What's cooking in Chamblee?
Welcome fall! With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. And now more than ever, Chamblee is a place to find food that satisfies those cravings! No longer a place dominated by fast food and not much else, our Chamblee community boasts dining options for every palate – whether it’s fine or casual dining, whether it’s traditional American cuisine or any of a host of ethnic options, Chamblee has it all!
Looking for an authentic breakfast treat courtesy of the Bronx, NYC? Look no further than the Bronx Bagel Buggy in downtown Chamblee. Craving one of the best Banh Mi sandwiches or traditional Pho in the Atlanta area? Check out Lee’s Bakery over on Buford Highway. Looking for that special place to have an anniversary dinner or special date night? Try Chamblee’s own Michelinrecommended The Alden!
But it’s not just about tasty treats, it’s also about community involvement. That’s why we were honored to be able to feature The Mad Italian in this month’s issue – not just the home of the best Philly cheesesteaks in the South for over 50 years, but also leaders in fundraising for the fight against breast cancer – their efforts are truly inspirational.
So check out Chamblee’s burgeoning dining scene (and welcome to the neighborhood Chamblee Tap and Market!). There are more options than ever before, and even more still to come. Bon appetite and as always, thanks for reading and we’ll see you around The City on the Right Track!
KEVIN PARKER, PUBLISHER @CHAMBLEECITYLIFESTYLE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Kevin Parker | kevin.parker@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tana Poncsak | tana.poncsak@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Janet Howard | janet.howard@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Polina Williams | polina.williams@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: You never know who you’ll see in the crowd in Chamblee listening to 10,000 Maniacs. 2: Chamblee Tap and Market is now open across from Chamblee City Hall. 3: A couple talks with a vendor during the Feast event on Buford Highway. 4: A crowd gathers at Block and Drum for their latest event. 5: Guests belly up to the bar for drinks and fun at Block and Drum’s event. 6: Selfie Day with Chamblee city staff members! 7: Residents attend a public meeting to learn details of the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
TANA PONCSAK
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
8: Chamblee City Lifestyle holds a networking event at The Social Studio in Chamblee. 9: Networking means food and fun at The Social Studio in Chamblee. 10: Crowds experience art, stories and tradition during Feast.
TANA PONCSAK
TANA PONCSAK
Chamblee Tap and Market
Chamblee Tap and Market is now open! Conveniently located across from Chamblee City Hall, Chamblee Tap and Market offers a number of draft beer selections, draft wine, and a draft cocktail selection. Visit Chambleetapandmarket.com for more information.
Consignment Furniture Depot
Let Consignment Furniture Depot in the heart of downtown Chamblee be your new source for all things Primo Grill! Primo ceramic grills are known for superior heat retention and even cooking, thanks to the high-quality, ceramic construction. With versatile cooking options from grilling, smoking and baking, they're a popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Their unique oval shape provides ample space and efficient heat distribution, enhancing the overall grilling experience.
Digibites
Digibites is an innovative kitchen concept now open and embracing technology to enhance the dining experience. With features like ordering kiosks and food lockers, guests can choose from one of several delicious branded dining concepts. Enjoy the welcoming dining room, order for carryout, or order online for delivery – choose whatever is convenient for you! Their motto is “Chamblee’s favorites all under one digital roof.” Check out this unique and delicious dining experience!
Photography by Kevin Parker
Photography by Digibites
Photography by Consignment Furniture Depot
BAGEL DELICIOUS
If you’re looking for an authentic taste of New
you might try stopping by
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK
York City in Chamblee,
The Bronx Bagel Buggy.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE BRONX BAGEL BUGGY
The Bronx Bagel Buggy brings a taste of the Bronx to the city of Chamblee.
Perhaps there's nothing better than a warm bagel fresh out of the oven.
“We want it to feel like a New York vibe.”
—Julie Dragich,
co-owner of The Bronx Bagel Buggy
Julie Dragich and Steven Novotny, owners of The Bronx Bagel Buggy, met in 2019, and like many during COVID-19, they reflected on something they could do like bringing fresh, baked bagels to Chamblee. The kind Steven remembers.
“Coming from the Bronx, I have memories of my father going to the bagel shop every Sunday morning,” Steven says. “As soon as you walked in and the smell of those bagels being cooked and seeing them coming right out of the oven – there’s nothing better.”
Julie recalls being from Cleveland, Ohio where she says if you wanted baked goods, you always went to a Polish bakery. Or in her case, she had fresh baked goods at home. “My grandmother did a lot of baking, and my mother did a lot of baking,” she says. “So in our household, we always had fresh Polish breads.”
