Chamblee, GA October 2023

Shop Local

At Nuts ‘n Berries Neighborhood Market

Your Non-GMO Grocery Store Next Door.

Nuts ‘n Berries is more than your favorite health food store. We’re your neighbors, too. For over 40 years we have proudly served the greater Brookhaven & Chamblee communities. Count on us for everything you need, from fairly priced local better-than-organic meat and eggs to premium vitamins & supplements to support your healthy lifestyle. We’re more than a grocery store – we’re your health partners. Guided by the belief that food is medicine, we’ll help you nourish your body with the right nutrients, and assist you in solving health puzzles, every step of the way. With 1,000’s of products you can feel good about, we’re close to home and dedicated to keeping you and our entire community healthy.

10% OFF next purchase in September when you mention our ad or shop online using code “CITYLIFE”

Elevate your living spaces with the captivating allure of extraordinary walls by adding moody hues, wooden feature walls, wallpaper or glass walls.

To explore these extraordinary wall trends further and transform your home, reach out to me —I’m here to guide you on this exciting design journey.

Welcome to Fall!

Welcome fall! As the dog days of summer start to wind (and cool) down and the seasons start to change, so do the cravings of the foods we like to eat –and with fall that often means comfort food.

Our October issue is our most delectable issue of the year filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jared Hucks, executive chef and owner of The Alden restaurant, to learn what his fall menu will be boasting. So get your taste buds ready, you are in for a treat!

The smells of fall bring memories to my mind of sitting in my Mom’s kitchen, and the aroma of cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, chili, and soups of any kind bring me right back to her table.  She grew up in a household with a rich history and tradition in the kitchen, as her Grandma was an off-theboat Slovakian immigrant, who was always cooking up stews, meats, vegetables and more – all from scratch. That carried through to my Mother, who was the queen of her kitchen with the notable exception of the Weber grill out back, which was strictly Dad’s domain.

There is definitely an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds, but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

As always, thanks for reading and we’ll see you around town!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Kevin Parker | kevin.parker@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tana Poncsak | tana.poncsak@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janet Howard

KEVIN PARKER, PUBLISHER @CHAMBLEECITYLIFESTYLE

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @chambleecitylifestyle

1: Chamblee First United Methodist Church donates 44 cases of water to the Chamblee Police Department. 2: Residents get together for a fun time at “Live On Your Block” at Surrey Place. 3: The Chamblee Police Department and 1PowerHouse work together to feed the community. 4: The City of Chamblee holds a New Business Welcome Reception. Welcome to Chamblee! 5: Chamblee has come a long way! Chamblee just celebrated 115 years! (Old Chamblee City Hall) 6: Residents take time for fun and games at “Live on Your Block” at Keswick Park. 7: Chamblee City Hall staff members take time for a selfie on City Hall Selfie Day!

Photography by City of Chamblee

Founder AG AV LLC

Aren Gray is the founder of AG AV LLC, an Audio Visual company that focuses on integration and customization within the field of technology This includes smart home integration, Home theatre installation, Tv mounting, Commercial and Home Networking deployments and more

Prior to launching AG AV, his passion to understand and learn about the industry was unparalleled Aren wanted to be able to master the art of technology, as well as his passion for entertainment and how it could co-exist collectively. Aren started working alongside his father with his business fixing computers while perfecting his love for the arts At this point, the spark was ignited His passion for technology and his passion for music started to develop

Years later Aren decided to attend Full Sail University where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree for Recording Arts in 2013 Once he graduated, he started to work within the industry He noticed when it came to working with most companies, there was a lack of customization and care towards their clients This opened his mind into the art of business He decided to return back to Full Sail University where he was able to graduate in 2018 with a double Masters in Entertainment Business and Sports Management At this point he was unstoppable Aren not only accumulated college degrees, he also gained over 50 certifications ranging between Audio Visual, Broadband, Networking, and security; not to mention, hands on experience to match I think it is safe to say he truly is the best of the best in his industry

Upon completing his Masters, he decided to start the pursuit of owning his own business whilst gaining additional knowledge through others that came before him Aren was determine to create a business like no other As time progressed, so did the spread of his new venture

AG AV has grown to reach the Orlando and Atlanta market His hope is to have his business expand to additional states around America with the help of every community he encounters

Let's Connect!

