Simply Buckhead Issue #1 Winter 2010

WINTER 2010 FREE

34

Plus Emily Giffin and Susan Rebecca White, an unlikely friendship Inside a magnificent high-rise wine cellar

ways to really make a difference this holiday season

It’s dinner time in America. But for 1 in 4 children, you’d never know it.

Dinner time is when families gather to share their day and create memories. But for nearly 17 million children, dinner time can be the cruelest part of the day. Right here in the United States, almost 1 in 4 kids don’t know when they will have their next meal. You can help surround kids with the nutritious food they need to thrive. Pledge to make No Kid Hungry a reality. See how at NoKidHungry.org.

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY BUC K H E A D | W I N T E R 2 0 1 0

Chastain Horse Park volunteer Pan Neighbors with two friends. Mathew Smith

Contents ///COVER STORY

///DEPARTMENTS

41

GIVE BACK No matter what your personality type, there’s a volunteer opportunity in Atlanta for you.

18

21

30

35

RENAISSANCE MAN A conversation with Atlanta arts guru Patrick Dennis.

33 SIMPLY DELICIOUS

13 SIMPLY NOW

46 SIMPLY HAPPENING

21 SIMPLY STYLISH

///FEATURES

ON AND OFF THE PAGE Two Atlanta novelists talk about their fiction and their very real friendship.

9 LETTERS

MINOR DETAILS Thoughtful renovations and a sunroom addition help a Buckhead couple bring a casual, fresh feel to their home.

CAFE LAPIN Lunches and baked goods steal the show at this Peachtree Battle keeper.

29 SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The cover Shot on location at Full Cup, Buckhead. Photo by Renee Brock

We really consider [Buckhead] home — and the perfect place to raise children. We have three, all of whom are Atlanta natives!

— Emily Giffin, “On and off the page.” Page 18

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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Meet Food Editor Wendell Brock, a longtime Atlanta writer who is passionate about oysters, fried chicken, bouillabaisse, red meat and pie.

Never known to push back his plate, Wendell has sampled Okinawan delicacies in Japan, feijoada in Brazil and kangaroo in Australia.

As a Southern foodie, his work has appeared in Saveur and Corn Bread Nation 4: The Best of Southern Food Writing (UGA Press); it has also been featured on NBC’s “Today Show” and American Public Media’s “The Splendid Table.” In this issue, he’s simply thrilled to tell you about Café Lapin (Restaurant Review, page 35) the Sprinkle family’s Suga Cookies (Foodie Journal, page 37) and Buckhead Diner server Brian Boyle (Tastemaker, page 39). Brock reviews all restaurants anonymously and does not accept complimentary meals in exchange for coverage.

Account Executive Katherine Bassett Illustrator David Skinner Photographers Joseph Aczel Renee Brock T. J. Hart Holly Schumacher Matthew Smith Contributing Writers Amy Bonesteel Jennifer Bradley Wendell Brock Vené Franco Gregory D. McCluney Damon Sgrignoli Giannina Smith Margaret Watters Jenni Williams Copy Editor Ellen Glass Intern Olivia Batty

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

Copyright © 2010 by Simply Buckhead. All rights reserved. Printed

by Gannett Offset Atlanta. Distributed by Distributech, Network Communications, Inc., and Distribution Services Group.

Simply Buckhead is a member of the Buckead Business Association and the Georgia Restaurant Association.

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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Letters ///PUBLISHER’S NOTE

W

hat began as a mere thought in the back of my mind for several months before moving to Atlanta last October has evolved into something of far greater impact than I, or my family, ever imagined. During the three years that I have known my husband, on every trip to Atlanta we made it a point to go into the city for dinner, sightseeing, shopping, or just driving around to explore. I loved it here, and somehow knew I would end up living in this dynamic area.

Follow us on Twitter: @SimplyBuckhead Search for us on Facebook.

We started laying the groundwork for the magazine in May, hiring 23 freelancers, including veterans and some fresh talent. I am thankful to so many, including Ron Wolf, retired executive director of the Georgia Restaurant Association, whose words of encouragement last January meant more than he realized at the time. I’m also grateful to Mr. Sam Massell, former Mayor of Atlanta and President of the Buckhead Coalition, for his friendship and support from our very first meeting.

My special thanks to the wonderful Allison Weiss Entrekin, our editor, who has understood my mission and vision and helped to make it a reality. Her support and extensive experience in this market have made it possible to complete our staff, conduct our research and roll the presses!

I’d be remiss in not thanking my incredibly supportive husband Sonny, and our kids, Tyler and Ethan, for

putting up with me during this very stressful time. Our name is the result of a family brainstorming session in our home office, the suggestion of 11-year-old Ethan, and it’s the one name that stood out to all of us at a roundtable meeting we held in June. As Mr. Sam Massell says, “There is nothing ‘simple’ about Buckhead,” but it is our job to demystify it!

For our first issue, we wanted to tackle the subject of “Giving Back” to the community, in ways you may not have thought about before. In this, and future issues, expect us to showcase smaller nonprofit causes and charity events not usually covered by mainstream media. We will focus on exposing the area’s best and brightest people, places, and things that have sometimes gone “under the radar,” including artists, authors, designers, musicians, events, homes, restaurants and trends in fashion, wellness and shopping. Look for Simply Buckhead to be the authority on who to know, what to do, and where to go in Buckhead and its surrounding communities.

Welcome aboard the wild ride! We look forward to your letters and feedback and are honored to serve this vibrant, ever-changing community.

Joanne Hayes Publisher joanne.hayes@simplybuckhead.com

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S I M P LY BUC K H E A D | W I N T E R 2 0 1 0

Letters ///EDITOR’S LETTER

///LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

T

hese days, I’m all about keeping things simple. If my one-year-old has waffles for breakfast, that’s what I have too. If something is within a mile of my house, I usually walk there. And if a recipe has more than 10 ingredients, I don’t bother making it.

That’s why the concept of Simply Buckhead has such enormous appeal to me. Yes, we live in an in-town suburb with constructionclogged roads, packed restaurants and bustling shopping malls. But turn down a side street and you’ll find a humble kettlebell gym whose owner is deeply passionate about changing lives through fitness. And take a second look at that shopping plaza—you’ll spot

a charming French restaurant that makes every one of its cookies and pastries from scratch. These are the simple places that are traditionally too small to get any press in this town—until now.

Simply Buckhead isn’t just another luxury glossy talking about the same stuff as everyone else. We’re a new magazine on a mission to find the unsung members of our community and give them some welldeserved attention. If you know of a person, business or cause you feel we should cover, drop me a line.

We want this magazine to represent the true passions of Buckhead’s residents—no flashiness, big budgets or celebrity appearances required. editor@simplybuckhead.com

Congrats on your new publication! I know you must be super excited — sounds like you have really, really worked hard to get to this point.

Best of luck; can’t wait to see it!

Melissa Libby Founder Melissa Libby & Associates n

As someone who loves living, working and dining in Buckhead, I am looking forward to the unique voice Simply Buckhead will provide for this vital community.

Congratulations to Joanne and team on this inaugural issue!

Kelly Hornbuckle Director of Marketing Georgia Restaurant Association n

I could not be more excited about the launch of Simply Buckhead magazine! Atlanta neighborhoods have so much to offer, and this publication provides an excellent opportunity to showcase all that we love about our city.

I am most eagerly anticipating the attention that Simply Buckhead will bring to local designers, artists, and boutiques. Our “hidden gems” are some of the best things about Atlanta!

My best wishes to the entire team at Simply Buckhead—welcome to the neighborhood!

Jenn Thomas Executive Director Buckhead Business Association n

///LETTER BOX///

Tell us what you think! Send your comments, compliments and criticisms to editor@simplybuckhead.com. All letters will be considered for publication and may be edited for length and clarity.

I expect the enthusiasm you exude for your new community periodical will be contagious. The name—Simply Buckhead— says it all. Whereas there’s little about us that’s “simple,” you have accepted the challenge to put our arms around it in a fun and informative way. We wish you every success and urge the public to be supportive.

Sam Massell President Buckhead Coalition, Inc. Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

E V E N T S | L O C A L M U S I C | L O C A L S A L U T E | S I M P LY B O O K H E A D

Simply Now

Pen pals Two of Atlanta’s literary heavyweights open up about their friendship.

Page 18

Susan Rebecca White and Emily Giffin. Jessica McGowan Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

SIMPLY NOW E V E N TS

///FREE EVENT///

Take away taste at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market Tired of eating the same thing for dinner night after night? The Peachtree Road Farmers Market can help you break free from your frozen fare. From 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Saturday, grab a friend, the kids or your dog (but don’t forget your shopping bags!) and wander Buckhead’s biggest weekly farmer’s market. November 20, take a few minutes and learn from the best with a free demonstration from Chef Eddie Hernandez of Taqueria del Sol, a man famous for his brisket taco with pico de gallo and his fried chicken taco with lime jalapeño mayo. You’ll learn the tricks of the trade without dropping any dinero. — Margaret Watters

Peachtree Road Farmers Market

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Intimate candlelight tour at the Atlanta History Center Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta 30305 404.814.4000 www.atlantahistorycenter.com

Don’t get lost in the sea of people at Lenox this holiday season; instead, take a moment to enjoy the cool air, sip a hot chocolate, smell a wood fire, feel your wool mittens and relish time with loved ones at the Atlanta History Center’s Candlelight Nights.

Now in its fifth year, the Atlanta History Center sets its beautiful 33 acres and historic homes aglow with intimate candlelight, perfect for locals to stroll with friends and family.

“It’s a great opportunity for Buckhead residents to come together and share holiday cheer with their families and neighbors,” says the center’s Leigh Massey, Director of Marketing Communications.

If you’ve never checked out the center before, this is the perfect introduction to its six gardens filled with native Georgia plants, the Tullie Smith Farm House and the Swan House. Travel back in time

with activities like blacksmithing demonstrations and candle-dipping, and get into the holiday spirit with hot chocolate and peppermint bark. You’ll love seeing the grounds and the gorgeous 1920s Swan House mansion rooms decked from stem to stern with wreaths, bows and candles and illuminated by candlelight. After exploring inside, make sure to take a stroll along the wooded paths while listening to holiday classics played by live musicians. ’Tis the season, so take a night this year to really enjoy it in your backyard.

