Our partnership ensures you have the full support of our organization. We go beyond providing the necessary tools for success. At Harry Norman, REALTORS, we assist you in every step of the sales process and help cultivate long-lasting client relationships.
The Harry Norman brand and reputation attracted us because their standards and values aligned with ours. Mary Beth Lake and the staff at the East Cobb office are critical elements of our team’s achievements. She is personally committed to each agent’s success by overseeing a robust system of training, marketing support, and tools that accelerate new agent confidence and guide experienced agents. Clients respect knowledgeable, resourceful REALTORS® who can satisfy the diverse demands of constantly shifting market segments. Join our office and become one! Isabelle and Peter Gibson, REALTORS®
Harry Norman, REALTORS® East Cobb Office
Call me to find out how we can help grow your business.
*Showroom by Appointment*
We truly care about our clients and are experts in our field. We are committed to providing an exceptional client experience and offer a warranty unique to the industry providing 100% client satisfaction.
I hope this letter finds you relaxing with family and friends, whether lying by the pool, playing games in the comfort of your own backyard or lounging by the lake soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D.
As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, there's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement. A yearning to truly take a break and visit a new place or try a new activity.
Sure, Fall has my favorite flavors and scents, Winter has its cozy charms and I can't deny the beauty of Spring. But when the Summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the chance to visit local merchants and enjoy fun dining spots to sip on a cold beverage and meet new people.
The pages in our Summer adventure issue will help you make the most of this season, from sailing on breathtaking yachts in Croatia to visiting the gorgeous city of San Miguel filled with vibrant atmosphere, colorful streets and friendly locals. If these adventures are not already on your bucket list, maybe they should be!
And even if the Summer season doesn't call you away, there's so much to do, see and experience right around town or short drive away: fabulous festivals, 4th of July celebrations, pickle ball tournaments, long bike rides and hiking in the north Georgia mountains. There's something about being in nature that feels so rejuvenating and refreshing.
And don't forget to give yourself a break from the mundane chores. After all, it is Summer! There are so many wonderful businesses we can call on to help lighten your load, from amazing prepared meals delivered to your doorstep to help with summer laundry.
Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your Summer experiences in support of our partners right here in East Cobb, surrounding communities and BEYOND!
PUBLISHER
Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Abby Ramsey | abby.ramsey@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Thompson, Cathy Jones, Carol Padgett, Rei Kaiser
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
LISA THIBAULT, PUBLISHER @EASTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE
Includes Cape Town lodging and guiding for 4 nights (2 travelers)! The “Premier Buffalo Tent” is only 1 of 2 of our most luxurious experiences offered. Valid for 2023 and 2024 travel. Speak to your Hippo Lakes Concierge for details, additional experiences and terms.
The Waterberg is South Africa’s Eden. Tucked away in Limpopo province, the pristine, rugged and ancient Waterberg region has soaring mountain peaks, antediluvian rock formations, expansive savannah plains, dense riparian forests and plunging river valleys. Here iconic animals tend to outnumber its human counterparts.
- CNN TRAVEL
1: 2023 Taste of East Cobb was successful blend of food and fun thanks to sponsors. 2: CityLifestyle Partners celebrate Plasker Chiropractic, Misty Med Spa and Skin Rx, Apricot Lane and Smallcakes. 3: Kendra Scott East Cobb and EC CityLifestyle support Junior League CobbMarietta inaugural Mint Julep Mingle. 4: Junior League Cobb - Marietta leadership, Planning Committee celebrate success at inaugural Mint Julep Mingle. 5: Chattahoochee Plantation Women’s Club presents meaningful donation to 10 Women of Hope. 6: Chattahoochee Plantation Women’s Club announces and celebrates 2023-2024 Executive Board. 7: Partner and friend Grant Prata Smallcakes East Cobb & Graze Craze Woodstock.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Tag your Instagram photos with @eastcobbcitylifestyle
We passionately transform and create spaces; developing innovative designs for homes and offices is what we love to do. Whether flooring, countertops, or cabinets, we have what you need. Kitchen Designs Group has decades of proven experience to create the design you have always wanted.
