Do you feel stuck or out of control of your own life?
Do your relationships not look the way you want them to?
It doesn’t have to be that way, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Let me introduce myself. I’m Erika Hawkins, a mental health counselor at Emerald Integrative Therapy Services in Atlanta, Georgia. My background in neuroscience and psychology led me into the counseling profession once I discovered my passion for helping others grow and heal using the power of human relationship and modern science. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate their unique journeys, build healthier relationships, and regain a sense of control and hope in their lives.
ISSUES I HELP WITH INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
• ANXIETY
• DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL IDEATION
• DISORDERED EATING
• TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES
• LIFE TRANSITIONS
• RELATIONSHIP CONCERNS
I UTILIZE THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES SUCH AS:
• EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING (EMDR)
• ATTACHMENT BASED THERAPY
• COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
• MINDFULNESS THERAPY
If you are ready to feel unstuck and start moving towards the life you want, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. I’m committed to making therapy accessible through a sliding scale fee, ensuring financial constraints don’t prevent you from seeking help.
If you are tired of feeling like you are just surviving and want to f ind a way to start thriving in your life, let’s explore the possibility of working together.
Please contact me at erika@emerald-its.com or call or text me at 980-355-9681 for more information.
Experience unique food and drinks in Chamblee
As we welcome the crisp air and vibrant colors of October, I'm thrilled to present an issue that's all about one of life's greatest pleasures - food and drinks in Chamblee.
We are incredibly fortunate to be at the epicenter of a culinary scene that's as diverse and dynamic as our community itself. Whether it’s the killer báhn mi at Lee’s Bakery, the iconic 57th Fighter Group, or even Chamblee’s own Michelinrecommended restaurant, The Alden, Chamblee truly has something for everyone.
This month, we're taking you on a journey through some of the local flavors that define our city, from the hidden gems serving authentic international cuisine to the beloved local spots where every meal feels like coming home or experiencing a culinary adventure.
In this issue, we raise a glass to the talented chefs, dedicated restaurateurs, and passionate food artisans who make our city a true "foodie" destination. We’ve got an inside look at the stories behind a couple of Chamblee's most distinctive eateries, Antiguo Lobo and Moondog Pub & Grub. Discover new places to satisfy your cravings and find inspiration for your own kitchen creations. We've compiled a guide to the must-try dishes and drinks of the season, perfect for planning a cozy night out or a lively gathering with friends. Our goal is to celebrate the culinary creativity and community spirit that flourishes around our tables.
As the days continue to grow shorter, there's nothing quite like sharing a delicious meal and good conversation with the people we care about. This issue is a testament to the power of food that brings us together to create memories and to connect us to different cultures and traditions. We hope the stories within these pages inspire you to explore the rich tapestry of flavors that Chamblee has to offer.
Thank you for your continued support, and we wish you a month filled with delicious discoveries and wonderful moments shared with loved ones.
Happy dining!
October 2025
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
STAFF WRITER
Natalie Fox | natalie.foxcreative@gmail.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Toca Florals holds a grand opening in Chamblee. 2: Unique floral creations are on display at Toca Florals in Chamblee. 3: Sweet treats are ready to be served at Freddo in Chamblee. 4: Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock looks at artwork at the recent Chamblee High School Art Exhibition. 5: Huntley Hills Association holds an event at Antiguo Lobo in downtown Chamblee. 6: The speaker addresses a crowd for Bourbon and Bible at Moondog Pub & Grub. 7: It’s a packed house for Bourbon and Bible at Moondog Pub & Grub.
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
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business monthly
Freddo
Get ready to sweeten up your day, Chamblee! Freddo, the beloved authentic Argentinian gelato chain, has opened its doors. Located at 5070 Peachtree Boulevard, Suite 130, this highly anticipated shop brings a taste of Buenos Aires to our community with its rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful gelato. Stop by to treat yourself to a scoop (or two!) of their delicious, handcrafted frozen delights – and lots of other treats as well!
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Habitations
Habitations Dwelling By Design is expanding its award-winning design and renovation services with the launch of a new Kitchen and Bath Design division. Known for their expertise in major home remodels and custom home design, the team offers specialized services to create the kitchens and bathrooms of your dreams. From architectural and interior design to project management, they ensure a seamless transformation and a go-to, full-service design firm for homeowners looking to elevate living spaces.
