Simply Buckhead July/August 2025

Your Guide to Living Well in Atlanta

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

Enjoy access to all four of our convenient locations and over 12,000 class options annually

Designed for all experience levels and fitness goals, whether you’re looking to improve flexibility, strength, or simply stay active

Join us any time - our classes are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings - 7 days a week! Your Pilates journey starts here!

Club Pilates Brookhaven

Pilates Buckhead | Club Pilates Chastain | Club Pilates Sandy Springs

HOUS T ON • DALLAS • A TLANT A

Photos:

22: Jeff Heron, 24: Courtesy of Jamestown, 26: Patrick Heagney, 36: Kelli Boyd, 62, 72: Erik Meadows

STYLISH

38 FASHION

Clothes for a Cause

Teens turn a T-shirt business into a charitable venture

40 BEAUTY

The Pros and Cons of Dermaplaning

Should women shave their faces?

42 WELLNESS

Rocking Out

How to reduce your daily intake of heavy metals

44 TASTEMAKER

Behind the Mask

A performance-based sleep mask for better quality sleep

FAMILY

50 KIDS

Prep Work

Six expert tips for preparing for college

51 PETS

CULTURE

54 ON STAGE

Writing Georgia’s Next Act

Jeffrey Stepakoff is creating the rooms where TV stories happen

56 LITERARY

Quiet reading

Silent Book Clubs draw readers who want to savor the silence

58 TASTEMAKER

Behind the Curtain

City Springs exec puts musical theater training to work off stage

59 EVENTS

Places to go and things to do

COVER STORY

62 Rising Stars

Meet the standout locals making waves in 2025

DELICIOUS

72 REVIEW

Comfortably Quirky

Personality abounds at Local Three Kitchen & Bar

76 DRINKS In Vogue

The martini is always in style

78 FOODIE JOURNAL

Fresh Market

Upper West Market brings an everyday indoor farmers market to Atlanta

80 TASTEMAKER

“Steaking” a Claim

Barry Mills opens Steak & Grace in Dunwoody Village

82 Featured Restaurants

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

84 Scene

BEHIND THE COVER

Our annual Rising Stars cover package, always in the July/August issue, is exciting. We pull together a group of standout individuals who are leaders in their fields and gather at a fun location for an all-day photo shoot. This year we convened at the stunning Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. Our stars networked while they had their hair and makeup done, and were styled with clothing from local retailers Tootsies and Connaisseur Paris. The group came together for a cover shot in front of dramatic windows overlooking the hotel’s stately garden before posing for individual portraits around the property.

Photographer: Erik Meadows

Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Stylist: Lauren Finney Harden

Makeup: Nyssa Green, Corean Reyes

Hair: Alicia Igess

Assistant: Nicole Letts

For wardrobe IDs, see page 63

Special thanks to the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead for hosting our team.

Courtesy of Luck Star

Jolie Loren Photography

Editor's Letter

What is the definition of success? Is it money? Notoriety? For my son, it’s any professional athlete. For me, a true success is a person who has overcome adversity and persevered in order to dedicate their life to something they are passionate about. Becoming a success isn’t easy, but I believe it’s always worth the effort.

In this annual Rising Stars issue, each of the individuals we profile has put in the hard work to reach their current place in life. With this special formula, they will no doubt continue to rise. Karina Antenucci profiles Adam Wexler, who has spent two decades building digital and mobile startups, including PrizePicks, the largest independent daily fantasy sports operator in the United States. Amy Meadows shares the story of filmmaker Hieu Huynh who was born in a refugee camp in Indonesia before immigrating to the U.S. and went on to be a producer on Larry King Live and Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown before making her own documentaries. Other Rising Stars include professional organizer and fashion entrepreneur Kinga Clues, multidisciplinary artist Carol Santos, GPB production manager Insley Davis, chef Christian Evans and award-winning 11Alive journalist Cody Alcorn.

In addition to our Rising Star profiles, this issue features a variety of entertaining stories, from a Strategies piece on how to exercise in the outdoor heat to a Simply Approved round-up of aesthetically pleasing stationery products for the upcoming school year. And if you’re looking for a unique new way to enjoy some summer reading, H.M. Cauley introduces us to a Buckhead Silent Reading Book Club in the Literary column.

Whether you are reading this issue silently or out loud, we hope you appreciate each page and the success we feel to be able to share these impactful stories with you.

Sara Hanna

Giannina S. Bedford Managing Editor

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com

For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895

Joanne Hayes

Publisher and Founder

Sonny Hayes

Chief Financial Officer

EDITORIAL

Giannina S. Bedford

Managing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Senior Contributing Editor

Alan Platten

Creative Director

H.M. Cauley

Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karina Antenucci

Chelsie Butler

H.M. Cauley

Carly Cooper

Lauren Finney Harden

Mickey Goodman

Angela Hansberger

Michael Jacobs

Nicole Letts

Amy Meadows

Hope S. Philbrick

Ashton Pike

Claire Ruhlin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Patrick Heagney

Erik Meadows

Joann Vitelli

SALES & ADVERTISING

Layal Akkad

Graphic Designer

DIGITAL

BHG Digital

Website Development Management

Mike Jose

Director of Audience Development

LEGAL

Scott I. Zucker

Legal Counsel

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Erik Meadows

Erik Meadows is an Atlantabased food, commercial and lifestyle photographer who often shoots Simply Buckhead’s cover photo and restaurant review. Some of his longtime local clients include Signia by Hilton, The Fox Theatre and Emory University. When he is not busy taking beautiful photos, he enjoys CrossFit and running; woodshedding on the jazz drums; and spending time with Rosie, his Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and Bruce and Mac, his two cats. Meadows is a graduate of Duke University and an avid Duke basketball fan, making sure to attend at least one game every season.

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 © 2025 by Simply Buckhead All rights reserved.

Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.

BY Nicole Letts

RAISING THE BAR

LOCAL AUTHOR PUBLISHES BOOK ABOUT HISTORIC HAUNTS IN BUCKHEAD AND BEYOND

Writer Caroline Eubanks, author of the travel guide This Is My South, released her second book, A Boozy History of Atlanta: People, Places & Drinks that Made a City, this spring. Published by The History Press, the book presents a fresh perspective on the city's past, delving into the intertwined history of Atlanta and its relationship with alcohol, from the early colonial days to the modern craft cocktail scene.

Eubanks, a food, spirits and travel

NEWS CLIPS

J.Crew Factory Store Opens at Powers Ferry Square Powers Ferry Square in Buckhead recently opened a J.Crew Factory store. The 4,688 square-foot retailer takes over the space previously occupied by Burn Studios. J.Crew Factory offers a wide range of apparel for women, men and children. The brand is known for its classic styles with a modern twist, incorporating both timeless pieces and the latest fashion trends. “They are private label and a great addition to the current apparel mix we have at the center that is more local boutiques,”

writer, noticed a gap in the literary landscape. “I do a lot of articles about drinking history in other places, but I never saw much of Atlanta’s past," she says. The book's journey begins with colonial Georgia and traces the drinking habits and interests of early settlers. She highlights the initial struggles with winemaking, the emergence of beer as a safer alternative to water and the eventual arrival and subsequent banning of rum due to its “wild” influence.

says Leslie Mintz, Regency Centers senior leasing agent. factory.jcrew.com • @jcrewfactory

Wellhaus Arrives in Buckhead

A new holistic recovery center, Wellhaus, founded by Tracy Powell and partners Jamey Shirah and Marcus Griffin, is open in Buckhead. Wellhaus blends active recovery modalities such as cold plunges, saunas, red light therapy and float tanks, alongside spa-like amenities designed for relaxation. Each founding partner has extensive experience in the wellness industry:

Of course, Buckhead and its surrounding neighborhoods provide a backdrop to Atlanta's formative drinking years, and Eubanks pinpoints significant current and long-gone landmarks like Dante’s Down the Hatch, The Limelight, Northside Tavern and Johnny’s Hideaway. “Johnny's is walking back in time. It feels like you're in the Disco era, especially for those of us who did not get to live through it. It's a place to feel like you were part of it,” Eubanks says.

Griffin owns Lion Chaser Fitness, Shirah is a founder of Vida-Flo, and Powell opened several Atlanta Pure Barre studios. The founders envisioned a space where self-care and recovery blend with a luxurious setting. “Our tagline is ‘follow me to the well.’ This whole concept is created to lead people into wellness through community,” Powell says. According to Powell, Wellhaus distinguishes itself through its personalized approach, offering custom protocols tailored to individual needs, from addressing hormonal imbalances to supporting

Caroline Eubanks (far left) visited and researched historic venues such as Johnny's Hideaway and Northside Tavern for her latest book, A Boozy History of Atlanta: People, Places & Drinks that Made a City

Eubanks also observes and notes Atlanta's broadening cocktail landscape. "We're starting to see more bars doing cool things," she says, mentioning the “cool factor sprawl” of OTP spots beyond Atlanta proper, like Okay Anny’s in Dunwoody. She notes the state’s roots in beer, rum and peach brandy but says she also sees a burgeoning future for whiskey. “We have the ingredients that make for good whiskey. We have the corn, and we have the water; we have everything Kentucky has. I think the whiskey reputation is just getting started, it's something we will see more of as time goes on,” she says. A Boozy History of Atlanta is available at Barnes & Noble for $24.99. n carolineeubanks.com • @cairinthecity

athletic recovery. “There is no onesize-fits-all all here. We take a lot of time learning about people,” Powell says. The center also features an organic tea bar. The trio is also already embarking on plans for future expansion within metro Atlanta. wellhausclub.com • @wellhausclub

Kolter Urban Acquires Site for $38M

Delray Beach, Florida–based developer Kolter Urban made a significant move in Buckhead's luxury real estate market, closing on a 4.7-acre site at 102 West Paces Ferry Road

on March 25 for $38 million. The company has unveiled plans for Elyse Buckhead, a 20-story condominium tower that will occupy 2.7 acres of the newly acquired land beside the St. Regis Atlanta hotel. The development will feature 196 exclusive residences, offering a range of one- to three-bedroom floor plans spanning from 1,200 to more than 4,000 square feet. The upcoming project represents Kolter's third venture in Atlanta, building on the sold-out, 21-story Graydon Buckhead and The Dillon, which debuted last year. kolterurban.com • @kolterurban

Mickey Goodman

Lucinda Bunnen’s Legacy

Family land to become public park

Soon after Lucinda and Dr. Robert Bunnen bought a house on Randall Mill Road in Buckhead in 1956, they began buying adjacent land. Over the next 68 years, they amassed 30 acres, an area larger than Centennial Olympic Park and Woodruff Park combined. When Lucinda passed away in 2022 at age 92, her children, Robb, Belinda Bunnen Reusch and Melissa Bunnen Jernigan, wanted to preserve the land and house as a public park instead of selling it to developers.

The Conservation Fund in Washington, D.C., and the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation teamed up with the family to provide

funding for what will tentatively be named The Lucinda Bunnen Nature Preserve. For their contribution to enhance the community through preservation, the family was awarded Buckhead Heritage’s Belle Turner Lynch Preservation Award.

A high profile photographer, arts activist and collector who helped establish the High Museum’s photo collection, Bunnen loved to walk her dogs off leash and created a challenging 2-mile trail under a tree canopy that takes hikers up steep hills with beautiful vistas all the way down to Peachtree Creek. “We have a place we can still go to remember our

Protecting the Wilderness

Propagating endangered red spruce

As a boy, Robert Balentine loved gardening, hiking and camping— passions that increased as an adult.

“When our kids were young, my wife, Betty, and I bought property in western North Carolina to protect it from development,” the chairman of Balentine Wealth Advisors in Buckhead says. “Over the next decade, we were able to acquire 120 contiguous acres on a protected track of wilderness known as Panthertown Valley that’s managed by the U.S. Forest Service. No logging or motorized vehicles are allowed. Because it gets nearly 100 inches of rain annually, there are more different types of plants than in any other parts of the world other than tropical rainforests.”

For their outstanding achievement in environmental protection and quality of life, the Garden Club of America recently presented the couple with the 2025 Cynthia Pratt Laughlin national medal. Located at an elevation of 4,500 feet on top of Toxaway Mountain,

mother every day,” Robb says. “I think she would be thrilled at the outcome.”

BUCKHEAD HERITAGE buckheadheritage.com • @preservebuckhead

Expanding Horizons

the Southern Highlands Reserve is under a conservation easement to grow and display plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains that grow above 2,500 feet. "We started growing endangered red spruce trees and planted 7,000," Ballentine says. With public and private funding, they were able to build a greenhouse to grow 50,000 more at the request of the Forestry Service. It opened in May.

Turning unused tickets into joy

An old article in a local newspaper about Most Valuable Kids, a nonprofit that donates cultural and sports tickets to youngsters in un der-resourced areas, proved to be a lightbulb moment for Buckhead residents Susan and Brian Banner. The couple had long lamented the empty seats at venues and teamed up with MVK, then operating in Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati.

“There were so many exciting collaborations going on to help the youth in Atlanta in 2017; it was the perfect time to launch MVK of Greater Atlanta,” Susan says. The Banners assembled a board of directors and made connections with a variety of venues, asking if they would donate their unsold tickets. More than 20 signed up. So did season ticket holders who registered on the website. To date, more than 70,000 tickets have been distributed among the more than 100 schools and youth organizations that request them. Buckhead resident William Hoyt, a Braves super fan, has donated more than 900.

“When the pandemic shut

everything down, we decided to pivot and distribute food, hygiene products and books,” Susan says. During that time, donors provided more than 5,000 items suitable for kids from pre-K through high school, and the organization arranged virtual activities such as an online screening of the musical Hamilton

“Brian grew up attending sporting events and is particularly excited to know that the tickets aren’t getting wasted,” Susan says. “We love the community we’ve created.

Betty and Robert Balentine received the Garden Club of America Cynthia Pratt Laughlin national medal for environmental protection.

Susan and Brian Banner started the Atlanta chapter of Most Valuable Kids, which has contributed more than 70,000 tickets to underserved youth.

Melissa Bunnen Jernigan, Robb Bunnen and Belinda Bunnen Reusch worked to preserve their family's home and land as a public nature park in Buckhead.

A T L A N T A

S O W N

Mini Highlighters ($14)

With four cheery hues and a cathartically smooth glide, these mini highlighters from Papier turn note-taking into a dopamine boost. The colorful set is the perfect sidekick for when you’re stuck highlighting chapters during a marathon study sesh or color-coding your planner like a pro. Bonus: Their compact size fits perfectly in your pencil pouch or tote pocket—small but seriously mighty. Barnes & Noble Buckhead barnesandnoble.com • @barnesandnoble

Bird Pencil Pouch ($25)

Add a splash of personality to your school supplies with this bright and whimsical bird-shaped pencil case from East End Press. Handprinted using carved wooden blocks, this vibrant pouch, decked out in turquoise, magenta, yellow and green hues, is just as fun as it is functional. Whether you’re tossing in pencils for class, paint brushes for art club or chargers for your commute, this 100% cotton case keeps your essentials neatly stored with a little flair.