Congratulations to the Cobb County 2023 Graduating Class! From earning national awards to serving community, Cobb County students are making their mark locally and nationally. Congratulations to Walton High School’s Jack Xu for being named U.S. Presidential Scholar and to students of Cobb County High School Coalition Habitat clubs for completing their 26th home! We salute Cobb County School District’s valedictorians and salutatorians. Combined, students achieved a grade point average of 4.705 and 4.67 respectively.
Nearby Dunwoody is becoming a restaurant mecca, attracting different dining and culinary experiences. Located close to The Lawn at Ashford Lane, The Hall at Ashford Lane offers indoor and outdoor dining, featuring new concepts and award-winning long-term favorites. Community leaders are attributing the growing demand for local restaurants and walkable, open-air shopping districts like The Avenue East Cobb and Dunwoody’s Ashford Lane to the desire of residents to live and thrive locally.
Marietta’s much anticipated annual Fourth of July celebration never disappoints. Thousands join in this annual tradition, including an Independence Day parade and celebration on the Square (presented by Superior Plumbing) plus a breathtaking City of Marietta fireworks display. Thanks to the creativity
and assistance of JRM Management, families enjoy arts and crafts, food, carnival games and concerts! Pull up chairs and blankets or purchase concert tables. For info, call 770-7945601 or visit mariettaga.gov.
Include in summer fun a visit to the Marietta Fire Museum. Showcasing a collection of antique vehicles, equipment and more from 1800s.
Highlight is a Silsby Steamer, a horse-drawn steam-powered pumper purchased in 1879. Only five still exist! Another gem is a 1952 Chevrolet Panel Truck originally donated by Marietta Lions Club and the city's first rescue truck.
Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday, Sunday by appointment. Admission is free. Donations appreciated.
4 Bedroom | 4 Bathroom | 1 Half Bathroom
Offered at $2,349,000
Introducing a stunning Tommy Wosyluk design that seamlessly blends mountain modern design with rustic luxury. Nestled in a picturesque private location surrounded by Boy Scout protected land, the property offers breathtaking long-range mountain views. Oversized windows throughout create captivating natural light offering a connection between inside and outside. The architectural elements of the house incorporate a touch of contemporary flair with a rustc aesthetic.
No expense was spared on the interior design, resulting in a space that is as stylish as it is functional. Make it yours today!
There is nothing better than a staycation with friends and family in your own backyard, offering a unique opportunity to escape from the everyday routine and indulge in relaxation and enjoyment without leaving the comfort of home. Whether rustic or manicured, the landscape plays a role in creating the perfect staycation ambience. By transforming the backyard into a captivating retreat or fun playground, families and dear friends can experience the wonders of a vacation destination at your doorstep.
To make the most of the staycation, engaging in a variety of backyard activities adds excitement and keeps everyone entertained.
One highlight of a backyard staycation can be a delightful picnic celebrating our red, white and blue. There's so many ways to dress up your picnic, from adding colorful flowers, festive linens or fragrant herbs. It's an ideal setting to relax, savor delectable bites, and enjoy meaningful conversations.
Remember, your backyard isn’t just for summer fun. Our wonderful Georgia climate lets us enjoy our yard long after the hot months have come and gone.
Families are busier than ever, and a staycation in the backyard is a magical escape that combines the spaces and people you enjoy the most. It's easy on the budget and offers the ability to change plans at a moments notice. Happy Summer!
Imagine a European destination with crystal clear water, amazing food, numerous islands to explore and plenty of history. Did you guess Croatia? The Mediterranean country is more popular than ever — and with very good reasons, according to Pave and Marko Lakic, owners of Corsario and Lupus Mare, two luxurious yachts primed to show you the seascape.
