Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside
Dr. Debra Gray King | Dr. Charlie Cooper | Dr. Brett Reeve | Dr. Laura
Renowned Hollywood hitmaker Will Packer takes his storytelling genius from the big screen to the page with his highly anticipated New York Times Best Seller, Who Better Than You? - The Art of Healthy Arrogance and Dreaming Big. Known for producing box office sensations, Packer now offers an unfiltered, powerful glimpse into the hustle, heart, and high stakes behind his journey. Packed with sharp insights, behind-the-scenes drama, and real talk about success, leadership, and legacy, this book is more than a memoir—it’s a masterclass in building your dream from the ground up. Whether you’re an aspiring creative, entrepreneur, or simply a fan of stories that inspire, Will Packer’s latest work is a must-read.
“As someone who is always on the go my time is by far my most precious asset. Th e entire team at ACCD understands and values that and their client engagement and support is unmatched! They keep my smile effervescent!”
Justice | Dr. Jennifer Bisig
Photo Credit: Getty: Matt Winkelmever
HOUS T ON • DALLAS • A TLANT A
Photos:
19: Chelsea Lane Photography,
22: Jeff Herr Home, 54: Patrick Heagney 64: Madelynne Grace
STYLISH
34 FASHION
Bump It Up
One expert explains how to keep maternity wear from feeling frumpy
36 BEAUTY
Get A-Head
Next-level scalp and haircare at 5 Senses Head Spa
38 WELLNESS
Taking Care of Trauma
How to recognize and seek help for PTSD
40 TASTEMAKER
Merging Modalities
Gan Liu brings chiropractic, acupuncture and tai chi together
FAMILY
CULTURE
46 ON STAGE
Quite the Character
Actor Joseph C. Phillips’ passions go beyond the screen
48 LITERARY
Partners in Crime
Two local BFFs concoct a complex crime novel
50 TASTEMAKER
Grabbing the Reins
Raven Rankine’s Lady Saddlers Club brings women together through riding
51 EVENTS
Places to go and things to do
COVER STORY
54 In Full Bloom
DELICIOUS
64 REVIEW
Sense of Place
Escape the ordinary at Brookhaven’s Terra Terroir
68 DRINKS
Garden Party
Botanically based cocktails are just right for the season
FOODIE JOURNAL
Fusion of Flavors
Chico Cantina brings a blend of Mexican and American flavors to Brookhaven
TASTEMAKER
A New Way to Wine
The Perlant cofounder Christian Ries is changing how Atlantans experience wine
Featured Restaurants
A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead
BEHIND THE COVER
75 Charitable
It’s easy to get in the spirit of spring when surrounded by a proliferation of pastel-hued flowers at the Atlanta History Center’s Olguita’s Garden. Mother Nature smiled on our crew as we timed our shoot to peak bloom and were fortunate with perfect, sunny weather. Models Holly and Scarlett (a real life mom-and-daughter pair) donned gorgeous sundresses and frolicked in the garden while photographer Patrick Heagney adjusted as the late afternoon sun sank in the sky, casting a golden glow. Read more about this and other stunning public gardens around town on page 54.
Photographer: Patrick Heagney
Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Assistant: Nicole Letts
Hair and makeup: Nyssa Green
Models: Holly and Scarlett (courtesy Click Models of Atlanta)
Wardrobe: Holly: Hunter Bell Chelsea
Long-sleeved Sheer Maxi Dress ($645). Available at Tootsies.
Special thanks to the Atlanta History Center for hosting our team.
Editor's Letter
My husband sometimes jokes that I could kill a fake plant. He’s not wrong: I’ve managed to kill more supposedly easy-to-grow plants than I can count over the years. Fortunately for me, he has a green thumb, so our front yard is still a proliferation of flowers I get to enjoy without lifting a finger. Regardless where you fall on the gardening expert spectrum, you probably enjoy the beauty of an outdoor plot awash in blooms or covered in a carpet of verdant grass. If so, our “Garden Issue” is for you.
Here, you’ll find Lauren Finney Harden’s profile of landscape architect Lucinda Bray of Floralis Garden Design, Jill Becker’s deep-dive on what it takes to become a master gardener and how you can get involved locally, and Nicole Letts’ story on some of our area’s most spectacular public gardens, including the Atlanta History Center, where we shot our ethereal cover. I think you’ll feel, as I do, that these beautiful floral spaces almost make all of Atlanta’s pollen worth it.
The rest of this issue was so much fun for our team to write and edit. We know you’ll love these info-packed pages to discover Chelsie Butler’s story on dog-friendly patios; H.M. Cauley’s profile on Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, local authors of the new novel Happy Wife; Hope S. Philbrick’s dining feature on Brookhaven hidden gem Terra Terroir; and Karina Antenucci’s article on how to get little ones involved in coding. For this issue, I had the pleasure of visiting The Swag, a luxurious mountaintop resort in Western North Carolina with a loyal following. I can almost guarantee it’ll motivate you to make plans for your own getaway.
Our team of talented freelancers and Simply Buckhead staff hope you’ll enjoy paging through this colorful issue. And maybe, it will provide some inspiration to get out and explore the great outdoors in Buckhead and beyond this season.
Jennifer Bradley Franklin Senior Contributing Editor
Sara Hanna
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
Jill Becker
Chelsie Butler
H.M. Cauley
Carly Cooper
Lauren Finney Harden
Mickey Goodman
Angela Hansberger
Nicole Letts
Amy Meadows
Hope S. Philbrick
Ashton Pike
Claire Ruhlin
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Madelynne Grace
Patrick Heagney
Jeff Herr
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
Layal Akkad
Artist and designer Layal Akkad started working as a freelance graphic designer in 2016 and assists Simply Buckhead with advertisement designs. A graduate of the Savannah campus of SCAD, Akkad learned to appreciate all art mediums as a student and dabbles in the creation of her own works, from ceramics to oil paintings. Born in Ghana, West Africa, to a Ghanaian mother and a Lebanese father, she now resides in Atlanta with her husband, Paul, and two sons, Zayn and Layth. layalakkad.com
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.
Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.
Heaven on Earth Page 19
“This heavenly destination is only a short drive to the north.”
BY Nicole Letts
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Grace and Tyler Smith opened Wild Aster Books in down town Chamblee in late March. The shop on Chamblee Dunwoody Way blends a modern Victorian aesthetic with cozy reading spots for both children and adults. Grace, who has a background in film set decoration, created the space
INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE WELCOMES READERS TO CHAMBLEE
the whole place to be like the attic in Little Women with lots of whimsical elements,” she says.
Driven by a lifelong love of books
New Name for Chastain’s Amphitheater
Synovus Bank, the largest bank based in Georgia, has announced a significant partnership by securing the naming rights for one of Atlanta's cultural landmarks, the Chastain Park Amphitheater in Buckhead. The iconic outdoor venue has been a fixture in the city’s music scene since 1944. It became the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre in 2019 and now will be known as the Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park. "This naming rights partnership allows us to strengthen our community ties and highlight Synovus Bank as a
go-to financial services provider for banking, lending and investing," says Laura Seavers, director of geographic marketing for Synovus. "It signifies the start of creating memorable moments to deepen our relationship with the Buckhead community." This marks Synovus's inaugural concert venue naming rights agreement. chastainparkamp.com @synovusbankamp
Sandy Springs Receives Accessibility Designation
Sandy Springs has become the first location in Georgia to earn the "Destination Verified" status from
of the film industry where they both work, the Smiths decided to pursue their dream of opening Wild Aster, selecting Chamblee for its growth
Wheel the World, a global platform dedicated to accessible travel. This achievement highlights the city's commitment to providing inclusive tourism experiences for travelers with disabilities. "We are so proud to be the first (and currently only) city in Georgia with the ‘Destination Verified’ status. I truly hope others will follow suit as this isn't about being the only one, but rather raising awareness for what should be an industry norm,” says Visit Sandy Springs Executive Director Adam Berrios. Over the past year, numerous businesses, attractions and hotels in Sandy Springs have
The Smith family pose in front of their new Chamblee bookstore, Wild Aster. WILD ASTER wildasterbooks.com • @wildasterbooks
and sense of community. The Ohio transplants had lived in nearby Brookhaven before moving to their current home in East Atlanta. “We chose Chamblee because we know it's a strong community, and it’s booming,” she says.
Inspired by the couples’ film background and to help bring books to life, Wild Aster has a small stage for puppet shows, princess and character read-a-louds and other performances as well as pretend play costumes and toys. The card room, complete with Harry Potter-esque candles floating from the ceiling, has a writer’s desk filled with cardstock, pens and envelopes. A sign above reads, “Write a letter with the supplies in this desk. The sales counter will mail it for you.” Ultimately, the Smiths hope to create a go-to third spot for families. “I want [Wild Aster] to be the magical place you bring your kids where they can hang out, but you can also browse for books yourself,” Grace says. Even after a warm welcome from the community, she’s still acclimating to her new role as shop owner. “It still doesn't feel real to me. I walk in here every morning and think, ‘This is not happening.’ It's crazy!” Wild Aster is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. n
been evaluated for their accessibility features through a comprehensive third-party assessment conducted by Wheel the World. As a result, Sandy Springs listings are now featured on Wheel the World's website, making it easier for visitors with accessibility needs to identify and plan their trips. visitsandysprings.org @visitsandysprings
Southern Sensibilities with Italian Style Yeppa Studios, the team behind popular Atlanta restaurants Storico Fresco, Forza Storico and Yeppa & Co., has announced the opening of
Villa Yeppa. The luxurious retreat in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy is located within the grounds of the independently owned and operated Enio Ottaviani Winery and is available for rentals. It accommodates up to 14 guests in eight rooms and features a saltwater pool as well as both indoor and outdoor kitchens. Villa Yeppa offers flexible pricing based on the season and the type of stay, which range from self-catered to fully inclusive packages. Guests will also have a dedicated contact at the winery to help with bookings, transportation and other personalized services. villayeppa.com • @villayeppa
LOCAL SALUTE
Teen Sisters Pay it Forward
Walk supports rehab center
Filling a Gap
Providing moms with basic needs
As a new mom and social worker, Jamie Lackey was acutely aware of the lack of essential baby items and period products for her Atlanta clients and the drought of public assistance to provide them. “Mothers were having to wash and re-use disposable diapers or even use plastic grocery bags. One in four women and girls frequently lost a week of work or school because they lacked period products,” she says. “Caseworkers were spending time looking for resources instead of doing parenting education. Something needed to be done.”
To fill the need, in 2014 Lackey rallied a group of friends and launched Helping Mamas out of her garage. They spread the word and asked people to drop off baby and period supplies that were distributed to social workers. The organization grew rapidly, moved to a 9,000 square-foot building in Norcross and added two locations in Georgia and one in Knoxville. In March, the nonprofit kicked off its first Spring Community Diaper Drive with drop off locations at six Tacos & Tequilas restaurants, the
After radiation, chemo and multiple surgeries, there are many months of pain and hard work before women fully recover from breast cancer.
For Buckhead resident Stephanie Scalise who was diagnosed in 2015, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation in Sandy Springs supported her post-surgery journey physically, mentally and even financially.
In 2017 when she had fully recovered, her daughters, Samantha, Lauren and Emilie, wanted to do more than to just say “thank you” to TurningPoint. “It gave us back our bright, bubbly, energetic mother, and we wanted to help other survivors,” Emilie says.
Though only 17, 15 and 13 at the time, the girls planned Strides for Survivors, a 2.6 mile run around Chastain Park where Stephanie had walked every day during her recovery. The event also included a silent auction and raffle. Samantha
Helping Mamas warehouse and Pace Academy in Buckhead. Pace students and teachers have provided scores of volunteers, founded a Helping Mamas Club and hosted a drop-off center during drives. Last year Helping Mamas distributed 4.2 million items and served 118,000 individuals.
HELPING MAMAS helpingmamas.org • @helpingmamas
organized the event, Lauren handled social media and public relations, and Emilie did the artwork for the posters and T-shirts while their parents handled the business end.
The first year, they raised $6,220 for TurningPoint, and that amount has increased each year, even this year when inclement weather forced the January event to shift to a virtual walk and live auction on Facebook. It turned out to be their best year ever, raising a total of $21,000, bringing total contributions over the years to $113,000.
In addition, Emilie has written and illustrated a book named My Mommy Has Cancer but She’s Still My Mommy for kids under 10. The book is available on amazon.com
STRIDES FOR SURVIVORS stridesforsurvivors.org • @stridesforsurvivors
In 2005 when Dean Crowe learned that Lee and Nancy Olson’s 17-year old son William’s brain cancer had returned, she asked what she could do to help. The answer surprised her. “I want you to raise money for childhood cancer research and find the best research, wherever that might be,” Nancy Olson said.
Crowe lost no time and named it the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. To date, the Sandy Springs-based organization has raised $40 million and secured more than $223 million from the U.S. Department of Defense Congres sionally Directed Medical Research Program. Ninety-three cents of every dollar goes to support the mission.
Initial fundraising was slow until a group of interfaith moms from Wil liam’s baseball team created a prayer circle and inspired community help.
A young man rode his bicycle across America and raised $100,000. Mizu no Sports Equipment and The Lance Armstrong Livestrong Foundation, plus numerous community groups and schools joined in, and the first
gala raised $200,000. For her outstanding contributions to childhood cancer research, Crowe was named one of the Top 100 Women in Oncology by OncoDaily. She also received the Harvard Business School Club of Atlanta’s inaugural Social Impact Award that goes to a Georgia-based entrepreneur who has made a difference in the lives of others and whose organization has made a significant impact.
RALLY FOUNDATION rallyfoundation.org • @rallyfoundation
Jamie Lackey launched Helping Mamas to supply needed baby products.
Rally Foundation founder Dean Crowe named one of Top 100 Women in Oncology.
Emilie, Lauren and Samantha Scalise created Strides for Survivors tor raise funds for TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.
