about the client’s taste profile,” says Perrine Prieur, owner of her eponymous shop. Wine descriptions often reach almost poetic description, but a customer doesn’t need to wax poetic to find the right bottle. A savvy shopkeep or wine specialist will ask insightful questions, so even if you don’t have the right wine vocabulary, they can guide you to a winning bottle. Having a flavor profile you are looking for is helpful, but the opposite can be equally so. “A reference point in terms of something you definitely don’t like is a good way to steer in the right direction,” says Hines.

Where to? Most wine shops are organized in a particular way to help people find wine. Brookhaven Wines is organized by region. At Perrine’s new shop in

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Sandy Springs, Old World wines line shelves on the right side, and New World wines flank the left. “At H & F, we have things broken down between a larger section of pinot noir, chardonnay and Napa cabernets, and then we have a catch-all selection of Old World wines, Central European wines in the New World, noncabernet wines from the U.S. and South American wines,” says Hines. “A nice reference point is knowing something you have enjoyed before from a particular place.” In broad strokes, this division of Old and New World comes down to winemaking styles. Old World wines tend to be lighter in body, with higher acidity and lower alcohol, while New World styles tend to have fuller-bodied, fruitier flavors with higher alcohol levels and lower acidity. There are exceptions to this generalization, but it helps to steer to style. If a customer notes that they enjoy Bordeaux, Taylor picks up on a style immediately. “They like full-bodied reds and cabernet-merlot based blends,” she says. For the adventurous shopper who wants to try something new, she

would visit the shelves of Australia or consider an Italian Super Tuscan.

What goes well with…? When choosing a bottle to pair with a particular meal, Prieur’s number one rule is “what grows together pairs together.” Explain the meal with which you are pairing as a springboard for the selection process. This is also where price comes in. Is this an everyday bottle or something celebratory? Have a price in mind for what you want to spend. “This is really helpful when someone is picking out wine for you, and it avoids an awkward recommendation of something too expensive for your budget,” says Taylor. A good wine merchant can help you splurge as much as they can help find a great value. n ANSLEY WINE MERCHANTS • 404.876.6790 ansleywine.com • @ansleywine BROOKHAVEN WINES • 404.869.5650 brookhavenwines.com • @brookhavenwines HOLEMAN & FINCH BOTTLE SHOP 404.841.4070 • hfbottleshop.com • @hfbottleshop PERRINE’S WINE SHOP • 404.254.5077 perrineswine.com • @perrineswine

FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

BY Claire Ruhlin

FOOD NEWS n Planta Queen, sister restaurant to Krog Street Market’s Planta, is now open in Buckhead Village, offering Asian-inspired, plant-based dishes.

plantarestaurants.com n Scofflaw Brewing will open a new location in Buckhead this year at Oxton, a hub of restaurants and shops on Piedmont Road. scofflawbeer.com

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q’s latest location is now open at Brookhaven Station. The counter-service restaurant features a 40-seat patio and a dining room with four televisions. foxbrosbbq.com From left: Tacos from El Santo Gallo feature handmade tortillas. Chef Santiago Gomez.

The Cocktail Shaker

traditional Mexican taqueria—with our own personality. Being Mexican, it can be difficult to find authentic tacos made with fresh masa and from-scratch salsas. That’s what we are doing at El Santo Gallo.

Authentic Flavors Chef Santiago Gomez brings Mexican street food to the Westside with El Santo Gallo

hile acclaimed Chef Santiago Gomez’s first Atlanta restaurant, Palo Santo, is an upscale take on Mexican cuisine, his new venture, El Santo Gallo, embraces the laid-back simplicity of tradi-

tional-style cuisine. Here’s what to expect, according to Gomez. What prompted you to go with a simple, more traditional menu? We want to transport people to a

What kind of authentic experience can we expect? El Santo Gallo is inspired by Mexico City taquerias. We make our tortillas to order, and the taquero [traditional taco maker] cuts the meat directly from our trompo (a vertical rotating spit). We add cilantro and onions, a good amount of sauce (“con todo”) and finish with lime to create the perfect bite. We’ll offer tacos al pastor, carne asada and pollo, plus a vegetarian option—hongos (mushrooms)— or, if you like seafood, a fish taco. You can also start with a guacamole and finish with arroz con leche (rice pudding). We have a full bar with beers, cocktails and natural wines.