According to the two, it was Julie’s sister who came up with a basic bagel recipe, and from there Julie and Steven tweaked it until they got it just right. Julie says they started out making changes and testing the recipes. They did their research. They even went to New York City and visited many bagel shops and met with people who knew how to make good bagels. Some of the advice they took, and some they didn’t.
For instance, some were pushing them to use a preservative and dough improver that’s widely used in the baking industry. “We even bought a bag of it, and we were going to try testing it,” Julie says. “But then I looked at the ingredients and I said this is getting away from our core values. We use zero preservatives, and we don’t use bread dough improvers.” Julie adds that if you purchase a dozen bagels and you’re not eating them all tonight, then be sure to freeze any leftover.
Top: Enjoy fresh breads and pastries from The Bronx Bagel Buggy.
Bottom: Try a bagel sandwich at The Bronx Bagel Buggy.
Steven said they could also take shortcuts by buying bagels frozen and steaming them. “It’s a lot quicker,” he says. But that’s not the goal for these bakers and entrepreneurs. Everything is made in-house. The Bronx Bagel Buggy is a “from scratch bakery” using the finest ingredients, like malt barley. While, perhaps, many bakeries use the ingredient malt barley in its syrup form, it’s cheaper and isn’t healthy, The Bronx Bagel Buggy chooses to pay more for the best ingredient to make a better bagel and better baked goods. And the bagels at The Bronx Bagel Buggy are hand rolled by a professional with 20 years of experience, something that’s unfortunately becoming a dying art.
After perfecting the recipe, they started out taking their bagels to a few of the local farmer’s markets. The first one Steven says they brought about 300 bagels and sold out in 30 minutes. “It was amazing,” he says.
Eventually a brick-and-mortar location seemed inevitable, and Chamblee had a perfect location, although it took them a while to buildout the space. They started opening their doors to guests by the end of December 2023 experiencing a few hiccups along the way. But they say it’s been the support of their customers that makes them grateful.
Julie recalls getting a few less than stellar remarks on social media when they first opened to the public. “People in the neighborhood kept sticking up for us,” she says. “…The Chamblee crowd really embraced us. We have so many regulars that walk to the store for their morning coffee every day, and it’s nice to have the community rally around us and really support us." Both Steven and Julie want to thank the community for that.
“As soon as you walked in and the smell of those bagels being cooked and seeing them coming right out of the oven – there’s nothing better.” —Steven Novotny, co-owner of The Bronx Bagel Buggy
“We want our store to be a unique and different atmosphere,” Julie says. She describes the shop as a long and narrow space, like ones you would find in the Bronx and around New York City. “We want it to feel like a New York vibe,” she says. And she stresses that The Bronx Bagel Buggy isn’t a sit-down restaurant, but a graband-go shop with limited seating.
As for the future for The Bronx Bagel Buggy? Julie and Steven say their focus is on the bagel shop and expanding their business in different ways. They started online ordering back
in June, and Julie says they’ve seen a boost in business from that. They’ve also started catering. And they're working with someone on their retail program and they support other small, local businesses in the community.
Year one has been about getting the store operations under control and hiring a solid staff. For year two, they're looking at a number of new possibilities.
For more information, hours of business, online ordering, and more, visit thebronxbagelbuggy.com
Julie Dragich and Steven Novotny, owners of The Bronx Bagel Buggy, stand behind the counter with their bagels and pastries.
FOR EVENT DECOR THAT POPS!
Elevate your events with Balloonacy’s enchanting décor services, tailored to infuse festive spirit into every occasion. For private or corporate holiday parties, our expert team designs stylish decor that transforms the venue into a magical setting, creating the perfect ambiance for celebrations of all kinds!
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY
THE MAD ITALIAN SERVES UP CHEESESTEAKS AND PASTA WHILE GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.
THE MAD ITALIAN
The Mad Italian has participated in the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer 2-Day Walk since about 2012.
BY THE MAD ITALIAN
What goes best with food? If you’re talking The Mad Italian, the answer is perhaps community. The restaurant has been a part of the Chamblee community for more than 50 years serving up more than just food. During the school year, you may find The Mad Italian holding a spirit night for a school in the area. And while The Mad
support as she planned to walk with her mother during the 2-Day walk in 2012. She sent an email asking if the owner of The Mad Italian would be willing to do something similar to a spirit night for her walk to raise money and bring about awareness for breast cancer. According to Shannon, they decided to take things a step further.
“WE TAKE PRIDE IN THAT WE’RE MORE THAN JUST A RESTAURANT.”
Italian is known for helping create good food and fun for spirit nights, they’re also heavily involved with the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer and the Georgia 2-Day Walk.
Shannon Mothershed is a Chamblee native and has worked at The Mad Italian along with the owner, Tom Brown, since she was a teenager. Now Shannon handles marketing for the restaurant along with other duties. Shannon explains how their involvement with the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer and the Georgia 2-Day Walk came about.