A T L A N T A
S O W N
Toddy Sunglasses (From $95)
Upgrade dad’s accessory game with these stylish specs from Warby Parker’s Buckhead Village outpost. Offered in four colorways, these durable, round frames are made for dads who aren’t exactly known for handling their sunglasses with care (hello, scratch-resistant, polycarbonate lenses). Plus, thanks to Warby Parker’s Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program, you can do good while helping dad look good.
Dad deserves more than a gift card to his favorite restaurant (again). Even if you wait until the last minute to snag a Father’s Day gift, Atlanta’s unparalleled shopping scene has you covered. Pick up one of these fool-proof finds that are guaranteed to make dad’s day—and make you the favorite child. STORY: Ashton Pike
Peter Millar Atlanta Braves Polo ($130)
In addition to scoring tickets behind home plate at Truist Park this summer, this Peter Millar polo from Buckhead’s own Miller Brothers Ltd. will be a hit with Braves-obsessed dads. With a performance material that boasts moisture-wicking magic and UPF 50+ sun protection, he’ll be looking his best during the seventh-inning stretch despite the Atlanta heat.
Miller Brothers Ltd. 404.233.8000 millerbrothers.com @millerbrothersltd
Kore Elevate Hat ($38)
For the outdoorsy dad, consider this mod hat from Vuori’s Buckhead Village shop. The six-panel cap features the brand’s lauded performance fabric, ensuring breathability, moisture-wicking comfort and a lightweight feel. Whether he’s teeing off on the back nine, casting a line at his favorite fishing spot or manning the grill for a weekend barbecue, this versatile hat keeps him cool (in more ways than one). Vuori Buckhead • 943.230.4636 vuoriclothing.com • @vuoriclothing
Leather Card Case ($150)
Handmade in Italy and available exclusively for Atlantans at Sid Mashburn on the Westside, this refined card case is crafted from ultra-pigmented, vegetable-tanned calfskin. On offer in three sophisticated hues—papaya, navy and dark brown—the pocket-size gift is essential for working dads who appreciate both style and practicality.
For the sneaker-head pops, a pair of kicks from locally owned Luxury Box ATL is a no-brainer. This hidden gem in the heart of Buckhead has it all, from classic brands like Nike, Jordan and Asics to designer selects a la Dior, Prada and Balenciaga. If your old man is just starting to level up his shoe collection, the Nike Dunk Low makes for a great starter gift, thanks to its neutral design that offers versatility in styling. Fair warning: All the compliments he’ll get will have him begging you for another pair next year! Luxury Box ATL• 470.470.2010 • luxuryboxatl.com • @luxboxatl
HEAVEN ON EARTH
The Swag allures with hospitality and natural beauty in every direction STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Legend has it that a man traveling in a far-flung place found a phone in nature with a sign offering a call to heaven for $10,000. Put off by the price tag, he kept traveling. In the Great Smoky Mountains, he saw another phone advertising the same call for 5 cents. He dialed, inquiring about why it was so inexpensive. The voice on the other end said, “It’s a local call.” As I discovered, the whimsical story holds plenty of truth.
My husband and I set out on a
scenic drive to The Swag, a 250-acre resort perched almost a mile above sea level on a mountain overlooking Waynesville, North Carolina, three hours from Buckhead. We announced ourselves at the gate and proceeded up switchback roads to the welcome center where a greeter took our car. “You won’t have to lift a finger now that you’re here; leave everything to us,” he said.
We settled into Annie’s Room, with a wood-burning fireplace, sitting area, porch, outdoor shower
and a bathroom with a steam sauna. The rustic-chic decor and cozy king bed made me want to stay put, but there was more to explore. We walked up to Roger’s Hideaway, a wooden platform on Gooseberry Knob, and listened to the soothing sounds of nature. From that overlook, thanks to crystal clear visibility, we could just make out the outline of Mount Mitchell in the distance. At more than 6,600 feet above sea level, it’s the highest peak in the eastern U.S. Horseback riding is always at the top of my list, so we booked a ride with an expert wrangler. From atop a gentle mare named Emily, I soaked in the serenity of the mountain laurel-lined trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and sweeping views from one of the nearby balds. We stopped for a gourmet lunch while the horses caught their breath.
After the six-hour ride, I was grateful for The Swag’s highly rated spa. The Still offers a nod to the area’s moonshining past and the joy of seeking peace and quiet. After a sublime 60-minute signature massage with invigorating aromatherapy and a session in the infrared sauna, I felt like a new person.
Under the leadership of Executive
Chef Jake Schmidt, food is a serious draw. Breakfasts include made-toorder omelets and Greek yogurt with vanilla-poached apples, plus barista-made coffee drinks and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Lunch is casual, with sandwiches, burgers and salads. Dinner is a gourmet treat: four courses with optional exquisitely paired wines. For me, the highlights were creamy burrata with Benton’s country ham, delicate black cod with sorrel beurre blanc and filet mignon with blue cheese potatoes and caramelized onion jus. The bar staff offers a wide selection of classic and signature cocktails and are happy to whip something up on the fly according to guests’ tastes. Each night, after a decadent, multi-course meal, we made a beeline for the plunge pool-sized hot tub. Steam rose off of the jetted water as it eased away lingering aches from the day’s activities while we soaked in the twilight views. As our trip wound to a close, I found myself recalling the legend. Now that I know this heavenly destination is only a short drive to the north, it’ll be on speed dial when I need another visit. n
Golden sunsets are a highlight at The Swag, a mountaintop resort in western North Carolina.
Dazzling Durango
This Colorado ski town is just as appealing sans snow STORY: Jill Becker
The rugged San Juan Mountains around Durango, Colorado, have long made it a popular destination whenever ski season rolls around. But I’m here to tell you there’s as much to see and do in the summer as in the winter.
For starters, the Animas River flows right through town, so you can whitewater raft and kayak in the middle of the city. It’s also excellent for trout fishing, particularly the 2-mile stretch designated as Gold Medal waters, an honor given to the top trout fishing spots in the state. One lovely June visit, my companions and I enjoyed the river by renting bikes and cruising the Animas River Trail that snakes alongside for 7 miles. We also rented a four-wheel UTV in nearby Bayfield, where our offroading adventure included a picnic on the side of Middle Mountain.
Equally exhilarating is a ride on the Inferno Mountain Coaster at Purgatory Resort, where riders control the speed of their cars down the track, whether it’s a slow scenic pace or the top speed of 25 mph. Purgatory Resort, or “Purg” as the locals call it, boasts more than 1,500 skiable acres, but come summer, it draws outdoor lovers for chairlift rides, zip lining, canoeing and pad-
dleboarding on Twilight Lake, and mountain biking on its 15-plus trails.
Given the local geography, scenic hikes abound. A popular one is the trek to the upper mesa at Chimney Rock National Monument, where you’re afforded 360-degree views of the San Juan National Forest. You can also explore the remains of Pueblo dwellings dating as far back as 1084.
One of the ways we chose to end a long day of exploring was with burgers and beers by the fire pit at The Nugget Mountain Bar, an old miner’s cabin turned watering hole, followed by a restorative soak at the Durango Hot Springs that features
32 mineral-infused springs ranging from 99 to 112 degrees. Best of all, the springs are open late and there's live music on select nights.
No trip to Durango is complete, though, without a ride aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Its steam- and dieselpowered locomotives have been transporting passengers between Durango and the old mining town of Silverton since 1882. You can take either a half- or full-day excursion; just be sure to bring along your camera to capture the breathtaking alpine vistas along the way. Another longtime area activity we enjoyed
was dinner and a show at the Bar D Chuckwagon, where we were serenaded by the melodic Bar D Wranglers as we savored a cowboy-style meal out under the stars.
Music is also part of the meal in the form of a ragtime pianist at the Diamond Belle Saloon, located in the historic Strater Hotel. This carefully preserved Victorian lodging makes a great home base for your stay, as does The Leland House, a family-owned boutique inn located in the city’s vibrant downtown.
Recommended sights we didn’t quite get to on our visit included Honeyville, a third-generation beekeeping and honey-bottling facility with its own on-site distillery, and the James Ranch Grill, a farm-to-table eatery with livestock and produce that come straight from its own land. Well, there’s always next time. n
DURANGO, COLORADO • durango.org
Note that many of the places and activities in the area have seasonal hours, so always check before you go.
Above: It's all aboard for amazing views on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Left: Riding the rapids on the Animas River is a highlight of a summer visit to Durango.
You can see all the way to New Mexico from the top of Chimney Rock National Monument.
After a long day of outdoor adventures, chill out with burgers and brews at The Nugget Mountain Bar.
Courtesy of Visit Durango/Hans Hollenbeck
New Beginnings
A COUPLE KICKS OFF THEIR MARRIAGE WITH A MEANINGFUL HOME RENOVATION
When fashion stylist Susan Cavagnaro and her real estate investment banker husband, Bill, purchased their Buckhead home in 2020, they planned to flip it. But Susan fell in love with the four-bedroom ranch, situated on three wooded acres. Soon the newlyweds decided the property would be where they would start enjoying their new chapter of life together.
They teamed up with architectural designer Lorraine Enwright of Intuitive Dwellings and Chris Donnelly of Brookside Custom Homes and were ready to renovate, but hit a big bump in the road early on. After demolition, complications with the COVID pandemic caused them to shut down the project for a year. “When we came back in, we had to do a lot of remediation, and it became a labor of love.”
STORY: Giannina S. Bedford
PHOTOS: Jeff Herr
A custom dress painting by Carylon Cooper, gifted to Susan from her husband on their first Christmas in the house, presides over the sunlit foyer.
The Cavagnaros’ main design goals were to create light-filled gathering spaces with easy flow for entertaining and long-term accessibility. They also wanted a strong visual connection with the outdoors. Enwright, who completed both the architectural and interior design for the home, says she used elemental textures, patterns, colors and materials in the interior to “emphasize connection to the earth, water, fire and air elements of nature.” Architecturally, she opened up vistas to bring more natural light into the home and offer
After several iterations, plaster beams were chosen for the living room to lend an airy atmosphere.
views to nature and sunsets on the property. She kept the footprint nearly the same but reworked the architecture by adding transoms and cedar timber detailing, and reconfigured the interior layouts, opening up rooms and raising the ceiling.
“We felt that the home had a wonderful vibe to it from the beginning, and it was situated so nicely at the end of the cul-de-sac. You could just feel its connection to nature,” Enwright says. “We wanted to maintain that connection, both inside and outside, while updating it.”
It was also important to Susan to incorporate family heirlooms. Enwright added several new interior pieces but also reimagined inherited items, from reupholstered wing chairs in the elegant dining room with peacock wallpaper and the four-poster bed in the Ralph Lauren-esque guest room (formerly a library) to a framed Hermès scarf that belonged to Susan’s mother in the primary bedroom.
“Almost everything in this home has some level of meaning to me,” Susan says.
Most of the rooms were also designed around an inspiring element. Bill gave Susan a special gift on their first Christmas: a bold Hermès scarf of a blue and black leopard reminiscent of her mother’s scarf collection. Susan wanted to use the gift as an artistic centerpiece in the primary bedroom, so Enwright helped proportion it in a frame and created a custom curved bed frame, upholstered in a blue chenille, that runs the length of the wall. The homeowners’ suite is also outfitted in ivory wallpaper and animal print carpeting, and nods to the couples’ 2024 “bucket list trip” to Kenya through framed photos and carved elephants.
“I brought lots of elephants in here. I say Bill is like my elephant because he loves family. He’s very loyal, very supportive,” Susan says.
In the homeowners’ bathroom, a Caribbean blue marble slab created a road map for a luxurious spa-like space with gray tones and a Visual Comfort chandelier that recalls palm fronds.
Enwright also worked with Susan to incorporate found pieces that spoke to her, from the leopard-themed hardware pulls and butterfly wallpaper in the primary
Lorraine Enwright (left) of Intuitive Dwellings worked with homeowners Bill and Susan Cavagnaro on the architectural and interior design.
“I want someone to walk into my home and feel warmth and an energetic connection.”— Susan Cavagnaro
bedroom to the horn hardware in the kitchen and another butterfly wallpaper in a powder room.
“We did a lot of shopping together early in the project and found key elements from marble slabs to special cabinet and door hardware. We found things that Susan fell in love with and said, ‘I have to have,’ so we started composing those elements into the design,” Enwright says.
In the previously dark and compressed foyer, new dormers and vaulted ceilings now flood the space with sunlight, highlighting a custom painting of a dress by Chattanooga artist Carylon Cooper. The entry also showcases wall art of ceramic butterflies composed in an upward flying pattern, something Susan visualized and Enwright delivered.
“There is a ladybug on one because that is how my mom shows up to me,” Susan says. “Lorraine is really tolerant. When I tell her I like something, she figures out how to include it.”
In the main living space, the open
kitchen is located in a new addition and the former kitchen was transformed into a scullery at the front of the home. The updated space features a striking Blue Roma marble backsplash that Susan and Enwright found on their first shopping trip together, French oak cabinetry and beveled plaster surrounds. An L-shaped island topped with durable Caesarstone features a trough that allows Susan to decorate for each season and bring nature inside whether it be with greenery or ornate floral arrangements. On the other side of the island, a breakfast table with a built-in bench offers an additional space for casual dining.
The kitchen overlooks the living room, which was renovated with plaster beams to “lend an airy Alys Beach vibe,” Enwright says, while arched, zero-entry doors offer
Done with peacock wallpaper and heirloom repurposed and reupholstered wing chairs, the dining room combines the new and old.
The kitchen is both a work of art and a functional space where Susan often brings in chefs to cook for dinner parties.
unobstructed access and views to the private outdoor patio, pool and fountains located at the back of the property. Warm cedar accents mixed with more modern parged brick and steel elements adorn the outdoor space where the covered porch with a vaulted ceiling extends the living room outward. The original back porch was transformed by Enwright
with custom timber detailing and limestone paving that gave Susan the timeless and dramatic gathering space that she wanted by the pool.
“I want someone to walk into my home and feel warmth and an energetic connection,” Susan says. “That is Lorraine’s platform, that everything should appeal to the senses and speak to the heart.”
