Points North by Points North Atlanta Magazine

CONTENTS

POINTS NORTH MAGAZINE

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL SCOFIELD

ISSUE 139 | DECEMBER 2011

In metro Atlanta, more people are frequenting the multitude of corner coffee shops and an increasing number of roasteries are opening and taking orders. These master roasters search the world over for the ﬁnest coffee beans, import the beans at their peak, and roast them to perfection. The result is the freshest, most ﬂavorful cup of coffee you have ever tasted.

As we look back at another year gone by, we’re encouraged to see a smattering of new dining establishments popping up across the suburbs. Here, we raise a toast to the new restaurants of 2011 with a glimpse into a few of our favorites — and a few we’re resolving to check out in the New Year. Cheers!

LOCAL COFFEE ROASTERS

CRAFT BEER Atlanta’s craft beer scene has been brewing for quite some time and as consumers become more curious and educated about what they are drinking, demand is greater than ever. Take a peek as we tap into why words like food pairings and sommeliers now share the same sentence as beer.

NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2011

BRECKENRIDGE, COLO. An off-season excursion through Breckenridge proves that making tracks in a ski town is just as fun in sandals as in snow boots, especially with the kids in tow. Join us as we take a few strides down Main Street, dig for gold at Country Boy Mine and cash in on the amenities at one Ski Hill Place.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA HANNA

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEER SOMMELIER

DEPARTMENTS COLUMNS 6|

TO THE POINT

POINTS OF VIEW

10 |

ALL POINTS BULLETIN

40 |

BEST OF BUCKHEAD

48 |

TOWN TOPICS: HOLIDAY EDITION

76 |

HEALTH BEAT

78 |

CALENDAR

82 |

5 THINGS I MUST DO THIS MONTH

THE NORTHSIDE VIEW 14 |

DAVE PENROD

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 44 | WINTER GETAWAYS 58 | NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Cover photo courtesy of iStockPhoto.com | © melhi

4 Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

www.ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLI VODKA

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLE MCENTEGART

TO THE POINT

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLD EDWARDS INN

exclusive

it up

MIX

TRAVEL

No one knows more about ﬁnding deals and steals around Atlanta than Jessica Dauler of JessicaShops.com. This month, the professional frugalista shares some of her best shopping secrets with the readers of Points North. Trust us, you’ll want to read this before ﬁnishing up that last-minute Christmas shopping!

‘Tis the season for whipping up sweet treats with the family or celebrating with a special drink in hand. Visit us online for a few seasonal treats, like Blue Bell Ice Creameries Hot Chocolate & Christmas Cookies and Voli Vodka’s Raspberry Cocoa Kiss cocktail.

Take advantage of those holiday vacation days with a great getaway. Whether you choose the Comfort & Joy package at Highlands, N.C.’s Old Edwards Inn & Spa, the Holiday Shopping package at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge or jet to the W Los Angeles-Westwood to chill at their spectacular ice rink, we have plenty of recommendations to make your Christmas merry and bright.

Don’t Miss Our Online Restaurant Reviews! In this issue, you’ll ﬁnd a list of new restaurants that have opened in Atlanta’s Northside (see story, page 33). For even more delicious details about a few of our favorites, plus a few in-town options like Briza, which opened earlier this year at Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, be sure to click to our online Food 4 Thought section.

tidbits

ONLINE

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Charitable Food & Wine Events

Click on “Special Events” under the “Online Only” tab on our homepage for a list of upcoming events sponsored by Points North!

DID YOU MISS US? If you missed a month of Points North, you’re in luck — our Interactive Magazine feature online allows you to peruse virtual editions of any 2011 issue. Simply click “Past Issues” on our homepage. Plus, visit our Facebook page to ﬂip through our image galleries featuring past content, like our Annual Holiday Gift Guide. www.facebook.com/PointsNorthMagazine www.twitter.com/pointsnorthedit

POINTS OF VIEW PRESIDENT / CEO

Witt Beckman PUBLISHER

Carl Danbury Jr. A SSOCIATE PUBLISHE R

Karen Poulsen

EDITOR

Bre Humphries SENIOR EDITOR

Heather KW Brown

THE GIFT OF

gratitude

ThoughThanksgiving

wedding issue in January, as well as some space dedicated to reader feedback. (Please drop us a line at myturn@ptsnorth.com!) But mostly you’ll see much of the same content you’ve come to count on — glimpses into the restaurants, businesses, organizations and people of Atlanta’s Northside. We’ve got a lot to share about our communities, and for that, I am grateful. I’m also grateful for the simple pleasure of a cup of locally roasted coffee (see cover story, page 18). I’m grateful for all the new restaurants cropping up in metro Atlanta (see story, page 33). I’m grateful for the years I spent with the colleague, mentor and friend who preceded me in this position. And I’m grateful for the chance to share a piece of myself with you all here in these pages. This season, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and the craving to count your own “One Thousand Gifts.”

Robin Harrison A S S I S TA N T C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

Shannah J. Smith

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Kylie McKlveen Olja Lakic CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Brechtel Amber Lanier Nagle

ADVERTISING

770-844-0969 sales@ptsnorth.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Marita Kahler ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Tom Tolbert CIRCUL ATION MANAGE R

Tiffany Willard

All Points Interactive Media Corp. 568 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041 770-844-0969 www.ptsnorth.com © 2011 Points North All Points Interactive Media Corp. All rights reserved. Points North is published monthly by All Points Interactive Media Corp. The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editor, the publisher or of Points North. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Subscription information: Points North offers a 12-month subscription for $12. Visit www.ptsnorth.com for details.

Bre Humphries, Editor

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Pl e as

c yc l e T h i s M a zi n e

To send comments and/or suggestions on this or any other subject, e-mail us at: myturn@ptsnorth.com.

is behind us, the concept of gratitude is still fresh on my mind. It’s a concept I’m trying to embrace in all seasons, particularly this holiday and in the new year to come. In her book, “One Thousand Gifts,” author Ann Voskamp writes: “Thanks is what multiplies the joy and makes any life larger, and I hunger for it.” In this season of my life, I, too, ﬁnd myself craving the gift of gratitude and counting my blessings each and every day. This month, I’m grateful for the opportunity to step up as editor of Points North. I’m no newcomer here; in fact, I started as assistant editor in 2007, fresh out of journalism school at The University of Georgia and eager to write. If you haven’t followed my articles through the years (and if you’re not in my immediate family, I don’t expect you have), you should know that I most love to write about food and philanthropy, because nothing gives me greater pleasure than a good meal or a story that tugs at my heart strings. In 2012, you’ll notice some new themed issues, like our ﬁrst fully devoted

CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR

[ W R IT T E N BY KY L IE Mc K LV E E N ]

A PB ALL POINTS BULLETIN

DECEMBER

Enter to Win a Beach Getaway

PHOTO COURTESY OF WATERCOLOR INN & RESORT

Is a weekend getaway on your Christmas wish list? When the weather outside is frightful, head to the beautiful beachside inn, WaterColor Inn & Resort, located on the sandy shores of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. WaterColor Inn & Resort is the premier destination resort in Northwest Florida and is a Four Diamond AAA-rated “Gold-List” beachfront property. This winter, sample the amenities this luxurious resort has to offer before planning your spring and summer vacations. Enjoy tennis, golf, a spa, shops and restaurants, and, of course, the renowned sugary-white sands. Tour the resort and unique neighboring Highway 30A communities by bicycle, and listen to the music of the ocean — and of the best songwriters in the country. On Jan. 13 – 15, WaterColor Inn & Resort is hosting the 3rd annual 30A Songwriter’s Festival – Hook, Line and Singers, where the music industry’s best singer-songwriters will perform intimate solo shows, “in the round” singing and storytelling sessions, and large outdoor concerts. Book a three-day weekend package at the resort to truly enjoy your getaway, which includes meals and complimentary passes to the music venues. Space is limited during the 30A Songwriter’s Festival, so reserve your spot today by visiting www.watercolorresort.com or calling 866-426-2656.

The Prize One lucky Points North reader will win a three-night stay for two at WaterColor Inn & Resort during the 30A Songwriters Festival, Jan. 13 – 15. Your weekend includes passes to the festival, a $100 credit to the resort, and complimentary breakfast each morning. Register online at www.ptsnorth.com.

Enter to Win a Free Party Check one more item off your busy to-do list by letting Party on a Platter handle the hustle and bustle. With the help of this Roswell-based event-planning company, you can actually enjoy your party as a relaxed guest. From setup to cleanup, Party on a Platter handles all the minute details from invitations and décor to catering and favors. For children, the company has a list of themes, including a barnyard bash and a garden tea party. For adults, there are showers, holiday gatherings and anniversary celebrations. Visit www.partyonaplatter.com for a complete list of themes and packages. Readers who mention this article will receive 10 percent off their party package.

The Prize URTESY OF PHOTO CO A PLATTER PARTY ON

One lucky Points North reader will win a free party valued at $900. This prize package includes custom invitations addressed and mailed for 14 guests, an in-home consultation, two party hosts to coordinate the two-hour celebration, complete setup, tables and chairs, themed tabletops with centerpieces, colorful place settings, creative décor, catered food, two planned activities (e.g. game, craft, piñata), bottled water and your choice of beverage (e.g. lemonade, iced tea, juice, punch), your choice of a professional cake or cupcakes, favors, special autograph keepsake, thorough cleanup and custom thank you notes. The prize is valid through December 2012. Register online at www.ptsnorth.com.

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Muse & Co. Partners with La Bella Vie Located in the Soca Shops in historic Roswell, next-door neighbors Muse & Co. Fine Art gallery and La Bella Vie, an interior design company, have collaborated to create a transformed space of fine art and custommade fine home furnishings. Designed by La Bella Vie, the Pure Home Collection is an impressive array of upholstered furnishings styled with a post-modernist view of traditional French and English formality, and is paired with the high quality contemporary fine art for which Muse & Co. is known. This stylish combination of art and design is displayed throughout the showroom in vignettes, and since the announcement of the merger in late September, is open for viewing to the public. For more information, please visit www.musecofineart.com or call 770-594-9511. To view the Pure Home Collection, please visit www.labellavie.com.

GIVEAWAY WINNERS To ﬁnd a list of giveaway winners, take a look in the “Online Only” section of www.ptsnorth.com!

A PB ALL POINTS BULLETIN

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS HORNADAY

PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSE & CO.

DECEMBER

PLATE IT AGAIN, CHEF: MICHAEL BOLOGNA’S JAMES BEARD HOUSE REPRISAL DINNER Georgia resident and owner of Woodstock’s Vingenzo’s Restaurant, Chef Michael Bologna, was selected by the distinguished James Beard Foundation as the featured chef for a one-time only event at the James Beard House, where culinary American icon James Beard once lived, taught and hosted friends. On Dec. 1 in New York City, Chef Bologna will prepare a full-course, banquet-style dinner for an intimate group of industry members and culinary press, as well as a limited number of guests from the general public. Can’t make it to this special occasion in NYC? Those who cannot attend will have the chance to taste Chef Bologna’s exquisite menu at the Reprisal Dinner back at Vingenzo’s in Woodstock on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. This event is sure to be memorable with famed feature dishes like Asiago-encrusted baby artichokes, handcrafted burrata and his signature desert, Semplicemente in Bianco e Nero, with its Bufala mozzarella, chocolate mirror glaze and chestnut honey balsamic strawberries. Tickets are $75 per person, and limited. To purchase tickets, call 770-924-9133. For more information, visit www.vingenzos.com.

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

A PB ALL POINTS BULLETIN

DECEMBER

T H E C OOK ’S WA RE H OU SE

Cocktail Cupcakes Have a cupcake and eat your Champagne, too, with one-of-a-kind Cocktail Cupcakes. This Atlanta-based cupcake company features cocktailinspired ﬂavors like Ciroc berry with honey buttercream frosting, lime cake with Patron tequila, and chocolate chip cake with Baileys Irish Cream. Choose from top shelf liquor, house liquor, or non-alcoholic cupcakes, which are baked fresh and available for delivery. Cocktail Cupcakes are the perfect addition to your upcoming holiday parties (keep them away from the kids!) or bachelorette parties, or even as gifts. Consider a custom display of cupcakes created exclusively for your event, or purchase a three-tiered silver stand to hold your display of delicious cupcakes. To view the menu and place an order, please visit www.cocktailcakes.net or call 404-941-8594.

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COCKTAIL CUPCAKES

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SCHAWEL

Calling all chefs northeast of Atlanta: Your source for professional cutlery, top-of-the-line kitchen appliances and quality cookware is now closer to home. The Cook’s Warehouse has opened its highly requested fourth location in East Cobb beside Whole Foods Market in the Merchants Walk shopping center in Marietta. The new location is the secondlargest store, displaying top brands like All-Clad, Cuisinart, Le Creuset, Wusthof and many others. Not sure what you’re looking for? Appliance and knife specialists, a kitchen manager and knowledgeable sales associates are on hand to counsel customers and perform “testruns” before a product is purchased. In addition to their expansive selection of gourmet cookware, the Cook’s Warehouse conducts cooking classes, which have been voted “Best Cooking Classes” by Creative Loaﬁng’s annual “Best of Atlanta” survey. For more information on the Cook’s Warehouse, or to shop online, please visit www.cookswarehouse.com.

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS E-MAIL SERIES Points North and local businesses have teamed up to provide special savings for your holiday shopping, last-minute gift suggestions, and best of all, opportunities to win one of 12 incredible giveaways from our partners. Although “The Twelve Days of Christmas” traditionally begin either on Christmas Day or Dec. 26, Points North will celebrate the tenets of the oft-referred-to carol beginning Dec. 12 and ending Dec. 23, with daily electronic communications for those who opt-in to receive it, or those who have registered for our monthly giveaways since January 2011. For more information, please click on the “Enter to Win” tab on our home page, www.ptsnorth.com, and look for the box.

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

NORTHSIDE VIEW

DAVE PENROD PHOTO COURTESY OF BELK | HOPE-BECKHAM INC.

B E L K ’ S S O U T H E R N D I V I S I O N C H A I R M A N [ WRITTEN BY CARL DA NBURY, JR. ]

Before

daylight, cars began streaming into the parking lot in front of the Belk department store in Lakeland Plaza in Cumming, and though Black Friday likely comes to mind considering the holiday season, this community reaction came compliments of the store’s annual charity sales event. This particular one-day sale — held twice each year, typically in the spring and again in the fall — benefits non-profit organizations that register through Belk. Each non-profit gets a block of $5 tickets, which grant access to the sale, and keeps all of the monies raised through the tickets they sell. They also receive a portion of proceeds from tickets sold by Belk associates at all store locations.