“Croatia is a country to sail,” Pave insists. “Located on the Mediterranean, we can proudly say that it is the best and nicest part of the Mediterranean – crystal-clear sea, more than a thousand islands, a slower pace of life, filled with 2,000-year-old historic towns
and villages and outstanding organic food. It is not surprising that Croatia is the next big thing in Europe.”
Perhaps you aren’t a “boat person” or have a fear of water. No worries, says Pave — the waters of Croatia are calm and beautiful. “People are not used to our Adriatic sea, which is really tame. And by that we mean there are no dangerous sharks, jellyfish or any other creatures that can harm you,” he says. “They are surprised by the beauty of it and the freedom it offers to enjoy it. Also, the waves are not big like in the ocean, so it makes it perfect to swim!”
Both yachts provide, in the words of Pave, luxury, elegance and adventure. For smaller groups up to 12 people, the Corsario offers “impressive and spacious cabins, numerous amenities, such as a sauna and jacuzzi, plus water toys including jetski, seabob, kayaks, SUPs and more.” Meanwhile, for larger groups up to 32 people, the Lupus Mare offers additional, spacious lodging and the same wonderful amenities. “The real difference between these yachts and bigger cruisers is the level of service you receive due to the smaller number of guests — and an ability to discover hidden bays and coves that big cruisers cannot approach,” Pave notes. “It is a unique experience indeed.”
According to Pave, yacht guests treasure not only the exquisite service but also multiple opportunities to explore the Adriatic Sea. “We believe our guests enjoy swim stops the most, and our captains know that,” he says. “They are the ones who always find beautiful bays to anchor — just look at our pictures on Instagram, and you will see where we manage to squeeze in our 50-meter-long yacht! It’s incredible. When you add water toys to that experience, they don’t want to leave the sea.”
After a sun-filled afternoon, cuisine and cocktails are another reason guests are more than satisfied on their sailing trip. Guests can choose a variety of culinary options, including fresh seafood, and meals are chef-prepared, then paired with elite cocktails and wines. “Every year, we have repeat clients
mainly due to our service,” Pave says. “Imagine a trip where the crew spontaneously takes you to catch octopus or fish for calamari, and the chef prepares it for you. There are not many places with that kind of experience, and our guests love it.”
Still, an adventure onboard one of these stunning yachts is more than just swimming and enjoying sumptuous seafood; it’s also a cultural experience, and Pave firmly believes that the beauty and history of Croatia truly captivates guests.
“Croatia is a lovely country, and there is no better way to explore than on the yacht,” he says. “We believe guests fall in love with the little alleyways, bars and restaurants — and the local life and coastal towns. When you come here, you will see what we mean!”
For more information, visit reillyresortrepresentatives.com.
Have you ever visited a place that continually piqued your interest and haunted you until you finally decided to just go? And when you arrived, you thought, “How did I not know about this before?”
That is exactly what happened when I visited San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. There is a reason Conde’ Nast named it the #1 City to Visit in 2022.
ARTICLE BY LISA THOMPSON
San Miguel is a vibrant colonial city approximately one hour north via plane from Mexico City. Founded by a Franciscan monk in 1542, this UNESCO World Heritage Site combines a fascinating Spanish colonial history, a strong artistic community, a varied culinary scene and fantastic shopping. Within a 30-minute jaunt are wineries, remains of a MesoAmerican complex, and hot springs.
Add friendly locals, and you couldn’t want more from your Mexican vacation.
Visiting from Atlanta is easy. Delta has flights via Mexico City to the closest airport, Leon. The hour drive to St. Miguel is worth every minute. I advise using Trip Advisor to book a driver. Their unvarnished customer reviews will help you select pleasant and reliable transportation.
Lodging choices are numerous. Rosewood Hotels has a lovely property with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Even if you do not stay there, try it for lunch. A number of boutique hotels with peaceful hidden courtyards are worthy of an afternoon cocktail. My personal favorite is a stunning Airbnb property, Casa Carole. Owners Bill and Carole are delightful and incredibly helpful.