Left: Most of the furnishings Susan brought from her previous home ended up in the Ralph Lauren-inspired guest suite.
Above: The reimagined back porch offers views of the pool and wooded property beyond.
Above: The shower's Caribbean blue marble slab, which set the tone for the primary bathroom design, was a favorite find during the designer and homeowner's first shopping trip.
After revamping every inch of the 4,200-square-foot home, Susan and Bill finally took up residence in December 2022. Susan says she wouldn’t change a single thing about her new abode and credits the pandemic with helping her improve the overall design by giving her time to think through how she lives day-to-day.
“This house makes me so happy. I feel very grateful and fortunate for the whole process. And Bill loved it, too, and had a lot of fun with it,” Susan says. “My mom always said, ‘It’s nice to have a place that you are sad to leave.’ I pinch myself every day that I’m lucky enough to have this home.” n
Lorraine Enwright and Susan Cavagnaro’s Top 3 Favorite Places to Shop for Home Decor in Atlanta
1. ENWRIGHT: ADAC is the Southeastern hub for all the latest interior design trends and innovative products, and it’s always one of our first stops when beginning any project.
2. CAVAGNARO: Westside Market brought me so much joy in this process. Once you walk through the door, you are blown away by the value and diversity of choices. Every time you buy something, you’re buying from an entrepreneur, which makes me happy.
3. ENWRIGHT: B.D. Jeffries has unique decor elements and is where we often find the perfect accent piece for a special interior.
Above: A framed Hermès scarf inspired the blue tones and animal print carpet in the primary bedroom.
Right: Butterflies were an important design theme in the Cavagnaros' home as seen by the wallpaper in the primary bedroom breakfast bar.
BULLETIN BOARD
BY Giannina S. Bedford
Powerful Partners
Nest Studio Collection and interior designer Laura Jenkins join forces
Two Atlanta design powerhouses, hardware company Nest Studio Collection and interior designer Laura Jenkins of Laura W. Jenkins Interiors, have partnered to create The Profile Series, a 10-piece hardware collection inspired by the Bauhaus and Memphis Modern styles. Featuring handles, knobs, pulls and mounts, this milestone collection, launched in April, is Nest Studio’s first designer collaboration. Here, Nest’s founder and creative director Jessica Davis and Jenkins share what makes the new collection unique.
How did The Profile Series collaboration come about?
JENKINS: The Profile Series started with the disc pull. Together we loved the simplicity and the bold statement that it made. [When I was] thinking of that disc for the launching point, I was reminded of the way the Bauhaus group would
use shapes in its work, and I loved the idea of this being the basis of the collection. I also loved the interplay of the slightly overscaled disc in contrast to the more minimal, small shapes for pulls.
How did you two initially connect?
DAVIS: Our paths first crossed at an ADAC event where [interior designer] Beata Heuman was speaking. We were discussing our shared admiration for her work, and it became a point of connection. We quickly realized how much we have in common creatively. We both design with an emphasis on craftsmanship, an eye for detail, playfulness and a passion for creating meaningful spaces.
Why do your two brands work well together?
DAVIS: I loved seeing Laura’s inspiration and sketches, and how she came to the collaboration with a
tailored presentation describing her designs, which I very much enjoyed and appreciated.
JENKINS: I loved learning about the process of making and selling hardware from Jess. I have long admired her work and business, and loved a peek behind the scenes on how it all gets made but also in how Nest Studio approaches sellability. After all, we are all running a business!
Tell us more about the look and feel of the hardware.
DAVIS: The collection is made from solid brass, which not only adds a sense of weight and durability but also highlights the artisanal process behind each design. Sand casting, known for its ability to create unique and intricate forms, lends itself to producing pieces that are linear and structured yet retain a subtle organic quality. We embraced the idea that the small imperfections resulting from the hand-casting process would add depth and authenticity to each
Find a reason to pop some bubbly and store it in this statement-making champagne stand by Varnish Collection. Constructed of wicker, it’s available in a variety of custom colors and comes with a stainless-steel bucket insert. Each piece of furniture by Varnish Collection is handmade by artisans using all natural materials. Available for $550 at varnishcollection.com
piece. The result is a collection that celebrates both precision and the artisanal touch.
JENKINS: In my work, I’m constantly using the term “perfectly imperfect” and we wanted to embrace that in this collection. I am also a big believer in the use of living finishes that add a level of authenticity and sense of history to products. We don’t want things to feel new forever but rather embrace the imperfections of age. n
LAURA W. JENKINS INTERIORS laurawjenkins.com • @laurawjenkinsinteriors
NEST STUDIO COLLECTION neststudiocollection.com • @neststudiohardware
DESIGN & REALTY NEWS
ADAC 2025 Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards
The winners of ADAC’s 2025 Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards were announced April 24. From 27 finalists across six states, three winners were selected by a panel of industry experts including VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley; Tim Barber, founder of Tim Barber Architects; and Young Huh, founder of Young Huh Interior Design. Atlanta’s Joel Kelly Design was honored in the Architect category; Atlanta’s Jillian Rooker and Amanda Dashwood of Rook and Dash in Contract Design; and Nashville’s Matt Donahoe of bureau interior architecture | design in Residential Design. The winners were announced at a gala at Flourish in Buckhead. adacatlanta.com • @adacatlanta
s
Atlanta's Rook and Dash won in the Contract Design category.
Kathryn Ann Waller
Ali Harper Photography
Interior designer Laura Jenkins and Jessica Davis, founder of Nest Studio, worked together to create The Profile Series hardware collection.
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This one-of-a-kind fish pays homage to the late Georgiabased artist Howard Finster. Measuring 5-by-13-by-4 inches, it is a mixed media piece featuring paint and marker on wood. It’s eye-catching atop a table or nestled in a bookcase and is one of a series of animal-inspired artworks at Brick + Mortar.
Nautical purists will enjoy the Triple Light Rope Sconce from Fisher Weisman. Made from steel and sisal, it features a three-arm candelabra wrapped in rope with flippy tassels for movement. The sconce is also available in black sisal or custom colors.
R Hughes r-hughes.com @therhugheslifestlye
On Deck
One of Pinterest’s biggest trends of 2025, the fisherman aesthetic, comes to life in home decor in myriad ways. Whether you lean hard into a more classical nautical look or switch it up with a contemporary and colorful twist, designers and artisans offer fun options to embrace the sea. Refresh your space for the warmer months with these stylish items. STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
Ichendorf Marine Garden Tumbler ($27)
Bring whimsy to any tabletop with Ichendorf’s Marine Garden series. Tumblers are available in several styles, such as a sea turtle, green fish and pink seaweed, and this green sardine (also available in amber). They are ideal to mix and match. Made to hold about 12 ounces, it’s the perfect vessel for a refreshing iced sweet tea or something harder such as a margarita.
Lucy’s Market lucysmarket.com • @lucysmarket
Naxos Mirror ($1,900)
Constructed in France, the Naxos mirror gets its inspiration from Greece. Asymmetrical in shape and made by hand in plaster, this convex mirror is a petite 14-by-14 inches. A trio of these shell-inspired looking glasses would be charming in an entryway or as part of a gallery grouping. Huff Harrington • huffharrington.com • @huffharrington
Victor Glemaud for Patterson Flynn Cocody Rug (price upon request) Haitian-American fashion designer Victor Glemaud brings his comfortable yet luxurious aesthetic to manufacturer Patterson Flynn’s Cocody rug. Undulating borders flow towards a graphic center, mimicking a hand-painted Portuguese floor. The made-to-order rug is fabricated from handspun silk and oxidized wool, and comes in blue and green or black and cream. Patterson Flynn • pattersonflynn.com • @pattersonflynn1943
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the bar, is a lounge area. I love that because it has an in-the-middle-ofthe-energy vibe. You can still get the same food offerings as at the tables, but to me it's a bit sexier. Alternatively, there's great seating and banquettes down the opposite end of the space, which feels a bit more formal.
For someone who knows your work, do you think it would be obvious that you're involved in this project? Our main focus at Archie Bolden is excellent customer service. That means the client has ended up with a design they love. We've heard what they want, understood the requirements, the budget, the functions, and we've delivered something that fits. It’s not our intention to make a mark on the space as ours. It has to be 100% their brand or their personality. That being said, there are definitely threads through our projects of the way we design. We aren't overly decorative, but we like to have little details here and there. If you follow our work, you would walk in and go, “Oh, Archie did this,” because it's got a similar energy, and it's not overdone.
Bold Style
Archie Bolden founder Tara Dennis is making
waves on Atlanta’s design
landscape STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Tara Dennis is the Australiaborn design powerhouse behind the new Middle Eastern eatery Delbar in Buckhead and a host of other homes and businesses around Atlanta. After designing interiors for clients Down Under, she moved to the Peach State nearly seven years ago and in short order developed a cadre of stateside clients. Here, she shares some of her favorite places for inspiration and top features of Delbar’s 6,000square-foot Buckhead location.
Is the Buckhead location the first Delbar you’ve done?
We started working with Fares Kargar, Delbar’s chef-owner, just after COVID, and at the time he just wanted some consulting. We assisted pretty heavily on the Alpharetta location. Fares loves design and architecture, and was insistent that he could do it himself. Towards the end of that project he texted me and said, “Never let me do it this way ever again. I need you guys fully on it from the beginning.”
from the Iman Park and Alpharetta locations. Buckhead is a sophisticated place. Across the road are the luxury fashion houses, and we’ve got RH next door. So naturally, it was an elevated design, and that meant things were more refined. You can see that in the decorative objects. We’ve got a big, curved entrance that sets the tone, and the bar is a really big focal point when you walk in. We've got built-in arches throughout. The patio was so much fun to design, with a fountain, chandeliers and plants everywhere.
If you’re heading to Delbar for a date night, what’s your favorite spot from a design perspective? There are two ways of looking at it. When you walk in, in front of
Where have you traveled recently that provided inspiration for your work? I am completely in love with Colombia. The people, culture and design are incredible. I love going to Bogota. It's surrounded by mountains that are right there in your face. You've got the cool, crisp air and this really natural, healthy environment. Surprisingly, the architecture is predominantly brick but contemporary. It reminds me so much of Melbourne, Australia, which is actually quite European.
You’re known for your signature personal style: monochromatic clothes and long, hot pink nails. How did that look come about?
I'm a total creature of habit, and I love the whole uniform idea. Most people make a million decisions in a day, so I like to reduce my decisions and keep doing something on repeat. On my nails, I've had the pink since 2016. It's called Brink of Pink by Wavegel. The longer I've spent in Atlanta, the longer the nails have gotten. I can't live without them. n ARCHIE BOLDEN • 404.769.6828 archiebolden.com • @archie.bolden
5 Senses Head Spa owner Nikki Do performs an expert scalp massage.
PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
When pregnant with her first son in 2018, Emilia George founder Elle Wang was horrified by the clothing options. “I was working in a corporate environment at the United Nations and had to wear formal clothing,” she explains. “I was miserable in those [maternity] fabrics.” While seven months pregnant, she decided, with no fashion training, to take matters into her own hands and design her own maternity dress.
In December 2019, she started her line, Emilia George, and opened a boutique in Tribeca in New York. In 2024, she opened a boutique at Buckhead Village District offering her designs, other maternity-friendly lines, kids' clothes and toys, accessories and baby care brands like Frida and Coterie diapers. The Emilia George line is also available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, and for rent through Nuuly for sizes petite through plus. Here, she explains how to look and feel your best while pregnant.
Put yourself first Wang says the best maternity clothing should be functional, stylish and well-made. “This will ensure that you get the most out of your wardrobe for pregnancy and long after, rather than buying clothes that only last a few months,” she says. While practicality matters, she argues it's equally important to ensure that you look and feel your best and most confident. Some women can get by with nonmaternity options, but she stresses that maternity-specific styles when done right, have a lot of thought put into them to make big differences in everyday comfort. “The adaptability of a maternity-specific piece is key,” she says.
Consider the pregnancy and postpartum periods
By looking for clothing that can satisfy all four trimesters and even beyond, you can get more cost per wear. Wang offers her clients longevity in her items through smart, functional details such as hidden zippers, panels and snaps. If they are discreet enough, women can continue to wear the items long after birth as regular clothing. “These functional
Bump It Up
One expert explains how to keep maternity wear from feeling frumpy
STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
details provide comfort and convenience without compromising style,” she says. “Plus, women shouldn’t have to get half-naked at work to breastfeed or pump.”
Prioritize silhouettes that work for you
While it’s obvious you’ll need a mid-section that can grow with your bump, Wang suggests finding silhouettes that you feel comfortable in regardless of what trimester you are in. Her line focuses on A-line shirt dresses and wrap dresses as she finds them the most versatile and the best long-term wardrobe investments. “A-line is always a good place to start, and shirt dresses with button-down fronts allow for easy nursing access while still offering a
structured and comfortable fit,” she says. Wang calls the wrap dress “the ultimate adaptable piece.” She says to look for adjustable ties that can accommodate a changing body.
Look for breathable fabrics
Fabric choice is crucial when it comes to comfort and the longevity of an item. Since skin sensitivity can increase during pregnancy, she suggests natural fibers, such as organic cotton and bamboo that are breathable and soft, whereas fabrics like polyester can trap heat and moisture. “This can be uncomfortable, especially during warmer months,” she says. While stretch might be tempting, the trade-off might not be worth it depending on the fabric makeup.
adapted her line to keep it just as chic as non-maternity brands. “These trends embrace body confidence and personal expression,” she says. “Accessories can also help you keep your identity.” n
Left: A versatile maternity dress by Emilia George.
Below: Emilia George founder Elle Wang
Fernanda
Calfat for Getty Images
GET A-HEAD
Next-level scalp and haircare at 5 Senses Head Spa
If you’ve spent any time on beauty-related social media channels, you’ve probably seen the viral head spas popping up everywhere, with their ethereal “water halos,” scalp massages and facials. Always wanting to know the story behind a trend, I discovered that head spas originated in Japan. The practices of scalp massage date back to ancient times, but they gained popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. I knew I had to try it for myself. Fortunately, I found 5 Senses Head Spa in Brookhaven, which opened in 2024.