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Forsyth County was one of the participating charities in the Belk Charity Sale in November. Executive Director Janet Walden said that while the organization dabbled in this fundraising effort in the past, “this year was by far our best experience.” In 2010, the two charity sales raised approximately $9.5 million from all Belk locations in the Southeast for the non-proﬁt partners. Numbers like that easily garner attention from community members who are on the lookout when the sale comes around each year. Local moms Celia Talbot and Ellen Brogdon swung quickly into action with other parents of teens participating with the South Forsyth High School band’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL DANBURY, JR.

colorguard/winterguard when they heard about the Charity Sale only a few days prior to the event this November. “The Belk charity day helped get us started with our fundraising efforts,” Talbot said. “We are definitely in for the April sale because we all seemed to have a positive experience.” For consumers, the Charity Sale is a win-win proposition, too. When they make a purchase, $5 is deducted from the total of their order, and many are items on sale at 20 percent or greater off the retail price. footprint, the company’s supMany items on sale are typiport for community efforts here cally never marked down during is substantial. The Belk Foundaany other sales event. The [Belk] tion is the company’s charitable Dave Penrod, chairman foundation has arm, which provided more than of Belk, Inc.’s Southern Divi$300,000 to Atlanta-area charision and based at the Mall of defined its mission ties two years ago. But since then, Georgia location, oversees the to be centered upon the retail side of the business has operation of all Belk stores in education support financially impacted the Atlanta Georgia, Florida and South area to an even greater extent. Carolina. He said there are and initiatives … “The [Belk] foundation has many charitable organizations One of the stated defined its mission to be centered that seek help, and this is one core values of upon education support and iniway that Belk can help all those tiatives. There were other prothat register for the sale. the company is grams that we had relationships “There are a lot of charities, to be involved in with, like the Junior League of like a local church or a school Atlanta, that didn’t necessarily that ask for help, and we may our communities. have an education focus but we not have a way to help [them]. We take it really still wanted to support them,” This way, all non-profits can seriously. Penrod offered. raise money for themselves. It’s As the foundation took a not tricky and a lot of folks do more narrow focus and truly it,” Penrod said. DAVE PENROD defined its mission, it highlighted an opportunity for Founded in 1888, Belk has 21 Atlanta-area stores, the corporation to have its own charitable giving proincluding 10 in the Northside. Because the Atlanta gram. Thus, “Belk Gives” was born. market is the largest in Belk’s Southeast regional

“

”

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

NORTHSIDE VIEW

Penrod said that the corporation’s ability to provide assistance to charitable efforts during this period of economic uncertainty is significant. Savvy retailers also recognize that without store and brand appeal, overall sales and fundraising efforts would lose their effect. While Belk has curtailed its expansion efforts compared to the 10 to 20 stores opened per year when the economy was roaring, the corporation’s financial stability allowed the company to re-invest monies into its existing footprint. In the Atlanta area alone, Belk recently invested upward of $6 million on “significant interior renovations,” according to Penrod, particularly in the shoe, jewelry and cosmetic departments. The improvements were aimed at those consumers with a keen eye for fashion. Despite the facelifts, Penrod believes that many Belk stores are still fighting the stereotype that they are a mid-level or a one-dimensional department store. “Consumers would have never guessed that we have great designer brands in a number of stores. Perhaps the example was best illustrated when we acquired Parisian and moved into Phipps Plaza. Because our advertising has a lot of moderate sportswear brands in it, that doesn’t mean we don’t have designer brands,” Penrod said. “We run the entire gamut from a heavy concentration of moderate brands and private label business, to our flagship level stores (like Phipps and Mall of Georgia, for example) where we have some designers that other premier department stores don’t carry,” Penrod said. Other department stores may not carry the fundraising torch quite as effectively as Belk either. “One of the stated core values of the company is to be involved in our communities. We take it really seriously. It’s not to be in a community to just do business, it’s what kind of a relationship we can establish with the community. I don’t care how big it is. You can go to any small market and we still have a relationship within that community that is driven through the store,” he said. PN

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N www.belk.com

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

In Search of the

0ERFECT #UP OF *OE With Fine Coffee Beans Imported at their Peak and Roasted to Perfection, Metro Atlanta’s Master Roasters Are Brewing Some of the Best Coffee in Town [ WRITTEN BY A MBER L AN I E R N AG L E ]

4HE SMELL OF COFFEE

takes me back to the hazy morn-

ings of my childhood. In the dawning of the day, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted down the hall and rolled into my bedroom like a fog. In the stillness, I heard the pumping of a percolator, the shuffling of bedroom slippers on linoleum flooring, the clinking of a spoon hitting the sides of a ceramic cup, and familiar tunes radiating from a transistor radio. I eventually rose and wandered into the kitchen to find Mom, wrapped in a polyester housecoat, perched in a kitchen chair with both hands cradling a warm cup. She sipped her coffee slowly, savoring every drop, and pored over the The Macon Telegraph. Drinking coffee was, and still is, a ritual for Mom. This relaxing, awakening, getready-for-the-day experience is her treat to herself, and like her, coffee has become an integral part of my life as well. According to the National Coffee Association, 54 percent of us consume a coffee beverage daily — a statistic seemingly unaffected by the limping economy of the last few years. Indeed, the elaborate business of coffee is booming. In and around Atlanta, more people are frequenting the multitude of corner coffee shops, grocers are allocating more space to coffee and coffee products on their shelves, and an increasing number of roasteries are opening and taking orders.

CENTER PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK.COM, FAR TOP RIGHT AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZACK GODFREY | COFFEEAM

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

Local Coffee Roasters

Just-roasted coffee as it churns in the cooling tray at Batdorf & Bronson’s Atlanta roasting facility

4HE 2OASTERY 4HE A coffee roastery refers to a location or facility where green coffee beans are roasted — the step preceding een cof grinding ding aand brewing that develops its toasty, sweet ﬂavor. Coffee roasters assign names for the various or. Co degrees grees of o roast such as City Roast (referring to a medium-brown roasted bean) and French Roast medium (referring to a color similar to dark, bittersweet (refer chocolate). “The emergence of local roasteries in Atlanta translates into fresher, more savory experiences for locals who love coffee,” remarked Kevin Langill, owner of Cool Beans Coffee Roasters, a bustling micro-roaster and retailer café located just half of a block off historic Marietta Square. “Coffee needs to be fresh to be awesome. That’s why we roast our beans in-house, in small batches, several times per week.” Langill passionately orchestrates his roasting process, cooking his beans to the lighter end of the dark

roast spectrum. “It’s the best profile for our beans, meaning that it optimizes the fullness of the flavor without getting the smoky taste,” he said. “Our customers love it.” Roasting equipment designs vary from heated drum types to fluid bed roasters that force heated air through a screen or perforated plate under the beans with enough pressure to lift the beans. Cool Beans roasts their coffee in a Sasa Samiac roaster that staff and loyal customers lovingly call “Big Red.” Across town, Atlanta Coffee Roasters developed their own system for roasting. “The original owner was an executive with Georgia Pacific who moved here from Portland in the early ‘80s,” said Bill Letbetter, owner of Atlanta Coffee Roasters. “He actually designed our fluid bed roaster. It heats the beans evenly and produces delicious coffee with rich, uniform taste.”

TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROLYN SKYE | BATDORF & BRONSON; TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACK GODFREY | COFFEEAM; FAR RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY CHAPMAN | LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

4HE "EAN 3CENE Coffee is derived from the seed of a fruit — a coffee cherry — that grows on trees cultivated in 70 countries, primarily in equatorial Latin America, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. Once ripe, the coffee beans are usually picked by hand, processed and dried. “Seasonality and general supply are factors,” said Shawn Dunaway, vice president and roastmaster at CoffeeAM in Canton. “Coffee is a seasonal crop, so to provide the freshest, most flavorful offerings, we pull beans from different regions of the world throughout the year.” Since flavor varies from farm to farm, country to country, and even crop to crop, roastmasters like Dunaway rely on an evaluation process referred to as cupping to select beans. Much like wine tasting, cupping is somewhat of an art, involving deeply sniffing the coffee in both its dry and wet states and then slurping the coffee so that the liquid distributes evenly over the entire tongue and palate. The process helps cuppers assess aroma and taste. Dunaway, who imports his beans from exotic locales such as Tanzania, Jamaica, Sumatra and New Guinea, said, “After we gather the highest quality beans from around the world, we roast our coffee, package it in heat-sealed valve bags, and immediately ship it to our customers. Each order is prepared with a specific customer in mind, and sometimes, the coffee is delivered to the customer’s door step the day after it is roasted, ensuring optimal freshness.”

Land of a Thousand Hills’ Ruli Mountain coffee washing station in Rwanda

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

Local Coffee Roasters

#OFFEE %DUCATION From training employees, working with the growers in foreign countries, certifying baristas, and educating at-home coffee drinkers, many coffee roasting companies devote a great deal of time, effort and dollars to coffee education. Through their educational seminars, workshops and tours, roasters are cultivating a nation of savvy, knowledgeable coffee drinkers. “We offer Friday coffee cuppings and community events at our training center at the King Plow Arts Center on Marietta Street,” remarked Mark Overbay, Counter Culture Coffee’s marketing and communications manager. “Our training center is furnished with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by some of the brightest, most respected authorities in today’s coffee industry.” “The majority of our weekly cuppers are everyday people who simply love coffee,” Overbay said. “We teach them everything they need to know to make educated coffee selections and brew the best pot of coffee in their own homes.” Counter Culture posts upcoming coffee classes on their Web site with intriguing course titles such as Brewing Science I, Coffee Origins and Milk Chemistry Lab. At the Dancing Goat Coffee Bar in Decatur, owned and operated by Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters, training is less formal, but fun and enlightening. “We post upcoming events on our blog,” noted Chandler Rentz, training and education specialist for Batdorf & Bronson. “In October, a large coffee crowd attended our Behind the Bar: Espresso Lab, where we pulled shots and discussed what espresso is, and isn’t. We talked extensively about dosing, distributing, leveling, tamping and extracting. Everyone who attended gained a newfound respect for the manual-made espresso, and the baristas who work hard to craft a perfect espresso shot.”

#OFFEE #ONCERNS Because of the widespread labor abuses and exploitation associated with farming coffee, it was one of the ﬁrst crops to be widely incorporated in the Fair Trade movement — a movement setting a minimum wage for coffee growers.

S TO R I N G YO U R C O F F E E For the best possible cup of coffee, master roasters suggest buying whole beans from a roastery, storing appropriately, using coffee within two weeks of its roast date, and grinding the beans just before brewing. Shawn Dunaway of CoffeeAM in Canton also advised against storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer, though “if you happen to ﬁnd a great price on freshly roasted bulk coffee, and you can’t brew it all within two weeks, the freezer can be an acceptable option,” he said. “Once you take the coffee out of the freezer, you should never put it back in.”

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

SEE WHAT ATLANTANS ARE SAYING ABOUT ALPHADERM “Before you have [plastic surgery], go see Dr. Glavey. Try Thermage and Fraxel. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to look refreshed and renewed.” “Dr. Glavey recommended Radiesse and Botox. I feel like I look 20 years younger.” “My husband and I have had our regular exams with Dr. Glavey for close to 20 years. The very ﬁrst day [after Thermage], I could see the results. They were immediate and long lasting.” “It’s been three weeks since I had the Sculptra process done. My expression lines have been minimized substantially. When I look in the mirror, I see a more youthful appearance. One thing I love about Dr. Glavey is that she took the time to explain everything to me.”

“My skin had sun damage, uneven skin tone, brown spots, freckles, and wrinkles. After my second Fraxel treatment, it had become much softer and the brown spots were disappearing. It just looked so much clearer. The end results were remarkable!” “By the end of college, I had acquired some acne scarring. I found Dr. Christine Glavey and, wow! My skin is clear. I can see the improvement.”

GO TO www.Alpha-Derm.com TO SEE THE FULL VIDEO TESTIMONIALS!

Christine Glavey, MD, FA AD Medical Director Certiﬁed by the American Board of Dermatology

“Winner, Best Dermatologist 2011” – Jezebel Magazine

401 South Main Street Suite C-7 Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 770.475.2004 www.alpha-derm.com

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Local Coffee Roasters

“Historically, coffee has been an abused commodity,” said Karen AkridgeHoughton, director of café sales and Do Good Initiative at Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee in Roswell. “Today, we build and maintain healthy, ethical relationships with our coffee farming communities. Our Community Trade philosophy begins by providing a living wage to our farmers that far exceeds Fair Trade. When our customers buy our coffee, they are not just purchasing a quality product. They

are helping families provide for themselves, building dormitories for orphans, providing school fees for children, giving care to widows, and most importantly, restoring hope, trust and kindness to our coffee communities.” Controversy also exists pertaining to coffee cultivation and the impact that poor farming practices have on the environment and ecosystems. As a result, many coffee roasters employ environmental

sustainability models that promote healthy farming environments, minimize water usage, reduce energy consumption, and trim down waste. And most roasters also offer their customers several organic options produced without the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides. “Our motto is simply Drink Coffee, Do Good,” Houghton noted. “It’s not just about the cup of coffee anymore. It’s about the people who grow it and the communities they call home.” PN

LIT T LE B L AC K B O O K O F LO C A L ROA S TE R I E S Atlanta Coffee Roasters An inviting coffee shop and roastery, Atlanta Coffee Roasters purchases, blends, roasts, brews and sells a wide variety of delicious coffee. Customers can purchase coffees and other products at the shop or online. Customer Favorites: Costa Rica La Minita, an exceptional Costa Rican coffee with a smooth, silky flavor; and Mocha Java, one of the world’s oldest and richest blends combining the finest Ethiopian and Java beans. 2205-F Lavista Road, Atlanta, 404636-1038, www.atlantacoffeeroasters.com Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters (Dancing Goats Coffee Bar) Coffee is a religion at Batdorf & Bronson, a roasting company providing quality coffee products to several restaurants, coffee shops and grocers. Customers can purchase products online or at their Dancing Goats Coffee Bar. The company offers tours and coffee-related educational opportunities, and their Web site features video tutorials and an interesting blog. Customer Favorites: Dancing Goats Blend, a dark, smooth and sweet blend with a beautiful floral aroma and a heavy, nutty body; Vesuvio Blend, a heavy-bodied, herbal blend that combines with malt and roasted nuts. 419 W. Ponce De Leon, Decatur, 404-687-1100, www.batdorfcoffee.com CoffeeAM Founded in 1993, Coffee AM is an online coffee business that supplies more than 1,000 coffee shops and restaurants internationally with more than 140 quality coffee products. They provide 20-minute tours of their facility by appointment. Customer Favorites: Sumatra Black Satin Roast, a darkly roasted Indonesian coffee with a distinctive flavor profile and smoky undertones; French Roast, a dark roast with bold flavor that will leave your taste buds feeling