San Miguel’s main architectural attraction is the Mexican Baroque-inspired cathedral Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. It is a confetti of pink perfection! Many buildings share this style, making the city as romantic as it is historically and architecturally fascinating. The city’s markets offer everything. I am drawn to jewelry crafted of Mexican-mined silver, local pottery and delicate linens. The latter are handwoven and simply irresistible.
I was surprised by the culinary scene in the best way. One of my favorite restaurants is Antonia, one of many with rooftop views. Great food is served against a dramatic backdrop of cathedral spires and colorful sunsets.
A tour of area wineries is a must for those of us who enjoy a sip (or maybe two). The local wines are truly good and a great value.
And don’t miss visiting the MesoAmerican complex of Canada de La Virgen Pyramid. The sixth century ruins include an observatory colossal temple and burial chambers. Try booking a tour with site archeologist Dr. Rosanna Quiroz Ennius; reach out at astronomiaprehispanica@gmail.com.
San Miguel and the surrounding areas are romantic, charming, steeped in history and full of vitality. You’ll be glad you didn’t wait to visit!
San Miguel is located in the far eastern part of Guanajuato, Mexico.
http://sanmiguelallende.gob.mx/
“The city’s markets offer everything. I am drawn to jewelry crafted of Mexicanmined silver, local pottery and delicate linens. The latter are handwoven and simply irresistible.”
We tend to our steaks with the passion of a winemaker, our master butcher monitors our steaks daily for 21 days in a temperature and humidity-controlled vault, then carves it by hand.
Does our obsession pay off? You tell us.
IF YOU THINK WINEMAKERS ARE OBSESSIVE ABOUT CARE AND AGING, YOU HAVEN’T MET OUR BUTCHER.
On a regular (and busy) Wednesday afternoon, I received a text around 3 p.m. – my Instead of Flowers supper delivery was at my doorstep! Moments later, I was literally pulling out container after container of my tantalizing main course plus sides, desserts and thoughtful extras. From the ready-tobake rolls to the blackened salmon with fresh mango chutney to the salad with lovingly packaged dressing, this was a far cry from
regular takeout or sad, soggy delivery – this was a gourmet feast, prepared solely for me.
The concept of this brilliant company is simple: everyone needs food, and sometimes life gets a little hectic … our own or someone else’s. That’s when Instead of Flowers can handle the task of providing a heartfelt and delicious spread. Named for the notion of giving a friend or loved one food instead of flowers, the company was purchased by
ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMESthree Atlanta guys named Kenny Baer, Mark Beal and Kevin Wilensky, then rebranded and leveled up to include even more tasty offerings. Three different menu categories — classic, deluxe and premier — offer an assortment of handmade dishes. “We have something for everyone,” says Baer. “Comfort food, vegetarian, meatless, seafood."
Best of all, you can customize your meal. For example, with my blackened salmon, I could have opted for mashed potatoes instead of the wild rice, or I could have ordered a different dessert or vegetable (but the cheesecake squares were heavenly, as was the spinach salad with bacon dressing, so I’m personally glad I didn’t!). Portions are generous – I had enough salmon for two nights — amazing, since it was a busy week — and I was enjoying my salad and cheesecake well into the weekend.
Recently, Instead of Flowers introduced Molly’s Meal of the Month, a special, limited-edition entree. While the company has always offered limited edition monthly selections, Molly’s Meal of the Month offers a personal touch for each mouthwatering, seasonally focused option. “For July, it’s baby back ribs, green beans and potato salad,” Baer says.
If you’re sending a friend or family member a meal and want to add on a little something extra, Instead of Flowers has that covered as well. Special kitchen gifts, such as an apron or a tea towel, can brighten the delivery for someone who is celebrating or who needs cheering up. “We have different ways to give — our gift cards offer the recipient choices; they can pick out their own meal and when they want it to arrive,” Baer says.
One thing is for certain; the meal will arrive fresh, with no complex cooking requirements. Georgia residents receive free delivery, and a courier service will deliver a cooler of food right to your doorstep, ready to warm and enjoy. You honestly never know what you’re going to love next.
