Simply Buckhead March/April 2018

March/April 2018 ISSUE 53 • FREE

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

THE

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Photos: 34, 48, 58; Sara Hanna Photography

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34

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Contents 12 Editor’s Letter [ SIMPLY NOW ]

20 Travel Far: Mountains to Moab Pack your sense of adventure for a trip to Utah’s Montage Deer Valley

22 Adventure: Dive In for the Day Orlando’s Discovery Cove lets visitors be part of the watery scene

24 Approved: Bags that Work Functional, fashionable totes that take you from home to office to after-hours

[ SIMPLY STYLISH ]

30 Home: Contemporary Meets Asian in Buckhead

How one couple converted a traditional European home into a modern marvel

28

48 COVER STORY The Workplace: Getting Down to Business in Buckhead An in-depth look at the trends that reflect the ever-evolving office landscape

34 Fashion: Decoding the Workplace Dress Code

8 wardrobe tips and 4 sample looks for getting the job done in style

36 Beauty: The 5-Minute Pick-Me-Up Keep these products in your desk drawer for a midday refresh

[ SIMPLY DELICIOUS ]

58 Review: Buon Appetito, Buckhead Dining in or out, Storico Fresco delivers a taste of Italy

60 Drinks: Spirited Away

26 15 Minutes With:

[ SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ]

Unique ingredients make extraordinary cocktails

Raising a glass with the owners of UrbanTree Cidery

42 On Stage: A Voice Everyone Knows

[ SIMPLY HAPPENING ]

Tim and Maria Resuta

28 Kids: A Summer Camp Primer Questions to ask when choosing your kids’ camp provider

This Sandy Springs resident is heard by millions daily

69 Events: Places to go and things to do

44 Art: Got a Minute to Spare?

73 Charitable: A spotlight on

A new gallery showcases art done off the clock

philanthropic and social gatherings

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs MARCH/APRIL 2018 | ISSUE 53 P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com For advertising rates call: 404.538.9895 Publisher and Founder

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Joanne Hayes Chief Financial Officer

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Cheryl Isaacs cheryl.isaacs@simplybuckhead.com Senior Account Executive

Jeannine Blanco jeannine.blanco@simplybuckhead.com Website Development Management

BHG Digital Director of Audience Development

Tyler Hayes

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Karon Warren For nearly 20 years, Karon Warren has covered travel, business and various lifestyle topics for numerous Atlanta and national publications. Her byline routinely appears in USA Today, FamilyVacationCritic.com, DeSoto magazine and Curbed Atlanta, as well as our sister publication, 17th South.

Warren especially loves when her personal passions of travel and outdoor recreation combine into work opportunities, bringing together the best of both worlds.

Warren enjoys sharing these interests with her husband and two children. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in journalism from The University of Southern Mississippi.

Contributing Writers

Karina Antenucci Jennifer Bradley Franklin H.M. Cauley Rebecca Cha Carly Cooper Jessica Dauler Jim Farmer Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Amelia Pavlik Lia Picard Sue Rodman Lisa R. Schoolcraft Karon Warren Chief Photographer

Sara Hanna sarahanna.com Photographers

Edward Carter Simon Salt Markham White Stylist

Abbie Koopote Graphic Designer

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[ BEHIND THE COVER ] Gracing our cover this month is 32-year-old entrepreneur Nazy Gavahi.

The budding marketer and event manager, who runs her business, NGK Agency, out of her apartment in a Buckhead high-rise, opened her home to us for the “What’s on Their Desks?” portion of this issue’s workplacethemed cover story.

Gavahi’s four-legged co-workers, Zorro and Lola, weren’t initially sure what all the commotion was about, but they soon got with the program, even posing with their mom for some pics by her desk.

Interested in

Advertising?

For information, email us at advertising@simplybuckhead.com or call 404-538-9895

[ P RO U D M E M B E R OF ]

Chief photographer: Sara Hanna Shot on location at the home office of Nazy Gavahi

[ P RO U D S P ON S OR OF ]

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® MARCH/APRIL 2018

P a rt y

[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]

I

hate to date myself, but the most high-tech piece of equipment I used at my first official office job was a non-correcting typewriter. (Goodness knows how many bottles of Wite-Out I went through back in the day!)

Photo: The Headshot Truck

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Our copier didn’t have a collating feature, we filed endless copies of paper documents and a receptionist actually answered phones and transferred incoming calls. My desk was one of several dozen in cookiecutter cubicles lined up along a windowless wall under a row of eye-numbing fluorescent lights. These days, I work from my home office, typing away on a laptop connected to a big-screen monitor, surrounded by a wireless printer, back-up drive and my iPhone.

When the weather permits, I ditch my desk and set up shop on my sunny screened porch. Yep, the times have most definitely changed.

In this issue’s cover story, Lisa Schoolcraft takes an in-depth look at the evolving workplace, examining a range of business trends and topics, from the rise of telecommuting to some of the unique perks companies are offering to attract new talent. Elsewhere in the magazine, Karina Antenucci reveals the five beauty essentials to stash in your desk drawer, Catalyst Fitness owner Bill Sonnemaker shares some exercises you can do on your lunch hour and stylist Shaye Strager offers tips on how to dress to impress on the job.

But the issue isn’t all work and no play. We also go swimming with dolphins in Orlando, uncover some interesting cocktail ingredients at local bars and chat with the woman who’s the original voice of Siri. So take a break from your 9-to-5 gig and give us a read.

Jill Becker editor@simplybuckhead.com

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

on the

Benefitting the East Lake Foundation’s Early Childhood Education Initiative

Sarah & Jim Kennedy HonorinG

Event Chairs Shearon & Taylor Glover Patron Chairs Beth & Tommy Holder Corporate Chairs Melissa & Steve Nowak B oard Advisory Chairs Jenny & Phil Jacobs

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NEWS BY:

Karon Warren

ON THE MOVE DESIGN HOUSE PACKS UP AND MOVES TO SANDY SPRINGS

S

erving customers in Inman Park since 2010, Nandina Home & Design recently made the move to a new retail location in Sandy Springs. The store features a selection of highend furniture, rugs, lighting, accessories and art, as well as a full-service design atelier where

interior designers collaborate with clients on home designs.

“When we made the decision to move, we searched for a neighborhood in the Atlanta market that was vibrant and exciting and growing,” says John Ishmael, owner of and principal designer at Nandina Atlanta (the

company also has an outpost in Aiken, South Carolina). “What we found, and fell in love with, is a freestanding building on Roswell Road, a main thoroughfare that connects Buckhead, Sandy Springs and Roswell.

We love that we are so close to Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Marietta. And we finally have our own parking!”

Thus far, the community

Nandina Home relocates its "Real Life, Real Style" design approach to Sandy Springs.

response to Nandina’s move has been positive. “Our new neighborhood has warmly welcomed us, and many of our Inman Park clients have continued to support us in our new location,” says Ishmael. n

NANDINA HOME & DESIGN 6170 Roswell Road Sandy Springs 30328 404.521.9303 nandinahome.com

NEWS CLIPS REESE WITHERSPOON BRINGS CELEBRITY STYLE TO BUCKHEAD

UPSCALE SPA RETURNS TO THE INTERCONTINENTAL BUCKHEAD

SOUTHERN VEIN & LASER CENTER DEBUTS NEW FACILITY

Located in the Shops Around Lenox, Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s Southern-inspired fashion and lifestyle brand, opened its first Atlanta location recently with a lively grand opening celebration. The Academy Awardwinning actress attended the event wearing her own label, as did her celebrity friends, including actress Amy Smart, Spanx founder Sara Blakely and author Emily Giffin.

The 1,829-square-foot store is the fourth brick-and-mortar location for Draper James.

When the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta first opened its spa many years ago, the hotel invited guests to relax in its Jurlique Spa. However, in the ensuing years, a change in management resulted in a rebranding that replaced Jurlique. The hotel now welcomes Jurlique back, complete with a full renovation. The updated spa was redesigned to be more in tune with the Jurlique brand so guests would feel as though they’d been transported to the Jurlique farm in South Australia where many of the flowers and herbs are grown for the namesake skincare line. Now open daily, the spa serves both hotel guests and the general public.

With centers in Duluth and Valdosta, Southern Vein & Laser Center now welcomes clients to its new location in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. The state-of-the-art facility features cutting-edge health care technology that aids staff in providing a variety of services, including body sculpting, anti-aging treatments, a medical spa and vein, hair and weight-loss treatments.

Draper James 3400 Around Lenox Road Atlanta 30326 404.994.2633 draperjames.com

Jurlique Spa 3315 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.946.9175 intercontinentalatlanta.com/spa

Southern Vein & Laser Center 240 Pharr Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 678.537.6161 southernveinandlasercenter.com

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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LOCAL SALUTE

BY:

Mickey Goodman Brooke Henze donates a portion of the sales from her Sandy Springs store, The Swell Shop, to local children's charities.

Turning Tragedy Into Triumph

On a Sunday last fall, the staff at Sandy Springs’ Salon Skanda donated their products and services to The Purple Hair Challenge, a fundraiser for Team Summer, a nonprofit named in memory of local teen Summer Dale, who died from a rare form of cancer in 2012.

“When Summer’s mother, Lynne Dale, told us Summer’s story, we were blown away,” says Salon Skanda co-owner Robert Miraglia. “Every employee signed up [to help out]. Sometimes we get stuck in our own dayto-day problems. It felt great to make a contribution.” Notes Lynne Dale, “Our original goal was $20,000, and we raised an astonishing $43,000.”

Team Summer got its start in 2011 when a family friend began selling purple rubber

bracelets to help defray the Dales’ medical costs for Summer’s treatment, with some left over for Summer’s favorite cause.

“At first, SumThe late Summer Dale poses with mer wanted Josiah Darden, one of the patients at nothing to do Children's Healthcare of Atlanta who with the cancer received a gift funded by the charity community,” founded in Summer's name. says her mom. her battle, but after her “Then [Summer met] an death, her family asked 11-year-old girl named Team Summer recipients Sarah who had Ewing’s to “pass it forward” sarcoma. Summer did using funds from a complete turnaround the organization. The and decided to start a network lives on, thanks network of kids helping to fundraisers like The kids.” Sarah was gifted Purple Hair Challenge. with an iPod Touch, and Summer chose unique gifts for other children l For more information, battling cancer. visit salonskanda.com Summer tragically lost and teamsummer.org.

The Salon Skanda staff who volunteered their services to support Team Summer.

Women on a Mission Buckhead resident Sylvia Tylka became involved with Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach (WOGO) when her daughter’s best friend, Dr. Robyn Hakanson, helped found the organization to provide free reconstruction procedures in underserved countries. An intrepid Atlanta volunteer, Tylka began by raising funds for WOGO’s medical missions. “Women make up less than 5 percent of orthopedists in the U.S., and most joined WOGO,” she says. “At various fundraisers, I met Dikembe Mutombo, founder of the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation.

Everything Is Swell Creating a socially conscious business

Photos: CR Richterkessing Photography

Continuing a local teen’s legacy

When Brooke Henze of Sandy Springs decided to launch her own online business, Swell Forever, she wanted it to be unique as well as socially conscious.

She honed in on Americanmade baby blankets and throws with permanent personal message tags that create a unique memory, such as a signature, poem or even baby footprints. A portion of the proceeds from blanket sales goes to the Foster Swell Fund for children in the foster care system.

Based on the success of her website, Henze recently opened The Swell Shop, a retail store on Hilderbrand Drive, where she sells a variety of items for babies and adults, including toys with an heirloom vibe, nursery decor and inspirational books. Ten percent of all store sales (excluding blan-

kets) is donated to a nonprofit called Helping Mamas that provides baby essentials to agencies across Atlanta.

“We earmark our contributions for safe, soft-sided portable cribs that mothers with newborns can easily transport, regardless of their living circumstances,” says Henze. “We also offer gifts like Green + Lovely skincare products that help adoptive families.”

Adds Henze, “I’m all about building community, and The Swell Shop sponsors music classes for families at the Sandy Springs library.

We also have a drop-off bin for slightly used baby clothing and toys that we donate to Helping Mamas, who even repackage unused diapers.”

l For more information, visit swellforever.com.

Orthopedic surgeons change lives

When I joined the WOGO board, I connected the organizations.”

In July of 2016, Mutombo took a team of medical professionals to Kinshasa, Congo, site of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, named in honor of his mother.

He invited WOGO members to join them and perform knee replacement surgery on women, who develop more joint problems than men and have less access to care. WOGO surgeons, assisted by an all-volunteer team of nurses, physical therapists, scrub techs and other helpers, performed 52

procedures using prosthetic devices donated by Zimmer Biomet.

“I cleaned the operating room following surgeries, comforted patients and did whatever I could to be of service,” says Tylka. “It was an amazing experience.”

In April, Tylka, along with her husband, Pat; her daughter, Shawn, who coordinates the medical missions; and a team of 67 will travel to Cuba to operate on patients at the CIMEQ Hospital in Havana. l For more information, visit wogo.org.

Volunteer Sylvia Tylka with a grateful patient at a hospital in the Congo.

Want to nominate a volunteer, company or nonprofit that makes Buckhead, Sandy Springs or Brookhaven a better place to live?

Please contact: editor@simplybuckhead.com

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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TR AV E L NE A R

Above: The rotunda of the hotel's stateof-the-art convention center.

Left: The outdoor fire pits are a great place to catch the hotel's nightly laser show.

The three treehouses have private decks and stellar views of Kibler Valley.

Orlando’s Resort for Work and Play The ultimate O-Town hotel for mixing business and pleasure

A

recent visit to the Orlando World Center Marriott, a 200-acre resort just a stone’s throw from Walt Disney World and other top Florida theme parks, proved a perfect way to unwind while still being productive.

During my two-day visit, multiple conventions were in play at this towering 1,883-room property boasting more than 450,000 square feet of meeting space. And while business was certainly being conducted, families also frolicked in the pool, spouses who’d accompanied their working partners spent time in the spa and foursomes enjoyed a round on the 18-hole championship golf course.

Arriving at lunchtime, I headed to the Falls Pool Oasis and ordered seasonal fruit with honey-mint yogurt and a turkey bacon avocado wrap, all delivered directly to my plush chaise

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lounge. Every seat has a fabulous view of the palm-lined pool, backdropped with rock outcroppings and waterfalls, and featuring some of the coolest waterslides in the country, as recognized by both Forbes and ABC News.

My bliss was interrupted by the thunderstorms that rolled through midday, so I retreated to my king suite, sat on the balcony with a book and watched the weather pass by, with clear views of Epcot and Universal in the distance.

Opting to dine at Siro Urban Italian Kitchen’s bar my first night, I ordered the perfectly crisp-roasted Brussels sprouts, as well as bucatini pomodoro with fresh basil and Parmesan— an Italian classic. Paired with a glass of Chianti and some lively banter with the bartender, it was a perfect solo evening. The night was capped with a laser light show, filling the pool

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

area with vibrant colors and dazzling graphics synchronized to music.