Anthrolopogie Westside Urban Market anthropologie.com • @anthropologie

Planner Stamp Set ($20)

Tucked into a tidy storage tin, this stamp set is equal parts practical and playful to make planning feel a little less like a chore and a lot more like a craft project. Choose from 13 beechwood stamps and red, blue and black ink pads to categorize your weekly plans and projects with options like “exercise,” “holiday,” “to do” and “done.”

The Container Store Buckhead containerstore.com • @thecontainerstore

Write This Way

Bland binders and basic ball-point pens have no place here. Whether you’re at color-coding-your-calendar level or just trying to keep track of your pens, we’ve rounded up Atlanta’s most stylish stationery. Read on to make this back-to-school season your most organized one yet.

STORY: Ashton Pike

Slim Muted Ball Point Pen Set ($23)

Whether you’re transcribing soundbites from a lecture or journaling your morning thoughts, elevate your note-taking game with this muted-color ballpoint pen set on offer at locally owned Adelina Social Goods in West Midtown. The sleek, lightweight duo is perfect for gifting, too, thanks to the boutique's complimentary gift-wrapping in the signature stone-gray box and yellow ribbon sealed with an “ASG” wax stamp. Adelina Social Goods • adelinasocialgoods.com • @adelinasocial

Folio & Notepad Set ($44)

Give your to-do list an haute home inside this watercolor folio and notepad set. The 9-by-7-inch notebook boasts 65 refillable pages and a bespoke, hand-painted design by Moglea plus a matching smaller notepad to boot. Order online or pick up in-store at your local Anthropologie and get ready to plan your fall semester in style.

Anthrolopogie Perimeter Mall anthropologie.com • @anthropologie

Marvelous Milledgeville

Flannery O’Connor’s hometown is a literary-filled escape STORY: Nicole Letts

Itake a wrong turn just outside of Eatonton, Georgia, when I am only 30 minutes or so away from my destination. My map reroutes, and I dutifully follow the directions… right down a gravel road. For nearly 2 miles, I am white-knuckling, turning down my podcast, sitting up straighter and inching closer to the steering wheel. I laugh when I realize this scene is reminiscent of my favorite Flannery O’Connor short story, “A Good Man is Hard to Find.”

Ironically, I am heading to Milledgeville, the acclaimed Southern Gothic writer’s hometown and continual inspiration, for an O’Connor pilgrimage of sorts. O’Connor spent her childhood and late adult life here writing many of her most well-known works. I’m back on the pavement before I can spend much time pondering the story’s villain, an escaped convict-turned-murderer. I arrive at Andalusia Farms, O’Connor’s home and the first stop of my overnight stay, unscathed and ready to dig into

in the new Interpretive Center that was built in 2023. Here, I meet my guide, Angela Criscoe, executive director of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at Georgia College and State University. We take a quick golf cart ride to the main farmhouse where we move from room to room touring the small structure that served as O’Connor’s home until her death in 1964. Back at the interpretive center, I explore an exhibit of O’Connor’s handmade clothing and miniatures collection, many of which she received as gifts from others’ travels.

When I leave Andalusia, I head to Memory Hill Cemetery near downtown Milledgeville. I love walking through cemeteries because they are a glimpse into the past. When I find O’Connor’s family plot, I am taken by the little trinkets, pens, pencils and written works that folks

have left behind in memoriam.

My lodging for the evening is The Inn on North Jefferson, a bed-andbreakfast situated in a renovated historic home. My spacious room features a four-poster bed, a cozy fireplace and, appropriately, a wall of built-ins filled with books. The innkeepers, Cliff and Jen Charnes, have snacks readily available along with coffee and—my personal favorite touch—a Bartesian cocktail machine for after-hours, self-serve cocktails. The Charnes also own Local Yolkal Cafe and offer complimentary breakfast for guests, encouraging them to get out and about in Milledgeville as soon as they open their eyes.

Exploring Milledgeville continues on Milly the Trolley for a fully narrated tour of Milledgeville’s historic district. The trolley departs from the Visitor Information Center and meanders past historic city landmarks. Unsurprisingly, my favorite stop is at Sacred Heart Catholic Church that was started by O’Connor’s family and where she and her mother attended daily mass.

Before heading back to Atlanta, I stop at Greene’s Farmhouse Foods, a popular family-owned lunch spot with a healthy twist on Southern cuisine. I fill my plate with fried chicken, dirty rice and Brussels sprouts for lunch, and I also grab roasted beet salad, macaroni and cheese and another chicken breast to have for dinner. After all, is there anything better than bringing home a slice of vacation? When I walk in the door to my house, I reheat my food and dive into my collection of O’Connor short stories, a return visit to Milledgeville already ruminating in my mind. n

Above: Andalusia Interpretive Center houses artifacts and artwork from O'Connor's life. Left: Andalusia Farms is the home of Flannery O'Connor and where she wrote many of her most famous literary works.

Green's Farmhouse Foods pairs Southern classics with healthier choices. See downtown Milledgeville via the town's trolly tours.

SUN, FUN AND FOOD

Three days in

San

Juan, no passport required STORY: H.M. Cauley

With travel requirements becoming stricter and long-haul flights growing less attractive, some tourists are looking for destinations that are easy to get to but still give off distinctly different vibes. That combination has benefited Puerto Rico, where visitors are flocking post-pandemic. For last year alone, Forbes magazine reported an 8% increase in island tourism, and it’s easy to see why: American visitors don’t need passports or to deal with immigration; direct flights are under four hours from Atlanta; the tropical climate and beautiful beaches are inviting; there’s virtually no language barrier; and the cultural distinctions are enough to make visitors feel like they’re not in Buckhead anymore.

A recent three-day jaunt to the capital, San Juan, provided plenty of time to hit the beach, take a food tour, explore the city’s 504-year-old history and relax with a spa treatment at the recently renovated San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. Situated on the popular stretch of Condado Beach, the property marked its 30th anniversary in May with the completion of a major makeover. Guests will now find upgraded rooms with hardwood floors and walk-in showers; the Caribbeanthemed Cosecha restaurant, a to-go market and coffee bar; a revamped lobby bar with ample room for salsa dancing after dinner; and new

pickleball and tennis courts, and a poolside cabana area.

Guests can also borrow bikes and follow the scenic coastal path into the oldest section of San Juan, anchored by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly called El Morro. The Spanish began building it in 1539, and the massive fortifications, highlighted by a 140foot stone wall, weren’t finished until 1790, by which point the fort had earned the city a reputation as the best guarded port in the Caribbean.

Nearby is Quincentennial Plaza, built in 1992 to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s 1492 arrival and anchored by a 40-foot totem symbolizing the start of the New World. It’s also the usual starting point for Spoon food tours, led by local guides passionate about food, drink and history. On this

trip, I joined a group of visitors for an almost four-hour walking/eating/drinking excursion hosted by “Wiki Pablo,” who regaled us with eyebrow-raising facts that, after researching to verify, turned out to be true. I had two favorite fun facts. First, the old city was designed so that at any time of the day, one side of the narrow cobblestone streets is always in the shade, providing a cool respite from the tropical sun. Second, the Cathedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest cathedral in the U.S. (as Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory) and the second oldest in the Americas, dating back to 1521. It's hard to say which was most engrossing: the history or the food. Our stops were a mix of old and new locations and independent companies, starting at the Café Don Ruiz, where we sipped coffee from locally

Left: Pulled pork paired with an ice-cold rum, cherry and lime beverage were palate pleasers.

Right: The recently renovated San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellari Casino sits on the edge of a palm-tree lined beach and the Atlantic waters.

grown and on-site ground beans. At Deaverdura, velvety slivers of slow-roasted pork shoulder were served with rice and fried plantains, a combination of flavors recreated from recipes written down by the owner’s grandmother. Empanadas paired with a cocktail of rum, Caribbean cherry and lime were featured at Birra & Empanadas, and the adventure ended with chocolate martinis and croquetas at Chocobar. Though it was hard to leave San Juan’s warm climate and wealth of food and culture, getting home in about four hours meant it will be easy to return the next time I need a long-weekend getaway. n

DISCOVER PUERTO RICO discoverpuertorico.com • @discoverpuertorico

SAN JUAN MARRIOTT RESORT & STELLARIS CASINO • 787.722.7000 marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjupr-sanjuan-marriott-resort-and-stellaris-casino @marriottbonvoy

Old San Juan is anchored by the centuries-old El Morro fort.

Jeff Heron

Lock and Leave

Ihave an affinity for small, efficiently designed living spaces.

I trace it back to the months I spent living on a sailboat as a kid and, more recently, designing and vacationing in my family’s tiny house in the mountains. When I walked into the guest room at Scout Living at Ponce City Market, I felt that same thrill for “small living” that a boat or tiny house gives me.

The 397-square-foot micro-unit is the epitome of functional minimalism mixed with the hip panache developer Jamestown is known for. The WestElm furnished living space opens to a fully-equipped galley kitchen where a workbench-style table doubles as a dining or work space. The surprisingly spacious bathroom is tucked between the kitchen and sleeping area, a cozy nook surrounded by built-ins. Bonus: The stunning view of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward through the floorto-ceiling windows makes sure you don’t feel cramped inside.

My room was one of 405 one- and two-bedroom units that welcome

guests for flexible lengths of stays, from a single night to a week, a month or longer. Scout Living aims to give the convenience and independence of an Airbnb with the amenities and service of staying at a hotel. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, wellness studio and entertaining spaces, including a chef’s style kitchen available for reservation. There isn’t much of an in-person customer service element like a typical hotel, and

STORY: Giannina S. Bedford

check-in is virtual. Access to doors is via a digital key on your phone. While this might not be for everyone, I enjoyed the incognito way of spending time away. Also, it’s worth noting: There are no televisions in the units, but one can be requested ahead of your stay.

Aside from the room design, my favorite part of Scout Living, and its major draw, is the proximity to Ponce City Market. I checked in for a quick overnight to get some shopping, eat-

ing and relaxing done. I descended from the 18th floor to the courtyard level where I exited the building and crossed the street directly to PCM. The location couldn’t be more convenient if you’re looking to hang out in PCM’s hustle and bustle or gain easy access to the Beltline.

I spent some money on makeup, clothing and gifts, and met my husband for dinner at Atrium, the American bistro known for its tropical interior and inventive martinis. The next morning, I awoke early to beat the crowd to the Beltline. I grabbed a Spiller Park Coffee oat milk latte and El Super Pan Fried Egg Cubano and strolled 2 nearly empty miles, taking in the air of a sleepy O4W. I felt like a neighborhood resident enjoying a typical Saturday morning routine. As I headed back to my room to pack up, unlocking the door with a click of my phone, I made a plan to return for a longer stay next time. A few days? A week? Or maybe even longer. n

Above and below: The one- and two-bedroom units at Scout Living range from 397 to 787 square feet.

Scout Living's rooftop terrace offers a pool and stunning views of the Atlanta skyline.

Atrium's decorative dining room at Ponce City Market is just a short walk from Scout Living.

Photos courtesy of Jamestown

Courtesy of Olivia Restaurant Group

Their Writing

Story

A CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY CREATES A HOME HAVEN IN SANDY SPRINGS

Once Sara Beth Upshaw and her husband, Charles, knew they wanted to build a home, they took their time searching for the perfect lot. They wanted a spot outside the city of Atlanta borders but as close to Buckhead as possible so they could still enjoy all urban living has to offer. They found the ideal location in 2018, landing on a 1.2-acre lot in Sandy Springs. Here they would

build their forever home with a floor plan based on a spec home they saw in Chastain Park.

“I had been collecting magazine clippings and Pinterest pins for several years before it was time to start making the design decisions,” Upshaw says. “Walking through that spec house and liking most of the finishes gave us the extra push we needed to launch into the intimidating territory of home building.”

STORY: Giannina S. Bedford

PHOTOS: Patrick Heagney

The great room offers Europeaninspired touches and an inviting gathering place off the kitchen.

“The whole house has my fingerprints on it, but the kitchen is probably the room that I drew the most sketches for.”—Sara Beth Upshaw

They broke ground in 2021 and moved into the 8,000-square-foot home in February 2023. With six bedrooms, one that is used as a school room for their three homeschooled children, eight bathrooms, a spacious backyard and a basement, the home offers plenty of room for their family to enjoy.

Upshaw enlisted the help of Jessica Bradley Interiors for the design groundwork, including paint color, wallpaper choices, light fixtures and more. Later, she hired interior designer Alexa Stevenson of Alexa Stevenson Interior Design who selected most of the furnishings, fabrics and trims. The aim was to

create a European-like interior with colors inspired by Monet’s impressionist paintings and the dusky hues of grayed-out purples and blues often seen in the evening sky.

“I get bored with neutrals. I wanted color, but bright punches of color are not relaxing to my husband, so I had to find a subtler way to get a lot of color in while not compromising a relaxing atmosphere,”

Upshaw says. “Chuck’s favorite colors are blues and greens, and mine are pinks and purples, so those were the basis of my palette.”

Along with paint colors, Upshaw enjoyed sifting through numerous wallpapers. The hydrangea wallpaper she selected for the mudroom serendipitously matched the Benjamin Moore Britannia Blue trim that was already in the space.

Sara Beth Upshaw dedicated countless hours to the design and execution of her family's dream home.

The Henry chandelier in the "Magnolia Room" is by Stray Dog Designs and was custom made to order out of paper mâché.

“I sewed my own and my kids’ clothes for years and still have a stash of fabric because I couldn’t resist. Picking wallpaper was another chance for me to pick beautiful prints, but I get to live in them instead of wearing them,” she says. “We have about 25 hydrangeas bushes on our property, and I love how the wallpaper brings them inside all year.”

Her husband let Upshaw make most of the design choices, but he was a sounding board for many of them. “He was very gracious in letting me take the reins, with our designer's help. He became proficient at moderating my impractical or unusual ideas while also letting me run with others. He brought stability to the process,” she says.

Some of Upshaw’s favorite interior touches include the arched door off the great room where the fireplace, flanked by Dutch doors, features a mantle commissioned from local carpenter Jose de la Torre.

“We like to open the tops of the doors in the spring when it starts to warm up and feel the nice breeze, enjoy the fresh air and hear the birds singing in the morning while we are in the kitchen,” she says.

Another top touch in the homeowner’s book is the chandelier from Stray Dog Designs in the formal living room. The family refers to this space as the “Magnolia Room,” in reference to the floral marquetry art pieces hanging on either side of the entry that Upshaw commissioned from her artist father. Painted in a pink Benjamin Moore Strawberry Yogurt, the living space also features built-ins with scalloped shelves, Home Goods swan art above the fireplace and a French-inspired fireplace surround from Francois and Co.

“I love that [the room] is pink! It was a bit of a hard sell for my husband, but I showed him that pink was a historic color for homes, especially Victorian era parlors, and also a popular wall color in France in the 18th century,” she says.

Upshaw was able to translate many of her Pinterest images into pencil and paper sketches to facilitate the installation of her visions. In the kitchen, Costili Cabinetry transformed her sketches into 3D forms of the recessed plate and

platter display and cookbook nooks with scalloped corners. This same scalloped trim is repeated on the ends of the kitchen island and the range hood. The homeowner also had a stain custom mixed for the island, hood, bench seating and bar shelving, and selected the Benjamin Moore Airway for the cabinets.