It all started with an email from a student who asked for the restaurant’s
“Tom and I decided to surprise her and do a six-week long fundraiser at the restaurant,” Shannon says. “We ordered T-shirts, stickers, and magnets. And that first year we presented her with a check for $4,200. It was a big surprise.”
Since that first year, it’s become an annual event for The Mad Italian, and each year the fundraiser has grown and the amount they’ve raised has increased, with recent years hitting $20,000. Shannon says in addition to raising funds, they also sponsor a couple of breast stops during the walk.
“It’s a great organization,” Shannon says, of the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer. “It’s a small office and they
don’t do a lot of advertising. We’ve gone to grantee meetings and seeing that the money stays in Georgia, it’s really nice.”
This year the Georgia 2-Day Walk was planned for the end of September. According to the website, the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer is a nonprofit that strives to support Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds to support breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state. The Georgia 2-Day Walk is their main fundraising event.
As The Mad Italian continues to raise funds for the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer and its 2-Day Walk, school spirit nights, and other community events, the restaurant is also serving up its famous Cheesesteaks, “the best cheesesteaks south of Philly” and other delicious pastas, salads, and sandwiches.
This year The Mad Italian Team raised $27,500 for the cause.
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.
“We take pride in that we’re more than just a restaurant,” Shannon says. “And it’s just a good feeling to be able to give back.”
For more information about The Mad Italian, visit maditalian.com .
We recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more information about the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer and the 2-Day Walk, visit gaabc.org
The Mad Italian team grabs their sneakers and joins the Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer.
Raising funds and bringing awareness to breast cancer in the Georgia 2-Day Walk.
The Mad Italian participates in 'A Taste of Chamblee' in 2023.
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‘A TASTE OF CHAMBLEE’
IT’S TIME FOR A CITY FAVORITE EVENT - ‘A TASTE OF CHAMBLEE’
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
TANA PONCSAK
An event favorite is coming up this month. A Taste of Chamblee is planned for 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 19 in downtown Chamblee. This year’s event will feature some of your favorite local restaurants, eateries from areas nearby, and some you’ve been meaning to try, and perhaps you just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Here’s your chance!
Family, friends and neighbors walk the streets of Chamblee at 'A Taste of Chamblee.'
Chamblee City Lifestyle sat down with Brittney Lindsay, community engagement director, and Katie Sears, special events coordinator, both with the city of Chamblee to find out what’s new and what to expect at this year’s A Taste of Chamblee.
In addition to giving the community a chance to try some new restaurants and some old favorites, Brittney says it’s also a time for those workers inside the restaurants to get out and meet their customers.
“It’s an opportunity for the restaurants to get out of the kitchen and from behind the hostess desk and meet and greet with their customers in a different atmosphere,” she says. “It’s really become a very
community-centric event that our restaurants are very excited about each year.”
At A Taste of Chamblee, food won’t be the only thing the event offers. See your friends and neighbors as you stroll through the craft vendors onsite to shop for unique items you won’t find at your typical local retailers. And a number of nonprofits from Chamblee’s nonprofit program will also be on hand to share information about their organization as well as volunteer opportunities.
Katie says Lifeline plans to bring some of our favorite canine friends that will be open for adoption to individuals and families looking for a new pet. So watch for those furry friends in the crowds at the event.
Try new foods at ‘A Taste of Chamblee.’
A TASTE OF CHAMBLEE
IS 3 P.M. - 8 P.M., OCTOBER 19
And if you need to rest, stop by the Wine Down Tent to listen to some music or linger by the big screen to catch your favorite college football team take on their latest rival.
New this year is a kid’s culinary competition. “We are working very closely with the nonprofit called The Navigate Foundation,” Brittney says. “They have a set of kids they work with regularly.”
The theme for the kid’s culinary competition is very fitting – “Georgia on My Mind.” And the recipes the kids will prepare will include something Georgiarelated, like peaches or pecans. Chef judges will be there to taste the kids’
creations and cast their votes alongside with other area residents who attend the event. Both chefs and attendees will have a chance to taste and vote for their favorite!
Kids will have a blast with all the kid-friendly activities going on throughout the day in the Kid’s Zone. There is also a food-related activity for kids, like building Mason Jar Salads, with an emphasis on healthy eating as well as games and other activities.
A Taste of Chamblee is a community favorite event, and according to Brittney, last year’s event had an estimated 7,000 people in attendance. This year they expect about the same number – perhaps more.
