FOODIES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME Atlanta Food & Beverage Magazine is becoming an informative go to source to please even the most discriminating palate in Atlanta. We look forward to all the partnership we plan on building in the hospitality and restaurant community in Atlanta as well as the surrounding region. We are open to all article submissions, recipes, press releases, new product trends all things food, beverage and hospitality lifestyles.
LETTER FROM THE P U B L I S H E R
Summer in Atlanta is one season where you want to get together with friends and get your “Sip On!” And soak up the sun and at the same time sip on refreshing cocktails. It is the season in the ATL where you constantly feel the need to stay cool from the heat of the sun and the humidity in the air. The opportunity to hang out with family and friends in the summer is pleasurable fun. It might not be in a sandbox, but still as grown folk, we love to play. For the summer fanatic a cool prepared cocktail is just the answer you maybe looking for. Whether it’s the Opera Club, or Motion Nightclub in the Underground or AF&B restaurant in Buckhead. Serving up the best cocktails will keep a bartender or the mixologist pumpin! Our April issue will be spotlighting these classy liquid treats. If you are probing for something with more thump, make sure you are clear minded, can drive, then plan on dropping little money your drinking preference may just be a cocktail. This month we also feature a new and popular spot in Buckhead American Food And Beverage Restaurant. Our Donsh’e Usher was invited to dine you can read her column here as well as on our website. I am sure she has a lot to say. Keep in mind cocktails are a very popular beverage whether it is a summer party, beach party or even an evening out. It is a good way to stay cool in the summer. But always remember to drink responsibly and above all don’t drink and drive.
- G. Coles Roasted Peach Cocktail
THE RECIPE Learning the secrets to an apple martini recipe is knowing how to make a standard martini. In an apple martini recipe, all that is needed are some of the same ingredients that you would find within a standard martini. You can also add apple flavors in order to make different versions Vodka • Sour Apple schnapps • Apple Juice • Apple Brandy Apple Liqueur • Apple Cider • Light Rum • Vermouth Green Apples
Combining chocolate with cocktails is a delicate process however. The rich flavors of chocolate means that the volume you use must be just right so that you acquire all the essential dark flavors while not overloading your cocktail, rendering it sickly and overpowering.
This rule can be ignored though if you are a chocoholic of course; in that case go mad. But the key to all cocktails is balance, and it is no exception with chocolate cocktails.
In order to concoct a great
Gourmet Cocktail, it is necessary to consider putting in the best of cocktail ingredients to get the right taste and presentation. Different cocktails would require different types of ingredients to generate a unique and tantalizing taste. Hence, the ingredients must be carefully chosen with the finest and fresh components taken into consideration. Some ingredients such as citrus require more muddling than delicate options like fresh herbs. Garnish is another important ingredient to a great cocktail. It may act more of a decorative piece in most cocktails but its presence adds a distinct aroma to bring out the cocktail.
Fresh herbs rubbed to release the oils make a great garnishing piece with an aromatic flavor that inspires the consumer. A dash of bitters can transform an ordinary cocktail to a sensational masterpiece as the aroma and taste blend to stimulate the senses.
ERRORS IN MIXING There is a plethora of errors in mixing a great cocktail. Those who rush through their cocktail tend not to observe the proper proportions for a well balanced drink. Hence, the cocktail becomes too strong which does not permit a higher degree of fulfillment. Forgetting the ice is detrimental when mixing cocktails as it helps to cool down the drink and dilutes it to a proper ratio for a great taste. It is crucial to avoid bad ice which is ice that has been kept too long in the freezer. This takes on the freezer smells in the cocktail which spoils the drink. Fresh ice is preferred for the best cocktail. It is important to observe the shape of the ice cubes in the cocktail to ensure that the drink is ready for a smooth flow. The ideal dilution is 25% of the ice cubes melting which leaves a smooth edge on the ice. These methods and ingredients dispensed properly makes a tantalizing gourmet cocktail.
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By Donsh’e Usher
It’s always that first impression.
The moment of arrival at any establishment that could determine the outcome of an evening. Mine began as I arrived at American Food and Beverage, located in Buckhead for my evening of dining. The restaurant offers free valet parking. My car door was opened for me with a smile by the valet, who was pleasant and attentive.
