THE FOOD & DRINK ISSUE
FOOD + BEVERAGE
CULINARY CREATIONS: HOGWARTS AT HAMP & HARRY'S
LOCAL LIMELIGHT: MARIETTA'S LOCAL PLAYMAKER
NOW OPEN: THE TASTE OF MEXICO
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Letter From the Editor
As summer parties slow down, leaves turn, and cold begins to creep in, we often look to cozy, familiar meals as a source of comfort. More important than a table full of food, though, are the people who surround it. This month, we’re celebrating the food and drink that make West Cobb's community so flavorful.
We had the privilege of sitting down with a few of the most ambitious, creative minds to give you an insider look into what makes up our local food scene. We also share recipes and give you the scoop on fall events you won't want to miss. Pull up a chair, you're in for a treat.
Here’s to savoring every bite this fall,
ANA MARKOSI, EDITOR
@WESTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Marcus Dickman | marcus.dickman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ana Markosi | ana.markosi@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Paul Bickford | paulwbickford33@gmail.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Wendy Edwards, Tran Bui
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 Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Have you had friends over for dinner or have you gone out lately?
Are you part of a group of friends that travels, paints, gardens, plays cards, etc.?
Do you have an exercise group that helps you maintain your indepedence?
Are you living in a maintenance free home?
As a couple, are you having the same needs as you age?
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
CITY OF KENNESAW
COBB COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COBB
The Learning Experience opens in Acworth
The City of Acworth celebrated the grand opening of The Learning Experience on August 21. The Learning Experience is dedicated to creating a safe, fun, and educational environment for children from infancy to preschool. The Learning Experience is located at 3352 Acworth Summit Boulevard NW.
Photography by City of Acworth
Casa Amigos dishes up Mexican cuisine in Acworth
The team at Casa Amigos Mexican Restaurant celebrated their opening on August 15. Along with fresh, vibrant food and drinks, Casa Amigos offers friendly service and a warm atmosphere. Casa Amigos is located at 3365 Acworth Oaks Drive NW.
Brickmont Assisted Living opens in Acworth
The City of Acworth and the Brickmont team celebrated Brickmont Assisted Living’s opening on August 21. Brickmont Assisted Living offers enriching amenities like restaurant-style dining, on-site therapy services, a movie theater, a library, and more. Brickmont Assisted Living is located at 3114 Cobb Pkwy NW.
YOUR FUTURE
At Bridger Law Group, we understand that life in Cobb County is built on hard work, family values, and community. When an accident threatens your well-being, you need an experienced team that fights with integrity and dedication. Our personal injury firm combines former judges, former insurance lawyers, and former government lawyers with a personal commitment to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Photography by City of Acworth
Photography by City of Acworth
HOGWARTS AT Hamp & Harry's
Hamp & Harry’s becomes a Hogwarts immersion with this month’s themed menu
ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI
Home Alone pop-up decor
Alice in Wonderland pop-up decor
Hamp & Harry’s becomes a Hogwarts immersion with this month’s themed pop-up menu. The Harry Potter menu is more than a culinary experience; it’s an interactive experience for fans and newcomers alike.
“Our cocktail menu will feature many magical cocktails, including a cocktail curated for each Hogwarts House,” owners Scott McCray and Scott Kerns say. “We will post results throughout the pop-up and let our guests know how the House Cup cocktails are ranking. We will also have two interactive sensory cocktails and a Goblet of Fire shareable cocktail.”
Of course, no Harry Potter-themed menu would be complete without the iconic butter beer. Hamp & Harry’s beverage director, Stephen Steininger, has concocted three versions for guests to try. On the culinary side, guests can look forward to Honey Duke’s inspired delights like Mandrake Chocolate Cake and Sorting Hat Crème Brulé.
The Hamp & Harry’s team has put in the work to bring the vision to life, brainstorming and testing recipes. It was truly a collaborative effort.
“It really does take our entire team to put together unique food and beverage menu ideas in addition to curated menus for the movie dinners, where we put on the movie and pair scenes with food and cocktail courses,” McCray and Kerns say. “Our team has spent countless hours over the summer re-watching movies, bouncing ideas off of each other, and making magic happen in our test kitchen.”
For a fully immersive experience, McCray and Kerns have also planned for themed décor and trivia nights. “Natalie at Brans House Design Studio has done an amazing job of turning our theme ideas into masterpieces,” McCray and Kerns say. “We’ve partnered with Team Trivia for weekly Harry Potter Trivia in the High Note bar on Thursdays.”
The Harry Potter pop-up menu will be available through November 2. Visit Hamp & Harry’s in Marietta at 168 Roswell Street NE or visit hampandharrys.com to see the menu and upcoming events.