The next day, I got my sweat on at the state-of-the-art fitness center, then headed to the spa for the heavenly “Around the World in Eighty Minutes” massage, which included Swedish and deep-tissue techniques, warm stones and aromatherapy. Herbal tea in hand, I then headed to the intimate West Terrace Spa Pool to read for a few hours before picking up a salad from the grab-and-go Central Pantry and retiring to my suite to get a little work done. I later pampered myself with a blowout at Blo Blow Dry Bar and perused designer swimwear from the likes of Trina Turk and Tommy Bahama at the gift shop.

That night at the Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, seated alongside families and convention-goers alike, I dined on filet mignon and salmon, sipped on a

The lavish Orlando World Center Marriott sprawls out over 200 acres.

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Joanne Hayes

Blushing Buddha cocktail and enjoyed the show put on by the highly skilled teppanyaki chef who juggled knives and created fiery onion volcanoes.

There is much more to do on-site that I just didn’t have time for: tennis, the emerging sport of footgolf (think kicking a soccer ball around on a golf course, scored by golf rules), an arcade and 10 restaurants and bars.

I awoke on departure day feeling refreshed and accomplished. In between leisure activities, a story was written, conference calls were held and the next issue was brainstormed.

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T R AV E L FA R

Above: The writer shows off her newfound fly-fishing skills.

Below: The red rocks of Arches National Park.

Mountains to Moab

Above: The Montage Deer Valley resort is nestled in the mountains above Salt Lake City.

Right: The writer and her trip mates pose in front of a scenic mountain backdrop.

STORY:

Amelia Pavlik

Pack your sense of adventure for a trip to Utah’s Montage Deer Valley

A

s the tiny private plane soared above the mountains, still dappled with winter snow, and headed toward the red rocks of Moab, Utah, I tried to wrap my brain around the adventure to come. Thanks to the Montage Deer Valley resort in Park City, I was about to enter a fantasyland for outdoor experiences. The next few days would be filled with activities such as trekking in the desert and fly-fishing in the mountains, followed by nights spent enjoying all the amenities of the luxe resort.

Take a Hike The night before the Moab excursion, I'd flown into Salt Lake City and was whisked to the resort by town car. Once I arrived in my spacious room, complete with a cozy fireplace, I ordered a bowl of room service chicken soup, and it was off to bed to rest up for our day in the desert.

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Before sunrise, I met my guides for the trip, Becky Menard and Andy Damman. With bleary eyes, we made the trip back down the mountain to Salt Lake City, where we boarded a private plane to Moab. The resort’s Montage Expeditions, a series of personalized day trips, offer groups an opportunity to join expert guides for hiking and exploring one of southern Utah's national parks, including Arches. The best part? You're back in time for dinner at the resort.

Upon landing in Moab, we headed to the Delicate Arch trail.

Seeing the glorious arch at the end was worth every sweat-inducing step. Lunch was a gourmet picnic consisting of gazpacho and curried chicken salad. Post meal, we did a quick walk to Double Arch and cooled off at a spot outside the park that Andy called “Hidden Falls.”

By early evening, we were back at the Montage. My burger and glass of red wine at Burgers & Bourbon hit the

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

spot, as did the before-bed salt soak in my room’s deep soaking tub.

Go Fish On day two, I was up before the sun again. After getting fitted for waders at Compass Sports, our group hopped on the shuttle and wound our way down the valley to the Provo River, where we learned the basics of casting with a fly rod. After getting my line stuck in the tree above me a few times, I moved downstream a bit and got to experience the rush of catching fish after fish.

In true Montage fashion, a tasty lunch of fresh sandwiches, housemade granola and chips was served riverside. I needed the fuel, because the part of the trip I’d been a bit freaked out about was up next.

Spin Your Wheels After a wardrobe change, it was time to give mountain biking a shot. Before we’d even left the gravel parking

lot at the trailhead, I fell off the bike, scraping my shins. I’m not the best at riding a bike on flat land, let alone a moderate trail with downhills, rocks and turns, but I was intent on not bailing out. It was exhilarating and scary at the same time. I fell once more while rounding a curve, but happily finished the ride in one piece. A 60-minute massage that night at the resort’s 35,000-squarefoot spa eased my wounded ego.

We closed out the trip sipping on boozy hot chocolate and sharing our favorite moments from the 48-hour adventure. Scrapes and all, I made memories that will last a lifetime. n

IF YOU GO: Montage Deer Valley montagehotels.com/deervalley Rooms start at $360 per night. The resort’s Montage Expeditions are $8,000 and include a round-trip flight to an area national park, guides, equipment and a gourmet lunch.

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A DVE N T UR E

Above: With the aid of special helmets, Discovery Cove guests can walk on the bottom of a man-made reef.

Below: Trained dolphins not only perform cool tricks, they also give visitors a quick ride through the water.

DIVE IN

FOR THE DAY Orlando’s Discovery Cove lets visitors be part of STORY: H.M. Cauley the watery scene

F

or someone who’s mad about the beach, and who makes an annual pilgrimage to some sandy resort every year, my daughter doesn’t want to know what’s in the water. She’s an adult who abhors the sight of seaweed and completely loses it if there’s even a hint of aquatic life swishing around her feet. So her enthusiasm for a visit to Orlando’s Discovery Cove was a bit of mystery. Perhaps the controlled environment and the guide-led adventures made the idea of close encounters with piscine species more attractive. At any rate, she overcame her trepidation and literally dove right in.

Discovery Cove, a 22-acre property across the street from its parent company, SeaWorld, takes that park’s concept of learning about the underwater world and puts visitors smack into it. Not only do you get to

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

hang out in the same pool with dolphins, the friendly creatures are trained to let you grab a fin and go for a spin. You don’t just watch the stingrays having breakfast; you act as their butler, handing out live bait for them to devour. And if you’ve never dared to go deep-sea diving, the Cove has an option that lets you troll along the bottom of a man-made barrier reef while breathing easily through a helmet connected to surface tanks.

In between those highlights, the park has several areas of sandy beaches dotted with chairs and hammocks where you can unwind in the sun. Several private cabanas, complete with stocked mini fridges, are available to reserve.

Before contemplating a trip, visitors should know that this isn’t a typical amusement park destination. First, admittance is strictly limited to 1,300 people per day,

Above: The crystal blue waters of a lazy river and lagoon invite visitors to relax and soak up the Florida sun.

Right: Kids of all ages will get a kick out of close encounters of the piscine kind.

so reservations are mandatory.

The same goes for any experience: You will book a dolphin swim or underwater walk for a specific time. Second, adult admission starts at about $170, and adding optional experiences will tack more onto the cost.

The “trainer for a day” option lets you do it all plus get a behindthe-scenes tour, and prices can be more than $500. But if you’re only visiting for a day, the splurge is worth not missing a thing.

In addition, guests are prohibited from bringing in just about anything but themselves.

Sunscreen, snorkels, goggles, wetsuits, pool noodles and towels are provided and in plentiful supply. There’s no need to pack a picnic either: Your admission includes both breakfast and lunch buffets, as well as unlimited soft drinks, wine, beer and snacks. The restrictions are all part of the controlled

environment designed to protect the sea creatures that call Discovery Cove home.

The doors open at 7 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., so you'll want to squeeze in every possible moment. We started by feeding the stingrays inhabiting the faux reef and pool. Expert caretakers explained the proper way to hold raw fish under their noses so they can grab them. Next, we went on a snorkeling excursion through the reef and alongside a shark tank. The day also found us floating down a lazy river that flows under an exotic bird sanctuary and splurging on ice cream and pretzels while we lolled in our cabana.

The best part of the day for me was seeing my grown-up kid so happy. Plenty of water, friendly DISCOVERY COVE fish and no seaweed. It was discoverycove.com totally worth it. n

I want

to be a

DOCTOR - Khalia, age 4

Our mission is to support kids like Khalia during their fight with cancer and to fund research that will one day lead to a cure. So that every child will be able to reach for their dream.

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Donate today or learn more at CUREChildhoodCancer.org

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

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AP P ROV E D

Zambesi Crocodile Effect Briefcase ($1,251)

Fossil Men's Defender Messenger Bag ($198)

Break free from the conventional briefcase with this fashion-meets-function accessory that completes any ensemble.

The crocodile-esque leather tote has all the practical components you need while still being feminine and durable, as it should for the price. Opting for the head-turning green versus the traditional black or brown makes a bold statement that you mean business.

Tootsies 3167 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.842.9990 tootsies.com

While backpacks are great for transporting items to and from destinations, messenger bags are great for carting everyday items that need to be accessed frequently throughout the day.

This gender-neutral messenger, constructed of chambray canvas, is designed for maximum efficiency, with padding so fragile items such as laptops don’t get scratched or damaged.

BAGS

Macy’s Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.231.2800 macys.com

THAT WORK These days, busy professionals need one functional bag that isn't overtly utilitarian for toting around essentials both personal and business related. These stylish bags will take you from home to office to after-hours day after day and maybe even out of town for the weekend.

STORY:

Bric’s Varese Urban Crossbody ($295)

Mori Dorado Leather Expandable Fan File Brief ($230) A great match for any suit, leather bags almost always appear more professional than those of other materials. The Dorado’s main compartment expands for extra capacity with easy, zippered access to smartphones, pens, etc., making it an ideal traveling companion whether your job takes you across town or across the country. The classic style and structured shape look elegant and polished in any work arena.

Mori Luggage & Gifts Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.231.0074 moriluggage.com

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

MZ Wallace Crosby Quilted Oxford Nylon Backpack ($345)

Jessica Dauler

This hands-free crossbody is a fundamental necessity of city life with an ergonomic and trendy yet timeless quality.

Made with the finest, buttery-soft black Tuscan leather, it will only get better with age. The unisex style is perfect for daily use and includes a multitude of interior pockets for those who care just as much about organization as they do style.

Neiman Marcus Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.266.8200 neimanmarcus.com

You can never go wrong with a simple black backpack, and the Crosby is the epitome of sporty meets chic. The sleek, grown-up diamond-quilted pattern is not only fashionable, it’s lightweight and stainand water-resistant. The high-quality Nylon Oxford is touted to never lose its shape. Three exterior pockets allow quick access to smaller items such as phones, keys or office keycards.

Nordstrom Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.422.3000 nordstrom.com

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

25

15 MINUTES WITH

TIM AND MARIA RESUTA STORY:

Jill Becker PHOTO: Sara Hanna

Most important lesson you’ve learned since opening UrbanTree: Tim: Never give up. Never stop trying something new.

Maria: Being the first at something has advantages and disadvantages.

Any crazy experiences since starting?

Maria: Every time he drives the truck with the trailer down I-85 back from the orchard.

He’s called me and said, “I almost jackknifed!”

Tim: I’m doing all kinds of things I haven’t done before—fixing tractors, welding the press machine.

It’s opened up my skill set.

Complete this sentence, “Our business is …”

Maria: Growing.

“W

e originally wanted to open a winery,” confesses Tim Resuta, the co-founder of Atlanta’s first craft cidery. “We thought it would be a great chapter two for us. But we discovered that if you don’t have $25 million to get into the wine game, you’re not in the game.” So instead of grapes, Tim and his wife, Maria, focused on apples, opening UrbanTree Cidery on Howell Mill Road two years ago. “We were always big cider consumers,” notes Maria. The longtime Buckhead residents, with the help of Maria’s sister, Jackie Annise, produce several flavors of apple cider that are available at more than 100 outlets around town, including Whole Foods, Green’s and Total Wine & More. In addition to maintaining a full-time dental practice in Buckhead called Smile ATL, Tim is the head cider maker and oversees their orchard in Mountain City, Georgia, where they have 1,500 trees. Maria heads up the business side of the operation.

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Your favorite place in Buckhead: Maria: Chastain Park. We can walk to it. Our kids have played sports there forever. We’ve sledded there twice in the last few months on snow days.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but does it keep the dentist away, too?

Tim: Yeah, I’ve never heard that one before. Actually, I thought these would be two separate businesses, but there is crossover. Patients ask me, “If I get that crown, do I get a free bottle of cider?”

Your best-selling cider: Tim: The Classic. It’s a little sweeter than our other ciders.

Foods that go well with cider: Maria: Our barrel-aged ciders pair best with high protein items like a big, fat steak or a stinky blue cheese.

Surprising fact about cider: Maria: After it’s done for drinking, you can still cook with it.

It’s especially good in barbecue sauces.

Any failed cider experiments?

Tim: I had an idea to use sriracha that I was so absolutely positive about, but it was horrible.

Best way to drink cider: Tim: You want to swirl it first and smell it, similar to a wine tasting.

Maria: Glassware is tricky; no one has really designed a proper glass for drinking cider.

Tim: The closest thing is a beer goblet.

A surprising ingredient that does work: Tim: Lavender. We also infuse and blend our ciders with stuff like habanero, hops, ginger, peach and basil.

What it’s like to work together so closely: Maria: We’ve been married for 21 years and have worked together all 21 years. What he’s strong at, I’m not, and vice versa.

Your favorite local chef: Maria: Nona Johnson of Sizzling Peach. She won season eight of Hell’s Kitchen. We do lots of events with her.

She loves to cook with cider.

Your favorite apple: Tim: The Stayman Winesap. It has a lot of tannins in the skin and is a little tart, but balanced.

Maria: Gala apples. They’re juicy, and I like the sweetness and texture of them.

Do you ever get sick of apples?

Maria: Oddly enough, no. n

URBANTREE CIDERY 1465 Howell Mill Road N.W. Atlanta 30318 404.855.5546 urbantreecidery.com The tasting room is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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Harry Norman, REALTORS® Blue Ridge Office | 252 W. Main Street | Blue Ridge, GA 30513 The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice.

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

27

K ID S

Right: Some camps, such as the ones at the Marcus Jewish Community Center, offer transportation there and back.

Below: A day at Trinity School Summer Camp includes swimming and other fun sports.

Above: Instructors at Act3 Productions' camps have advanced degrees in the performing arts.

DETAILS: Act3 Productions 770.241.1905 act3productions.org/classes Camp Rockmont 828.686.3885 rockmont.com Josh Powell Summer Camp 678.369.0780 joshpowellcamp.com MJCCA Summer Day Camps 678.812.4000 mjccadaycamps.org Trinity School Summer Camp 404.231.8117 trinityatl.org/summercamp

A SUMMER CAMP PRIMER QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING YOUR KIDS’ CAMP PROVIDER STORY:

Sue Rodman

P

arents put a lot of time and energy into researching child care options for their children, but that same effort doesn’t always go into where the kiddos will attend summer camp.

Recommendations from friends are a big plus, but parents should do their own research as well.

To find the right camp, you need to ask the right questions. Here are some important things parents should ask when searching for the best day or sleep-away camp for their little ones. And remember, camps can fill up fast, so it’s never too early to start planning.