The host Joe greeted me at the door. He was full of energy and had a warm and friendly persona. Once seated I was advised that the manager Nik Katz will be over shortly. Once he arrived he was the consummate host. Looking around I took notice of the atmosphere, contemporary with a wonderful view of the surrounding venues, smartly lit with a family style platform. My waitress introduced herself. She was very inviting and quite engaging. With a bubbly personality very attentive and personable. She was very knowledgeable regarding the menu and her suggestions for our cocktails were on point. For starters, I submerged myself with a mouthwatering Blackberry Limeade Cocktail, made with Vodka, Rosemary Simple Syrup, and Fresh Lime Juice. If you’re a sweet to sour type of person; this is the drink of choice. It tasted like a “Sweettart”. One of the best thing about American F&B, and what will keep bringing you back, it’s the kind of place that really feels like it prepares and presents your meals with a personal touch of flare. Along with the aforementioned decor, this is certainly a “First-Date” night dining treat. This town could use more date night restaurants, and American F&B fits the bill nicely. The decor is nice, the service is great, and the cocktails are the “Bomb-diggety.” It’s happening but not excessively over the top. The restaurant is also directly across from what use to be our publisher favorite nightspot “BellBottoms nightclub,” which has since closed. “Oh well, we can’t have everything. The Buckhead Gimlet, made with Gin, Vodka or Tequila, Cucumber, Mint, Fresh Lime Juice, was refreshing to my palate. A twist of mint with a sweet finish. The food is solid. An inventive but not overly challenging take on American classics, with some modern twists thrown in. It’s an “ATL-foodie bomb-deliciousness” that I’d like to eat regularly. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Starters: The Wood-Grilled Mussels served with Cilatro, Jalapeno, Lime and Grilled Toast, in particular are worthy of obsessing over and was one of My Favorites. The Mussels were tender and juicy; the broth was robustly flavorful, it was so tasty I wanted to stick a straw in the bowl sip it like a cocktail. “But I’m a Laaaady.” The grilled toast was a nice finish and perfect for dipping. But, pace “Yo Self ” There are a number delicious items on the menu to sample and are worth saving room for such as: The Chorizo Scotch Eggs/Oil-Cured Chiles, Cilantro, was served hot with a crunchy crust on the outside of the egg, top with tomatoes and garnished with cilantro. If you’re an egg lover this is the perfect choice as a starter. Soups & Salad: The Grilled Escarole Chicken salad was to die for. Served with warm with chicken, chopped eggs, pickled shallots, and mixed with buttermilk dressing. All I can say is my, my, my. Entrée: The Fried Pasture Chicken served with a cream pepper biscuit, jalapeno vinegar, and apple butter was “tasti-lious” and to top it off was the Braised Leafy Greens, cooked with pork bites. The greens were tender and seasoned to perfection. The Duck Pot Pie was a not a go for me. But for Duck Lover’s they would suggest pumping up the flavor and add more veggies. Sides: House Made Rigatoni/Cheddar/Benton Bacon was served hot in a small skillet. This side dish puts you in the mind of a homemade grandmamma style macaroni and cheese. Full of flavor, rich in taste. Granny White’s cornbread was served hot in a small skillet, loaded with sweet corn, with a honey glaze topping is a must have.
Sweet Potato Ham Tots: were served hot with a ranch dipping sauce. The flavors didn’t blend well, the ham taste took away from the sweet potato and the dipping sauce was not a good finish. (An acquired taste). Dessert: For the Chocolate Lover- The Devil’s Food Cake served with pistachio ice cream is a delight. If you’re a peanut butter fan, The Frozen Peanut Butter Parfait served with White Chocolate Mousse and Caramelized Bananas is also a must have, rich in flavor with a frozen finish. The rest of the menu is a slate of very fine traditional cuisine with a stylish twist that no one’s going to be upset about. It will be one of the most memorable dining experiences you’ll have this year. American F&B is a good addition to the Buckhead list of eateries. It’s becoming a very popular dining spot. And who knows just maybe you’ll see some of those Real Housewives Of Atlanta there while Dining With Donsh’e.
Bartenders use various pieces of cocktail equipment when making a whole range of different cocktails. Whether using the classic shaking method or stirring in a large mixing glass with a bar spoon, there are different approaches to different cocktails.
The most common types of cocktail equipment include the cocktail shaker, bar spoon, hawthorn strainer, fine strainer, muddler, measure and citrus press. Electric blenders are commonly used for iced cocktails like a Pina Colada. A blender is a great way for crushing ice and that is what makes these types of cocktails taste so good, especially on a hot day. This method is quick and pouring straight from the blender into what is typically a Hurricane glass is a great way to make cocktails. The most common way to prepare cocktails is shaking which is the easiest method. A shaker is an important piece of cocktail equipment. These shakers come in various styles and size, depending on where you are using it.
The most common types of cocktail equipment include the cocktail shaker, bar spoon, hawthorn strainer, fine strainer, muddler, measure and citrus press. Electric blenders are commonly used for iced cocktails like a Pina Colada. A blender is a great way for crushing ice and that is what makes these types of cocktails taste so good, especially on a hot day. This method is quick and pouring straight from the blender into what is typically a Hurricane glass is a great way to make cocktails. Spirits, mixers and fruit/ herbs are the most common ingredients to be shaken in a cocktail shaker. Always remember when shaking you cocktail to have in the back of you mind ‘I am shaking this cocktail to wake it up!’ Along with the shaker, muddlers and strainers are required along with ice of course.
Mixing straight in the cocktail glass is another way of preparing the best cocktails. The Mojito is a great example of this. You need to muddle the mint and limes, churn the cocktail on numerous occasions and of course its best served with crushed ice.
quality cocktail garnish accessories can help in garnishing the drinks in the best possible way.