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

bittersweet and satisfied. 12230 Cumming Highway, Canton, 678-494-1915, www.coffeeam.com Cool Beans Coffee Roasters Cool Beans Coffee Roasters is a lively micro-roaster and coffee retailer with seating both indoors and outdoors. Products can be purchased at the café or online. Customer Favorites: Espresso DaVinci, the award-winning espresso that made Cool Beans famous; Sumatra Mandheling, a rich, full-bodied coffee with a delightfully complex flavor. 31 Mill St., Marietta, 770-422-9866, wp.coolbeanscoffeeroasters.com Counter Culture Coffee Counter Culture Coffee is relentlessly in pursuit of coffee perfection. Their regional training center here in Atlanta features cuppings (tastings) and labs that teach how to brew the perfect cup of joe. Customer Favorites: Kenya Thiriku, a medium roast offering notes of fig, coconut and pineapple over savory undertones; Holiday Blend, a fragrant coffee with hints of caramel and chocolate. King Plow Arts Center, 887 West Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, 678-3586114, www.counterculturecoffee.com Giving Grounds Giving Grounds is a company that is dedicated in providing solid grounds for charities by helping them raise much needed funds to make a diff erence for a better tomorrow. Through gourmet, roasted-toorder coffee and other decadent products, a distinctive fundraising platform has been created in which funds can be raised for your charity of choice. Customer Favorites: Charity’s Choice Blend, a smooth blend of South and Latin American estate beans roasted to a specific temperature to create a full yet

not overpowering body; and “decaffeinated coffee without compromise,” created using a pure, Swiss Water Process and no chemicals. 4480 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, 678-607-5220, http://givinggrounds.org Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee The Drink Coffee, Do Good coffee roasters have café locations in Roswell, Walton and Cumming. Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee is a vertically integrated company working from cherry to cup while improving coffee communities. They work with farmers, import their own beans, roast their own beans, and serve their own brewed coffee. Purchase their products at their coffee shops or online. Customer Favorites: Holiday Spice Coffee, an all-naturally flavored coffee with notes of pumpkin, cinnamon and allspice; Rwandan Single-Origin Dark Roast, a fabulous winter choice with hints of roasted walnuts and dark chocolate. 352 South Atlanta St., Roswell, 770-6451149, www.landofathousandhills.com San Francisco Coffee Roasting Company This welcoming neighborhood coffee house and roastery has two locations on North Highland Avenue and another in Candler Park with everything from signature blends to organic certified coffee to decaffeinated brews. Customers flock to their bright red storefronts for coffee, deliciously crafted sweets, Wi-Fi and ambiance. Customer Favorites: Captain Richardson Old Whaler’s Blend — an exotic blend of aged and Central American coffee with a smooth, sweet finish and a spicy undertone; Ethiopian Harrar — a delightful French Roasted brew with a pleasant body, interesting acidity and hints of berries. 1192 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, 404-876-8816, www.mysfcoffee.com

Much Ado about

BREW TAPPING INTO ATLANTA’S CRAFT BEER SCENE

[ WRITTEN BY HEATHER KW BROWN ]

Library

Alehouse, Santa Monica, Calif., 1998. That’s when it all started for me. I stared at the deep copper hue peering out from behind the tall glass in front of me, and laughed half-heartedly. Convinced I wouldn’t like such a “dark” beer, I’d already talked myself into sending it back to the bar, but ﬁrst I had to taste it. I should probably confess that, at the time, Amstel Light was my go-to beer, and that my roommate ordered the Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale purely for aesthetic purposes — she liked the glass it was served in. Surprisingly, neither of us sent back our beer. Instead, we tried another new beer, a Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier. Maybe it was the menu packed with so many unknown beer options. Maybe it was simply time to introduce my taste buds to something new. Either way, curiosity got the best of my palate that night and has yet to let go. Atlanta’s craft beer scene has been brewing for quite some time and much like our desire for culinary creations on the plate, the demand for high quality beer is greater than ever. With the help of a few industry experts, I recently tapped into the world of craft beer and why it has become such a revolution. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ISTOCK

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

tlanta’s craft beer scene has been brewing for quite some time and much like our desire for culinary creations on the plate, the demand for high quality beer is greater than ever. PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEATHER BROWN

A MECCA IN THE MAKING The term craft beer is tossed around as much as an umbrella in a hurricane, and word around the keg is that the definition is somewhat slippery. Without dipping into industry politics, let’s say for simplicity’s sake that craft beer is defined as beers made by small, independent brewers using ingredients and brewing methods that are traditional. These handcrafted locally brewed beers are also stronger than the average domestic beer, which is why the craft scene in Atlanta didn’t explode until 2004, when legislators changed the law in Georgia to allow beer over 6 percent in alcohol. It was a significant decision that opened the floodgates for more American craft breweries. “It started with a trickle and by 2008, it was a full-on wildfire,” said Fred Crudder, beverage director for all Taco Mac locations. “From 2009 to 2010, the craft segment increased its dollar share by almost 40 percent.”

Better known as the Taco Mac Beer Guy, Crudder emphasized that craft beer is now experiencing meteoric growth, with the Southeast being the fastest growing region in craft beer consumption in the country. “In an economy where people are pinching pennies, they aren’t doing that with beer — in numbers that have never been seen before.” Atlanta, after all, is no newcomer to the craft beer scene. Open since 1993, Atlanta Brewing Company, the oldest operating craft brewery in metro Atlanta, rebranded itself as Red Brick Brewing Company a few years ago to mirror their brand of beer. Following in the fermentation footsteps already in motion, SweetWater Brewing Company ofﬁcially opened in 1997, and introduced Atlanta to the encouraging motto “Don’t Float the Mainstream.” In 2002, another set of roommates John Cochran and Brian “Spike” Buckowski upped the ante yet again with the debut of Athens-based Terrapin Beer Company.

“I started homebrewing in ’92/’93 and thought I’d see if I could make my hobby into a career,” said Buckowski, who is the creative hand behind Terrapin’s awardwinning beers. “[The craft beer scene in Atlanta] is growing and getting better by the day, but we’ve still got a long way to go,” he added. The Beer Sommelier, Matt Simpson, echoed those sentiments. “The fact is that while we don’t rate as one of the great craft beer meccas like Asheville, San Diego, Portland or Denver, we fall just outside of those, meaning we have the passion and the populace that is willing to be craft beer mavens and to create a craft beer culture in this city,” he said, glass of SweetWater Ghoulash aptly in hand. Simpson has built a business around his passion and, as a beer consultant who educates and hosts events about gourmet craft beers, he addressed the hurdles the city still faces. “The laws themselves make it extremely difﬁcult for a small start-up ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BEER SOMMELIER

ATLANTA’S CRAFT BEER SCENE

brewer to get on board, and we also have sprawl, so getting from brewery to brewery here is very difﬁcult.” More breweries have hopped into the fray like Jailhouse Brewing Company in 2009, Wild Heaven in 2010 and this year alone, Monday Night Brewing, Red Hare Brewing Company and Burnt Hickory Brewery in Acworth have all started brewing their concoctions for public consumption, with more Georgia breweries already approved to open next year. Atlanta is also home to a few not-to-be-missed brewpubs like 5 Seasons, Park Tavern and the highly touted new hotspot, Wrecking Bar Brewpub. Perhaps the biggest boon to the success of craft beer, however, is its ability to pair so well with food.

THE ABCs OF CRAFT BEER Like their culinary counterparts who possess the creativity and ability to transform an old favorite into a new one, brewers have refined palates and are constantly pushing their own set of boundaries. The response has been well received, so much so that sommeliers and food pairings now share the same sentence as the word beer. “Just about everything that used to be associated with wine can now be associated with beer,” Simpson said. “All the characteristics both physical and social of wine are being adopted by craft beer including bottle shape, sizes, the strength of the beer being offered, the complexity of beers, the appreciation by the public, and the fact that people are doing beer tastings or beer dinners when those used to be the exclusive realm of wine.” Restaurants today strive to carry a more diverse beer portfolio because, as some would argue, craft beer is a better choice when it comes to pairing food. “Wine is a very specific pairing and the reason why sommeliers are so respected is because they have a very difficult job,” said Ryan Johnson, senior trade brewer for Tenth and Blake, the

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

craft division of MillerCoors. “When you pair wine with food, it’s more like hunting with a rifle. If you hit the target dead on, then you’re victorious, but it’s very easy to miss and to create something that’s out of balance.” “A lot of times when we have a really good meal and then we pair it with wine or beer, what happens is that the food dominates the pairing. Or sometimes, the wine or the beer can dominate the pairing. The essence of pairing,” Johnson emphasized, “is to create a beautiful marriage of flavors, so balancing flavor intensities is the most important thing.” Countless kitchens and breweries have honed in on this balance as craft beer now gets equal billing on menus as both a beverage and an ingredient used in an endless number of crafty ways: pilsner vinegar, beer caviar, pizza crusts and sauces, cookies, chili, a salad topped with crispy sour malts, and one of my personal favorites, beer mustard. Pairing anything with food is certainly a science but for those eager to try it at home, Johnson said to remember the three C’s — cut, complement and contrast. Cutting is palate cleansing, complementary flavor profiles are similar flavors in the beer and the food that are delicious, and contrasting profiles are the exact opposite. “Once you take a bite of food, it sticks to your tongue. It literally covers the taste buds, which become more and more buried with each bite of food,” Johnson said. “The second bite is approximately 60 percent memory of the first bite, and by the time you get to the third bite, you are technically not tasting anything fresh.” And here is where the palate-cleansing characteristic of beer sets itself apart. “Alcohol, bitterness and carbonation are the ABCs of beer. Carbonation is the differentiation — it serves as a natural source of scrubbing bubbles, so each time you take a bite and then take a big drink of say an IPA, it scrapes off the molecules left by the oils in your food and enables you to enjoy the same bite again,” Johnson explained. Another easy tip Johnson shared for pairing beer with food is to compare the color of the beer with the protein of your dish. For example, if you’re having brown beer with pork, sauté the pork to match the color of your beer. “Beer is different with food than wine for a lot of reasons,” Johnson continued, “but it’s not about beer being better with food or wine being better with food. It’s about different occasions and what people enjoy.”

MORE POURS FOR EVERY PALATE For those of us already curious to try new beer styles, I have good news: The Brewer’s Association lists more than 130 styles of beer, ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

Pottery Studios

ATLANTA’S CRAFT BEER SCENE which compared to roughly 24 styles of wine, means we have a lot to enjoy. “The beauty of craft beer is that it’s all about variety,” Crudder said. “There’s something for everyone. Blue Moon, for example, has a wide enough reach and appeal that it is somewhat of a gateway beer. It is one step toward more ﬂavorful

beer and once you get into more ﬂavorful beer, you don’t really go backwards.” For the wine drinker who swears she doesn’t like beer, every expert I interviewed encourages you to try a Belgian, which is yeast dominated and typically appeals to women because it is ﬂavorful without much bitterness. To complement a meal,

The Beer Sommelier said without hesitation, “There isn’t a food that Hennepin (Farmhouse Saison) doesn’t go with.” For newly adventurous beer drinkers, the Taco Mac beer menu has no fewer than 150 craft beer options between draft and bottled beers, so keep in mind that color has nothing to do with bitterness. “That’s a misconception,” Crudder said. “If you look at a beer spectrum, darker beer is where you’ll find sweeter beer. A lot more bitter beer is in the middle of that spectrum.” As a coffee drinker, I’ve come to love porters and stouts, as both have roasted flavors that are oftentimes brewed with sweet undertones like vanilla and chocolate. Who knows what will be my next favorite? Truth is, I’m still learning and what I love most about trying new beer is that it gives us something to talk about, something to share and while we revel in the camaraderie, at the heart of craft beer is passion and innovation. It has been more than a decade since I traded that light beer for a delicious microbrew and what strikes me most is how much I appreciated the experience. So grab a friend, preferably one with a penchant for cool glassware, and let her order a new beer for you. Like any good memory, the journey is half the fun — the other half is remembering how you got there. PN For a list of local spots to find craft beer and descriptions of different types, visit us online at www.ptsnorth.com. THE BEER EXPERT Wish you had someone to help when you are staring helplessly in front of the beer aisle overloaded with options? You do! The Beer Expert is an app that pulls from a database of more than 300,000 beers. For you, that means updated profiles of pretty much every beer on the planet. To download this app, visit www.thebeerexpert.com

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

NOW OPEN! * RAISING A TOAST TO THE NORTHSIDE’S NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2011

imes may be tough, but metro Atlanta remains resilient. As we look back at another year gone by, we’re encouraged to see a smattering of new dining establishments popping up across the suburbs. In the spirit of supporting local businesses, we’ve been digging in at some of these recently opened restaurants. Following are a few of our favorites — and a few we’re resolving to check out in the New Year. Cheers!

Cibo E Beve OPENED IN JUNE The latest addition to 101 Concepts (think Food 101 and Meehan’s Public House) draws a crowd hungry for Italian food and an energetic night scene. Inspired by Old World Italy, Executive Chef Linda Harrell uses seasonal, locally grown and harvested ingredients as well as specialty items imported straight from Italy, while mixologist Justin Hadaway crafts creative concoctions behind the Zinc bar. The drink list makes for a good read with stories that inspired each cocktail, like the Mark Twain (Dewars Scotch whisky, lemon, crushed sugar, Angostura bitters) inspired by a letter the late author once wrote to his wife. MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Soppresate Piccante pizza with spicy soppresate, San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan reggiano; mezze lune ravioli, ﬁlled with sheep milk ricotta and spinach in sage butter 4969 Roswell Road, Atlanta, 404-250-8988, www.ciboatlanta.com

Cibo E Beve’s Hamachi Crudo

Chicken and the Egg’s Praline Banana Pudding

Chicken and the Egg OPENED IN AUGUST With modern farmhouse décor, this neighborhood gathering spot brings innovative twists on classic American dishes to the tables of West Cobb. Besides ﬁlling a much-needed void in the area, the organic, farm-to-table menu by local chef and owner Marc Taft features affordable gourmet Southern food that will have you coming back for more. Even the bar menu makes a statement here with cool cocktails like the Debutante Ball (Beefeater gin, strawberries, hibiscus & white balsamic syrup, lemon juice, black pepper, rhubarb foam). PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES CAMP

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN RUBENSTEIN

[ WRITTEN BY AS HL E Y B R E C HTE L AN D KYL I E MC K LVE E N ]

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese fondue, country ham and tomato jam; pork belly sliders; Carolina crab cakes; deviled eggs; iron skillet fried chicken; praline bread pudding with caramel ice cream 800 Whitlock Ave., Marietta, 678-388-8813, www.chickandtheegg.com

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

Fish Tacos at Pure Taqueria

Ten Bistro

Pure Taqueria

OPENED IN JUNE

OPENED IN OCTOBER

Serving up “new American cuisine” in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere

A “hip, loud, sophisticated and fun,” hot spot for Mexican food and margaritas, which has already earned a great reputation locally in Alpharetta, Woodstock and Inman Park

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: The Rascal House sandwich (tuna salad with celery, tomato, avocado and red onion); Carioca soup (potatoes and leeks puréed with garlic-sautéed collard greens); Harrington Scallops (pan-seared sea scallops with black bean purée, roasted sweet corn coulis and micro-greens in Champagne vinaigrette 5005 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, 770-375-8330, www.tenlocalﬂavors.com

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Camarones a la parilla (grilled chili-crusted shrimp with corn masa cakes, guacamole, pico de gallo and charred tomatillo salsa); albondigas (spicy Mexican-style meatballs with chipotle tomato sauce, queso fresco, cilantro and corn tortillas) 3108 Main St., Duluth, 770-609-2630, www.puretaqueria.com

Spice Brick Oven Kitchen OPENED IN JULY

OPENED IN APRIL

An upscale yet laid-back atmosphere makes this a great spot for a night out with friends or a romantic evening with that special someone. The open kitchen boasts an authentic brick oven, which results in pizza perfection, but if pizza isn’t your forte, no worries — with more than 60 menu items to choose from, you’re bound to ﬁnd the perfect palate pleasers among the ﬂatbreads and tapas. True to traditional tapas style, items are served as they become available so there is always something fresh and interesting being PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIELLE CATRONEO – VISUAL MEDIA PRO brought to your table. You can also enjoy a drink at the fully stocked bar, which offers more than 60 imported and domestic beers, or dance the night away with live music every Thursday and Saturday evening.