Website: www.agav.work

Phone: (833) 809-8302

Email: info@agav work

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Bronx Bagel Buggy

Coming Soon...Whole lotta goodness will be rolling into Chamblee soon! Look for The Bronx Bagel Buggy to open in downtown Chamblee at 5494 Peachtree Road in late September to early October. Baked goods made fresh every day offering a variety of flavors and Schmears - sweet or savory. And don't forget the Bagel Bombs, Bagel Dogs, Stuffed Cakes, and more! Try them all! For more information, visit our website at thebronxbagelbuggy.com.

Photography The Bronx Bagel Buggy

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Chamblee

Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy

Celebrating three years of movement, wellness and healing journeys! Join us in commemorating our third anniversary at Team Rehab Chamblee! We're grateful for the trust you've placed in us as we've helped our community move towards healthier lives. To mark this special occasion, we're offering free wellness and movement screens. Thank you for making us your choice in care. Here's to many more years of vitality together!

Scan to read more.

Distillery of Modern Art

Distillery of Modern Art combines a modern art gallery supporting local artists, a cocktail lounge, and an event space all under one roof. At Distillery of Modern Art, it's about creating a memorable experience with every sip!

Scan to read more.

Photography Team Rehab

Photography Tana Poncsak

More Than a Splash of Color

Real estate professional Alex Egan stands outside the Chamblee home where she used focal walls to design the interior space.

ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD AND ALEX EGAN

Alex Egan, real estate professional with Sotheby’s International Realty, says she’s seen firsthand the growth in Chamblee. Her father has been a small business owner in the area for more than 40 years, and she recalls around the age of 13, helping him in the storefront of his auto business after school and during summers. “Over the years I have experienced Chamblee’s transformation, and it’s quite impressive,” Alex says.

As a real estate professional, Alex used her tools, skills, knowledge, and more to design this three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch home that’s a short walk to Keswick Park into a space that features focal walls. The result transforms it from what Alex describes as an "empty space into a place."

Alex explains that focal walls, also known as feature or accent walls, are one of the significant

design trends today. “They provide a reprieve from the monotonous, singularly hued sheetrock by evoking a different feeling altogether with both tone and texture…The walls in this house are giving off all the midcentury modern vibes with a color palette of moody, smokey hues paired with white and pops of deep yellow. The layered aesthetic of the wall designs in this house gives off the sophisticated and mod feeling characteristic of the midcentury modern style,” she says. While the bedrooms and bathrooms are privately located, Alex says the main body of the house is open, so the focal walls also function to divide the vast spaces into clear delineated zones.

For more information, visit alexegan.atlantafinehomes.com.

Focal walls help divide the open space into specific areas.

What’s Chamblee’s Best Kept Secret?

ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK

We asked around town and here are some of the responses

ERIC CLARKSON Former Mayor of Chamblee

“It’s Chamblee’s incredible sense of community. As Chamblee continues to grow, one of the things I’ve noticed and have been a part of in Chamblee is that we’ve kept that same small-town charm that has brought so many people to our community.”

It’s Simple Finds. I always find something for the house. They not only have vintage, but they also have brand new and used furniture. What I love is the uniqueness. If I buy something there, I know I’m not going to find it anywhere else.

“No one else has a Frosty Caboose. The ice cream is served out of a real train caboose, and you can watch trains while you enjoy your treat.”

JOHN MESA Chamblee City Council, District One

“In Chamblee, we want to be a walkable city, and that means more than just putting in sidewalks. It also means having destinations worth walking to. The great thing about Chamblee is, no matter where you are, whether you’re headed to a park or picking up a meal, we have places worth walking to.”

It’s the Distillery of Modern Art. We have a fantastic art space. We just had our ninth gallery show go up called “Threads of Justice.” We make our own spirits. We have a lovely cocktail bar, and it’s a great place to hold events as well.

