Alpharetta February 2016

Alpharetta FEBRUARY 2016

AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com

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A PRETTY WINTER PICNIC INSPIRED TABLES FOR TWO AN AHHHHMAZING DAY AT SUFI DAY SPA

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Lifestyle Letter

Happy February, Alpharetta

FEBRUARY 2016 publisher

Jim Newman | JNewman@LifestylePubs.com editor

A

ttending a cooking school recently at The Swag resort in the Great Smoky Mountains of Waynesville, NC, I learned NOT to flip a crepe, season from high above the pan and to hold a sharp knife on the blade between my pointer finger and thumb.

Chef Bledsoe taught our small and enthusiastic class how to score and sear a duck breast and poach a pear in port. Sous Chef Jake Osburn shared his secrets for piping perfect rosettes of goat cheese mousse. I was inspired to cook all the masterpieces we learned for my family. Someday.

Not yet, though. In the meantime, we cook our usual favorite dishes and dine out often.

And, why not? We are surrounded by amazing restaurants and chefs. We asked a few to help us pack a picnic for a Valentine's Day and our associate editor Darce Richardson put it all together. Christy Lee shot the picnic at the historic Mansell House. We love the idea of grabbing take-out food from a favorite restaurant (call the friendly staff at Colletta and get a pizza with fontina, apples, pecorino romano to go!).

Make your own picnic magic (and share a few photos with us on our Facebook page)!

Sean OKeefe Events made some magic for us with his gorgeous tables for two, introducing a new flower delivery club . Readers can subscribe to receive a unique arrangement each month from local floral designer, Marty Helling by visiting SeanOkeefeEvents.com.

Atlanta pastry whiz, Shirley Hughes, created the dreamy desserts. She is opening her second location of Sweet Cheats off Franklin Road in Marietta this spring.

In other news, Lifestyle Publications is proud to announce our collaboration with the one and only American Cancer Society, as media sponsor for the upcoming third annual Hope Ball on April 30 at the Delta Flight Museum, honoring our friend, cancer survivor Jeff Wigbels. We're working on a fun contest to help you win tickets, but encourage you to consider sponsorship opportunities by visiting HopeBall.org.

Sue G. Collins | SCollins@LifestylePubs.com associate editor

Darce Richardson | Darce.Richardson@LifestylePubs.com advertising director

Karyn Slovin | Karyn.Slovin@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Rhiannon Bankes, Dennis Malcolm Byron, Ruksana Hussain contributing photographers

Frekrik Brauer, Ruksana Hussain, Christy Lee, STM Photography

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

| Sara Minor

ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore | Brad Broockerd

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Kim Foster, Megan Seymour

LAYOUT DESIGNER DESIGN SPEICALIST

| Nicolette Martin | Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

Here's hoping your February is full of love and giving.

Sue G. Collins, Editor

by Community ™

ON THE COVER A beautiful table set for you, plus one. Who will it be this year? Design and style by Sean Okeefe Events. Dessert by Sweet Cheats.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FREDRIK BRAUER

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

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TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Alpharetta Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Alpharetta’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Alpharetta Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

BE OUR GUEST AT

Hope Ball THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S

APRIL 30, 2016

To honor stage four lung cancer survivor

Jeff Wigbels raising funds for research & education

SPONSORED BY

5 LUCKY COUPLES WILL BE CHOSEN TO ATTEND THIS BLACK TIE GALA Live Music • Dinner • Dancing • Silent Auction VISIT

AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com TO

register & follow link to American Cancer Society to donate

100% Of These Donations Will Go To Lung Cancer Research

February 2016

Departments

16

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Healthy Lifestyle

24

Driver's Notebook

26

Road Trip

31

Sold Properties

32

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Parting Thoughts

16 Table for 2

Love is served!

20 Al Fresco Alpharetta, With Love

A Valentine’s Day winter picnic just for you.

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20

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Lifestyle Publications Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Missouri | Montana | Ohio | Oklahoma | Texas | Utah

Good Times

Seeing Red on 30A

Celebrating its silver anniversary, the SEASIDE® Seeing Red Wine Festival earns recognition as a “Top 10 Can’t-Miss Fall Wine Festival” by Fodor’s Travel. As loyal attendees we agree, just a short drive from Atlanta, it is by far our favorite event year after year. PHOTOGRAPHY STM PHOTOGRAPHY

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

NEW SIGNAL ENHANCES SAFETY Pedestrians have a safe and convenient way to cross Main

VALENTINE'S DAY JAZZ Treat your loved one to a special Valentine's Day evening with Gretchen Parlato -- February 13 and 14 at the Velvet Note. In the 10 years since her arrival in New York City, Gretchen Parlato has emerged as one of the most inventive and mesmerizing vocalists of her generation. In an artful communion of space, texture and a genre-bending repertoire, she has introduced a musical seachange, making the power of subtlety front and center in jazz. For these performances, Gretchen’s ensemble will feature Taylor Eigsti, piano, Alan Hampton, bass and vocals and Mark Guiliana, drums.