Flourished with French inﬂuence and luxurious décor, this steakhouse calls for an adults-only date-night.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS:

Viande Rouge

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: 18-ounce Delmonico ribeye; baked oysters; yellow ﬁn tuna carpaccio; potatoes dauphinoises; cauliﬂower-Tillamook cheddar gratin; sautéed whole Dover (served with a side of brown butter, capers and lemon) 9810 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-623-4959, www.vrsteakhouse.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF PURE TAQUERIA

Patio at Ten Bistro

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIANDE ROUGE

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEN BISTRO

NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2011

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Braised mini bratwurst sliders, Shrimp Mediterranean (sautéed shrimp, imported melted feta cheese, tomatoes and olive oil); grilled vegetable pizza (eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, roasted red pepper and mozzarella cheese) 10800 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-777-0778, www.spicebrickovenkitchen.com

Erwoods Kitchen & Keg OPENED IN FEBRUARY A “Midtown-style,” upscale sports bar, Erwoods offers a casual yet classy place to grab a great bite to eat at a decent price. While noshing on “classic American cuisine with an elegant touch,” diners can indulge in 24 different craft beers on tap and catch their favorite teams on more than 18 high-deﬁnition televisions. An interior with plenty of exposed brick makes this a cozy place to hunker down on game days during winter, and a spacious patio beckons when the weather warms. MENU HIGHLIGHTS:

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

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Oversized, house-made pretzels with lager cheese sauce; country fried steak sliders served with a side of Erwood’s Southern gravy for dipping; grilled chicken skewers with sweet chili dipping sauce 12635 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta, 770-754-9555, www.erwoods.com

Smashburger OPENED IN JULY (BUCKHEAD), AUGUST (JOHNS CREEK) AND SEPTEMBER (ALPHARETTA) Touted as a fast-casual “better burger” restaurant, 20 more locations are expected to open across the Atlanta area in the next seven years. MENU HIGHLIGHTS: The Atlanta burger (peach barbecue sauce, Wicked Pimena cheese, grilled jalapeños and Vidalia coleslaw on an egg bun); the Atlanta Dog (Wicked Pimena cheese, grilled jalapeños and Vidalia coleslaw); veggie fries (ﬂash-fried asparagus spears, carrot sticks and green beans) 9775 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-497-6274, www.smashburger.com

Table & Main OPENED IN AUGUST A hospitable Southern tavern serving American cuisine MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Charleston she-crab soup; Hogs ‘n Quilts (barbecue pork shoulder, chive crêpes, Georgia vinegar sauce, Napa cabbage slaw); Shrimp ‘n Grits (Gulf shrimp, stone ground grits, Sweetgrass Dairy gouda, tomatobacon gravy) 1028 Canton St., Roswell, 678-869-5178, www.tableandmain.com

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2011

Double Zero Napoletana OPENED IN APRIL Named for the type of ﬂour used to make Neapolitan pizza, this upscale southern Italian eatery features those classic pies along with the cuisine of the Campania region of Italy. MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Double Zero Napoletana pizza with garlic, mozzarella di bufala, fresh arugula, prosciutto di parma, Pecorino Gran Cru and basil oil; crispy lamb meatballs with tomato-basil jam; crab-stuffed calamari over squid ink linguine 5825 Roswell Road, Atlanta, 404-991-3666, www.doublezeroatl.com

The Roswell Tap OPENED IN JUNE A neighborhood “drinking hole” dedicated to exceptional American fare MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Grit chips (served with Southern chow-chow or collard green and bacon dip); The Pittsburgh Club (choice of capicola, Genoa salami, fresh-made bologna or pastrami on fresh Italian bread); TAP wings with sweet and zesty Coca-Cola sauce 1090 Alpharetta St., Roswell, 770-992-9206, www.theroswelltap.com

Marlow’s Tavern OPENED IN JULY Marlow’s Tavern is no newcomer to Atlanta’s Northside, but its newest location at The Avenue Forsyth bridges the gap in this particular suburb’s restaurant scene by bringing an approachable neighborhood tavern with a modern vibe and classic American food. The small, intimate space comes alive with diners looking for lunch or dinner, or even just a “Currently Classic” cocktail. (BLT Bloody Mary with housemade bacon vodka, anyone?) MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Tavern Burger with house-made tomato bacon jam; pan-seared Carolina mountain trout with fresh spinach, carrots, wok-fried Napa cabbage, snow peas, scallions and sweet soy glaze 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 770-886-3666, www.marlowstavern.com 36

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Seed Kitchen & Bar OPENED IN NOVEMBER A stylish, modern setting of American cuisine paired with a diverse selection of wines and specialty vintage cocktails MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Chinese-style braised beef short ribs with garlic potatoes and onion caramel; hangar steak frites with herb onion caramel and Parmesan garlic fries; crispy calamari with yuzu ginger emulsion and basil salt 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, 678-214-6888, www.eatatseed.com

Mia Ristorante Italiano OPENED IN JUNE A casual, inviting atmosphere for traditional Italian favorites with a tempting variety of pastas and sauces MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Caprese salad and bruschetta for the ﬁrst course. followed by pizza or pasta with your choice of ﬁve to six sauces. The true expression of the authentic menu, however, is evident with Chef Luigi’s interpretation of traditional dishes like veal Piccata, eggplant or chicken Parmigiano and specials like homemade, hand-rolled braciola. 2300 Bethelview Road, Suite 204, Cumming, 770-887-3000, www.miaitaliano.com

Bite OPENED IN JULY Tucked into a small, unassuming strip mall, Bite delivers a welcome surprise when you walk in the door to find a quaint yet modern, café-style space. Chef Leif Johnson serves up an eclectic menu of “New American” fare with Asian, Latin and East Coast influence and chats amicably with patrons from his partially open kitchen. A lunch menu, served Monday through Saturday, comprises a range of sandwiches, salads, flat breads and tacos, while dinner, currently available Thursday through Saturday only, focuses on a few seasonal specials. MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Fig & prosciutto flatbread with mascarpone, arugula and balsamic syrup; smoked chicken spaghettini; red chile pork tacos with goat cheese and pickled jalepeño slaw 11500 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-754-5500, www.biteatl.com ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2011

Chuy’s OPENED IN NOVEMBER With a sense of humor as spicy as its food, this Austin-based authentic Tex-Mex joint serves made-from-scratch Mexican ﬂavors with the freshest ingredients. MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas; Stuffed Chile Rellenos; “Big As Yo’ Face” Burritos 118 Perimeter Center West, Dunwoody, 404-888-9348, www.chuys.com

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MENU HIGHLIGHTS:

OPENED IN NOVEMBER Original, fresh American food, American wine, American beer and signature cocktails brought to you by owner Lee Chadwick, who also unveiled The Taco Stand and the renowned special events facility The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta

(Therapeutic Pancreatic / Billary Endoscopy)

Introducing… DR. SIMON COFRANCESCO Board Certified ABIM - Gastroenterology Training Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Long Island College Hospital Residency:The Western Campus of Tufts, Baystate Medical Center Education Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, with honors Springfield College, Biology with honors

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Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

4-ounce filet; fish, ribs and brisket smoked in-house daily; ribs by the bone; shecrab soup 3070 Windward Plaza, Alpharetta, www.fireflyrestaurant.net

Dal Cuore & Market OPENED IN JULY Dal Cuore Restaurant (humble Italian cooking) means the chefs use the same highest quality ingredients they would serve on their own family’s table. Fresh ﬁsh, Springer Mountain Farms chicken and the best meat and freshest vegetables available are used to construct their interesting menu of traditional and unique Italian fare. They even grow the herbs in the organic garden next door. The wine list is deep with many vintages not typically available at most restaurants and is respectful of your pocket. A peaceful, extraordinarily appointed Italian home is an apt description of the interior. Next door, their own market is stocked with all the things you’ll need for a great Italian dinner, or a wine-with-friends event at your house. They now serve great sandwiches, too. MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Salsicce e Rapini (Italian sausage and fresh broccoli rabe tossed in extra virgin olive oil and red pepper, then ﬁnished with Pecorino Romano); Quatro Formaggio pizza with roasted garlic, ricotta, reggiano, fresh mozzarella and basil; all menu items are available gluten free. 2100 Ray Moss Connector, Johns Creek, 678-867-0854, www.dalcuorerestaurant.com

Thai² OPENED IN APRIL Quick and easy authentic Thai cuisine with all the familiar favorites MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Shrimp in a blanket (seasoned whole shrimp fried in a crispy wrapper with Thai dipping sauce); three-ﬂavored salmon; Pad si-ew (rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, egg and soy sauce) 5530 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, 678-297-0202, www.thaisquared.net PN

BEST BUCKHEAD

NEW RESTAURANTS

in the suburbs could keep you satiated indeﬁnitely, but when you want a little taste of Atlanta, you can’t beat Buckhead for restaurant options. Points North named this stylish section of the city a “Favorite Dining Destination” in last year’s Wine & Dine issue for longtime favorites like Aria and Atlanta Fish Market, but 2011 has ushered in a whole new wave of great eats.

Frank Ski’s Restaurant & Lounge

Cafe Jonah & The Magical Attic

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA HANNA

C A F É J O N A H A N D TH E M AG I C A L AT TI C Opened in February This sister establishment to

Buckhead’s beloved Souper Jenny serves coffee and comfort food downstairs while an array of books, candles and aromatherapy beckons from the attic. Afternoon tea is sure to become a ritual here with blends from local company Just Add Honey. Menu highlights: Batdorf & Bronson coffee; Jenny’s secret recipe oatmeal; daily sandwiches; grilled paninis 3188 Paces Ferry Place, 404-3434107, www.cafejonah.com

FRANK SKI’S R E S TAU R A NT & LO U N G E Opened in September The first dining endeavor from local celebrity and V103 morning show host Frank Ski is a place to see and be seen while sipping

cocktails in the lounge or indulging in classic American fare for dinner and weekend brunch. Menu highlights: Whole fried Key West snapper with sweet chili sauce; seafood pot pie 2110 Peachtree Road NW, 404-603-8344, www.frankskis.com

Latitude

L ATITU D E Opened in November Chef Micah Wilcox, formerly of Ecco, serves up a flavor-driven menu with both globally and regionally sourced ingredients, a selection of Old and New World wines and re-invented classic cocktails Menu highlights: Spot prawn ceviche with toasted coriander, lime and Spanish chorizo; spicy pork sausage with roasted cherries and chicory Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, www.latitudeatlanta.com M A R K E T S TR E E T C A F É Opened in June Serving breakfast and lunch (plus catering), this chef-driven concept trumps your typical deli and dishes out classic café dishes, made-toorder and ready to devour in mere

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIDI GELDHAUSER | THE REYNOLDS GROUP

FA R M B U R G E R Opened in September The second location of Decatur’s popular burger joint, Farm Burger features 100-percent grass-fed beef and locally sourced ingredients from sustainable farms, including the restaurant’s own Full Moon Farms and Moonshine Meats in Athens, Ga. Menu highlights: The Farm Burger with Grafton smoked white cheddar, caramelized onions and signature FB sauce; seasonal pickled veggies; bacon brittle 3365 Piedmont Road, 404-8160603, www.farmburger.net

True, the dining options

A N OTH E R B R O K E N EGG CAFÉ Opened in June This quaint, country-French café ﬁrst opened in Beaches of South Walton, and the original location is still one of our favorite dining spots in the Sunshine State. Here at home, satisfy your breakfast cravings until 2 p.m. daily. Menu highlights: Banana’s Foster French toast; blackberry grits; Southwest Scramble with chorizo, onions, green chilies, tomatoes, cheese, guacamole and salsa 2355 Peachtree Road NE, 404-254-0219, www.anotherbrokenegg.com

Farm Burger

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK SKI RESAURANT & LOUNGE

Southern Art & Bourbon Bar

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA HANNA

[ WRITTEN BY BRE HU MPHR I E S ]

minutes. On Thursdays, head here after work for Happy Hour. Menu highlights: Main plates like farmraised chicken with two sides; personal pizzas and ﬂat breads; Colorado lamb sliders with tomato bacon jam 3475 Piedmont Road NE, 404-816-4911, www.sterlingspoon.com

O C E A N PR I M E Opened in October A modern American supper club occupying the old Sambuca space, Ocean Prime features fresh steaks and seafood with a focus on house-made ingredients. Menu highlights: Ahi tuna tartar; crabcrusted blue tilapia; Chilean sea bass; Berries & Bubbles cocktail 3102 Piedmont Road NE, 404-8460505, www.oceanprimeatlanta.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE REYNOLDS GROUP

S O UTH E R N A R T A N D BOURBON BAR Opened in September Celebrity chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Art Smith recently stepped into Atlanta’s culinary scene and has already made a mark. Masterfully blending a modern approach to his love of Southern comfort food, Smith and his talented team “reinvent a taste of the South” daily by dishing up breakfast, lunch and dinner you don’t want to miss.

Menu highlights: Starters like Southern Ham Board from the artisanal ham bar, Addie Mae’s Chicken and Dumpling Soup, and incredible entrées like the Carolina Black Rice Risotto with Flat Creek Lodge Asiago and Chef Art’s famous buttermilk fried chicken InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, 3315 Peachtree Road NE, 404-946-9070, www.southernart.com

B L A I S - I N ’ A N E W T R A I L I N VA H I First there was Flip; now, Atlanta’s own “Top Chef All-Star” Richard Blais is at it again, partnering with restaurateur Barry Mills to consult on a brand-new cutting-edge restaurant — HD1, featuring “haute” interpretations of the all-American hot dog. “If Flip is all pop and Britney Spears, this is more underground, alternative, gritty,” Blais said of the casual eatery in Virginia Highland, designed as a modern beer garden with an edgy vibe. The menu, which changes daily, is a collaborative effort between Blais and Executive Chef Jared Lee Pyle that centers on — what else? — hot dogs crafted by local charcuterie The Spotted Trotter and house-made sausages loaded with creative topping combinations and served on grilled Ghana sugar loaf buns. But Blais is quick to point out a few plated specials, too, like Irish bangers & mash with onion gravy. “We’re more than an emulsiﬁed forcemeat factory,” he said. And though Flip now competes with numerous burger joints in Atlanta, the celebrity chef consultant doesn’t expect to start a new trend with this latest venture. “We don’t plan to take over the world with hotdogs,” he quipped. But there is a good chance he’ll forever change the way you think about franks. Menu highlights: Fennel sausage with San Marzano ketchup, fontina and grilled radicchio; East Bound and Down Frank with Carolina pulled pork, sweet mustard slaw and mop sauce; waffled fries with maple-oy 664 N. Highland Ave NE., 404-815-1127, www.hd1restaurant.com

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

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Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BARNSLEY GARDENS RESORT PHOTO COURTESY OF BARNSLEY GARDENS RESORT

Barnsley Gardens Resort, Adairsville, Ga. A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS WEEKEND AT BARNSLEY Start your weekend with a welcome reception on Dec. 23 followed by a Santa shoot, a Christmas Eve Service in Town Hall, games with the Grinch, a showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and coffee and cocktails on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Day lunch buffet offers seatings at 11:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 2 p.m. NEW YEAR’S EVE WEEKEND 2011 A New Year’s Eve Dinner in the Rice House offers seating from 5:30 to 10 p.m., followed by the resort’s biggest party yet with a New Year’s Eve Fairy Drop at midnight! ($45 per person; advance purchase required; must be 21 and older to attend.) On New Year’s Day, The Day After Breakfast Buffet will be served until noon. Make it a weekend with the New Year’s Eve Weekend Package, including two night’s stay with breakfast each morning, the New Year’s Eve Dinner, admission to the New