Alice in Wonderland pop-up decor
The High Note bar decorated for Christamas
Stage 1. Spider Veins
Stage 2. Varicose Veins
Stage 3. Leg/Ankle Swelling
Stage 4. Skin Discoloration
Stage 5. Healed Ulcer
Stage 6. Active Ulcer
What Stage of Vein Disease Are
At Truffles Vein Specialists, we see it every day: spider veins, varicose veins, swelling, skin discoloration, healed wounds, and active ulcers. Each is a different stage of vein disease, and early treatment can prevent it from getting worse. Look at your legs — where do you fall on the journey? No matter the stage, expert care is available. Let us help you take the first step toward healthier legs.
Marietta's Local Playmaker
How a Marietta native is building a restaurant empire without leaving his hometown
Decades after walking through the halls of Marietta High School, local entrepreneur Jef Wallace is still investing in his hometown. With a 20-location development deal for Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux and plans to open restaurants across Georgia and Tennessee, Wallace, who has never lived more than 20 miles from his birthplace at Kennestone Hospital, is blending brand strategy with local roots to bring a new kind of hospitality to the Southeast.
Transferring from Sprayberry High School’s 95% white student body to Marietta High School’s diverse environment during his junior year allowed Wallace to see his community through a new cultural lens. He was amazed at how students of all backgrounds and identities got along. The culture of acceptance stuck with him.
“Much of that culture of mutual respect and acceptance, I believe, was due to the leadership and example of Coach James ‘Friday’ Richards,” Wallace says. “He was a rock, an embodiment of grace, love, and ‘discipline with a hug.’ I always thought I was accepted so easily because I played basketball, but honestly, I wasn’t that great. I was just a Marietta kid, and that was enough.
ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI
Marietta High, more than any other place in my life, taught me that you could ‘Be Somebody’ right here in your hometown.”
Wallace spent the better part of his career advising some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, and he felt a natural pull towards the hospitality industry. When the Chief Development Officer for Walk-On’s, an old colleague of Wallace, introduced him to Walk-On’s in West Cobb, he was immediately drawn to the brand.
“The food was excellent, the story was even better, and the culture reminded me of being on a great team,” Wallace says. “Founded by two walk-ons to the LSU basketball team, the brand is built on grit, humility, and the power of a strong team culture. I could feel it. I was intrigued.”
Wallace purchased the West Cobb location through his company, Port Royal Brands, in January and immediately began work on his flagship location at the Battery, which opened in June.
Until November 2, guests can enjoy a carefully crafted fall food and drink menu that brings southern, Louisiana-inspired flavor to life, perfect for enjoying with friends and family while watching the game. Guests can also enjoy five new shots, a permanent addition to the Walk-Ons menu.
“Personally, I’m a huge fan of our hand-rolled mozzarella logs,” Wallace says. “They’re made fresh daily and are unlike anything you’ll find at another casual dining chain. On the drink side, the fall-inspired shot program has a couple of standouts, but there’s one bourbon-based shot with a spiced apple twist that I think our guests are going to love.”
The business is growing quickly, but Wallace has no plans of slowing down. “In five years, our goal is to have 22 Walk-On’s open and operating across Georgia and Tennessee,” Wallace says. “There may be other brands that join our portfolio, but it’s hard to top this food, this culture, and this connection to home. We’re just getting started, and we’re grateful to be doing it right here, where it all began.”
Visit portroyalbrands.com and walk-ons.com to learn more.
Chalktober on the Square
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH ART
Chalktober Fest is coming to Marietta Square on October 11 and 12. Chalktober Fest is an annual arts event by the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, celebrating the arts in our vibrant community and benefiting the museum. It's a whirlwind of chalk art, local vendors, dance, games, delicacies, live music, and more. We sat down with Sally Macaulay, Executive Director of the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, to get an inside scoop on the festival.
HOW DOES THE FESTIVAL BRING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TOGETHER?
Chalktoberfest is truly a celebration for everyone. We have artist-centered programming with 90+ professional chalk artists creating breathtaking works right on the streets, family-friendly activities like our Find Stitch scavenger hunt, and adults-only fun with our Beer & Wine Festival. Add in live bands all day, aerial performances in the park, and delicious food trucks lining Atlanta Street, and you have a weekend where the whole community connects through art, music, and shared experiences.
FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS, WHAT’S A MUST-SEE?