TheVelvetNote.com for tickets.

Street in the heart of Downtown Alpharetta. The City activated a new mid-block pedestrian crossing on December 21. The crossing features a crossing signal, known as the HAWK Pedestrian Beacon, similar to one in use on Old Milton Parkway near Wills Park. When activated by a pedestrian, the HAWK signal will first turn yellow to warn drivers before turning to red to indicate that traffic should come to a complete stop. After a few moments the red signal will begin to flash, indicating that drivers can proceed if no pedestrian is in the crosswalk.

CHAMBER BOWL CHAMPS For the sixth year running the Chamber Bowl, an all-star game for high school football seniors from the north Metro Atlanta area, took place on December 19th at Alpharetta High School. The game is sponsored by XL212 and the North Georgia Touchdown Club, of which all public and private schools in North Fulton and Forsyth counties are members. Players from Centennial, Chattahoochee and Mount Pisgah played for the South team while players from Forsyth Central, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, South Forsyth, North Forsyth,

TEA TIME

Northview and King’s Ridge suited up with the North team. XL212’s Mike Haynes, who played 11 seasons in the NFL for the Atlanta

The Ninth Annual Peachtree Tea will be held on February 23, 2016,

Falcons and New Or-

from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Country Club of the

leans Saints, says the

South. The morning will begin with a Champagne Silent Auction and

Chamber Bowl pro-

Raffle followed by an elegant seated lunch featuring delicious edibles

vides

and a selection of freshly-brewed teas. A prominent keynote speaker

a chance to play in

and HomeStretch graduate will tell their story. Also this year, for the

an all-star setting in

second time, there will be an online auction beginning in February

their final high school

for those who just can’t wait until the 23rd. You can access this on-

game. The North took

line auction from at Tea2016.auction-bid.org or visit the HomeStretch

the victory 18-8 over

website page Homestretch.org for details about the event or to pur-

the South team in the

chase individual tickets, purchase an entire table for all of your friends,

final score. Congratu-

or even become a sponsor on one of many levels. Remember, your

lations to both teams

donations stay right here in our community and help your neighbors.

on a fantastic game.

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

players

with

Some say YOUTH can't be purchased...

Oh Really?

Give yourself the perfect

Valentine’s Day gift this year...

Peace of mind instead of a piece of chocolate.

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Healthy Lifestyle

Pampering A Passion for

SUFI DAY SPA OWNER OFFERS THE BEST ARTICLE RHIANNON BANKES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

L

iving here in Perimeter North, we spend our days battling traffic, steeling ourselves against more stressors than we realize. No wonder so many new spas have opened in our community. Lucky for us! With many spas offering seemingly identical services, why chose one spa over another? When we look for a spa to treat ourselves, we are also looking for an escape, a beautiful oasis of relaxation that puts them at ease the moment we walk in the door. Rather than visiting a cold, chain spa location with no personality, you can be transported to warm, welcoming European-style spa that caters to your every need. Fortunately, Perimeter North readers, you have the ideal spa right in your neighborhood. Sufii Day Spa provides the ambiance of luxury, peace and well-being.

Owner Amy Bafi opened her spa after looking for a large space and an ideal location, and finding the perfect spot in Johns Creek.

Nestled between the Country Club of the South, Country Club of Roswell, and St. Ives, the spa spans three suites and has now been providing services for a full year. Focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit, Amy is passionate in ensuring that her guests every needs are not just met but exceeded.

The plentiful seating area can accommodate large groups for corporate and group events, parties and showers. Guests can chat as they enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments such as wine, herbal tea, fruits, nuts and chocolates. The spa is also able to provide guests with lunch from several nearby restaurants.

Beyond the large relaxation area, the spa features 11 individually decorated treatment rooms (four accommodate couples) and a hand and foot area outfitted with decadent chairs and gauzy curtains.