Upon arrival, I changed into a strapless spa wrap and silky bathrobe before being led to the station for a 95-minute 5 Senses Ultimate treatment ($195). Though there are multiple spa stations in the long space, the dim lighting, curtains in between each treatment bed and the babbling of running water plus soft music makes each area feel private.
My therapist, spa founder and owner Nikki Do, got right to work, starting with aromatherapy to awaken my sense of smell. Then, in a dizzying sequence of soothing treatments, I experienced a facial with Eminence organic skincare, a gua sha pressure point massage and a Korean jelly mask designed to boost collagen and hydration. Do used a tuning fork around my head in an ancient technique purported to engage cellular renewal and ease pain and tension. She covered my eyes with a self-heating mask to help relax my orbital muscles, helpful after a morning of staring at the computer.
Next, she turned her attention to my scalp and performed a double cleanse with deep neck and scalp massage. Each was accompanied by the famed water halo, a rainbow-shaped sprinkler that delivered perfectly warm water in all directions. It was pure bliss. As good as the videos of the experience
look, the reality is better. When she used the water halo on my neck, it was chill-inducing—in a good way. Apparently, the human scalp has approximately 230 nerve endings in the dermis, plus nerve fibers that wrap around every hair follicle, and I can tell you that all of mine were thrilled with this attention. Do continued with a deep conditioning treatment, and while that moisturizing mask set in (accentuated by a steam contraption), she worked her magic further, massaging my neck, decolletage, arms and hands. After the final rinse, Do led me to the back room so she could blow dry my hair. While most head spas I’ve seen in Atlanta add an upcharge for this service (who wants to leave with wet hair?), it’s included at 5 Senses. The ledge in front of lighted mirrors is stocked with luxury products, such as Olaplex and Moroccan Oil, so clients can choose what works best for their hair’s texture
before having a blowout with a Dyson Supersonic dryer (purported to be healthier than the traditional variety). I sat there nibbling the Japanese black sesame biscuits offered, still in a haze of happy relaxation. For those looking to amplify their treatment, add-on options include LED red light therapy, hot stone massages for neck and shoulders, a hot oil head massage and more.
I left feeling deeply relaxed and a little delirious from the heavenly experience. Plus, my hair felt cleaner, healthier and softer than I can remember. As I thought about the five senses—touch, sight, hearing, smell and even taste—I realized that all of those were engaged during this delightful experience. n
5 SENSES • 404.999.5772
5sensespa.com • @5sensesheadspa
The Brookhaven location, inside Le Nail Salon, will be joined by a second location in Midtown later this year.
STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
The writer experiences the bliss of a jelly mask, water halo and scalp massage at 5 Senses Head Spa in Brookhaven.
Taking Care of Trauma
How to recognize and seek help for PTSD
Think of post-traumatic stress disorder as a group of psychological and physical symptoms that can occur after a stressful incident. Instead of getting filed away in your memory bank, the incident gets stuck, and your body is unable to let it go.
“If something is shocking and dangerous enough to a person, the trauma can become frozen or fossilized in their body. That’s where all of the symptoms come from,” says Pegah Moghaddam, a psychologist with Living Fully Psychological Ser vices in Buckhead who specializes in working with clients who have expe rienced trauma. For PTSD Awareness Month, Moghaddam explains more about this complex health issue and how to seek help for yourself or a loved one after trauma.
How Trauma Impacts Individuals
Not everyone will experience the same event as traumatic, and not all trauma becomes PTSD. Take a major car accident, for example. Some people might feel
PTSD because of a complicated childhood. When I see people for trauma, they’ve rarely just experienced one event,” Moghaddam says. She adds that those with mental
methods,” Moghaddam says. That includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a method that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the memory while
and a recommendation for a therapist in your community. n
Mario Arango
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.
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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!
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Why Wait? A basement transformation isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an opportunity to maximize your home’s potential and honor its legacy.
Merging Modalities
Gan Liu brings chiropractic, acupuncture and tai chi together
STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
As a third-generation Chinese medicine practitioner, Sandy Springs resident Gan Liu shares a passion for caring for others with his father, an acupuncturist. Liu moved to Minnesota from China when he was 13 for his father’s job at a local acupuncture school and was inspired by his dad’s work. Last year, Liu gained a doctorate degree from Life University Chiropractic College. He practices out of Duluth Chiropractic and Wellness Center, which is expanding its location and integrative health offerings this summer. With a goal of merging chiropractic care with acupuncture in his treatment of patients, Liu is now pursuing a certification in acupuncture from The Virginia University of Integrative Medicine. He also holds a master's degree
from Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
“Holistic care is a way to help more people. Combining chiropractic and acupuncture can help more people reach their wellness goals. When my father was working, I witnessed how he taught and the philosophy of holistic care was really imprinted on my mind,” Liu says.
Also an innate educator like his dad, Liu is actively involved in educating Chinese people and leaders about chiropractic. He has met with Chinese doctors about its benefits as a complementary therapy to traditional medicine and acupuncture, and maintains an informational blog about chiropractic advances. Additionally, he mentors Chinese chiropractic students who come to the U.S.
Here, Liu shares more about the
benefits of chiropractic and a top tip for your spine.
Who is a candidate for chiropractic?
Anyone can benefit from it. Most people think you have to have a condition first, back or neck pain being the most common ones, but regular checkups are good. We want to make sure the nervous system is working at 100%. Basically, your spine is protection for the central nervous system. Any place there’s a misalignment where it presses on the nerves means the nervous system is not functioning perfectly.
Why are you incorporating tai chi into your practice as well?
Combining tai chi and chiropractic care can be a beneficial approach to managing pain and improving overall musculoskeletal health. I learned tai
chi when I was young. It’s like Chinese yoga: You use different movements to practice finding inner peace. It helps with healing, strengthening muscles, reducing stress hormones, and it is very good for balance.
What should everyone be doing as a daily practice for their spine? The most popular problem is neck pain because of cell phone and computer use. The neck is supposed to have a C-shaped curve, but now many people’s necks look straight. I recommend doing neck exercises when you can. For instance, you can pull your neck backwards when stopped at a traffic light. Or take a towel and wrap it around the back of your neck and pull it forward. There’s also ergonomic lumbar support for sitting at a desk and sleeping pillows to help maintain posture naturally.
What’s your favorite wellness practice?
I drive to Helen to go fly-fishing or go on the Chattahoochee River. n
DECODING CODING
Tech-centric camps and lessons for kids
STORY: Karina Antenucci
Learning to code is learning a new language, one that enables humans to communicate with computers. These days, it is a valuable skill that can open doors in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields down the road. More than just geeking out on a computer, learning to code involves problem solving, attention to detail, creativity, teamwork and critical thinking. Plus, it’s fun. If your child loves playing games such as Minecraft and Roblox, building LEGOs or learning about robotics, an after-school coding class or camp might be a good fit to grow aptitude in that area. The following are a few places to go for in-person learning in Atlanta this summer and beyond.
THE CODER SCHOOL in Dunwoody
Part of more than 65 locations nationwide with four in the Atlanta area, The Coder School in Dunwoody is owned by a local husbandand-wife team and offers both after-school programs and camps. The Code Coaching after-school classes are highly individualized to your children’s skill sets, whether they are complete beginners or more advanced. It offers a 2-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio for focused attention. School-break and summer camp themes range from LEGO Masters Camp, where kids use coding kits such as Mindstorms and Boost to build and program their creations, to Beginners Scratch and Roblox Gamers Club that introduces campers to creating and playing games. thecoderschool.com/locations/dunwoody
LAVNER CAMP TECH
REVOLUTION in Sandy Springs
Held at The Mount Vernon School, this weekly STEM summer camp for children ages 6 to 14 will take place between June 2 and July 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Select from serious tech-skill-building themes including Computer Skills 101, Coding 101 with Scratch, Game Design 101 with GDevelop, Engineering and Coding LEGO Robots and much more. Between academy-style lessons are breaks for outdoor time, physical activity and socializing with peers on the school campus. Optional add-ons include a catered lunch and a 45-minute private lesson before or after camp. Lavner also provides more than 35 live, online summer tech and STEM camps as well as national gaming tournaments for kids. lavnercampsandprograms.com
DROBOTS COMPANY CAMP in Buckhead
Drobots brings its nationwide camp programs to the Atlanta area at The Westminster Schools this summer. Its topics include LEGO STEMbased junior engineering, drone, Minecraft, Roblox, 3D design, digital animation, coding, artificial intelligence and mixed reality. The grade levels vary depending on the topic. For instance, game development might be geared toward grades 3-5 and 6-8 while LEGO is for grades K-2. Topics also vary by week, but the typical camp schedule is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No matter which theme you choose, all the fun and exploration centers around real-world STEM applications. No prior experience is necessary to partake in the project-based learning. While coding camps tend to include time sitting in front of a computer screen, Drobots makes it a point to create a balance by incorporating plenty of physical activity breaks throughout the day. drobotscompany.com n
Lucky Dogs
Pup-friendly venues that go the extra mile STORY: Chelsie Butler
Atlanta offers a host of dog-welcoming locations, so you can bring your canine best friend almost everywhere you go these days. We singled out a few locations that offer a little something extra special—for both you and your pooch—on your dog’s day out.
CITY DOG MARKET
While shopping for healthy pet supplies, you can also give your pup a bath at one of the private DIY dog-washing stations at this Brookhaven business opened in 2008. City Dog Market is a strong advocate for animal rescue and adoption, and hosts annual fundraisers for
pain management,” says Renee Palmer, the market’s founder and CEO. citydogmarket.com • @citydogmarket
FIRE MAKER BREWING COMPANY
This Westside spot opened in 2020 with a park just next door where dog and beer lovers can enjoy a brew, hang out with friends and let their pups play. The 3,000-square-foot Mac’s Dog Park is a tribute to the CEO/owner’s former family dog, Mac. In fact, the entire Fire Maker Brewing Company campus is dog friendly, including the tap room, patios and beer garden. The brewery is involved in multiple pup-related events, including the PAWS Atlanta Rescue Brew Contest on Aug. 3, benefitting nonprofit PAWS Atlanta. firemakerbeer.com • @firemakerbeer
LAZY DOG RESTAURANT
This establishment offers a pupfriendly patio and a takeout menu just for dogs. CEO and Owner Chris Simms has dogs of his own and knew he wanted to include them as part of his small-town hospitality ideal.
“That includes being able to bring the pet members of your family to our restaurant,” says Justin Ross, general manager of Lazy Dog’s Dunwoody location that has been open for three years. “Some people have even brought their cats and birds.”
The restaurant also hosts pet adoptions, specialty beer promotions and “tap takeovers” that benefit animal shelters. lazydogrestaurants.com @lazydogrestaurants
PERK-N-POOCH
At this Sandy Springs venue, you can pamper your dog with a spa treatment while enjoying a cup of joe in the coffee shop. Services include do-it-yourself dog-washing stations as well as a variety of professional grooming packages.
the cause. Its Share the Love program also offers a free adoption kit to new pet parents within 30 days of adopting from a nonprofit shelter or rescue group. Last October, it also added dog chiropractic services.
“We are seeing terrific results with chiropractic adjustments for dogs dealing with mobility, joint issues or
The coffee shop has floor-toceiling windows, so you can see your dog getting that special touch while you wait. Plus, the bathing tubs are surrounded by 6-foot walls so dogs can’t see each other and potentially become overstimulated.
Owner Joe Guerrisi says most of their clients bring their dogs in after spending time at a boarding facility or for a clean up after a hike at a nearby walking trail. perk-n-pooch.com • @perknpooch n
Lazy Dog Restaurant in Dunwoody offers a poochfriendly patio and menu.
I WILL REMEMBER YOU
Planning a funeral service for your loved one STORY: Amy Meadows
Losing someone is never easy. Of course, when you are faced with planning a personalized funeral it can become even more difficult. That’s because, according to Kelly Lynch, vice president of Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, there are so many questions to answer and decisions to make. To help you be as ready as possible, Lynch offers the following advice for managing the planning process.
What kinds of decisions will I have to make as I begin planning?
Start by choosing a funeral home that has a good reputation and good reviews. You need to know that your loved one is in good care. You also need to choose the cemetery. You then have to decide if there will be a burial or a cremation, if the burial will be in the ground or above ground, if there will be a permanent placement for a cremation, the budget you have to work with, the type of service you want and more. This is where pre-planning can be very helpful because it allows your loved
many decisions to make. As to when the service will take place, certain religions may require a burial within a specific timeframe. Other families may have members who are flying in from other locations, which can delay things. Scheduling should fit your needs.
What can I do to make the service special and memorable?
and payments—before the funeral
a funeral take?
If your loved one has pre-planned, you can expect to spend about an hour with the funeral director signing the final permissions at the cemetery. If there is no plan, it can take an entire day, and maybe a second day, because there are so
There are many custom touches you can incorporate into a funeral service, from special music and flowers to entire themes. It’s possible to center the service around your loved one’s favorite hobby or maybe a color scheme. You can bring in keepsakes from their life well lived. There are many ways to ensure that the service matches their personality.
How much should I expect to spend?
For a simple cremation with no permanent placement, you’ll be well under $10,000. From there, price points will go up based on whether there is a full viewing and visitation, if you have a traditional funeral and if there is permanent placement
either in the ground or above ground at the cemetery. Just remember that when a death occurs, all payments are due in full before the service takes place. That includes the funeral director’s services, transportation and everything associated with the cemetery. If you are hoping to access your loved one’s funds to help, you cannot spend their money once they have passed. Social Security will freeze those funds. So there is a lot to consider financially.
How do I move through the planning process while grieving?
You can’t prepare yourself for the kind of emotional brain fog you experience when trying to make sure you’re respecting your loved one. Rely on your funeral director to be your advisor and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Crying is OK. Yelling is OK. Not being able to make a decision is OK. Rely on the team that has been trained to hold your hand through the process. n
CULTURE
Partners in Crime Page 48
“I love great ideas and working with people I love. We were both very motivated.” — Meredith Lavender
Kendall Shores (left) and friend Meredith Lavender teamed up to pen a compelling murder mystery.
PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
Festival of Trees was my first holiday movie,” says Joseph C. Phillips. That’s surprising to hear from an actor with more than 50 film and TV credits to his name, including perhaps his most famous role as Bill Cosby’s son-inlaw on “The Cosby Show,” once the No. 1 program in the country for five straight seasons. Festival of Trees, which was filmed in Atlanta and released last November, happily allowed Phillips to cross holiday movie off his career bucket list.
The 63-year-old says that as an actor, you have to do it all, which he has, be it commercials, voiceovers, stage plays or sitcoms.
His first job, back in 1985, was on a soap opera called “Search for Tomorrow,” and his longest recurring role was on another soap, “General Hospital,” from 1994 to 2004. You might also recognize Phillips from episodes of shows like “NCIS,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Martin” and “The Larry Sanders Show.” He’s also appeared in movies such as Strictly Business with Halle Berry and on stage in productions such as A Raisin in the Sun opposite Danny Glover.
Phillips moved from Los Angeles to Buckhead three years ago to take on his newest role, that of assistant professor at Clark Atlanta University, where he teaches classes in subjects like acting, theater appreciation and play production. He recently led his students in a hip-hop version of Sophocles’ classic tragedy Antigone, complete with original music and choreography.
“I felt the students might struggle with the material and find it tedious, but it went very well, and the students love the production now,” Phillips says, which is a good thing given he turned down a potential acting gig for the production. Two weeks into rehearsals, Phillips got a call from his manager about a Netflix show that meant he’d have to leave for the month of February. “They asked if someone else could direct the play in my absence,” Phillips says, “but I’d gotten the kids excited about the play, and I felt that if I left to put money in my pocket, I’d lose their trust and respect.”
Originally from Colorado, Phillips has fully embraced his new home in Georgia. “One of the main things I
QUITE THE CHARACTER
Actor Joseph C. Phillips’ passions go beyond the screen STORY: Jill Becker
wanted to do when I moved to Atlanta is explore the food scene,” he says. Some of the places he’s tried are Buckhead favorites such as Hal’s, Chops and Bartaco. He also joined the Georgia Barbecue Associa-
tion and became a certified judge. Phillips went to culinary school at one point and had a restaurant in Los Angeles called Daddy J’s, which served 11 flavors of wings and had many celebrity customers. “We did
lots of things right, but the business side of it hurt us,” says Phillips of having to close after two years.
Early on, Phillips also pursued being a lawyer and was accepted to Rutgers University law school, but then came the offer to star on “General Hospital.” Phillips added published author to his list of achievements after penning his 2006 autobiography, He Talk Like a White Boy, along with essays in outlets like Newsweek and USA Today. He’s also done commentary on BET, NPR, Court TV and other media. If one thing is evident from his long and varied resume, it’s that Phillips was clearly born to play multiple roles. n
Justin Jordan
Partners in Crime
Two local BFFs concoct a complex crime novel STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
Besties have been known to swap clothes, recipes, travel tips and child-rearing insights. Brookhaven’s Kendall Shores and Buckhead’s Meredith Lavender have gone well beyond the basics and ventured into designing the perfect murder.
It’s all in good literary fun that resulted in the pair’s co-written novel, Happy Wife. It grew out of their friendship, forged three years ago when their kids became best pals, and from Shores’ turning 40.
“I knew Meredith had worked on a lot of TV shows I admired and enjoyed, and I always had jobs that involved writing,” Shores says. “But that milestone of turning 40 made me realize I still hadn’t found a way to be creative.”
Shores’ career included grant
writing and communications consulting for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Mailchimp until October 2023. Lavender spent 25 years in Hollywood writing TV scripts for shows produced by major studios including ABC, USA Network and HBO’s Max. At the start of COVID, she and her Canadian-born husband decided to make a major life change and move to Atlanta, where they bought a house sight-unseen.
“I’d been coming to Georgia to go to Sea Island since I was a kid,” says Lavender, who was raised in Illinois.
“And I knew about film and TV productions here. I never shot shows in LA, but I have in Atlanta.”
Lavender continues to work in the industry, so she’s used to hearing idea pitches.
“Some are great, and some are not, but when Kendall pitched her idea for a book, I got excited,” Lavender says.
During one of their regular walks around Chastain Park, Shores tossed out the rough storyline set in her hometown of Winter Park, Florida, about a younger second wife living in an exclusive enclave when her high-powered, middle- aged attorney husband goes missing after a big bash. The story takes off as the wife has to prove she had nothing to do with the disappearance and possible murder.
“I love great ideas and working with people I love,” Lavender says. “We were both very motivated. In June 2023, she sent me an outline for chapters and characters. We walked again two weeks later and
decided to do it. We had a full draft by Labor Day. The writers were on strike at the time, and when you have a great idea and a lot of time, you can get a lot done.”
Lavender sent a copy to her TV agent who passed it on to a literary agent who read it at Thanksgiving. By January, the book was sold to Penguin Random House. It hits online and store shelves this month and is a first novel for both authors. And both agree it couldn’t have happened without their friendship and wanting to have fun.
“It was a departure from my corporate world of work and Meredith’s being on strike,” Shores says. “We wrote it to be read like you’re hanging out with a friend.” n meredithandkendall.com @meredithandkendalll
Kendall Shores (left) and Meredith Lavender came up with a murder mystery while walking around Chastain Park.
Iwas like, let’s just put this out into the ether and see what happens.” That’s Buckhead res ident Raven Rankine talking about her September 2024 Instagram post announcing the launch of the Lady Saddlers Club. The equestrian group for professional career women aims to instill confidence, leadership and well-being, and promote sister hood through the “transformative power of equestrianism.” Rankine, 31, had just moved to Atlanta from Boston and was looking for ways to meet people when the idea for the club came to her. Here, she talks more about her inspiration for Lady Saddlers Club and how it’s quickly becoming a second job.
Tell us more about how Lady Saddlers Club came about. I was looking for different clubs in town to join. Atlanta has all these different types of clubs—golf, pickleball, anything you can think of. But I was like, I don’t think I could play golf every weekend. I do really enjoy horseback riding, though, and all the things related to the indus try, like polo matches, derbies and rodeos. So I started looking into local riding clubs. The ones here were a little too male-dominated and rugged, like not my vibe, so I launched the Instagram page for my own club, and soon there was a wave of ladies saying, “OMG, I’ve been waiting for something like this.”
Is the club open to riders of all skill levels?
Yes. I was very much a beginner when I started the club. I now con sider myself an intermediate rider. I go once a week and find it’s improved my mental health. Riding is a great way to connect with nature and disconnect from everything else. You can’t be on your phone when you’re riding.
How much does it cost to be a member and do you need to have a horse to participate? We have three core membership tiers [ranging from $50 to $300 a month] that reflect the different ways women want to engage with the club. Horses are provided through our incredible network of ranch partners and vetted vendors.
Grabbing the Reins
Raven Rankine’s Lady Saddlers Club brings women together through riding STORY: Jill Becker
The equine industry is very expensive. Through the club, we’re able to make riding lessons and events more accessible through group rates and strategic partnerships. Also, the social component: It’s a networking game changer.
Where does the group typically ride?
The group riding lessons take place at Ellenwood Equestrian Center. We also host group trail rides across
The rides are paired with activities like wine tastings, picnic lunches and learning sessions.
What was the reasoning behind making the club females-only? This way I can do a lot more focused programming and marketing. Also, you get to dress up at a lot of the club outings [like a recent trip to Baltimore for the Preakness Stakes], so I knew they’d love the glam of it.
How many members does the club have?
The Atlanta club has 50 members. In January, I launched a D.C. chapter that has 25 members. I’m looking to expand to South Florida by the end of the year, then Texas, the Carolinas and other major horseback-riding hubs.
You’re doing all this while still working your full-time job as the senior director of client experience at The Nebo Company, correct? Yes. It all escalated super-fast. The ladies are demanding it. n LADY SADDLERS CLUB ladysaddlers.com • @ladysaddlersclub
EVENTS BY Nicole Letts
NOW SHOWING
THE SPRINGS CINEMA OFFERS AFFORDABLE SUMMER FUN
When Brandt Gully purchased Lefont Sandy Springs in 2017, he was a finance guy looking for a place to reinvest in his community. The movie theater, once owed by George Lefont, the Atlanta independent theater entrepreneur behind the Plaza Theatre and the Screening Room, seemed like a perfect project.
Gully renamed the theater The Springs Cinema and Taphouse, and completed a top to bottom renovation. With eight screening rooms and a restaurant and bar, it reopened in 2019. “He would tell you that it's his way of creating a space where families can gather and have great memories and obviously watch great movies,” says Sara Dickens, the guest experience director for the movie theater.
The theater has hosted several events since its inception. Opening just shy of the 2020 COVID pandemic shutdowns, the owners pivoted to drive-in movies in the parking lot, showing around 300 screenings under the stars. The Springs offers events year-round, but the Kids Summer Movie Club is a highlight.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. throughout June and July, the theater presents kid-friendly movies. Instead of charging a ticket price, the theater asks for a donation that supports Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “We partner with them because Gully’s own daughter, Peyton, battled childhood cancer as a high school student. Today, she is in remission and is a cancer nurse,” Dickens says. “We've got great movies, and I think we’re the most elite movie theater in Atlanta and the surrounding area,
but more so, this is a way for our community to invest in a really incredible cause.” In 2024, The Springs raised $1,600 and Dickens hopes to surpass that amount in 2025.
This summer’s movie line-up kicked off May 30 with Bad Guys and includes other popular titles such as Trolls World Tour and The Croods. Dickens is excited to welcome the community. “We’re a little bit of a hidden gem. It's a great location. There's easy parking. But more than that, having a community that loves what we have to offer and loves being a part of what we do matters a lot to us,” Dickens says. n
The
and
has eight screens as well as a restaurant.
Springs Cinema
Taphouse
Give a donation to CHOA and get admission to The Springs' kid-friendly movies this summer.
EVENTS BY Nicole Letts
Authors and Art
Victoria
Christopher Murray at Buckhead Art & Co.
Each month, gallery owner Karimah McFarlane welcomes a Black author to Buckhead Art & Co. Guests are invited to participate in interactive Q&A sessions and book signings, and to shop exclusive merchandise such as art prints and event memorabilia.
On June 20, the gallery will host Victoria Christopher Murray who has more than 30 novels to her credit. The celebrated New York Times and USA Today bestselling author is known for her collaboration with Marie Benedict to create bestsellers The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies The evening will also celebrate Murray’s latest novel, Harlem Rhapsody, published in February.
After the main discussion, guests are invited to stay for the Author Talks Afterglow, a ticketed VIP experience. Tickets for the VIP event are $40. n
BUZZ
SANDY SPRINGS FRIDAY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
June 13
sandyspringsga.gov
@cityofsandysprings
September in the Park, a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago, will perform at this month’s Friday summer concert on the City Green in Sandy Springs. Enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars, complete with food trucks and pop-up bars.
WHISKEY WASHBACK
June 13
whiskeywashback.com
@whiskeywashback
Have your own night at the museum at Atlanta History Center's History on the Rocks. Held within The Lloyd and Mary Ann Whitaker Cyclorama Building, the July 2 event aims to engage young professionals with the city's rich past while giving them an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers. Attendees experience the immersive 360-degree painting of the Battle of Atlanta through interactive games and activities while sipping on cocktails. “We want to bring that branch of history down closer to people to make it some thing that feels approachable and fun, not like a [dated high school] AP class,” says Chief Content Officer Pola Chang non. From 7 to 10 p.m., guests can explore the Cyclorama and other exhibits. Tickets include access to the exhibits and one themed cocktail, and are $20 for non-members, $15 for members and $25 for walk-ups. The program also
includes a screening of the 12-minute theatrical presentation that contextualizes the Cyclorama's history. n
This tasting event at The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel showcases over 100 whiskey varieties, including bourbon, rye and scotch. With a $105 general admission ticket, attendees will enjoy unique cocktails and savory culinary bites like barbecue and oysters.
PETITE VIOLETTE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
June 20 & 21
petitevioletterestaurant.com @petiteviolette74
Immerse yourself in an evening of intrigue, laughter and French cuisine. Professional actors and the audience create a unique, ever-changing experience during this dinner in the restaurant’s Bordeaux Room. Tickets are $75, and shows are geared towards those ages 10 and up.
DUNWOODY FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
July 4
discoverdunwoody.com
@discoverdunwoody
Celebrate Independence Day amidst a sea of red, white and blue at Dunwoody's 2025 Fourth of July parade. This annual event showcases festive floats, marching bands, vintage cars and more.
Retired Dunwoody High School
Athletic Director Mike Nash serves as the Grand Marshall of this popular community event.
Guests rub elbows with authors at Buckhead Art & Co.
Mingle with fellow history buffs during happy hour at the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead.
In Full
Bloom
REDISCOVER THE JOY OF PLAYING IN THE DIRT
It’s impossible to deny the allure of a beautiful garden. From wild and chaotic to those that are trim and manicured, their flowers, grass, trees and pollinators charm us at every turn. Fortunately, Atlanta is blessed with a flower-loving climate and plenty of places to experience gardens. If you need a bit of inspiration, this feature has you covered. From an interview with a landscape architect and profiles of stunning home grounds to tips on getting children interested in planting and places to enjoy professionally landscaped spaces, consider this your garden primer.
PHOTO: Patrick Heagney
ESTATELY GARDENS
THREE SWOON-WORTHY HOME GARDENS TO INSPIRE YOU STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
EUROPEAN-STYLE ENTERTAINING
AN ELEGANT OASIS IN THE MIDDLE OF BUCKHEAD
AFrench-inspired estate on Habersham Road is high on a ridgeline, overlooking lush landscaping. Passersby would never know it’s a new build by the looks of it, thanks to the architecture of Pak Heydt & Associates and clever landscape architecture by John Howard of Howard Design Studio.