“This is an option for businesses to send a meal to clients or employees—for life’s important moments, holidays or anything else.” Baer comments. “It’s great both personally and professionally."
To learn more and order a meal, visit insteadofflowers.com.
help increase access to books for those who don’t readily have it. Cobb Collaborative collects gently used books that are appropriate for ages birth through 12th grade and distributes them in under-resourced areas of the community. Individuals or groups can also sponsor a “Little Free Library” in their neighborhood; the group has set up more than 50 little libraries in the past two years.
The Collaborative’s podcast, Mind Your Mind Speaks, is a mental health initiative available online and features prominent Atlanta area doctors, such as Dr. Holli Kelly, director of the Marietta Vet Center.
ARTICLE BY CAROL BADARACCO PADGETTAn area of 340 square miles holding 739,000 people is large enough to contain numerous areas of need—as well as an army of active volunteers to help fill them. As it turns out, this is a description of Cobb County.
Of the 39 nonprofits in Cobb County, a number reported by countyoffice.org, East Cobb Lifestyle is spotlighting two worth your family's attention this summer: Cobb Collaborative and Keep Cobb Beautiful. Both are ready with wideopen arms to receive eager altruists.
Focusing on three primary initiatives—mental health, literacy and civic engagement—Cobb Collaborative’s roots actually go back to the 1970s. It wasn’t until 1997, though, that the organization gained nonprofit status. In essence, today’s Cobb Collaborative is a place where citizens can join forces to meet community needs.
On the literacy front, for example, there are numerous ways for people to get involved and
Another program for veterans, Connecting Cobb Veterans, was launched in 2023 to help connect Cobb County’s 40,000+ veterans with needed services such as access to housing, food, clothing, education and medical care—with a “walking at your side” approach.
To learn how to help, visit cobbcollaborative.org.
A hybrid organization of county staff members and a nonprofit board of directors, the mission of Keep Cobb Beautiful is to establish strong county-wide environmental and waste management policies. The organization benefits from an affiliation with the national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful — which educates millions of Americans on issues surrounding solid waste — as well as a connection with the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation.Keep Cobb Beautiful provides an organization for volunteers with a myriad of backgrounds to come together and generate public awareness, which can improve the local environment.
Keep Cobb Beautiful is funded by Cobb County Government, private contributors and recycling centers. Volunteers help promote environmental stewardship through activities like recycling, litter prevention, environmental education and beautification projects.
The organization also hosts community recycling events. These events include electronics, making them a great way to rid your home of outdated devices.
Keep Cobb Beautiful also hosts an annual household hazardous waste event, designed to help prevent harmful waste and toxins from entering water systems and the environment.
To learn more, visit cobbcounty.org/ keep-cobb-beautiful.
The residents at Holbrook Active Living are never bored. Instead, they spend their days indulging their adventurous spirits, living moments they have always dreamed of and sharing stories with their friends. In fact, the entire community has a reputation for being what Activity Director Lisa Cook refers to as “active passionate” – and dispelling any frustrating myths about aging. “Life does not end when you turn 75, 80 or 90,” she insists.
To enrich the community’s pledge to help seniors thrive well into the golden years, the staff started a program known as the Bucket List. Initiated at the end of the pandemic when Lisa was the new activity director, the program inspires residents to be more engaged and active — and not to think the best days have passed them by. “We brainstormed, and this is what we came up with,” Lisa says. “Then, we asked every resident to fill out a piece of paper with their top 10 bucket list selections.”
The excitement over sharing cherished ideas and dreams boosted the mood of the community, just as Lisa hoped. She got busy
creating a calendar with all the different ideas, and, with that, the adventures began.
Bucket List activities run the gamut, but of course, many of them are testing the limits of these seniors with daredevil (but safe and supervised) opportunities. “We’ve done zip lining; we’ve done white water rafting; we’ve done horseback riding,” Lisa says. “One resident swam with the whale sharks at the aquarium. We’ve done private plane rides, skydiving... three 82-year-old women went skydiving, plus two or three gentlemen in their 70s, plus members of the staff!”