There are also two large, private shower rooms, as well as lockers for guests’ personal belongings. Scheduling is staggered in an effort to maintain privacy as guests move between treatments.

Providing a full list of services was not the only thing on Amy’s mind when she envisioned her perfect spa. She wanted to provide

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

unique treatments original to her location. So while you will still see your favorite services, you will also have the option to try something new, such as the Lomi-Lomi, bamboo specialty massages or a Chocolate Facial Peel. For facial treatments she promotes healthy skin and focuses on pampering and product. Her estheticians are pros at microdermabrasion and a variety of peels. All products used in treatments and sold at the spa are all natural and paraben-free.

The aromatherapy treatments incorporate essential oils into the service and are also diffused into your treatment room, allowing for maximum exposure.

Hands and feet are treated to so much more than manicures, pedicures and polishes at Sufii Day Spa. Anti-aging hand treatments and Biofreeze foot massages are just a few of the specialty hand and foot treatments. With sanitation being of the utmost importance, foot baths feature direct water lines and new bags of tools are opened in front of each client.

Additional services offered include waxings, permanent makeup, eyebrow and eyelash tint, and semi-permanent eyelash extensions.

Sufii Day Spa members receive additional discounts on services and retail discounts, and reduced rates when adding family members to their membership. The spa accepts all Spa Finder, Spa Wish, Way Spa and Spa Week certificates as well as all major credit cards.

With her impressive list of services and prime location, Amy has found success in the first year of her second career and wants others to have the same possibilities. Sufii Day Spa is now offering franchise opportunities. Now when you relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit at Sufii Day Spa, you may consider making your own career change.

For more information visit SufiiDaySpa.com or call 770.674.4446.

PASSION. WISDOM. RESULTS.

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Providing personal legal protection to the families of our community.

Every Day is Valentine's Day at The Graivier Center and Medspa Our Graivier Center family would like to thank our patients and the community for your trust, confidence and support.

We value our friendship and relationship with you and wish all a New Year filled with peace, happiness, and beauty.

1295 HEMBREE ROAD BUILDING B SUITE 100 Roswell, Georgia 3OO76 (770) 772-0695 • WWW.THEGRAIVIERCENTER.COM

Table forTwo Love is served!

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHER FREDRIK BRAUER STYLING SEAN O'KEEFE EVENTS SHOT ON LOCATION AT EVENTS RENTALS UNLIMITED

The pastries are fruit tarts with blueberries, raspberries and kiwi, topped with slivered almonds.

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

Southern Garden Charm A soft pink natural silk tablecloth, opalescent chargers, bright white plates, traditional silver, a pop of color with burnt tangerine goblets, milk glass votives and a Marty Helling’s barn wood box popping with Gerbera daisies, cream stock, cherry brandy roses, delphinium, bells of Ireland, flowering kale and hydrangeas.

Classic Elegance

The sweets are soft hues of milk chocolate covered cookie dough petits fours and strawberry champagne petits fours with handpainted gold filigree accents..

An ivory and delicate gold brocade tablecloth, gold lace trim chargers, fine ivory china with a thin gold border, crystal glassware with an etched gold rim, gold stemware.

A tall regal stemmed vase showcases flowering kale, cherry brandy roses, mini green hydrangeas, iceberg spray white roses, cream stock and bells of Ireland.

CONTINUED >

February 2016 | AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com

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TABLE FOR TWO (CON TI N U ED)

Glam Valentine Hot red silk tablecloth, Art Deco-inspired beveled mirrored chargers, white china with a silver rim, mercury glass votives, crystal glasses, traditional silverware. What else but a corazon red rose pavé bouquet!

The Wow

Sean OKeefe Events designed each table with love. Visit the dream team's new location at 2126 Faulkner Rd and tune into Atlanta Bon Vivant on Atlanta and Company every Tuesday for more of Sean's tips on living well. SeanOkeefeEvents.com​

The Sweets Desserts

are

from

Sweet

Cheats

in

Cabbagetown, coming soon to Marietta, with an espresso bar, breakfast and lunch and their famous hand-crafted cake pops, petits

fours,

French

macaroons,

pies,

cupcakes and brownies. Catering, too.

404.590.6086 SweetCheatsAtlanta

The Flowers

Readers can join a new flower delivery service and receive a unique arrangement each month from Sean OKeefe Events’ head floral designer, Marty Helling. Marty will chose the freshest flowers blooming each month and design an arrangement for your dining table, foyer or office. Subscribe early and you’ll land an invitation to a grand opening cocktail party.