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We believe that looking and feeling your best starts with a holistic approach - blending medical expertise, cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care. Whether you're here for aesthetics, weight management, or regenerative treatments, we prioritize results that feel as good as they look.
Photography by Kevin Parker
Photography by Habitations LLC
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
ENJOY INTUITIVELY CRAFTED COURSES AND INTRICATE LIBATIONS IN AN AUTHENTICALLY MEXICAN SETTING
ANTIGUO LOBO
Antiguo Lobo delivers heritage-inspired Mexican dishes in a space that meshes old-world furnishings, neon lights, and upbeat music for an unparalleled experience. Owner Jesús Oñate Jr. isn’t a formally trained chef; instead, his expertise is experientially based,
“I
One of their most popular dishes is the molcajete el monstruo, which is an epic shareable dish overflowing with protein (steak, grilled chicken, chorizo, grilled shrimp, and grilled queso fresco), vegetables (green onion, tomato, nopal cactus), classic Mexican
FALL IN LOVE WITH FOOD EVERY TIME I EAT.”
developed through a childhood spent in the Chamblee restaurant industry, resulting in a soulful, ancestrally inspired menu.
Jesús recalls his grandmother’s cooking with deep fondness, honing in on how she made “the simplest things phenomenal." It was always an experience. It’s what he misses most every time he visits Mexico, and he's creating something special out of those memories at Antiguo Lobo.
By sourcing products locally and from Mexico when possible, a level of authenticity that is difficult to find at similar establishments is present here.
The dishes and drinks draw upon the team’s deep-rooted connection to Mexico, which they maintain with frequent travels there - most recently an inspirational trip to Guanajuato.
accoutrements (rice and refried black beans) and a tomatillo cream salsa that's made in-house daily. It all arrives in a piping hot volcanic mortar, and each time it dramatically exits the kitchen, ensconced in billowing smoke and everyone in the restaurant turns their head and quickly orders one for the table.
The vegan chorizo is a unique and much-loved offering, provided by a friend of the restaurant, Chef Abraham Gutierrez. The burritos and enchiladas verdes also fly out of the kitchen highlighting how even the most straightforward recipes are elevated to a high standard of excellence here.
Jesús (originally from the Agave country) has found that appreciation for artisanal, handcrafted processes is on the rise. Something made by hand,
passed on from generation to generation, and separate from industrialization, is revered. Enter: the surge in mezcal’s popularity. What’s unique about mezcal is that it can be made from any species of agave, grown in different areas on varying timelines, resulting in a huge range of flavor profiles and alcohol-by-volume levels. Jesús loves to sip on mezcal (alongside a plate of carne asada) as a way to appreciate its many intricacies. “Besitos al mezcal” translates to “kissing the mezcal” and alludes to the gesture of taking small, delicate sips instead of shots. Jesús says, “Some Maestros Mezcaleros even say 'El mezcal no se toma… se besa’ ('You don’t drink mezcal… you kiss it’).”
For those looking for cocktails, mezcal pairs beautifully with a wide variety of fruits, and the El Melvin is an excellent choice. This cocktail features a housemade hibiscus-chile ancho syrup alongside mezcal, lime, orange, agave, and a Tajin rim. Their Palumba is essentially a frozen paloma, wildly popular and perfect for hot Georgia days. Every drink is made with 100% blue agave and fresh lime juice, prepared on the spot. Mocktails and draft beer are also available, and Antiguo Lobo strives to incorporate local products whenever they can.
The vibe is buoyant, high-energy, and above all else: fun . As evening falls, the music is turned up and the lights dim, making the neon accents pop, and in the words of Jesús, “there’s never a dull moment.” It’s an environment where people of all ages and backgrounds come to enjoy themselves.
“YOU
DON’T DRINK MEZCAL… YOU KISS IT.”
Opened during the pandemic to a rocky start with limited hours, it quickly rose in popularity as patrons were seeking in-person joy and connection. Today, they are fully staffed and almost always slammed, filled with appreciation for the people of Chamblee.