“The whole house has my fingerprints on it, but the kitchen

is probably the room that I drew the most sketches for, so it is very personal,” Upshaw says. “We scoured stone slab options all over Atlanta and its suburbs for months and even visited stone sources in other states before we finally found the piece of calacatta macchia vecchia marble for the island. I call it the largest custom art piece in the house.”

Other one-of-a-kind touches are

sprinkled throughout the Upshaw home. A custom lattice-pane window welcomes visitors into the office, the one room where Upshaw says her “generally conservative husband” picked the paint color: a steely green Appalachian Trail by Benjamin Moore.

“It’s the only room we used high-gloss paint in, and it is beautiful. Quite a statement

The kitchen features many of the homeowner's designs and hand-picked selections, including the marble slab sourced from Ciot.

The dining room features a herringbone ceiling treatment and plate displays.

piece for a guy who typically prefers neutrals,” Upshaw says.

Upstairs, the Upshaw kids—17year-old Eden, 15-year-old Arielle and 10-year-old Collier—have their own living room where a piano once belonging to Upshaw’s grandmother lives alongside a quirky decor mixing plaid and midcentury modern furniture with IKEA pendant lights and eclectic art. Adjacent to this space is a one-of-a-kind game room.

“We are board game enthusiasts. I knew I wanted a dedicated space to store and play our growing collection,” Upshaw says.

The game room’s design was inspired by the family’s affinity for the C. S. Lewis classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Cole and Sons Woods and Stars wallpaper is reminiscent of the book’s wintry woods, and the sconces up the room’s back stairs are meant to recall the story’s lamppost. A cabinet storing games represents the wardrobe, and the Schumacher Heraldic shades on the window

have shields to remind of the great battle fought in the tome. There is also art created by Eden and Arielle of the crowns worn by the four children in the story. The artworks hang on either side of the game table, which was custom built by Upshaw’s father to fit the space.

“I wanted the game room to reflect imagination and whimsy, and give a nod to something all five of us hold dear as a symbol of faith and childhood,” Upshaw says.

Upshaw also took great care with the master that was reworked from a bedroom with a door to a sitting space into connected rooms separated by a double-sided fireplace.

“The sitting room is a bit of a chameleon. It can be cozy or light and bright. Cozy because of all the plush curtains and fabric roman shades, bright because of all the light that comes in the windows on all three walls if you open all the shades,” she says.

The Upshaws’ living space extends into the downstairs basement and outdoors to the pool and garden, which Upshaw refers to as a “flower-filled” pollinator paradise.

The entryway to the office features a custom lattice-pane window panel.

Above: The upstairs teen suite features some of Sara Upshaw's watercolors as well as plaques Arielle and Collier have earned in their piano education.

“Since living here, I have become obsessed with growing flowers for cutting and even tried a little herb and vegetable gardening last summer,” she says. “My 15-year-old and I collaborate on a flower stand that we set up about once a week in the spring and summer, similar to a lemonade stand, but with masonjar flower arrangements.”

Above: The Upshaws spend quality time as a family in the light and airy game room.

Left: Set up on a hill, the Upshaws' picturesque Sandy Springs home with a seasonal flower stand is fit for a postcard.

Right: The master suite's doublesided fireplace creates a cozy space in the sitting room and in bed.

While the Upshaws’ personalized home fulfills all their needs, Upshaw already has the seed of an idea for another dream home project: a smaller home on Lake Keowee in South Carolina.

“It will still be a few years until we feel ready to get started on that,” Upshaw says. “I’m in my Pinterest inspiration gathering phase.” n

Paper Pragmatism

Pointers on adding wallpaper to your space BULLETIN

Jenna Gross, founder of Atlanta’s Colordrunk Designs, grew up in the design business and spent hours pairing textiles at her family’s antiques and upholstery shops in Columbus, Georgia. She still loves mixing patterns and vibrant hues in homes and commercial spaces, and has been doing it for clients across the U.S. since 2013. This includes adding a pop of energy to spaces through wallpaper. Here, the colorloving interior designer gives us a dose of her wallpaper wisdom.

Tell us about Colordrunk Designs. I initially planned to apply my keen eye to the fashion world, trading in gracious, small-town living for the bright lights of New York and a career with fashion icon Marc Jacobs. It was a wonderful time, infused with colorful patterns and people, and it taught me to create fearlessly. When I returned to the South, I still possessed all of the smoothness of my well-aged, traditional sensibilities but with hints of edginess

are here for all the color and pattern (finally!).

Is there a particular room where wallpaper works best?

Wallpaper can work in any room, even in bathrooms; you just have to select the right product. There are so many vinyl options that will hold up to water and kids’ hands, and are even washable/wipeable. That said, I really love going big and loud in small spaces like powder bathrooms or hallways.

What should you do to ensure wallpaper lasts as long as possible? I would always recommend you have a professional installer hang your wallpaper—no DIY—and always have a primer applied to the wall first. This helps ensure you can enjoy it for a very long time.

Can wallpaper be removed easily? Some clients are so afraid of having to remove wallpaper down the road. If you have it installed correctly, you have nothing to worry about, especially if they prime the walls beforehand.

with Design Within Reach. Suitable for salt and chlorine water, it’s covered in tear-proof and UV-and fade-resistant fabric and available in navy and white or beige and white. Available for $995 at dwr.com

each other (i.e. a grasscloth on a ceiling but a bold print on the wall).

What should one consider when selecting wallpaper for a space?

blended into the mix. Realizing the intoxicating power that colorful surroundings had on people’s moods and attitudes, I turned my attention from fashion to interior design.

What are the latest wallpaper trends?

People are loving color and texture and craving wallpaper with depth like murals. I am so happy people

Can you paint or put wallpaper over another layer of wallpaper? I would not recommend this. The new wallpaper is an investment; do it right! Otherwise, you are susceptible to peeling, colors showing through or bubbles in the application.

What are some creative ways to use wallpaper?

There are so many options these days. I love to pair two different patterns or textures that complement

DESIGN & REALTY NEWS

Atlanta-based interior designer Susan Ferrier has partnered with Baker to launch her debut furniture line. The 72-piece collection mirrors her bold and globally inspired interior style. Ferrier drew inspiration from her travels and nature to create living, dining and bedroom pieces in sculptural forms using materials such as cast bronze, leathered stone and rich upholstery. The collection will be available in showrooms

susanferrierinteriors.com

n SCADstory Atlanta is now open. The 4D experience offers an immersive 360-degree jour-

Think of the room's function. Do you have a lot of activity in this room, such as kids running around or dogs rubbing against the walls? Do you cook or make messes near where you would have wallpaper installed? If so, you need a vinyl or something that you can clean with a cloth, no precious grasscloths or natural fibers. What is the size of your space? If it's large, consider a texture so it helps the room feel more cozy. Also consider the scale of the wallpaper. A small-scale print will get lost in a large room. Think big in big rooms, but it’s also OK to go big in small rooms. You just can't go small in big rooms. n

COLOR DRUNK colordrunk.com • @colordrunk_designs

ney that brings the university’s 45-year history to life. This attraction follows the successful SCADstory in Savannah, which opened in 2019 and has attracted more than 250,000 people. More than 30 SCAD students, alumni and faculty worked to create the Midtown experience that features more than 20 of SCAD's degree programs, including themed entertainment design, graphic design, animation, production design, visual

effects, performing arts, interior design and more. SCADstory Atlanta is free and open to the public. scad.edu

n Mark your calendars for ADAC’s annual fall sample sale Aug. 20-22. The opento-the-public event offers discounted pricing on designer brands, high-end indoor and outdoor home furnishings, rugs, lighting and accessories. adacatlanta.com

Float away in style on this Ring Lilo Pool Float designed by Oliver James Lilos in collaboration

A Place Where You Belong

Spend the day or evening on the Town!

Discover nearly 50 shops, services and restaurants. Town Brookhaven is truly your one stop shopping, dining and entertainment destination with a blend of interesting boutiques, delicious restaurants and useful services.

ANCHORS

Club Studio Fitness (Opening Soon) • Costco

LOOK Dine-In Cinema • Marshalls • Publix

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES

Dress Up • Vestique

SHOES & BICYCLES

Big Peach Ride + Run

HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

18|8 Fine Men’s Salon • Atlanta Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center • Benchmark Physical Therapy

Brookhaven Orthodontics • European Wax Center

GNC (General Nutrition Center) • Intown Pediatrics

Johanna Clark Hair • The Joint - The Chiropractic Place

Massage Heights • Nail Talk & Tan • Salon Red • Town Dentistry

Vein Clinics of America • Vida-Flo: The Hydration Station

DINING

26 Thai Sushi & Bar • Chico Cantina • Costa Coffee

Crumbl Cookies • The Flying Biscuit Café

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern • Jerks Caribbean Grill

Kilwins • Mirko Pasta • Moe’s Southwest Grill

Newk’s Express Café • Tropical Smoothie Café

HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR

Redefine Home

SERVICES

Brookhaven Alterations • Brookhaven Animal Hospital

Keller Williams • The Little Gym • Reflections Eyecare

Town Cleaners • Tutu School Brookhaven

ART, ELECTRONICS & ENTERTAINMENT

AT&T • Hawaii Fluid Art

Specializing in sought-after brands and current and classic styles at an unmatched value.

www.townbrookhaven.net

Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.

Currey & Co. Catania Large Antique Blue Drip Planter ($1,950)

A terracotta base drips with white and blue on this large Catania planter by Atlantabased Currey & Co. Vintageinspired, it can be used to set the tone of a room, with or without a plant. Offered in three sizes, it makes a chic grouping easy in any outdoor or indoor setting.

Redefine Home redefinehome.com @redefinedhome

Arteriors Chaney Chandelier ($2,210)

The Chaney Chandelier from Arteriors proves that rustic and sophisticated can co-exist harmoniously. Adorned with three bridle-bit brown leather bands that fall from a hand-hammered iron base, it has nine candlestick-style arms in a complementary antique brash finish. Equestrian and industrial, it’s an elegant representation of modern, rugged charm. Erika Reade LTD • erikareade.com • @erikareadeltd

Go West

Bunny Williams Friedrich Hand-Painted Chest ($5,900)

The warm and inviting spirit of the American West is the latest reference point for interior design. Inspired by the serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the area, the trend offers an unpretentious and relaxed feel, whether redecorating a home in Montana or on Muscogee Avenue. Here’s how to incorporate the look.

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Velma Hand-Woven Wool Rug (from $199)

Freshen up an indoor space with this geometric rug. It’s hand-woven by artisans in a rich indigo hue and features self-binding to keep it from curling. A light fringe detail adds texture. It’s available in three sizes to liven up everywhere from an entry to a small sitting area.

Pottery Barn • potterybarn.com • @potterybarn

Brimfield Pillow (price upon request)

Inspired by a vintage textile found at the storied Brimfield Antique Market in New England, this pillow adds texture and earthy grounding to any room. Available in brown or crisp blue, it’s soft with a knife-edge finish and zipper closure. The pillow includes a feather insert and comes in three square sizes: 18, 20 and 22 inches. Check it out in person at Schumacher’s ADAC showroom.

Schumacher schumacher.com @schumacher1889

The Friedrich Hand-Painted Chest by nationally recognized interior designer Bunny Williams uses several decorative and faux painting techniques to pull off a unique, Americana look. Geometric and bold, it has a rich wood grain and intricate details such as starburst medallions, antique brass pulls and a central keyhole embellishment.

Mathews Furniture + Design mathewsfurniture.com • @mathewsatl

Thrill of the Hunt

Estate sale whiz Elizabeth White Cook shares her tips STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Buckhead resident Elizabeth White Cook has had a series of successful companies. Domino Media Group was her nationally recognized public relations and brand strategy firm that called Jamestown, The St. Regis Atlanta and Weezie clients. Elizabeth Heard, a hair accessories line, saw her as a 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 finalist. After stepping away from the brands to concentrate on her family, Cook

leaned into her true passion: finding and sharing bargains. She’s taken her whip-smart marketing skills and applied them to her own brand where she regularly shares little-known design and shopping advice on her Substack and Instagram. “I have always enjoyed connecting behind the scenes, particularly with female entrepreneurs. Now, I’m just doing it publicly,” she says. Here, Cook shares her tips for secondhand shopping.

locally. Thrift stores and shops like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore have great options, as does Facebook Marketplace. And of course, follow me on Instagram and Substack for the inside scoop. I post the best deals and give sneak peeks into upcoming sales.

What should someone look for?

Always look for mirrors and artwork because they can transform a room and vintage textiles like linens, blankets and throws. Wool and cotton pieces from classic brands are durable and add rich texture and color. Also look for old books and decorative objects like antique clocks, brass candlesticks and small sculptures. These small touches can elevate your space.

How can you make this kind of shopping logistically smooth?

Bring a tape measure with you. Have an empty trunk to leave space for unexpected finds. Establish a list of reliable people who can help with delivery or heavy lifting. You can get referrals from friends or local businesses you trust. Locally, I recommend Charles Easley with Easley Moving & Cleaning Services.

How do you know so much about design?

Are estate sales and thrifting coming back?

I think the pandemic played a big role as people started to rethink consumption and to value sustainability. Shopping secondhand is not only more eco-friendly; it allows you to discover unique, one-of-a-kind items that have character and history.

What tips do you have for finding gems in Atlanta?

Estate sales are the best way to find high-quality, unique home furnishings at great prices. Download the EstateSales.net app to browse

I grew up immersed in it, and it’s been a combo of hands-on learning and fueling this passion. My mother would take my sisters and me to consignment stores in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, and my grandmother would take me to ADAC. I’ve honed my eye for design by spending countless hours browsing auctions, estate sales and more. I’ve also worked in the design industry on the marketing side, and my sister is a talented designer at Phoebe Howard.

What makes a home feel curated to you?

One that reflects the unique personality, tastes and experiences of the people who live in it. It feels balanced, thoughtful and layered with objects that tell a story. It's not about following trends or filling a space with mass-produced items. It’s about choosing pieces with intention. n substack.com/@elizabethwcook @elizabeth.w.cook

“Sleep is more than just the rest you get. It’s about...your

— Lori Oliver, co-founder The Inactive Company

Clothes for a Cause

Teens turn a T-shirt business into a charitable venture STORY: H.M. Cauley

Teens Daniel Kauffman and William Wright have known each other since they met in the fifth grade at Trinity School in Buckhead. Though high school separated them, with Wright heading to Westminster and Kauffman going to Lovett, the two remained close friends. Along with becoming graduates in May, they’ve now added another line to their resumes: They’re philanthropic business partners as well.

As sophomores two years ago, the pals began brainstorming ideas that would double as jobs as well as community support. Their company,

Impact Threads, officially launched in November to do just that.

“We had the idea to do something with fashion or clothing,” Wright says. “We hit on doing T-shirts with QR codes linked to charities so everyone wearing the shirt could connect to a larger audience just by wearing it.”

Kauffman was all in. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” he says. “And I’ve always had a philanthropic mindset. In the sixth grade at Trinity, we went to a homeless shelter, and that was very influential for me.”

When the two began batting

idea to big organizations,” Wright says. “Ultimately, we found the easiest way to get them to work with us was to make everything cost free. And now that we have some traction, we have charities starting to come to us to do free designs.”