What made you decide to open the restaurant inside the Westside Paper complex? We believe in the Westside! And what’s better than being across the street from Palo Santo? We want to be a late-night spot where people can be after midnight. We believe Westside Paper will bring great options to the Westside. n EL SANTO GALLO 404.458.3036 • @elsantogallo

Cocktails With a Kick Isla & Co.’s espresso martini packs a jolt of caffeine Australian-style, all-day cafe Isla & Co. embraces flavors from Europe and Southeast Asia in its menus. Last fall, the restaurant launched its espresso martini flight, a tasting of three different espresso martini flavors. Make the eatery’s classic version at home with this easy recipe.

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Classic Espresso Martini Yield: 1 cocktail

INGREDIENTS 1 ounce of vodka 1 ounce espresso (Isla & Co. uses Hole In The Wall Coffee Co. espresso) 1 ounce Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur ¼ ounce Demerara syrup

INSTRUCTIONS Pour all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker; shake hard for 20 seconds. Strain and pour into your favorite chilled coup or martini glass.

ISLA & CO • 404.228.4060 isla-co.com • @islaandco

Oaxaca is a casual, all-day eatery offering simple, yet inventive takes on traditional Mexican cuisine. 5255 Peachtree Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30341 770.450.4805 | oaxacaatl.com

ADVERTISING For information, email us at advertising@simplybuckhead.com or call 404-538-9895

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

TASTEMAKER

What is it like to work

FUN FACT

with your brother?

A self-described fashionista, Betti wears custom-made shirts and shoes from Italy.

He’s 10 years younger than me. We have worked together since 1989 and have a very efficient working relationship. There’s a lot of respect as well as brotherly love. We’re both very passionate about food. Everything starts with quality. Disagreements are rare, especially when it comes to food. I come up with more of the recipes [than he does], but he puts the final touch on all of them. Then we taste them together. He doesn’t trust anyone as much as he trusts me as a food taster. How did you get started leading

Reynolds Rogers

Italian culinary tours?

Everyone was always asking me what to do and where to go in Italy, so I decided to use my longtime friends and contacts to put together a tour of Tuscany. We go once or twice a year for seven nights, eight days. It can be anywhere from six to 18 people. We stay in a villa and cook five of the nights with my parents and aunt. We use private transportation to explore four major wine regions: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Bolgheri and Valdarno Superiore. What’s your favorite part of owning a restaurant?

Renaissance Man Bar Ti Amo owner Marco Betti embraces everything he does with passion STORY: Carly Cooper

arco Betti has had more careers in his five decades than many have in their lifetimes. Growing up in the hills of Tuscany, he and his brother Alessandro helped their parents run a butcher shop before Betti turned to accounting in college. Yet his passion was fashion, and his first job outside the family business was managing Benetton stores in London. Several years later, a move to Rome led him to open a cosmetics shop. Once he was back in Italy, however, family came calling. He and Alessandro opened their first restaurant in the Florence

countryside. After a couple of years, lease negotiations ran aground, and Betti turned to the seas to learn about fine dining on cruise ships. When he returned, he launched Antica Posta Restaurant and Bed and Breakfast in San Casciano, Italy. If the name Antica Posta sounds familiar, that’s because the second location is in Buckhead. Betti opened it on East Paces Ferry in 1999 with Alessandro soon joining him as executive chef. Last year, the duo expanded their reach, introducing Bar Ti Amo to the Buckhead community. Located on Paces Ferry

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Place, the restaurant serves pasta, meat, fish and poultry using seasonal ingredients. “I love this business,” says Betti, who runs it with his daughter, Sophie. But Betti likes to diversify. In addition to running his restaurants, he imports specialty Italian foods such as truffles and olive oil to sell wholesale. He also leads Italian culinary tours. We spoke with him to learn more. Why did you decide to open Bar Ti Amo?