Jesús envisions expanding their event calendar, with an eye on crafting more specialty events, such as a phenomenal chef or bartender demonstrating their expertise with samples. For an intimate experience, they currently host tequila and mezcal dinners every few weeks, typically taking place on a Wednesday night. These events gather 16 to 20 people in a beautifully decorated corner of the restaurant, where a brand representative leads everyone through four one-ounce expressions of their liquor, and small plates arrive between each tasting.
Jesús is determined to provide a place with exceptional food and drinks giving people something to look forward to. With a childhood where food was a means to make a living and a love language, his pure delight in a well-made meal sets him apart, as he assures me, “I fall in love with food every time I eat.”
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CHEERS
MOST MONDAYS Open Mic Night (music) | 7-10PM or Bible & Bourbon 6-8PM
WEDNESDAYS The Mike Veal Band | 7-10PM
TUESDAYS Trivia | 7-9PM
THIRSTY THURSDAYS 15% off with purchase of beer and starter
FRIDAYS Live Music | 7-10PM SATURDAYS Brunch | 11:30AM-3PM Prime Rib, Music Bingo | 7PM
SUNDAYS Brunch | 11:30AM-3PM
EVERY THIRD SATURDAY Lifeline Animal Project Adoption Event on our dog-friendly patio
THE ULTIMATE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT
MOONDOG PUB & GRUB BRINGS BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED BEER, CRAVEABLE DISHES, AND COMMUNITY-CENTRIC EVENTS TO CHAMBLEE
Tommy Burda loves community, rescue dogs, good beer, and perfectly prepared fried pickles. His passions are replete in Moondog Pub & Grub, the Chamblee offshoot of the wildly popular Moondog Growlers in Dunwoody.
Tommy refers to himself as “the steward” of both establishments, rather than the owner, to emphasize his drive to serve the already stellar sense of camaraderie the growler shop’s founders created. A place
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
for enjoyment, not excess, its low-key and family-friendly atmosphere contributes to both neighborhoods with whole-hearted joy. Groups gather and patrons forge friendships so strong they even vacation together, emphasizing the sense that this is a place where customers belong and feel comfortable on a deep level.
The Chamblee destination is scattered with raw wood tables and bourbon barrel-supported seats, presenting a country casual vibe, making Moondog Pub & Grub the ideal all-American hangout.
The Dunwoody location’s space limitations prevent food service, so this second venue in Chamblee has a full menu. The vision
is “leveled up bar food,” and you can discern the hours of tastings in the ideal pickle-to-batter ratios and high-quality burgers.
Precision is key to limiting food waste; they utilize a “scratch kitchen” approach, wherein all food is made fresh, never frozen. Tommy’s go-to order is the Moondog Burger, made with a halfpound of beef, bacon, and beer cheese served on a pretzel bun.
His drink order is always in flux because, while he sticks to his favorite dishes at almost every restaurant, Tommy has developed a reverence for the art of craft beer. His palette is open-minded, and he loves to try different brews on a
“ MOONDOG PUB & GRUB
ENCOURAGES BRINGING YOUR PUP TO THE OUTDOOR PATIO.”
rotating basis. From his favorite Michigan breweries to locally brewed here in Georgia, their offerings are ever-evolving and always exciting.
True to its name, Moondog Pub & Grub encourages bringing along your pup to the outdoor patio. Tommy is a massive dog lover (at one point in his life he took care of over twenty rescues on a large piece of land), and his affection for animals carries over here. The restaurant has a partnership with Lifeline Animal Project, wherein adoption events take place on the third Saturday of every month, offering gift cards to anyone who adopts a pet.
Their Chamblee event calendar is filled (and still growing). Every Wednesday evening, you can catch the Mike Veal Band, while the rest of the week offers open mic nights, trivia, live music on Fridays, music bingo on Saturdays, and “Bourbon and Bible,” led by a local rabbi and priest who discuss the Old Testament.
One of their newest initiatives is here just in time for football season - they are now Atlanta’s official Green Bay Packers bar, committing themselves to showing every Green Bay Packers game alongside a dedicated DJ and specialty merchandise.
The space, discovered by Tommy while stuck in traffic, is large and adaptable. Housing a private event room that plays host to everything from sorority socials to wedding showers, their offerings are expansive and filled with potential.