Working with organizations such as Children’s Healthcare, the Kyle Pease Foundation and Atlanta Youth Rugby, the teens let the charity pick the shirt color that carries the Impact Brand logo and a scannable company code on the front. On the back, they add info about the charities. For the Atlanta Humane Society, for example, the shirt features the word “love” inside a paw print. They keep costs at $29.50 per shirt by ordering in bulk and heat-pressing the graphics on themselves.

Initially, marketing was also a challenge, Kauffman says. “We started with word-of-mouth to friends and family, and reached out to a ton of markets. We finally got to partner with the Vinings Farmers Market; they took a chance on us, and we started building a community from there.”

around ideas, that experience, coupled with their interest in clothes and design, inspired Impact.

“We really wanted to add another level of meaning to the work, so we decided to combine the two,” Kauffman says.

The two funded the venture with their own savings “and a tiny loan agreement with my dad,” Kauffman says.

While tinkering with designs and styles, they also researched which nonprofits could benefit the most from the exposure and the 51% of funds raised from sales.

“It was difficult trying to sell the

They’ve since paid back the loan from Kauffman’s dad and are self-sustaining. And they’re looking at hiring a manufacturer to take over the production since both are heading to college in Texas.

“We weren’t planning on going to school together, but it worked out,” Kauffman says. “And we’ll probably wind up doing something business related. We’re also in the process of designing other clothing, but we know the T-shirt will always be part of the brand.” n

Nonprofits can design their own promotional art for the back of the T-shirts.

Childhood friends Daniel Kauffman and William Wright created a T-shirt business that channels a portion of the proceeds to area nonprofits.

THE PROS AND CONS OF DERMAPLANING

Should women shave their faces?

STORY: Karina Antenucci

For a long time, shaving wasn’t something women did on their faces—or if they did, wouldn’t dream of talking openly about it. Today, a technique using a slim razor called dermaplaning is the topic of conversation within women’s circles and has gone viral with everyone from dermatologists to beauty influencers posting their advice and experiences with it. If you’re eyeing the peach fuzz on your face, wondering if and how it should go away, here is some advice from Palmour Hewes, aesthetician at Alchemy Aesthetics at Plastic Surgery Centre of Atlanta in Sandy Springs.

The Benefits

“Removing vellus hair also removes dead skin to create a smoother complexion,” Hewes says. “It helps with product penetration since there isn’t any hair there to cover up the skin.” Alchemy Aesthetics believes in dermaplaning so much that it has

added it to every facial on its menu.

“It’s great to allow products to dig deep and get to work,” Hewes says.

Potential Cons

Facial hair has a purpose. It is there as a protective layer to shield the skin from environmental elements.

“The possible downsides to dermaplaning are that the fresh skin underneath is more exposed to the sun and bacteria,” Hewes says. “It’s important to take good care of your skin after the treatment.” This includes applying sunscreen diligently.

Who Should Not Do It

Almost everyone, no matter age, gender or skin type, can be a candidate for dermaplaning, Hewes says. But avoid it if you have active acne, open wounds, a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema, a recent sunburn or “anything that would make your skin sensitive since you are taking an open blade to it.”

Frequently Asked Question

Women typically have one main con cern about shaving their faces: Will it cause facial hair to stubble or grow in thicker? Nope, it’s not possible, Hew es says. “This is because it’s vellus hair, a different kind than grows on eyebrows, underarms and legs, and on the bottom half of men’s faces, which is terminal hair.” Shaving cuts the hair off at the surface and the follicle remains unchanged so it will grow back as it did previously.

Professional vs. DIY

After

Care

An aesthetician is going to use a medical-grade scalpel and is trained not to nick you. If you want to do it yourself at home, first wash and dry your face. Then, using a fresh dermaplaning blade each time, position it at a 45-degree angle and shave in the direction of the hair growth with short movements. (Review some YouTube videos for the proper technique.)

Afterwards, Hewes suggests applying a moisturizer that will protect and hydrate your skin. If you’re going outside, apply sunscreen. Lastly, avoid exfoliating or using products that contain retinols and salicylic acid for a day or two.

“I love dermaplaning. It makes makeup look wonderful. It’s great to do before wearing makeup to an event,” Hewes says. n

Palmour Hewes, aesthetician at Alchemy Aesthetics, is a fan of dermaplaning.

Rocking Out

are contaminated with mercury, so it’s recommended to limit intake to two to three servings of fish per week, or around 8 to 12 ounces. Morlan also suggests choosing fish from the U.S., Mexico or Canada, countries that have higher standards than other parts of the world and monitor mercury levels in fish.

Study Your Cosmetics

From antiperspirants to shampoos, everyday beauty products applied to your skin may contain heavy metals. Choose brands that are committed to clean ingredients and safety testing. One certification that ensures products are screened for 15,000 contaminants is “Made Safe.”

Signs of Toxicity

How to reduce your daily intake of heavy metals STORY: Karina Antenucci

Heavy metals—the metallic elements, not the genre of music—are all around us. Some of them, such as lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium and chromium, are toxic. Others, such as copper and zinc, are minerals and essential micronutrients for the body. These elements occur naturally in the Earth’s crust and, over time, through natural processes like the weathering of rocks and human industry, have entered water supplies, air and soil. Trying to avoid the consumption of heavy metals may feel like a futile pursuit, but there are ways you can reduce them in daily life.

“We have a liver for a reason. We’re meant to process heavy metals. But when there’s too much and that bucket overflows, we get into problems,” says Sydney Morlan,

a nutritionist and integrative health coach at Holistic Nutrition Coaching in Buckhead.

Start with Water

Morlan says one culprit of heavy metals is drinking water. She recommends checking out EWG.org where you can put in your zip code and see what contaminants may be in the area’s water. “It’s important to have a high-quality water filter,” she says. This can be anything from a regularly changed fridge water filter to a whole-house filtration system. Morlan likes her AquaTru filter, a triple-osmosis system that remineralizes the H₂O and comes in countertop carafe and under-the-sink options. Whatever you choose, look at what it removes from the water. Many filters don’t take out all heavy metals.

Eat Organic

Many pesticides contain heavy metals, which in turn means that many of our foods, from wheat products and produce to baby foods, contain traces of these toxins. Organic farming practices don’t use these harmful pesticides, so eating organic foods is one of the best ways to avoid heavy metals, says Morlan. That said, it isn’t a perfect solution because it doesn’t remove them from already-contaminated soil.

Limit Fish

On one hand, eating fish is one of the healthiest things you can do as they are high in omega-3 fatty acids that have a whole host of positive health benefits for the brain, heart and more. On the other hand, fish

Heavy metal toxicity symptoms may look like a bad cold or flu. “You might experience chills, diarrhea, nausea, dehydration, lethargy and feeling depleted or not yourself,” Morlan says.

Heavy Metal Detox

“Working out and sweating or sitting in a sauna for 15 minutes twice a week detoxes the body,” Morlan says. She also recommends a morning smoothie that combines a grapefruit, half a cucumber and handful of cilantro. “These ingredients bind to toxins in the body and help flush them out.” Additionally, your doctor can order tests to check for heavy metals in your blood and urine if there is suspicion of exposure, and a medical treatment called chelation therapy removes them from the body. n

Morlan recommends a detox smoothie blending cucumber, grapefruit and cilantro.

Andrei Iakhniuk

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Real Talk With Dr. Fonda Martin

How Is Menopause Treated?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of pills, patches, or creams is commonly prescribed to treat menopause. By combining HRT with medical weight management, sexual health counseling, and lifestyle modifications, a whole-woman approach to care delivers the best outcomes and long-term relief.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SIGNS OF MENOPAUSE AT MYBOUTIQUEGYN.COM

Yes! A Doctor Who Gets It!

As a concierge gynecologist and certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Martin offers a whole-woman approach to managing menopause. By keeping insurance companies out of the exam room, she can tailor care to your needs and empower you to embrace this exciting new step in your life!

• Hormone therapy • Sexual health counseling

• Weight control

• Routine GYN care

Let’s get the conversation started and get you one step closer to living your happiest, healthiest life!

darkness and cooling. Our patented mask has 100% blackout technology, built-in cooling, an ergonomic design, a self-adjusting strap, roomy eye pockets and a breathable feel. We’re the only mask that integrates cooling to keep your body temperature lower so you can sleep longer. You can’t look at your phone if your eyes are covered. A mask forces your brain to think about going to sleep.

How much sleep should someone get?

LO: Every individual is different, but seven hours is truly the minimum, with seven to nine hours the sweet spot. There is a thing as getting too much sleep. Sometimes people, especially moms, are in bed for seven hours and think they slept seven hours, but it’s not quality sleep.

You have seven steps for good sleep. What are they?

Behind the Mask

A performance-based sleep mask for better quality sleep

More than 60 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, and only one in three adults gets the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The Inactive Company wants to change that. Lori Oliver, a Brookhaven resident, and Buckhead’s Jill MacRae both have career experience in corporate retail, consulting and entrepreneurial roles. MacRae worked with companies such as

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Dunkin’ and Starbucks, and Oliver for The Home Depot and Coca-Cola. They met while on the leadership team at Spanx. “We were always talking about how to get better sleep. We knew that it was an interesting space to pursue,” MacRae says. They founded the company in 2019 and debuted their first sleep mask, Inactivators, in 2020. After gaining traction with athletes, they’re now seeing a rise in consumer demand as more and more people pay attention to sleep

hygiene and are looking for a better quality of sleep. “We were mostly selling to the athletic market and other high-performing individuals because they got the message early about sleep,” Oliver says. “Now the mass market has woken up, and sleep is more than just the rest you get. It’s about the way you’re going to feel the next day and your future health and wellness.” Here, the two explain their journey.

Why a sleep mask?

LO: It’s portable and cost-effective. The two biggest factors in getting better sleep are achieving 100%

JM: We call it a sleep warmup. The steps are based on science, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. The first is “Go long,” which means commit. Set your alarm clock for no fewer than seven hours of sleep. The second is “Team up.” We believe accountability is important. Our third is “Get in the zone,” which means your bed is for sleeping and nothing else. Fourth is “Keep your eyes on the prize,” and not on your laptop or phone, which means shutting everything down at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. “Dream it, do it” is next. We’ve learned a lot of athletes believe in the power of visualization, and we adopted that for sleep. Then there’s “Pre-game pep talk,” because positive affirmations are real. Say, “I can go to sleep and wake up recovered and rested.” Then there’s “Positive Reinforcement.” Consistent sleep, yes, but also reward yourself for doing it.

What’s next for The Inactive Company?

LO: We’re testing and prototyping a capsule line of sleep apparel. It’s got far infrared [a gentle, penetrating radiant heat] and other technologies no one else has put together in this way, and they look great. They’ll keep your body temperature cool. You can wear them to sleep but also on an airplane or even in public. n

Lori Oliver and Jill McRae, founders of The Inactive Company

The Future of Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

Painless EVERESSE Technology Lifts & Tightens

Dr. Corinne Erickson, BoardCertified Dermatologist and Owner of Georgia Skin Specialists, gets asked by patients the same question every day: "How can I lift and smooth my skin with no pain, no downtime, and get lasting results?" Always looking for the best solutions for her patients, Dr. Erickson was introduced to the cutting-edge technology EVERESSE that checks these three boxes - it lifts, adds volume and tightens the skin immediately with no downtime and no pain, and creates long term results.

“Before I invest in any new technology, I try it on myself first,” says Dr. Erickson. "The procedure was so comfortable I was initially skeptical, as so many of the best treatments come with some discomfort. But when I saw my eyebrows lift and my undereye circles smooth, I realized that this device provides results so many patients are seeking. I literally looked better after the first treatment and had no recovery or

post treatment care. In Atlanta where we live and play outside year round, this is a huge game changer in aesthetics. Because it stimulates collagen, it’s also effective with what we call Ozempic face, because it tightens and lifts the skin after weight loss. It’s also a great option for patients who prefer to avoid fillers."

The EVERESSE radio frequency precisely targets both layers of the dermis to trigger new collagen production that lifts and tightens the skin. Simultaneously, continuous water cooling provides a comfortable treatment that is particularly effective for skin laxity around the brow and under the chin and neck.

“EVERESSE improves skin laxity, texture and tone with two treatments,” adds Dr. Erickson, “and patients often see significant improvements in facial firmness, contouring and rejuvenation within one to two months, with long-lasting effects."

Dr. Corinne Erickson, BoardCertified Dermatologist & Owner of Georgia Skin Specialists

@georgiaskinspecialists

“Schools might

— Stuart Canzeri

PREP WORK

Planning for college, from saving for tuition to finding the right school and getting in, may feel daunting. But with the right know-how, it doesn’t have to be, says Stuart Canzeri, founder of Peachtree College Planning in Dunwoody. He is an independent educational consultant who helps parents and high school kids navigate the whole process, including identifying a financial strategy. “If you want to find the best schools for your student, you have to understand the FACTS: the financial, academic, career, timeline and social fit. There’s not just one school that’s a good fit,” Canzeri says. Here, he offers up five top tips for college prep.

1. Early Action

For early decision candidates, colleges are looking for kids who are a perfect fit for their schools and who can pay tuition in full. “When

you go early decision, you’re saying, ‘You’re my one and only. Let’s get married,’” Canzeri says. So if you apply early decision, be ready for that commitment and to lose your negotiating power (yes, you can negotiate financial awards).

2. Financial Strategy

“The biggest myth out there is you make too much money to qualify for any aid,” Canzeri says. “There may be merit-based aid or discounting available.” What’s more, he encourages parents to explore tax-saving strategies that may be available to them.

3. Start Saving

As soon as you can, put money away for your child’s college tuition. “Unfortunately, most people don’t start until they feel the pain around junior year. Understanding the

Six expert tips for preparing for college STORY: Karina Antenucci

financial landscape and building an admissions strategy off of that is important,” Canzeri says.

4. Visitation Plan

Instead of spending a few thousand dollars to tour schools around the country, start locally. Go visit schools in Georgia, from Mercer University to Georgia Tech, to get a feel for different types of campus environments. “Ask your student for the three things they like and don’t like about those campuses, then you can look for similar schools elsewhere,” says Canzeri, who recommends applying to seven to 14 colleges to give the student the most negotiating power. “Schools might not give you their best offer first.”

5. ACT vs. SAT Canzeri suggests taking a diagnostic test before taking the ACT or SAT

admissions tests to pick which one is best for your high schooler. “A lot of merit scholarships are based on these scores,” Canzeri says. He doesn’t recommend taking both as many often do and instead focusing on one.

6. Grow Extracurriculars

There was a time when colleges wanted to see a “jack-of-all-trades” candidate involved in all the things. These days, Canzeri says, they want to see more depth and thoughtful focus in a candidate’s extracurricular profile in junior and senior years. “Take time in freshman and sophomore years to figure out what they like or don’t like and explore strengths and interests.” n

Second Chances

A canine training program helps rehabilitate the formerly incarcerated

In 2021, Susan Jacobs-Meadows started Beyond the Bars, an out-of-custody rehab program that is part of the Canine CellMates organization. It helps resolve pending charges for men who are released from jail to serve the remainder of their sentence participating in the year-long program where they are taught to train shelter dogs. The hope is to increase the shelter animals’ chances of finding a forever home while also helping to rehabilitate the men.

Participants come to Behind the Bars through referrals from the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, the prisoner’s attorney or even a family member. The dogs primarily come from Fulton County Animal Services and are all sizes, colors and breeds.