TODD MCKINLEY Owner, Southern Roots Spice Shop

HENRY ROSENBAUM General Manager, Distillery of Modern Art

PAM KACHMAR Owner, The Frosty Caboose

CHAMBLEE’S THRIVING ART COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TANA PONCSAK AND JANET HOWARD

MEET THREE ARTISTS BUSY AT WORK ON THEIR CRAFT

HOW DID YOUR INTEREST IN ART COME ABOUT?

Art is something that has always been in my life. My mom was a graphic designer and very creative, so she raised me to explore different types of mediums. I also had a very influential art teacher. I spent my study halls in her room. It was such a warm environment where I could experiment and grow as an artist, even at a young age.

WHAT LED YOU PURSUE ART AS AN ADULT?

I went to the University of Northern Iowa and got my master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. When I graduated, I worked with the geriatric population for a few years. Later, I moved to Atlanta to work with medically fragile infants and toddlers. I took art classes on the side, basically dipping my toes into things outside of work. I left my job when our son was born, and our daughter was born five years later. After being at home, I was ready to get out of the house thinking I would really like to explore being an artist.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ARTWORK.

I’ve always been drawn to nature, trees, hiking and I started painting landscapes and that’s where I really felt a spark.

Carla is looking forward to an artist residency in Chateau d’Orquevaux in France. For more information on Carla and her work, visit CarlaGignilliat.com.

Carla Gignilliat adds finishing touches to a recent painting.

Carla Gignilliat Painter

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER?

I’ve always loved photography, but I never really thought about doing it as a career until I assisted another photographer at a wedding. It’s creatively fulfilling and you’re around people who are happy. I get to see people during the most special times of their lives. And that’s what got me hooked.

ONE OF YOUR NEXT PROJECTS IS THE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR CHAMBLEE CITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE. TELL ME WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST.

I’m excited to see parts of Chamblee that I haven’t see yet. Because I’m a small business owner too, I like getting to meet and getting to know other business owners.

If you see Janet out and about with her camera, be sure to smile and say “cheese.” You might show up in a future issue. Visit Janet’s website at janethowardstudio.com.

Janet Howard Photographer

Janet Howard is a professional photographer in Chamblee.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A SCULPTOR?

I had to fulfill a college credit with a studio art class, and I signed up for a figure sculpting class. I was going to be a math major and had already completed four semesters of linear algebra, and I said, ‘You know what? I don’t care about projectiles. I want to do art.’ So I transferred to an art school.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR CURRENT PROJECT.

The Alabama Women’s Tribute Statue Commission in Montgomery, Ala., advertised an open call for statues of Helen Keller and Rosa Parks. I applied and got the Rosa Parks statue. Rosa Parks has been done so many times, but she’s always done seated. The more I read about her, the more I realized that she was an activist, active in the movement of procuring civil rights for African Americans. She did not sit down. She stood up and stepped onto the bus every day. The story I want to tell is that she was an activist. I think it’s a very important story to tell. She is such a fabulous character. She’s a hero. She’s my hero.

Once complete, the monument, “Rosa Parks Stepping into Equality” will stand 9 feet, 6 inches tall on top of a 6-foot granite base. For more information about Julia Knight and her work, visit JuliaKnight.com.

Julia Knight Sculptor

“She is such a fabulous character. She’s a hero. She’s my hero.” Julia Knight, Sculptor, talking about Rosa Parks.

Julia Knight works on her current project, a statue of Rosa Parks.

Our clinics receive the highest levels of patient satisfaction and our patients receive the best objectively measurable outcomes.

SPANISH SPEAKING CLINIC | SPORTS MEDICINE STRENGTH & CONDITIONING | MYOFASCIAL MANIPULATION

POST OP MANAGEMENT | CROSSFIT | MCKENZIE METHOD MANUAL THERAPY

470.719.0090 | team-rehab.com/chamblee

5440 PEACHTREE BLVD ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30341

Global Cuisine at The Alden

Executive Chef Jared Hucks brings unique cuisine to Chamblee

ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE ALDEN

If you've ever had a meal at The Alden in Chamblee, you know the food prepared by Executive Chef Jared Hucks is more than just a plate of food. It's art – and it's also delicious!