“The clients wanted a resort-type feel in the back, so that was the driving force,” says Howard. Working with that directive and in tandem with the sophistication of the house, Howard created an oasis. Done on a symmetrical axial layout, the hardscape begins with a series of French doors that open onto a tidy terrace
the homeowners use for entertaining. Next in line is an oversized spa that signals the beginning of the pool area. Details such as cascading steps and built-in benches make the pool functional yet understated. At the deep end of the pool is the poolhouse, designed to complement the main structure as an outdoor com-
mand center. In front of it, aligned with the spa opposite, is a fire pit.
“We designed the fire element so that it could be a fire pit in the off-season, but in the summer months, there is a custom cushion made for it to become a sunning platform,” he says.
Vibrant and full of classic whites and greens, the greenery includes
Landscape architect John Howard designed a firepit that transforms into a sunning platform in the warmer months.
Photos: Emily Followill
formal hedges, topiaries, vines and trees. A parterre garden serves as a transitional space off the side of the home that leads to the motor court. Romantic Boston ivy and climbing hydrangeas wrap the pavilion leading to the garden, where boxwoods and an arch featuring Madison jasmine steal the show. Two lines of wax leaf Ligustrum trees enclose the
pool area and create the feeling of an outdoor room. It’s a crisp and high-contrast modern take on established concepts, proving that European influence can marry with a resort-like feel without sacrificing natural beauty. n
HOWARD DESIGN STUDIO
404.876.7051
howarddesignstudio.com @howarddesignstudio
AN ENCHANTING FOREST
Fieldstone homes are not often seen in Atlanta. “I think only two or three exist in the entire city,” says Jack Huber, owner of one such home built with natural stones in Brookhaven. Like something out of an English fairy tale, the house was something he and his wife couldn’t pass up when it was shown to them in the late ’60s. The home was built in 1935. “It was badly overgrown,” says Huber, explaining that there wasn’t someone to care for it properly. While the front yard had been designed by celebrated landscape architect and Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Edith Henderson, the back was mostly wild. “There was a stable and a few plants scattered around, but nothing planned,” he says. Huber and his wife, then in their 20s, decided to buy the house and become stewards of the land, which clocks in at over an acre.
Over the decades, the home’s outdoor area has undergone a transformation Henderson would be proud of. The couple built on what Henderson started and became avid landscape gardeners in the process. Using a few ideas from legendary master gardener Ryan Gainey, they kept most of the existing footprint save for a patio space on the side of the house that they turned into a screened porch, one of Huber’s
A UNIQUE BROOKHAVEN ABODE AND GARDEN
favorite areas on the property.
Working with the land, Huber carved out a naturalistic, freeform and organic-feeling backyard with soft, flowing lines and plenty of circular pea gravel pathways. It nods to Asian cultures, particularly through moss edging, stone elements, koi ponds and Asia-native plants such as bamboo and Japanese maples. Fountains and sculptures by Andrew Crawford, well-known for his work at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, bring a sense of tranquility to the area. While the stable is long gone, a functional garden house stands, with a stone facade made to match the main house.
“We kept developing, adding and embellishing,” Huber says. In 2000, they were invited to feature their home on the Atlanta Botanical Garden tour and did so for the following three years. Some of Henderson’s legacy still grows on the property, such as monkey puzzle trees and Japanese maples. While the couple is selling, Huber has no regrets about passing over the property that he devoted so many decades to. “This house created a lifestyle of activity for us,” he says. n
A mix of lush Boston ivy, boxwoods and Madison jasmine fill in a transitional space.
Courtesy of HOME Georgia/Cathy Boston
An English-style fieldstone house in Brookhaven has a lush yard that nods to Asian influences.
RADIANT RIVER LIVING
AN ESTATE CREATIVELY USES ITS PROXIMITY TO THE TENNESSEE RIVER
Landscape architect Stephen W. Hackney began work in 2021 on a beautiful renovation in Knoxville on the banks of the Tennessee River. He partnered with Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon of D. Stanley Dixon Architects and interior designer
Beth Webb of Beth Webb Interiors. Hackney, who has offices in Knoxville and Buckhead, had to start mostly from scratch, reimagining the property for his client’s lifestyle and giving it the polish it deserved.
One big hurdle was the Tennessee
Highlighting views of the Tennessee River was a priority for the owners of this jaw-dropping Knoxville property.
the river when necessary and juxtaposed when appropriate,” he says.
The property has a mix of traditional English and transitional elements, exuding what he refers to as a “casual elegance.” Hackney always starts his plans with a strong foundation of evergreens “so that the landscape is strong 365 days a year,” he says. Then he layered with seasonal hints of white, broad and fine planting textures, along with glossy and matte leaf, as evidenced by the property’s sweetbay magnolias, boxwoods, hydrangeas, roses, ferns, lamb’s ear and mondo grass, to name a few. Hardscape materials followed the same layered and textural philosophy with stone and flatwork materials like Indiana limestone, Pennsylvania bluestone and tumbled granite. The project won an Institute of Classical Art & Architecture 2024 Philip Trammell Shutze Award, presented in Atlanta, for estate landscape design.
River. While the body of water made for sweeping vistas, it had inherently tricky topographic conditions that needed to be considered, such as setbacks and height restrictions. “We transformed these constraints into opportunities,” Hackney says. For example, he used the grade of the land to define outdoor rooms perfect for entertaining. “We also made the landscape subordinate to
Landscape architect Stephen W. Hackney used the grade of the land to create outdoor "rooms."
The project also changed his life. “It turned out to be extraordinary,” Hackney says. “The client became my wife.” He and his new bride Patricia Bible moved into the home in 2022. It’s been what Hackney calls a uniquely gratifying experience to see the project evolve. “Often, landscape architects only experience their design projects occasionally or hear how they function. Seeing this project lived in and loved has brought an entirely new perspective to my professional practice,” he says. n
STEPHEN W. HACKNEY LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE • 404.905.8583
stephenwhackney.com • @stephen_w_hackney
Ashleigh Byrne, a Brookhaven-based gardening consultant, has parlayed her first-hand experience gardening with her family into a flourishing business. The former teacher grew up gardening with her father and grandfather, and made the pastime a focus of the blog Whisk Grow Home that she founded in 2019. Once the pandemic hit and people were spending more time at home, she received overwhelming requests for advice on how to get started. In 2024, Byrne pivoted to exclusively sharing family-friendly tips via social media and her blog, as well as in-person and via virtual consultations to help families design, create and manage kitchen gardens.
“It’s cliche, but being outside together does bring families closer. It’s a way to connect, to lower anxiety or stress and for families to take ownership of the things they plant,” she says. Here are her tips for getting your family involved.
Set realistic expectations Byrne says it's important to get clear on what the family can manage. “Is it just one raised bed to grow herbs, or do you think you have the time to do flowers or cucumbers?” she asks. “You need to be realistic about what your lifestyle is like. Even I, who love to grow things and would be out there all the time if I could, only get 20 minutes some days.”
While it might be tempting to dive in head-first and really commit, she says to keep it manageable at first. “It doesn’t have to be fancy. A few decent-sized terracotta pots or a large patch of dirt with some good soil mixed in will do the trick. A raised bed is wonderful, but space or budget shouldn’t keep you from starting a garden with your family,” she says.
Offer age-appropriate tasks Even toddlers can get involved. Byrne suggests buying them kid-sized tools to foster fine motor skills and get them used to the dirt. “Gardening makes them feel powerful and independent,” she says. Don’t be overbearing and controlling with tasks at this age. Try a sensory garden with herbs, velvety Lamb’s ears and plants they can prune with child-safe clippers.
Elementary-aged children can get more involved in the planning and maintenance. Byrne has schoolaged children and a bed dedicated
to them where they get to make the decisions. “My son loves snap peas, so we grow them,” she says. Focus on concepts like the science of plants and the math and reasoning behind measuring and spacing.
Pre-teens and teens can lose interest in gardening, and it can be tough to get them to devote time to helping with tasks in the yard. Byrne says to focus on quality time instead.
DIG IN
One expert offers tips to encourage the whole family to play in the dirt STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
Any time spent together outdoors is a win. “Being outside can be a great stress reliever for this age,” she says.
Foster their interest outside the garden
It doesn’t all have to be hands-on work in the dirt. Instead, keep books about gardening on hand for family members of all ages to explore. Byrne suggests A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna
Huts Aston and Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert for preschoolers. She recommends Gardening for Everyone by Julia Watkins and Vegetable Gardening for Beginners by Jill McSheehy for older children. She also suggests taking them to the nursery to pick out plants and research them. “Whatever your child is into, lean into that,” she says. n ashleighbyrne.com • @ashleighbyrne
THE LAY OF THE LAND
Landscape architect Lucinda Bray shares her passion for her field
STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
Lucinda Bray, landscape architect and LEED Accredited Professional, grew up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania. “I’ve always been outdoorsy and very into plants and playing in the dirt,” she says. After majoring in landscape architecture and landscape construction and graduating from Penn State University in 2005, she was recruited to come to Atlanta. She started her company, Floralis Design, in 2012, naming it after Eduardo Catalano’s Buenos Aires sculpture, Floralis Generica.
It’s a position she finds endlessly fulfilling. “The work is artful, and I get a little architecture and technical components, but then I also get the creative side through the design,” she says. “I love being able to bring it all together.” Here, Bray shares more about her process.
What does a landscape architect do?
The majority of our job is structural components. For example, maybe for a new construction home, someone’s hired an architect for the home itself, but they have us do everything outside such as the placement of the house, the elevation, the retaining walls, the driveway, the pool and all the outdoor spaces. Then there are the fine details like containers, hedges and gardens that are like jewelry for the home.
One of my favorite parts is the construction process. Once we have it on paper and get it out of the ground, I love the site visits, the layout, making tweaks and adjustments, and working with tradesmen. There’s joy for me because I love collaborating with our contractors. I get to build fantastic things with my friends.
Landscape architecture does require a lot of schooling. You get
a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and then have to work under a certified landscape architect for 18 or 24 months or so, and then sit a series of exams.
Are there any special considerations for working in the Atlanta area?
The number one thing that makes or breaks a successful landscape design is drainage. The way water moves through Atlanta, the storms we get and our unique topography all contribute. Different parts of the city have their own issues and micro-climates. And yes, Georgia red clay plays into that because it doesn’t shed water quickly. We have to keep the deer in mind, too, since they love to eat all the plants we use, like hydrangeas.
Does landscape architecture include pool design?
We do everything outside the home,
including pool design. We do the pool, retaining walls, steps, terraces and the surrounding landscape. Then we hand it off to a pool company that does the installation of the pool. We’re there for the entire project to manage it, answer questions and do things like select finishes. We have to think about how it all ties together with the architecture of the house.
Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
We try to follow the architecture of the home as much as we can. Landscapes should be a reflection of the home, giving you cues to what the outside should be so everything feels cohesive, and the architectural spaces transition into the landscape. It’s also about client preferences. A lot of our projects tend to lean to a very clean palette, whether it’s greens or greens and whites. We play with a lot of texture. There might not be a lot of color, maybe some pops of blue or pale pink, but it’s very streamlined and low maintenance. n
ATLANTA’S NOT-SO-SECRET GARDENS
Atlanta cultivates lasting beauty within its surprising and inspiring collection of public gardens. Whether you’re looking to nurture your green thumb or simply stroll through lush spaces, the city is dotted with spectacular gardens overflowing with flowers, plants and trees.
More than History
More than 33 acres of gardens sprawl across the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead. Unlike traditional parks, the center’s gardens are essentially outdoor exhibits, each one an extension of the museum’s mission to bring Atlanta’s past to life. Look closely and see that small tags and plaques reveal a sophisticated catalogue tracking system. “We want to show visitors the family of the plant, its native range, its common name, its Latin name and a little bit about why this plant works in this garden,” says Sarah Carter, vice president of Goizueta Gardens and Living Collections.
Meander manicured pathways and dense forests without leaving the city STORY: Nicole Letts
Olguita’s Garden, a traditional English design, spreads across the facade of the museum. Native plantings surround Smith Farm, which tells the story of 1860s Georgia farm life and enslavement. Its landscape features historic varieties of crops, a swept yard and heirloom flowers. Swan Woods, 10 acres of secondary growth forest, envelops the iconic Swan House, which has its own small formal gardens designed by Philip Trammell Shutze for Edward and Emily Inman.
Emerald City
The interiors of the Forbes 4-star-rated Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead are timeless, with dashes of marble and ironwork throughout the lobby, common spaces and rooms. City views and sunlight stream into the French bistro-meets-Southern sophistication brasserie, Brassica. If you walk past the restaurant towards the doors at the back of the building, you’ll be treated to a lush surprise.
Here, an if-you-know-you-know setting presents manicured gardens and a serene pond.
Styled as English gardens and accented by two dogwood trees, the outdoor oasis provides an urban escape. Guests are welcome to stroll through the gardens with a refreshing cocktail from Brassica in hand or even arrange an al fresco meal upon request. The gardens also occasionally host special high teas, often around holidays. This verdant space offers a tranquil setting for relaxation and enjoyment for guests and diners alike.
The ABCs of ABG
Since its 1976 inception, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has been an outdoor escape in the middle of the city. It has 30 acres of gardens, including a children’s garden, a raised canopy walk that winds through Storza Woods, an orchid greenhouse and more. The nonprofit also serves as the home of the Southeastern Center for Conser-
vation, dedicated to protecting the region’s biodiversity.
The Atlanta cultural institution is well known for its family-friendly programming, rotating exhibitions and seasonal events. Children and their parents are invited to participate in monthly offerings such as garden playtime, storytime, kidapproved gardening and music classes inspired by the grounds. For adults, there are quarterly tai chi classes, monthly wine tastings complete with live acoustic guitar performances and a botanical drawing certificate program. In the fall, Atlantans flock to see Scarecrows in the Garden while the holiday season showcases the property adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. n
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN atlantabg.org • @atlbotanical
ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER atlantahistorycenter.com • @atlantahistorycenter
WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD hilton.com/en/hotels/atlwawa-waldorfastoria-atlanta-buckhead • @waatlanta
Right: Named for Elias Wood, a landowner who once held land around the current Atlanta History Center campus, The Wood Cabin sits in a meadow in Swan Woods.