Catch the holiday cheer from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

December 14 and 16. Admission is $10 for History Center members, $5 for member children; $15 for nonmember adults, $7 for nonmember children.

The Atlanta History Center recommends reserving tickets online. — Margaret Watters

The market, now in its third year of operation, offers produce from more than 65 local growers.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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S IM PLY NOW E VE N TS

Kids will bake an assortment of hand-decorated holiday sugar cookies, sparkled gingerbread crinkles, raspberry crumble bars, ooey-gooey chocolate chunk cookies and peanut butter cookies. The Viking Store Atlanta

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Treat your smart cookie to a sweet cooking class For the first time ever, The Viking Store Atlanta is offering a holiday cookie swap just for kids. Whether you’re the parent of a young Top Chef or looking to introduce your little one to baking in a relaxed way, this class is sure to please. Children and teens will learn to measure wet and dry ingredients, tackle a food processor and electric mixer and express themselves through decorating with royal icing, sugar and sprinkles. All pupils will return to their parents armed with recipes from the day and a box of freshly baked cookies to distribute as gifts or enjoy with loved ones. Class is in session for kids ages 7-12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. November 27, December 11 and December 20. Teens 12-15 get cooking from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. December 11 and December 20.

Class cost is $59. — Margaret Watters

Viking Cooking School 1745 Peachtree Street Atlanta 30309 404.745.9064 www.vikingcookingschool.com

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

SI MPLY NOW ///LOCAL MUSIC///

For your listening pleasure Buckhead’s Sambuca boasts a crowd as eclectic as its music I arrive at Sambuca early on a Wednesday night and there is only a sprinkling of tables filled, but the four-piece band on the yellow-lit stage doesn’t mind and is blazing through a fantastic Sade cover. I decide to make myself at home at the oval bar—prime for people-watching. Sipping on my bourbon, I notice that Sambuca is a big space—really big (8,700 square feet to be exact)—yet because of its high, arched ceilings and plentiful rows of dimly-lit banquettes, I Sambuca never feel overwhelmed inside the room.

3102 Piedmont From my barstool, I watch as the Rd NE lounge begins to fill with all types of Atlanta 30305 Atlantans. I see people on dates, oth404.237.5299 www.sambucaresers trying to land dates, and many just taurant.com laughing and dancing with their friends.

When I ask the bartender what the best nights to visit are, she says, “Weekends for sure,” over the band’s twist on Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.” Sambuca has live music just about every night of the week, ranging from blues and R&B to pop and Latin. So if you’re looking for someplace to entertain, or be entertained during the holidays this year, this might be the spot. — Damon Sgrignoli

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///LOCAL SALUTE///

Telling Buckhead’s story You may have driven by it a thousand times, but have you ever wondered what the deer-headed statue in the middle of Charlie Loudermilk Park is—or what it means? Commissioned in 1998 by former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell and the Buckhead Coalition, “The Storyteller” statue is actually a tribute to Buckhead’s namesake.

“The work was commissioned by the Buckhead Coalition as a focal point for the community; it indicates the animal

from which the name of this area emanated,” says Massell, now president of the Buckhead Coalition.

As the story goes, the origin of the Buckhead name dates back to the 1830s, when a hunter mounted the head of a buck to the front of a tavern located at what is now the northwest corner of West Paces Ferry Road and Roswell Road—near the spot where the statue sits today. Created by Alabama artist Frank Fleming, “The Storyteller”

depicts a muscular man with the head of a deer holding a forked staff decorated with lanterns. Sitting on a log, the statue is surrounded by other sculpted creatures that are giving the half-man, half-animal their undivided attention.

“The Storyteller, theoretically, is telling the other animals how Buckhead got its name,” Massell says.

So the next time you drive past this local landmark, make sure you listen carefully. — Giannina Smith

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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SI MPLY NOW S I M P LY B O O KHEA D

Emily Giffin and Susan Rebecca White. Jessica McGowan

On and off the page Two Atlanta novelists talk about their fiction and their very real friendship

By Vené Franco

S

ome impressive literary ladies call Atlanta home, including New York Times bestselling novelist Emily Giffin, whose latest book is Heart of the Matter; and Susan Rebecca White, a rising star of New South fiction and author of A Soft Place to Land and Bound South. In this Simply Buckhead exclusive, the authors open up about their friendship, writing and their favorite Buckhead haunts.

How did you two meet?

SRW: I first met Emily when she came to the launch of one of my sister’s books at the Barnes & Noble in Buckhead. (My sister, Lauren Myracle, is a Young Adult author.)

And then later Emily and I were on a panel together, along with Joshilyn 18

Jackson, at a JCC event in Dunwoody, sponsored by the Decatur Book Festival. I was definitely the newbie out of the three authors—both Emily and Joshilyn had written multiple books and had been on the Times list, and I just had one book out (Bound South).

But Emily and Joshilyn didn’t treat

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

me like a neophyte; they treated me with warmth and respect. Emily and I kept in touch through e-mail. And of course I have read all of Emily’s books and find them really smart and engaging and juicy and heart-wrenching.

And then this spring I was thrilled to find out that Emily had recommended Bound South when asked for her book picks by Southern Living.

EG: Yes, we met at the signing for her sister’s book launch. Susan introduced herself and told me that she had a book coming out in the spring—and then was so sweet to send me a copy.

I read it right away as did my mother and best friend. We all loved it.

About a year later, we met again on a panel discussion for book clubs in the

area. I loved the candid, self-deprecating way that Susan interacted with the audience. Afterward, we talked for a long time and really hit it off. Another interesting connection is that she went to Trinity School, where my three children now attend. In fact, my son George, now in the first grade, has one of Susan’s former teachers!

What are your connections to Buckhead?

SRW: I am a native. Though I didn’t exactly feel like a native growing up, because my parents weren’t natives but had moved to Atlanta from Tennessee. But yes, I was born and raised here—grew up on Habersham Road.

In fact, my parents still live in the same Continued >>

SI MPLY NOW S I M P LY B O O KHEA D Continued from page 18 house I grew up in … I now live in Inman Park, but I go to Buckhead often to visit my parents, get my hair cut at Blonde, and go to my favorite food spots.

EG: My husband and I moved to Buckhead seven years ago from London when he accepted a job as the head of corporate development for Newell Rubbermaid. After attending Wake

gest I’ve ever lived anywhere. We really consider it home—and the perfect place to raise children. We have three, all of whom are Atlanta natives!

How have you found Atlanta supports its writers, and its women writers in particular?

EG: I think it’s a great community of writers—and I feel lucky to be part of it. I love Susan and am also good friends with novelist Patti Callahan Henry, among others, and always feel

“I feel so lucky to have launched my writing career in Atlanta...”

Forest and University of Virginia School of Law, I was excited about living in the South again. Although I’m from Chicago and spent many years in New York City, this is actually the lon-

so supported by them. I think we all really root for one another, whether it’s attending signings or launch parties or giving one another shout-outs in the media or on our Facebook pages. Be-

ing a writer can be very solitary, so it’s really comforting to have this support system. I also enjoy when our spouses discuss how miserable it is to live with us around the due date of our novels!

SRW: I feel so lucky to have launched my writing career in Atlanta, because I think this city does take very good care of its authors. There is the Georgia Center for the Book, Decatur Book Festival, Margaret Mitchell House and The Carter Center—all of which provide great venues for authors. And the local indie bookstores are very supportive of their authors, including A Cappella Books, Outwrite Bookstore, Bound To Be Read Books and Blue Elephant Book Shop. You know what I miss terribly though? Oxford Books at Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. I spent so many afternoons of my childhood there, looking through the books, and then my mom and I Continued >>

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SI MPLY NOW S I M P LY B O O KHEA D

Continued from page 19 would go get a treat at the upstairs café, Cup & Chaucer.

The literary world can be so competitive and the writing process so isolating. How do you support each other? Do you ever talk shop?

SRW: I only really talk shop with my writing group. I definitely turn to other writers for pep talks, or when I need to kvetch, but I’m just as likely to talk with an author friend about the softshell crab at Miller Union as I am to talk with him or her about whether or not I should write my new book in the first or third person.

How about you, Emily? Has being a writer in Atlanta ever proved challenging?

EG: The only trouble I ever had with being a writer in Atlanta happened upon the launch of my fourth book, Love the One You’re With—a story set in Buckhead. Because the main character, Ellen Graham, had some difficulty adjusting to the South and was somewhat critical of certain aspects of life here, some readers and reporters seemed to project those feelings onto

me. That was disappointing, especially because I did not share my character’s feelings about Buckhead. I think there is a tendency to assume that a book is autobiographical, especially when written in the first person.

What’s your favorite hidden, or not-sohidden, spot in Buckhead?

EG: My current favorite spot to write is Library Coffee Co., a coffee shop in Brookhaven. The coffee and food are amazing, the atmosphere is cozy, and I’ve met some very interesting people who also come there to work. I get so much more done when I leave the house than when I write at home.

SRW: Jalisco restaurant at Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. Familyowned, yummy, gooey cheap Mexican food. As a kid, the ultimate night out was to go to dinner there and then to Baskin-Robbins afterward. Henri’s Bakery on Irby Ave. for delicious, moist petits fours and turkey sandwiches on white bread with lots of mayo. The Cafe at Pharr for chicken salad. Holeman & Finch for the burger. I go for Sunday brunch because on weeknights they don’t serve the burger until 10 p.m., and that’s past my bedtime.

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Simply Stylish Minor details

By Giannina Smith

W

hen John and Sharon Minor began renovating their Buckhead home, they wanted to create an ambiance that personified their laid-back, clean style and showcased the outdoors. Both nature lovers, they decided to convert their home’s original deck into an inviting sunroom and add a new deck overlooking the property’s densely wooded grounds.

Continued >>

The foyer of the Minor home showcases a traditional tapestry picked out by John Minor. T.J. Hart | hartografie Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

21

SI MPLY STY L I S H H O M E

The sunroom opens up to a deck overlooking the property’s wooded grounds. Photos by T.J. Hart | hartografie

Thoughtful renovations and a sunroom addition help a Buckhead couple bring a casual, fresh feel to their home.

Continued from page 21

The renovation of the dining room followed a whimsical theme, with painted leaves on the ceiling matching the fabric on the dining chairs.

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“We wanted to continue the openness and airiness of it all and … really bring the indoors and outdoors together,” says Sharon Minor, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant. “We’ve got these great woods in the back; we are half a mile from I-75, but you don’t hear it. It doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of Atlanta or the big city.”