I wanted to do a more casual concept than Antico Posta but still focused on quality food—a place anybody can go and have a bite to eat. It’s like an Italian trattoria, open all day, seven days a week, for food and drink, coffee and pastries.

I like to wear nice clothes every evening and see different people. It’s like having a party every night. Every day is different. I enjoy the variety of challenges. I love to see everyone walking out happy. That’s how I fell in love with this business in the first place. What are your plans for the future? Any new restaurants in the works?

At the end of 2024, we’ll evaluate whether it’s possible to open another Bar Ti Amo. I think it’s a concept that can be replicated. I like Sandy Springs and Alpharetta. What do you do for fun?

When I wake up every morning, I cycle, run or go to the gym—most of the time all three. I really like to go out for dinner. There’s nothing like eating a great dinner with my wife and friends, talking and enjoying great food and a bottle of wine. n BAR TI AMO • 404.907.4141 bartiamo.com • @bartiamo_atl

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

Croque Madame, Le Bilboquet's classic French grilled sandwich, is a satisfying choice.

Falafel from Rumi's Kitchen makes a stunning plate with tart pickles, tangy tabouli and savory tahini sauce.

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End on an exquisite high note with the goat cheese and local honey panna cotta, topped with strawberry and black pepper compote at FIA Restaurant.

BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick

PHOTOS: Sara Hanna, Erik Meadows

AZIZA

influences—Greek, Indian, Thai, Italian—you

KALEIDOSCOPE BISTRO & PUB

roasted carrots play nutty-spicy notes

Meaning “happiness” in Arabic, Aziza is tucked

can’t put this menu in a box. That fact makes

Kaleidoscope is one of Brookhaven’s most

against tangy-sweet yogurt cheese.

into the lower level of Westside Provisions

it so much fun to order what you like and

popular watering holes. Fabulous small plates

Good luck choosing a favorite.

District, with a dimly lit dining room and

explore dishes such as tender-crisp charred

include pimento mac and cheese, roasted

Starters: $8-15 • Salads: $8-12

diminutive bar. The open kitchen, with its

octopus, shrimp saganaki, pan-seared

cauliflower seasoned with garlic and a touch

Mains: $18-45 • Sides: $4-10

large wood-burning oven that factors heavily

potato gnocchi, whole grilled branzino and

of lime, and the smoked pork and pimento

Desserts: $10 • rumiskitchen.com

into most dishes, is a welcoming focal point.

bone-in short rib served over spiced lentils

spring rolls. The steak frites with garlic-heavy

Have a cocktail such as the herbaceous Shug

and basmati rice. A meal here is like a global

chimichurri is exceptional, as is the poutine, a

THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

Shake to whet your appetite for the simple,

getaway close to home.

Canadian treat consisting of crisp, hand-cut

Both Southern food newbies and

elegant and intensely flavorful dishes to

Appetizers, soups and salads: $8-19

fries smothered in gravy and mozzarella.

aficionados will take to this sexy gastropub,

come. Sharing is the best way to maximize

Entrees: $24-$38 • From the grill: $28-$98

Looking for somewhat lighter fare? Go for the

as smooth and easy as the finish of

your tour of the menu. Don’t miss Hummus

Sides: $13 • Desserts: $12-$15 • fiaatlanta.com

fried chicken club salad tossed with sundried

one of its primo bourbons. (If you’re old

tomatoes, fresh avocado and golden chunks

school, go for the gloriously icy Resurgens mint julep; if not, there’s no shortage of

No. 1, a silky chickpea mixture topped with braised duck, pecans, pomegranate and

HOUSTON’S

of bird. A table on the pet-friendly patio

nutty tahini served with laffa bread. You

Houston’s probably won’t make the list of any

guarantees top-notch people-watching.