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

How do you hire and train your staff?

This question covers a lot of ground and should give you insight into how the camp recruits its employees and the qualifications needed to be a counselor, as well as how prepared they are to work with your child.

Ask about special training or certification, too.

For instance, instructors at Act3 Productions’ camps in Sandy Springs have advanced degrees in theater and performing arts. At the sports camp at Trinity School in Buckhead, counselors share their expertise from years of experience playing various sports in a fun, low-key environment.

Is your camp licensed or accredited?

The same licensing rules

that apply to child care centers don’t necessarily apply to summer camps, but this question opens a dialogue on the subject.

“Ask about certification, but don’t use it as a crutch,” says Jason Kay, director at Josh Powell Summer Camp in Acworth. “There are plenty of great camps that aren’t American Camp Association [ACA] certified that still have high standards for employees, camper experience and safety. Do your own research and ask as many questions as needed to ensure the right fit for your child.”

How will you keep my child safe?

Safety should be pervasive in the language of the overall camp culture. It begins with staff

Universal Tennis Academy Summer Camps 404.497.0680 utatennis.com/ bitsy-summer-camp.php

recruiting, hiring and training. “The key word in this conversation is ‘protocol,’” says Josh Drexler, associate director of Camp Rockmont, a boys’ sleep-away camp in North Carolina. For instance, what are the camp’s protocols around camper-staff interaction?

How are the lifeguards trained? Are there nurses on staff? What is the camp’s approach to preventing and addressing bullying?

What is a typical day like for my child?

Always ask to see a schedule, or if possible, visit the camp during an earlier session to see things in action. For instance, at the Universal Tennis Academy camp at the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center off Northside Drive

in Buckhead, kids don’t just hit balls around all day in the hot sun. They spend a portion of each day indoors and a portion doing other activities such as tie-dying T-shirts or splashing around on a water slide.

Does the camp offer transportation?

For many parents, location is a big factor, but just because the camp isn’t around the corner doesn’t mean you should rule it out. Some options such as the camps at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) in Dunwoody and the Josh Powell camp in Acworth offer transportation from multiple Buckhead locations to their OTP campuses, and the bus ride becomes part of the camp experience. n

HOME | FASHION | BEAUTY | WELLNESS

SIMPLY STYLISH

WELLNESS

Desk Set P38

“Doing some exercise when you’re at your desk can counteract the impact of sitting all day.” –Bill Sonnemaker

Exercise on a break at work?

Bill Sonnemaker of Catalyst Fitness shows you how.

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

29

H OM E

Above: The clean palette of the family room allows the natural light to highlight the space.

Below: A Burmese wall engraving dominates the foyer.

Contemporary Meets Asian in Buckhead

How one couple converted a traditional European home into a modern marvel STORY:

Karon Warren

PHOTOS: Markham

W

hen Suzanne and Dale Kirkland first met four years ago, he was living in Atlanta and she was living in Chicago, but she also had a condo in Buckhead. When it became apparent they would stay together, the couple decided it was time to find a house where they could create a home.

They found that house in Buckhead near Chastain Park. “We liked all the natural light [streaming in the windows],” says Suzanne,

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

White

an insurance broker. “That’s what drew us to the house.” She adds they also liked the location because it’s an easy commute to work for Dale, a banking and finance executive.

Originally built in 1990, the 5,500-squarefoot home underwent renovations by previous owners, but the couple was ready to make changes of their own. So in 2015 they enlisted the services of Moon Bros. architects and Chuck Whiteside of Miracle Construction to perform yet another round of updates.

One of the first steps was opening the floor plan on the main level, which called for removing the existing wall between the kitchen and the family room. In the kitchen, they took out the beamed ceiling, exchanged

the expansive island with a smaller version and replaced the cabinets with custom cabinetry made of eucalyptus. And they traded the previous oven, cooktop, dishwasher and refrigerator for sleek Miele appliances that blend seamlessly into the decor.

In the family room, they replaced the stacked stone fireplace with limestone, while in the living room, the traditional fireplace with a wood mantel was changed out for a more modern, marble rendition. In both of those rooms, the Kirklands also removed the grilles from the arched windows to provide more panoramic views of the front and back yards, and they worked with Lighting Loft in Buckhead to create custom light fixtures for the family and dining rooms.

Between the first and second floors, the grand staircase originally featured carpet

Above: The couple removed the wall between the kitchen and family room to open up the space.

Left: A local firm custom designed the dining room’s light fixture.

Right: The original staircase was replaced with this chic glass and hardwood rendition.

“It has a minimalistic, contemporary feel.

We love the simple, clean lines.”– Suzanne Kirkland lines. We’re not at all traditional.”

The couple chose a neutral palette as the backdrop to the interior design, preferring to let their furnishings and artwork provide color and texture. “We wanted the art to pop, and we had unique furnishings like the purple sofa [in the upstairs den] to [lend that] pop,” says Suzanne. “We wanted it to be versatile.”

Their art collection is from around the world, which accounts for its variety. The mix is also a reflection of the couple’s individual

tastes: He likes pop art, while she favors realistic. “We travel a lot,” notes Suzanne, “which is why we like art and unique pieces.”

The couple purchased the picture of the water scene in Cuba that’s in the family room while traveling in Austria. An expansive wood carving in the foyer was imported from Myanmar, and the nursery features a painting of Vietnamese ballerinas that Suzanne picked up about 15 years ago while visiting that country.

Suzanne’s friend, artist Deborah Argyropoulos

s

and a spindled railing; the updated version has hardwoods and glass handrails, another element that draws the light. “Our preference was to maximize the natural sunlight,” says Suzanne. “Any time we could open a walkway or a hallway or raise the ceiling, we did.”

With the work now complete, Suzanne says she couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

“We love the openness and the high ceilings in the main family room. It has a minimalistic, contemporary feel. We love the simple, clean

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

31

H OM E

of Austin, Texas, did the horse painting in their 2-year-old daughter’s playroom. There’s also a whimsical giraffe holding court in the guest room bathroom on the second floor.

They did purchase some art locally, including a Marilyn Monroe painting

by John Stango that came from Vinings Gallery.

Many of the furnishings reflect a worldly aesthetic, as well. “We love Asia and the Asian look,” says Suzanne. For instance, the entryway table and the side table by the couch were purchased from The Golden Triangle in Chicago, which imports pieces from all over Asia.

Many furnishings were handmade, such as the TV cabinet in the upstairs den and the beds in the bedrooms.

Suzanne worked with her designer, Todd Heiser in Chicago, to outfit and decorate the home. In many instances, he repurposed pieces Suzanne had in her Illinois home, such as the chaise in the family room. Originally in a blue velvet that matched nothing else, Heiser recovered the piece in mohair. “Todd helped me with the vision,” says Suzanne.

“He’s very modern.”

Looking at it now, Suzanne says her favorite aspects of the home include the openness of the living space, the warmth of the hardwoods and the fieldstone of the family room fireplace. “I think it all blends,” she says. “So many other homes we looked at were more traditional.

This is much more international.” n

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Above: The purple sofa gives the upstairs den a pop of color.

Left: A whimsical giraffe greets visitors in the secondfloor guest bathroom.

Below: The master bedroom features two sets of French doors looking out onto the yard.

3 RENOVATION PREP TIPS The Kirklands’ home had undergone several previous additions and modifications that introduced some unforeseen design changes during construction. For example, the home previously had a second story added, and upon demolition, a steel I-beam crossing the entire kitchen ceiling was uncovered that required modifications to the new framing design and wiring plans. Here, the Kirklands’ contractor, Chuck Whiteside of Miracle Construction, offers three suggestions for avoiding similar issues during your own renovation project.

1. Thorough planning means a better end product.

Spend extra time in the planning stages to get all the details flushed out. The result will be fewer surprises and lost time during construction.

2. Design to the budget.

Too often homeowners pay for an elaborate plan they’re excited about, only to be sticker-shocked when they get the final construction estimates. The project scope should be defined by your budget, and your team of architects, designers and contractors should be selected based on who will serve as your “budget advocates” from start to finish.

3. Roll with it.

Always go into a project with the understanding that there will be unexpected changes, especially with older homes that have been tinkered with in the past. Try to enjoy the process and be prepared to make adjustments while keeping the final goal in mind. Make it fun, not an ordeal.

BUCKHEAD: 3174 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404-841-2456 MIDTOWN: 950 W. Peachtree St NW, 260 - Atlanta 30309 | 404-554-8060 DRUID HILLS: 2566 Briarcliff Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30329 | 678-515-8880

FA S H I ON

CASUAL HER: Red Haute ivory mock-neck sleeveless lace tank ($88), BCBG black knit tuxedo blazer ($119), Hudson black denim skinny jeans ($165), Chinese Laundry Sitara ankle-strap heel shoes ($80), MJ Accessories hobo braided tassel bag ($68), Gorjana beaded tassel adjustable necklace ($110) and gold and black tassel hoop earrings ($178); available at South Moon Under, at the Shops Around Lenox.

HIM: Estate Sutter tailored-fit pink twill check shirt ($248), Ventana indigo brushed-twill five-pocket pant ($198) and Berkeley burgundy leather shoe ($350); available at Robert Talbott Atlanta, at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.

DECODING THE

WORKPLACE DRESS CODE 8 WARDROBE TIPS AND 4 SAMPLE LOOKS FOR GETTING THE JOB DONE IN STYLE STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

STYLING:

MODELS: Tia Johnson and Craig Alexander, Salt Agency

DRESSY

MAKEUP: Nyssa Green, The Green Room Agency

HIM: Tailored-fit Iris lux twill check shirt ($248), Garnet linen tweed sport coat with indigo overcheck ($1,398), light grey wool trousers ($498), 7-Fold-Yarn-Dyed overprint tie ($285) and Sausalito Coffee double monk strap leather shoe ($350); available at Robert Talbott Atlanta, at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.

Abbie Koopote

PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna

F

amed American costume designer Edith Head once quipped, “You can have anything you want if you dress for it.” She’s not far off, according to Shaye Strager, in-house fashion stylist for Buckhead’s Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. “Your clothes should stand up to your talent,” she insists, regardless of whether you’re in a formal, corporate work environment or a more casual, creative one. Here, we tap her extensive knowledge—she’s dressed CEOs and rock stars, and just about every job in between—with these eight surefire ways to build an impressive workplace wardrobe.

Do your research.

Always dress thoughtfully, considering your office culture. If your peers and managers dress formally or conservatively, follow suit (pun intended). “My first step is to use LinkedIn or a company’s website to take a look at the company’s executives and see their level of dress,” says Strager.

“There’s no reason to not be prepared, even if you haven’t visited the company before.”

Top-down approach.

If you’re a “solopreneur” or work from home, one of the perks is the ability to dress ultra-comfortably (we’re looking at you, athleisurewearers). However, it’s true that being too cozy can cause a drop in productivity. Plus, in this age of hyperconnectivity, you never know when you’ll have to jump on a video conference. “You need to be prepared that your face may show up on a call, so you should have a proper shirt on,” says Strager.

HAIR: Alicia Igess, The Green Room Agency

A cut above.

“For me, it’s always fit over fashion,” notes Strager. “Something that’s well-fitted can look like $1,000, even if it cost $100.”

If you’re not commissioning custom-fit clothes, it’s vital to find a great tailor. Many of the big mall retailers, such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, have the service in-house. For other purchases, have them altered to suit at spots such as Lenox Square’s Fashion Tailor or Q Tailors in Phipps Plaza.

Posture-perfect.

For Strager, no matter if you’re wearing a blazer, blouse or chic dress, the shoulders must frame your silhouette well. “It’s the most important thing to have a great fit at your shoulder because that defines your frame,” she says.

“It also reflects your posture and the way you stand and sit.”

Solid foundation.

Whether you work in a businesscasual or more formal environment, women should find a great pair of flat-front (or “side zip”) pants. “The best way to have a clean appearance from the front is to wear a flat-front pair of pants,” says Strager. “No matter how blouses, sweaters and jackets fall, you don’t want that lumpy button in the front to be distracting to your look.”

Press on.

Regardless of the formality of your workplace, wrinkles have no place in office attire. Strager suggests building your wardrobe with staples such as wrinkle-resistant or

HER: Draper James Meadow navy lace shirtdress ($325), available at Draper James, at the Shops Around Lenox; gemstone drop gold earrings ($55), available at South Moon Under, at the Shops Around Lenox; Shades of Nude pointed toe pump ($30), available at Target.

traveler-weight button-down shirts and pants. “With the new technology available, it’s crazy for anyone not to have wrinkle-free clothes,” she says, adding that these items don’t have to be dry-cleaned or ironed to look terrific.

In-jean-uity.

Denim can be appropriate for men and women in more progressive or casual workplaces, with some discretion. “Darker washes and jeans without holes are best for the office,” says Strager.

Kick it in comfort.

“My biggest pet peeve, as far as dos and don’ts go, is when you can’t walk in your shoes,” says Strager.

“Any time your feet hurt, you’re distracted.” She recommends what she calls a “10-hour shoe,” or one that’s comfortable all day. n

SHOP WITH SHAYE To arrange a complimentary twohour personal shopping session with Strager, call the Lenox Square management office at 404.233.6767.

They’ll email you a questionnaire to find out more about your personal style, needs and goals.

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

35

B E AU TY

Scent Saver

Face Freshener

It’s like taking a shower without the whole stripping-down, soap-and-water thing. Spritz yourself with Diptyque’s newest scent, Vetyverio Eau de Parfum ($155), to bring new life to your whole person. The earthy top note comes from vetiver, a sustainably sourced Haitian wood oil complemented with bright, gentle accents of grapefruit, patchouli and rose.

Combat dry or oily skin and freshen up your makeup with a hydrating mist that can be used both before and after your midday makeup touchups, and as often as you like throughout the day.

Natura Bissé Diamond Mist ($94) offers a lavender aroma that also relaxes the senses.

Hair Reviver Bring life back to your limp locks in a matter of seconds. Unite 7 Seconds Refresher dry shampoo ($27) is what the pros at Blo Blow Dry Bar use to amp up their clients’ tresses and give them body. The product absorbs excess oil and leaves hair fresh without any unsightly residue.

Just shake the can, hold it about 5 inches away from your hair and spray from roots to ends.

The

5-Minute Pick-Me-Up Keep these products in your desk drawer for a midday refresh STORY:

Oil Tamer This little compact packs a powerful beauty punch: Pür 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation ($29.50) is a foundation, concealer, powder and SPF 15 sunscreen all in one. Swirl a dense, flathead brush across its surface, then apply in a circular motion over your face and under your jawline to cover up blemishes, redness and oily skin. It feels lightweight, and you can control how much you use by applying in layers.