Situated on West Wesley Road in the heart of Buckhead, the charming 3,500-square-foot home stands as a quaint gem among grand old Georgia mansions. Built in 1969, the residence became the Minors’ home in 1997.

Shortly after moving in, the duo began accessorizing the house with an eclectic mix of modern and traditional décor, adorning it with pieces by local Georgian artists and art picked up during their travels to places like South Africa, the West Coast and Europe.

When they were prepared to tackle

some serious renovations in 2004, the Minors teamed up with two close friends, interior designer Vivian Bencich and architect John Bencich, the husband-and-wife duo behind Atlanta design firm Square Feet Studios, which is responsible for many of the unique spaces in West Midtown’s White Provision District, including restaurant Abattoir and men’s clothing boutique Sid Mashburn. The first big project was gutting the master bathroom, where they added limestone tile floors, French doors and a striped silver ceiling to give it a casual, cabanalike feel.

The dining room came next, with a redo that followed a whimsical theme.

Square Feet Studios kept the home’s original brass chandelier and painted floating leaves on the ceiling to match the fabric on the dining chairs. They also added a custom buffet table to match the height of the chair rail and Continued >>

Continued from page 22 to showcase a family heirloom—silver service dating back to the 1900s. A unique gold border at the edge of the crown molding ties in the brass light fixture.

“It adds just the right definition,” Vivian says of the border. “John Minor was absolutely tickled that his architect friend had come up with that perfect little thing.”

The biggest overhaul, however, would come with the complete transformation of the outdoor deck into a sunroom. Habitual entertainers, the Minors wanted a homey, yet stylish room where they could spend time with friends. From November 2007 to May 2008, this vision became a reality. The Bencichs and Minors worked with contractor Buckhead Home Services to transform the deck into an indoor space with vaulted ceilings, window benches and tons of natural light. Next, they added an outdoor deck made of Ipe wood from Brazil, which is naturally dense and requires

“The sunroom and deck are where we live” The cabana-like bathroom features a ceiling with silver stripes.

Square Feet Studios assisted the Minors with decorating the living room, adding more modern chairs and pillows and properly lighting the art above the mantle, a piece John bought for Sharon in Florida.

minimal maintenance. Once the construction was complete, Vivian and Sharon decorated the new space with furniture from Bungalow Classic and Kolo Collection in Midtown. They incorporated woodsy and modern pieces, such as a dark gray-and-brown Belgian linen sectional sofa and silver table lamps.

Since completing the addition, the Minors say they spend the majority of their leisure time relaxing in the brightly lit sunroom with their puppy, Oliver, reading and entertaining. While the space is only about 300 square feet, it has been known to hold up to 14 people during weekend football-watching parties. What’s more, the sunroom’s remote-control fireplace—one of John Minor’s favorite features—and the deck’s electric awning ensure these nature lovers can enjoy a view of the outdoors all year long.

“The sunroom and deck are where we live,” Sharon says. “John is a fanatic about the outdoors; he loves being outside. So it has just been great.”

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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SI MPLY STY L I S H FAS H I O N

Tied up in knots Atlanta designer Jason Carl has scarves on his mind

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Jason Carl with some of his scarves at Buckhead boutique Merino. Holly Schumacher

Three Questions for Jason Carl Photos by Captures by Summer

Where to find it www.jasoncarl.net Merino Atlanta 3400 Around Lenox Road NE Atlanta 30326 404.846.6307 www.merinoatlanta.com Tulipano 3145 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta 30305 404.351.3220 www.tulipanoboutique.com

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What are your favorite Atlanta stores?

Neiman Marcus and Polo at Lenox consistently have great finds. And, I also really love Kelly’s Closet in Candler Park. Since I also design custom, commissioned wedding gowns, I love all of the pretty styles they carry for brides.

Is there a trend you’re hoping never makes it to Atlanta?

I go to Vegas a lot and see a lot of too-short skirts and lots of cleavage—paired with sky-high heels. It’s way too much and not classy. In general, too much of anything isn’t good.

Buckhead is thought of as the “Rodeo Drive” of the South. Are there any underrated areas of Atlanta that are great for shopping?

I think Decatur is so great, with their fun mix of little boutiques. Also, Little Five Points has some terrific, eclectic finds at affordable prices.

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

By Jennifer Bradley

or some, a scarf is an afterthought. For others, it is the centerpiece of an entire fashion statement. It’s for these adventurous, fashion-forward women that Atlantan Jason Carl designs. “One thing I’m not afraid of is color,” says the self-proclaimed fashion architect. “Nothing I do is subdued.”

The Jason Carl Collection includes three distinctly different designs—purse scarves retail for $35, “Hollywood” scarves for $95 and shawls for $155. Carl uses highend materials like silk charmeuse and silk burned-out velvet, which give the finished product a luxe feel. Fringes and trim complete the look, creating bold color combinations that work together rather than directly match. The designs are meant to be worn in creative and daring ways—they can do double duty as belts, head wraps and more.

Carl often designs exclusive pieces within his collections for individual boutiques. For instance, he puts together special color combinations just for Merino and Tulipano (both Buckhead boutiques).

His work can also be found in specialty stores in North Carolina, Wisconsin and California.

“Jason Carl’s fabulous silk scarves are versatile as well as gorgeous,” says Merino Owner Amel Hadad.

“His pieces don’t last long [in our stores] and all [that we carry] are limited-edition or one-of-a-kind.”

Originally from Wisconsin, Carl relocated to Atlanta to pursue a fashion degree from American InterContinental University in Buckhead. He fell in love with the city and decided to make it home.

“Atlanta has such great shopping,” Carl says. “I’m super-proud of that.

If you’re looking for something and can’t find it in Buckhead, chances are, it can’t be found.” High praise from one of the city’s emerging designers.

SI MPLY STY L I S H WE L L N E SS

Test your mettle with a Kettle A newly-opened gym is shaping up Buckhead with kettlebells

K

By Jennifer Bradley

eith Veri knows a thing or two about how hard it can be to get in shape. The New York native lost more than 100 pounds in 1996 before committing his life to helping others shape up through diet and exercise. His instrument of choice is the kettlebell, and in August he opened his eponymous Buckhead gym, VeriFit Kettlebell Club, the only facility in the area focusing solely on this discipline.

Veri’s personal fitness journey led him to teach spin, group training and conditioning at Crunch Fitness in New York City before moving to Atlanta in 2007. He discovered kettlebells shortly after his move and saw that they could help him achieve a superior workout—and thus, a superior physique—in record time. In 2008, he earned the prestigious Russian Kettlebell Certification, and he has been an evangelist for the hard-core mix of weight-bearing exercise and cardio ever since.

While kettlebell training may seem trendy, in practice it feels rather primitive, as I discovered by attending one of Veri’s high-energy Saturday morning classes shortly after the gym opened its doors. The cast-iron bells, which come in a variety of weights from 15 pounds up, are round with smooth handles. The instructor (Veri, in this case) takes students through a series of movements that includes squatting and pressing the bell, swinging it and lifting it. After an hour of this intense work, students (or, more appropriately, “athletes”) are dripping with sweat and should have burned close to 600 calories.

Kettlebell training is also a perfect complement to other, less strenuous workouts, such as yoga. “I found that by utilizing the kettlebell, my overall fitness and body composition changed

Testing, Testing...

Looking to incorporate elements of a kettlebell regimen into your workout without fully taking the plunge? Here are some Buckhead gyms that offer kettlebells as part of their programs: Body Sculptor Inc. 3175D Roswell Road Atlanta 30305 404.493.4873 www.bodysculptorinc.com Jeanne’s Body Tech Health & Fitness 3165 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30305 404.261.0227 www.jeannesbodytech.com The Forum Athletic Club 3393 Peachtree Road NE #2010 Atlanta 30326 678.904.1940 www.theforumathleticclub.com Keith Veri works out with kettlebells in his new Buckhead gym. Holly Schumacher

rapidly, and I was able to maintain my flexibility through yoga,” Veri says.

“Yoga and kettlebell training share a lot of the same principles—the concept of breathing, rooting yourself into the ground and barefoot training.”

Veri contends kettlebells give you the biggest fitness bang for your buck.

“With the kettlebell, you can focus on strength, conditioning, cardio and toning—all with one tool,” he says.

Judging from this fairly-fit journalist’s inability to walk for several days following his one-hour class, you can bet you’re getting a great full-body workout.

Keith Veri VeriFit Kettlebell Club 2989 North Fulton Avenue Atlanta 30305 404.556.4869 www.keithveri.com

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www.LisaThompson.net

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Founded in 1951, the Buckhead Business Association has become one of the most widely recognized organizations in the Buckhead business community. Our mission is to promote and develop business in Buckhead, and to facilitate participation in charitable and community service projects within the community.

For more information, please contact Jenn Thomas at 404-467-7607 or info@BuckheadBusiness.org www.BuckheadBusiness.org 28

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

A RT V I E W | O N S TAG E

Simply Arts&Entertainment Art View

“I paint stylistic seascapes that keep me at the beach in my mind.”

— Patrick Dennis, “Renaissance man.” Page30

A seascape by Patrick Dennis Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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SI MPLY A& E A R T V I E W

Renaissance man A conversation with Atlanta arts guru Patrick Dennis

By Damon Sgrignoli

P

atrick Dennis is many things—a painter, gallery owner, arts festival curator, columnist … and Buckhead resident. We recently sat down with him to learn what inspires him, who his favorite local artists are, and where he thinks Atlanta’s arts scene is headed.

Do you have a favorite place near your home where you like to mingle with other creative people?

The Chastain Art Center is just up the street and I love going there. I meet with the director, Karen Lowe, all the time and even take a Tai Chi class there each week. They have classes on everything from pottery to painting and lots in between.

Your gallery, the Decatur Market & Gallery, takes the model of a traditional gallery and tweaks it a bit. Can you tell us more about that?

Well, we’ve done more than tweak the usual model! We have no staff. All the artists whose work is on display take a shift and work in the gallery one day each month. This does more than cut down on costs—it provides a direct contact between the customer and the artist.

Patrick Dennis at work.

*

Worth Noting

To see Patrick Dennis and other great local artists, visit Decatur Market & Gallery’s Winter Open House December 11.