cocktail possibilities.) When your whistle’s

can’t go wrong with tender-crisp octopus

highfalutin, big-city critic. And yet the Beverly

Appetizers: $5-$12 • Salads, pizzas and

wet, dig in to favorite starters of spicy

with coriander, tuna tartare with preserved

Hills-based chain, which has had an Atlanta

burgers: $7-$14 • Mains: $13-$19 • k-pub.com

charred okra and PEI mussels in a whiskey

lemon labneh, short rib tagine or grilled

presence since 1978, has a devoted following,

lamb shoulder with fava beans and herbed

thanks to its consistently good, all-American

POSTINO WINECAFE BUCKHEAD

Classics such as the shrimp boil, Springer

rice. Blending Israeli cuisine with seasonal

food; its commitment to customer comforts;

Postino WineCafe Buckhead embraces its

Mountain half fried chicken and shrimp

ingredients available in the American South,

and its flagrant disregard for culinary

quirkiness with endearing charm. Located

and grits with New Orleans barbecue

Aziza strikes just the right balance between

razzle-dazzle. While the gooey spinach-and-

in a former Blockbuster, the space has one

sauce are all mouthwatering. And it

adventurous and comforting.

artichoke dip and the Famous French Dip are

wall plastered with VHS tapes. Even to-go

wouldn’t be Southern if there weren’t

Small plates: $10-$21 • Mains: $29-$43

the stuff of legend, we are crazy about the

containers burst with personality, including a

sweets to make your toes curl in delight.

Desserts: $13 • aziza-restaurant.com

Thai steak and noodle salad, the crispy-

reminder that “drinking wine at lunch is not

Leave room for a nibble or two of

skinned rotisserie chicken and the warm,

a crime.” The wink-wink fun doesn’t detract

brown butter cake or the favorite at

cream sauce. Both will leave you smitten.

CHIDO & PADRE’S

five-nut brownie with vanilla ice cream. At

from the fact that Postino takes food and

our table—almond nougat semifreddo.

Chido & Padre’s beguiles with lavish decor,

Houston’s, every table is bolted to the floor so

drink seriously. All roles are well played.

Small plates: $6-$12 • Salads and

delectable aromas and scrumptious fare. At

it won’t wobble, servers bring chilled glasses

Balance is a consistent theme. Kitchen

sandwiches: $6-$13 • Large plates

brunch or dinner, refreshing margaritas range

so your drink never gets tired and the napkins

techniques are solid. Menus present fresh

(including brunch entrées): $13-$28

from spicy to tart, sweet to crisp. Guacamole

have buttonholes so the white-shirt crowd

combinations. Whether you want a snack,

thesoutherngentlemanatl.com

and chips make for satisfying nibbles. Corn

can save its ties. We can only hope this

meal or feast, you’ll find it here. The OMG

tamales stuffed with veggies arrive with a

classic sticks around for a few more decades.

grilled cheese with creamy tomato soup is a

THE WOODALL

spicy red sauce (save a few chips to scoop

Starters and salads: $4-$20

classic that exceeds expectations. Meatballs

With its friendly, relaxed vibe, it’s easy

up every drop). Enchilada rojas boast sublime

Burgers and sandwiches: $18-$20

and goat cheese offer melt-in-your-mouth

to feel among friends at The Woodall

smoky, peppery and umami flavors. Chicken

Entrees: $25-$45 • hillstone.com/houstons

comfort. Bruschetta boasts 12 sophisticated

in Westside Village, whether you prefer

combinations. Weekend brunch presents a

the comfortable dining room or outdoor patio. Whitewashed brick, shiny metal,

mole is crowned with a velvety smooth sauce layered with complex notes. Carne asada

LE BILBOQUET

range of savory and sweet options.

makes a meal of juicy skirt steak with black

Le Bilboquet brings a taste of France

Snacks: $8-17 • Bruschetta & Boards: $17-19

warm woods, brown leather and modern

beans, cilantro rice, fresh avocado, corn salsa,

to Buckhead Village with a relaxed yet

Paninis: $14.50-15 • Soups & Salads: $7-13.50

light fixtures cozy up the converted

vibrant sauces and warm tortillas. Mexican

sophisticated vibe. Tables adorned with white

Sweets: $8 • Brunch: $9.75-15.50

warehouse while a mural of eagle talons

street corn is so scrumptious you may gobble

tablecloths are attended by friendly servers.

postinowinecafe.com

clasping a silver spoon adds personality.

it down in record speed. Brunch heroes

The menu is managed by Executive Chef Cyrille

include huevos rancheros and breakfast

Holota, who has cooked at Michelin-starred and

RUMI’S KITCHEN SANDY SPRINGS

globally inspired dishes and drinks

tacos, both offering a tongue-tingling good

award-winning restaurants across the globe.