Don’t miss watching a chalk masterpiece come to life; it’s mesmerizing to see art emerge from the pavement. On Saturday, stroll through the Beer & Wine Festival to sample from 100+ craft beers and 25+wines, enjoy live music from local and regional bands, and let the kids join the scavenger hunt. The energy, color, and creativity around every corner make the entire event one big “don’t miss” moment.
HOW DOES THE EVENT SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
Chalktoberfest drives thousands of visitors into downtown Marietta, bringing huge benefits to our local shops,
restaurants, and service businesses. We also feature a variety of local vendors, artists, and makers, giving festival-goers the chance to discover and support small businesses. It’s a win-win. Our community gains cultural enrichment, and our economy gets a meaningful boost.
ARE THERE VIP TICKETS OR ONE-DAY PASSES?
The Beer & Wine Festival offers a oneday ticket. There are no VIP tickets at this event. General admission to view the chalk art and enjoy live entertainment is free, so everyone can experience the heart of Chalktoberfest.
HOW MANY YEARS HAS THE MUSEUM HOSTED CHALKTOBERFEST, AND HOW HAS IT GROWN?
This is our 13th year hosting Chalktoberfest, and it has grown from a small local gathering to one of the Southeast’s premier chalk art festivals. We’ve raised thousands of dollars directly supporting the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art’s exhibitions, community outreach programs, and cultural events.
WHO ARE THE ARTISTS AND WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
Our 90+ professional chalk artists travel from all over the U.S. and internationally to participate. This year, they're coming from Mexico, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United States. The variety of styles and techniques is part of what makes the art so captivating.
WHAT IS THE MISSION, VISION, AND INFLUENCE OF THE MARIETTA COBB MUSEUM OF ART?
Part of the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art’s mission is to build community through art. We believe art should be accessible, inspiring, and a unifying force for people of all ages and backgrounds. Through exhibitions, educational programming, and events like Chalktoberfest, we enrich our community’s cultural life and spark creative connections.
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“Come once, and you’ll never miss it again. Chalktoberfest is an explosion of color, music, and joy that can’t be captured in photos”
“We
believe art should be accessible, inspiring, and a unifying force for people of all ages and backgrounds. Through exhibitions, educational programming, and events like Chalktoberfest, we enrich our community’s cultural life and spark creative connections.”
IF SOMEONE IS ON THE FENCE ABOUT ATTENDING…
Come once, and you’ll never miss it again. Chalktoberfest is an explosion of color, music, and joy that can’t be captured in photos; you have to feel the energy in person. It’s free to attend, family-friendly, and an unforgettable way to spend a fall weekend.
WHO ARE YOUR SPONSORS, AND HOW CAN BUSINESSES GET INVOLVED?
We are proud to have Northside Hospital, Henssler Financial, SA White Oil, Edward Jones, Yeoman's Consulting Group, The City of Marietta, The Downtown Marietta Development Authority, Cobb County Parks, Cobb County Libraries, Cobb County Senior Services, and The University of Georgia Extension as presenting sponsors this year. Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor can reach out directly to the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art for partnership opportunities.
ANYTHING ELSE TO SHARE?
We like to say Chalktoberfest is where art meets heart. It’s more than a festival, it’s a way to connect with creativity, community, and culture in one unforgettable weekend. We invite everyone to come be a part of it! Visit chalktoberfest.com to purchase tickets and learn more.
WHITE APPLE SANGRIA
Crisp white wine, warm apple brandy, and apple cider come together in this refreshing sangria that tastes like fall in a glass. It's perfect for game day gatherings, Halloween parties, or cozy nights in.
ingredients:
• 1 bottle dry white wine
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup apple brandy
• 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks
• Optional: 1 apple, thinly sliced to garnish
directions:
Step 1. Combine white wine, apple cider, apple brandy, and cinnamon stick in a pitcher
Step 2. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving to chill and infuse the cinnamon. The cinnamon flavor becomes more intense the longer it sits.
Step 3. Serve over ice, garnish, and enjoy Makes 8 servings
vineyard VIBES
Allegretto Vineyard Resort — your next fall road-trip destination
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
CHAD JEFFRY
In the heart of Paso Robles sits Allegretto Vineyard Resort — a true wine oasis. Approaching the resort, you can feel the atmosphere begin to take over. Passing by other local wineries and pulling into the resort, you experience the blending of Italian heritage and worldclass wines. The common theme at the resort is the Cello; everything from the shape of the property (the north edge of the property curves much like the instrument) to the design of the courtyard, the names of the wines, and the name of their on-site restaurant.
Allegretto’s resort includes over seven acres, with one of its three local vineyards sitting directly on the property. We had a guide to lead us through our tasting, giving us the full experience - working with our palettes to get the perfect taste from each varietal.