Our readers will get two months free with a year long subscription! Info@SeanOKeefeEvents. com. 404.228.7903 SeanOkeefeEvents.com

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

The sweets are a strawberry napoleon stack of puff pastry filled with cream, and strawberries and chocolate ganache dusted with powdered sugar.

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Our staff of renowned, board-certified physicians bring years of valuable experience working at some of www.NVS-GA.com the the nation’s leading institutions in the field, and understand the intricacies of the vascular system.

Offering a full spectrum of vascular and endovascular services, we provide on-site evaluations and Call (770) 292-3490 minimally invasive treatment options.

Welcoming New Patients!

If you suffer from foot or ankle pain, then our practice is designed for you. We specialize in the latest in conservative and surgical management of conditions and injuries of the foot and ankle, focusing on returning you to activity. Utilizing the latest in minimally-invasive approaches and plastic surgery techniques, our board-certified physician, Dr. Brian Harley, is an expert in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, and brings over 10 years of experience practicing in the Atlanta area. Our practice prides itself on a patient-centered experience where your time is valuable, and your health and understanding is paramount.

We offer a full range of services, including: • • • • • • •

Minimally-invasive foot & ankle surgery Regenerative healing approaches Ankle arthroscopy Fracture care Sprained ankle care Torn ligaments & tendon care Bunion & hammertoe correction

3400-A Old Milton Parkway, Suite 500 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 (770) 667-4410 AlpharettaFootAndAnkle.com

Al Fresco Alpharetta,

e ov L h it W A Valentine’s Day Winter Picnic

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTY LEE | STYLING DARCE RICHARDSON

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

W

ho needs sunshine and 80 degree weather for a picnic? Not us! Living here in Alpharetta, we are blessed with mild temperatures year-around, and a healthy appetite for adventure and good living. For Valentine’s Day this year, why not take your honey bun on a picnic at one of the city’s parks or historic places. We chose the grounds of the lovely Mansell House and Gardens on Old Milton Parkway, home of the Alpharetta Historical Society. The Queen Anne style house was built in 1912 and sits on beautifully maintained grounds.

Or, chose your favorite nearby park and look for a dry hilltop or covered picnic table to claim as your own for a few hours.

Next, pack the food. Think big! Think local! We knocked on the door of Wildflour and owner and chef Michael Field made us a fab basil chicken salad sandwich and a savory salmon sandwich, adding his pasta salad with balsamic vinaigrette and a pocketful of cookies (chocolate chip, sweet potato and Butterfinger brownies).

We also like what’s happening at Never Enough Thyme. Culinary Institute of America chef, Robert Pniewski suggested we pack blackberry Sweet and Spicy Pecan Salad with English cranberry cheese topCONTINUED >

February 2016 | AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com

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AL FRESCO ALPHARETTA , WITH LOVE (CON TI N U ED)

DETAILS

Wildflour 5815 Windward Pkwy # 210 Open for lunch and catering WildFlourAtlanta.com Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Dr VillageTavern.com

Winter picnic packing prompts A soft blanket to sit on and another to toss over chilly shoulders (stadium blanket, favorite beach towel or a sturdy throw from the sofa) plus a few pillows for a more comfy occasion.

Real cutlery, steak knives, serving spoons, wrapped in fabric napkins (no plastic or paper for this picnic please).

Add a bow!

Provided Smoked Salmon and New England Lobster Spreads, and Crab, Spinach and Artichoke Dip and Bruschettini Rosmary and Garlic Italian Bruschetta Toasts

NEVER ENOUGH THYME

5354 McGinnis Ferry Rd NeverEnoughThyme.net Johns Creek Wine and Crystal 9810 Medlock Bridge Rd #700, Johns Creek JohnsCreekWineAndCrystal.com Kathleen’s Catch 9810 Medlock Bridge Rd, Suite 800, Johns Creek

Kitchen towel to wrap used cutlery in after the picnic and tidy up any tiny spills.

A basket or box with a flat top for a serving surface and for carrying your goodies.

Food - the good kind! See our suggestions and don't be afraid to think outside the lunchbox. Order from your favorite restaurant and explain your idea - they will pack the food thoughtfully. If you visit one of our favorites, tell them we sent you!

Something to sip on - don't forget the corkscrew and glasses, plus a bottle or two of water.

ping, his famous Mediterranean chicken artichoke salad, a chicken salad sandwich on Portugese roll and a fresh tomato mozzarella sandwich on ciabatta bread. The icing on the cake?