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

Any local artists catching your attention these days?

A few in particular have raw, instinctive talent and some have truly spectacular works. Betsy Halford does 3D mixed media pieces using found objects and has a very specific artistic voice. I’ve never seen anyone do anything similar; one day she’ll be famous. Another Continued >>

SI M PLY A& E A R T V I E W

One of Patrick Dennis’ seascapes

is Jim Loftus, who has a very scientific approach to 3D assemblages that draw the viewer in deeper and deeper, like the proverbial rabbit hole. I also love the resurgence of folk art’s popularity—Mark Williams, a genuine article with his face jugs, and John Beadles with his scribed, stained stoneware. I am a big fan of Jill Bates and her way with chalk pastel. And I’m a secret admirer of Thornton Dial and thank the Arnett family for the introduction.

You are a successful landscape painter.

How long have you been painting?

Forever. I grew up with an artistic group of friends in Venice, Calif., then Laguna Beach, a famous art colony from the 1920s. Art was part of our culture in every way. I got to know Frank Gehry, the architect, as he was getting started and loved the way he used art to guide architecture. All these now-famous guys were my contemporaries in southern California. I used to stick with watercolor and collage for many years and got a piece accepted into a nice museum. Then I figured I couldn’t go any further and dove into oils. I never turned back. I

paint stylistic seascapes that keep me at the beach in my mind. I’m glad they are well-loved here in Atlanta. My local hero is Doug Sams. My inspiration is Kevin Fitzgerald from Alexandria.

I love moody, atmospheric and spare compositions and keep my work simple, evocative and lacking specificity.

What are your hopes for the Atlanta arts scene in the next five years?

Cohesion. So far, I like the concept of the Atlanta Gallery Association and will join next year. Communication and coordination make all of us stronger. I want to see a rebirth of a central “arts district” in Atlanta someday.

Maybe it will happen when Buckhead gets cleaned up from the construction of the “Streets of Buckhead” project.

I’m looking to expand the gallery into Buckhead and have been watching closely. I also want to see more openair art and craft markets. My company, the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, operates two—one at Atlantic Station, one in Virginia Highland. We also host two arts festivals in Chastain Park each year. But ideally, I’d like to see more opportunities for artists to

Patrick Dennis. Chieu Lee Decatur Market & Gallery 153 Ponce de Leon Place Decatur 30030 404.377.0755 www.decaturgallery.com

get their work to the public and really break down the barriers. When I’m in SoHo in New York (and I applaud their legislative provisions for public art), I’ve bought canvases right off a fence from an artist. I want to see that artistic freedom expand in Atlanta and will help any way I can to make that happen. I’ve been working with our elected officials to encourage a more progressive viewpoint.

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SI MPLY A& E O N STAGE

All his world’s a stage Meet Allan Vella, the man behind Atlanta’s most famous curtain

By Allison Weiss Entrekin

W

hether you love him for the major productions he’s brought to Atlanta or hate him for the “Phantom of the Fox” controversy, chances are, you have an opinion about Fox Theatre General Manager Allan Vella. But long before he suggested that the theater’s aging resident, Joe Patten (AKA the “Phantom of the Fox”) wasn’t in good enough health to remain in his apartment, Vella was just another kid with a dream.

When he was in high school, he announced to his parents that he was going to forgo college in order to focus on making it as a drummer in a rock band. “My very intelligent and manipulative mother said, ‘You know what? If you’re going to be a rock star and make all this money, perhaps you should get a college education so you know how to manage it,’” Vella recalls.

“I said, ‘You know, that’s not a bad idea.’”

Vella enrolled in classes at the University of Iowa, where he quickly discovered that his talents as a percussionist weren’t necessarily Rolling Stones material. He also discovered that he was interested in what went on behind the scenes during live-entertainment productions, and he joined a college organization that promoted concerts and events taking place on campus. Within two years, his passion and willingness to work long hours landed him a role as the organization’s president—plus a rolodex filled with contacts.

Vella’s first job was a juicy one, working with Olympia Entertainment in Detroit. The prestigious company is affiliated with marquee franchises like the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers. Vella worked his way up the company’s ranks, eventually landing the position of general manager of the Fox Theatre in Detroit, another Olympia holding. Though the theater doesn’t share common ownership with Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, both venues were founded in the 1920s by 32

Allan Vella

film producer William Fox and are characterized by their ornate, dramatic atmospheres.

Vella stayed at the theater for four years, until new opportunities in live entertainment pulled him away. He crisscrossed the continent, working with sports teams in Buffalo, N.Y., managing The Dow Event Center in Saginaw, Mich., and finally landing in Beaumont, Texas, where he served as general manager of Ford Park, a sprawling, 227-acre facility. It was there that he encountered one of the greatest challenges of his career, when his venue was converted into a refugee site for victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“We housed about 1,500 people a day, fed 5,000 people two meals a day and provided everything from medical attention to pharmaceuticals to schooling,” Vella says.

After six weeks of almost nonstop work, Vella thought his life would slowly return to normal, but no sooner had FEMA packed its bags than Hurricane Rita arrived at Beaumont’s door. Vella reopened Ford Park for the area’s first responders, including several branches of the military and hundreds of medical personnel. As his days spun back into overdrive and his

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

adrenaline resumed its frenzied pace, Vella’s cell phone rang.

“It was a headhunter calling about the Fox Theatre position in Atlanta,” Vella says. Soon, Vella was interviewing for the job of a lifetime. “When I was at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, we were always chasing the Fox in Atlanta,” he says. “It was and is the top theater in its category—the one to watch, the one to beat. So the opportunity to come here was exciting for me.”

Needless to say, Vella got the job, and he began his tenure in July 2006.

It was a challenging time for the theater—Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre was about to open, and Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre had announced its plans to join Atlanta’s roster of outdoor stages. “There were going to be more facilities, but there wasn’t going to be more programming coming through town,” Vella says.

“We’ve always been accustomed to being one of the top-grossing theaters in the country, and my job was to ensure we maintained that.”

Vella threw himself into his new position, working night-owl hours (usually till 11 p.m. Fridays, midnight on Saturdays and 10 p.m. on Sundays) to help oversee the theater’s 300 or so yearly performances. Vella says one

of the most time-intensive shows to come through the Fox since his arrival was “Wicked,” a Broadway play that pulled up to the theater with a whopping 10 semi-trucks’ worth of equipment. The musical’s run in Atlanta set a gross record for the play, but it wasn’t the only production to set a record during Vella’s tenure; so has “The Color Purple,” and Larry the Cable Guy sold out five back-to-back performances, a first for the comedian.

“High School Musical” was built and produced at the Fox, and Vella admits he “totally underestimated” how popular the Disney production would become. “It’s like Broadway meets the Beatles,” he says.

When he isn’t working, Vella says you’ll find him at home spending time with his wife and three children. He likes to catch a concert occasionally, but he admits he often goes to venues like Variety Playhouse and Eddie’s Attic “so I can relax and totally focus on the music.”

Speaking of music, Vella may not be the rock star he once dreamed of becoming, but he still breaks out the old drum set—he and a few other fathers from his neighborhood have formed a band, The Grits, that practices in Vella’s basement. “We’ve never played anywhere for compensation, and we’re probably not very good, but we’re enjoying ourselves,” Vella says with a laugh.

Though playing in his band is a heck of a lot more relaxing than coming to work these days (thanks to the “Phantom of the Fox” controversy, he’s had to walk through picket lines to enter his office), Vella’s not about to quit his day job. “I love what I do at the Fox,” he says. “We’re memory-makers. So many people have experienced their prom here or their wedding or their first kiss in the balcony. They’ve seen their favorite musical acts here or a Broadway show that really inspired them. We’re enriching people’s lives, and I love the satisfaction of seeing it all come together.”

R E V I E W | F O O D I E J O U R NA L | W I N E | TA S T E M A K E R | R E S TAU R A N T S

Simply Delicious

At Café Lapin, chicken-salad sandwiches are always on the lunch menu, and there’s a flavor festival of chicken salad to choose from—walnut, curry, tarragon, jalapeño and apricot.

Clara Chambers

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Would you like copies of

at your business? www.StreamingImagesDesign.com

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

Call 404-538-9895 or send your request to Joanne Hayes at publisher@simplybuckhead.com

SI MPLY DE L I C I O U S R E V I E W

Chef Mattie Hines’ Asparagus Tarte (left) is a thing of beauty, and you don’t want to leave without grabbing a few of the crisp chocolate chip cookies (right). Photos by Clara Chambers

Introducing Café Lapin Lunches and baked goods steal the show at this Peachtree Battle keeper

By Wendell Brock

T

ucked in a corner of Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, Café Lapin doesn’t call attention to itself. Rather, it blends into the landscape as demurely as the rabbit from which it derives its name. It’s a quiet neighborhood gem free of bocce ball courts, valet-parking kiosks and celebrity chefs jockeying for reality-TV contracts.

Like a Parisian patisserie with a bit more legroom, Café Lapin is a lovely place to savor handmade baked goods or spoon to the bottom of a definitive,

cheese-encrusted crock of French onion soup. The evening menu, served Tuesdays through Saturdays, has a hearty, suppertime feel, with lots of classic American meat-and-potato entrées. But it’s the lunch offerings—a selection of classic soups, sandwiches and quiches—and the baked goods that really shine.

Consisting of a coral-colored room comfortably scattered with antiques and crowned by a tiny crystal chandelier, Café Lapin is the baby bunny of the now-defunct Le Lapin Café, Chef

CAFÉ LAPIN 2341 Peachtree Road, Unit C, in Peachtree Battle Shopping Center 404.812.9171 Lunch entrées, $7-12 Dinner entrées, $10-22 Bottom line: Superb sweet and savory pastries, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Mattie Hines’ restaurant at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. Hines —a masterful, self-taught baker much admired by the city’s pastry elite—and

co-owner Jim Mosher opened their second spot in January, after ADAC regulars requested a place to go on weekends. All along, the plan was to close Le Lapin, Hines says, but the process was hastened by the decline of the housing and design industries. Le Lapin was shuttered in the spring.