Karina Antenucci

A

s the workday goes by, your once-fresh visage and voluminous blow dry may transform into something more drab, tired and limp. The solution? Perk up your appearance and feel refreshed in under five minutes by keeping a small stash of beauty products in your office. Here are five we love from Buckhead retailers that will liven your look in no time, so you’ll be ready to face your clients and co-workers with confidence.

BUYER’S GUIDE Diptyque The Shops Buckhead Atlanta 3035 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.846.0602 diptyqueparis.com Natura Bissé The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta 3376 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.995.7526 mandarinoriental.com

Eye Brightener Nothing makes your peepers pop more than a fresh coat of mascara, especially when it’s souped up with magnetinspired technology. The paraben-free Pür Fully Charged Mascara ($22) plumps up and defines your lashes with a polymer matrix that wraps positively charged product around each lash. To build thickness, place the mascara brush at the base of your top lashes and wiggle the wand back and forth.

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

THE BRUSH OFF Are your makeup brushes looking a little worn?

Check out Frida Kahlo beauty brushes, a limitededition line by Buckhead-based makeup brush manufacturer Anisa International, which has designed brushes for every major beauty brand, from La Mer to Sephora’s private label. The soft, synthetic-fiber brushes, four of them dual-sided, provide a smooth application and are easy to clean. Order them at amazon.com.

Pür Ulta Beauty 3495 Buckhead Loop N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.266.3559 ulta.com Unite Blo Blow Dry Bar Shops Around Lenox 3400 Around Lenox Road Atlanta 30326 404.390.3552 blomedry.com

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JULIAN REYNOLDS Renowned makeup artist with over 15 years experience voted Best Makeup Artist in Atlanta. Come in for a free makeup or skincare consultation. We have the largest selection of medical grade skincare combined with the finest cosmetic brands and a full Spa. !

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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W E LLN ESS

DESK SET PUT THE WORK IN WORKOUT WITH THESE FOUR MOVES TO DO ON THE JOB STORY:

Amelia Pavlik PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

S

itting: If only what many of us do for 40 hours every week could be good for us, but it’s not. “Research has linked sitting for long periods with a number of health concerns, including obesity and metabolic syndrome,” says Bill Sonnemaker, founder of Buckhead’s Catalyst Fitness. “Doing some exercise when you’re at your desk can counteract the impact of sitting all day.”

Here, Sonnemaker has created a workout that can be done without leaving the office.

For each exercise, aim to do one to two sets of 10 to 20 repetitions for every hour you sit at work. They’re numbered in order of importance in case you’re strapped for time.

2. STATIONARY HAND WALKS MUSCLES WORKED: CORE, BACK, SHOULDERS AND TRICEPS

Begin by placing your hands on the edge of your desk, shoulder-width apart. Slowly walk your feet back while extending your arms. Go as far back as you can, not letting your arms pass above your ears, and keeping your core engaged (think about a straight line between the back of your head, your lower back and butt). Hold this elongated position for three to five seconds, and then slowly walk the feet back to their original starting position.

1. HAY-BALER MUSCLES WORKED: ALL MAJOR MUSCLES OF THE BODY AND CORE

Begin in a standing position with elbows bent at 90 degrees and hands pointing forward. Lower the body and rotate your torso while extending your arms straight and toward the ground as if you’re picking up a box that’s on your right-hand side. Stand back up, with your hands in front of your torso. Add difficulty by picking up a trashcan, your purse or briefcase. Next, rotate to the opposite side while lifting, and this time extend your arms overhead.

3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DESK WORK FOR YOU All desks aren’t created equally. If yours isn’t set up correctly, it can lead to neck and lower back pain. Here are a few tips to make your desk more ergonomic.

1. Elevate your screen.

“When you’re sitting up tall and looking straight ahead, you want to be looking at the top line of text in a document,” says Erin Kent, clinic director at BenchMark Physical Therapy Buckhead. “If need be, use a ream of paper, textbook or small box to elevate the screen.”

2. Keep those elbows in.

“Elbows should be by your side and flexed at 90 degrees to prevent you from having to reach forward or down to type,” says Grace Mollohan, director for the BenchMark locations in Chastain Park and Brookhaven.

3. Make sure the monitor is in front.

Don’t position your monitor off to the side.

“And if you have more than one screen, make sure they’re both centered in front of you and not spread apart,” says Kent. “This will prevent you from holding your head rotated to one side, which can cause issues with the neck and shoulders.”

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3. SINGLE LEG BALANCE AND REACH MUSCLES WORKED: LOWER BACK, CORE, HIPS AND HAMSTRINGS

Begin by standing two to three feet away from the edge of your desk on a single leg, which should be slightly bent.

Pretend you’re holding an object in your hands and against your chest.

Bend forward while hinging at the hips, as if you were going to place the object on the desk. The free leg should be lifted so it’s level with your torso.

Imagine that your body makes a “T.” Return to standing position, without putting your lifted foot all the way down.

Finish a set on one leg, and then switch sides.

For added difficulty, fully extend both arms and/or hold a lightweight object.

4. DESK PUSH-UPS MUSCLES WORKED: CHEST, TRICEPS AND CORE

Place your hands on the edge of the desk so your elbows form a 90-degree right angle. Slowly walk your feet back while lowering the middle of your chest to the edge of the desk. When your chest touches the edge, extend your arms fully, keeping your core engaged.

Avoid lifting your butt in the air and forming a triangle with your body.

MIND MATTERS The exercises shown demonstrate the importance of not neglecting your body throughout the workday, but it’s good to remember your brain as well. If you feel yourself getting stressed or overwhelmed, taking a five-minute mental break and meditating or just breathing deeply can work wonders.

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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ART

Got a Minute to Spare? P44

“We found people in advertising, marketing, even law who are creating cool artwork in their spare time.” –Pippa Seichrist

The opening of the Spare Time Gallery gave visitors a chance to add their own artistic touches to a wall mural.

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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O N S TAGE

I

n her line of work, Susan Bennett is used to being somewhat invisible.

That’s the reality of most voice actors, who bring all sorts of characters to life without achieving much public adulation.

Bennett is anything but obscure these days, though. She is the original—and recognizable—English voice of Siri, Apple’s automated personal assistant.

It never dawned on Bennett that she’d enter the voiceover profession.

Born in Vermont, she moved around New England with her family before settling in Clinton, New York. At Pembroke College, which eventually became Brown University, she studied the classics and originally thought she’d become a teacher when she graduated in 1971. But she was never set on it. “I really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she recalls.

After moving to Atlanta a year later with then husband, Curt Bennett (who played hockey for the now-defunct NHL team the Atlanta Flames), she landed some music gigs playing piano here and there, including regular performances at the former The Lark & The Dove in Sandy Springs. Soon she began singing jingles, which led to the voiceover industry. It began one day when the actor who was supposed to read the commercial jingle copy didn’t show up, and the owner of the studio, realizing Bennett had no

A Voice Everyone Knows This Sandy Springs resident is heard by millions daily accent, asked her to read it. She did and got the job, and soon after, she landed a voice coach and an agent. Not only has Bennett been the voice heard at Delta Air Lines gates worldwide and on various GPS navigation systems, she’s also done national commercials for Ford, Papa John’s, Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. And she was a singing chicken for Zeneca Agricultural Products. “How do you top being a singing chicken?” she laughs.

Her path to becoming the voice of Siri was hardly linear. In 2005, she recorded some voices and read from some unusual scripts for a local company called GM Voices that was working with a firm called Nuance Communications, Inc. “None of us knew what we were doing,” she

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admits of the job, which she recorded in the basement studio of her Sandy Springs home. “We thought we were doing some phone messaging.”

As it turns out, Bennett became the original English voice of Siri, yet she didn’t realize it until a friend called her in 2011 and mentioned he’d heard a voice he thought was hers. “I had ambivalent feelings [about it],” she says. “I didn’t purposely audition for them. I was concerned about how Siri was going to affect my career.” It became a pleasant surprise, however, and led to prominent gigs. Eventually she came out publicly as Siri to a CNN reporter in 2013. Since then, she has told the story of becoming Siri at various events, including a 2016 TED

STORY:

Jim Farmer

Talk titled “Accidentally Famous.”

Bennett now lives with her second husband, Rick Hinkle, a well-known guitarist, and her cat, Boo. When she’s not on the job, she still enjoys the occasional musical gig, including performing in the band Boomers Gone Wild alongside her husband. She also loves being a homebody and reading, or visiting the High Museum of Art. As for her work, it’s different every day, and that’s the aspect of the profession that appeals to her the most.

“You can do radio and TV commercials, promos and animation; there are endless opportunities. Each SUSAN BENNETT job has its own skill requirement and susancbennett.com challenges.” n

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ART

The sculptures, paintings and other art objects on display at the new Spare Time Gallery come from projects completed after-hours by local creative professionals.

Got a Minute to Spare?

A new gallery showcases art done off the clock

S

o many creative folks tell the same tale: They spend all day plying their trades, and by the time evening rolls around, they have no energy left for personal artistic pursuits. But ask about the work that gets them excited, and it’s often what they do off the clock that they find the most invigorating and rewarding.

Too often, though, these sparetime projects are known only to close friends and family. Artists who draw little illustrations on their kids’ lunch packs and graphic designers who create murals on walls don’t always have a way to showcase their works. But several months ago, the opening of the Spare Time Gallery in Buckhead gave them a place to display their after-hours talents.

The gallery is housed at the Bennett Street outpost of the Miami Ad School, an institution offering programs in advertising and other creative fields that was founded by Pippa Seichrist

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and her husband, Ron. The concept for Spare Time came from the projects the couple devoted their time to when they weren’t running the school.

“Both of us do a lot of creative things in our spare time,” says Pippa. “My two favorite things are using irregularly shaped wood or cut branches and turning them into snakes, horses and fish. I also make chairs and face jugs, like the kind that were used for moonshine, but mine have funny dog faces on them. I never did any of it to sell, and I only just started showing it about three months ago.”

Based on her experience, Pippa decided to reach out to others in the city’s creative industries, and finding people who wanted to share their primary passions wasn’t hard. “We found people in advertising, marketing, even law who are creating cool artwork in their spare time but don’t have the time to exhibit or market it,” she says. “Maybe they’re not even

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

doing it to sell it; it’s just a passion.”

The debut exhibit in the 6,000square-foot space featured a few hundred works, including Pippa’s chairs, mounted monster heads, traditional paintings and a giant comic book series, and all of them brought surprised reactions from gallery visitors. “They had no idea what their co-workers were doing,” says Pippa. “One woman said, ‘I hang out every day with these people and had no idea they were creating things in their spare time.’”

But the gallery isn’t just about looking. Pippa aspires to bring out the inner artist in everyone who comes through the door. On the night Spare Time opened, about 225 people drew sketches of what was under their beds and put stickers on a wall mural to describe what they do in their off time. The current show, spotlighting the work of creative types, dancers and cheerleaders from the city’s sports teams, has oversize

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

tables covered with paper where visitors can roll balls in paint trays and transfer the colors onto the paper.

“You can roll it across to someone on the other side to create a work of art. And the walls around the room have been drawn like a stadium full of people with blank shirts, signs and faces, so you can fill in what your fan looks like and is saying,” says Pippa. “We want to offer interactive activities at all of our shows so everyone can get to know each other and be inspired at the same time.”

Look for upcoming exhibits to reveal what Atlanta’s interior designers and architects are doing after the office lights go out. n SPARE TIME GALLERY 125 Bennett Street N.W. Atlanta 30309 404.351.5055 sparetimegallery.com

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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L I T E R ARY

Kathleen Brewin Lewis produces eloquent poetry that captures her love of nature and family.

PUTTING IT

POETICALLY Local writer’s second career is turning a fine phrase

K

athleen Brewin Lewis banishes any stereotype of the starving poet. Although the Sandy Springs mom, wife and former fundraiser admits she’s not getting rich writing poetry, her ability to create colorful, evocative images in a few short lines has led to a rather thick portfolio of published work.

After a career freelancing for nonprofits, Lewis decided her youngest child’s move to college was also the perfect time to refocus her writing. The goal was to hone her nonfiction skills in Kennesaw State’s master’s of professional writing program, but things didn’t go quite as planned. “Well, poetry took over,” she says with a sigh. “I think everybody, when they’re young, writes poetry of some sort, but I came to it later in life. And when you go back to grad school in your 50s, you haven’t always read the most modern stuff, and reading what was out there made me think about what I was trying to say.”

While working toward graduation in 2011, Lewis wrote a poem every week, had it

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STORY:

H.M. Cauley

critiqued by an instructor and workshopped it. “I liked that with poetry you can read your complete work,” she says. “Then I started getting published, and once you do, it’s like a drug. I learned about the different journals out there and what they’re looking for. I’m also ambitious; almost everything I’ve written has been published.”

In the last few years, her poems have popped up in various publications, including the current issue of Southern Poetry Review. Her first collection, Fluent in Rivers, debuted in 2014, followed a year later by July’s Thick Kingdom.

Throughout Lewis’ work, influences of nature abound. “I’m a big walker and hiker, so I get a lot of imagery from time spent outdoors,” she says. “I write about the natural world, my family or my family in the natural world. Lately, politics have ruined a lot of things for me, so this year I’m planning to spend less time watching the news and more time walking along the Chattahoochee

Sweater Weather Disrobing trees, woolly clouds.

A thin creek stitches itself into the red valley.

You want to be warmer.

A skein of geese pulls across the afternoon sky.

—originally published in Still: The Journal

River.” But Lewis notes that the spores of poems can blow in from anywhere. “A lot of times something has happened that I want to react to, or something in the past makes sense that it never made before,” she says.

“Those poems are harder, and sometimes I work on them for years. I might put something down in a notebook and see it later in a whole different light. If I’m lucky, it will come as if it’s being dictated; that’s a gift poem. But most require a lot of work and revision.”

The financial return hardly reflects the degree of effort it takes to craft a finely worded few lines. “I don’t know how anyone could make money writing poetry, and I’m lucky that my husband makes a living as a lawyer.

He’s definitely my patron,” she says with a laugh. “You can write poetry whenever it suits you, but you can’t write with the notion of selling it. That’s not going to happen.” n l To view some of Kathleen Brewin Lewis’ writings, visit clippings.me/klew1215.

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C OVER STORY

THE PERKS OF WORK HOW LOCAL COMPANIES ARE PLYING EMPLOYEES WITH EVERYTHING FROM CONCIERGES TO CORNHOLE STORY:

Lisa R. Schoolcraft

Y

WORK PLACE GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS IN BUCKHEAD Work: It’s something we all do at one point or another, whether it’s busing tables at the local diner or running a multimillion-dollar company. But look around, and you’ll see that the workplace is changing.

For one, the number of co-working spaces is on the rise as more and more people opt for self-employment and the number of companies allowing employees to telecommute continues to grow. The office itself has transformed, too, as fixtures such as ping pong tables and dog bowls for visiting pets are increasingly becoming standard fare. Employee benefits have expanded as well as companies attempt to lure and retain quality workers with unique perks such as wellness programs and concierge services.