Freshly baked red velvet cupcakes or a slice of pecan pie.

If you want to think outside the lunchbox, we will applaud enthusiastically and remind you to pack appropriate cutlery and plates for a juicy steak, like the one Village Tavern would gladly pack up for you. They will add grilled asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes.

Any of your favorite foods will work for a picnic, as long as you are prepared (like a good Scout), and everything tastes better when you’re with the one you love, outdoors under the winter sunshine.

Finally, chose something a little more special than the perfunctory picnic lemonade, like a nicely chilled white wine or even your favorite red. The folks at Johns Creek Wine and Crystal will help you chose the right bottle and stemware.

Have fun and post your picnic pictures on our Facebook page (one lucky posting picnicker will win a little something from Alpharetta Lifestyle Magazine).

Smoked salmon and New England lobster

spreads, dips and toasts from Kathleen's Catch

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

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Driver's Notebook

2016 Acura RLX 3.5L Sport Hybrid SH-AWD ACURA REDEFINES THE WORD ‘ELECTRIFYING’ WITH THIS LUXURY SEDAN ARTICLE DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ACURA

A

cura continues to shine in the luxury sector’s fields of style, reliability, ample features and overall quality. The all-new RLX Sport Hybrid sedan effortlessly solidifies this automaker’s high accolades.

Upon first sight, the sleek body is enhanced by 19-inch alloy wheels and Jewel Eye LED headlights that emulate 20 gleaming diamonds to help drivers navigate through the most unfavorable conditions.

Behind the wheel, the driving experience carves its own lane from its competitors with the 7-speed dual clutch transmission managing 377 horses packed in the V6, 3.5 Liter VTECH engine. RLX’s Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive directly linked with the electric motor in the front paired with a duo of rear electric motors results in outstanding power, precise handling, and the most important factor to many—lengthy gas mileage at a combined 30 miles per gallon.

The Tech Package is graciously standard for the $65,950 price tag, including voice-recognizing navigation, adaptive cruise control, road departure alert, a remote engine starter, the signature AcuraLink Communication System, and the collision mitigation braking system for mind-easing safety. Passengers are also pampered by the perforated leather seating, tri-zone climate control, the premium Krell audio system that pleases ears with 14 speakers, a heated steering wheel, temperature-controlled seats throughout the cabin and sunshades for all rear windows to name a few of the riding pleasures.

Ultimately, the 2016 RLX Sport Hybrid not only maintains its brand’s luster, but proves that owning a hybrid can be economically, environmentally and stylistically rewarding at the same time.

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

DETAILS

MSRP: $65,950 fully loaded MPG: 28 city/32 highway, 30 combined For more information, visit Acura.com.

To read more of Dennis' work, visit AleSharpton.blogspot.com for his take on the newest and best beer in Atlanta in his "Cruisin' For a Brewsin'" posts about who is drinking what, where and when. Follow him on Instagram: RealAleSharpton

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Road Trip

The National Tavern, now open

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee FRESH AIR, PERSONALIZED SERVICE, SO CLOSE BY ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY SUE G. COLLINS AND PROVIDED

P

ulling up the long welcoming driveway to the The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee after a short but taxing drive east from Atlanta, I checked my watch (for the last time, I promised myself) and bolted across the courtyard to the spa. The warm staff showed me to my locker and I changed into the thick robe and spa sandals, sinking into one of the over-stuffed armchairs in the softly lit lounge. My 50-minute Winter Resistance Ritual massage was, hands-down, one of the best full-body, multi-sensory treatments I’ve ever had. I was a pool of happiness after the dry Fire pits with s'mores , ha mmocks , la trails , an infin ke-view suite ity pool and s, groomed a warm wel walking come at Th e Ritz

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AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

body brushing (for exfoliation), a massage with tea tree and eucalyptus oils (my new favorite), a very warm rain shower with infused steamed towels around my feet and warmed volcanic stones in my willing palms and cooling moisturizer again massaged into my renewed skin. The large sauna, steam room, whirlpool tubs and private showers beckoned in the newly expanded women’s lounge. I was welcome to lounge then or, as a hotel guest, was encouraged to come back anytime during my stay. I couldn’t imagine staying away.