“The intent is to expose prisoners to things that can help them succeed and make a conscious decision not to go back to jail,” Jacobs-Meadows says. “The dog-training component allows them to form a unique bond with animals that have been in

a similar position: locked in a facility and unsure of what could happen at any moment.”

Program Participation

As part of Beyond the Bars, which takes place at the Canine CellMates’ West Midtown facility, the men work with rescue dogs in a group training environment led by professional dog trainers. They learn their dog’s background, how to read its body language and about dog-handling skills.

“The men train the dogs using positive-reinforcement methods and teach them basic obedience cues like touch, sit, down, leave it and drop it,” Jacobs-Meadows says. “They can then move on to more advanced training dependent on the dog’s and handler’s aptitude.”

Phase 1 offers a highly focused curriculum during which conflict resolution, emotional competence, effective communication, mindfulness and relaxation techniques and goal setting are covered.

“We hold a graduation at the end of the first phase because it's pretty

impressive for the men to make it through the demands of this intensive segment,” Jacobs-Meadows says. “The dogs are available for adoption at any point, but they can't leave until they graduate from Phase 1 of the program.”

Throughout the remaining three phases, the men’s participation is reduced over time. They continue to work with the rescue dogs, and they also concentrate on curriculum topics like building strength, letting go of anger and learning how to conduct an effective job search. So far, five classes have graduated from the program, about 25 men, and there are 14 individuals currently participating.

The Selection Process

The Canine CellMates team does temperament assessments with the dogs before admitting them into the program. The pups need to be resilient since they will be living in a kennel environment for at least four months. They also need to accept being handled by various people and exposed to different scenarios.

STORY: Chelsie Butler

“We're also looking for the greatest possible diversity in size, color and breed because we want everybody to support what we do,” Jacobs-Meadows says. “If we get too specific with only including large dogs or only pit bulls, for example, people may categorize our organization and move on.”

The formerly incarcerated men do not have dog-handling skills, so pups that have behavioral issues are not admitted into the program.

Happy Ending

The people who rescue dogs from Canine CellMates are often repeat adopters who see the program as a big benefit. Jacobs-Meadows says some people also adopt because they believe in the organization’s mission. The dogs who aren’t adopted never go back to the shelter; they live at the facility instead. “Once they're a Canine CellMates dog, they always are,” Jacobs-Meadows says. n

Beyond the Bars gives dogs and previously incarcerated men a second chance.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Buckhead trainer offers tips for safe and effective summer outdoor workouts  STORY: Amy Meadows

It’s called Hotlanta for a reason.

As soon as summer arrives, temperatures begin to soar under the blazing Southern sun. The heat can make you want to put working out on the back burner, especially if you prefer to exercise outdoors. However, you don’t have to give up your favorite al fresco workouts during June, July and August, according to Dan Horras, owner of Buckhead gym E5FIT. In fact, he says, “The climate in Atlanta is very good for exercise, and you actually can work out outdoors 12 months a year, even when it’s hot.” Here, he shares tips for making your warm weather workouts safe and effective.

Is there a good time of day to work out during the summer months?

If you’re going to exercise outside in July and August, it’s best to do it early in the morning before 9 or 10 a.m. at the latest or in the evening after 6 p.m. when the sun goes down, and it cools down a bit. Of course, if you go very early in the morning or even later at night,

have a partner go with you. It’s safer and usually more fun.

What can I do to be safe if my schedule only allows for a midday workout?

Some people tolerate heat better than others; you just have to know yourself. If you can exercise in the shade, that’s a whole lot better. And if you’ve had heat stroke or heat exhaustion before, remember that you’re going to be more susceptible to the effects of the heat. If you do find yourself out in the sun, wear some kind of sunscreen.

Is water the best option to stay hydrated?

If you are going to exercise during the heat of the day, have at least one electrolyte drink in addition to water. Water is hydrating, but you’re also sweating out vitamins and minerals that can cause cramping, so you need to have that kind of hydration on hand. But be careful about how much of that hydration you drink, as it can cause stomach distress.

How can I prepare for a warm weather outdoor workout?

Being hydrated while outside actually starts the day before with drinking water; it gives your body time to get that water into your system so it can make use of it. And be sure to avoid too much alcohol the night before because that can dehydrate you.

What else do I need to know about exercising outdoors during an Atlanta summer?

outdoors during the heat of the day, I would keep my workouts somewhat shorter—maybe 30 minutes or less.

If you’re working out along a busy road in Atlanta around lunchtime, you’re taking in a lot of pollution from the cars. The air is heavy, it’s humid and that pollution doesn’t dissipate very well. And you are taking in a lot more air as you breathe while working out. I would venture to say you may be doing more damage to yourself than good. Try to get on the side streets where the air quality is a bit better or choose a place like Chastain Park or Morgan Falls in Sandy Springs. And while there isn’t a particularly good exercise to do

What are the benefits of maintaining my outdoor workouts during the summer?

The biggest benefit of being outdoors is the mental break your brain gets from being under the sky and clouds and among the trees and greenery. Gyms have more options and equipment you can use, but it’s hard to underestimate how much your body needs sun to boost vitamins K and D, relieve stress and help your circadian rhythms so you can get better sleep at night. There are few downsides to being outside. n

Fitness coach Dan Horras knows what it takes to make the most of a summer outdoor workout.

CULTURE

Quiet reading Page 56

“We have people who feel this concept allows them to have a dedicated reading time when they’re not doing anything else. ” —Ann Marie Brindley

Members of the Buckhead Silent Reading Book Club share an introverted pleasure in the company of others.

PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

WRITING GEORGIA’S NEXT ACT

Jeffrey Stepakoff is creating the rooms where TV stories happen STORY: Michael Jacobs

Jeffrey Stepakoff spent decades writing and producing shows such as Dawson’s Creek and movies such as Disney’s Tarzan Now he’s rewriting the story of Georgia’s entertainment industry.

“I’ve had this dream. I’ve had this vision. There’s this building mo-

mentum to create a permanent and sustainable alternative to Los Angeles,” says Stepakoff, the president of the nonprofit Trilith Institute in the same Fayetteville development as Trilith Studios.

A tax credit of up to 30% has made Georgia a destination for movie

ry, and I just can’t think of any work that’s more important.”

The impact is economic, cultural and even spiritual, fitting the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, repairing the world, he says.

The Trilith Institute began operations in 2023 with philanthropist funding, including $1.5 million from the Trilith Foundation. Trilith developer and Chick-fil-A Chairman Dan Cathy is on the board.

The institute provides professional training for writers, directors, editors, actors and others. It offers youth classes and summer camps. A semester on-set program is launching with 10 Clemson students and plans to expand into a residential college program. It has a yearlong residency for an emerging creative to develop and produce a script while teaching part time. And it runs the Writers Room of Georgia, a filmmaker support network.

It’s all in the service of story, something Stepakoff still creates himself. The Atlanta native is polishing a TV pilot a decade after largely leaving Hollywood and an ABC Family series, Chasing Life, to run the Film Academy, teach at Kennesaw State and write novels.

He departed the academy in 2022 to start Content Talent South, an agency representing writers, though he dislikes calling storytellers “content creators.” “Content is the stuffing that goes into a sofa,” he says. “This is my soul I’m putting on the paper.”

and TV production for more than a decade, with a robust infrastructure of soundstages, support services and “below-the-line” crew—the grips, set builders and other essential personnel who aren’t on marquees.

Stepakoff helped build that production corps as the founding executive director of the Georgia Film Academy from 2015 to 2022, but the above-the-line screenwriters and directors were missing.

“We’ve got to have our own community of storytellers,” he says, zooming in on the writers rooms where TV shows are conceived, developed and written. Almost every TV series, even if set in Atlanta, is written in Los Angeles.

“There’s no model to follow” to build a story ecosystem, Stepakoff says. “But this is really new territo-

CTS continues, but Stepakoff’s focus is the institute. He organized it in fall 2022, shortly before marrying Stellar Bodies owner Amy Selig, with whom he lives in Buckhead. Introduced by their publicist, they have between them four children in their 20s and a fifth who’s a rising high school senior.

They lead a blessed life, Stepakoff says, and to achieve a similar happily ever after, the Georgia film industry needs just six writers rooms. “Those rooms will sustain themselves and start to explode because those writers will stay, and they will train up new writers who will stay,” he says. “It’ll all start to take off.” n

THE TRILITH INSTITUTE trilithinstitute.org • @trilithinstitute WRITERS ROOM OF GEORGIA writersroomga.org • @writersroomga

Jolie

Loren

Photography

QUIET READING

Silent Book Clubs draw readers who want to savor the silence STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

Given the crush of work, family, friends and countless other commitments, sometimes it’s practically impossible to find 60 minutes to sit down and catch up on some reading. But just as there’s support for a myriad of contemporary issues, the Buckhead Silent Reading Book Club offers a way to handle this predicament.

“We have people who feel this concept allows them to have a dedicated reading time when they’re not doing anything else,” says Ann Marie Brindley, who co-founded the group last fall with fellow Buckhead resident Kayla Nelson. “Some who come aren’t even big readers, but they like this simple concept.”

The simplicity lies in not having

any pressure to read a certain book or to be prepared to discuss its intricacies with others. There’s not even an obligation to speak: Participants arrive at a time and location publicized on the group’s Instagram page, grab a comfy spot and dive into their novel, poetry collection, textbook or whatever reading material they choose.

“Our meetings are always in the confines of Buckhead,” Brindley says. “Our favorites have been PERC Coffee in Chastain Park and the Original ChopShop south of Peachtree Hills. We’ve also been to The Daily, Bar Ti Amo and even the coffee shop at the Bitsy Grant tennis center until it went away. We bounce around a little bit and are always

looking for places to host us where we can have the quiet we need to sit and read for an hour. But we still want it to be someplace cool.”

Brindley and Nelson met a year ago at a city-wide silent reading session at the Atlanta History Center. That meeting was so well attended that the two saw an opening to start a group exclusively in Buckhead. (Since they launched it, a section has broken off and now meets only in Brookhaven.) They’ve also organized book swaps, with leftovers going to the Buckhead library. But there’s no telling how many readers will show up for the Saturday or Sunday sessions, usually held from noon to 2 p.m. or from 2 to 4 p.m.

“We’ve had as many as 50 and as few as one person with Kayla and me,” Brindley says. “At the beginning of the year, we had a lot more people come and say, ‘I’m going to read more this year!’ Now we average between 15 and 20, and we’re getting a core group who are becoming familiar faces.”

After an hour of reading, some participants hang around to socialize or grab a drink and snack, Brindley says. “Being a smaller group, it’s a bit more intimate. Sometimes it’s more chatty, with people asking about each other’s books. It’s always a pleasure to see what people are reading. But if you want to slip out, there’s no judgment. There’s no pressure to do anything. It’s just a great way to do an introverted activity with other people.” n

Kayla Nelson, co-founder of the Buckhead Silent Reading Book Club, joins likeminded enthusiasts in quiet reading.

Behind the Curtain

Natalie DeLancey’s heart has long been backstage, despite her training. She graduated from Cobb County’s Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High in 2006 and earned a bachelor’s in theater and performance studies at Kennesaw State.

“I have a huge respect for actors,” says the Sandy Springs resident. “But that’s not my skill set. I enjoy raising money and meeting the patrons.”

As the executive director of the City Springs Theatre Company, the only musical theater troupe in metro Atlanta, she handles those tasks while also planning the seasonal

City Springs exec puts musical theater training to work off stage STORY: H.M. Cauley

offerings and raising $3 million annually to support the organization that serves about 50,000 patrons and students each year. Here, she offers insight into the job.

Tell us about your background. I started with City Springs as managing director before it was officially launched in 2017. My job was to create it and raise money for it. I’ve been the executive director since 2021 and am fully responsible for everything from operations and fundrais-

advisory board, and then took the job at Cobb Energy. Before joining City Springs, I won a Southeastern Regional Emmy for live special event coverage of the Shulers that aired on Georgia Public Broadcasting. I love the arts community and the people who support it, and I believe in inspiring the next generation as either performers or audience members. That’s a big piece of what we do at City Springs.

How did the company get its start?

We were created because residents said the one thing they wanted more of was musical theater. We’re a nonprofit, not associated with the city, but born out of the community. That has made a huge difference for us. In our first season, we had 95% occupancy, but then COVID hit, and we’ve been building back ever since. We now have 5,551 subscribers, about a third of our [current] audience, and 40% of them are from Sandy Springs.

How do you decide which shows to feature each season? It really is a puzzle. I cannot get anything that’s on Broadway or on a national tour. I watch closely to see what’s happening in those areas and try to pick a season that has something for everyone. In the past year, we did a golden age show, The Music Man; a family show, Frozen; and Ragtime, a little lesser known. Next season, we’re doing The Producers, The Wizard of Oz, Come from Away and Mean Girls

ing to the artistic side. Before coming here, I was with ArtsBridge, the education arm of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.

And you never wanted to be on stage? No, I always saw myself on the business side but didn’t know what that would look like. Early in my career, I worked at Woodruff Arts Center selling school programs and was recruited to be a judge for the Shulers (the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards). I was on their

And there’s a program for aspiring musical theater performers, too. Yes, our conservatory is like Pebblebrook, but it’s after school. We have students from all over, and we work with 350 kids a week and do three conservatory productions with high school students. They’re all exceptionally talented; they’re getting cast in roles, and we’ve hired many to work for us. In the next five years or so, you’re going to see major announcements from kids who have trained with us.

Do you have a favorite musical? Something Rotten. It’s such a smart and funny show, but it feels familiar, like an old-fashioned musical. n

CITY SPRINGS THEATRE COMPANY

404.477.4365 • cityspringstheatre.com @cityspringstheatre

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

ON POINT

BEGINNER NEEDLEPOINT CLASSES AT SANDY SPRINGS SHOP

The Nimble Needle in Sandy Springs, owned by Jan Rogers, has become a welcoming hub for both seasoned stitchers and enthusiastic newcomers. The monthly beginner classes are proving particularly popular, drawing in a diverse crowd eager to learn the art of needlepoint. Recognizing the growing demand, The Nimble Needle offers monthly introductory sessions. "It used to be every other month or every two months, but now we have so many new stitchers that I'm doing it every month,” says instructor Marci Slotin.

These comprehensive beginner classes are held over a single weekend each month, running from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Each class typically hosts around 10 students, creating an intimate and supportive learning environment. The course provides a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of needlepoint. "We talk a little bit about everything," Slotin says. "We cover what real mesh is, why you use basket weave versus continental and why you use certain threads versus others." This foundational knowledge equips students with the confidence to embark on their own needlepoint journeys.

The cost of the weekend class is approximately $185, which includes the canvas, threads and teaching fee. Online registration is in the works, but those interested in joining a class can register by calling the shop or visiting in person.

Both Rogers and Slotin welcome newcomers and encourage anyone curious about the craft to explore

its creative and fulfilling possibilities. “You can only be in so many book clubs, and you can only go get dinner and drinks so many times,” Rogers says. “We’re building a sense of community. I love being a place for people to come be with others who do the same thing you do.” n

atlantanimbleneedle.com • @thenimbleneedle

Teacher Marci Slotin offers one-on-one instruction during class.