Here, we take a look at some of the workplace trends that reflect the ever-evolving office landscape.

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ears ago, company perks might have included a polo shirt with the office logo or a monthly birthday cake for the staff. These days, more and more businesses are offering elaborate benefits, such as an on-site chef who prepares gourmet lunches for the employees or the services of a concierge who’ll get their oil changed and pick up their dry cleaning.

Other perks include job sharing, in-house day care, tuition reimbursement and generous family leave programs. Smart business owners have realized that these sorts of pluses not only attract employees, they also help retain that talent, boost morale and increase workers’ job performance.

Elizabeth Cogswell Baskin, CEO and executive creative director of Sandy Springs-based Tribe, Inc., provides several such perks, including free snacks for the office and an annual fitness competition.

She also hosts a yearly wine tasting just before the holidays. “Everyone brings their significant others, and we have the tasting catered,” says Baskin. “We put 12 bottles of wine in paper bags with letters on them and give everyone an entry sheet.”

There are $100 cash prizes for the people who match the most wines to their clues and who correctly pick the most expensive or the cheapest wines. “We always include one really cheap one,” says Baskin, “and you’d be surprised how many times people guess it’s the most expensive and vice versa.” Another Tribe perk is the Andy Jack (named for Andrew Jackson), a $20 reward that’s handed out when employees go above and beyond on a project or Employees at Tribe, Inc. can earn a in assisting $20 reward called an Andy Jack a co-worker. for going above and beyond.

Tribe, Inc. employees enjoy a yearly wine tasting with cash prizes for guessing the mystery wines.

Oxygen Financial in Buckhead put together a fitness and nutrition challenge for its employees. The program included weekly gym visits and healthy lunches and dinners prepared for them four days a week. “The results were incredible,” says Jamie Bodner, the owner of Pinnacle Fitness, who spearheaded the initiative for Oxygen. “The winner lost 21 pounds. Now we have them on a two-day-a-week program in the morning.” Oxygen founder Ted Jenkin, a Pinnacle client for about three years, decided to bring in his team in September of 2017. “It’s not just working out your body,” says Bodner of Oxygen’s wellness push. “It’s good for morale.”

Caroline Wilbert, president of The Wilbert Group boutique PR firm in Buckhead, allows her employees to choose their own wellness programs and provides a monthly $100 stipend toward that goal. “People have used it to pay for gym memberships, buy equipment and pay for soccer leagues,” says Wilbert. “One guy used his for a creative writing class. Wellness is physical, but it’s also spiritual and emotional, and he felt he most needed a new creative outlet. In short, we support each team member’s journey, but we don’t dictate the path.”

Wilbert also has a “fun committee” that plans various events throughout the year using funds from a designated budget. “We have impromptu happy hours in the office with ping pong and cornhole, too,” she adds. “I believe strongly that we’re helping people be their best at work, which is good for the bottom line.” n

Cricket Wireless’ George Cleveland (above) and Roadie’s Marc Gorlin focus on creating an environment people want to work in.

BUCKHEAD’S

BEST BOSSES THE QUALITIES THAT MAKE AREA BIZ LEADERS THE CREAM OF THE CROP STORY:

G

Lisa R. Schoolcraft

eorge Cleveland has dressed as Lenny Kravitz for a rockthemed First Friday event at Cricket Wireless. Roadie’s Marc Gorlin believes he works for his employees, not the other way around. Lauren Fernandez, owner of Chicken Salad Chick in Buckhead, regularly takes her managers out for fun, off-site activities such as bowling.

Beacham & Company founder Glennis Beacham says the camaraderie she’s created at her residential real estate firm has meant virtually no turnover in employees.

All four of these local business heads say being an effective boss is about focusing on the culture of the workplace and the employees, which is why they qualify in our book as being some of Buckhead’s coolest bosses. Research has shown that the most powerful way leaders can improve employee well-being is through their own day-to-day actions, and that poor managerial leadership increases incidents of sick leave, employee turnover and poor performance.

Cleveland, vice president of channel operations for the wireless service provider headquartered in

Buckhead, says being an effective leader comes down to setting the atmosphere of the company.

Likewise, Gorlin, founder and CEO of Roadie, a Buckhead-based transportation startup, says he creates a culture from within. One of his favorite maxims is: “The woodpeckers inside the boat can do more damage than the storm outside.” He says he strives to create an enviable work environment because then he never really has to worry about the competition. Being a cool boss may mean the employees have beer in the fridge or “whatever everyone thinks is important,” says Gorlin. “But it’s more important to build a nucleus of people you want to come to work with. It’s who you want to have in your foxhole slaying the monsters every day.”

Fernandez notes that creating a supportive work environment is particularly crucial in the restaurant industry, where employee turnover is high. “I don’t ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” she notes. “There’s not a single restaurant we have that I haven’t washed dishes in.”

Making work a place employees want to be is key for Cleveland. “We spend so much time at work, when you compare it to the time we

spend at home, this is our family away from our family,” he says. “So what we try to do is create an environment where people are happy to come to work every day.” To that end, Cleveland has created First Friday, when team members are recognized and “we let our hair down a bit,” he says. “We always open up with something crazy and fun, and then get into the recognition, like birthdays or new team members.”

At one First Friday around Halloween, everyone dressed up. Another time, Cleveland came decked out as Willy Wonka when a First Friday fell on National Chocolate Day. Beacham, who describes herself as a very sharing boss, gets satisfaction when her agents do well.

“I’m interested in seeing our agents grow their business,” she says. “It’s not necessarily financial. It’s to see people grow.” She does have fun with her agents, as well, including participating in a softball team and an annual bowling event.

Great bosses, says Gorlin, need to realize that “your job is to make others make the company win. My job is to work for everybody in this company and to clear the obstacles so they can do their jobs.” n

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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COV E R S TO RY

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

What’s on Their Desks?

A PEEK AT THE WORKSPACES OF FOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONALS They say a clean desk is a sign of a sick mind. Whether you believe that or not, the state of your office does tell a lot about you.

We examined the desks of four Buckhead-area working stiffs to see what their spaces say about what they do and how they do it.

NAZY GAVAHI There’s nothing out of place in local entrepreneur Nazy Gavahi’s workspace. Located in an alcove across from the kitchen of her apartment in a Buckhead high-rise, the office is compact but neat and chic.

The founder and creative director of the NGK Agency, a year-old, fullservice marketing and event agency serving clients such as The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, Simon’s Restaurant and Motorcars of Georgia, the Persian-born Gavahi has created a space reflective of her creative side and her well-honed organizational skills. “I’m OCD,” she admits. “I make a lot of to-do lists. And everything is color coded.” Because she works out of her house, she designed her office to blend in with the rest of the decor, opting for more stylish items, from her faux-fur-covered gold desk chair down to the designer stapler. Her desk musts include Post-it Notes in a range of hues, fresh flowers from Trader Joe’s, a Diptyque candle and candy jars full of Starbursts and red-only Sour Patch Kids. Working from home allows Gavahi some freedoms she wouldn’t have in a traditional office. For one, she can take her beloved dogs, Lola and Zorro, who have a pup teepee and basket of toys next to her desk, out for a walk during the day. She can also set her thermostat at whatever temperature she wants. “I like my room cold,” she says.

“It’s usually 68 degrees.” And if she needs to disconnect for a moment, she can. “If I want to take a nap at 2 p.m., I do.”

STORY:

Jill Becker PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

SAM MASSELL One glance at Sam Massell’s desk, and it’s easy to see his passion for Buckhead.

The mayor of Atlanta from 1970 to 1974, the sharp-as-a-tack 90-year-old now holds the unofficial title of the mayor of Buckhead. His real title is president of the Buckhead Coalition, a nonprofit civic organization now in its 30th year, and his desk at its Tower Place headquarters is covered with figurines of horned bucks, after which the neighborhood supposedly got its name, that he’s been gifted over the years. Also filling his fifth-floor office are decades worth of Atlanta and Buckhead memorabilia, from snow globes and Olympic pins to photos of him with Presidents Nixon, Truman and Clinton and some of the shovels used at the countless groundbreakings he’s attended. Front and center on his desk is an out box, which is regularly

cleared out and acted upon by his loyal staff. One thing you won’t find on Massell’s desk, though, is a computer. He doesn’t know how to work one. Instead, he’ll use pen and paper, or occasionally the old electric typewriter on a shelf in a back room. “I’m the fastest typist in the world,” he brags. “I type faster than I think.” Other desk mainstays include a tube of Chap Stick, a dish full of peppermints, a picture of his wife and his go-to reference, the latest edition of the annual Buckhead Guidebook. “My desk is just a workstation,” says Massell, who maintains a six-day workweek. His office may be cluttered, but Massell insists that on a scale of 1 to 10, his desk is a 9 when it comes to organization. “I know where everything is,” he insists. Given his track record for getting things done, there’s no reason not to believe him.

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JOHN ERNST John Ernst’s office doesn’t have a lot of flash or flair. There are a few family photos and personal mementoes, but the space is pretty workman-like, boasting not much more than a desk, whiteboard, small round table with chairs and some filing cabinets. He doesn’t know what’s in most of his drawers and cabinets, though, because, as the mayor of Brookhaven, Ernst believes his place is not in his City Hall office, but rather out on the town among its 52,000 citizens. “My office is just a place,” he says. “My job isn’t about sitting behind a desk. It’s about being able to speak to the people and hear their concerns.” His desk does showcase some of the tools of his trade, such as a hard hat with “Mayor” written across it, a walkie-talkie, Brookhaven maps and various schematics for projects such as the Nancy Creek Watershed Improvement Plan and the Peachtree Creek Greenway Master Plan. Also always handy is the Pilot Precise Grip pen he uses to sign official documents. Ernst’s workspace is purely functional and fairly bare bones for another reason: Being the mayor of one of the top 20 largest cities in Georgia is surprisingly a part-time job; he also has his own law firm, Ernst Legal, located just six minutes away. “I give my time as mayor as much as I can give it,” says Ernst. “My job is to watch over things so our residents don’t have to worry about them.”

DR. SCOTT BODEN Scott Boden is a busy guy. As a professor and interim chair of the Department of Orthopedics at the Emory University School of Medicine, the vice president of business innovation for Emory Healthcare and director of the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center, not to mention a practicing orthopedic surgeon, he works an 80-hour week. He has a small office space at the swanky new Emory Sports Medical Complex, a 90,000-square-foot site that serves as both the official training and practice facility of the Atlanta Hawks and a state-ofthe-art sports medicine practice. But his main office is at the nearby Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center in Brookhaven. It’s crammed with piles of folders, stacks of his latest textbook, copies of some of the 40-plus patents he holds, Hawks team jerseys, plaques from the various awards he’s won, sports team photos of his five kids (including his triplet daughters) and renderings of the Emory Sports Medical Complex, a project he was deeply involved in from the onset, all of it conveying just what a multitasking dynamo Boden is. Asked to describe his desk, he says, “It’s like a computer screen with a lot of open icons. How organized is it? Well, how do you distinguish between organized and neat? I could close my eyes, and in three seconds, I could find materials relating to 10 different projects.” n

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WHO’S THE BOSS?

In an Office Far, Far Away More and more companies are relying on a remote workforce

STORIES:

Lisa R. Schoolcraft

A

t a typical office, you get used to seeing your co-workers every day in meetings, at the copier or in the break room. But going for days without seeing your colleagues is becoming more and more commonplace. David Felfoldi, for one, rarely sees his employees: They are all remote workers.

Felfoldi, a digital marketing strategist and co-founder of Sherpa Global, started his company in 1999 while he was still a student at the University of Georgia in Athens and commuting every weekend to a job in Atlanta. Felfoldi and his cofounder, a student at Georgia Tech, wanted the freedom to work wherever they pleased. Sherpa Global does have designated office space at Atlanta Tech Village in Buckhead, but Felfoldi is a firm believer in being a remote employee and boss.

Teleworking, for example, allowed him to go on a three-week honeymoon, the longest vacation he’s ever taken. “I took just four hours per week to work,” he says of the trip. “I’d never taken that much time off, and that was how I could do it.” Did his wife mind that he worked during their honeymoon? Well, during one of his four-hour work stints, she knitted him a hat to wear for a glacier hike in New Zealand.

Kenji Kuramoto, founder and CEO of Acuity, which handles financial details for entrepreneurs and startups, thinks teleworking allows for global recruitment. “It lets Sherpa Global’s David Felfoldi (above) me ask, ‘Can I find the right fit?’ rather than and Acuity’s Kenji Kuramoto are among ‘Can this person reasonably get to our office those embracing the telework life. in Buckhead?’” he says. “You open yourself up to a greater number of candidates if they don’t have to come into the office.”

Offering teleworking is a great retention tool as well. “I had an employee who wanted to travel the world,” says Kuramoto. “He visited 27 different countries and worked for us the entire time. He’s incredibly loyal and got the job done.” That employee, in fact, began Acuity’s shift to becoming a telework-friendly firm. “Thirteen years ago, we were a traditional office,” says Kuramoto. “That employee was the one to challenge me. We learned a lot about ourselves as he traveled.

Now we have no fears about hiring anyone from anywhere.”

Felfoldi says he has an employee based in Norway who visits once or twice a year. And he has three full-time web developers living in Uruguay and another web developer in Chile whom he’s never met. “We’ve [only] video chatted,” he says.

Felfoldi admits clients aren’t always as quick to embrace a remote workforce, so he has office space in Atlanta Tech Village where he holds meetings. He finds requests to telework are growing, though, and not just among companies with younger workforces or tech firms. “I can’t see how tech companies can’t offer at least one day of teleworking,” he says.

One obvious downside to teleworking can be the lack of human interaction.

“The concept gives people flexibility, but the challenge can be isolation,” admits Kuramoto, who thinks that’s one reason for the rise of shared workspaces such as WeWork and Atlanta Tech Village.

Of course, for the telecommuting premise to work, employees must be responsible and get the work done. “If we are giving you all this flexibility, you should be very responsive,” insists Kuramoto. “Hit your deadlines and we don’t care how or where you do it.” n

YOU ARE!