Even the participants have been pleasantly surprised at their own willingness to try new things; according to one 70-yearold resident, Talula, “Ziplining was scary at first . . . but then it was awesome.”
“I love the Bucket List experiences at Holbrook,” adds Melanie, an enthusiastic 83-year-old resident who has tried skydiving, ziplining and biplane riding. “I’ve done every one I wanted to, and I look forward to the next one. It’s an important part of Holbrook and what they offer us.”
ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES
If you’re reading this and thinking to yourself, there’s no way I would ever jump out of a plane or swim with whale sharks, that’s OK – not everything on the calendar is high-risk, assures Lisa.
“We have one resident who wants to walk the Masters course in Augusta, so we’re looking for someone to help with that,” she points out. “One resident wanted to get married — and he did find love! We’ve been to performances, such as at the Fox Theatre, as well.”
While international travel is currently not part of what Lisa offers, she did take eight residents on a fun road trip to Savannah recently, which two of them had listed as a bucket list destination. Other travel opportunities are offered separately, through Holbrook Expeditions.
Of course, at Holbrook, every day feels a little bit like a vacation; the residents enjoy a bevy of amenities and perks right there on site. Lisa describes the Holbrook community as being both “beautiful and home-like,” and points out the number of wonderful opportunities available to every resident on a daily basis.
“We have restaurants, an art studio, fitness centers with instructors, personal training, yoga, tai chi, aquatics, a full-service spa with massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, a hair salon and happy hours,” she beams. “We also have beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens, lecturers, music, and regular entertainment. We frequently go to Lake Acworth and spend the day swimming, boating and picnicking. People are very happy here.”
To learn more, visit /holbrooklife.com/ communities/holbrook-acworth/.
We know East Cobb Lifestyle readers need tips on how to keep the house nice and cool this summer, even in the sweltering South. Furthermore, just how often is best for servicing the HVAC system? Shannon Bartlett, president of Bartlett Heating & Cooling, gives us her hot take.
Remember that most systems cannot cool more than 20 degrees cooler than outside. Also keep in mind that heat rises, so oftentimes it is harder to keep the upstairs as cool as you might like. Keep your shades closed on the windows that allow in direct sunlight. Don’t turn your AC off during the day or set it too high, as it will have trouble cooling the home down. As a rule of thumb, in the peak heat of the day, it takes as much as one hour to lower the temperature one degree. If your home tends to get warmer than you would like, you can try “pre-cooling” the home. This means setting the thermostat to a lower temperature than you might normally in order to get ahead of the heat.
During the summer months, your AC is going to run A LOT! That is why it is important to have maintenance done annually. One misconception is that you must get the maintenance done on your system before the weather gets hot, but what really is important is getting into a regular maintenance cycle. Much like an oil change on your car, it doesn’t matter if you get
the oil changed before the big road trip, after the road trip or somewhere in between.
In Atlanta, our cooling season is quite long, running from March through October and oftentimes even past then. What we recommend is to have the maintenance done on your HVAC system twice a year, spaced about every six months. It is also a good idea to have a relationship established with a company. During extreme heat, companies are swamped with calls. At Bartlett, we always take care of our Family Maintenance Plan customers first. These are our loyal customers that have us out twice a year for maintenance, so we prioritize these customers when there’s a heat wave.
Bartlett Heating & Cooling was started in the late 1970s. Like many companies, it started as a “one man show,” growing over the years as the Atlanta area grew. Our original office was in Buckhead, and we built our business on new construction. We migrated to Smyrna in the 1980s and now have our office in Marietta. We currently provide service to residential homes, and we only service Cobb County and a small section of Northwest Fulton County. By having a more confined service area, we are able to provide better and more timely service to our customers. Now, 40+ years since we started, we are still a locally family-owned and operated heating and cooling company. We still believe in offering the good, old-fashioned service that is often lost in today's fast paced life.