Treat your tastebuds to as many dishes

featuring local ingredients. The menu

morning. For dessert, consider tres leches, an

Classic escargot balances earthy umami with

as possible at Rumi’s Kitchen Sandy Springs,

changes seasonally, with options

ultra-light three milk cake layered with fluffy

garlic and butter. Tender duck confit with lentils

whether you sit in the spacious dining room

such as lump crab beignets, open-

frosting and berries. Fresh Baja Mex fare and

and red wine sauce is divinely rich and savory.

with its bubbling water feature or order

faced tenderloin sandwich, Sicilian

vibes await on East Andrews.

Salmon is simple elegance, cooked to order and

to-go. The menu is packed with powerful

calamari and rock shrimp and fried

Appetizers: $5-18 • Salads: $10-12

served atop beurre blanc sauce alongside a

culinary rhythms and rhymes. Falafel stuns

chicken tucked into a feather-light biscuit.

Traditional dishes: $14-18 • Large plates:

mix of sauteed greens and shitake mushrooms.

with crisp-tender chickpea balls, pickled

The restaurant’s website confidently

$22-30 • Sides: $3-6 • Desserts: $8-9

Lamb curry is tender with a pleasing mild

veggies, tangy tabbouleh and savory tahini

asserts, “You’ll be back!” There are plenty

Cocktails: $11-14; happy hour margaritas, $8

spicy kick. French fries are long, slender, crisp,

sauce. Mirza ghasemi (smoked eggplant

of reasons to do just that.

Brunch: $14-22 • chidoandpadres.com

salty perfection. Vanilla crème brûlée tops

with tomato and garlic) presents strong

Small plates: $9-$15 • Salads: $9-12

The dinner and brunch menus present

dreamy, creamy custard with hard caramel for

notes without hiding the scrumptious plant

Sandwiches: $11.5-17 • Mains: $13-$43

FIA RESTAURANT

a delightful contrast of textures. The bar offers

flavors. Chicken barg infuses a juicy

Sides: $5-$6 • Desserts: $9-$10

Many of the best meals are an escape, a

wines by the glass and bottles that are hand-

wedge with exotic flavors thanks to the

thewoodallwestside.com

getaway. Fortunately for Atlanta residents,

picked by the sommelier, plus classic cocktails

saffron marinade. Pair it with Shirin polo,

it’s simple enough to find bites that both

and featured spritzers.

fluffy rice dotted with orange zest, red

awaken our wanderlust and satisfy our desire

Brunch specialties: $6-36 • Lunch

barberry, pistachio, almond and rosewater—

for something beyond the ordinary. Case in

sandwiches: $18-26 • Dinner: Appetizers:

a divine mix of flavors and textures.

point: Fia, the restaurant tucked inside The

$13-29 • Caviar: $125-278 • Sides: $12 En-

Lamb hummusiya tops hummus with

Burgess Hotel. A glance at the menu will tell

trees: $23-62 Desserts: $12-16

lamb sausage for a pleasing contrast

you that, while you’ll likely be able to pick out

lebilboquetatlanta.com

of spicy heat and cool umami. Dukkah

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

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Visit simplybuckhead.com to read all of our restaurant reviews!