Moondog Pub & Grub wouldn’t be what it is today without the contributions of Tommy’s wife, Felicia. Her significant role in day-to-day operations, communications, and handling event inquiries is crucial to their success. Initially hesitant to own a bar, she now takes the daily reins while Tommy runs his construction company, and they work as a power couple while raising their children and four rescue dogs.
By cultivating relationships and relaxation for their guests, Moondog Pub & Grub is quickly becoming a beloved neighborhood establishment. Woven into the fabric of Chamblee’s bustling business scene, they’re just getting started and will continue to contribute to our community while serving excellent food and creative craft beers along the way.
Have a cold brew and unwind with friends at Moondog Pub & Grub.
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CELEBRATING 117 YEARS!
Commemorating Chamblee’s history, present, and future with a birthday celebration
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
The city of Chamblee celebrated its 117th birthday on August 15, at Chamblee City Hall.
During the event called A Celebration Through Time: Honoring Chamblee's Past, Present and Future, city officials, staff members, and guests gathered to mark the occasion with the dedication of a plaque commemorating Wylie H. Chamblee, the city's namesake.
Happy Birthday to the city of Chamblee! Here's to many more!
This plaque commemorates Wylie H. Chamblee, the city's namesake.
SHANNON WIGGINS , public relations and communications director for the city of Chamblee, addresses the crowd at the recent birthday celebration.
Residents
a
get
glimpse into the history of Chamblee.
HAPPY 117TH BIRTHDAY to the city of Chamblee.
City officials unveil the plaque at the recent birthday celebration.
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!
Dunwoody Collision Center
realty report
SAVOR LOCAL FARE
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
There's more to 'A Taste of Chamblee' than just food.
Whether you're wanting to try a dish from a new restaurant or have a favorite dish from a special Chamblee hotspot, you can have it all at "A Taste of Chamblee." The event is planned for 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 18 in downtown Chamblee.
Brittney Lindsay, community engagement director for the city, says this fan favorite event has grown over the years, and the city is adding more space to accommodate more guests and more vendors. "We have what we call our south lawn now. It gives us more space to play with and more space to invite more vendors," Brittney says. "We're bringing back our wind down tents, live music, and our partnership with the Navigate Foundation, with the youth culinary competition and the theme - 'All About Tacos.'"
You can watch the game or play the game at 'A Taste of Chamblee.'
Also new this year is a point of sale system called Billfold that Brittney explains is similar to the previous system used in the past. With Billfold, wristbands can be used to connect to a credit or debit card for a tap to pay scenario. "I like to say it eliminates the one-hand fumble when you're holding a drink or a plate of food and trying to make your next purchase," she says. But if you want to stick to your credit or debit card, Brittney says they'll have that option as well.
In addition to featuring great food and vendors, there'll also be live music, the kid's zone, and large LED screens showing the football games, so you won't have to miss a play. And this year, Brittney hinted that if you like to dance, come prepared to dance - so wear your dancing shoes.
"A Taste of Chamblee" has had a long history in Chamblee starting out as an event held by a local business organization and then a local nonprofit. As the event grew, the city eventually took it over. Brittney, who has been with the city for about seven years now, estimates that about 3,000 to 3,500 people attended the event in her earlier years. Now, she says the numbers are running about 6,000 to 7,000, and the number of vendors has also grown. "...I think people really enjoy it because there are all types of activities, and you get to try all kinds of food you've never tried before," she says. "At 'A Taste of Chamblee' you really get a chance to see the spirit of the city."
For more information about "A Taste of Chamblee," visit tasteofchamblee.net .
(Images are from last year's event)
The Navigate Foundation will join the event again this year.
events
OCTOBER 3RD
Decatur Book Festival
First Baptist Church of Decatur and Downtown Decatur | 6:00 PM
Book lovers are in luck! The Decatur Book Festival returns to nearby downtown Decatur with author panels, book signings, poetry readings, and more. The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Oct. 3 with two keynote speakers and the fun continues Oct. 4. For a full schedule, details, and to register, visit decaturbookfestival.com
OCTOBER 18TH
A Taste of Chamblee
Downtown Chamblee | 3:00 PM
It's that time again for everyone to get "A Taste of Chamblee." The fan favorite, community event returns from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 18, with food and fun for everyone! Come early! Come hungry! Be ready to enjoy "A Taste of Chamblee." For more information, visit tasteofchamblee.net