New needlepoint stitchers can take beginner classes at Nimble Needle in Sandy Springs.

Photos: Courtesy of Meg Daws

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

Whiskey-Focused Tours

Chamblee distillery unveils new tours and tastings

Distillery of Modern Art, led by CEO and Founder Seth Watson, recently launched a new tour experience tailored to bourbon and rye enthusiasts. The distillery has always offered tours, but this latest addition provides a more in-depth exploration of the whiskey-making process to align with the latest bourbon and rye spirit releases. Guests can expect to learn about DoMA’s unique, locally grown grain selection that includes 100% white corn for bourbon and an Italian rye

varietal from Asheville for its rye. "We also talk about the barrel aging process more in detail because making a bourbon, of course, is far different than making, say, a gin,” Watson says.

Beyond the production details, the tour also educates visitors about what sets bourbon apart from other brown spirits. "One of the most important things to me is to dispel misunderstandings of whiskey specifically," Watson says. He hopes visitors will leave with a clearer understanding of bourbon

John Smoltz heads Celebrity-Am golf tournament

The 33rd annual John Smoltz Braves Celebrity-Am golf tournament takes place across three area golf courses: Atlanta National Golf Club, White Columns Country Club and Hawks Ridge Golf Club. The two-day event, scheduled for Aug. 10 and 11, is an opportunity for participants to combine their love of golf with philanthropy. The tournament benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and features a star-studded lineup, including Atlanta Braves alumni along with former professional athletes from the NFL,

BUZZ

FRIDAY WINE TASTINGS AT BROOKHAVEN WINES

Recurring Fridays

brookhavenwines.com

@brookhavenwines

Kick off your weekend at Brookhaven Wines with complimentary tastings. The team curates an array of wines to present each Friday evening. The events are drop-in style (no ticket or reservation required), and samples are poured from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Distillery of Modern Art launched indepth bourbon and rye tours in May.

production and an appreciation for locally crafted spirits. "I want someone who is a novice to walk away from here with simplistic knowledge about how bourbon is made, why it's made here, and every detail they could want without going over their heads on it,” he says. Tours, complete with tastings, are $50 per person and are offered on Sundays at noon, 1 and 4 p.m. n

distilleryofmodernart.com @distilleryofmodernart

MLB, NBA and NHL. Fifty-four corporate foursomes will play alongside notable figures while supporting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s. The center provides critical care and support

to children and families facing pediatric cancer and blood disorders. To date, the event has raised more than $4 million for the center. n

choa.org • @childrensatl

BEEKEEPERS CLUB AT DUNWOODY NATURE CENTER

July 3 and Aug. 7

dunwoodynature.org

@dunwoodynaturecenter

Discover the buzz about bees with the Dunwoody Beekeepers Club. Monthly member meetings, which often include speakers and special guests, are held on the first Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Dunwoody Nature Center. The annual membership fee is $35.

TASTE OF GENEROSITY: ATLANTA

Aug. 15

nationalmssociety.org @mssociety

This event, hosted at The Stave Room and ASW Whiskey Exchange in Buckhead, unites bourbon lovers from across the South. Enjoy diverse drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and participate in live and silent auctions supporting the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society. The event is from 6 to 10 p.m.

FÊTES DE BAYONNE

Aug. 3

cooksandsoldiers.com

@cooksatl

Cooks & Soldiers presents its version of the traditional French festival Fêtes de Bayonne once again. Guests are invited to join the fun by dressing in the country’s traditional red and white attire. The restaurant features live entertainment and highlights French specialty dishes and drinks.

John Smoltz, (second from right) former Atlanta Braves pitcher and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, poses at his annual golf tournament.

How many opportunities do you get to change a child’s future?

This is one of them.

Join us and change the course of a child’s life.

CURE Childhood Cancer isn’t just our name – it’s our mission. We help children defeat cancer every day by funding critical research to advance treatments for children and supporting families devastated by childhood cancer. But we couldn’t do this important work without your help.

Your support makes all the difference in making sure we’re there when families need us most.

DONATE TODAY, and double your impact!

Thanks to generous donors, gifts made by June 15th will be matched, dollar-for-dollar.

curechildhoodcancer.org

Stars Rising

MEET THE STANDOUT LOCALS MAKING WAVES IN 2025

Dynamic professionals from all sectors—entrepreneurs, creatives and industry leaders—find their homes in Atlanta's thriving Buckhead area and neighboring communities. Simply Buckhead’s Rising Stars feature showcases exceptional talent each summer, and this year's seven honorees exemplify excellence in action. These outstanding individuals are reshaping their fields while strengthening the fabric of our community through their innovation, contributions and leadership.

PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

Adam Wexler: Navy Jacket ($999). Available at Connaisseur Paris.

Cody Alcorn: Olive Jacket ($999). Available at Connaisseur Paris.

Carol Santos: Alice+Olivia Knit Top ($295) and Hellessy Alyssa Skirt ($990). Available at Tootsies.

Hieu Huynh: Delphine Cocktail Dress ($1,195). Available at Tootsies.

Christian Evans: Black Suit ($999). Available at Connaisseur Paris.

Kinga Clues: Cinq à Sept Roberta Dress ($695). Available at Tootsies.

Insley Davis: Rebecca Vallance Short Cocktail Dress ($730). Available at Tootsies

WARDROBE (Left to Right)

Hieu Huynh is an accidental journalist. At least, that’s how the documentary film maker and food scholar describes herself. She often reflects on the unexpected career trajectory that brought her short film, A Vietnamese American Culinary Journey in the American South to the historic Plaza Theatre for a screening during the 2025 Atlanta Film Festival.

“Like a lot of immigrant kids, I went to Emory University with the intent of going down the pre-med track, majoring in biology and the STEM sciences,” says Huynh, who was born in a refugee camp in Indonesia after her parents fled Vietnam in the early 1980s. The family immigrated and, as part of a resettlement program, took up residence in Waycross, Georgia, where Huynh’s former schoolteacher parents worked factory jobs as they built their new life. She enjoyed a small town upbringing marked by her mother Nga’s cooking that fused Vietnamese and Southern cuisines for her family. Huynh also discovered a love for cooking and travel shows featuring luminaries like Julia Child and Rick Steves. “It instilled my love of food media and documentary film. It was how I learned about different cuisines and cultures.”

In high school, Huynh also de veloped a passion for reading and writing, inspired by teachers who became her mentors. So when she found herself at a crossroads before her junior year at Emory, she chose to pursue a minor in journalism, which led her to change her major to creative writing with a focus on poetry. Upon graduation, she began a decade-long career with CNN that included her dream job as a producer on both Larry King Live Bourdain’s

Huynh left CNN in 2018 to pursue a master’s in poetry from NYU. During her studies, she completed a life-changing residency in Paris.

“Not a lot of people know that Paris has one of the largest Vietnamese diasporas,” she notes. “It was such an eye-opening experience. I didn’t speak French, but I could speak Vietnamese. It helped me navigate the culture and provided the spark for my first documentary, Quan 13, which is about the Vietnamese diaspora in Paris through the lens of food.”

HIEU HUYNH

Capturing the Asian American experience in the South through food storytelling

STORY: Amy Meadows

That short film encouraged her to apply for a filmmaking fellowship with the Southern Foodways Alliance two years ago. Her pitch included her desire to document the Asian American experience in the South by examining Asian restaurants. However, she soon narrowed her focus to her mother’s story. The result was Rice & Grits, in which Nga shares her immigration story while cooking with her daugh-

ter. Together, they make Vietnamese soup and a Vietnamese-style shrimp stir fry using Southern ingredients like grits and collard greens. Huynh muses that her mother thought she was only being photographed during filming, noting, “It wasn’t until the Atlanta Film Festival when she saw the film that she realized it. She loved it. I’m so glad I was able to capture and honor her story.”

explore. “I really feel that Rice & Grits is a stepping stone,” she says. “Andre 3000 from OutKast says, ‘The South got something to say.’ For me, the South has so many stories that are layered and nuanced, and I want to cover these hidden stories, especially of the Asian American experience in the South. We still have so much more to say.” n hieugray.com • riceandgrits.com @lapetitebelle_eats

ADAM WEXLER

A techpreneur is building brands around fan fun  STORY: Karina Antenucci

Sandy Springs native Adam Wexler’s goal in life is to show people a good time. “From helping find your next favorite song to bringing you closer to the brands you love to getting more engaged with the games you’re watching, each of my companies have been focused on fan engagement,” says Wexler, a technology entrepreneur.

A 2007 graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, Wexler’s interest in tech was awoken when he was in his sophomore year studying real estate. “I witnessed firsthand Facebook coming to the University of Georgia. Mark Zuckerberg was in the same fraternity that I was, but at Harvard, and was a year older than me. I said to myself, ‘If this guy can create this, I can, too,’” he says. Before he graduated, he decided real estate wasn’t for him, had come up with his first app concept and found an engineer to partner with and develop it.

Since then, Wexler has spent almost two decades building digital and mobile startups. His platforms have included GoRankem, a Wikipedia-like resource for music discovery; Insightpool, an analytics platform that was purchased by TrendKite (acquired by Cision) in 2018; and PrizePicks, the largest independent daily fantasy sports operator in the United States, which he founded in 2017 and continues to grow.

“As I like to say, I would have been a customer of everything I have created. It’s always easier when you can see yourself on both sides [of the business],” Wexler says.

Having played fantasy sports since he was in seventh grade, with PrizePicks, Wexler saw an opportunity to create a platform that had mainstream appeal. It offers compelling daily engagement and doesn’t require every user to know everything about every player.

“Most people, like me, don’t have that time on their hands or would drop off as they got further into a season,” he says.

Recently, Wexler transitioned from CEO of PrizePicks to executive chairman, a role where he continues to be engaged in a full-time capacity

as special advisor to the CEO. “We had a very light C-suite as we head

sible, and those challenges motivate him to figure out the solutions. is finally turning a corner. He became engaged with the latter’s program as

months I was in Greenville.”

That twist of fate led to years of success that also consumed most of his time. Along the way, he earned a Southeast Emmy, several awards from the Associated Press and an Anchor of the Year honor. The job might have lasted even longer had Alcorn not met his future partner who lived in Atlanta. During a visit to Atlanta, the two met briefly in 2019 and then reconnected over Facebook before engaging in some long-distance dating, but as the big 4-0 loomed, Alcorn was ready for a relationship that required relocating.

“I went to my news director and said, ‘I’m gonna quit. I’ve done everything I possibly could.’ People thought I was crazy to move down here without a job,” he says.

But within a few months after leaving South Carolina in 2022, Alcorn was on board with 11Alive WXIA as a community reporter, a job that puts him on the city’s streets and gives him the chance to interact with everyday people.

“That’s what energizes me,” he says. “I go to neighborhoods that are overlooked. My goal every day is to give a voice to people who don’t have a voice. I’ve seen a lot of issues and communities that need help, and I can bring attention to them. That’s what drives me.”

Now in his third year as a Buckhead resident, Alcorn is content covering the metro area and beyond—a job made easier through social media. “It’s been a game changer: I have more than 303,000 followers on Facebook. I’m the go-to guy for breaking news. When people ask me how I do it, I say you’ve got to be connected to the community. Social media is how you do it.”

And while many broadcasters look forward to moving up into a bigger market, Alcorn has no such ambition. “Atlanta is a great market. I try to live in the moment, and if opportunities come, I’ll explore all of them. Whatever I choose to do next, I want to be the best at it.”

One thing will definitely happen in the near future: Alcorn is set to marry his partner in November, proving that his choice to relocate wasn’t so crazy after all.

“It’s all worked out,” he says. n facebook.com/codyalcornnews @cody_alcorn_

As far back as she can recall, Insley Davis has had a fas cination with film. “I grew up in Henry County where my dad always took me to the movies. In college, I was helping friends pro duce photo shoots and videos. I was drawn to entertainment,” she says.

At the same time, Davis says she was raised to value education. Her grandmother, mother and aunts were educators, and her great-great-grandfather was among the group that launched the school that is now Fort Valley State Uni versity, a historically Black college south of Macon. “Educating stu dents so they could have jobs and upward mobility was the mission, and it’s always been the same,” says Davis, a Fort Valley grad herself.

After working a number of freelance jobs, her career took on a focused trajectory when she enrolled in UGA’s film school and became a teaching assistant in screenwriting. “It blew my mind how passionate the students were,” she says. “I was really drawn to the aspect of teaching the next person.”

Davis earned an MFA in 2020 and was ready to combine her love of film and education. But when the pandemic put a freeze on job oppor tunities, she forged her own path.

“I turned to TikTok, which turned out to be a great thing,” says Davis, who now has 35,000 followers on that platform. “I told stories about our state and its history as a way to have a creative outlet and use my skills to produce content. From there, I created a portfolio that led to other opportunities in casting, production and teaching in an Athens middle school for two years.”

Last year, Davis saw Georgia Public Broadcasting was looking for a pro duction manager to update the offerings on “Georgia Stories,” a series about the state that includes videos, teacher materials and primary sources that meet mandated middle school standards. Getting the job in June 2024 was particularly poignant.

INSLEY DAVIS

Bringing a love of teaching and storytelling to GPB  STORY: H.M. Cauley

“I watched ‘Georgia Stories’ when I was in school,” she says. “I love working in public media, especially now, as we’re seeing how people are banding together to support us and how much they love GPB. It’s very rewarding.” The job often takes Davis and pro-

duction crews to different parts of the state where a story is waiting to be told. The process has provided a number of remarkable experiences, from accessing archives at the Auburn Avenue Research Library to meeting a Freedom Rider who had Martin Luther King Jr.’s phone number written on a scrap of paper.

“Getting to touch the physical pieces of history also touches my heart,” she says. “I’m also learning so much. This is exactly where I want to be: at the cornerstone of entertainment and education.”

Davis says living in Buckhead is exactly where she wants to be. “I’m in one of the best places in the

world to relax. I can head to the gym on the roof of my building and see great views. I can take a neighborhood walk. I’m a nerd at heart, and I love to be informed, and in a weird way, my relaxation is using my social media and voice to share that with others.” n gpb.org/author/insley-davis • @inzlay

Kinga Clues says she was born with what she calls the “how hard can it be?” gene. “It’s always a ‘no’ if you don’t try,” she says. “I take chances, don’t live in fear and am not a quitter.”

This steely attitude is what catapulted the Brookhaven mom of two elementary school girls into a successful professional organizing career and a fashion retail business that launched in May 2024.

Originally from Poland, Clues moved to the U.S. 12 years ago with her British husband, Jonathan. With small children, more and more “stuff” was accumulating at home. She felt like all she was doing was house chores and picking up after everyone. “I didn’t enjoy my day and couldn’t find joy. What is joy to me? Time! I wanted to hang with the girls and play without the pressure of housework 24/7,” she says.

A friend turned her on to international professional organizing star Marie Kondo’s first book and its KonMari Method, and Clues began applying its streamlining and buying strategies. “I decluttered our entire house category by category, and it genuinely changed my life,” she says.