What many people may not know is, Jared traveled many miles, has worked with some of the best chefs, and in some of the best restaurants in the world! But even with all his extensive travels and experience, his philosophy in the kitchen is simple. “Chefs are servants,” he says. “For me, it’s still about serving people and transcending love from a craft. And that’s important to me.”

Growing up in metro Atlanta, Jared got his first taste of working in a restaurant at LaStrada, an Italian

restaurant in Marietta. And he loved it. Jared says it was the energy and the craziness of being in the kitchen. “I really embraced it,” he says.

While attending college at University of Colorado in Boulder, his fondness for the kitchen as opposed to classes and academics eventually won out and Jared attended The French Culinary Institute in New York City, where he not only graduated, but he graduated with honors.

Perhaps it was his travels that taught him the most about cooking. Jared’s travels took him all around the globe from New Zealand to Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and he eventually made it to Western Europe

Have a global dining experience at The Alden.

Jared Hucks is owner and chef at The Alden in Chamblee.

The Alden features fresh seafood and more.

The Alden is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or a nice dinner out.

and Scandinavia. Throughout his travels, he managed to work at the best restaurants and was mentored by some of the best, world-renowned chefs of our time, including Chef Juan Mari Arzak.

Eventually, Jared felt it was time to return home, and he brought with him all that he had learned to open The Alden. The restaurant features an A La Carte menu and a Chef’s Tasting Menu of innovative dishes that serves up a global culinary experience in Chamblee.

Jared describes the menu as eclectic and global, based on his travels and his experiences abroad. Some of the favorite dishes include the Kim Chi Farm Egg that is made in-house with fermented cabbage and a soft, coddled, Sous-Vide egg, giving the dish an amazing texture, Jared explains. And then there’s the popular Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly and the Jah Joy Chicken Katsu.

The menus at The Alden are seasonal. For fall, Jared says patrons can expect more root vegetables, black truffles, oysters, and lobster. And patrons can anticipate the return of the Aldorf Salad, a variation of the traditional Waldorf Salad, and later another favorite, the Carrot Salad, will be back on the menu.

The Alden also offers a Chef’s Tasting Menu where diners are treated to meals mindfully selected by the chef. “We do this amazing chef’s tasting menu,” Jared explains. “It’s highly sought after, and

we have people coming, literally, from all over the country.” He says that the tasting menu is an opportunity for the chef to express himself. And it’s also a great way to celebrate a special event or a fun evening out. The tasting menu changes daily. A sample Chef’s Tasting Menu can be found on the restaurant’s website.

Jared says the food is sauce centric. It’s no surprise that when the restaurant ran out of a popular sauce, Jared quickly reached for the ingredients and made the sauce from scratch. Now, his Jah Joy sauce, a sweet chili sauce, is available for purchase at the restaurant and Big Green Egg for home use.

Opening a restaurant is never easy, but just after getting The Alden up and running smoothly and building a good culture, COVID-19 hit. Thanks to generous suppliers, Jared and his staff were able to give back to the community by feeding first responders at places nearby like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Chamblee Police Department, the Chamblee Fire Department and many others.

“The most exciting thing for me is that I can literally cook whatever I want,” Jared says about owning his own restaurant. “There are no guidelines. It’s been five years and we’re just now finding our traction, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead.“

For more information, visit TheAlden.com.

“Chefs are servants. For me, it’s still about serving people and transcending love from a craft. And that’s important to me.”

Jared Hucks, chef and owner of The Alden

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cureall, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling:

Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.

ELEVATED GRILLED CHEESE

This take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

• 1/4 red onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Sliced sourdough bread

• 1-2 tablespoons butter

• 4 ounces Brie, sliced

• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam

• 1 Granny smith apple, sliced

• Arugula

• Thinly sliced ham, optional

Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

APPLE CHUTNEY

This Indian-inspired dish is the perfect fall topping for pork chops and also pairs nicely with ham. This is so easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups Granny Smith apple, chopped

• ¼ cup pecans or walnuts

• 1/3 cup apple juice

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons dried cranberries

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat butter in saucepan, then add remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until the sauce has cooked down and the apples are tender. Serve over pork chops. Enjoy!

APPLE CRISP A LA MODE

This fall classic is the perfect treat for a cozy fall dessert.