The rise of the self-employed

B

eing self-employed from corporate. There means you work is pressure that way. It for the toughest boss can hurt personally, too, imaginable. sometimes. If you get “You will never work a bad review, it’s hard not harder for anyone to take that personally, than yourself,” says because you put Becky Nickerson, the so much of yourself into founder of Infinity Yoga, the business.” which has locations Another challenge to in Brookhaven and being self-employed is Buckhead. Despite the you never stop working, challenges, though, and the buck stops with the number of selfyou. “The ugly part for employed and indepenme is balancing the famdent workers continues ily pressures of being Becky Nickerson (above) and Erin to increase. Some do it a full-time mom and Freer say being self-employed can be as a way to supplement owning the business,” the hardest, and most rewarding, job. income, while others says Freer. “I have two like that, in a strong locations, and we open economy, they can dicas early as 7 a.m. If my tate work on their own opener is stuck in traffic, terms. A recent study all of a sudden, I need to

by MBO Partners Inc., a jump in the car at 6:30 leading provider of mana.m. to open the door agement services for for our first customer. independent professionWell, who’s going to get als, revealed that more my kids out the door than 40 percent of the to school?” Freer says workforce has, at one she feels lucky to have a time or another, been an independent supportive husband who can help. contractor, and that over the next five Nickerson says another consideration is years, that figure is expected to rise to 50 the unsteady salary. “If you have employpercent. The report also showed that milees, you have to pay them first and you lennials and baby boomers are the largest get paid last.” And then there are the more contingent among the self-employed. practical aspects of being self-employed.

For Erin Freer, owner of two Blo Blow “You have to be a jack of all trades,” notes Dry Bar locations, including one at Nickerson, who just merged her business the Shops Around Lenox, the best part with YogaWorks and will now be the of being self-employed is the flexibility regional manager. “As owner, if the toilet it allows, as well as “being able to isn’t working, I have to go fix it. That’s life.” mold your business into your vision.”

Both women do feel that the positives Nickerson agrees that the ability to set outweigh the negatives. “You get to do your own schedule is a major plus. “You the thing you love,” says Nickerson. n can work from home in your pajamas if you want to,” she says with a laugh.

Self-autonomy is another perk. “You get to call all the shots,” she says. “But that does also mean the shots have to be called, and you have to figure out what to do.”

Freer’s business is a franchise that’s open seven days a week. “It’s 24/7,” she says. “If it’s not succeeding or is having difficulties, you have no one else to fall back on, even though there’s a lot of support

AREA CO-WORKING SPACES Being self-employed or a teleworker doesn’t mean you have to stay holed up in your house or get overly caffeinated at the local coffee shop. Here are four fullservice co-working spaces in Buckhead where you can work independently but still catch up with the water cooler gossip.

ATLANTA TECH VILLAGE

ROAM

SERENDIPITY LABS

WEWORK

3423 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.445.1525 atlantatechvillage.com

3365 Piedmont Road N.E. Suite 1400 Atlanta 30305 404.465.3485 meetatroam.com

(opening April 2018)

Tower Place, 3340 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite 1010, Atlanta 30326

COST: $300 a month for a

hot (rotating) desk; $425 a month for a reserved desk.

A day pass is $35 but doesn’t provide access to conference rooms.

COST: Basic member-

ship $139 a month; some rooms available for $50 to $65 an hour. A day pass is $20.

3 Alliance Center, 3550 Lenox Road Atlanta 30326 678.673.3889 serendipitylabs.com COST: Memberships

vary; call for prices.

(with a second location coming this spring to the Terminus 100 building)

855.593.9675 wework.com COST: $220 a month for a hot desk; private

offices start at $520 a month; a pay-asyou-go plan starts at $45 a month and allows you to book workspace at $50 a day or conference rooms from $25 an hour.

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COV E R S TO RY

Engraver John Franciscus and his cat, Joey, are nearly inseparable. Joey joins him at his Sandy Springs studio almost every day.

Rhonda Hazen’s Pomeranian, ZuZu, acts as shop mascot at her home goods store House of Hazen.

WORK IS A ZOO HOW SOME LOCAL OFFICES ARE GOING TO THE DOGS— AND CATS STORY:

Lisa R. Schoolcraft

PHOTOS: Sara

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Hanna

“Z

uZu has such a bright and happy spirit,” says Rhonda Hazen, the owner of the luxury home goods shop House of Hazen in Buckhead. “She’s as much a part of the House of Hazen as I am.”

You might think Hazen is referring to a trusted employee, but in actuality, she’s talking about her pint-size Pomeranian, ZuZu, whom she takes to work with her on a regular basis. The 2-year-old pup, who’s named for the character in her husband’s favorite movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, has become the store’s official mascot. “She greets everyone,” says Hazen. “Customers come in and they want to take a photograph of ZuZu, either with them or by herself.

And she will pose when I tell her to.”

Adds Hazen, “I wanted to make the shop feel as if you are coming into my home, and ZuZu is part of my life.

She’s really become a signature part of the shop.” ZuZu is even known to get into a little mischief from time to time: This past Christmas, she was spotted sporting a little glitter on her nose, a sure sign she’d been sniffing around in places she wasn’t supposed to.

Hazen isn’t the only one in town whose co-worker has fur and four legs.

Karin P. Koser, the owner of KPKinteractive, takes her large Kuvasz mix dog, Shiloh, to her Brookhaven office on a daily basis. By having Shiloh at work, Koser can take her for walks in the neighborhood. “That’s good for keeping us both in shape,” she says. But Shiloh can be a bit of a Houdini and occasionally has run off before the leash gets put on. Koser recalls Shiloh once returning from an escape after having rolled in “something nasty smelling,” adding that she got her into a bathtub and “scrubbed her clean right in the middle of the workday.”

John Franciscus, a master engraver at LJ Lewis Silver Co. in Sandy Springs, has been bringing his 11-year-old cat, Joey, to his studio inside the shop since 2008.

“He gets out of the car in the parking lot and walks with me into the store,” says Franciscus, who found Joey as a kitten in a grocery store parking lot in 2007.

“He’s really like a dog. Customers bring their kids by to say hello to him.”

Joey can usually be found sleeping in a flowerpot or in a display case, but if he’s in a playful mood, he’ll play with tissue paper. Once, in his early years at the studio, Joey managed to get out and was missing for several hours before Franciscus found him next door at the pharmacy, sleeping on a shelf among the medications.

All three pet owners say their fourlegged friends bring joy not just to them throughout the day, but to the customers who come in. “How can you not love a happy little puppy greeting you?” says Hazen. “That sets people in a happy frame of mind.” n

TIPS FOR BRINGING FIDO TO WORK WITH YOU 1. Clear it with your co-workers.

Be mindful of colleagues with allergies or who are afraid of animals.

2. Make sure the space is safe for your pet. Do a quick check for exposed electrical cords, poisonous plants or other hazards.

3. Have a backup plan in case your pet doesn’t enjoy hanging out at the office or gets overwhelmed as the day progresses.

The last thing you want to do is stress them out.

Karin Koser’s office mate is her dog, Shiloh, who she regularly takes for walks in the surrounding neighborhood.

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

RE V I E W | DRI N K S | F O ODI E J OU RNA L | TA S T E M A K E R | RE S TAU R A N T S

SIMPLY DELICIOUS

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Buon Appetito, Buckhead P58

As predicted, Storico Fresco has blossomed into one of the most popular spots in town.

Stock up on fresh-cut pastas at Storico Fresco’s retail market.

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

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REVIEW

BUON APPETITO, BUCKHEAD

Storico Fresco’s tagliatelle alla Bolognese may be one of the finest Bolognese ragus this side of the Atlantic.

Dining in or out, Storico Fresco delivers a taste of Italy

T

here is much I want to say about Storico Fresco Alimentari. Like a secret admirer, I’ve been watching it from a distance since it arrived at the Buckhead Exchange in 2016, waiting to see how it would jibe with the neighborhood, how it would deal with some initial mixed reviews, etc. But Storico has, as I hoped and predicted, blossomed into one of the most popular spots in town.

The semi-subterranean restaurant/market— the latter selling an assortment of fabulous pantry and ready-to-eat items—is steeped in the happy aromas of an Italian cellar: cheeses, truffles, cured meats and fresh pasta.

Even the joyful fortissimo of conversation in the 126-seat space is reminiscent of that formative dining experience on your first summer abroad. And then there’s the menu.

On a recent visit, while dipping warm crostini into Umbrian olive oil, we made our first selections by narrowing in on two classic pasta dishes. The tagliatelle al tartufo was blanketed in thick, perfumy black-truffle shavings and a smidge of truffle paste, with just enough olive oil and Grana Padano cheese to tie it all together. It was all we could do

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STORY:

Rebecca Cha PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

to keep from swooning. The garganelli con funghi was the runner-up in this beauty pageant. Delicate, hand-rolled pasta bathed in a too-mild porcini sauce, it couldn’t stand up against the truffle dish, even with the ubiquity of chanterelles. Our dessert course was also an exercise in contrasts. We agreed upon housemade pistachio and chocolate gelato, each sprinkled with chocolate-coated candy bits and surprisingly priced at just $2 (cheaper than a glorious Miscela d’Oro espresso).

But while the chocolate was creamy and intense, the pistachio lacked flavor.

Happily, a couple of follow-up lunches were nearly flawless. If there’s one takeaway from this review, let it be this: Do not pass up the meat and cheese board. This gluttony-inducing antipasti comes piled with paper-thin slices of prosciutto, bresaola and culatello; generous cuts of semisoft sottocenere, sharp pecorino and earthy robiola cheese; and, for a touch of sweetness, a chunk of gooey, golden honeycomb.

The spinach salad that followed was destined to be anti-climactic, but wasn’t. The dressing was a bit bland, but the snappy green leaves, fresh pistachios, fennel and dill made for a bright and light next course.

The accompanying bread (from Alon’s) that was charred crisp then dipped in peppery olive oil took the tired bread-and-oil cliché to a new and delicious level. How I grieved for my gluten-free dining buddy. Until, that is, the tagliatelle alla Bolognese arrived.

This low-gluten pasta, made with 80 percent chickpea flour and sauced with what may be the one of the finest Bolognese ragus this side of the Atlantic, caused audible gasps at our table. Each al dente pasta strand was coated with the perfect balance of silky, meaty sauce and enhanced with a measured toss of Grana Padano.

On another visit, my companion and I wandered in for the late afternoon lunch special: $12 for a half sandwich and side salad. We opted for the datteri salad, a re-

Left: Piadina, a specialty of EmiliaRomagna, makes a tasty, inexpensive lunch.

Above: The shrimp in Cabo Cantina’s shrimp and grits are sautéed in a chipotle tomato pepper sauce.

Right: Don’t miss the charcuterie and cheese board, featuring delicious cured meats, Italian cheeses and golden honeycomb.

Below: Marshmallow-y, chocolate goodness, the Oreo churros are a specialty of the house.

Above: For a light and healthy meal, opt for the leche de tigre ceviche.

Right: The succulent adobo chicken is paired with Peruvian potatoes.

Above: The sweet and savory datteri salad combines mixed greens, sliced dates, celery and shaved pecorino.

Left: The garganelli con funghi boasts hand-rolled pasta covered in chanterelles and Grana Padano cheese.

If you ever miss Italy as deeply as I do, Storico Fresco is only a heartbeat away. spectable combination of sliced dates, mixed greens, celery and shaved pecorino dressed in a honey-saba vinaigrette. (Saba is a sweet syrup made from cooking down grape must.)

The piadina sandwich was, apart from the luxurious prosciutto, just right of acceptable. I practically grew up eating piadina in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, and Storico Fresco’s version, with its thin, cracker-like texture, was tasty enough but definitely missing something. (Probably the lard. Sorry y’all; it makes things delicious.)

My most recent meal at Storico was possibly the finest I’ve had since my 2012 arrival in Atlanta, securing this chic trattoria a place in my heart forever. Our first order of business was the rapini, one of several vegetable side dishes available. Roasted with a hint of Calabrian chile, the crisp florets of broccoli rabe were great as is, but with the generous dusting of smoked ricotta, the dish rose to near-Michelin status. For our secondi, the pork shank for two was a natural choice. It was so decadent and full-flavored, I wound up monopolizing the plate, stuffing forkfuls in with my left hand and grabbing errant bits swimming in golden polenta with my right. It wasn’t a pretty picture, but you should’ve tasted it.

Did we have room for dessert? No. Did we order some? Yes. Contenders were the affogato, tiramisu, ricotta pie and tortino.

We settled on the latter, a cross between chocolate cake and a brownie with chocolate fondant in the center and vanilla-bean whipped cream on top. Every bite was like the moment in the movie Ratatouille when food critic Anton Ego returns, via the eponymous dish, to the joys and comforts of childhood.

Storico Fresco has a diverse demographic.

I’ve run into people from all over—Buckhead, of course, but also hipster friends from Little Five Points, Decatur parents and kids.

(Incidentally, Storico is nothing if not kid-friendly. After all, who better to judge a quality bowl of noodles than noodles’ biggest fans?) At each visit, I watched as the affable staff greeted returning customers by name, sometimes with an embrace.

Whereas hit-or-miss experiences are practically the norm in restaurants these days, it isn’t the case here. What a comfort to know that if you ever miss Italy as deeply as I do, the fantastico Storico Fresco is only a heartbeat away. n

Above: Don’t say “ciao” to a meal at Storico Fresco without trying the chocolate tortino and Miscela d’Oro espresso.

STORICO FRESCO ALIMENTARI 3167 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta 30305 404.500.2181 storicofresco.com Prices: Appetizers: $12-$24. Salads and sandwiches: $10-$21.

Pastas: $11-$36. Mains: $24-$30. Side dishes and desserts: $6-$7.

Recommended dishes: Meat and cheese board, date salad, garganelli con funghi, tagliatelle alla Bolognese, rapini, pork shank for two, tortino and the Miscela d’Oro espresso.

Bottom line: A can’t-go-wrong true Italian bistro with something for the whole family.

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Photos: Justin Driscoll

D R I NKS

Spirited Away UNIQUE INGREDIENTS MAKE EXTRAORDINARY COCKTAILS

F

or years, cocktails at restaurants and bars were pretty predictable. These days, the shelves behind bartenders are lined with unique liqueurs and bittering agents for the more discerning palates of today’s cocktail drinkers.

These expressive elixirs lend depth and breadth to drinks the way sauces and spices do for dishes, and allow mixologists to be more playful. We asked a handful of Buckhead bartenders to describe some of these curious bottles and tell us how they’re using them to shake up their drink menus.

CYNAR The bottle has an image of an artichoke on its label, but luckily, it’s not flavored like the edible thistle.

It’s merely one of the 13 herbs and plants making up the secret Cynar recipe that’s been around since 1952. Ben Yabrow, bar director at The Regent Cocktail Club, notes that while it’s subtle, Cynar adds a hint of complexity to his concoctions. “The green grassiness of it plays nicely with agave,” he says, “and I wanted to put a mescal drink on the menu.” His Cannibal Oax features Cynar, mescal, Campari, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, Oaxacan mole bitters and espresso, with a little cacao nib grated over the top of the glass to add aromatic flair.

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BENEDICTINE First made in the 1500s by Benedictine monks, this 80-proof liqueur blends 27 plants and spices to create an intriguing sip with the essence of flowers, holiday spices and fruit tones. Shingo Gokan, creative director at Japanese speakeasy Himitsu, uses Benedictine in his twist on a classic Manhattan called the Kemuri, which means “smoke” in Japanese. The drink blends Benedictine with Japanese whiskey, sake, sherry and bitters and arrives under a dome of smoke. Says Gokan, “It has an interesting and wellbalanced taste with herbal notes of vermouth and a powerful smoke finish. It’s the Benedictine that gives it the complex sweetness and bitterness.”