Clues wanted to help others— particularly overwhelmed moms—find the same peace. So the solopreneur went through KonMari training and became one of the first 200 consultants in the world. Five years later, her organizing service is so busy, she just books through word of mouth. Similarly, Clues’ fashion retail business, BFF, started from the need to pare down the number of bags in her closet as well as what she brought on her family’s frequent travels. “I just kept searching for this one perfect bag with all the functions I needed, but I couldn’t find it, so I decided to create one,” she says. “This company is me. I’m a one stop shop for every role.”

BFF stands for Beauty Form Function, but Clues also thinks of her bags as a Best Friend Forever. They are durable yet lightweight; have a spot to hold a hat (or everything from a baguette to snorkeling gear as customers have done); fit over a luggage handle and include pockets for sunglasses, a water bottle, wallet

KINGA CLUES

Bringing professional organizing prowess into fashion accessories  STORY: Karina Antenucci

and more. The original collection offers two versions: one with a drawstring closure that fits more, such as a towel for the beach, and another with a zipper. They are both made out of environmentally friendly materials—raffia on the outside and an organic cotton lining that can be pulled out to clean. In addition to bags, BFF offers a few resort wear capsule pieces, such as a Panama hat and beach-inspired

jewelry. For the fall/winter 2025 collection, Clues will add vegan leather hats and bags as well as beach coverups.

Find BFF items on the website and at local boutiques such as Marguerite’s On Dresden in Brookhaven and w.port in Buckhead. What’s more, you might stumble upon them during your travels as the brand has just gone international and is available at select Kimpton

Resort & Spa locations. Clues’ No. 1 packing tip? Just like when buying anything new for your home, be very intentional. Does it spark joy? Do you really need it? “Put everything on the bed and get rid of 30% of it. Pack for 70% of your trip, not 100%. Stop and think. It’s the only way to stay organized.” n bffbag.com • @bff_bag bringdelight.com • @bring_delight

A culinary chameleon spreads

across town   CHRISTIAN EVANS

Food was an influence in chef Christian Evans' life from a very early age, growing up in Chattanooga and Atlanta. “My great aunt watched me as a child,” he says. “She’d put Food Network cooking shows on.” Evans was enchanted by Emeril Lagasse. “His charisma and how he worked the crowd was so interesting to me, and I’d put on a show and pretend to cook like him.”

At 16, he got his first food job at a small Mexican restaurant fran chise. At 18, he was part of the 2016 opening team at Porsche Experience Center, working under Justin Netto. “I learned a lot from him. He pushed me,” he says. Then it was on to The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead (now The Whitley), where Evans says he was made into the chef he is via the cul ture, food and business at the hotel.

After working a stint in Florida, Evans came back to Georgia in 2019 and settled in Buckhead. He dazzled at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, Nine Mile Station on the Ponce City Market rooftop and the now-shuttered Dorian Gray on West Paces Ferry before ending up at Midtown’s Divan, where he current ly works as the culinary director.

Evans, who attended the nowclosed Art Institute of Atlanta, is trained in classic French techniques but says the food he’s done has always been versatile, including “a little bit of everything.” He takes heavy influence from Japanese food culture, which he loves for its simplicity. “It’s not overly fussy. I try to incorporate that in with my other influences.”

At Divan, he’s taking the earnest ness and depth of Persian food and playing with it as the first chef in more than 20 years to make big menu changes. “The owner Max [Lotfi] challenges my techniques and flavor profiles, even how the food looks,” he says.

So far, the reception to his chang es has been warm and welcoming.

“I’m not straying too far away from what they’ve been doing, but I’m making it a little more new and modern,” he says. For example, his interpretation of Divan’s classic labneh cheese dish includes a top

his talent

Sandy Springs-based artist Carol Santos’ artworks bridge continents and generations, offering viewers an intimate lens into her family’s history, and, perhaps, into their own stories. Born in Campinas, Brazil, Santos is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores themes of memory, identity and the loss of cultural narratives through generations.

CAROL SANTOS

Weaving together memory, identity and art from Brazil to Sandy Springs  STORY: Karina Antenucci

Santos’ artistic journey began early in Brazil, where she attended to the United States in 1999 with her high school sweetheart and now-husband Leandro, she eventually found herself in Georgia, raising three children while working in corporate marketing.

do something for me.” That “something” led her back to the canvas and into a rigorous Master of Fine Arts program for painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design, from which she graduated in 2023.

often inspired by her Brazilian upbringing and the contrasts her children experience growing up in the U.S. “My work is about the nostalgia of what I had that I can’t give them,” she says. “I try to preserve those memories in a way that others can connect with, too.”

sculpture, textiles and installations,

That effort is evident in works like her Poetry in the Sky installation that was featured at The Glass House museum in Brazil. A collaboration with her father, it replicates the handmade kites of her childhood with over 150 of them suspended in air, echoing innocence and shared community. Many paintings of Santos’ blend coffee and paint, a nod to Brazilian café culture. Another piece features a large beet sculpture that accompanies a letter she wrote and recorded her daughter reading that reflects on generational loss, miscarriage and unspoken trauma. “When people come to me crying after seeing it, I know the work is doing what it’s meant to do: tell them they’re not alone,” she says.

Inspired by her paternal grandmother who used to make rugs out of rags, during the pandemic, Santos began weaving a rag rug that turned into a community project that will continue to grow for years. Made from old baby clothes, linens, curtains and more, the giant rug was worked on by many hands, from friends to college students. “Every little fabric tells a story,” she says of the project that will continue to grow. “It’s a good reminder that we’re all interconnected as people, no matter where we come from.”

Beyond her studio, Santos plays a vital role in the local art community. She serves on the board of Art Sandy Springs, where she is a driving force helping to implement new community initiatives. She also curates shows for the Gallery at City Springs and The Gallery at Abernathy. Her marketing background, she says, helps navigate the complexities of arts administration.

Still, Santos remains grounded in what drives her: storytelling, connection and quiet persistence.“If I can bring art into someone’s life or inspire a student, then I feel so proud.” n carolsantosarts.com • @carolatlantaart

DELICIOUS

Quirky Comfortably

PERSONALITY ABOUNDS AT LOCAL THREE KITCHEN & BAR

Craving contemporary American cuisine but in no mood for formality? You’ll find kindred spirits at Local Three Kitchen & Bar.

Owned by three locals, Todd Mussman, Ryan Turner and chef Chris Hall, this place is passionate about food and drinks yet keeps the overall vibe laid-back. Inside the Piazza on Paces office building that houses Local Three, pass through the sterile lob-

by to a dark hallway on the right with a pig statue. It leads to an alcove where a painting of actor Jeff Bridges as “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski smirks at guests from behind the reception stand. Elvis paintings on the adjacent wall face the main dining room. Smile-inducing art isn’t limited to the walls: Every table has a unique set of salt and pepper shakers, from guinea pigs, cacti and wizard hats to a grandma and slot machine.

STORY: Hope S. Philbrick

PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

The culinary philosophy is, “You can’t argue with delicious.”

Pan-seared North Georgia trout is simple elegance.

The message is that you’re welcome to be yourself, however one-of-akind that may be, and that life is more fun if you keep a sense of humor. But while you can casually relax and enjoy some laughs, don’t think that means you won’t get fabulous food and drink. The culinary philosophy here is “you can’t argue with delicious.” High skills are on display with every dish brought to the table.

The dinner, happy hour and Sunday brunch menus offer comfort foods and sophisticated creations, all while steering clear of over-complicating things. Inspired by the season and driven by the availability of quality ingredients, the options change often, though some popular

items linger. To accompany food, the bar mixes well-balanced cocktails alongside beer, wine and a collection of over 1,000 whiskies, including some featured barrel selections. With so many options, how to choose a pour? Down-to-earth descriptions simplify the process. Any beverage will go with Brooke’s focaccia. Two large rectangles of thick bread boast a crunchy exterior and lovely soft interior. Subtle orange and thyme notes lurk in the olive oil that’s drizzled across the plate while cloves of roasted garlic sprinkled about are ready to smear into the bread if you’d like to add some sweet nuttiness.

Oysters Rockefeller tops soft, briny bivalve mollusks with garlic, spinach, bacon and parmesan. Served hot, the mild oysters are dominated by the decadent creamed spinach, ensuring that oyster lovers and non-fans can both happily spoon or slurp these dreamy bites out of their rough shells. Fish schnitzel encases flaky white flounder in a delicate, crisp breading. Two pieces rest in a puddle of lemon-pepper sauce, all topped with scattered peas. The combination of tangy citrus, snappy vegetal and salty fish is a whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Among the mains, pan-seared North Georgia trout is a standout. The fork-tender fish is flaky and mild. It arrives planked above Parisienne gnocchi made with flour instead of potatoes but equally toothsome tender and topped with warm peas and radish. A splash of lemon and brown butter adds tart snap and silky

Above: Seasonal cocktail creations wow taste buds.

Above: Seasonal starters showcase fresh ingredients in both classic and creative dishes.

Right: “3 Cup Chicken” boasts bold Asian flavors.

warmth to the dish that manages to combine comfort and elegance.

The market fish and its preparation change routinely, but if panseared halibut with moqueca molho is available the day of your visit, consider yourself a lottery winner. The filet, cooked to perfection, arrives atop jasmine rice smothered with a rich sauce inspired by the Brazilian fish stew. With balanced notes of herbs, acidity and spice, the dish comes across like a scrumptious cousin of shrimp and grits.

Lobster mac and cheese, a pick from the Chef’s Corner (aka daily special) section of the menu on one of our visits, was another lucky gift of good timing. Served in a mini cast iron crock, pasta spirals drip with cheese as segments of shellfish hide throughout. It’s delicious.

Robust and cozy, wedges of savory lamb pot roast arrive swimming in gravy. Roasted sweet cippolini onions, earthy carrots and starchy new potatoes are nestled around the tender meat while a dollop of zesty mint pistou sits on top. The dish manages to taste like

spring and winter at once.

Depending on the day of your visit, you might be tempted by something like pastrami-spiced duck breast, an expertly cooked heart of ribeye steak, Asian-inspired chicken or grilled dry-aged Duroc pork chop. Trust whatever most piques your interest on whatever menu you’re handed upon arrival; it’s not like you can go wrong here.

Save room for dessert. The peanut butter cup fills a crisp, brownie-like chocolate shell with soft peanut butter mousse topped with chocolate ganache and smattering of peanuts. The dish fulfills childlike fantasies while impressing adult palates. Banofee tart fills a crisp-tender graham cracker crust with Dulcey (blonde chocolate) mousse and caramelized banana toffee. Its combination of toasted tropical and buttery-earthy flavors satisfies the soul. Both sweet treats are large enough to share, though you might regret every bite your dining companion takes.

Come hungry. Each mouthful invites another. n

404.968.2700 • localthree.com • @localthree

Prices: Dinner: Starters, $6-22; oysters, MKT; charcuterie or cheese, $28; mains, $28-45; steaks, $45-66; burger, $22; dessert, $14-16. Bar: beer, $6-8; house cocktails, $15-25; wine/glass, $13-22; barrel selections, $12-20. Sunday brunch buffet: $35/adult, $20/child.

Recommended: Oysters Rockefeller, Georgia Mountain trout, lamb pot roast, peanut butter cup, banoffee tart, any daily special that piques your interest.

Bottom line: With quirky decor, a relaxed vibe and friendly service, this upscale eatery presents contemporary American cuisine alongside a full bar with an impressive bourbon selection.

Above: Georgia-grown Vidalia onions enhance grilled dry-aged Duroc pork chop.

Above: Oysters Rockefeller is a shareable you may want to hoard.

Right: Don’t skip desserts like peach hand pie with vanilla ice cream.

IN VOGUE

The only thing complicated about a martini is its origin story, which remains a bit murky. Created during the Gilded Age, the stirring of gin and vermouth in all its many iterations conjures glitz and glamour. A martini has no season, and every bar should have the ingredients to make the classic. More than 125 years later, the drink is still posh and iconic.

It wasn’t until Harry Johnson’s second edition of Bartender’s Manual that we had a recipe for a martini in print, listing Old Tom gin (a sweet, cordial style gin), sweet vermouth, orange curacao, gum (simple syrup with an emulsifier) and a couple of dashes of bitters as ingredients. The suggested garnish was a lemon twist. Cocktails were sweet in the 1880s.

The formula waxed and waned. By 1897, the dry martini (“dry” meaning little or no vermouth) became ubiquitous, and in 1904, the 50:50 split of gin and vermouth was in print. This ratio is considered “wet” by today’s standards. A dry martini order today is a ratio of 5:1

gin to vermouth but can be anywhere from 4 to 8 parts gin and a garnish of olive or lemon twist.

Fine tuning led to classic and modern iterations. The most common is a swap of vodka for gin or a change-up of the garnish. The drink has a timeless power in the simplicity, and there are numerous ways to experience the emblematic cocktail served in the conical bowl.

The Betty, the restaurant at Kimpton Sylvan Atlanta-Buckhead, serves a classic martini: dry, straight up, with rocks on the side and your choice of olives, pickled onions or a lemon twist. Request oysters on the half shell with housemade mignonette to complete the sophisticated order.

Serving prime steaks since 1979, Bones is a classic in itself. The standard here is a Ketel One vodka version, slightly dirty (adding olive brine), chilled by shaking or stirring and garnished with a house stuffed blue cheese olive.

Peachtree Battle’s Roshambo makes your martini however you fancy, and they serve up a special

that Don Draper would love. The three-martini lunch pitcher can be made wet or dry with vodka or gin. You can order it at dinner, too. It works well as a Gibson, which is made with a juniper-forward dry gin and vermouth. The addition of pickled onion makes a savory finish.

For a truly local version, head to the Distillery of Modern Art. Not only can you see where and how Atlanta Vodka is made, you can order the martini version with vodka, dry vermouth, olive brine and an olive garnish.

The Martinez, basically a Manhattan made with gin, is considered a predecessor to the martini. The Painted Pin stirs up a classic version with Old Tom Gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and a few dashes of orange bitters. It brims with floral aromatics, astringent herbs and a sweet aftertaste.

A Vesper, the modern martini riff using both gin and vodka, is comprised of three parts gin to one part vodka and a half measure of Lillet Blanc, a wine-based aperitif. Ian Fleming, creator of the iconic

British secret agent James Bond, wrote the drink into existence in 1953’s Casino Royale

On Carmel’s new coastal inspired menu, the bar team takes vodka and dry vermouth to fruity heights in their lychee martini with the inclusion of lychee liqueur, blackberry liqueur and a lime garnish.

Probably the hottest version of the martini in the present era is the espresso variety, made with vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur in the timeless glass. Westside’s Lucky Star has creative iterations with a classic, a cachaça version and a clarified version that is clear like the original but tastes of espresso. n

BONES • bonesrestaurant.com

CARMEL • carmelatl.com • @carmelatl

DISTILLERY OF MODERN ART distilleryofmodernart.com • @distilleryofmodernart

LUCKY STAR • luckystaratl.com • @luckystaratl ROSHAMBO • roshamboatl.com • @roshamboatl THE BETTY thebettyatl.com • @thebettyrestaurant

THE PAINTED PIN thepaintedpin.com • @thepaintedpinatl

The martini is always in style STORY: Angela Hansberger

MarianVejcik

FOODIE JOURNAL

Fresh Market

Upper West Market brings an everyday indoor farmers market to Atlanta

Upper West Market, an indoor farmers market open seven days a week, is opening in Upper Westside this year, featuring vendors such as White Oak Pastures, Hop City Beer & Wine, Dips Kitchen and Island Seafood ATL.