To learn more, visit CallBartlett.com.
As Rodney Strong’s most popular varietal, the Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley is strong and balanced, which make rich flavors go down smoothly. With aromas of red plum and dark berries, hints of cassis and milk chocolate encompassed in dried fig and chewy tannins, this bold red has been softened slightly through barrel aging. Serving alongside a tender, filet mignon enhances the steak’s texture letting the flavors of the wine speak for themselves. Also the perfect pairing for dark chocolate mousse cake.
PINK PEPPER-CRUSTED FILET MIGNON INGREDIENTS:
• 4 beef tenderloin steaks – 1 ½” thick
• Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon coarsely ground pink peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon safflower oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot, finely minced
• 1 – 2” piece of fresh thyme
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
DIRECTIONS:
Season steaks well on both sides with salt and peppercorns, using fingers to press in peppercorns.
Set aside 10 minutes.
Place a cast iron skillet over high heat.
Originating in Northern California, and Sonoma County specifically, Rodney Strong Vineyards was founded in 1959 with roots dating back over 100 years. The winery paved the way for the future of winemaking in Sonoma County. As regional visionaries with over 30 years of winemaking experience under the Rodney Strong name, the Klein Family’s award-winning varietals are ethically and carefully produced. This summer, let the sweet sips line your wine glasses, accompany your meals and unite friendships at your backyard cookouts.
Each varietal offers unique notes and pairs perfectly with a host of summertime flavors. The following wines and complementary dishes make for an optimal tasting experience.
When surface is nearly smoking, add oil and swirl to coat.
Add steaks and cook for 2-3 minutes each side until browned well.
Flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove to warm plate.
Pour off the oil and wipe pan with a paper towel.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter.
Add shallots and sauté for a minute, stirring, until they begin to brown.
Add thyme and stir until herb crackles.
Add stock, and increase heat to a boil. Add bourbon and sherry vinegar, and continue to simmer until reduced by half.
Stir in heavy cream and continue until sauce coats back of a spoon.
Adjust seasoning as needed.
Spoon sauce over rested steaks and serve.
The Chardonnay Chalk Hill boasts creamy citrus flavors. With lemon pie, custard, hints of exotic aromas accompanied by creamy notes of green apple and lemon with a bright yet tart finish of grapefruit and apple, this refreshing chardonnay pairs perfectly with tender scallops and creamy risotto infused with zesty lemon.
SCALLOPS WITH GARLIC AND LEMON RISOTTO INGREDIENTS:
• 6 large dry scallops, thawed if frozen
• Medium sized shallot finely diced
• 1 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 1 quart chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh oregano
DIRECTIONS:
Pat scallops dry with paper towel and set aside.
In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil, add diced shallot and cook until soft for about two minutes over medium heat.
Add garlic, lemon juice and stir.
Pour in wine and simmer for 5 minutes until wine has reduced by about half.
Add rice and cook for two minutes, mixing it well.
Begin adding broth using a ladle, one scoop at a time making sure to let the rice soak up broth before adding next ladle. Cook over low-medium heat for this.
Once broth has been added, season risotto with salt and pepper and add milk, stirring letting rice soak up liquid.
Add 2 cups of grated Parmesan and stir into risotto. Set risotto over low heat while you cook the scallops. Add remaining olive oil in another heavy nonstick pan and bring to a high heat.
Lightly season scallops with salt and pepper and place into hot pan.
Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes before flipping them over and cook for another two minutes.
Place a scoop of the risotto into a bowl and place 2-3 scallops on top.
Garnish with some more Parmesan and fresh oregano leaves.
*If the risotto has thickened while sitting, add a splash milk and stir to loosen.
This gorgeous rose is as tasty as it looks. With aromas of strawberry, melon and tropical fruits, the bright acidity that is prevalent in the varietal makes for a bright, clean finish. This wine's fresh, floral hints are the perfect partner for a tart yet elegant dessert, like the strawberry rhubarb mousse.