The tasting list included a 2022 Cello Chardonnay, which is finished in stainless steel barrels, and was light, crisp, and citrusy. The 2019 Heart of the Vibe, a blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Tannat, had hints of lily and lavender and reminded me of my days in the Oregon wine country. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Willow Creek Vineyard was a surprise because of how clean it finished. We ended with their 2018 Tannat from their Allegretto Vineyard on property.
As someone early on in their wine journey, each tasting was truly unique and tasteful. The progression from Chardonnay to Tannat helped the palette develop and enjoy the flavors and notes of each unique bottle. The robust Tannat was easily the favorite. The grapes originated from southern France through Uruguay and are now grown across the globe. With notes of butterscotch, cherry, and tobacco, it was rich and smooth. Tannat is also touted as one of the “healthiest” wines due to its high level of antioxidants.
Shortly after the tasting, there was a little time to explore the resort itself, from the breathtaking art pieces to the peaceful courtyard, bocce ball court, and the chapel. The most impressive piece may have been a cross-section of a sequoia tree that was felled in 1952, dating back to before 214 BC (before the Great Wall of China was built).
Moving on to dinner, we sat down at Cello Ristorante, the on-site restaurant and bar. Our server picked out their top dishes and drinks that were currently on the menu. She also informed us about the fact that they have not only resort guests who eat here but also regular locals.
I started off with one of Cello’s signature cocktails, the New Fashion — an amazing twist on the regular Old Fashioned that includes Basil Hayden Bourbon, Nitro-Infused Vanilla Espresso Turbo (made in-house and infused with a cinnamon smoke directly from a fresh cinnamon stick, an orange, and Angostura bitters.
We started our meal with the Shrimp & Risotto dish, made with garlic roasted shrimp, spring peas, mascarpone, baby arugula, pecorino romano, truffle, tomato confit, and Calabrian romesco. Shortly after, the 16-ounce Lamb Rack and a glass of the 2017 Tannat arrived. Paired with fresh grilled vegetables, a buttermilk and confit garlic mash, and drizzled with a Tannat demi-glace, this dish was more impressive than the first dish. To finish the meal we had the Triple Chocolate Bomb. The softness of the cake and mouse, with the crunch of the almonds, made this subtle, sweet, and too good to pass up and completely devour.
Next time you’re looking for an extended weekend trip, look no further than Paso Robles and Allegretto Vineyard Resort. They book fast for the weekends as they are always hosting music, art, yoga, and other events, so be sure to plan this one out soon.
Get a taste of Acworth
On Saturday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 6 pm., the annual Taste of Acworth invites you to sample from an impressive lineup of Acworth's restaurants. Participating restaurants will compete in five categories:
• Best appetizer
• Best entrée
• Best dessert
• Best food presentation
• Best decorated tent
Guests can enjoy live local entertainment and children's games, and inflatables while they sip and savor.
Dog lovers should be sure to catch the Taste of Acworth Dog Show at 11:30. All proceeds from dog show entry fees will benefit local animal organizations. Admission is free, and samples can be purchased for $1 to $10. Taste of Acworth will be held at the Historic District on Main Street in Downtown Acworth.
Peach Cobbler Factory Marietta
Make your next gathering unforgettable with our delicious selection of cobblers, banana puddings, and handcrafted desserts. We offer professional catering services for corporate events, private celebrations, and special occasions.
• Full-Service or Delivery Options Available
• Individual Servings or Family-Style Pans
• Customizable Dessert Menus Let us take care of the sweet details. Contact us today to schedule your event.
The Taste of Mexico
7 TEQUILAS BRINGS BOLD, FRESH MEXICAN FLAVORS TO MARIETTA SQUARE
ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI
With its newest location, 7 Tequilas brings traditional Mexican cuisine with a side of Tex-Mex flair to Marietta Square.
Owner Tracy Garcia’s parents opened the family-owned and operated business in 2008 to “provide the community with great quality Mexican food with fresh and top-tier ingredients.” Their passion for from-scratch food has been passed through generations.
“My dad's love for Mexican cuisine came from his mother,” Garcia says. “She made the best food from scratch for her family daily. From a simple tortilla made from the masa she made from her Molino to the delicate mole rojo she made on special occasions, my dad would help my grandmother in the kitchen. This love shows all over our menu. We even have freshly made corn tortillas and mole enchiladas that taste like home.”
While 7 Tequilas’ dishes are influenced by the Garcias’ origins in Guanajuato, Mexico, the menu is a blend of flavors for all tastes. “We have a little of everything, something for everyone,” Garcia
says. “We have traditional Mexican dishes that will make you feel like you're in Mexico, and we have a Tex-Mex side to our menu that includes everyone's favorites.”