Too soon, I floated the few steps through the cool lake country air to the lodge-like lobby of The Ritz-Carlton. Just 75 miles from noisy Atlanta, the AAA Five Diamond lakeside resort is glowing from a multi-million dollar renovation. Through the bank of windows in the grand beamed lobby, the tranquil outdoor infinity pool, whale-shaped kids pool, updated sun deck, and fire pits dot the CONTINUED > broad lawn leading to the lake.

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Road Trip

(CON TI N UED)

My travel companions, still glowing from their massages, ventured out to the 6,000-squarefoot ice rink where hot cocoa was being served. A lakeside bonfire was being stoked, ready for s’mores later. We found a sofa inside in front of another roaring fire and chatted with guests - a group of ladies celebrating decades of friendships and coworkers attending a team-building weekend. Lucky them! Cocktails were served all around by a friendly waitress.

Later, we savored a surprisingly original meal at the recently opened restaurant and lounge at the National Golf Village (there are five championship courses and six clubhouses for Ritz and Reynolds Plantation members and guests on the property). Executive Chef Derin Moore filled the menu of The National Tavern with authentic twists on familiar and local dishes. Chef sent out some of his favorites which soon become ours, too. “Shareable bites” included the steamed pork buns, Mason jar shrimp and prosciutto and melon.

Each had plenty of merits. The incredibly juicy wood-grilled pork chop burst with flavor thanks to careful barding (that is, securing a bit of pork fat to the chop during roasting) served up with tender cider beets and crispy fingerling potatoes. The savory rosemary lamb meatballs were served atop a bed of house-made lemon pasta and the grilled mountain trout was complemented by an arugula salad.

These pairings on the plate reflected the kitchen’s skill and care to detail and flavor. Fab cocktails and a sophisticated wine list showed off the bar staff’s experience and thoughtfulness. After a few bites of handcrafted toffee and a cup of Zinger Longer Coffee (blended for Reynolds Lake Oconee by the folks at Jittery Joe’s in Athens) we indulged in a starlit constitutional around the lovely lawns of The Ritz, where swings and hammocks are tucked away among the tall hardwoods. I opted to tuck myself into the dreamy kingociate editor Darce The gang's all here! Ass sized bed in the gorer Jim Newman Richardson and publish ven kHa geous lake-view room. tion , Buc reading our sister publica z fire Lifestyle by a roaring Rit Dreams included.

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA 706.467.0600 RitzCarlton.com

business directory CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

American Cancer Society (Atlanta) (404) 327-6477 cancer.org

EDUCATION

Learning Rx Atlanta (404) 252-7246 learningrx.com

FASHION & ACCESSORIES ShaneCo (678) 393-0701 ShaneCo.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS Green Basement and Remodeling (678) 445-5533 greenremodeling.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Classic Blinds & Shutters (770) 924-0282 classicblindsandshutters.com Leisure Time Decks (404) 939-2201 ltdecks.com The Dump thedump.com

HOME SERVICES

Closets by Design Atlanta (770) 418-2112 closetsbydesign.com Dream House Painting (678) 873-2821 dreamhousepainting.com

Milton Mechanical (770) 360-1297 miltonhvac.com Sewell (404) 255-0604 subzero-wolf.com atlanta

LEGAL SERVICES Williams & Williams Law Firm (770) 823-2711 wwattorneys.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES Aesthetic Speciality (770) 393-9000 asc-psd.com

Northside Vascular Surgery (770) 292-3490 nvs-ga.com Sculpted Contours (404) 872-8578 sculptedcontours.com The Graivier Center (770) 772-0695 THEGRAIVIERCENTER.COM

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE London Properties (404) 642-2127

SALONS & SPAS Sufii Day Spa (770) 674-4446 sufiidayspa.com

Van Michael (404) 250-3356 vanmichael.com

The National Tavern, Greensboro, GA 706.467.3151 ReynoldsLakeOconee.com Open daily at 11 a.m.

February 2016 | AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com

29

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL. HAND BRUSH AND SPRAY APPLICATIONS

We provide our clients personal consultation with our experienced decorators to help you make the best color selections.