Ice scoops, crushers, and tongs are part of the essential ice accessories. Without cooling the cocktail is not really worth relishing. Ice tongs and As mentioned before, muddling is other ice accessories are commonly essential if you are going to make used by bartenders to make cocktails some of the classic cocktails. Muddlers come in all shapes and sizes and even more tempting for the guests. muddling spoons can even be used. Now that you are aware of all the Strawberry Daiquiris are an great cocktail equipment available, prepardrink to muddle strawberries in the ing your favorite cocktails will not base of the shaker. be a daunting task. One final tip: Fill When the cocktail is ready, good gar- your cocktail glass with ice and water nishing acts as the icing on the cake whilst you prepare your cocktail and and makes the cocktails tempting for then when you are ready to strain guests. So it is important to garnish your cocktail into your glass, discard the cocktails and for which garnish of the water and ice and your cocktail accessories are imperative. Garnish glass will be perfectly chilled. accessories include knives, peelers, and graters. Stainless steel and high
There are so many different kinds of cocktails available today in bars,
clubs, restaurants and I’d love to know which creative individual comes up with the names for all these wonderful fruity cocktail recipes. It seems too, that those watering spots you’ve seen in films over the years can boast a bartender who, generations ago, became a household name by creating his own unique cocktail and giving it its name.
When we think of cocktails, we envision a tall, elegant frosted glass, beautifully garnished with colorful fruits – and the ubiquitous paper umbrella. And it seems that today, any cocktail worth its name consists of various combinations of liqueurs – and fruits. So how difficult can it be to create your own fruity cocktail recipes? Let’s see how it’s done!
Canned fruits have preservatives and other added chemicals which you really don’t want in your perfect cocktail. Your fruity cocktail recipes deserve the extra time it takes to use fresh fruits as the juice and flesh of the fruit can only enhance the unique flavor of fruity cocktail recipes which you create yourself.
And what is more tempting than a freshly mixed cocktail in a frosted glass? To complete your presentation, it just needs a little garnish – and here again, you use fresh fruits. They will enhance the perfume, tempt the palate and is a joy to behold. Choose fruits which will marry well with the flavor of your fruity cocktails, slice it into small chunks, skewer them and place the skewer across the top of your well-chilled glass. Or, if you’re using Many bartenders no longer use a citrus fruit such as an orange or fresh fruits in their fruity cocktail lemon, slice it and cut a slit in each recipes because of the time it takes round and place it on the rim of the to prepare them – they used canned glass after you have poured your fruits for their convenience, mixing cocktail. and serving their drinks more quickly. But using fresh fruits will How beautiful is that, perfectly mixed ensure that your cocktails take on and garnished. Providing sumptuous drink creations. all the natural flavors and scents that only fresh fruits provide. You can also puree the fruit of your choice and add it to the gin or rum as it will complete the taste of the cocktail and add to its perfume. It also rounds out and softens any “bite” in the alcohol. Different kinds of pureed fruits can be purchased or, better still, you can make your own puree by blending the fresh fruit (seeds and skin removed) with a good-sized spoonful of sugar syrup until it is smooth.
May 2, 2015 30th March of Dimes Dining Out - Atlanta, Georgia Top Atlanta restaurants and chefs have partnered with the March of Dimes Organization for the 30th Annual Dining Out, an event dedicated to providing an entertaining dining experience while funding research and programs that help all babies be born healthy. May 2, 2015 3rd Annual Dos de Mayo Tequila Crawl - Atlanta, Georgia Participating bars: Tin Lizzy’s, Flip Flops, Deadwood Saloon, RIRA, and Cosmo Lava. *(Bars Subject to change) Tickets include comp tequila shot/drink at each bar. Dress up in your favorite Mexican themed outfits. May 3, 2015 2nd Annual Tres de Mayo Tequila Tour - Atlanta, Georgia Participation bars: Rockin Taco, Dive Bar, Red Door, Stagecoach, and Hangovers.(*Bars subject to change) Tickets include comp tequila shot/ drink at each bar. Get your sombreros, mustaches, and mariachis out its Fiesta time! May 8, 2015 Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation - Atlanta, Georgia Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is the nation’s premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists -- all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America.
May 8, 2014 24th Annual Taste of Alpharetta Festival Alpharetta, Georgia Taste of Alpharetta has become an annual tradition for festival-goers, families and food connoisseurs. Make reservations on your calendar to dine in Downtown Alpharetta at over 50 restaurants in one fun night. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top menus in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities and entertainment to please every palette. May 8, 2014 Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation - Atlanta, Georgia Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is the nation’s premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists -- all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America. May 10, 2015 MOTHER’S DAY 2015 - Nationwide Most restaurants in the U.S. have special events scheduled for today. They are too numerous to list. (2nd Sunday in May) May 17, 2014 East Atlanta Beer Fest - Atlanta, Georgia Our 11th annual East Atlanta Beer Festival will take place in shady Brownwood Park. Come join us as we celebrate great craft beers, good food, rockin” local music, and East Atlanta! May 17-25, 2014 Buckhead Restaurant Week - Atlanta, Georgia May 29-June 1, 2014 The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival returns to Midtown Atlanta .