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

FALLING WATERS MOUNTAIN LODGE PHOTO COURTESY OF FALLING WATERS MOUNTAIN LODGE

Year’s Eve Bash and Fairy Godmother’s Frog Drop, and $150 in resort credit. Pricing starts at $1,030 for a Manor Room. For more information, call 877-7732447 or visit www.barnsleyresort.com. ——————————————

Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, Mont. Touted as “The Biggest Skiing in America,” Big Sky and neighboring PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY RESORT Moonlight Basin offer skiers and boarders a total of 5,532 skiable acres with 220 named runs (plus ﬁve new gladed runs!) covering 110 miles on three separate mountains, making for some of the most diverse skiing available at a single resort. Comfortable lodging at a variety of condos and cabins in the mountain village provides easy access to the lifts, and you certainly won’t go hungry with 17 different restaurants within walking distance (favorites include Southwest BIG SKY RESORT

cuisine at Whiskey Jack’s and new Western fare at Peaks Restaurant). The après ski scene offers a perfect ending to a day on the slopes, with live entertainment in several of the lounges, and there are plenty of additional activities for outdoor fun, like zip lines, day trips to Yellowstone National Park, and the recently remodeled Solace Spa. And at the center of it all is the heartbeat of the Wild West, a common thread running through the mountain village. For more information visit www.bigskyresort.com. ———————————————

Falling Waters Mountain Lodge, Ellijay, Ga. Falling Waters Mountain Lodge at Lake Kennemur and its pristine 350-acre mountain estate offers an unforgettable mountain experience. Take a hike on the nature trail, go fly-fishing on the lake, go kayaking, biking or just let the lodge’s nature therapies rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning and hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine each evening. Private meals may be prepared upon request by the innkeeper. Falling Waters is currently offering memberships in the Lodge, which give a discounted rate for four nights of your choice throughout the year, 10 percent discount for all events, hiking on local trails and catch-and-release fly fishing in a private lake. For more information, call 706889-5658 or visit www.fallingwaters mountainlodge.com. UPCOMING EVENTS: Holiday Tour & Wine Tasting Dec. 10, 1 – 5 p.m. Enjoy great wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music as Falling Waters partners with Cartecay Vineyards while the lodge is decked out for the holidays. Sweethearts Night Feb. 11 Join Cartecay Vineyards and Falling Waters once again for this black-tie event.

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Hendersonville, N.C. Located 22 miles south of Asheville, N.C., in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Historic Hendersonville and Flat Rock area makes an unforgettable vacation destination for the entire family. This month, come “Home for the Holidays” to Historic Hendersonville to discover an old-fashioned holiday with smalltown charm, sprinkled with excitement and nostalgic atmosphere. The area abounds with holiday activities such as the Flat Rock Playhouse proOCEAN LODGE ductions, holiday concerts and more. PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN LODGE The area also offers several choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms that are sure to become a favorite tradition with the family. For more information, call 800-828-4244. For seasonal events and holiday dining guide and lodging information, visit www.historichendersonville.org. UPCOMING EVENTS: Flat Rock Playhouse Presents “Home for the Holidays” Dec. 5 – 22 A fun-ﬁlled and high-spirited send-up of the yuletide season. 828-693-0731 or 866-732-8008, www.ﬂatrockplayhouse.org Winter Solstice Hike Dec. 22 Welcome the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere at DuPont State Forest during the longest night on a 1/4-mile moderate trail to Hooker Falls. 828-692-0385, www.eco-wnc.org

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

MOUNTAIN TOP CABIN RENTALS PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN TOP CABIN RENTALS

———————————————————————

Mountain Top Cabin Rentals, Blue Ridge, Ga. Dreams of a winter wonderland could become reality just a short drive from Atlanta in the mountains, where snow and frost often drape the trees in sparkling white. Mountain Top Cabin Rentals decorate their cabins for Christmas and offer a memorable elf tuck-in service throughout the month of December. Two dashing elves with rosy cheeks

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

will make a surprise visit to the cabin of your choice and bring each child a stocking full of old-fashioned toys and candy. During the day, guests can stroll through the shops in the charming town of Blue Ridge or go for a hike on the mountains. At night, cozy up in front of a warm, crackling fi re and roast marshmallows or enjoy a mug of hot cocoa. Cabins feature luxury bedding, pool tables and other game tables, high-end appliances, massive stone fi replaces, large wrap-around porches with rocking chairs and panoramic views, soft leather sofas, large flat-panel televisions and more. Visit www.mountaintopcabinrentals.com for details. ———————————————————————

Ocean Lodge, St. Simons Island, Ga. Snow banks in your area of the map? Sandcastles are what you’ll see here. Along the warm sands of the southern Georgia coastline is Ocean Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel and rooftop restaurant. Redeﬁ ne leisure travel in one of the spacious ocean view guest suites or over a glass of wine in the Rooftop restaurant. Escape this harsh winter to sunshine and sea breezes on St. Simons Island, Ga. As a special recognition for Georgia friends and family, reserve your winter getaway and receive 15 percent off of stay dates prior to March 15, 2012. Use booking code GFFPN when booking online. For more information, call 912-291-4300 or visit www.oceanlodgessi.com. ———————————————————————

A Retreat for

Mind, Body Soul

hether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a place to relax and unwind, Falling Waters Mountain Lodge is the answer. This awe inspiring lodge with ﬁrst class accomodations has some of the most stunning mountain views in north Georgia.

A bountiful breakfast is served daily with off site adventures nearby. Enjoy hiking on our beautiful nature trails with an untold number of waterfalls to visit, fly fishing, mountain biking or just let our nature www.fallingwatersmountainlodge.com therapies rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. 706.889.5658 E L L I J AY, G A

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ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Hilton Head, S.C. Do you want to relax and get away from the hustle of city life this holiday? What better way to do so then to escape to the beaches of Hilton Head Island. No more dashing about. Instead, slow down, unwind, and dig your toes in the sand. Hilton Head Island is just a short ﬁve-hour drive from northern Atlanta. Cross the bridges to the Island and roll down the windows. Smell the salty sea air. Upon arrival, head straight for your ResortQuest island vacation home. Pull into the driveway, jump out of the car and head straight for the beach. Sound like a dream? Well, this “too good to be true” holiday celebration could be yours when you book a holiday or winter escape to Hilton Head Island with ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals. Oh, and did we mention the golf, the dining, the shopping and the festivities? It’s all here, too. Book your holiday/winter escape* now and save 15 percent on a three-night or more stay, plus receive a $50 gift certiﬁcate towards a family meal. For details, call 1-888-6351715 or visit www.resortquesthiltonhead.com. *Certain restrictions may apply. Valid on stays now through 1/31/12. Not valid with any other offer. ❅

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B R E A K FA S T W IT H S A N TA Whet your appetite for a family-style breakfast at ONE. midtown kitchen. Don’t forget to bring your cameras for pictures with Santa! Reservations are required. ONE. midtown kitchen, Atlanta, 404- 892- 4111,

7 ] www.onemidtownkitchen.com N A J S UGH S rs L AU l e t te [ T H RN NOI G H T S , H O L I D A YngL IdGisHplaTys S. C iting r R w M ] s dazzli GARDE [ 1 7 W I T H i n c l u d e c i a l p o s tfeatures w illion gural sho nearly 1 m This inau rdens and a g t nt. n ie la c p nergy-effi amid the , hich are e w f o -5 st 6 o 7 8 59 lights, m n, 404 -8 e rd a G l otanica n.org Atlanta B icalgarde ntabotan a w w w.atl

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Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

BRECKENRIDGE

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL SCOFIELD

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A Family of Four Makes Tracks in a Ski Town during the Off-Season [ WR I TTE N BY HE ATHE R K W B R OW N ]

Snowcapped mountains graced

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ONE SKI HILL PLACE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

the panoramic backdrop as if, like moss dripping from our majestic southern oak trees, it was supposed to be there. I suddenly found myself gazing into the distance, envisioning a newly plowed Main Street where storefronts were bedecked with snowdrifts, and where restaurants played host to tourists and locals alike as they thawed ﬁreside after a long day on the slopes. No sooner had I pictured myself bundled in a thick wooly sweater and Gortex gloves with snowboard in hand, than my husband or my son — neither one has fessed up — turned the poolside water cannon in my direction and ruthlessly launched an attack. In hindsight, getting soaked was not nearly as much of a surprise as the mountains hovering on the horizon

in the postcard-perfect town of Breckenridge, Colo. The glistening snow belied the purpose of our trip, but due to an extra 200 inches of snowfall last year, they were still sporting their winter look — a welcome bonus that found me temporarily distracted. Despite my wandering imagination and the scenery peeking through the expansive windows of our resort, I was appropriately suited for retaliation at the pool. In fact, we’d ventured across the country to bask in the warm, summer sun and to explore this world-renowned ski town in sandals rather than snow boots. The Off-Season Scene My time spent on skis and a snowboard is limited and almost all of it is relegated to mountains in California, ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER KW BROWN

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL SCOFIELD

BRECKENRIDGE, COLO.

Clockwise from top left: Children channeling their inner artist at a workshop in the Art District; 3-year-old prospector, Avery Brown, takes a turn at gold panning; One Ski Hill Place decorated with snow for ski season; Riders ﬂying around a turn on the Gold Runner Coast Opposite page: Mine Shaft, the resort’s private bowling alley; A room with a view from One Ski Hill Place

where I have vivid memories tied to the inherent adrenaline rush of speeding down one run after the next. Much like those experiences, however, the memory is brief as more often than not, I found myself involuntarily covered in snow and somewhat parked with one ski beside me and the other on the opposite side of the slope. Needless to say, I’ve had my fair share of adventures in the snow and have come to accept that while winter sports can be fun, cresting a double black is not in my future. Instead, my preference is exploring ski towns in the off-season. It’s a treat, really, especially in Breckenridge, a town at 9,600 feet above sea level that sees an average of 300 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine each year. With 70-degree weather, four solid days of sun and a sneak peek at the previous season, the timing of our visit couldn’t have been any better. While most of us only think of Breckenridge as the premier ski destination that it is, the town is very much a year-round attraction. Travelers with a penchant to pedal

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

in the summer can forgo snow for an easily accessed trail network leading to more than 1,000 mountain biking trails, while golfers can toss their lift tickets in lieu of tee times at Breckenridge Golf Club, the world’s only 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed municipal golf course. More outdoor opportunities await those eager to enjoy ﬂy-ﬁshing, horseback riding, rafting and historical tours. Creative minds, on the other hand, will want to settle into Breckenridge’s burgeoning art campus, where Jenn Cram, the visionary and administrator for Breck’s Arts District, is also an avid participant who teaches workshops for all ages and abilities.

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COMES IN THE SIMPLEST FORM. THIS YEAR, GIVE THE GIFT OF If you’d rather exercise your right to shop, then take a few strides down Main Street to peruse the sophisticated stylings at Valleygirl Boutique and Big City Blues. Both are hip stops where shopping for designer jeans and fashion-forward tops will keep you happily occupied for hours, not to mention well-dressed for dinner at gourmet gems around town like Relish or Twist. Thanks to talented chef and restaurateur Matt Fackler, both restaurants have put Breckenridge on the culinary map, and for very good reason. Long before a Colorado lamb burger with bleu cheese and dry cherries mixed into the patty was part of the conversation in this 150-year-old Victorian town, talk in this county tucked into the heart of the Colorado Rockies centered on riches of a different sort. Digging for Gold and Finding History We wanted in on Breckenridge’s gold-digging past and went in search of mines. As fortunate as four East

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Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Coasters could be, we found ourselves at the Country Boy Mine. Founded in 1887, it’s one of the oldest mines in the area, famous for producing large quantities of high-grade lead and zinc for use in World War I and World War II. According to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, between 1859 and 1946, approximately 1 million ounces of gold were mined in Summit County, which estimated at today’s prices would be $400 million. These days, the owners of the Country Boy Mine care less about finding new treasures as they do preserving Colorado’s mining history and sharing its significant past. Wearing hard hats and dodging the cool drip of melting ice from the mountain above, my husband and I held our two kids and reluctantly followed our knowledgeable guide more than 1,000 feet into the mine. With each designated stop, we listened as our guide explained how the miners worked in the dark. During the 45-minute tour, we got a true sense of what it was like to work as a miner a century ago. Suffice it to say, we emerged with a newfound sense of appreciation for their jobs, our jobs and the opportunity to pan for gold outside in the warm sun. We watched as our children filled their pans, shaking vigorously in hopes of gold settling to the bottom, and then attempt to swirl the pan just enough so that the water and sand dripped over the edge. Prospecting, it seemed, was their favorite activity of our entire trip. They walked up and down the stream, entertained by the idea of finding gold. Luring them from specks of potential loot only met success at the chance to pet the local burros and slide down the 55-foot chute, originally used to separate ore. After our time at the mine and a short hike along one of Breckenridge’s historical trails, we were ready to cash in on the

countless amenities available at One Ski Hill Place, our home away from home for the weekend. Base Camp Located at the base of Peak 8, One Ski Hill Place is a luxurious ski-in/ski-out resort unlike any other in Breckenridge. In addition to a slope-side skier’s plaza complete with a heated deck that seats 300, four lifts that converge in its back yard and a gondola that lands right on the deck, the resort also has a playground you have to see to believe. Officially known as Breckenridge Fun Park, this mini-amusement park features Colorado’s only alpine coaster aptly named the Gold Runner Coaster. Hop into a two-seater car and control how quickly to take the hairpin turns along 2,500 feet of elevated coaster track. For more thrills, choose between three different tracks on the park’s Superslide, ride the Colorado SuperChair or harness your skills on the Rockpile Climbing Wall. Should you prefer fun with both feet firmly planted on the ground, the park’s SuperPutt Mini Golf and Mineshaft Maze might be more your speed. Though its exterior exudes a design inspired by historic lodges and tall timbers, the interior is delightfully deficient of the typical lodge-like décor. In lieu of animals predictably mounted on the wall is a modern nod to the area’s natural elements — granite, stone and alder wood constitute much of the minimal make-up, portraying a rustically refi ned look that is both comfortable and refreshing. Once inside the premier, well-appointed Rock Resorts property, amenity-laden suites and lavish views await. Setting a new standard in this laid-back ski town when it opened in November last year, One Ski Hill Place boasts an entrance from the slopes directly to its full-service restaurant, one of three dining options onsite including a café, ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

BRECKENRIDGE, COLO.

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770-777-0427 www.oxygenfinancial.com Ted Jenkin and Kile Lewis are securities licensed through Investacorp, Inc. a registered broker/dealer member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Investacorp Advisor Services, Inc. a SEC registered investment advisory firm.

Parnes Family Dentistry Gary W. Parnes, D.D.S., B.S.A.

Call Today for an Appointment!