A small business surviving largely on word of mouth, Café Lapin is a casual, moderately priced restaurant where lunch is never an afterContinued >>

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Continued from page 35 thought. You may get a serious cheeseburger and fries or an elegant slice of asparagus tart. The restaurant’s chicken salad comes five ways—walnut, curry and almond, tarragon, apricot or jalapeño. You can get the salad tucked into sandwiches on house-made bread or scooped onto sampler plates, along with shrimp, capered egg and tuna salads. We are very fond of that threesalad assortment, especially when we order it with a side of the refreshing

A warm, welcoming space, Café Lapin brings a touch of Paris to Peachtree Battle.

A tray of baked goodies gets a final touch at Café Lapin, where you can always find a chocolate fix.

Photos by Renee Brock

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

beets and oranges. Quiches are standard-setting—the crust is arguably the best in town—and selections vary daily, from Lorraine to mushroom and onion to ham and asparagus. Burgers are generously proportioned and cooked to order, and the croque-monsieur (melted ham and cheese) is a café staple.

Dinner appetizers range from Southern-inflected comfort foods (onion rings with spicy remoulade; shrimp and grits) to such surprising flavor bursts as bacon-wrapped strawberries with blue-cheese panna cotta; roasted corn on the cob with citrus butter and avocado salsa verde; or zucchini fritters with lemon crème fraîche. Dinner entrées include plenty of rib-sticking pork, beef and spuds. Bacon-wrapped meatloaf, which might be paired with mashed potatoes with haricots verts, or gratin dauphinois with broccoli, is delicious. Pan-seared trout or sockeye salmon is a smart catch. Sometimes, the fish is wrapped and steamed in a parchment love letter. The café doesn’t serve adult beverages, but the staff will ardently invite you to bring a bottle of wine, which they happily uncork and serve gratis. (Merveilleux! Merci!)

Hines makes stellar baked goods, and you shouldn’t leave without approaching the counter to see what’s fresh—old-fashioned carrot or caramel layer cakes piled high with frosting, or his signature ultra-thin chocolate-chip cookies. Two other enduring cookie favorites are the feather-light lemony ones and a decadent concoction of oatmeal, chocolate, dried cherries and toffee. Lots going on for such a thin flat cookie. And lots to like about it.

Sipping coffee or swirling a glass, you’ll order a fat wedge of caramel layer cake sprinkled with fleur de sel or a decadent, palm-shaped brownie loaded with Valrhona truffle and understand why Café Lapin is such a delightful addition to the city. Here, you will feel equally at home staging a festive family occasion, lolling over a romantic tête-à-tête, or just wandering in to grab a couple of the lemon or chocolate-chip cookies. Nothing faddish about it. Only problem is, it might be habit-forming.

What to Sip

By Gregory D. McCluney Although BYOB restaurants have been slow to take off in Atlanta, Café Lapin stands out as a local trailblazer. Based on a review of the menu, here are a few suggestions for reasonably priced, quality wines you might bring to the restaurant. They are readily available in the Buckhead area.

Prices will vary.

WINE SRP 2008 Mark West Pinot Noir (CA) Pairs well with chicken, pork, pasta, salmon and tuna

$10

2008 Chocolate Box Sauvignon Blanc (AU) Drink with flaky fish, salads and fried foods

$17

2008 Buckhead Select Chardonnay (CA) Drink with buttery fish, some salads and fried items (available only at Whole Foods)

$7

2006 Marques de Caceres Crianza, Rioja (Spain) $15 Pairs best with beef, lamb and rich sauces

Chef Mattie Hines’ lemon foccacia bread. Clara Chambers

SI MPLY DE L I C I O U S

Foodie Journal | Culinary News & Notes That’s the spirit Suga Cookies 2 sticks softened butter 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 2 eggs 4 tablespoons evaporated milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 4 cups self-rising flour

Suga Icing 1 stick softened butter 1 tablespoon vanilla Vickie and Allie Sprinkle are the mother-daughter team behind Suga Cookies, a nonprofit that ships cookies for all occasions and gives the money to charity.

32-ounce bag powdered sugar Evaporated milk

Suga Cookies sprinkles generosity into every sweet bite

By Wendell Brock

Suga Cookies are made with love. You can see it in the way Buckhead resident Allie Sprinkle and her mother, Vickie, cut their soft, buttery sugar cookies into little bridesmaid dresses and baby outfits—then lovingly decorate them in the bride’s chosen colors.

It’s also obvious when they squeeze pink and blue icing to form a newborn’s monogram. But aside from butter, sugar and flour, the Sprinkles (yes, that’s really their name!) pour another ingredient into their handcrafted, made-to-order goodies that can’t be measured: It’s called generosity.

Since 2005, Suga Cookies has

donated an unbelievable 100 percent of its profits to families in the village of Cork, South Africa, where the Sprinkles have traveled twice to do volunteer work.

“We just needed an outlet to do something good,” says Allie, 29, a private-wealth manager for Credit Suisse Securities (USA) who has witnessed the enormous gap between fortune and poverty. The Sprinkles distribute their gifts through Build the Future, a South Africa-based ministry that works to alleviate poverty.

A dozen cookies—sold in “Get Well,” “Holiday,” “Sports” and numerous other themed sets—are available for $25 at www.sugacookies.org or by calling 404.557.4416.

Food coloring In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Add flour one cup at a time, and mix well. Refrigerate dough for at least three hours.

Roll dough out on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 300 degrees for eight minutes or until the cookies are just firm.

(The cookies should be soft, not brown.)

While the cookies are cooling, make the icing by mixing the butter, vanilla and powdered sugar.

Slowly stir in the evaporated milk until the icing reaches desired consistency.

Add the food coloring of your choice and decorate the cookies.

H&F Bottle Shop set to open

H&F Bottle Shop, a retail booze joint from the creators of Holeman & Finch and Restaurant Eugene, is preparing for a pre-Thanksgiving launch in Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. Co-owner Gina Hopkins says the shop will continue her company’s philosophy of knowing its producers.

In the same way that Restaurant Eugene’s Chef Linton Hopkins buys squash and collards from farmers he trusts, “We also believe in finding wine that comes straight from producers and growers, people who really have their hands on the product,” Gina says. The Hopkins have hired Ashley Hall from Berkeley, Calif. based Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant to be the Bottle Shop’s full-time “wine concierge,” and the store will stock legally lethal Kentucky moonshine and H&F-brand Bloody Mary mix, which might come in handy this hangover season (after sipping on the white lightnin’). 404.841.4070; www.hfbottleshop.com

Flip out

The grass-fed hamburger craze seems on the verge of overtaking the snout-to-tail trend—in Atlanta, at least.

Gourmet-burger king Richard Blais has brought his fancyschmancy patties and foie gras milkshakes to Buckhead.

Joining the Howell Mill Road and Birmingham, Ala., locations, the third Flip Burger Boutique is located at Tuxedo Festival Shopping Center, 3655 Roswell Road, Suite 300.

404.549.3298; www.flipburgerboutique.com

Make that a double patty

Apparently, Chef Shaun Doty is no slouch in the cow department, either. After opening West Midtown’s Yeah!

Burger in June, Doty and partner Erik Maier have yoked a second operation in Virginia Highland (1017 North Highland Ave.). You can top your grass-fed beef or bison with a “cage-free fried egg” or nitrate-free bacon, but it’s still a burger, yeah? 404.437.7845; www.yeahburger.com

Sweet endings

Piece of Cake has been in the business of making oldfashioned red-velvet and white-chocolate layer cakes for 25 years. It has locations in Buckhead, Roswell and Decatur. But it just figured out how to ship the fragile, gooey beauties. “We always shipped our pound cakes,” says owner Melissa Bunnen. “But we really just started shipping our layer cakes.” The Roswell Road “factory” usually makes about 150 cakes a week, but that spikes to 600 to 800 during the holidays. The bakery tries to stick to the basics, though Bunnen admits “we are totally in the cupcake game” and a much-tested-and-sampled key lime pie cake comes out of the oven in March. The cakes ($23 for a 7-inch, two-layer cake and $34.50 for a 9-inch inch, three-layer version) are available for shipping, pickup and local delivery. 800.992.5390; www.pieceofcake.com

King of pies

You know Henri’s Bakery for its roast-beef sandwiches and chocolate éclairs; this holiday season, get to know it for its pies. The venerated Buckhead sandwich-andpastry shop says pies are among its best Thanksgiving sellers. Choose from nearly 20 flavors, including apple, German chocolate, pecan, pumpkin, sweet potato and mincemeat. Pies range from $12.99-$14.99. www.henrisbakery.com. Two locations: Buckhead (404.237.0202) and Sandy Springs (404.256.7934). — Wendell Brock

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SI MPLY DE L I C I O U S WI N E FEATU R E

A few pieces of art from the Balser’s extensive collection.

Barbara and Ron Balser in their 41st-floor wine cellar at Park Avenue condominiums in Buckhead. Photos by Renee Brock

Lofty tastes To find this Buckhead wine cellar, you’ll need to look up

By Gregory D. McCluney

R

on and Barbara Balser’s wine cellar doesn’t meet the usual criteria for a serious wine collection.

You don’t walk downstairs into a cool, dark cavern to view it; rather, you take a fast elevator up 41 stories to their Park Avenue condominium. And their cellar is only one of the couple’s four, housing just a portion of their 3,500-bottle collection, including some large-format magnums.

“Our cellar was specially designed to store this part of our collection,” says Ron, a retired consultant. “Special draperies were hung to avoid the bright sun from the wine room’s entrance. We also have around 400 bottles in our home in

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

Naples, Fla., and another 1,200 at our home in Santa Fe, N.M.” The Balsers have been in the condominium behind Phipps Plaza for nine years and travel between their three homes throughout the year. Their Buckhead wine room makes an artful statement, as do the original art, sculpture and furnishings throughout the condo.

Ron even displays some sculptures of his own, noting with pride that one of his works graces the famed Staglin home and winery in Napa Valley.

When Ron needs to reload his penthouse collection, he descends to his private garage under the building to borrow from two large coolers that hold more than 1,000 bottles. These coolers serve as home to the Balsers’ wines when they arrive in chilled containers from around the world or across the States.

Ron began his collection in 1982, uses a computer to inventory his purchases and buys from a variety of sources—usually the wineries themselves, which he prefers. He is always conscious of the

French wines are an important part of the Balser’s collection.

importance of temperature control when moving wine, and a few friends and family may not receive wine in the future for just this reason. “When I learn that the wine I’ve sent has been in a car’s trunk in the summer and then opened for dinner that night, that’s the last time that person will receive wine from our cellar,” Ron says. “These wines are simply too valuable to be treated like that.”