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Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Alpharetta Properties Community

List Price

Sales Price

Days On Mar

SP/OLP%

Bedrooms

Full Baths

Half Baths

Alpharetta

1,225,000

1,258,350

183

102

5

5

2

Alpharetta

1,149,000

1,087,500

27

94.65

6

6

1

Milton

950,000

895,000

227

94.21

5

4

2

Alpharetta

850,000

825,000

107

97.06

5

4

2

Johns Creek

819,900

782,710

164

95.46

6

5

0

Alpharetta

825,000

760,000

369

92.12

5

5

1

Milton

780,000

740,000

37

94.87

5

5

1

Milton

855,000

765,000

52

89.47

6

6

1

Alpharetta

775,000

748,000

186

96.52

4

4

1

Milton

672,500

708,507

147

105.35

5

4

0

Alpharetta

699,900

680,000

26

97.16

5

5

1

Crabapple

695,000

640,000

4

92.09

6

5

1

Milton

699,900

637,500

53

91.08

5

4

1

Milton

689,205

650,000

20

94.31

5

4

0

Crabapple

719,500

630,000

152

87.56

5

4

2

Birmingham

699,995

609,200

192

87.03

6

5

1

Alpharetta

639,900

638,000

11

99.7

4

4

1

Alpharetta

625,000

580,000

86

92.8

6

4

1

Milton

644,800

574,000

22

89.02

4

4

1

Alpharetta

595,000

577,000

12

96.98

4

4

1

541,416

525,000

177

96.97

5

4

0

Milton

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February 2016 | AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com

31

Lifestyle Calendar

February FEBRUARY 4

FEBRUARY 9

SCULPT YOUR WAY INTO 2016

LOVE THE SKIN YOU'RE IN

ATLANTA FACE AND BODY CENTER

AESTHETIC SPECIALTY CENTER

Visit the newest location, enjoy light bites, drinks and lots of give-

Love the Skin You're In! Aesthetic Specialty Center in Roswell

aways and prizes. Dr. Elizabeth Whitaker and her staff at Atlanta Face

is having an open house to introduce and demo the latest prod-

and Body Center is excited to share their news as the first plastic sur-

ucts and procedures in skin care. Readers will enjoy light bites,

gery practice in Atlanta offering a game-changing body contouring

wine and special giveaways and pricing throughout the night. Call

treatment. It is the world’s first and only noninvasive body contouring

770.393.9000 to RSVP.

system for the reduction of stubborn fat in just 25 minutes.

678.888.FACE (3223).

FEBRUARY 5 - 20

FEBRUARY 21 - 27 ALPHARETTA RESTAURANT WEEK ALPHARETTA

DOGFIGHT

There is something to please everyone’s inner foodie during Alpharet-

ACT3 PLAYHOUSE IN SANDY

ta Restaurant Week. Restaurants have a variety of options on prix fixe

SPRINGS

menus for lunch and dinner. Menu prices are $15 for lunch and $25 for

Act3 Productions Presents Dog-

dinner. If prix fixe isn't your style, try some of the delicious restaurants

fight is a hauntingly beautiful mu-

featured in this month's issue for great take-away options.

sical about the power of love and compassion with music and lyrics

FEBRUARY 27

by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and

17TH ANNUAL ART PAPERS AUCTION

book by Peter Duchan. The pro-

BOBO INTRIGUING OBJECTS

duction is directed by Liane LeMaster. Tickets are $15 to $28 and may

Celebrate ART PAPERS’ 40th Anniversary. The Auction will take

be purchased at Act3Productions.org

place at Bobo Intriguing Objects in one fast-paced, art-filled eve-

FEBRUARY 6

ning. VIP preview 6-8 p.m., Art Auction + Party from 8-11 p.m. ART PAPERS has also teamed up with 501 Auctions to provide mobile

GEORGIA ENTERTAINMENT GALA

bidding for the first time, making the collectible art available to bid-

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER

ders throughout the globe.

The Georgia Entertainment Gala is a one-of-a-kind award show honoring and celebrating individuals who have made an impact in

FEBRUARY 27

Georgia’s entertainment industry. The gala highlights and features

"SIDE BY SIDE"

many of Georgia's own talented artists and musicians and in the

THEATER AT JOHN'S

process allows them the opportunity to share the stage with world-

CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

class celebrities.

John's

FEBRUARY 6

Creek

Symphony

Orchestra's special evening provides professional assis-

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE

tance to the area’s best high

ALPHARETTA COMMUNITY CENTER

school musicians by having

A special time of sweet memories await participants at the Father/

them perform on stage with

Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance. Activities include dancing, refresh-

the JCSO. For the first part

ments, desserts, a keepsake photo, and the always dazzling DJ light

of the evening, there will be

show. $20/pp (Alpharetta/ Milton Resident) or $30/pp (non-resi-

over 80 musicians on stage at the same time. This year JSCO wel-

dent). Deadline to register is February 4th, or when space is filled

comes the Georgia Piedmont Youth Orchestra (GPYO) and their con-

– whichever comes first. For more information, call 678.297.6100.

ductor Rolando Salazar.