Along with the original 7 Tequilas menu, guests can try Marietta-exclusive dishes, including:
• Enchiladas Oaxaquenas: three fresh corn tortillas rolled and filled with shredded chicken, covered in homemade mole rojo, and finished with queso fresco and a drizzle of sour cream.
• Ensalada Mexicana: romaine and iceberg lettuce topped with queso panela, avocado, Pico de Gallo, black beans, grilled corn, onions, crispy tortilla strips, drizzled with cilantro jalapeno ranch, and your choice of protein
Coming this month, guests can look forward to Halloween décor and the “Boo Bar” themed cocktail menu.
Visit 7 Tequilas in Marietta at 115 Church Street, or try their four other locations in Canton, Cumming, Johns Creek, and Woodstock. To view the menu and learn more, visit 7tequilasmexicanrestaurant.com
Dave Roach F.D., C.C.O., President and CEO
Chris Messina F.D., C.C.O., General Manager
Madi Mills Advance Planning Specialist
Every handshake. Every smile. Every heartfelt word. Every hug. Every moment of trust. We remember them all. Thank you for sharing them with us since 1995.
OCTOBER 4TH
Truck-a-Palooza
Town Center Mall | 10:00 AM
Rev your engines! This annual event invites enthusiasts of all ages to explore the power, beauty, and innovation of trucks of all makes and models. Explore police cars, fire engines, construction vehicles, military vehicles, and more. Admission is $5 per person and no more than $20 per family.
OCTOBER 18TH
Harvest Fest
Glover Park, Marietta Square | 9:00 AM
Visit Marietta Square for the annual Harvest Fest! It’s a day packed with activities, including the Harvest Fest Market, Halloween Happenings Kids Festival, Touch-A-Truck, pie-eating contest, costume contest, and Scarecrows in the Square.
OCTOBER 25TH
Motion Picture Plaza Series
City Hall Plaza, Marietta | 8:00 PM
To wrap up the Motion Picture Plaza Series, bring blankets and chairs and enjoy an outdoor showing of Beetlejuice, complete with Halloween games and crafts. The event starts at 8 p.m., and the movie starts at dark,
OCTOBER 25TH
Nightmare on Main 5k
Kennesaw First Baptist Church | 6:30 AM
This is the final race of the Kennesaw Grand Prix series! Participants can choose the 5k or one-mile fun run. Awards are presented at the after-party, which includes snacks, water, music, and local vendors.
OCTOBER 26TH
Sprayberry Trunk or Treat
Sprayberry High School | 5:00 PM
Enjoy festival food, a kids’ zone, live entertainment, and lots of candy at this spooky trunk or treat! Admission is $3 for kids.
OCTOBER 31ST
Safe-o-Ween
Acworth Police Department | 3:00 PM
The Acworth Police Department invites kids under 12 and their families to join them for an afternoon of costumes, candy, and fun.
Restoring
Commercial Real Estate Value
Rolling Suds, the nation’s leading power washing franchise, dedicates its services to revitalizing and enhancing the value of commercial real estate properties. Scan for more!
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P A G H E T T I
P O M O D O R O
BY AMY BAILEY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Enjoy this simple, flavorful food for the soul. ‘Pomodoro’ means tomato in Italian, and that’s what this dish is - a fresh tomato sauce with basil, garlic, onion, and olive oil.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely diced or minced
• 1 lb fresh tomatoes, halved or chopped (I use garden cherry tomatoes if in season or Roma tomatoes are a good choice)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 basil sprigs, divided
• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 1 cup Parmesan, finely grated, divided
• 1 Tbsp butter
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat medium-size Dutch Oven or large skillet over medium heat then add extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Once hot, add chopped onion then saute until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add fresh garlic and saute until golden but not brown, another 30 seconds.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan with a pinch of sugar then simmer on medium-low for 20-25 minutes. Stir and press the tomatoes against the bottom and sides of the pan to make saucier. If sauce begins to pop too much, turn down even further. (If sauce starts to thicken too much add pasta water as needed.)
3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil for the pasta and season generously with salt.
4. When sauce is almost ready, add fresh basil leaves torn into small pieces, plus butter, remaining salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Add more salt to taste if needed.
5. Cook the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente then transfer it to the sauce pot with tongs to finish cooking directly in the sauce. Add splashes of pasta water if needed to cook pasta all the way and to keep it saucy.
6. Toss pasta and sauce with 1/2 Parmesan cheese. Serve in pasta bowls and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil.