The festival is a family-friendly event and free to attend. Food and drink purchases can be made through the Intellitix App or by using a cashless payment method such as credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. With the number of people in the area, parking may be difficult. Refer to the event website or consider using any other digital-friendly app the city of Chamblee may suggest for up-to-date information on the day of the event.
Bring the family, and come hungry, come early, and stay late! For more information, visit tasteofchamblee.net .
Kids of all ages can enjoy 'A Taste of Chamblee.'
Even our fourlegged friends can enjoy 'A Taste of Chamblee.'
6:00 - 10:00 PM | Plaza Fiesta
Let's unite and conqure as ATL United FC takes on the NY Red Bulls! In celebration of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, join us as we watch the match, learn about community resources, and indulge in the flavors of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Atlanta United FC Watch Party chambleeatlutdwatchparty.net
3:00 - 8:00 PM | Downtown Chamblee
From food to beverages and art to music, you'll get a little taste of all things Chamblee! At the fifteenth annual A Taste of Chamblee you can try new cuisines from other countries, savor your beloved bites and brews from local restaurants, watch your favorite college football team, enjoy some music, shop unique finds, and so much more.
SOUTHERN STYLE GOULASH
WELCOME HARVEST WITH THIS SIMPLE SOUP RECIPE
HistoryToday.com explains that goulash is a beefy soup that originated in the barren beauty of the Hungarian plains during the ninth century. The dish was prepared by Hungarian Cowboys who spent months roaming the vast expanses of Eastern Europe on horseback while tending to their cattle. A lifestyle of sleeping under the stars calls for simple meals. Such soups spread throughout Europe and later across the world.
Though the soup is intimately linked with Hungarian culture, my
grandmother created a Southernstyle version. To make supper time feel fancy, she embellished this easy weeknight meal by describing it as a special recipe from Hungary. She was known to stretch the truth with her imaginative tales, but she was right about this recipe’s origin.
Goulash is a quick, economical dinner with robust tomatoes and macaroni noodles for any working mom to whip up on a whim.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Pound Cooked Ground Beef
• 1 Yellow Onion Diced
• 4-5 Russet Potatoes Peeled and Cut into Cubes
• 1- 28 Ounce Can of Whole Tomatoes
• 1 Cup Elbow Macaroni Noodles
• Salt and Course-Ground Black Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a lightly greased pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and brown.
3. Drain off any liquid or grease. Return to pot or Dutch oven to heat.
4. Add in onion, potatoes, tomatoes, salt and pepper.
5. Cover with water and boil. Stir occasionally, add more water as needed and until potatoes are cooked.
6. Stir in noodles and simmer until the noodles are fully cooked.
7. Serve with Southern cornbread.
ARTICLE BY SAVANNA JAGGEARS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY JAGGEARS
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 4TH
Atlanta Horror Film Festival
Limelight Theater | 12:00 PM
Looking for something scary? Join the 18th Annual Atlanta Horror Film Festival from noon to midnight, Oct. 4 - 6, at the Limelight Theater to celebrate the best indie horror films of the year. For more information and cost to attend, visit atlantahorrorfilmfest.com
OCTOBER 4TH
Decatur Book Festival
Various locations in Decatur | 7:00 PM
The 2024 Decatur Book Festival is a vibrant celebration of literature and community on October 4-5 at various dynamic locations throughout Decatur. This year’s festival features a diverse lineup of activities including author panels, book signings, storytelling sessions, chef demonstrations, and more family-friendly events. Go to https://decaturbookfestival.com/decatur-book-festival-2024/ for more information, times and locations.
OCTOBER 19TH
A Taste of Chamblee
Downtown Chamblee | 3:00 PM
A Taste of Chamblee is back for another year from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 19 in downtown Chamblee. Come hungry, come early, and stay late, and get A Taste of Chamblee and all it has to offer. For more information visit, tasteofchamblee.net.
OCTOBER 20TH
SPS Productions Seeing Through the Canvas Art Show
Distillery of Modern Art | 1:00 PM
SPS Productions will present Seeing Through the Canvas Art Show from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 20, at the Distillery of Modern Art. The event features 20+ artists, painters, craft cocktails and food. Entry to the event is free. Come dressed in your Halloween costume for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.
OCTOBER 24TH
LEGO Day
Chamblee Branch of the DeKalb County Library | 10:00 AM
Create at LEGO day at the Chamblee Branch of the DeKalb County Library! This event is for school age children. Come in any time and create your best LEGO designs. For more information, visit events.dekalblibrary.org
OCTOBER 31ST
The Wall that Heals
University of North Georgia in Dahlonega | 9:00 AM
The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile education center that will be in Dahlonega, GA., Oct. 31 – Nov. 3, at the University of North Georgia. It honors more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War. For information visit, https://www.vvmf.org/The-Wall-That-Heals/.