“Pike Place Market in Seattle is a big inspiration, and a lot of the European markets are what we’re going for, versus a food hall,” says Ben Hautt, managing partner of Robles Partners, the firm leading the development. The market will also include Summerland, a new daytime concept from Chef Anne Quatrano, who shares what to expect.

What makes Summerland unique from your other concepts, Star Provisions and Bacchanalia?

Summerland will be a refined daytime restaurant, offering a seated and reserved dining experience alongside a bakery and coffee counter.

What inspired you, and how did that inform the menu?

I’ve always envisioned a daytime restaurant where we can really showcase what we do culinarily.

Summerland will offer 12 to 14 composed dishes that change fluidly, served primarily in bowls to highlight

BY Claire Ruhlin

FOOD NEWS

n Fast-casual Asian restaurant Teriyaki Madness is planned to open in Sandy Springs with a new location at 4969 Roswell Road. teriyakimadness.com

n Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza, a chain from acclaimed pizza chef Renato Viola, has expanded to Georgia with locations in Sandy Springs and Buckhead. mistero1.com

Rosetta Bakery’s first Georgia location is open in Buckhead Plaza, offering handmade pastries (think Italian favorites such as bomboloni, focaccia and rose-shaped Rosetta rolls) in addition to sandwiches and coffee. rosettabakery.com

layers and depth of flavor. We’ll also introduce a new menu featuring daily baked goods, both savory and sweet.

What excites you about the Upper West Market as a whole?

The market is a big step forward for Atlanta, showcasing the South’s

Ciao Bella Bring home a taste of Italy

Whip up this bruschetta with tomato and stracciatella recipe from Chef and Owner Costanzo Astarita of Baraonda Ristorante & Bar in Sandy Springs.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Stracciatella Yield: 12 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 loaf ciabatta bread

1 8-ounce container of stracciatella cheese

2 pints of multicolored heirloom

cherry tomatoes

8 cloves of garlic

½ teaspoon fennel pollen

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 cup of Italian extra virgin olive oil (preferably cold pressed)

2 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar, minimum 8 years old

8 leaves of fresh basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut cherry tomatoes in half and place in a bowl. Slice four cloves of garlic paper thin (best done on a mandolin) and add to the tomatoes. Add fennel pollen, oregano, balsamic vinegar and

small producers and purveyors. It will provide our local farmers with the platform they deserve, and we definitely wanted to be a part of it.

How does Summerland fit into the broader vision of the Upper West Market? We will highlight what the farmers and ranchers bring to market and provide a space to relax before or after our guests’ market experience n

UPPER WEST MARKET

upperwestmarket.com • @upperwestmarket

olive oil and stir gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cut ciabatta bread into a dozen ¾-inch slices. Toast the bread. Rub the remaining garlic cloves on the toasted bread. Place three slices on each plate and spread a thin layer of stracciatella cheese on each slice. Top the cheese with the marinated tomatoes. Julienne basil leaves and sprinkle on each slice. Finally, sprinkle bruschetta with a few drops of aged balsamic and some of the remaining juice and marinade.

BARAONDA RISTORANTE & BAR baraondaatlanta.com @baraondasandysprings

Above: Upper West Market will offer an indoor farmers market experience.

Below: Chef Anne Quatrano

“Steaking” a Claim

Barry Mills opens Steak & Grace in

Dunwoody

Village STORY: Carly Cooper PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

Many people associate FLIP Burger Boutique, Atlanta’s defunct trendy burger spot, with celebrity chef Richard Blais. But a local Atlantan founded it with him. Barry Mills has worked in restaurants for more than 20 years alongside hospitality pros at Buckhead Diner, Rathbun’s and JOËL. Owner of Big B’s Fish Joint in Sandy Springs, he recently opened a neighborhood steakhouse in Dunwoody called Steak & Grace. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner with popular items such as goat cheese-stuffed sweet peppers, Hong Kong-style Faroe Island salmon and prime New York strip with bearnaise. Located in Dunwoody Village, Steak & Grace is intended as a

community hangout. We spoke with Mills to learn more.

How did you get into hospitality?

I always knew I wanted to own my own businesses. I went to Georgia Tech and studied engineering. I took a desk job out of college, and I was like, “This is not it.” I was going to go back to grad school, but I needed money, so I got a job working at Buckhead Diner. I loved the restaurant industry. It has never felt like work to me.

What do you like about it?

You get to touch so many different things. You do a little bit of marketing, accounting, operations, management, construction and cooking. You never get bored. Then

there’s the social aspect. I love neighborhood restaurants nowadays because I love being able to walk in and say hi to people who have been coming for a long time. It’s relationship-driven.

What’s the idea behind Steak & Grace?

It’s a neighborhood interpretation of a steakhouse. I like to put a little twist that makes things interesting and a little more approachable. I want a place where people can come in on a weekly basis and become regulars. I wanted to create an atmosphere where we have great food and great service, but in a place that’s maybe a bit more casual, so you don’t have to put on a coat and tie to come in.

What makes the menu different from other steakhouses?

It has a little bit broader menu and is a little more value-focused. It’s

slightly smaller cuts of meat and composed dishes instead of a la carte. It’s definitely cocktail-driven. Our most popular drink is The Woody, named after Dunwoody. It’s Elijah Craig bourbon, limoncello, peach puree and angostura bitters. We also have a very large wine-bythe-glass program. You still get a high-end glass of wine, but you don’t have to commit to a bottle.

How did you create a more casual atmosphere?

I didn’t want it to be that traditional, dark, really upscale, special-occasion steakhouse because I didn’t feel like that would go into the neighborhood very well. It is brighter and airier with white paint and a lot of curtains and art. It has this big, beautiful patio. I don’t think there are a lot of steakhouses with a bustling bar and a patio.

What do you do for fun?

I’m a big fly fisherman. Every time I have a day off, I go fishing. n

STEAK & GRACE

470.657.5827 • steakandgrace.com

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

Flourless chocolate torte is a decadent way to end the meal at Terra Terroir.

Arnette’s Chop Shop shows its range in dishes from delicate pasta and fresh salads to hearty steaks.

Upper crust: Varasano’s margherita di bufala pizza is in a class by itself.

BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace, Sara Hanna

ARNETTE’S CHOP SHOP

Arnette’s will dazzle you with its no-expensespared interiors, cosmopolitan wine list and, of course, its meat. Chicago-sourced ribeyes, strips and tomahawk steaks are the main attraction supported by a top-notch cast of appetizers and sides, from decadent roasted marrow and wagyu beef tartare to classic wedge salad and Dauphinoise potatoes. (There are also oysters and caviar, if you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks.) Favorite items include the 50-day wet-aged cowboy ribeye; the bliss-inducing lobster spaghetti; and the shaved prime rib sandwich, a real scene-stealer. Don’t forget to ask about the members-only knife club.

Appetizers, salads and sandwiches: $9-$25 Shrimp, oysters and caviar: $13-$150 Hearth-roasted shellfish, fish and s teaks: $13-$140 • Desserts: $8-$12 arnetteschopshop.com

BONE GARDEN CANTINA

Beyond the colorful Día de Muertos dining room decor, the well-curated mezcal and tequila selections and the uber-friendly service, Bone Garden Cantina offers some of the most authentic Mexican cooking in Atlanta. Tastier guacamole and hot dipping queso you will not find, and we’ve tried! The tender-to-thebone Mexican pork ribs are meaty, miraculous bites of earthy richness, and the tomatillo-rich pozole verde soup is pure south-of-the-border goodness. Garlic-sautéed shrimp enchiladas and adobo steak quesadilla seasoned with guajillo chile are among many fine familiar classics. Smaller plates include exemplary tamales and tacos.

Appetizers: $2.50-$9.50 • Soups and salads: $4.50-$9 • Tamales, tacos and empanadas: $3.50-$5 • Mains: $7.50$12.75 • bonegardencantina.com

DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE

With its handmade pasta, terrific steaks and foundation of classic Italian dishes, the Atlanta outpost of Massachusetts-based chef-preneur Steve DiFillippo sets a higherthan-usual standard for a mall restaurant. Finefood lovers flock to Phipps Plaza for Davio’s delicious fried calamari, tagliatelle Bolognese and warm spinach salad like ravenous shoppers on the hunt for Louis Vuitton bags, Tiffany silver and Dior gowns. And they can do no better than the buttery medallion of impeccably grilled top sirloin, slathered with Gorgonzola and paired with wilted spinach and sea-salt-and-truffle-oil fries. No wonder the Davio’s menu is as tantalizing as the shoe department at Nordstrom.

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

FIA RESTAURANT

Many of the best meals are an escape, a getaway. Fortunately for Atlanta residents, it’s simple enough to find bites that both awaken our wanderlust and satisfy our desire for something beyond the ordinary. Case in point: Fia, the restaurant tucked inside The Burgess Hotel. A glance at the menu will tell you that, while you’ll likely be able to pick out influences—Greek, Indian, Thai, Italian—you can’t put this menu in a box. That fact makes it so much fun to order what you like and explore dishes such as tender-crisp charred octopus, shrimp saganaki, pan-seared potato gnocchi, whole grilled branzino and bone-in short rib served over spiced lentils and basmati rice. A meal here is like a global getaway close to home.

Appetizers, soups and salads: $8-19

Entrees: $24-$38 • From the grill: $28-$98

Sides: $13 • Desserts: $12-$15 • fiaatlanta.com

HAVEN RESTAURANT AND BAR

Haven is exactly that—a safe, inclusive place where your every gastronomic need is met. If weather permits, enjoy the serenity of patio dining while indulging your taste buds with crisp Gulf oysters, the Southern cheese board or Timmy’s wild Georgia shrimp. Or go inside and soak up the classy atmosphere while digging into seared Georges Bank scallops or spice-roasted Green Circle Farms chicken, and wrap things up with a warm chocolate brownie with artisan espresso sauce.

Small plates and salads: $6-$15

Entrees: $18-$38 • Steaks: starting at $51

Sides and desserts: $7 • havenrestaurant.com

KYMA

The name means “wave,” and making waves is exactly what executive chef Pano I. Karatassos has been doing at his family’s stellar Greek seafood restaurant since 2002.

From marides (tiny, “French fry”-size white fish) to Greek specimens grilled whole (try the barbounia or bronzino), Kyma excels at delivering the kind of simple, unadorned flavors you’ll encounter on a patio by the Aegean. Order a glass of Greek wine (there are many options) and a few classic meze for sharing (we like the dolmades, spanakopita, cuttlefish stuffed with lamb stew and the feta-zucchini fritters), and your meal will go just swimmingly.

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

PIG-N-CHIK

Co-owner Jim Graddy tells us he learned the art of the pit on his granddaddy’s pig farm in Manchester, Georgia. Graddy remembers cooking whole hogs all night long over hot coals, and when we tear into his pulled-pork

sandwich—a delicious pile of pink, smoketinged meat between two thick slabs of white bread—we believe him. Graddy has proudly transported his family’s traditions to his casual Southern ’cue counter. Man, is the food good. The fresh-tasting coleslaw (with just a little mayo) and excellent new potato salad are just the things to cut the richness of the succulent pork. Some other tasty go-withs are fried okra, long-cooked collards, mac and cheese and Brunswick stew. We’re sated. We’re sauce-splashed. We need a moist towelette and a nap.

Entrees: $8-$24 • pignchik.net

TWISTED SOUL COOKHOUSE & POURS

Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours on the westside ranks among Atlanta’s dining stars. The award-winning team that includes Chef/ Owner Deborah VanTrece and Executive Chef Robert Butts proves that even the most recognizable dishes can soar above expectations. The dining room sets a casual vibe, but the menu offers familiar and creative dishes that are expertly prepared and artfully presented. There’s something for most any palate. Signature cocktails showcase seasonal ingredients in innovative, well-balanced concoctions such as “Dream of Spring” and “Little Miss Staycation.” The best-selling Southern marinated fried chicken sticks around even when the menu changes every three months. Each piece of the half-chicken has crispy skin and juicy meat, and is cast iron pan-fried to sheer perfection. Hoisin oxtails rank as the second best-seller, for good reason. Tender braised meat falls off the bone, its savory umami touched with sweet Cantonese flair. Layers of flavor and contrasting textures combine for scrumptious results.

Small plates: $6-22 • Sandwiches: $15-20

Salads: $12-16 • Entrees: $24-42

Desserts: $12 • Cocktails: $14-17 twistedsoulatl.com

TERRA TERROIR

Escape the ordinary at Brookhaven’s awardwinning Terra Terroir. With its secret garden setting, service-oriented vibe, upscale fare plus full bar with an impressive wine list, this bistro is ready to surprise and impress. The eclectic lunch and dinner menus show American, European and Asian influences. Dishes boast layered flavors, surprising combinations and artful presentations. Gambas al Ajillo is a crowd-pleasing Spanish starter with shrimp in sizzling olive oil infused with garlic and red pepper. French Country Supper is a menu standout featuring fork-tender duck leg confit plus andouille sausage and white beans. Coconut Thai salmon with curry broth is spiced just right. A

hearty slow-braised Duroc pork shank arrives with creamy parmesan polenta. Grapefruit and pomegranate salad with mixed greens is a lighter option. Assorted charcuterie and cheese might accompany a wine tasting or stand alone as a hearty starter. Sweet temptations include flourless chocolate tart, sweet potato bread pudding, crème brûlée and sabayon.

Raw bites: $19-23 • Appetizers: $15-25

Salads: $15-26 • Mains: $19-49

Cocktails: $14-18 • terraterroir.com

VARASANO’S PIZZERIA

For over a decade, highest accolades have been lavished upon Varasano’s for its Neapolitan-style pizzas, and with good reason. Owner Jeff Varasano has made it his life’s work to bring Atlantans pies on par with (or even better than) pizza in Italy. Classics such as margherita di bufala and Nana’s showcase his mastery of the basics—slowcooked San Marzano tomato sauce, imported cheeses, herbs and his incomparable crust. Varasano’s also features a selection of antipasti (divine meatballs), simple salads and solid pastas of farfalle with shrimp in lemon cream sauce and penne alla vodka with chicken.

Antipasti: $5.95 - $14.95

Pastas: $16.95 - $18.95 • Pizza: $15.95$20.95 ($1.50 - $5.00 for additional toppings)

Desserts: $3.95 - $8.95 • varasanos.com

THE WHITE HOUSE

At this venerated breakfast nook, you’ll find Atlanta movers and shakers in ties and starched shirts huddled over omelets and pancakes. But regardless of a guest’s status, owner Demos Galaktiadis, who came to America from Greece in 1966, treats everyone the same. He has run this Peachtree Road institution for 45 of its 68 years, and over time, the food has evolved into a unique combination of home-style Southern and Greek standards. At lunch, you might have moussaka and collards or fried grouper and a Greek salad, finished off with a dish of banana pudding. But breakfast is king here. We recommend the Olympic omelet, stuffed with spinach, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and peppers and served with a side of tzatziki, or a breakfast sandwich laden with sausage, cheese and egg.

Breakfast: $6.40-$15.30 • Lunch: $6-$16.70 the-white-house.restaurants-world.com

Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

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