$99 Cleaning,and/orX-rays & Exam* 1/2 Price Dentistry on all services including ﬁllings, crowns, bridges, cosmetic dentistry, dentures and deep cleanings.*

lounge and après-ski bar dotted elsewhere throughout the resort. As the ski-in/ski-out entrance was not necessary during our visit, we were welcomed back to the resort each day by the grand lobby and its large, three-sided ﬁreplace. Just beyond this enticing enclave is the impressive living room, where a grand piano shares space with plush furniture that practically begged us to sit a spell, with newspaper and coffee for us — hot chocolate and daily comics for the kids. Here, it is easy to be lulled into submission by the gorgeous views of Peak 8 beaming through the expansive living room windows, at least until it is time to strike up another round of family fun. Perhaps the most popular spot, aside from two small movie theaters and a game room with a pool table, is Mine Shaft, the resort’s private bowling alley, located down a long hall packed with plenty of built-in family entertainment. The girls took one lane and the boys took the other. Much like our time previously spent at the resort’s aquatic center, the ensuing festivities were friendly and far more memorable than we expected. The footprints we left behind as we padded down the hall during our visit to One Ski Hill Place were sopping wet. Since then, more families have padded down that same hall, leaving their own set of footprints. But in Breckenridge, it’s all about the memories you make, not the tracks you leave, regardless of whether your tracks come from soaked sandals or coated ski boots. PN

*Expires 12/31/2011. Not valid with insurance. New patients only.

We gladly accept insurance! 3999 Austell Rd., Ste. 304 Austell, GA 30106

875 North Main St., Ste. 359 Alpharetta, GA 30004

770-948-1111

770-475-4434

www.parnesdentistry.com 56

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Breckenridge sits two hours west of Denver International Airport and 2.5 hours northwest of Colorado Springs Airport. www.gobreck.com One Ski Hill Place www.oneskihillplace.com

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2012 RESOLUTION Points North asks area physicians and dentists for their New Year’s resolutions to help our readers live healthier in 2012. To ﬁnd out even more about the health specialists proﬁled on the following pages scan the QR code located on each of the 2012 Resolution pages with your smart phone.

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

S PEC I A L A DV ERT I S I N G SECT ION

I resolve to ﬁnd relief for my sinus problems. Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic healthcare problems in the U.S, aﬄicting 37 million Americans annually. Nasal congestion and drainage, sinus pressure and headaches are common symptoms. Common causes of chronic sinusitis range from uncontrolled seasonal allergies, immune related factors or simply congenital narrowing of the nasal and sinus passageways.

2012 RESOLUTION

DR. LAWRENCE WEISS

Until recently, treatment had been limited to medical therapy or conventional sinus surgery which was often painful and required a lengthy recovery. Now patients suﬀering from chronic sinusitis may be able to ﬁnd relief and reclaim a better quality of life through a state of the art endoscopic surgical procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty.

During the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure, a small, flexible balloon catheter is inserted through the nose, into the opening of the affected sinus, and inflated to remodel the obstructed sinus passageway, effectively restoring normal sinus function. Now the technology is available to allow ENT surgeons to quickly and virtually painlessly perform Balloon Sinuplasty in the office while the patient is awake. This allows the patient to experience faster relief with no risk of anesthesia and with no down time.

Points North asks Dr. Lawrence S. Weiss, Board Certiﬁed Otolaryngologist (ENT), for his New Year’s resolution to help our readers live better in 2012.

Balloon Sinuplasty, with signiﬁcantly lower risks and costs than traditional treatment, can be just as eﬀective as conventional sinus surgery at relieving the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

WEISS ENT, a member of ENT of Georgia with 2 ofﬁces to serve you: Call 770.971.1533 for an apointment | 3901 Roswell Road, Suite 225 in Marietta/East Cobb | 100 Stoneforest Drive, Suite, 230A in Woodstock | www.DrWeissENT.com

Want Sinus Relief? ■

Sinus Pressure ■ Headaches

■ ■

Post Nasal Drainage Nasal Congestion

We have a simple solution. – There is now a breakthrough technology to relieve your sinus discomfort called BALLOON SINUPLASTY. Dr. Lawrence S. Weiss specializes in this minimally invasive inofﬁce procedure that resolves chronic sinusitis and facial pain. – Migraine Headaches? We now offer procedures to treat and potentially cure! – Hearing Loss? Schedule your appointment with our renowned audiologist, Dr. Jiovanne Hughart – Can’t breathe through your nose? Featuring in-ofﬁce treatment for nasal obstruction

Weiss ENT

MEMBER OF ENT OF GEORGIA

EAST COBB LOCATION

WOODSTOCK LOCATION

3901 Roswell Road, Suite 225 Marietta, GA 30062

100 Stoneforest Drive, Suite 230 A Woodstock, GA 30189

770-971-1533

www.drweissent.com ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

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2012 RESOLUTION Points North asks Dr. Brian Hudes at Advanced Gastroenterology Associates for his New Year’s resolutions to help our readers live healthier in 2012.

I Resolve to get a Colonoscopy this year. Regular exercise. Healthy diet. Work–life balance. A colon cancer screening. Never at the top of the list, but it should be. Here’s what you need to know about colon cancer screenings: Colon cancer is a very preventable form of cancer and often curable when detected early, yet is the number two cause of death in the U.S. The American College of Gastroenterology and The American Cancer Society recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at the age of 50. However, if there is a history or risk factors in your family, it is recommended that you get the screening at least 10 years prior to the age when the family member was diagnosed. African Americans are recommended to begin screenings at age 40 due to identified increased risk. A colonoscopy is a quick, out - patient procedure that takes about an hour and will remove any potentially precancerous polyps that are identified. Performed at a licensed and certified private outpatient endoscopy center, a colonoscopy is very cost effective at reducing the incidence of and increasing the survival from colon cancer. If you are over 50, do yourself and your family a favor and schedule a colon cancer screening.

What should I keep in mind as I start my New Year’s Weight Loss plan? BRIAN HUDES, M.D.

ADVANCED GASTROENTEROLOGY ASSOCIATES 4275 Johns Creek Pkwy, Ste A, Suwanee 393 Pirkle Ferry Road, Cumming

678.475.1606 www.advgastro.com

Here’s what you need to know: It could be your body ﬁghting your weight loss attempts. Many patients complain that although they frequently diet and exercise, they can’t lose weight. This common occurrence quite frequently indicates that your body has built up a resistance to insulin. Contrary to popular belief, insulin doesn’t just regulate blood sugar. It also regulates the metabolism of fat in the liver to being used as energy by the body. Increased levels of insulin prevent the breakdown of fat in the liver and leads to accumulating in the liver. Once insulin resistance develops, it’s diﬃcult to break the cycle with just diet and exercise. Metformin, an inexpensive generic medication, reduces insulin resistance, making weight loss possible when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Inability to lose weight may also be attributed to metabolic issues pertaining to thyroid function, testosterone, in men, and Vitamin D levels, all of which can be tested during a comprehensive metabolic evaluation. Medications alone won’t allow weight loss without the addition of a balanced calorierestricted diet and steady exercise routine. It’s your life. Live it well this New Year. Happy 2012!

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

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2012 RESOLUTION Points North asks the dentists at Atlanta Dental Spa, located in both Buckhead and Roswell, for their New Year’s resolution to help our readers live healthier in 2012.

I’m tired of just hearing “floss more.” I resolve to find a dentist who can treat my mouth and improve my overall health. Good news for folks who can’t floss! And, while we don’t want you to stop flossing, there are much bigger resolutions you should make for your mouth and overall health. Research proves it — we can look into your mouth and predict your overall health. A recent article in Science shows pancreatic cancer patients have a unique oral bacterial make-up. And there is a pile of scientific evidence proving unhealthy gums will lead to cardiovascular disease. This year, getting your mouth healthy may be the most important thing you do to ensure a long and healthy life. And it’s now easier than ever to do. Atlanta Dental Spa has evolved beyond the dark ages of scary dental visits. We have spa-like environments with noise-canceling headphones, TVs, quiet drills, shots you can’t feel, and even a tiny sedation pill for people who have anxiety about dental treatment. Furthermore, leading-edge technology allows for gentle, conservative treatment — like trays you can wear to treat periodontal (gum) disease (instead of deep scraping/scaling or surgery), a mouth rinse that reverses cavities (instead of drilling/fillings), a saliva test for HPV, and a unique scanner that measures antioxidant levels in your body. Treatment has vastly improved. Visits are now pampering and enjoyable. It’s time to get your mouth healthy. It may actually save your life.

I resolve to improve my year by improving my smile. DR. PETER BOULDEN & DR. SUSAN ESTEP

ATLANTA DENTAL SPA Buckhead: 3189 Maple Drive Atlanta, GA 30305 Roswell: 1875 Old Alabama Road Building 100 Roswell, GA 30076

770.998.3838 www.AtlantaDentalSpa.com

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Improving your smile may be the most powerful investment you can make in your appearance to positively impact the personal, social and professional aspects of your life. Every day our team of dentists has the privilege of improving our patients’ lives through their smiles. We understand how frustrating, even depressing it can be to not like showing your smile. Once you improve your smile, the improvements spread to other areas of your life. You smile more and appear more friendly, more confident, and more able to get the job done. No wonder our patients return to us with stories of wedding engagements, job promotions, and happier times. Their only regret is not doing it sooner. You might be looking at the economy thinking now is a bad time to invest in your health and beauty. However, if you think about it, there is no better time than now to make these self-improvements — it may mean the difference in a job offer or a successful sale. And when you make the choice to improve your smile, make sure you choose a highly-skilled, highly-trained dentist who has lots of experience improving smiles. Your choice to improve your smile may be the one best thing you can do to ensure a successful, happy new year.

HEALTH

BEAUTY

ATLANTA DENTAL SPA

Actual Patient

Avoid Gum Surgery: AVOID the painful, bloody SCRAPING involved in deep cleaning, and possibly AVOID SURGERY by wearing an appliance that delivers oxygen to the deep gum pockets, killing the bad bacteria that cause gum disease.

Reverse Cavities Using Rinses: GROW BACK ENAMEL using patented rinses, gels and gum instead of having small cavities drilled and ﬁlled.

Genetic Testing for Gum Disease and HPV: SIMPLE SALIVA TESTS can show your genetic risk for gum disease and also your oral cancer risk which increases with exposure to HPV.

“S “Since having avin the procedure, my confifidence dence is restored and my ssmile e is big bigger and prouder than ever. As a leader in the tha health and fitness industry I realize the importance of looking and feeling good about yourself. As my career in modeling and acting continues, I have you to thank. The compliments keep coming and I continue to recommend your o ou services to friends, family, and ds, fam clients. Thank you ADS!” ou AD Dolvett Quince BodySculptor Inc.

MAKING OUR PATIENTS TEN YEARS YOUNGER ON THE INSIDE AND OUT...

No-Prep/No-Numbing Veneers: Receive the GORGEOUS SMILE YOU DESERVE. No tooth reduction is necessary and you don’t even have to get numb during the process.

When it comes to your dental needs ATLANTA DENTAL SPA considers both the health of your mouth and the beauty of your smile. We help our patients improve surgery outcomes, take control of diabetes, reduce medications, and have healthier pregnancies. Plus we are passionate about transforming your smile into one that you won’t want to hide. Call us today to schedule your comprehensive exam.

ATLANTA DENTAL SPA Roswell & Buckhead

www.AtlantaDentalSpa.com | 770.998.3838

S P E CI AL ADVERT I S I NG SECTION

2012

Consider Bio-Identical Hormones for relieving menopause symptoms.

RESOLUTION

When you begin menopause your body immediately begins to reduce production of Estrogen, Progesterone, and other hormones. As you age the production continues to decrease. Dr. Byrd has had great success in relieving menopause symptoms by treating her patients with Bio-Identical Hormones. She has found that women feel their best when their treatment is customized to their individual needs.

Points North asks the Dr. Marcia Byrd at Byrd Aesthetic and AntiAging Center for her New Year’s resolutions to help our readers live healthier in 2012.

Bio-identical hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones that are made by the human body. The difference between natural or bio-identical versus synthetic is in the molecular structure of the hormone. In order for a replacement hormone to fully replicate the function of hormones that were originally produced and present in the human body, the chemical structure must exactly match the original. Structural differences that exist between human (bio-identical) and synthetic (non bioidentical) hormones may be responsible for side effects that are experienced when non-bio-identical (synthetic) hormones are used for replacement therapy. Byrd Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center only offes natural bio-identical hormones. The goals of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy include: alleviation of the symptoms caused by the natural decrease of hormones by the body, re-establishing the protective benefits which were originally produced by naturally occurring hormones, decreasing the diseases of aging such as cardiovascular disease, dementia and osteoporosis, and improving the quality of life long-term.

Lose excess weight around my middle.

MARCIA BYRD, M.D.

BYRD AESTHETIC & ANTI-AGING CENTER 11050 Crabapple Road Roswell, GA 30075

770.587.1711 www.ByrdAesthic.com

For more information on BioIdentical Hormone Therapy and Body Sculpting techniques scan QR code with your Smart phone

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

“Muffin Top”, “Saddle Bags”, “Pot Belly”, and “Love Handles”: Funny names for a not so funny situation! There are a variety of reasons why people gain fat around the middle as they age. As you get older your metabolism slows down. You’re likely to burn fewer calories, resulting in weight gain which often shifts to the mid-section. Menopause in women causes changes in sex hormones and ads to the problem. Genetics can also play a role in abdominal gain. If your mother or grandmother had the problem, you’re likely to have it too. If diet and exercise are not giving you the results you desire, Byrd Aesthetic & AntiAging Center has several options to reduce these stubborn areas. Cool Sculpting “Freeze Your Fat” – by Zeltiq: Get rid of love handles, a post-pregnancy pooch, or a muffin top comfortably, conveniently, and naturally. This procedure is a non-invasive, safe, and clinically proven method for the selective reduction of body fat that gently cools unwanted fat cells to induce a natural, controlled elimination of fat cells damaged by selective exposure to cold. Tumescent Liposuction, Aqualipo, Smart Lipo, LipoSelection by Vaser: Dr. Byrd uses a variety of liposuction methods often in combination to achieve the results her patient’s desire. Dr. Byrd says, “Each body is different and requires a customized individual approach. Liposuction is one of the most satisfying procedures for my patients. Not only are they slimmer and shapelier but it often helps to increase self-esteem and confidence.”

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

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2012 RESOLUTION Points North asks Dr. Gurley at North Atlanta Aesthetic Dentistry, located in Alpharetta, for his New Year’s resolutions to help our readers live healthier in 2012.

Take care of my snoring problem, and resolve to get a good night’s sleep every night in 2012. Most of us don’t think of snoring as something to be overly concerned about, but the truth of the matter is that frequent, loud snoring may be a sign of a serious sleep disorder called Sleep Apnea. It occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep depriving the brain and body of the oxygen it needs to survive. Untreated Sleep Apnea can be dangerous to your health. Treatment of severe sleep apnea typically requires use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device that uses a mask and air pressure to force your airways open and let you breath normally throughout the night. But now some Sleep Apnea patients do have a choice. For patients who cannot tolerate the CPAP device or those who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Sleep Apnea, new dental devices are now available and effective in the treatment of Sleep Apnea. Dr. Gurley now offers these dental devices. When patients are properly tested and fitted by a trained dental professional, these dental devices can minimize snoring in sleep apnea patients allowing them to get a better, safer nights rest — which in and of itself is of great benefit to your health. Make the commitment today. If your snoring is a concern, get tested, get properly diagnosed and see if a dental device will work for you.