So, how does Ron know which wines to source? “I try to buy the best years based on the wine journals’ ratings and other private sources,” he says. “They aren’t always completely accurate, but overall, very few 95- to 100-point wines fail to please.”

When visiting most cellars, even the largest private collections, the excitement begins when you start digging through cartons, boxes and wine racks to see what treasures are hidden within.

But in the case of the Balser’s penthouse wine room, your pulse quickens from the moment you open the beautiful custom iron doors—high over Buckhead.

SI MPLY DE L I C I O U S TAST EM A K ER

Storied server Buckhead Diner waiter Brian Boyle keeps clients entertained with tales of celebrity encounters

By Wendell Brock

F

or nearly 16 years, Brian Boyle has been a Buckhead Diner server. Actually, “performer” might be a better word for it. Describing himself as “6 feet, 200 pounds and gorgeous,” the Virginia native has won a loyal clientele by virtue of his witty (and sometimes wicked) repartee and colorful life story.

An obsessive collector of movie star autographs, photos and memorabilia, he might fly to Los Angeles for a day to attend the Hollywood collectors show—but he’ll take a red-eye back to Atlanta in time to deliver the diner’s famous potato chips with blue cheese, Cobb salads and burgers to his waiting customers. And the compulsive talker is never too tired to regale patrons with tales of his close encounters with Joan Collins, Morgan Fairchild, Barbara Eden, Julie Newmar, Joan Rivers and other camp icons.

“I tried the 8-to-5 thing after I graduated, and I said, ‘Oh, no, this is not for me,’” says the 44-yearold, who holds a degree in speech communications from Wake Forest University. “I just enjoy my work and I think I’m good at it … I enjoy feeding people and making them satisfied.”

When Buckhead Diner’s Brian Boyle was diagnosed with melanoma in 2003, his colleagues chipped in money and worked shifts for him. “I am cancer-free now,” he says. “Life is good.”

Buckhead Life Restaurant Group

What’s one thing we should know about your childhood?

Most kids pretend to be policemen or firemen. I can remember being at my grandmother’s house pretending to be a waiter. So who knew it was going to stick? I tell everybody, jokingly, “When I went to Wake Forest University, people

would say, ‘What do you want to do when you get out of college?’ And I’d say, ‘Serve my fellow mankind.’”

Be careful what you wish for, because 25 years later I’m still serving my fellow mankind.

We hear you do volunteer work.

I volunteer at Brighton Gardens on Lenox Road. Every Friday night for the last 10 years, I go to the facility and play pokino, which is just like bingo, except instead of having balls with numbers on them, there’s a deck of cards … We have a good time.

Being a longtime vet of the restaurant biz, do you enjoy good food and wine?

I like eating and I like entertaining at my place. I’ve got my grandmother’s fried chicken recipe …

I’ve got her fryer and her tongs and her serving platter. Now when I fry chicken, it smells like walking into her home for three days afterward.

If she thought she was taking that recipe to the grave with her, she was sadly mistaken … Nanny could have had her own restaurant because she was a great cook.

How do you entertain diners? What do you talk to them about?

Oh, me, myself and I. I am not interested in them for the most part.

I know that sounds horrible … I’m the entertainment. Every once in a while, I’ll have a male client who thinks he’s funny and I’m like, “Oh, no, honey. Just sit back and enjoy.”

Now I’ve got people who come in and are like, “Do you have any new pictures of movie stars? Have you been anywhere recently?”

“Most kids pretend to be policemen or firemen. I can remember being at my grandmother’s house pretending to be a waiter.”

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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SI MPLY DE L I C I O U S

Featured Restaurants | A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

By Jenni Williams

n Anis 2974 Grandview Avenue Atlanta 30305 404.233.9889 www.anisbistro.com A piece of the French countryside tucked into the streets of Buckhead, this is a romantic spot indeed. Whether you choose decadent mussels or the perfect croque monsieur, this restaurant offers a ticket to France without the plane fare. Our favorites: Try the daily specials of rich quiche and tangy sorbets. n Bistro Niko 3344 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30305 404.261.6456 www.buckheadrestaurants. com/bistro-niko.com The Buckhead Life Restaurant Group is known for big flavors and niche fare, and its newest family member is no exception. A pleasant, French-inspired experience offers rich mushroom tarts, delicious seafood and a lively bar. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or late-night sipping, it offers something for everyone. When the weather is mild, ask for a seat on its scenic patio—perfect for people-watching. n Café Lapin 2341 Peachtree Road Unit C Atlanta 30305 404.812.9171 www.cafelapin.com This cozy café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with a wide variety of classic, fresh and healthy meals. From freshbaked quiches and rotisseriegrilled options to soups, salads and sandwiches, we suggest trying one of their five varieties of chicken salad or a grilled pimento cheese with bacon and tomato. Plus, bring your own bottle of wine to dinner and enjoy sipping your favorite beverage sans corkage fee. For our full review, see page 35.

Café at Pharr 316 Pharr Road NE Atlanta 30305 404.238.9288 www.cafeatpharr.com Arguably the most popular

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chicken salad in Buckhead; stop in for lunch and choose from walnut, curry or classic celery chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or fresh baked bread. It’s perfect for a speedy light lunch and stays open until 4, so you can pick up a painless (and guiltless) dinner on your way home from work.

www.nancyspizza.com

n Henri’s Bakery 61 Irby Avenue Atlanta 30305 404.237.0202 www.henrisbakery.com

n Piu Bello 3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 27A Atlanta 30305 404.814.0304 www.piubellopizza.com

An Atlanta classic for generations, this bakery and deli is the go-to spot for sandwiches and homemade baked goods.

Enjoy fresh sandwiches made to order and let yourself be tempted into a snickerdoodle, elephant ear or chocolatedipped shortbread. Our favorite: the hot Cuban on sourdough washed down with a bubbly Orangina. n Holeman & Finch Public House 2277 Peachtree Road, Suite B Atlanta 30309 404.948.1175 www.holeman-finch.com After-hours dining just kicked up a notch with a whole new selection of gourmet, slidersized burgers. And you can wet your whistle with more than just beef–try the bacontrimmed deviled eggs or a signature cocktail from their famed mixologist.

Whether you’re hankering for Chicago’s claim to fame or you’re just a plain ol’ pizza lover, indulge your desires with Nancy’s deep-dish delicacies.

Tucked away off Peachtree, it’s famous for stuffed pizza, delicious pasta and wings. Don’t come in with a small appetite.

Forget burger and fries for lunch on the run … you can munch on a fresh slice or a hot stuffed calzone in about the same amount of time. Speed through Piu Bello’s line, taking advantage of its hot-and-

Start with a meal of chicken, ribs and veggies, add on homemade biscuits and cornbread, and you’ve got yourself some good eatin’. Lighter choices are available for the health-conscious, as are simpler options for kids, making this Atlanta favorite perfect for the whole family. n Swan Coach House 3130 Slaton Drive NW Atlanta 30305 404.261.0636

Sushi Bar Yu-Ka 3330 Piedmont Road NE Atlanta 30305 404.233.6700 This quiet, unassuming sushi spot adjacent to a local grocery store may not look like one of the best sushi spots in town, but after one sampling from the bar, you’ll no longer judge this book by its cover. Whether you’re a binto box fan or prefer the sashimi, Yu-Ka has fresh fare and friendly service, not to mention some of the most delicious food in its category. It has changed hands in its five-year lifespan, but the sushi has remained superior. Try the Super Crunch roll for an explosion of shrimp, salmon and tempura flakes or the signature Buckhead Roll with tuna, shrimp, eel and avocado drizzled with rich eel sauce. Check out their daily lunch specials starting at only $7.95.

www.swancoachhouse.com You don’t have to be a bridesmaid to eat here—or celebrate any type of occasion, for that matter. So go ahead, taste this historic Atlanta eatery’s divine interpretations of chicken salad and frozen fruit salad, plus an assortment of tasty tea sandwiches. It may be prim and proper, and the portions pretty, but that’s what makes it a true Buckhead experience. n Tin Lizzy’s Cantina 3639 Piedmont Road Atlanta 30305 404.846.6000 www.tinlizzyscantina.com With football season in full gear, this is the place to rest your feet and indulge your appetite for good games and great food. For a truly happy hour, try the Three Amigos dip sampler and a “fall-offthe-house” margarita. If you’re sitting down for a meal, they’re famous for tacos (the battered tilapia is our recommendation). n White House Restaurant 3172 Peachtree Road NW Atlanta 30305 404.237.7601 This understated diner off Peachtree Road lies hidden between Brazilian-wax salons and futuristic furniture. But once you enter its doors, you’ll find an endless menu of omelets, open face sandwiches, steaks, spaghetti, seafood and fruit pies … just to name a few.

It’s all incredibly affordable, almost making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. n Zöes Kitchen 2333 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta 30305 404.233.9637 www.zoeskitchen.com

A little piece of Italy amidst the hustle and bustle—sit down for a meal of pizza, pasta, and ice-cold gelato. You’ll struggle with the restaurant’s busy retail parking lot, but it’s completely worth the effort.

Try the Pollo Francese for delicious creamy chicken in lemon and white wine sauce.

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

n Roaster’s 2770 Lenox Road Atlanta 30324 404.237.1122 www.roastersfresh.com

SPOTLIGHT

n Il Bacio Pizzeria & Trattoria 2571 Piedmont Road, Suite 120 Atlanta 30324 404.467.0333 www.ilbacioatl.com

n Nancy’s Pizza 3167 Peachtree Road, Suite D Atlanta 30305 404.842.9997

ready lunch specials, enjoying a real meal made with fresh Italian ingredients.

Sushi Bar Yu-Ka. Matthew Smith

It’s all the rage to eat fresh these days, so why not make it the goal to eat deliciously as well? At this popular Peachtree Battle eatery, you get incredible feta slaw, chicken roll-ups, spinach quesadillas and even a few indulgences like hot pimento cheese sandwiches and giant slices of gooey chocolate cake.

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | S I M P LY BU C K H E A D

Cover Story

Finish out the year by making a difference “There are two ways of spreading light — to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

— Edith Wharton Imagic Photography

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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SIMPLY BUC K H E A D COV E R STO RY

Give back No matter what your personality type, there’s a volunteer opportunity in Atlanta for you.