Right: Dale Chihuly's Parterre Fountain Installation is an iconic piece of art at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.
Below: Meander greenery or sip cocktails around the pond at the English gardens at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead.
GARDENING FOR GOOD
Becoming a certified master gardener offers opportunities to be in nature and give back to your community
STORY: Jill Becker
Kelly Spetalnick, a retired optometrist who lives in Sandy Springs, holds the title of certified master gardener. But she’s not a landscaper or professional gardener. Rather, she’s a community-minded nature lover who wanted to give back.
Spetalnick received the designation through the Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, available across the state through UGA’s County Extension Offices. Its goal is to educate residents about how to utilize plants and gardening to improve their surroundings and enrich both their lives and the lives of others.
“When I meet new folks who carry the label, I instantly feel a bond through a shared love of nature and learning,” Spetalnick says.
Spetalnick became a master gardener in 2018. She loved the outdoors and had been growing
vegetables and herbs for years when a friend who’s a horticultural ther apist told her about the program.
“The key aspect for any UGA master gardener is community service and education to the public,” she says.
How to Become a Master Gardener
“It’s not just a source of learning.”
One of the most memorable projects Spetalnick has worked on since joining the program involved designing a garden for the visually impaired, something a UGA extension agent suggested after learning she was an optometrist. Spetalnick installed the garden and recorded an audio tour, had QR code and braille signs made for each plant and taught a weekly after-school class for 5- to 18-year-olds.
Brookhaven resident Sarah Brodd, a UGA extension agent who oversees the DeKalb County Master Gardener program, says it’s important to keep in mind that while it is a certification, the heart of it is a vol-
unteer program. Applicants receive 12 weeks of training on everything from pest management to plant and tree identification, and are then required to complete a set number of volunteer hours each year. For example, that might be tending a vegetable bed that supplies carrots, tomatoes and other items to a local food pantry. Or it could be adding signage along a trail identifying different plants or giving guided nature tours to kids. “The master gardener program has become a part of my identity, filling a hole I didn't know was there,” Spetalnick says. “Like most things, the more you give, the more you get.” n
The Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program is run through UGA’s County Extension Offices, so to get started, find your county office by visiting extension.uga.edu/county-offices
You’ll then apply for the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer horticultural training, a process that takes place several months prior to the training and is typically held in spring or fall. A fee of around $200 includes several weeks of classroom training (during which participants must pass a midterm and final exam) and a master gardener handbook. To be accepted, fill out a questionregarding your previous gardening experience and why you’re interested in becoming a master gardener. Share your goals via a plan of action or a written essay. Since master gardeners occasionally work with children, you’ll have to be vetted by a background check. In some counties, you’ll have a faceto-face interview with county agents and current master gardeners.
Prospective volunteers must complete 50 hours of service on extensionapproved projects in their home counties. Each subsequent year, they’re required to complete at least 25 hours. After becoming certified, you’ll receive access to UGA’s research material, online learning opportunities and other resources.
For more information, go to the Frequently Asked Questions page of the Georgia Master Gardener program website.
Above: Master gardening coursework includes projects that improve the community.
Below: The master gardener program is offered through UGA's County Extension Offices.
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DELICIOUS
AT BROOKHAVEN’S TERRA TERROIR Place of
ESCAPE THE ORDINARY
STORY: Hope S. Philbrick
My dining companion looked skeptically around the strip mall parking lot. She’d been promised a celebratory dinner. Here?
Doubts vanished inside Brookhaven’s awardwinning Terra Terroir. “Wow!” she gasped at each turn as we were escorted to a table. Walking past the open kitchen and wooden bar into the covered patio feels like stepping into a secret garden. Its trickling waterfall, lush green plants and colorful strands of
lights defy the bistro’s humble locale. Additional areas include the bar and private dining rooms. There’s also a wine cave where Sommelier Chris Driollet hosts tastings for up to eight guests at a time. Helming the kitchen is Chef Charles Zeran, a two-time winner of the AAA Diamond Chef Award who is also an experienced sommelier. His eclectic lunch and dinner menus show American, European and Asian influences. Dishes boast layered flavors, skillful preparations and artful presentations. ➥
PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace
Upscale garden dining is possible year-round at the award-winning Terra Terroir.
You may crave the French Country Supper weeks after your first bite.
welcoming place where servers are attentive without hovering.
Don’t skip the bread unless you must. Crusty with a tender center, it arrives warm and ready to slather with pale yellow butter for a comforting start to any meal.
Gambas al Ajillo, Spanish garlic shrimp, is a crowd-pleasing starter whether you love perfectly toothsome shrimp, dipping bread into sizzling olive oil infused with garlic and red pepper or both scrumptious experiences. Other popular starters include roasted Brussels sprout halves topped with tangy balsamic and salty parmesan; the portion is too generous for two. A crispy-coated, soft-centered jumbo lump crabcake is plated with spicy yams and tangy tomato cucumber compote. Skin-on French fries are garnished with earthy truffle oil and salty parmesan.
“Rice crispy treats” are rolled rounds of sushi rice with spicy tuna in sesame toasted puffed rice and nori, served with sriracha aioli and ponzu dipping sauces.
French Country Supper is a menu standout featuring fork-tender duck leg confit; the savory meat makes a solid argument that flavor lovers should be eating more duck and less chicken. It’s served alongside andouille sausage that’s packed with flavor yet manages to avoid becoming too spicy, a cannellini bean cassoulet bound to make you love white beans, tender haricots vert (green beans) and a zesty cranberry chutney.
Food menus are presented with multiple wine lists plus a cocktail menu. Terra Terroir has won more than 15 national wine awards. Its 200-plus labels showcase global selections by Driollet and Zeran. To share its experts’ wine knowledge beyond the restaurant’s physical space, Terra Terroir posts a weekly “Somm vs. Somm argument” on its website. Continuing a service that drew global fans during the pandemic, Driollet hosts virtual wine tastings for groups and events.
Need help with wine and food pairings? The pros are ready to offer suggestions. But if you’re confident in your own abilities, they trust you know your own palate. This is a
Coconut Thai salmon comes cooked-to-temperature atop basmati rice dotted with black lentils, adorable little mushrooms, ombre green bok choy and a pool of coconut curry broth spiced just right. “The spice level can be adjusted to your preference,” our server suggested. I just shrugged and somehow the chef knew exactly what I wanted. An all-vegetables and rice vegan version of the dish is also offered.
Mimicking a painters’ palette, expertly-seared sea scallops are beautifully plated atop risotto surrounded by baby carrots, English peas, puddles of ginger carrot reduction and drizzles of sweet pea coulis. Each forkful delivers bright flavors. The menu offers something for everyone and any level of hunger, from lighter options like grapefruit and pomegranate salad with mixed greens to hearty meat-centric plates like the showy, slow-braised Duroc
Above: Components of dishes are arranged to be visually appealing.
Below: Charcuterie and wine are a heavenly match.
pork shank with creamy parmesan polenta. Assorted charcuterie and cheese might accompany a wine tasting, or you might opt for the rib-brisket half-pound burger topped with bacon, gruyere cheese, greens, pickled onions, tomato and spicy mayo. Steaks and seafood are routinely available, or perhaps the daily special will pique your interest.
A server at a neighboring table asked, “Would you folks like another cocktail?” No, they said, just the dessert menu. “Oh, very important!” the server enthused. I can’t argue with her priorities.
The flourless chocolate torte is enough to share. Served warm
in a shallow round dish, its rich, deep flavors are sure to satisfy any chocoholic. The tender cake is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a piped star of whipped cream, strawberry, blueberries, raspberry coulis and a chocolate curl. As the ice cream melts into the cake, bittersweet notes are rounded by ethereal vanilla flavors. Other temptations include apple pie pizza, sweet potato bread pudding, sorbet, crème brûlée and sabayon. Whether you’re celebrating or simply want to transform a regular day into a memorable one, Brookhaven’s Terra Terroir is ready to surprise and impress. n
Recommended: Gambas al Ajillo, French Country Supper, coconut Thai salmon, peas and carrots, flourless chocolate torte.
Bottom line: With a secret garden setting and service-oriented vibe, this upscale, casual bistro presents international fare plus a full bar with an award-winning wine list.
Above: Gambas al Ajillo is packed with layers of flavor.
Left: Grapefruit pomegranate salad satisfies eyes and taste buds.
Right: Coconut Thai salmon can be personalized to your spice level.
Right: Flourless chocolate torte is a decadent way to end the meal.
GARDEN PARTY
Botanically based cocktails are just right for the season STORY: Angela Hansberger
Cocktails aren’t only about taste; they’re about the experience. Early summer in Atlanta bursts with showy blooms, and the air is fragrant with their scent. It’s the season of warm breezes and sunshine. Places blurring the lines between dining and nature create an immersive experience and cocktails to match.
Sit on the extensive patio of Chamblee’s Oaxaca surrounded by green foliage, woven and wicker seating, and strings of twinkling garden lights. Tropical flavors and beauty are also on the menu of Mexican food and cocktails. Guacamole comes adorned with a rainbow of edible flowers. The Rising Sun cocktail mixes together tequila, cucumber juice, lime and pineapple juice, a refreshing and cool experience with a bit of spice from a spicy-salty Tajin rim.
Sandy Springs’ Ray’s on the River shakes up a verdant shade of green from Strawberry Lemongrass Grey Goose Vodka, bright yuzu liqueur, fresh lemon and aromatic basil in a drink called Destination Wedding. It’s meant to capture the magic of those unforgettable summer nuptials, but it creates its own magic when sipped near the restaurant’s riverside gardens.
The Blooming Pig pop-up concept at The Blind Pig Parlour Bar is an explosion of colorful blooms taken to a beautiful extreme. The Garden Party martini encapsulates the bright indoor world in a glass. The pretty coupe holds vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh cucumber juice and a dash of simple syrup for nectar-like sweetness. A ribbon of cucumber and a flower top off the beauty. The Blooming Beauty cocktail is a
more tropical experience with tequila, triple sec, coconut, passionfruit, lime and pineapple.
Inside the Buckhead greenhouse of The Garden Room, you might expect butterflies or tropical birds to land on you in the lush, poseyfilled expanse. Greenery, flowers and whimsical art hides the city behind its fantastical decor. Drinks match the ornamentation, with a matching beverage for all palates. The Not So French 76 comprises Tito’s Vodka, purple hued crème de violette, puriri flower and lemon juice. Sparkling wine tops the aromatic champagne glass with bubbles. The Hot Mess is as bright as the summer sun and brings the heat with Avion Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, Ancho Reyes Liqueur, peach and lime juice.
Atlanta’s indoor oases provide a garden-like atmosphere even on rainy days. The Painted Pickle is more than indoor pickleball courts. It’s a playful escape with a stellar
cocktail program. There aren’t birds flitting about, but you can order a Hummingbird. Sweet and citrusy, Crème de Flora Liqueur is made with a bouquet of flowers such as marigolds, elderflower and chamomile, and in a Collins glass it mingles with vodka, lime, lemony oleo saccharum (a sugar-oil mix) and mint. Bubbles from soda water tickle your nose with floral aromatics. For more of an urban oasis vibe, head for the patio of Chamblee’s Southbound. It has less garden greenery, but you can guarantee a train rolling by, as well as a stream of dog walkers strolling by to make for excellent animal watching. Bartender Caleb Wikle knows how to brighten brown liquor classics to put a fresh, garden-gazing approach for those who like something bolder. His French Dispatch shakes Sazerac Rye with grapefruit juice, the natural sweetness of honey and lemon juice. Herbsaint and bitters balance and leave an anise-like perfume over the glass. n
OAXACA
theblindpigparlourbar.com • @blindpigparlourbar
SOUTHBOUND • 678.580.5579
southboundatl.com • @southboundatlanta
Above: Destination Wedding at Ray's on the River conjures the flavors and aromas of the riverside gardens.
Left: The Painted Pickle's Hummingbird cocktail features layers of color and flavor.
Left: The Not So French 76 from The Garden Room is a violet-hued dream.
Above: Edible flowers, fresh herbs and vibrant cocktail garnishes match the indoor garden setting of The Garden Room.
Fusion of Flavors
Chico Cantina brings a blend of Mexican and American flavors to Brookhaven
Chico Cantina is the latest concept from Chef Mimmo Alboumeh, owner of Buckhead’s Spanish-inspired restaurant Botica. The new eatery, opened in Town Brookhaven this spring, blends Mexican and American classics with dishes such as empanadas, ceviche, tacos, enchiladas and the chef’s signature burger.
What inspired you to open Chico Cantina, and how does it differ from Botica?
I love the city of Brookhaven and the vibe of that space— the kitchen, the layout and patio. Chico Cantina will serve elevated Mexican street food, and we hope to be the neighborhood hangout. We’d like it to be the “Cheers” of Brookhaven.
Crowd Pleaser
How did you decide on the combination of dishes, and which ones are you most excited for guests to try?
We have a couple of brunch staples like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, but the heart of the menu is inspired by the tastes of Mexico. I always like firing up the Big Green Egg and smoking the local Chatel Farms brisket and Springer Mountain Farms chicken. The lamb for the birria tacos is domestically raised as well. I think guests will enjoy the spicy guacamole, chicken wings, crispy taquitos and all of the tacos.