Resolve to bring in this New Year with a beautiful and healthy new smile. If you are one of those self-conscious individuals who feel destined to a lifetime full of closed-lip smiles designed to hide yellowing, stained or crooked teeth, then we have some great news. You don’t have to grin and bear it any more. Today’s cosmetic dentistry oﬀers a wide array of dental procedures developed speciﬁcally to enhance your smile.

4165 Old Milton Pkwy Suite 140 Alpharetta, GA 30005

From simple one-hour whitening treatments to full blown cosmetic veneers, the options abound. For stained or yellowing teeth, try our ZOOM! One-hour Teeth Whitening treatments. For decaying teeth with old amalgam ﬁllings, try replacing them with healthier, more natural tooth-colored ones. If crooked teeth are the reason you don’t put your best smile forward, then try our Invisalign braces that appear virtually invisible while straightening your teeth. If your teeth are too short, too long, have chips, gaps or cracks then your basic crown or implant may do the trick. And for patients who want the complete overhaul…cosmetic veneers are the only way to go.

770-664-1244

The bottom line, no matter what you don’t like about your smile, Dr. Gurley has the solution to help you get the smile you have always wanted.

DR. SHAWN GURLEY

NORTH ATLANTA AESTHETIC DENTISTRY

www.NorthAtlantaSmiles.com

And as one of Atlanta’s premier cosmetic dentists serving North Atlanta for over 20 years, Dr. Gurley has the experience, technology and proven track record to be your trusted dental partner and smile specialist. At North Atlanta Aesthetic Dentistry we believe that life gives you the reasons to smile — we give you the conﬁdence to smile!

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

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2012 RESOLUTION Points North asked Dr. Pradeep Sinha of Atlanta Institute for Facial Aesthetic Surgery for his New Year’s resolution to help our readers live healthier in 2012.

I resolve to get rid of those aging lines and wrinkles for the holidays. As the Holidays approach, there is a big demand for procedures that can provide a visible impact to our looks without excessive downtime or cost. One of the most exciting new procedures is Ulthera, which uses ultrasound energy to tighten and lift the face and neck without any incisions. In addition, collagen is stimulated over the next several months completing the result. This represents a quantum leap forward from older non-invasive therapies. There are new injectables that will help relax wrinkles and erase fine lines. In addition to Botox Cosmetic and Dysport, a new product called Xeomin has been recently FDA approved for use in the US. As well, Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane are now joined by a new fi ller called Belotero Balance which received FDA approval this month. Sculptra Aesthetic is a popular volumizer of the face that can help reverse the deflation that occurs with aging. Dr. Sinha is proficient with all of these and other similar products and can help guide you in which option is best suited for your needs and budget.

I resolve to invest in myself and look as young as I feel. PRADEEP K. SINHA, MD, PhD, FACS

ATLANTA INSTITUE FOR FACIAL AESTHETIC SURGERY 980 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Suite 110 Atlanta, Georgia

404.256.5428 www.FacialAestheticSurgery.com

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

The holidays are a popular time to get surgery done because of vacations. Most of the surgical procedures for the face and neck have recovery times that are on the order of 7-10 days so they can be done without taking much time off of work or school. As it is difficult to be an expert in everything, Dr. Sinha chooses to focus exclusively on the plastic surgery of the face and neck. He has performed hundreds of these technically difficult procedures every year for the past 20 years so patients can be sure of getting the best experience and expertise to get a natural result. In addition to be Double Board Certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he is sought after by industry and peers to train doctors in the latest facial procedures. Over the years, he has appeared in every “Best Doctors List” from local magazines and newspapers to national rankings such as US News & World Report, New York Times and America’s Top Doctors. Fractional CO2 laser, which Dr. Sinha helped to develop over 7 years ago, has now because one the most popular procedures eliminating brown spots, fine wrinkles and greatly improving texture for the face, neck and chest. Unlike other fractional lasers, CO2 allows for results with a single treatment and recovery in just 3-5 days. The fall and winter seasons are especially popular to wipe out sun damage from the previous summer and get ready for the Spring. Calling for a consultation with Dr. Sinha is the first step in restoring, refi ning and rejuvenating your appearance.

Actual Patient

Just ask April pictured here. She is one of the thousands of satisfied patients at the Atlanta Institute for Facial Aesthetic Surgery, the premier place in Atlanta to restore, refine, and rejuvenate the face and neck. Nationally recognized as a Center of Excellence for aesthetic laser therapy and advanced training center for aesthetic injectables, physicians from all of the world come to learn from renowned Double Board Certified facial plastic surgeon, Pradeep K Sinha MD PhD FACS. We offer a wide variety of non-invasive aesthetic procedures as well as the most advanced surgical procedures such as Customized Facial Lifts, Rhinoplasty and Fractional Laser Resurfacing. Our office will provide you with the latest, most advanced techniques to allow you to create a customized approach to meet your goals as well as your monetary and time considerations. Dr. Sinha has recently been featured in The New York Times as one of the Top Doctors in America. He has appeared in local and national print and broadcast media including CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS. He has been selected as one of the team physicians for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and NHL Atlanta Thrashers. Whether it is surgical, non-surgical, injectables, or treatment with the most advanced lasers in our Aesthetic Solutions Center, you will be amazed at the sophistication of our facilities as you are with the warmth of our staff. So if you are ready to make the possible a reality, call our team of caring professionals to help you let your inner beauty shine through.

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

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2012 RESOLUTION Points North asks Dr. Assia Stepanian, winner of the 2011 Patient’s Choice Award, for New Year’s resolutions to help our readers live healthier in 2012.

I resolve to find a doctor who respects me as a woman. The respect and love of her patients has helped Dr. Assia Stepanian to win the 2011 Patient’s Choice Award. Her new practice, Academia of Women’s Health & Endoscopic Surgery, is devoted to helping women of all ages live full, happy, and productive lives. “My dedication to my patients,” explains Dr. Stepanian, “extends well beyond my office. Life is a continuous Academia. I learn from my patients as much as they learn from me. I am convinced that the only way to ensure the best possible treatment is to be deeply involved in research and educational opportunities not just here in Atlanta, but around the world.” “The focus is always on learning about the total woman. I spend a great deal of time talking with each patient, and I find that I am both teacher and student. It can be an emotional experience, a deeply fulfilling experience for us both.”

DR. ASSIA STEPANIAN

I resolve to ﬁnd a gynecologist who is devoted to helping me live a full, happy and productive life.

ACADEMIA OF WOMEN’S HEALTH & ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY

Her patients range from teenagers to women who have trouble during their reproductive years to women confronting menopause and those well beyond menopause.

Mount Vernon Medical Center: 755 Mount Vernon Highway, Suite 240, Atlanta The Cowles Clinic: 1000 Cowles Clinic Way, Suite C-300, Greensboro

“You are one of the most beautiful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You have provided such a calming presence in my life. It meant so much to me for you to come and spend time with me before my surgery. Your gentle spirit helped alleviate my stress. Your willingness to help me through my healing process means the world to me and I will never forget it. You make me feel like more than just a patient. You make me feel like a friend. Love,” — C.C.

404.549.3224 www.AcademiaWomensHealth.com

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

The admiration of Dr. Stepanian’s patients can best be expressed by the patients themselves.

“I am so lucky to have Dr. Stepanian as my gynecologist and my friend. I worked with her at the clinic for two years and was amazed at how she makes each and every patient feel so at ease and comfortable around her. Patients would say things like, “I love her,” “she’s great,” or “she is so sweet.” This is the way she made me feel about her when I was her patient. This is the ﬁrst time I have had a female doctor and I feel like I can discuss anything with her. This community is so lucky to have such a kind and compassionate doctor caring for the women at Lake Oconee. — B.P.

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

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2012 RESOLUTION Points North asks Dr. Louis Prevosti of Vein Atlanta for his New Year’s resolutions to help our readers live healthier in 2012.

Get Healthy Legs Again! You exercise, eat right, keep your weight down, take nutritional supplements, but those darn legs veins won’t go away! While “heart healthy” activities are good for your heart and arteries, they will not reduce varicose veins and spider veins. Heart disease and venous disease have very different causes. Heart attacks are caused by a blockage in an artery due to a buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. Venous insufficiency (also called venous reflux) is caused by the failure of one way valves in the leg veins. Nothing you can do will make those valves work properly again. And with time, they will only get worse. Venous reflux is not only a cosmetic issue, but a real medical condition. Stagnant venous blood can lead to leg fatigue, aching, swelling, itching, burning, skin discoloration, and clotting. The good news is that practically all abnormal veins can be completely eradicated in an office setting under local anesthesia. Modern vein treatments get rid of the aching, tiredness, pain, and swelling of venous reflux, as well as eliminate the unsightly appearance of veins. All without interfering with your daily activities.

Choose the best vein doctor. So you made the resolve to get your leg vein ﬁxed. Congratulations, you have just invested in improving your health for the long term. But who will be your vein doctor? How should you choose? First, make sure you are being evaluated and treated by a doctor. Not all vein clinics are run by a doctor. At such places, your initial evaluation, and many of the procedures themselves are done by a nurse or PA, not by a physician. Why settle for this when you can have the same doctor evaluate you, treat you, and see you in follow-up? DR. LOUIS PREVOSTI

VEIN ATLANTA 1100 Johnson Ferry Road NE Center Pointe Building 2, Suite 165 Atlanta, GA 30342

404.446.2800 www.VeinAtlanta.com

Choose a doctor that can offer all the modern options. Some vein clinics offer limited options, such as only laser ablation (EVLA) or only radiofrequency closure (VNUS Closure). Many do not offer micro-phlebectomy or surface laser treatments. Why limit your options? Choose a doctor that can do it all. A doctor with experience in vascular surgery and phlebology (vein medicine) is best. Choose a local doctor that owns and operates his/her own center. Do you want to be treated by a visiting doctor that lives in another city, or by a doctor that lives in Atlanta and is part of the medical community here? Do you want to be treated at a clinic that is owned and operated by an out of state corporation or non-physician, or at a center owned and operated by a well-known local physician that is dedicated to making sure you receive personal, high quality care? Choose a doctor that specializes in veins. Some doctors spend most of their professional time treating other medical disorders, and treat veins part time. Why not choose a surgeon that dedicates 100% of his/her time to the treatment of veins? Full time specialization and focus on veins only can elevate the patient experience and final results.

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Who will be your vein doctor? R R R R R

DR. LOUIS PREVOSTI Atlanta’s Most Dedicated Vein Specialist

1100

A local doctor who owns and operates his/her own clinic A doctor who is trained in vascular surgery and phlebology (vein medicine) A doctor who is part of the Atlanta medical community A doctor who offers all the modern treatment techniques A doctor who will take care of you from beginning to the end of your treatment

“

My name is LuAnn. I am a Nurse Practitioner and I stand on my feet all day long in my job. In the last few years, I had begun to have a lot of problems with deep aching pain and swelling in my leg. I started to have to limit my activity and the pain began to interfere with my life. I had been to several doctors who could not help me because of a complicated venous condition that I have had my entire life. Then I was referred to Dr. Prevosti. The procedures that he performed for me completely eliminated the pain and swelling. I am now able to do things that I have never been able to do before! Dr. Prevosti’s compassion and expertise in the treatments that he provides are the best in his ﬁeld.

Johnson Ferry Rd. | Suite 165 | Atlanta, Georgia 30342 | 404.446.2800

www.VEINatlanta.com ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

SP E CIA L A DVERTISIN G S E C T ION

2012

Find a dentist and staff who will take the time to give my child top-notch, personalized dental care in an efﬁcient and pleasant environment.

RESOLUTION Points North asks Dr. Michael P. Healey, D.D.S., P.C., who specializes in pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care for children and young adults, for his New Year’s resolution to help our readers live healthier in 2012.

In today’s society, it is important to feel that you are choosing the very best dental care for your children, and parents who put their trust into a business deserve the very best in the quality of care in both the dentist and staﬀ. Make a New Year’s resolution to visit Dr. Michael P. Healey’s pediatric dental practice to experience the “Concierge Care”, or “Personalized Attention” that we deliver to our patients and their families. Today’s life style is very busy for parents and we appreciate your time. We are a solo practice which allows us precise scheduling of appointments and seating our patients on time. We do not see large volumes of patients on a daily basis, therefore, we are able to give quality care and the emotional nurturing our patients and families deserve.

DR. MICHAEL P. HEALEY

Make this one of your best decisions in 2012!

MICHAEL P. HEALEY, D.D.S., P.C.: 1145 Hightower Trail, GA 400 & Northridge Close to Roswell, Alpharetta & East Cobb | 770.993.9395 | www.dochealey.com

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

S PEC I A L A DV ERT I S I N G SECT ION

I resolve to take control of my weight related issues. Take control of your health related issues and make sustainable changes that have a positive impact on your life. Obesity is becoming a national epidemic and is now recognized as a disease. This disease seems to affect us all either directly or indirectly. The health implications of obesity have been proven to result in a reduction of life expectancy due to associated illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, osteoarthritis, stroke and several different types of cancer. The initial treatment of obesity includes combinations of low calorie diets, behavior modification and exercise. Unfortunately these non-surgical modalities have a very low long term success rate. The surgical treatments for obesity have evolved into safe procedures in which the benefits of surgery far outweigh their risk, and offer the best long term success rate. We offer several different procedures with great long term success in the treatment of obesity. If you are presently obese take control of your destiny and make an appointment with our office to determine which procedure is right for you.

2012 RESOLUTION Points North asks Dr. Michael Williams for his New Year’s resolution to help our readers live healthier in 2012.

BARIATRICS MD: 5755 North Point Parkway, Suite 223, Alpharetta 770.500.3660 | 1-888-HOW-TRIM | www.BariatricsMD.com

LAPAROSCOPIC

W E I G H T L O S S S U RGE RY

Michael Williams, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Michael D. Williams MD, F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S. is board certified in general surgery and has completed a minimally invasive surgery fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Williams has authored numerous articles and book chapters and is active in clinical research. He has been practicing weight loss surgery, as well as general surgery in the Atlanta Metropolitan area since 2002. He emphasizes the importance of compassion and dignity as he combines the science and art of medicine to treat morbid obesity and other general surgical illnesses.

For More Information Visit

www.Bariatricsmd.com or Call 770-500-3660 1-888-HOW-TRIM ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

[ W R IT T E N BY O LJA LA K I C ]

HEALTHBEAT

Are you looking for a creative way to sup-

Children’s patient Madison Queen of McDonough, Ga., 2010 Face of the Parade, with parents, Tina and Billy. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA

port an important cause? Celebrate with family and friends this Christmas as you support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. During the month of December, catch a ride on Macy’s Pink Pig at Lenox Square (a portion of $3 ticket sales goes straight to the hospital), and join the 31st Annual Children’s Christmas Parade in downtown Atlanta on Dec. 3. Order beautiful holiday greeting cards online, featuring original artwork from Children’s patients, or visit select Macy’s locations to buy plush holiday ducks to beneﬁt the Aﬂac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s. If you’re on the lookout for the lowest prices on products and want to donate to Children’s with just a click of a button, check out My Shopping Genie, an online application that’s free and easy to install. And remind these young patients that you’re thinking of them during the holiday season by sending messages of kindness and hope or online donations. For more information, please visit www.choa.org.