RHUBARB MOUSSE WITH STRAWBERRIES INGREDIENTS:
Macerated Strawberries:
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons Rodney Strong Rosé
• Combine all ingredients, cover and let the strawberries macerate for 20 minutes.
Mousse:
• 1-pound rhubarb
• 1-1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup Rodney Strong Rosé
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
Directions:
Cut the rhubarb into 1” lengths, place in a saucepan, add the wine, lemon juice, vanilla and sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the rhubarb breaks down and is soft.
Add the gelatin and puree in a blender. The mixture should be tart with a touch of sweetness. Cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, whip the cream until stiff, then fold the cream into the rhubarb, spoon into dessert cups and garnish with the macerated strawberries.
Bright, fresh and crisp is the overarching flavor of this varietal. Its complex, rich flavors are perfectly balanced, leading with citrus notes of grapefruit, Meyer lemon and light grassiness, followed by tropical fruits, and finally transpiring in a refreshing aftertaste. The classic Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc is made to follow the sweet, bright, summery flavors of this peach arugula salad.
PEACH AND ARUGULA SALAD INGREDIENTS:
• 4 tablespoons Marcona almonds or lightly toasted blanched almonds
• 2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Pinch sugar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 firm-ripe peaches, cut into 1/8ths
• 2 oz basil leaves, large pieces torn in half
• 6 oz baby arugula
• 2 1/2 oz finely crumbled sheep’s milk feta, such as Valbreso
DIRECTIONS:
Spread the almonds out on a cutting board in a single layer. With the side of a knife or the bottom of a clean skillet, smash the nuts into irregular pieces, and run your knife over them several times to produce small amounts of crushed bits.
Whisk together vinegar, juice, salt and sugar, then add extra-virgin oil in a stream, whisking until emulsified. Stir in the almonds.
Toss peach pieces in 2 tablespoons of the finished dressing.
Toss together basil and arugula, and divide among six salad plates. Arrange peaches evenly on top and around greens, sprinkle with feta, and drizzle with remaining vinaigrette. Serve immediately.
When Luke Simonetti and Harrison Funk decided to make 4 Seasons Home Care their business, it was not a decision taken lightly. Both felt drawn to the industry through personal experiences; both had close relationships with loved ones and know how crucial it is to have the right person as a trusted resource –not a revolving door of caregivers, as Harrison witnessed with his own grandparents.
“[Harrison] was inspired by those experiences – and he also has sharp business acumen and wanted to make an impact,” Luke says. “This business drew us both in because it can enhance someone’s life — you can be part of the family for years to come.”
Today, 4 Seasons has multiple locations throughout Atlanta, and the demand is growing for compassionate caregivers. Luke explains the main reason the business has grown in the community is because most seniors desire to stay in their own homes, where it’s familiar and comfortable. “The idea of being able to stay where you are is important to people,” he notes. “And we offer different options — from someone who comes in the morning to get people started with the day to someone who lives there full-time.”
Though shorter term care is available, most clients are thrilled with 4 Seasons Home Care, and most caregivers end up invested for the long-haul, according to Luke.
“We have been using 4 Seasons for about a year now and we couldn’t be happier,” says Elaine, a happy client. “We appreciate so much how they always go above and beyond and are just nice, kind people. Special shout-out to our caregivers, Jasmine and Patricia, our nurse Michelle and Ebony in the office. They all know Mom and our family so well, we feel like they are family!”
" We highly recommend 4 Seasons Home Care," adds Janine, another client. "We had the most amazing caregiver! She was prompt, caring, funny, efficient and so very gracious to my dad. The staff was warm, funny, quick to respond by phone or email, flexible and highly professional. From the first phone call to meeting the director, caregiver, and all the staff behind the scenes, you will not be disappointed choosing if you choose 4 Seasons to care for your loved one!"
To learn more, visit 4seasonscare.com.
ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES“TODAY, 4 SEASONS HAS MULTIPLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT ATLANTA, AND THE DEMAND IS GROWING FOR COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVERS.”