SUZE A French liqueur made from gentian root, Suze is earthy and floral like the meadows in the Alps where the flowers grow. It’s light on the palate and adds richness and a little sweetness to drinks, but is also lovely poured alone over ice as an aperitif or digestif.

You’ll find it at Holeman and Finch Public House in the Liquid Swords, a

STORY:

Himitsu barman Shingo Gokan has all sorts of tricks up his sleeve, including using unusual ingredients like 80-proof Benedictine.

Angela Hansberger

riff on a White Negroni that blends gin with pear-infused vermouth and Suze in place of the Campari. “I like Suze because it has a unique color and a great balance of bitter and sweet,” says H&F Beverage Manager Demetri McDonald.

FERNET The recipe for Fernet, combining a myriad of herbs, spices, barks and roots, is a six-generation familyowned secret. It has a slightly medicinal taste; in fact, it was originally produced in Italy as a remedy for cholera. With bouquets of bitterness shaped by licorice, galingale, saffron, rhubarb and ginseng, it needs a spirit with bold flavors or else it dominates the glass. It’s featured at King + Duke in the Hockey Sweater, which Beverage Manager Clarke Anderson named after a beloved Canadian children’s book. The mint, dark spice notes come from the Fernet, with rye and cognac adding the silkiness. Anderson likes using Fernet because “a little goes a long way, and there are a ton of flavors packed into that small package. It’s actually quite versatile.” n

DETAILS: Himitsu 3050 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 puraibeto.com Holeman and Finch Public House 2777 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30309 404.948.1175 holeman-finch.com King + Duke 3060 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.477.3500 kinganddukeatl.com The Regent Cocktail Club 3035 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 770.415.9961 regentcocktailclub.com

Based on the book by Dr. Seuss Play originally produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain Adapted and originally directed by Katie Mitchell

Center for Puppetry Arts production directed by Jon Ludwig

Mar 20–May 13 Ages 4 & Up

1404 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30309

PUPPET.ORG ∞ 404.873.3391 Dr. Seuss text, characters and images TM and © 2009 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

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LIFE IS

BELLA

CHEWING THE FAT WITH BELLA CUCINA OWNER ALISA BARRY

B

ella Cucina, the Italian-inspired specialty food brand, is a familiar name in Atlanta households, and it now has a new retail location at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Soaring industrial ceilings and concrete floors give the storefront an edgy vibe, while floral details and signs with friendly sayings keep it inviting. Several wooden tables fill the front part of the shop, each lined with Bella Cucina’s famous pesto and preserves and samples to try. Towards the back of the store is a space for classes, and eventually a full kitchen will be added. Here, we chat with proprietor Alisa Barry to get the scoop on what’s in store at the new space.

FOOD NEWS n Chai Yo. This upscale Thai restaurant from the team behind Tuk Tuk Food Loft and Nan Fine Dining is now open in Two Buckhead Plaza next to Himitsu and King + Duke. On the menu you’ll find dishes such as Asian-style tapioca dumplings and duck larb salad. n Genuine Pizza. Folks are lining up for a slice at this Miami-based chain’s first Atlanta outpost. The new Phipps Plaza pizzeria from James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz specializes in quick-fired pies with creative toppings such as short ribs, Gruyère, caramelized onions and arugula.

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Lia Picard

Your original retail shop in VirginiaHighland closed in 2013. How did you know the time was right to open another brick-and-mortar store?

that’s perfectly suited for classes and events. And there’s plenty of parking, which makes shopping at the store easy and accessible.

Retail has always been a passion of mine. A brick-andmortar store offers a place where our customers can taste, touch and experience the beauty of the brand. Having a store locally is a great way to connect with our customers and engage with the community to share our love of beautiful food and artful living.

The timing felt right.

What are some of the must-try items?

Why did you select The Shops Buckhead?

The surroundings are beautiful and the people living and shopping in the area seem to value and appreciate a quality way of life.

How is the new space different from the old one in Virginia-Highland?

This is more modern and spacious. It’s a studio-style store

Grab a slice of deliciousness at Genuine Pizza.

Chai Yo 3050 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.464.7980 chaiyoatl.com Genuine Pizza 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 470.481.3883 genuinepizza.com Trade Root 3434 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.240.7035 starwoodhotels.com

n Trade Root. The Whitley hotel, formerly The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, has a new restaurant to whet your appetite. Trade Root, designed by global firm Wimberly Interiors, serves Mediterranean dishes and cocktails with a Southern twist.

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In addition to our Oprah’s “O List” favorite pick and bestselling Artichoke Pesto, one of the fan favorites is the Pane Rustico flatbread from Sardinia.

When sprinkled with our aromatic Wild Oregano & Sage Savory Salt, it makes a lovely addition to an antipasti offering. Our velvety Preserved Lemon Cream paired with our Crostata mini pastry tarts and Death by Chocolate cookies are deliciously decadent desserts.

Tell us about the classes you’ll be offering.

There will be a series of hands-on pasta and entertaining classes, such as “Aperitivo Cocktails and Small Bites” and “How to Create Your

Photo: Bradley Ryan

Culinary News & Notes

Bella Cucina’s crackers and pesto are ready for your next get-together.

Own Antipasti Board,” which includes your own board. We will also have various creativity classes taught by local artists.

Are there other items besides food sold at the shop?

We carry a selection of goods for the kitchen and home, such as hand-carved wooden utensils from Juniper & Salt, hand-poured candles from local designer Megan

Huntz and a vast array of breadboards, baskets, vases and tabletop items from etúHome. We also offer new and vintage objects of affection, such as a gorgeous pair of 19th-century doors imported from Italy. n Bella Cucina 3035 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 678.539.8442 bellacucina.com

WHAT’S COOKING Ever wanted to peer into your neighbors’ kitchens and check out their setups? You’ll have that chance at The Junior League of Atlanta’s 21st Annual Tour of Kitchens March 24 and 25. You can feast your eyes on stunning, recently renovated kitchens in homes throughout Buckhead and Sandy Springs. Best of all, each home is partnered with a local chef who will perform cooking demos and serve up delicious bites throughout the day. Tickets start at $35 and include access to kitchens on both days, along with tasty samples from restaurants and caterers such as Sun in My Belly and Sizzling Peach. For more information, visit tourofkitchens.org.

Get a dose of design inspiration at The Junior League’s annual Tour of Kitchens event.

Photo: Galina Juliana

Photo: Tom Meyer

FOODIE JOURNAL

Spring into Service! 宓室宵宷季宲宩季宜宲宸宵季安室宰宬宯宼孱季宓室宵宷季宲宩季宜宲宸宵季宏宬宩宨孱

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426 Trabert Ave. NW

Behind Atlantic Station

404-870-8564

BarkandBoard.com

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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TA S T E M AKE R

FUN FACT

From Waffle House to Watershed

Stevenson doesn’t own a television and has never watched Game of Thrones.

Chef Zeb Stevenson tells it like it is

“B

eing a chef is a lot of work,” says Zeb Stevenson, executive chef at Watershed on Peachtree, the acclaimed Buckhead eatery known for its upscale Southern cuisine.

Stevenson, 42, has never been one to sugarcoat things. But his honesty is one of the reasons people are attracted to his cooking—and his persona.

He’ll be the first to tell you he comes from humble beginnings, and that his first job was washing dishes at Waffle House. He got the opportunity to cook on the line there and was hooked.

“It was alive, dynamic and exciting to me,” he says. “I found myself, and food became a way to express myself. I was really good at it, too.”

After Waffle House, he worked his way up the kitchen ladder, eventually landing at Livingston and opening Proof and Provision at the Georgian Terrace Hotel, and then moving to Watershed three years ago.

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

How would you describe your job as executive chef?

My time in the kitchen is spent developing new techniques and recipes. But I also have a staff to lead.

Mentoring and teaching are some of the most important things I do. It’s hard to be a leader and keep people engaged. There’s that old idea of chefs yelling and throwing things.

That doesn’t work anymore. You have to say “Thank you” and “I need you.”

Tell me about your black books.

I’ve had them since I started at Watershed. I write in them daily and reference them constantly. They feature everything from recipes to to-do lists to doodles. I’ll get an idea and sketch the outline of it, like when I developed fudge made out of carrots.

What’s next for you?

Trying to make Watershed as great

as it can possibly be. I moved around in the past because I felt misunderstood. The ownership team here treats me like a valuable part of the operation. They encourage me to be who I am and not edit myself.

How do maintain balance in your life?

I go to the gym five days a week and drink a gallon of water a day. This is a hard business. If we don’t prioritize taking care of our bodies, everything else will come unglued. I track my intake of food and water pretty carefully. I eat 220 grams of protein a day, including five eggs and a pound of chicken breast.

What do you do for fun?

The lady in my life and I go to a lot of concerts. I am a heavy metal fan.

We go to jazz shows, folk music shows and big arena shows. We saw Insane Clown Posse. It’s a rap

STORY:

Carly Cooper

duo who paints themselves like evil clowns. Their fan base throws bottles of soda in the air. I like environments like that because I like the spectacle of it. When you’re exploring the field of being creative, it’s about stimulating your mind and making you feel like there’s something outside of your little corner of the world. It’s what helps you express yourself and feel youthful and vibrant. I’m also a burgeoning record collector. I have at least 100 and keep buying more.

I’ve been taking more time to draw and paint lately. My formal training is in the fine arts, but I’d forgotten what a soothing activity it is. n

WATERSHED ON PEACHTREE 1820 Peachtree Road N.W. 404.809.3561 watershedrestaurant.com

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FEATURED RESTAURANTS A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead BY: Wendell PHOTOS:

Brock, Rebecca Cha and Angela Hansberger

Sara Hanna

10 DEGREES SOUTH After 15 years on the scene, this Roswell Road establishment is a highly original destination where food and wine from the tip of the Southern Hemisphere are celebrated with flair.

Before we could pose the server with a query on the peri-peri, we got the hard sell on South African reds—particularly the Rupert & Rothschild 2009 “Classique.” The big, full-bodied R&R was the perfect match for the luscious, spicy food that followed. We wager that nobody makes bobotie (the South African national dish) like 10 Degrees South. The dish consists of tantalizingly sweet curried ground beef topped with a custardy crust. It’s time to get your head out of the sand and indulge in the kind of stuff our parents enjoyed when “Continental” cuisine was in vogue.

Appetizers: $10-$16 Entrées: $21-$38 10degreessouth.com

BABYLON CAFÉ When Iraqi native Saad Marwad and his wife, Kelly Rafia, opened Babylon Café in 2014, the city’s foodie community started to buzz about the couple’s fresh, flavorful repertoire of Middle Eastern classics, from falafel and hummus to kebabs and baklava. While the starters are quite good—try the fattoush salad, the lentil soup and the eggplant badenjan—the earthy, long-simmered stews are unlike anything else in town. We

like the herb-based qurma sabzi with super-tender lamb shank and the bamia (okra and tomatoes) with oxtail. Don’t leave without a sip of the anise-flavored aperitif called arak and a bite of kanafeh, a sweet made of shredded phyllo, housemade sweet cheese, rose- and orange-water syrup and pistachios.

Appetizers and sides: $2-$7 Entrées: $12-$20 babyloncafeatl.com

BANGKOK STATION Of all the restaurant staffs in Buckhead, these folks may be our favorite. Polite and accommodating to a fault, they make it nearly impossible not to enjoy its exotic comfort food. Whether you eat in the cavernous dining room or out on the sexy, music-infused patio, starters such as peek gai tod, thoong-thong and Crying Tiger will crush any doubt you may have about whether there’s good Thai food down South. For more substantial but no less authentic fare, dig in to the massaman and panang curries, Drunken Man noodles or our favorite Thai chicken dish, gai yang som tum.

Save room for homemade coconut cake; it’s as sweet and genuine as the staff’s warm invitation to return again soon.

Starters, soups and salads: $7-$23 Curries, sautés and noodle and rice dishes: $14-$23 Main entrées: $19-$32 Desserts: $5-$9 bangkokstationthaifood.com

Bangkok Station’s Pearls of Bangkok is a winning combination platter with a little something for everyone.

The shareable small plates at Cabo Cantina encourage sampling.

CABO CANTINA Even if you aren’t a sports fan, you’ll welcome a visit to this Mexi-Latin sports bar on Pharr Road. The 35 varieties of 100 percent agave tequilas are just the start. Kick off with a five-star margarita that’ll have you shouting “touchdown!” long before the national anthem begins.

And just try to keep your eyes on the game when knockout dishes such as braised short rib empanadas, smokyspicy chorizo or chipotle shrimp tacos and a side of tender yucca fries arrive at your table. Mains such as the adobo chicken and charred rib eye, or healthier fare like the citrusy, fresh ceviches, are big winners as well. Let’s just hope your favorite team is, too.

Brunch: $10-$17 Starters and shared plates: $5-$12 Tacos and sides: $3-$4 Entrées: $12-$25 cabocantinaga.com

DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE With its handmade pasta, terrific steaks and foundation of classic Italian dishes, the Atlanta outpost of Massachusettsbased chef-preneur Steve DiFillippo sets a higher-than-usual standard for a mall restaurant. Fine-food lovers flock to Phipps Plaza for Davio’s delicious fried calamari, tagliatelle Bolognese and warm spinach salad like ravenous

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

shoppers on the hunt for Louis Vuitton bags, Tiffany silver and Dior gowns.

And they can do no better than the buttery medallion of impeccably grilled top sirloin, slathered with Gorgonzola and paired with wilted spinach and sea-salt-and-truffle-oil fries. No wonder the Davio’s menu is as tantalizing as the shoe department at Nordstrom.

Appetizers and salads: $9-$16 Pastas, entrées and steaks: $18-$48 davios.com/atl

ECLIPSE DI LUNA At the tail end of Miami Circle is one of the most convivial joints in town. Head over for happy hour Monday through Thursday when most drinks and tapas are half price, and there’s live music.

Yummy small plates of habanero-spiced ahi tuna ceviche, smoky sun-dried-tomato mac and cheese (made with three different cheeses) and refreshing Granny Smith apple salad are some of our favorites. Still hungry? It’s hard to pass up the succulent balsamic-y spare ribs and flavorful, crunchy calamari. If you’re with family (or a family of friends), consider the exquisite saffron-infused paella, made with authentic Calasparra rice.

Tapas: $2.95-$14.95 (most in the $5-$8 range) Large plates (for two or more): $20-$24 eclipsediluna.com

Kyma’s grilled lamb chops, with a stack of potatoes and a mound of cucumber-yogurt tzatziki, are pure bliss.