LOVE & REMEMBRANCE This holiday season,

PH O TO

COUR

make a purchase of Northside Hospital’s Christmas tree lights to honor a loved one whose life has been touched by cancer. All proceeds from your purchase will beneﬁt research, education and treatment through Northside’s Cancer Care Program, and cards will be sent to all honorees or their families. Lights will be available for purchase at all three locations throughout the season, starting with the Celebration of Lights event at the Forsyth campus on Dec. 3. Bundle up your loved ones and join Northside Hospital for the annual lighting of giant Christmas trees. This wonderful holiday tradition will feature live entertainment and various activities for the kids. For more information, Y G R A PH PH O TO ER EY please visit www.northside.com. TO M M SY O F

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Come one, come all! Join the Parish-Faith Community Nurses of Gwinnett Medical Center’s Lawrenceville location on Dec. 8 for the Lights of Love & Remembrance Service. Sing along as the First Baptist Church of Lawrenceville handbell choir performs holiday favorites, and observe a meaningful moment of silence as luminaries are lit in honor of loved ones. Honor that special someone by making a $20 donation, which will directly beneﬁt the Parish-Faith Community Nurses. Gather up friends and family for this oneday event, held at the Gwinnett Medical Center, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer while supporting a moving cause. For more information, please visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org or call 678-312-2423.

CALENDAR

[ C OMP IL ED BY O L JA L A KI C ]

DECEMBER & JANUARY

Calendar submissions should be sent to calendar@ptsnorth.com two full months prior to the month in which the event will occur. Please note that dates and times might change.

TH E N UTC R AC K E R

[D E C 9 – 10 ]

[Dec. 3 – 18] With more than 140 new costumes and new backdrops, props and sets, “The Nutcracker” celebrates its 30th year at the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center, Duluth, 404-249-6400, www.gwinnettballet.org

Babes In Toyland

C AVA LI A [Dec. 7 – Jan. 8] This cirque-like performance that pays tribute to horses and their special bond with humans returns with “Odysseo,” a new show featuring 69 horses, 55 artists and visual effects. Midtown Atlanta at 8th and Spring streets, 866-999-8111, www.cavalia.net

BA B E S I N TOY L A N D [Dec. 9 – 10] This winter, the Atlanta Dance Theatre performs the magical story of Tom, Mary and their Storybook friends’ journey through Toyland to the Toymaker’s shop. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 404-438-3028, www.atlantadancetheatre.org

M A D E LI N E ’ S C H R I S TM A S

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTA DANCE THEATRE

[Dec. 10 – Jan. 1] Adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans’ delightful book, this holiday musical will enchant spectators young and old. Horizon Theatre, Atlanta, 404-5847450, www.horizontheatre.com

IT ’ S A WO N D E R F U L LI F E [Dec. 15 – 17] Follow the favorite holiday story of George Bailey as the Elm Street Players bring Frank Capra’s ﬁlm to life on stage. City Center, Woodstock, 678-4944251, www.elmstreetarts.org

PERFORMING ARTS A C H R I S TM A S C A R O L

R U D O LP H TH E RED -NOSED REINDEER

TH E S A NTA L A N D DIARIES

[Through Dec. 24] The most heartwarming story of the season is back for its 22nd year at the Alliance Theatre. Join Ebenezer Scrooge in the search for the true meaning of Christmas. Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, 404-733-4600, www.alliancetheatre.org

[Through Dec. 31] Adapted and created by the Artistic Director Jon Ludwig, this timeless tale will charm audiences as Rudolph soars back into town with all of his beloved friends. Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org

[Through Jan. 1] Are you in the mood for some holiday sneer? Come watch this hilarious truelife tale about an out-of-work writer who takes a job as a Macy’s Department Store Elf. Horizon Theatre, Atlanta, 404-584-7450, www.horizontheatre.com

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

H O LI DAY VA R I E T Y S H OW [Dec. 16 – 17] RISPA School of Performing Arts presents a Broadway-style show with scenes from “In the Heights” and “Catch Me if You Can.” Milton Center Theatre, 678-620-3500, www.rispa.net

W I NTE R P O L A R E X P R E S S [Dec. 16 – 17] Come delight in an enchanting story

GRAND OPENING of a young girl’s journey to the North Pole. In the midst of it all, she dances with Santa, meets the Elves, and experiences the magic of believing. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 770-578-8272, www.bapa.us

Turn Your Old Things Into New Cash Store Wide Holiday Sale: 20–50% off

roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Fox Theatre, 404-881-2100, www.ticketmaster.com

ART/EXHIBITS

W I NTE R WO N D E R L A N D

TH E C H I LD R E N ’ S N UTC R AC K E R [Dec. 17 – 18] Bring the kids along for a magical Christmas experience as the Academy of Ballet brings this classic holiday story to life. St. Pius X High School, Atlanta, 770-242-6379, www.academy-ballet.com

TH E L A D I E S M A N [Jan. 18 – Feb. 26] What do you get when you combine an amorous man with an innocent lie? A suspicious wife, a grumpy motherin-law, an assertive female patient, a jealous husband and an eager audience. Theatre in the Square, Marietta, 770-422-8369, www.theaterinthesquare.com

A B O DY O F WATE R [Jan. 19 – Feb. 12] Enjoy the mysterious tale as a middleaged couple awakens in a cottage surrounded by water with no recollection of how they arrived. Aurora Theatre, Lawrenceville, 678226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com

MEMPHIS [Jan. 31 – Feb. 5] This 2010 Tony Award-winner for best musical promises a performance ﬁlled with laughter, soaring emotion and

[Through Jan. 8] Celebrate holidays, traditions and cultures from around the world at this second annual exhibition. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta, 404-929-6300, www.fernbankmuseum.org

Brand New Mattresses

S A K S G A LLE RY [Dec. 1 – Jan. 31] Whether you want to make a purchase for yourself or for someone else, this Spotlight on Art Preview Market offers numerous options. Phipps Plaza, 404-231-8100, www.spotlightonart.com

*Donations are tax deductible

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 5725 State Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30022

H O LI DAY O P E N H O U S E [Dec. 13 – 17] Choose from many unique and handmade items for everyone on your Christmas list, plus free gift wrapping at the Hudgens Gift Shop. The Hudgens Center for the Arts, Duluth, 770-623-6002, www.thehudgens.org

770.864.1039

D E L S A R TE M LK , J R . MEMORIAL MURAL [Jan. 13 – Feb. 29] Celebrate the life achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in mural form! Browse through displays of larger-than-life art pieces during this free event. The Defoor Centre, Atlanta, 404591-3900, www.defoorcentre.com

[ THROUGH JA N 8]

PHOTO COURTESY OF FERNBANK

Winter Wonderland at Fernbank

ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

CALENDAR

CONCERTS/COMEDY A S O K I D ’ S C H R I S TM A S

[Dec. 4, 11] Featuring Chris van Allsburg’s “Polar Express,” this annual event with Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra Music Director Jere Flint will have the whole family singing along to holiday favorites. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 404-733-4900, www.atlantasymphony.org

C H R I S TM A S W ITH TH E A S O [Dec. 8 – 10] The ASO pays homage to late music director Robert Shaw with this transcendent performance told in four inspiring parts with more than 400 singers and musicians. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 404-733-4900, www.atlantasymphony.org

TH E C H E R O K E E C H O R A LE [Dec. 11] Conducted by Jenny Rawson, this holiday concert features “Ceremony of Carols” along with traditional carols and lighter pieces. Canton First United Methodist Church, 678-439-8625, www.cherokeechorale.org

S A NTA’ S FAVO R ITE CHAMBER MUSIC [Dec. 12] As part of the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta Family Series, this performance features Vega String Quartet with Santa on hand to introduce some of his favorite Franz Liszt pieces and pass out early Christmas treats. Michael C. Carlos Museum, 404-7275050, www.arts.emory.edu

A V E RY M E R RY H O LI DAY P O P S [Dec. 16 – 17] Tony-nominated Montego Glover, pianist and singer Tony DeSare and two school choruses combine their talents to produce this one-of-a-kind festive holiday show. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 404-7334900, www.atlantasymphony.org

C E LTI C WO M A N [Dec. 20] The unique, all-female ensemble that sold out shows around the world and sold more than six million CDs brings 80

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

its acclaimed “A Christmas Celebration — The Symphony Tour” to Atlanta. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 404-733-4900, www.atlantasymphony.org

ASO NEW YEAR’S EVE [Dec. 31] End the year on joyous and triumphant notes! Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski and the Orchestra will delight you with the timeless music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and more. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 404-733-4900, www.atlantasymphony.org

CHARITY EVENTS A E R I A L’ S H O U S E TOY C O LLE C TI O N

[Through Dec. 31] Drop off new, unwrapped toys for Aerial’s House at any Forsyth County ﬁre station, the Fire Department headquarters or the Forsyth County Administrative building. Forsyth County, 770-781-2180

WO R LD O F P O S S I B I LITI E S G A L A [Dec. 4] Help foster children soar to new heights at this event beneﬁting the Orange Duffel Bag Foundation, which provides advocacy and life plan coaching for youth ages 12 – 24 that are in foster care, aging out of the system, or homeless. The Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum, www.worldofpossibilitiesforyouth infostercare.eventbrite.com

H O LI DAY P O P - U P S H O P [Dec. 6] This Toys for Tots beneﬁt features vendors such as Lisa Jill Jewelry, ReMixx Boutique and Bootlegz. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for a chance to win prizes. Room & Board, Atlanta, www.roomandboard.com

TOYS F O R F O S TE R C A R E S U P P O R T F O U N DATI O N [Dec. 8] Ladies, bring an unwrapped toy and receive 20 percent off of your total purchase at this whimsical boutique. Toys beneﬁt the Foster Care Support Foundation. Serendipity, Roswell, 770-643-0402, www.serendipityroswell.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALT FACTORY

...creating beautiful spaces

[JAN 1 4] Roswell Restaurant Week N F C C H O LI DAY C H A R IT Y D R I V E [Dec. 10 – 11] Shop for unique, handmade items and receive a 10 percent discount when you donate food items for North Fulton County Charities. It’s a win-win situation! Gallery 35, Roswell, 678-762-1035, www.gallery35.com

H OTD O G S F O R H E LP I N G H A N D S [Dec. 17] Stop by for some hot dogs, chips and drinks and your $1.25 donation will directly impact families in the community that need a helping hand. Queen of Hearts Antiques and Interiors, Alpharetta, Buford and Marietta, 678-297-7571, www.queenofheartsantiquesinteriors.com

SPECIAL EVENTS S A NTA P H O T O S & C A R R I AG E R I D E S

[Through Dec. 22] On Thursdays in Webb Ginn and Saturdays in Forsyth, enjoy complimentary, horse-drawn carriage rides and photos with Santa at The Avenue. The Avenue Webb Ginn and The Avenue Forsyth, www.shoptheavenue.com

H O LI DAY C O O K I N G CLASSES [Dec. 3, 8, 11] Choose from topics like holiday cupcakes, cocktail parties and cake pops. Hal’s Kitchen, Sandy Springs, 404847-6991, www.halskitchen.com

C O C K TA I L S & C O C OA [Dec. 4, 18] Sip seasonally inspired cocktails (or hot chocolate for the kids) before a

special screening of “An Elf Story” in the garden. The Mansion on Peachtree, Buckhead, 404-995-7501, www.rwmansiononpeachtree.com

I N AU G U R A L C H O C O L ATE WEEK [Dec. 8 – 10] Enjoy mouth-watering chocolate sampling and listen to guest chocolate makers as they share the history and ﬂavors of their unique products. Star Provisions, Atlanta, 404-365-0410, www.starprovisions.com

N e w h ol id a y D é c

or a r r iv in g d a il y

www.outrageousinteriors.com FBTU!DPCC!;;!881.61:.3738

TVXBOFF!;;!881.942.5834

LFOOFTBX!;;!881.537.6911 BMQIBSFUUB!;;!881.865.5554

E LF O N TH E S H E LF TE A PA R T Y [Dec. 11] Children will delight in ﬁnger-sized sandwiches and miniature cupcakes (plus Prosecco for Mom and Dad) as author Chanda Bell signs her beloved “Elf on the Shelf” book. The Mansion on Peachtree, Buckhead, 404-995-7501, www.rwmansiononpeachtree.com

PROGRESSIVE I N S U R A N C E ATL A NTA B OAT S H OW [Jan. 12 – 15] View, board and shop hundreds of boats from the region’s top dealers as Georgia’s largest boating event celebrates 50 years of on-the-water fun! Georgia World Congress Center, 954-441-3220, www.atlantaboatshow.com

R O S W E LL R E S TAU R A NT WEEK [Jan. 14 – 22] This food-ﬁlled inaugural event will feature special three-course menus for $15 or $25 per person. Historic Roswell, www.roswellrestaurantweek.com ptsnorth.com | December 2011 | Points North

[ W R IT T E N BY KY L IE McK LV E E N ]

5 THINGS I MUST DO THIS MONTH

DECEMBER

1 PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN MALEY: LOCAL MARKET SOUTH

Be an Angel. Who is on your gift-giving list this year? The babysitter, your personal assistant and your favorite coffee barista may make the list, but consider also including a local senior citizen. Forsyth County Senior Services’ Holiday Gift Angels Program is asking the local community to make a difference in the lives of seniors this holiday season by giving a special gift. Giving always feels better than receiving, but for our local senior citizens, this gift reminds them that someone is thinking about them during the holidays. For more information on how to participate, please call 770-781-2178. Buy Gifts Online. Can’t make it to your local farmers market? Thanks to Local Market South, an online retailer selling artisan foods produced in the Southeast, you don’t have to miss out on handcrafted specialty foods. Created by husband-and-wife team Jennifer and John Maley, Local Market South offers specialty items such as gift sets from Emily G’s Jam of Love and exclusive selections from Atlanta’s confectionary Sugar-Coated Radical. To shop the jams, relishes, sauces, granola, teas, nuts and more in time for the holidays, please visit www.localmarketsouth.com.

2 TESY PHOTO COUR

TELSKI OF CHRIS BAR

3 4

Sing Along at the Canteen. Get in the spirit of the season with all your favorite Christmas songs as the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville brings back one of Gwinnett’s favorite holiday traditions, “Christmas Canteen,” through Dec. 23. Along with classic carols like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Winter Wonderland,” this year’s show includes a scene that pays homage to the Grand Ole Opry and a special tribute to the United States Armed Services. For more information, call 678-226-6222 or visit www.auroratheatre.com Tour Festive B&Bs. Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin’? On Dec. 11, join one of Dahlonega’s most popular seasonal celebrations, the Sleigh Bell Tour, a self-guided driving tour of Dahlonega’s bed and breakfast inns. Stop by decorated B&B’s around the historic square and right outside of town for holiday festivities, music and refreshments. And celebrate the holidays all month long with carols, wine tasting and live theater performances during Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas. For more information, please visit www.innsofdahlonega.com or www.dahlonega.org.

URTESY OF BUC KHE A D LIF ER ES T

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

CO OTO PH

P OU GR NT A R AU

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAHLONEGA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS CENTER R

Dine Out. December’s cold weather is the perfect time for hand holding, romance and a date night out on the town. Experience one of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s 14 elegant restaurants, including Chops Lobster Bar, Atlanta Fish Market and Bluepointe, with the Ultimate Dining Card. In the spirit of the holidays, take advantage of an added 20 percent value with the purchase of a new card or a card reload. To order, please visit www.buckheadrestaurants.com.