Here are 34 of our favorite options.

W

By Amy Bonesteel

hether you want to serve soup, gather coats and sweaters for neighbors hit by the economy or make sure Atlanta’s parks continue to thrive, volunteer opportunities run the gamut during the holiday season.

The ways to give back vary by individual, so select your mode of philanthropy according to your situation and personality, says Virginia-Highland resident and philanthropy guru Kate Atwood. “Some want to do it only once a year, some want it to be more of a routine,” says Atwood, founder of www.livingbygiving. com, a Web site dedicated to helping engage and inspire volunteers.

Atwood says most people begin volunteering with an organization “because a friend or family member asks them to,” but when that experience lines up with their passion and skills, the results can be life-changing. Whether you are a champion of the environment, interested in promoting the arts or simply want to do good where it is needed, there are intown parks, animals and people of all ages who will benefit from the time you can spare. Here are some ideas to get you started: If You’re Artsy…

Art on the BeltLine/Atlanta BeltLine: Volunteers help install art from local artists, find trail section sponsors and organize clean-ups on this repurposed 22-mile walking/running/biking pathway though historic sections of the city.

404.614.8300 www.beltline.org Atlanta Ballet: The dance organization highlights their young talent with the seasonal production of the lavish “The Nutcracker,” (November 27-December 26 at The Fox Theater) but has plenty of other productions and educational programs throughout the year. Volunteers sell programs, assist backstage, and help with office tasks as well as market42

ing and development.

404.873.5811 www.atlantaballet.com Center for Puppetry Arts: Volunteers greet, sell concessions, give tours, assist with puppet-making seminars and receive complimentary tickets to performances. An application, background check and training are required.

404.881.5172 www.puppet.org High Museum of Art: After attending a special orientation, education volunteers help visitors of all ages explore and create art during family programs. This year, special holiday programs are based on the current Salvador Dali exhibit and include “Hands on for the Holidays,” where

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

participants make Dali-inspired crafts, November 26-27; a familyoriented “Dilly Dally with Dali” November 28 that features crafts, dance and magic; and “Hands on for the Holidays” December 27.

404.733.4540 high.volunteers@woodruffcenter.org www.high.org One Love Generation: Party planner Jennifer Lester created this teen arts organization. The program’s burgeoning artists are mentored through the concept, creation and installation of their art, sometimes overseas. Volunteers can work on local and international projects involving youth and art, plus help with events, blogs and marketing. www.onelovegeneration.org

If You’re a Sports Lover…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta: This organization is especially looking for Atlanta men to spend time with at-risk boys and take them to sports games. A background check and training are required.

404.601.7000 www.bbbsatl.org Bright Futures Atlanta: Help at-risk students hone their baseball, volleyball and basketball skills, or teach them physical fitness and weightlifting.

404.799.1244 www.bfatl.org Soccer in the Streets: Using soccer as a way to teach successful habits in

Volunteer Spotlight Jenny Pittam, Atlanta BeltLine A runner and biker, real estate agent Jenny Pittam found her perfect fit when she began volunteering at the Atlanta BeltLine. “I love working with like-minded people who share my outlook about the environment, transit and more walkable communities,” says the 30-year-old Decatur resident.

When eight miles of the 22-mile trail opened earlier this year, Pittam was on the committee that worked on an ambitious proposal for Art on the BeltLine, designed to increase awareness of the unique neighborhood connector. She and other volunteers and staff oversaw art selection (over 150 artists applied for only 50 spots), organized volunteers to install and clean parts of the trail, and promoted the event through Facebook and a Web site.

With a diverse background encompassing art (she has a degree in graphic design) as well as the military (four years in the ROTC), Pittam says her gift for “organizing things and being in charge,” has made promoting events like Art on the BeltLine more fun than work.

And Pittam’s not about to slow down. She is currently looking for ways she can unite the 45 neighborhoods the BeltLine connects by finding a contact person for each area, thereby making BeltLine-wide initiatives and projects even more plentiful in the future.

Beltline art (right) commissioned by volunteer Jenny Pittman (above).

Photos by Mathew Smith

Chastain Horse Park Volunteer Clare Flournoy (far right) assists rider Collin Fousch.

Photo by Imagic Photography

school and life, this organization is active in areas of the city where kids’ sports opportunities may be limited.

Volunteer orientations are held the second Monday of every month.

678.993.2113 www.soccerstreets.org Sports Network at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: Volunteers help oversee sports-related events (tennis, golf, running and baseball) that benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

404.785.GIVE www.choa.org

Continued >>

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SI MPLY BU C K H E A D COV E R STO RY

Continued from page 43 Special Olympics of Georgia: This 40-year-old organization provides sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers help with everything from bowling to marathons at locations around the state.

770.414.9390 www.specialolympicsga.org/volunteer If You’re a Tree Hugger…

Atlanta Bicycle Coalition: Assist with overflow bike parking at events like Atlanta Streets Alive—a bike tour and block party designed to open streets up for biking, walking and playing. Volunteers also attend public meetings as cycling advocates or work on committees to improve bicycling safety.

404.881.1112 www.atlantabike.org Atlanta Botanical Garden: Help with garden maintenance, work as a docent or help out in the gift shop. All “discovery volunteers” inform visitors about sustainable green practices, honeybees and more. Weekend training sessions are required.

404.591.1548 www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org Community Gardens: A project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, this program has encouraged 150 neighborhood gardens in the Atlanta area. Volunteers help plant, maintain, harvest and clean up the sites, usually in three-hour commitments.

404.892.FEED www.acfb.org GreenPlate, Inc.: This grassroots group started by Polly Sattler takes proactive steps to cut the use of plastics. Volunteers help with grant writing, river cleanups, festivals and more.

404.550.4481 www.greenplate.org Oakland Cemetery: The final resting spot of luminaries like Margaret Mitchell, this historic space needs gardening volunteers to keep it one of Atlanta’s outdoor treasures.

404.688.2107 ext. 15 www.oaklandcemetery.com

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PEDS: This group is dedicated to making Atlanta a safer place to walk by increasing awareness of pedestrians. Volunteers help report unsafe driving, chart and escort “walkto-school” groups and assist with fundraising and public information.

404.685.8722 www.peds.org Piedmont Park Conservancy: Clean up, patrol the new dog park or pitch in with native plant restoration at the city’s green-space jewel.

404.875.7275 www.piedmontpark.org Trees Atlanta: Since its founding in 1985, this group has planted more than 75,000 shade trees. Help with planting and maintaining trees at locations around the metro area.

404.522.4097 www.treesatlanta.org If You’re an Animal Lover…

Ahimsa House: This organization assists animals and people affected by violence. Help is needed in many areas, including transporting animals, organizing events, outreach and education.

404.496.4038 www.ahimsahouse.org Atlanta Humane Society: Volunteers at Atlanta’s oldest private charity (a no-kill shelter) help with foster care, work in the shop and plan special events.

404.974.2822 www.atlantahumane.org Atlanta Pet Rescue: This all-volunteer group needs help with maintenance, socializing and training animals, and administrative tasks.

Volunteer-orientation sessions are held the second Tuesday of every month.

404.815.6680 www.atlantapetrescue.org Chastain Horse Park: Volunteers assist with lessons and horse-therapy sessions. Upcoming events include a “Photos with Santa” fundraiser December 4-5. Volunteers must attend a two-hour orientation session at the Buckhead stable on the third Saturday of the month.

404.252.4244 ext. 29 www.chpvolunteer.org or www. chastainhorsepark.org

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

Volunteer Spotlight Pam Neighbors, Chastain Horse Park The connections she has made with riders, instructors and horses is what keeps Chastain Horse Park volunteer Pam Neighbors enthusiastic about coming back to these Buckhead stables week after week.

A lifelong horse lover (as a girl, the Kentucky native had a Shetland pony), Neighbors has been helping the NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) certified therapists at Chastain for four years. The horse park’s program, open to children and adults with special needs, uses volunteers like Neighbors to help lead horses, assist riders and sometimes help with “tacking,” or putting on a horse’s reins, bit and saddle.

“My job is sometimes to assist the rider—to help them stay in the saddle, or to chat and cheer them on—whatever the therapist recommends,” says Neighbors, a real estate agent and mother of two grown children who lives in East Cobb. Her voice lights up as she mentions two young girls she looks forward to working with every week and the rituals they have adopted, like feeding the horses apples and carrots.

“Every Tuesday afternoon—that is my time,” she says. “I adore the little girls I work with and really like the instructor as well.”

SI MPLY BU C K H E A D COV E R STO RY

PAWS Atlanta: Help with cats and dogs at this no-kill shelter, and also assist with photography, event planning and clerical duties. Volunteers must attend an orientation.

770.593.1155 www.pawsatlanta.org Second Chance Dogs: This all-volunteer-based dog rescue shelter in Roswell has placed over 2,000 dogs in loving homes since 1998. They are trying to build a shelter in Canton and need help with fund-raising as well as animal care. www.secondchancedogs.org Fur Kids: Volunteers help transport cats and dogs to and from shelters, clean several no-kill shelters and assist Petco/Petsmart programs to find homes for animals.

770.613.0009 www.furkids.org Happy Tails Pet Therapy: Make a patient’s day by bringing a dog, cat or rabbit for them to pet while in

the hospital. Volunteers must attend an orientation session (the next one is January 8) and complete a volunteer packet.

770.740.8211 www.happytailspets.org If You’re a Foodie…

Café 458: Located in the historic Sweet Auburn district, this gourmet restaurant gives all proceeds (including tips) to the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (a homeless shelter previously known as Samaritan House). Volunteers are needed to help cook and serve Sunday brunch (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), as well as clean up.

You can also help with weekdaymorning sessions that provide training, job-application support and other services for homeless men and women.

404.446.4688 www.cafe458.com Georgia Organics: Marketing, fundraising, event organization and

education are some of the ways volunteers can help farmers cultivate local organic produce through this organization.

678.702.0400 www.georgiaorganics.org Project Open Hand: Pitch in with packaging, preparing and distributing meals to the chronically ill and elderly.

404.872.2707 www.projectopenhand.org Slow Food Atlanta: This organization supports locally grown and produced food. Volunteer opportunities include staffing tables at events and working at local farms. www.slowfoodatlanta.org.