32

AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

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Parting Thoughts

g n i k o Co WORDS DENNIS

MALCOLM BYRO

with love

N

B

esides the Meadowcreek High School students who are already scheduled to report to her classes throughout the day, it is a regular occurrence for alumni, aspiring chefs, industry professionals and faculty to pay Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Simone Byron a visit. Their reasons for stopping by range from simply saying hello, to getting a dose of Chef Simone’s humorous, yet authoritative instruction; or simply catching a whiff and—if lucky—a forkful of whatever delectable dish is being prepared. Her laboratory is a recently erected state-of-the-art kitchen rivaling the most upscale restaurants in Atlanta, courtesy of the Gwinnett County School System that realized the potential of her current and future students.

more than 40 years earning numerous accolades in education and appearing on national television shows including the CBS Morning News and the Oprah Winfrey Show; the latter reunited Brenda with one of her students from decades ago while she was instructing her third grade class at Hapeville Elementary School in front of millions of viewers. (Simone was an honorary student in the background at age 8 that day.) Fittingly, mom was also a phenomenal cook who perfectly reinvented recipes she came across in cookbooks, magazines and eventually online. Before Brenda’s passing from the unforgiving return of cancer the day before Thanksgiving in 2012, Simone was by her side mentally recording every chop, stir and dash of spice.

We all knew Simone was destined for greatness.

Now, others are investing in Simone’s prerogative to provide her Meadowcreek students with a future.

Chef Simone and her pupils have garnered accolades and awards locally and nationally in her brief three-year tenure.

Chef Simone, age 32 and a graduate of the Atlanta Art Institute, is devoted to her diverse student body and reminds them they are all one family, and she graciously accepts the role as the mama. She can’t help it. It’s in her blood.

When our great grandfather Cyril Byron Sr. served as the executive chef on Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line on the way to America by way of Jamaica, he went on to start the Byron Catering Company in Bronx, New York, during the early 1900s.

Since its inception, the Byrons’ Thanksgivings were on Saturdays because they had to work on the traditional Thursdays, leading to a family tradition that is still honored.

Chef Simone’s mother Brenda Byron was an incredible elementary school teacher for 34

AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com | February 2016

Even I, Simone’s oldest brother, played a small role by sharing what I learned at one of the most lauded hospitality institutions in the world, Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.

We all knew Simone was destined for greatness. Now, others are investing in Simone’s prerogative to provide her Meadowcreek students with a future.

World-class hotels including Loews Atlanta provide her wide-eyed pupils tours of their hectic back-of-the-house operations; restaurants such as Surin of Thailand, Foundation Social Eatery, and South City Kitchen host heavily discounted—if not free—dining experiences; esteemed Atlanta-based culinary authorities such as Certified Master Chef Daryl Shular and Westminster Academy Executive Chef Eric Centeno happily give lectures

on what their occupations demand; culinary-themed field trips hundreds of miles away in cities such as Philadelphia, Pa., occur annually; and Publix, United Way, the Gwinnett Health Department and Vulcan have recently funded a Meadowcreek High School community garden Chef Simone wrote a proposal to support neighborhood sustainability.

And when her students are not winning silver and gold medals during regional and national culinary competitions, Chef Simone balances being a National ProStart Invitational Competition coach and the perfect mother of her 8-year-old son, Cameron, who is also destined to be a chef. Oh, and she is also catering for realty gurus, politicians, lawyers, corporations, and school officials to name a few under her burgeoning company Dishful Thinking.

Ultimately, Chef Simone does her best to use the finest, freshest and most flavorful ingredients for anything she serves up, but the one that is the most immeasurable is love, and her students, growing clientele, and family savor it with every heavenly bite.

Dennis is a monthly contributor to Lifestyle Publications and, while honoring his sister, they would also like to pay respects to Chef Simone Byron’s lead student and mentee for four years before his tragic death in a car accident, Abdirahman Bashir.

S O M E O N E ’ S V A L E N T I N E?

E V E R Y O N E W I L L

N O T I C E.

SHANECO.COM ALPHARETTA ● GWINNETT ● KENNESAW SHOWN: PEAR-SHAPED RUBY AND DIAMOND DOUBLE-HALO PENDANT IN 14K WHITE GOLD, $4,950.