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Maggie Schreck, PA-C is a highly-skilled and sought-after injector treating patients in the Buckhead location of Truffles Medispa. Maggie is an injector trainer for both Allergan (the makers of Botox Cosmetic, the Juvederm portfolio, and Kybella) and Galderma (the makers of Dysport, the Restylane portfolio, and Sculptra Aesthetic). Maggie is also one of the very few injectors who trains physicians and other practitioners throughout the State of Georgia in the use of Sculptra Aesthetic for both the face and body. With more than fourteen years of injectable experience, Maggie specializes in Non-Surgical Aesthetic Rejuvenation. She is a true artist who loves working with patients to help them achieve their aesthetic

maggie schreck

goals. She is known for her excellent bedside manner, exceptional patient care, and innovative treatments that cannot be found at other practices. Maggie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts from Miami University of Ohio and her Physician Assistant degree from Yale University. In addition to her extensive experience as an injector, Maggie has worked in the field of plastic surgery since 2007 assisting in surgery, preoperative care, and postoperative care. Maggie is a native of upstate New York and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.

Maggie Schreck, PA-C

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CHARITABLE

BELIEVE BALL

FOR CURE CHILDHOOD CANCER

Jeff Foxworthy

STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTOS: Lynn Crow Photography, Cristina

Culbreth Photography, and Julie Hunter

Dean Crownover, Nick Kray

he 10th annual Believe Ball to support the work of CURE Childhood Cancer celebrated more than a decade of remarkable successes and inspiring stories. The November event at The St. Regis Atlanta marked the nonprofit’s milestone of having raised more than $10 million since it began. This year’s ball, attended by 650 formally attired guests, raised $1.93 million. The effort was led by emcee Jeff Foxworthy, long-time supporter of childhood cancer concerns. Along with his hilarious entertainment, guests were treated to a live performance by “American Idol Season 12” winner Candice Glover, a seated dinner. A lively auction of exclusive trips and a meet-and-greet with “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” host Jimmy Kimmel was led by auctioneer Dean Crownover. The evening’s recipient of the Ragab Spirit of Hope award was Bobby Aiken and his company, Lendmark Financial Services. Simply Buckhead was a media sponsor.

Dick Gephardt, Matt Gephardt

Meredith Hilton, Scott Hilton, Haley Moody, Jay Moody, Todd Banister, Betsey Banister

Robert Dimson, Casey Sentell

Jenny Hobby, Grant Rivera

Courtney Norton, Matt Norton, Kristin Connor, Jeff Foxworthy, Gregg Foxworthy

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to our clients and readers for your loyalty and support over the past 13 years.

Cheers to the next 100 issues!

CHARITABLE

Chef Pano Karatassos, of Kyma, makes his grand entrance.

OUT OF THE KITCHEN FOR HORIZONS ATLANTA STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin PHOTOS: Courtesy of PWP Studio

A Rob Moran, Chandler Rierson

Kelly Loeffler, Amy Johns, Meredith Johnson, Jeff Sprecher

The Pricci chef team prepare dishes.

cclaimed chefs from 20 restaurants were the stars of the show at the Out of the Kitchen at The St. Regis Atlanta. More than 240 guests gathered on an evening in November for cocktails before sitting down to a curated dinner in the Astor Ballroom. Guests were assigned to a restaurant’s table, where chefs cooked unique multi-course meals live. Restaurants included Atlas, Kyma, Lazy Betty, O-Ku, Bistro Niko, Il Giallo, Southern Belle, Pricci and more. The fifth annual event, which supports a different cause each year, raised $413,000 for Horizons Atlanta, a nonprofit that offers tuition-free immersive enrichment programs and support outside of the regular school year to promising students attending Title 1 schools in metro Atlanta. Horizons Atlanta honored long-time supporters John and Mary Brock. Out of the Kitchen has raised more than $1.6 million for chosen nonprofit organizations since its inception in 2017.

Chef David Martin Garcia

A guest places bid for auction lot.

Jeff Clark, Jessica Parsons

Chef Bermyson Dorvil, The St. Regis Atlanta, and an assistant prepare plates.

S I M P LY B U C K H E A D • J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

SCENE

MAKING A SPLASH

Our stylish cover model, dressed in swimwear and jewelry from Buckhead-based Yacht Club Access, is ready to embrace the good life in 2024. PHOTO: Erik Meadows

88 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • S I M P LY B U C K H E A D

Primary Care. Immediate Care. All In One Location. Same Day Appointments • Walk-In Visits Accepting New Patients

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