St. Francis Table: One of Atlanta’s oldest soup kitchens (it was started 30 years ago), this charity, located in downtown’s historic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, feeds more than 550 people every Saturday morning. Volunteers (groups

welcome) arrive at 7 a.m. to help prepare sandwiches, soup and coffee.

404.521.1866 www.catholicshrineatlanta.org If You’re Just Insanely Busy…

Answer Atlanta: Members pool their money to make a tangible impact on a common cause (they vote on that cause yearly); they may also volunteer with that cause to see their dollars at work. www.answeratlanta.org Fab´rik Boutique: Drop off your used clothing, jewelry, shoes and handbags to provide shopping sprees for teens and moms in need. www.shopfabrikboutique.com St. Vincent DePaul: Donate goods, clothing or furniture to one of nine Atlanta locations to help the underprivileged; you may even be able to schedule a pick up of your items!

678.892.6160 www.svdpatl.org

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT SPA SYDELL CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT SPA SYDELL

Let Spa Sydell help you escape the hustle and bustle and

host your holiday event at our two premier in-town locations in Buckhead and Midtown at Brookwood Plaza.

The total relaxation and ultimate comfort offered to Spa Sydell spa-goers daily is extended to you and your guests with luxurious accommodations like:

• Spa Sydell’s Relaxation Room • Spa-tinis and catering • Choice of spa services for your group To make special arrangements for your holiday event, please call 404.255.7727. Be sure to ask about how to give the gift of relaxation this season with Spa Sydell’s signature big burgundy gift certificate!

Open late 7 days a week at all six of Spa Sydell premier locations.

Spa Sydell Buckhead offers complimentary valet available at CHOPS.

www.spasydell.com

Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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S I M P LY BU Z Z | S I M P LY C H A R I TA B L E | S I M P LY S C E N E

Simply Happening

Spotlight Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta Adoption Day December 5, 12-2 p.m.

Pet Supplies Plus 2329 Cheshire Bridge Atlanta 30324 770.915.4922 www.grra.com

Imagic Photography

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

Whether you want to adopt a Golden Retriever or just love petting ’em, this event is for you. Hundreds of Golden Retrievers are abandoned or turned in to animal shelters every year because their owners just weren’t ready for a new family member. The Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta (GRRA) is taking great strides to find the right homes for these forgotten friends and invites you to help. Join fellow Atlantans to save the lives of several sweet, sandy-colored canines at

Pet Supplies Plus Adoption Day. You’ll meet beautiful Goldens of all ages available for adoption, and you’ll offer love and affection as their playful companion for the afternoon. Can’t join them in December? The GRRA will be at Pet Supplies Plus locations the first Sunday of every month. GRRA is dedicated to providing veterinary care, comprehensive evaluations, foster and adoptive homes for Golden Retrievers who are abandoned, mistreated, neglected or left in shelters throughout Georgia.

SI MPLY HAP P E N I N G

Simply Buzz | Events, exhibits, galas and more

By Jenni Williams

magical visuals, and even a few laughs combine for one heck of a show. Tickets are $30 for adults and $12.50 for children.

OVO November-December 5 Grand Chapiteau, Atlantic Station 171 17th Street NW Atlanta 30363 800.450.1480 www.cirquedusoleil.com

Critics are calling it “an immersion into the teeming and energetic world of insects”— so this Cirque du Soleil installment is a creepy-crawler phobic’s worst nightmare.

But if you can let yourself go deeper than the exoskeletons, you’ll experience an emotional mini-world filled with the same contrasting motifs we humans face above ground. Plenty of antennae eye candy and dramatic musicality make this a lively and colorful account of a world less obvious to our untrained eye. Tickets start at $55.00.

Chocolate: Seed to Sweet Series at Atlanta Botanical Garden November-December Atlanta Botanical Garden 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE Atlanta 30309 404.876.5859 www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Chocoholics, mark your calendars! The Botanical Garden offers visitors the chance to go behind the scenes of chocolate making, from the seed to your sweet tooth. The hands-on tour includes a giant cacao pod and a 20-foot flower dome that illustrate the delicate lifelines of chocolate around the world. Finish your journey inside a miniature factory that showcases the candymaking process. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children; free for Garden Members.

Comedy Gold in Buckhead Fridays and Saturdays, November–December, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Landmark Diner 3652 Roswell Road NW Atlanta 30305 404.816.9090 www.landmarkdiner.com

They say there is no easier way to burn calories than

Little Things Mean a Lot November 18-January 8

Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

laughing, so eat up and laugh it off at Comedy Gold this fall.

You’ll encounter some of the best up-and-coming standup comics from across the nation every Friday and Saturday night—people behind the punch lines on Comedy Central, Letterman, Conan and many others. Admission and parking are free.

Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting November-December High Museum of Art 1280 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta 30309 404.733.4400 www.high.org

A collection from the National Galleries of Scotland, including 25 masterpieces of the Venetian Renaissance, finally arrives at the High.

The exhibition includes two famed paintings from the Italian Renaissance never before seen in the United States—Titian’s “Diana and Actaeon” and “Diana and Callisto” (1556– 1559).

Swan Coach House Art Gallery 3130 Slaton Drive NW Atlanta 30305 404.261.0636 www.swancoachhouse.com

They say good things come in small packages … See proof with a special holiday show of over 200 small works of art in all mediums by a multitude of local artists. Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer November 18-January 2 Center for Puppetry Arts 1404 Spring Street NW Atlanta 30309 404.873.3391 www.puppet.org

Based on the classic children’s film, Rudolph and his misfit friends return, this time live and in 3D puppetry.

Adapted and directed by Jon Ludwig, these stories offer the perfect entertainment for the family this holiday season. Tickets are $16.00.

City of Lost Children, in conjunction with The Festival of Fantasy and the Surreal November 19, 8 p.m.

The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats November 17 The Buckhead Theatre 3110 Roswell Road Atlanta 30305 404.843.2825 www.thebuckheadtheatre.com

With their famed precision and grace, the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats offer a vibrant production like nothing Buckhead has seen.

Dazzling acrobatics, daring choreography,

Rich Theatre, The High Museum 1280 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta 30309 404.733.4570 www.high.org

From the masterminds behind Amelie and Micmacs (Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet) comes a classic French Carnival-like tale from the deepest nightmares of children’s minds. On a mission to save children kidnapped and headed for corruption, the film’s heroic misfits delve into a terrifying adventure that finds gentle humanity among the grotesque.

Fannie Flagg, I Still Dream About You November 22, 7 p.m.

Literary Center at Margaret Mitchell House 990 Peachtree Street Atlanta 30309 404.249.7015 www.margaretmitchellhouse.com

Enjoy an evening lecture and book signing with bestselling author Fannie Flagg (you know her best for Fried Green Tomatoes) as she discusses her novel, I Still Dream About You. It’s the story of the presumed perfect life of a former Miss Alabama, who actually finds her position dull and meaningless. As fate takes over, unexpected events send her on an adventure of discovery and self-reevaluation as she learns life doesn’t have to be a pageant bio. Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Reservations are required for all lectures.

Joe Satriani with Ned Evett, Triple Double December 1, 8 p.m.

CW Midtown Music Complex: Center Stage 1374 West Peachtree Street NW Atlanta 30309 404.885.1365 www.centerstageatlanta.com

The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats.

ed rocker Joe Satriani hits the stage with his guitar for a rock-n-roll celebration of his 14th studio album, Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards. An expert instrumentalist known for masterminding the guitar behind some of the greatest rockers of the ’80s and ’90s (Mick Jagger, Deep Purple), Satriani takes his Jimi Hendrix style and steps out to rock his music his own way. Tickets are $42.50 in advance, $45 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Vinings 40th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting December 2, 6-8 p.m.

Vinings Jubilee 4300 Paces Ferry Road Atlanta 30339 www.viningsjubilee.com

Southern Christmases are known for three things: food, family and fun. The Vinings Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will bring all three of those together for a magical night of celebration.

Pony rides, face painting and balloon twisting are just the beginning. The Vinings Express will offer rides throughout the event as the Teasley Elementary School choir fills the atmosphere with holiday cheer. Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa Claus, so have your lists ready. Admission is free.

23rd Annual Jingle Jog 5K December 11, 8 a.m.

Costco Atlanta 6350 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta 30328 770.352.8660 www.jinglejog.com

Be there with bells on … literally. Join thousands of runners decked out in holiday garb, from jingle bells on their shoes to elfin hats on their heads—anything red and green to get them across the finish line. This event is dog-friendly and open to the whole family, runners or walkers. Celebrate your race time with fun treats from various sponsors. Tickets are $23.

Grammy-nominat-

Brittany App Photography

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Not for profit.

For comebacks.

At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we’re determined to help every child in our care get back to doing what they do best — just being a kid. But as strong and resilient as children are, their comebacks wouldn’t be possible without help from people like you.

Please visit www.choa.org/give to donate.

Children need Children’s and Children’s needs You

®

©2010 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead

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SI MPLY HAP P E N I N G C H A R ITA B LE

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t the third annual Drop Dead Gorgeous Benefit, Atlantans raised more than $8,000 to fight the commercial sexual exploitation of children in Georgia. Drop Dead Gorgeous is a local nonprofit that utilizes the fashion, entertainment and sports industries as its vehicle to reduce demand for such exploitation. For more information, visit www.ddgcharity.com.

Bre Scullark, former competitor on America’s Next Top Model; Nina Brown, V103 producer; Susan Muscari-Komoto, executive director of Drop Dead Gorgeous; and planning committee member Bronni Karatassos.

Designer Anne Barge and Sarah Richards.

Hilary Patrick and Anne McGlamry.

A model struts on the catwalk.

Ferdinand Seefried, Honorary Consul General of Austria; Lucinda Shore, founder of Safe Haven 4 Pets; and Raoul “Ray” Donato, Honorary Consul General of the Philippines.

Scott Taylor, Sachin Shailendra, Amanda Shailendra and Paul Shailendra watch the runway.

Photos by Joseph Aczel

Dr. Walter Young, former honorary consul general for Liberia, with Robyn Fujimoto.

Jennifer Swain, statewide coordinator for the Juvenile Justice Fund.

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S IMP LY HAPP E N I N G

S I M P LY S CENE

Homemade pastries from CafĂŠ Lapin. For the full review, see page 35.

Sweet treats Expect many more from us in each Simply Buckhead issue!

Photo by Renee Brock

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Winter 2010 | Simply Buckhead