KYMA The name means “wave,” and making waves is exactly what executive chef Pano I. Karatassos has been doing at his family’s stellar Greek seafood restaurant since 2002. From marides (tiny, “French fry”-size white fish) to Greek specimens grilled whole (try the barbounia or bronzino), Kyma excels at delivering the kind of simple, unadorned flavors you’ll encounter on a patio by the Aegean.

Order a glass of Greek wine (there are many options) and a few classic meze for sharing (we like the dolmades, spanakopita, cuttlefish stuffed with lamb stew and the feta-zucchini fritters), and your meal will go just swimmingly.

Meze: $8-$14 Mains: $26-$46 (whole fish $30 or $36 per pound) buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma

PASTA VINO You can surely find trendier pizza parlors or posher places to eat Italian in Atlanta. But if you’re looking for old-fashioned linguini with clam sauce or chicken Florentine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with a loyal following, this Buckhead favorite has got you covered. The restaurant is beloved by many for its home-style cooking, casual ambience, reasonable prices and a staff of servers who have acquired faithful customers of their own. Owner Nancy Powell treasures her crew, most of whom have been on the job for more than a decade. Given the refined state of Italian dining in America today, Pasta Vino is not likely to win any awards for innovation or inspiration, but it remains a perfectly fine, frequently delicious trattoria.

Starters and salads: $2-$10 Entrées: $10-$22 pastavinoatlanta.com Pistachio cupcakes are among the sweet offerings from Pasta Vino.

SALTYARD Saltyard offers a menu of small plates with reverence for local farmers and the current growing season. Employing global imagination, it heightens these dishes with international seasonings and flavors to create worldly comfort food. With an ever-changing menu, Saltyard is never the same place twice.

Rustic dishes such as crispy duck confit and super-tender grilled octopus are masterful in their simplicity and depth of flavor. Raw and cured items

such as the deconstructed salmon pastrami, while lighter, offer an equal flavor punch. This is not the place to skip the dessert course. The same amount of effort goes into the decadent chocolate nemesis with Brandy cream as it does the entrées.

Lunch entrées: $7-$16 Dinner entrées: $12-$30 starfishatlanta.com

WHITE HOUSE RESTAURANT

Tapas: $5-$16 Large plates: $18-$25 saltyardatlanta.com

STARFISH Starfish—which can look just a little lost on the block that houses Restaurant Eugene and Holeman and Finch— is exactly the kind of sushi joint we have been trolling for. In a city where Japanese cuisine can be hit-or-miss and sometimes not the freshest, chefowner Seung K. “Sam” Park’s reticent little pearl is a superior catch—cute and compact as a bento box but with just a hint of luxury. At dinner, we were delighted to see how the kitchen plays around with untraditional ingredients such as truffle oil and balsamic vinegar, slicing fish as thin as carpaccio and arranging it in dazzling presentations.

When our flounder sashimi arrived, the server told us to place a dab of the ponzu jelly spiked with cilantro, jalapeño and lime on a strip of the fish and roll it up. Exquisite. Starfish isn’t the kind of place that announces itself with screaming klieg lights or red carpets. But in this culture of excess, sometimes being a little bit under-theradar can be very seductive.

At this venerated breakfast nook, you’ll find Atlanta movers and shakers in ties and starched shirts huddled over omelets and pancakes. But regardless of a guest’s status, owner Demos Galaktiadis, who came to America from Greece in 1966, treats everyone the same. He has run this Peachtree Road institution for 45 of its 68 years, and over time, the food has evolved into a unique combination of home-style Southern and Greek standards. At lunch, you might have moussaka and collards or fried grouper and a Greek salad, finished off with a dish of banana pudding.

But breakfast is king here. We recommend the Olympic omelet, stuffed with spinach, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and peppers and served with a side of tzatziki, or a breakfast sandwich laden with sausage, cheese and egg.

Breakfast: $6.40-$15.30 Lunch: $6-$16.70 whitehousediner.com

Hungry for more?

Visit the Simply Buckhead website to read all of our Restaurant Reviews! simplybuckhead.com

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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E V E N T S | C H A RI TA B L E | S C E N E

SIMPLY HAPPENING EVENTS BY:

Karon Warren

[ F E AT U R E D E V E N T ]

BACK TO

NATURE CELEBRATE THE SPRING SEASON AND MOTHER EARTH

Locals embrace the great outdoors at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve’s annual Earth Day Celebration.

F

Director Kevin McCauley. In addition, or its fourth annual Earth Day mixed-media contemporary artist Celebration, the Blue Heron Nature Roxane Hollosi will discuss her work, Preserve, a scenic, 30-acre green which will be featured in the preserve’s space off Roswell Road in North on-site gallery as part of its quarterly Buckhead, has partnered with the art show. Other activities include an Atlanta Audubon Society and The original theater production performed Amphibian Foundation to deliver a full in the woods by the Green Theater day of activities honoring the planet.

Group and the This free event on April kickoff of the “Art 21 will include exhibits of Nature” exhibiand demonstrations with BLUE HERON EARTH DAY CELEBRATION tion showcasing live animals found in the local artists who preserve and beyond. “Our April 21; 9 a.m.–2 p.m. create outdoor art friends at Beech Hollow Free pieces that speak Farms will be there with Blue Heron Nature Preserve 4055 Roswell Road N.E. to the beauty of a wide selection of native Atlanta 30342 nature. “There’s plants and experts on 404.946.6394 fun for all ages,” hand to answer all your bhnp.org says McCauley. questions,” says Executive

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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E V E NTS

BUZZ BROOKHAVEN CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL March 24-25 brookhavenga.gov/festival Included at this free annual celebration at Blackburn Park are arts and crafts, concerts, food trucks, a kids’ play area and a pet parade.

The fun starts at 10 a.m.

[ N E A RBY ]

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival celebrates the season with outdoor games, concerts, art and more.

KATHLEEN MADIGAN: BOXED WINE AND BIGFOOT April 13 thebuckheadtheatreatl.com Spend a night at the Buckhead Theatre enjoying the comedy stylings of Kathleen Madigan, who has shared her talent on every late-night show as well as on Comedy Central and HBO. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $32.50.

Spring in Bloom

ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS TO PIEDMONT PARK Nothing ushers spring into the ATL more than the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, one of the city’s preeminent annual events. The third-largest fine arts festival in the country and the longest-running festival in Atlanta, it never fails to draw a crowd. More than 250,000 attendees turn out each April to enjoy a variety of fine art, live music, food and midway rides. “One thing that

makes the Atlanta Dogwood Festival so coveted is that this is the first place the public gets to see the work that the artists have created during their off-season,” says Brian Hill, the festival’s executive director. “In addition to the incredible visual artists, we have a fantastic schedule of live music this year, and we’re adding an all-acoustic stage back to the festival.”

ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL April 13-15; hours vary by day Free Piedmont Park 400 Park Drive N.E. Atlanta 30306 404.817.6642 dogwood.org

9TH ANNUAL CARS & ‘Q FOR THE CAUSE April 21 carsq2018.splashthat.com The love of automobiles, live music, craft brews and tasty barbecue coalesces at this fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Held at the offices of Choate Construction in Sandy Springs, the event begins at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $20.

2018 CHASTAIN CHASE 5K April 22

[ L I T E R A RY ]

Southern Belle KRISTY WOODSON HARVEY TALKS DESIGN AND HER NEW BOOK On April 30, best-selling North Carolina-based author and design blogger Kristy Woodson Harvey will discuss her new novel, The Secret to Southern Charm, at a free book signing at the Huff Harrington Home store.

In addition to dishing on the second novel in her Peachtree Bluff series (the first, Slightly South of Simple, was released in 2017), Harvey will share tips for living a beautiful life as inspired

by Southern interior design and entertaining. The event also

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includes regional treats such as pimento cheese sandwiches and cheese straws in addition to a specialty “house” drink.

active.com/atlanta-ga/running/ distance-running-races/ chastain-chase-5k-2018

Chastain Park is the idyllic setting for this annual springtime run benefiting Cancer Support Community Atlanta. Featured are a 5K, a 1-mile walk/run and a Tot Trot.

Preregister online before March 31 for $25; thereafter, registration is $30.

SEEKING EDEN: A COLLECTION OF GEORGIA’S HISTORIC GARDENS April 25-Dec. 31

KRISTY WOODSON HARVEY BOOK SIGNING April 30; 1-3 p.m.

Free Huff Harrington Home 3872 Roswell Road N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.467.0311 huffharrington.com

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

atlantahistorycenter.com

This exhibit at the Atlanta History Center showcases historic gardens throughout the state to promote an awareness of and appreciation for Georgia’s rich garden heritage.

Exhibit items include photography, postcards, landscape plans, manuscripts and rare books.

Welcome Dr. Diana Denman Perimeter North Medical Associates is now offering services in endocrinology for the Greater Atlanta and North Fulton communities. Dr. Diana Denman is a fellowship-trained endocrinologist and board-certified physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disorders of the glands and hormones in adult patients. She serves with the same excellent, attentive care you are accustomed to, treating each patient with compassion and empathy. She accepts most insurance plans and is welcoming new patients in our Atlanta and Alpharetta locations.

We offer a full range of services for: • • • •

Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes Thyroid Nodules Thyroid Cancer

• • • •

Parathyroid Disease Adrenal & Pituitary Gland Disease Osteoporosis Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Call 770-395-1130 for an appointment PNFM.com

Bariatric Innovations of Atlanta & General Surgery

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gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) caused by a weakness of the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus.

Symptoms could include chest pain, heartburn, regurgitation, sore throat and cough, which can impact sleep quality and interrupt daily activities.

Our board-certified physician Dr. Srinivasa Gorjala and on-site dietitian can help. We specialize in non-invasive, minimally-invasive and robotic techniques for general surgery that may alleviate GERD symptoms and improve quality of life. With a full spectrum of services, we provide on-site evaluations and a variety of treatment options.

6135 Barfield Road, Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30328

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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THE HIGHEST POINT OF FITNESS!

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Pinnacle Fitness is the Premier Personal Training Fitness Center in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia with revolutionary equipment including the only Kinesis Wall in the area. At Pinnacle Fitness, you will be carefully guided by professional, certified trainers and a staff dedicated to your personal fitness and wellness program, which also includes nutritional guidance. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder that members often define Pinnacle Fitness as a New York or LA facility with Southern charm - and with a commitment to have each of its members reach their own Pinnacle of Fitness.

OFFERING: Personal Training | Golf Fitness Classes | Tennis Fitness Classes | Wellness Programs

404.228.3705 Located in Buckhead at 3215 Cains Hill Place NW

pinnaclefitness8@gmail.com www.pinnaclefitnessgym.com

CH AR I TABLE

Barbara Mays

Photos: Edward Carter, Visual Renaissance Photography

TORCH GALA

M Kate and Nicole Moskowitz

ore than 500 revelers gathered at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta recently for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s annual Torch Gala. Now in its 28th year, the event raised more than $550,000, which goes toward valuable research and patient support programs such as Camp Oasis, a weeklong summer camp for kids with inflammatory bowel disease issues. Presentations were made to this year’s honorees, Sam and Gina Shapiro, Barbara Mays and Dr. Steven Morris.

Eventgoers enjoyed a sit-down, multi-course meal and bid on live and silent auction items that included autographed Matthew Stafford jerseys, a Mednikow watch, Baccarat and Waterford vases, and a seven-night excursion to France, complete with luxury hotel accommodations and two first-class plane tickets. Attendees also cut a rug to the sounds of the band High Cotton. The party went on until midnight and featured, for the first time, dancing both at the beginning and the end of the night.

Tom and Heather O’Connor

Gina and Sam Shapiro

Amy Sue and Neal Maziar

Louise and Leo Benatar

Matt and Michelle Wise

Steven Morris

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WINE HIGHWAY WEEK • MARCH 16-25, 2018 • STATEWIDE RABUN COUNTY 12 SPIES VINEYARDS STONEWALL CREEK VINEYARDS TIGER MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS NOBLE WINE CELLARS - Downton Clayton

ABUN Georgia ’s COUNTY ExploreRabun.com

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March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Official • Farm-To-Table Capital

CH AR I TABLE

Designer Caroline Ruder with the model wearing her dress crafted out of Sparkle paper towels

Photos: Simon Salt

Sheena Harmon, Ryland Gore

BUBBLES & BLING

T Cati Diamond Stone, Susan Hannan

Mary and Wesley Brown

he fifth annual Bubbles & Bling benefit for Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta had a lively “Prom Through the Decades” theme. When attendees arrived at the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead for the event, they were presented with a complimentary corsage or boutonniere.

The throwback theme continued with photos in front of an elaborate balloon display and dancing as deejay Mami Chula spun hits from throughout the years. Guests also bid on a variety of items in the live and silent auctions, from purses to pink designer chairs. As has become a tradition at this unique cocktail party, which Komen calls its “un-gala,” local fashion designer Caroline Ruder created a spectacular ball gown out of Sparkle paper towels. In all, the event not only raised people’s spirits and awareness, it also raised $250,000 for breast cancer screenings and other Komen initiatives.

Rachel and Jeff Wojtkowiak

Thayra Riley enjoying the ball pit

Carrie Ratliff, Audrey Rogers, Robyn Taylor, Tish McDonald

Bling from Tiffany & Co.

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

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S C EN E

PUPPY LOVE Local marketing agency exec Nazy Gavahi shares her office with one of her cuddly canines.

PHOTO: Sara

76â&#x20AC;&#x192;

March/April 2018 | Simply Buckhead

Hanna

For reservations please call 404.844.4810

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 â&#x20AC;¢ 404-538-9895

Discover South Carolina’s Best Kept Secret Imagine getting away to South Carolina’s best kept secret and most beautiful barrier island where nature abounds. Two championship golf courses, tennis, swimming fishing, biking, and miles of unspoiled beach are all waiting for you to discover.

Call our vacation planners today and let them help you fall in love with Fripp Island.

866-261-7239

www.FrippIslandResort.com

Introducing Buckhead From a Different View

The Sutton offers classically inspired design, subtle modernity and enviable views of the midtown and downtown skylines. It’s the perfect Buckhead residence.

Now Selling One-, Two- and Three-Bedroom Residences from the $500,000s to $1.4+ million T H E S U T TO N B U C K H E A D. C O M | 4 0 4 . 9 3 9 . 9 5 9 5

Copyright © The Sutton Buckhead. All Rights Reserved. ©MMXVIII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

|

delivering in june 2019

The Charles Sales Gallery 315 East Paces Ferry Road Atlanta, Georgia 30305 | 404.975.3770 thecharlesbuckhead.com

BUCKHEADâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWEST CULINARY ADVENTURE IS AT TRADE ROOT.

AND LINGER WITH US. Inside The Whitley, A Luxury Collection Hotel 3434 Peachtree Rd, NE | Atlanta, Georgia 30326 404.237.2700 | TheLuxuryCollection.com/Whitley