INGREDIENTS:

Filling:

• 6-8 apples, peeled and sliced

• ½ cup dark brown sugar

• ¼ cup flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Topping:

• ¾ cup flour

• ¾ cup dark brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ cup cold butter cubed

• 1 cup oats

• ¼ cup pecans, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease pie plate or baking dish. Mix all filling ingredients together and place in baking dish. Prepare topping by combining the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in butter using a fork or pastry cutter. Stir in oats and pecans and sprinkle over filling until covered. Bake for 45 minutes and serve with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream.

Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities

spook - tails

ARTICLE BY SAM LAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)

• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur

• 1/2 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

• fresh nutmeg

Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!

TOASTED MALLOW

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur

• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur

• graham crackers

• marshmallows

Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!

PUMPKIN BRAIN PURÉE

OCTOBER 2023

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER 1ST

FUNDIY SUNDAY - Candle Pouring and Scent Mixology

AR WORKSHOP CHAMBLEE | 3:00 PM

AR Workshop Chamblee will hold a FUNDIY SUNDAY Candle Pouring and Scent Mixology Workshop, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., October 1. The cost starts at $35. Register online at arworkshop.com. Minimum number of guests may be required. AR Workshop reserves the right to cancel or reschedule, so check the website for updated classes.

OCTOBER 13TH

ECC's Annual Fall Festival

THE ELAINE CLARK CENTER | 3:00 PM

The Elaine Clark Center Presents ECC's Annual Fall Festival. The festival includes food, music, and fun October, 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.! The event is free and open to the public. Register at elaineclarkcenter.org.

OCTOBER 14TH

A Taste of Chamblee

DOWNTOWN CHAMBLEE | 3:00 PM

Join the city of Chamblee October 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Downtown Chamblee for food, beverages, and craft vendors and enjoy A Taste of Chamblee! For more information, visit tasteofchamblee.net.

OCTOBER 18TH

Big Green Egg Cooking Class with Chef Jared Hucks

BIG GREEN EGG, ATLANTA | 5:00 PM

Join Chef Jared Hucks of The Alden restaurant for a Big Green Egg all vegetable cooking class, October 18, at 5:30 p.m.. For more information and to register, visit https://biggreenegg.com/culinary-center/

OCTOBER 21ST

Halloween Cookie Decorating and DIY Wood Project Workshop

AR WORKSHOP CHAMBLEE | 1:00 PM

AR Workshop Chamblee will hold a Halloween Cookie Decorating and DIY Wood Project Workshop, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., October 21. You must register at to attend. Minimum number of guests may be required. AR Workshop reserves the right to cancel or reschedule, so check the website for updated classes. For more information and to register, visit arworkshop.com.

OCTOBER 29TH

Halloween Block Party

VILLAGE PARK | 11:00 AM

The Chamblee Police Department presents Halloween Block Party from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., October 29, at Village Park. Join the party of music, games, and fun!

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Chamblee

Back into the Kitchen

Bringing Joy

Chef Dennis Prescott Talks Falling in Love with Feeding People and the Connection Food Creates

Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”

Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @ dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on

Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s journey began while in university with a single invitation from another solo musician who asked him to tour with them around the US. This eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records and pursuing their musical dreams.

Yet, in the midst of all of this, Dennis was not taking care of himself — eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had become a way of life. A friend had a “come to Jesus” moment with him and stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself. Having no idea exactly what that meant or how to do so, the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.”

The Start

“Go to the library and borrow some cookbooks,” his friend suggested. Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed three books only to have his friend ask why he chose those in particular. Dennis remembers saying verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really happy too!” As it turned out they were three books by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who Jamie Oliver was at the time.

Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment.

“I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment.

What eventually followed were 13 episodes over nine months where the Restaurants on the Edge team traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.

“When

Travel Recommendations for Foodies

“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”

Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.

“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”

Restaurants on the Edge is important and meaningful to Chef Prescott because it tells stories of hope and joy and redemption around the kitchen. Oftentimes the food space can be very stressful, but he believes that at the end of the day, people just want to spend time with other people that they love.

One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’

Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there.

“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”

you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.