Your background spans Lebanon, Spain and Italy. How do these diverse influences shape your approach to cooking, especially in a Mexicaninspired setting like Chico Cantina? I have been fortunate to have lived in those countries and experi-
FOOD NEWS
n Tang's Oriental Sports Bar and Pub is open at Politan Row in Dunwoody and offers a casual dining experience and menu that includes Asian burgers and Southeast Asian cuisine. tangsoriental.com
n Following a renovation, Rumi’s Kitchen in Sandy Springs will debut a new look this summer, along with an expanded menu, new cocktails and weekend brunch. rumiskitchen.com
A third location of Neapolitan pizza restaurant Varuni Napoli is planned for Dunwoody’s High Street mixeduse development, with an expected opening later this year. varuni.us
enced those cultures. And while the ingredients may differ, there are a lot of similarities between a taco and a pita sandwich. In fact, tacos al pastor are based on the lamb shawarma recipe brought by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico. I’ve made multiple trips to Mexico and love sampling the street food dining experience. n
CHICO CANTINA eatchico.com • @chicocantinaatl
Impress your guests with Taqueria del Sol’s Sloppy Jose Tacos
This year marks 25 years of Chef Eddie Hernandez’s fast-casual concept, Taqueria del Sol, which opened its first location on Howell Mill Road in 2000.
The restaurant’s Sloppy Jose tacos exemplify the popular combination of Mexican and Southern flavors.
In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onions; sauté two to three minutes, or until soft.
Add garlic; sauté a minute more. Add beef. Increase heat to medium-high; cook and stir until lightly browned. Stir in paprika, onion powder, granulated garlic, black pepper and sugar. Add tomato paste, water and chile de arbol or cayenne. Fold in roasted chiles. Season with 2 teaspoons of salt. Reduce heat; let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and add water if it gets too thick. Taste and season as needed. Warm tortillas by folding several at a time in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 15-20 seconds. Spoon some of the meat on one side of the open tortilla; garnish with crushed Fritos, cheese and jalapeños. Wrap and eat.
margarita and chicken enchiladas; Chef Mimmo Alboumeh
focus on fun. We have just under 700 bottles right now. You can find something from almost anywhere in the world. We have New World representation with wine from Washington, Oregon, Napa and Sonoma, and Old World representation from France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far.
What’s your favorite wine served?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It’s made with the Grenache grape. I didn’t really know about it before, but I love it. It pairs well with good food. At first, I thought I just liked Napa cabs. Wine director Elizabeth Dames has taken me on a journey to other wines of the world.
What kind of programming do you offer?
We host a Bottle Share quarterly. We create a theme, such as “celebration,” and everyone brings a bottle of wine. They put it in the middle of the table and share it. The most amazing friendships and conversations have resulted. We’re taking our members to Bordeaux in July. I’m very excited to learn.
A New Way to Wine
The Perlant cofounder Christian Ries is changing how Atlantans experience wine STORY: Carly Cooper
When Buckhead entrepreneur Christian Ries asked his “mum” what kind of career he was best suited for, she didn’t have to think long. “Easy! A winemaker,” Ries recalls her saying. Born in South Africa, Ries moved to Georgia in 2002 for a Columbus State University golf scholarship. He played professionally for five years until an injury forced a career change. He joined the business world in Atlanta, cofounding Zeto Home management company and Intown Golf Club with Atlanta
Tech Village’s David Cummings. In January, the duo launched their latest project: a 10,000-square-foot private social club rooted in wine.
Christened The Perlant and located in Buckhead, it is designed to build community through hospitality.
“Perlant is the effervescence in wine,” Ries says. “I grew up in the wine farms. My grandfather was a collector, and my dad taught me to respect wine. I’m passionate about wine, community and bringing people together. I got my sommelier certification in 2023.”
What is the purpose of The Perlant?
We want to bring the feeling of the wine country to Atlanta. Good wine is meant to be shared. Our pillars are humility, generosity and kindness. Our customers want to be around a good community, and they want to learn. Very often, people offer other members a sip of their wine, so their horizons grow. That’s the beauty of wine: You never stop learning.
Tell me about the wine on offer. We serve 40 wines by the glass. We’re going for breadth over depth, with a
The Perlant opens at 9 a.m. for coffee, meetings and laptop work. We have a full restaurant serving lunch and dinner, plus a library and socializing space. Every other Wednesday, we host Come Sip with Us where we pour four wines from a specific region for a tasting.
What do you have planned for the future?
The goal is to have the best wine cellar in Atlanta in the next three to five years. We have space for 10,000 bottles. We have a big vision: We want to open five more locations in the next five years.
What do you do on your time off?
I’m a single dad to two boys: Daniel is 10, and Jude is 8. I’m hands-on and take fatherhood seriously. We’re in sports season right now, so we spend a lot of time on soccer and lacrosse fields. We love to travel. The boys have been with me to wine country. In Stellenbosch, South Africa, on the wine farms, they have playgrounds. We go once a year. n
THE PERLANT • theperlant.com • @theperlant
FEATURED RESTAURANTS
A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead
Appetizers such as olives, calamari and meatballs can whet the appetite or make a meal at Pendolino.
Roshambo's decadent butter cake, topped with sky-high whipped cream, is a sweet end to any meal.
The Chastain's Faroe Island salmon is fresh and flavorful, accented with just-picked herbs from the on-site garden.
BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick
ALMA COCINA BUCKHEAD
Located in the Terminus development, Alma Cocina Buckhead presents modern Mexican fare and high-quality, creative cocktails. The decor suggests industrial greenhouse while a pleasant mix of instrumental and Spanish language music plays in the background. Smiling servers add a welcoming vibe. The menu is packed with pleasant surprises.
The Smoke & Berries cocktail arrives with a wooden gizmo that’s set aflame then whisked away leaving a cloud of smoke. Lechoncito (suckling pig) tacos are rich with umami. Chicken empanadas pack serious heat. Huarache, a dish named for its sandal-shaped masa (corn dough) base, comes across as authentic Mexican, genuine Tex-Mex and bona fide Southern cuisine all at once. Mushroom and corn enchiladas could persuade a carnivore to eat vegetarian, while chicken mole smothers juicy airline chicken breast with a scrumptious sauce with deep, complex flavors. Craving dessert? Go for the churros.
Cocktails and wines/glass: $10-18 Tequila flights: $25-90 • Guacamoles and salsas: $4-25 • Small plates: $12-20 Tacos: $13-24 • Main plates: $15-44 Sides: $5-10 • alma-atlanta.com
BABYLON CAFÉ
When Iraqi native Saad Marwad and his wife, Kelly Rafia, opened Babylon Café in 2014, the city’s foodie community started to buzz about the couple’s fresh, flavorful repertoire of Middle Eastern classics, from falafel and hummus to kebabs and baklava. While the starters are quite good—try the fattoush salad, the lentil soup and the eggplant badenjan—the earthy, long-simmered stews are unlike anything else in town. We like the herb-based qurma sabzi with super-tender lamb shank and the bamia (okra and tomatoes) with oxtail. Don’t leave without a sip of the anise-flavored aperitif called arak and a bite of kanafeh, a sweet made of shredded phyllo, housemade sweet cheese, rose- and orange-water syrup and pistachios.
Appetizers and sides: $2-$7
Entrees: $12-$20 • babyloncafeatl.com
THE CHASTAIN
Chef Christopher Grossman and his team find the best in-season ingredients, some of which come from an on-site garden, and use their culinary wizardry to turn them into something even greater than the sum of their parts. Aside from some mainstays, the menu changes so frequently, there’s always something new to discover. A recent visit yielded an appetizer of fluke, battered with locally brewed Steady Hand IPA and served with sauce gribiche, akin to remoulade. Beef tallow-fried tater tots were adorned with tangy creme fraiche and Osetra caviar, while Faroe Island salmon came with almond-
infused brown butter, new potatoes and tender-crisp French green beans. Châtel Farms ribeye, a beautifully marbled and wetaged cut, was cooked perfectly medium-rare, sliced and served in a just-right puddle of rich jus. The Chastain walks the line between comforting and supremely elegant, and thanks to the eatery’s bucolic, park-adjacent setting, it feels like a discovery every time.
First courses: $7-$24 • Greens: $16-$17
Mains: $29-$49 • A la carte: $50-$125
Pasta: $16-$44 • Sides: $10-$15
Desserts: $10-$15 • thechastainatl.com
FLYING BISCUIT CAFÉ
Flying Biscuit Café is a touchstone of diner life here in Atlanta, and with good reason. “Creamy dreamy” grits and flaky Southern biscuits round out most every meal, and there are loads of tummy-warming substantial dishes to choose from. Turkey hash, the Not Your Mama’s Pimiento Cheese Sandwich and chicken pot pie (made with hot, buttery biscuits, of course) are reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen, and the congenial staff will keep you coming back for more. Gordo Stevens’ artwork across the walls and ceiling adds a funky, kitsch-cool vibe to the Brookhaven outpost of this breakfast and brunch favorite.
Breakfast: $3.29-$12.99
Lunch: $4.99-$12.99 • flyingbiscuit.com
IL GIALLO OSTERIA & BAR
Experience the love-through-food feeling in generous portions at il Giallo Osteria & Bar in Sandy Springs, where Italy’s Piedmont region is brought to life by Chef Jamie Adams and General Manager Leonardo Moura. The menu showcases classic, seasonal and regional Italian dishes. Fresh pasta is made overlooking the dining room during service. Spaghetti and meatballs present al dente pasta and fork-tender spheres of ground duck, turkey and beef. “Crazy lasagna” layers braised short ribs with sheets of pasta, drizzled with garlic and rosemary juice for yummy umami. Chicken parmigiana is so big it fills the plate. Pizza, made by Pizzaiolo Brendan Keenan, features a Neapolitanstyle thin crust that’s cooked through; one bite of margherita is all that’s needed to be impressed. The wine list showcases varietals and blends from around the world, including several Italian picks. Beer and classic and creative cocktails are also offered. Save room for tiramisu or hazelnut chocolate bars.
Appetizers: $4-20 • Salads: $14-16
Pizza: $16-24 • Pasta: $18-39 • Sides: $12-13
Entrees: $29-51
• Desserts: $10-12 ilgialloatl.com
PENDOLINO
Pendolino at Chastain Market is an upscale yet unpretentious eatery tucked into a
shopping center. Its retro decor and neighborly vibe invite you to linger over multiple courses or grab a quick snack. Chef-owner Kevin Maxey’s menu is inspired by Italian fare and also takes cues from local ingredients. Don’t miss the fork-tender pork and veal meatballs topped with tangy-sweet tomato ragu; each heavenly bite begs another. Charred just right pizzettes come adorned with sophisticated flavor combinations of toppings. Crispy calamari fritti with sundried tomatoes packs a satisfying crunch and compelling contrast of salty, herby and savory flavors. Chicken scallopini parmigiano is a popular favorite. Ricotta ravioli with butternut squash and sage delights with soft round pillows of sweet flavor drizzled with earthy-sweet sauce. Save room for dessert such as tender olive oil cake or soft tiramisu.
Roshambo is owners Chris Hall, Ryan Turner and Todd Mussman’s “love letter to Atlanta.” The decor honors the city, including a triplelayered wall of the Atlanta skyline and a collection of plates adorned with local icons. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus present something for everyone, whatever the craving and definition of “comfort food.” Daily specials expand the weekday options. The Magnolia plates two eggs any style with creamy heirloom grits, crispy bacon, turkey sausage and a hearty biscuit. Shrimp and grits is a popular standard that evolves with added seasonal ingredients. The best-selling faux cheval burger is packed with juicy umami. Bucket O’Chicken, which serves up to four, showcases crispy-juicy segments of fried bird alongside two sides like collards and mac ’n cheese. Chicken shawarma has strips of spicerubbed poultry with hummus, pita, cucumber and tomato salad plus tzatziki sauce. Butter cake, a merger of bread pudding and caramel apples, is so popular it can sell out.
Starfish—which can look just a little lost on the block that houses Restaurant Eugene and Holeman and Finch—is exactly the kind of sushi joint we have been trolling for. In a city where Japanese cuisine can be hit-or-miss and sometimes not the freshest, chef-owner Seung K. “Sam” Park’s reticent little pearl is a superior catch—cute and compact as a bento box but with just a hint of luxury. At dinner, we were delighted to see how the kitchen plays
around with untraditional ingredients such as truffle oil and balsamic vinegar, slicing fish as thin as carpaccio and arranging it in dazzling presentations. When our flounder sashimi arrived, the server told us to place a dab of the ponzu jelly spiked with cilantro, jalapeño and lime on a strip of the fish and roll it up. Exquisite. Starfish isn’t the kind of place that announces itself with screaming klieg lights or red carpets. But in this culture of excess, sometimes being a little bit under-the-radar can be very seductive.
Don’t be put off by the mobs of hipsters waiting for a table or the funky menu items with unfamiliar ingredients such as hemp, flax and chia. Though it could easily be mistaken for an ephemeral, crunchy beardo hangout, True Food Kitchen is here to stay—not just because of its good intentions and exemplary karma, but because of its tasty eats. Favorites include the shiitake lettuce cups, spring asparagus toast and the T.L.T. (tempeh, lettuce and tomato) sandwich. Good for the uninitiated are the margherita pizza, steak tacos and Mediterranean chicken pita. Recommended drinks include the non-alcoholic Cucumber Cooler and Medicine Man tea or the buzzinducing lemongrass margarita, citrus skinny margarita and Strawberry Smash.
Starters and vegetable plates: $7-$13 Salads and bowls: $10-$14 (added protein $3-$9) • Pizzas and sandwiches: $12-$16 Entrees: $14-$26 • truefoodkitchen.com
YUZU
Chamblee is to Atlanta what 1980s SOHO was to Manhattan: edgy and on the verge, which is why traditional, sedate Yuzu is such a welcome respite in its midst. Veteran restaurateurs Anna and Kenny Kim run their dining room with efficiency and grace. With a flash of his Masamoto knife, Chef Kim delivers top-notch sushi and sashimi such as chu-toro, escolar and salmon, as well as mouthwatering rolls (we highly recommend the special spicy rainbow roll and the crunchy dragon roll). With dishes such as tempura udon, charred salmon skin salad, Japanese ceviche and an impeccable teriyaki chicken, there’s something for everyone at this authentic sushi bistro. Appetizers, salads: $4-$14.50 • Special plates: $13.50-$17.80 • Sushi plates, rolls: $8.50-$16.50 • Dinner entrees: $13.50-$15.90 yuzusushiatlanta.com
Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.
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PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace, Erik Meadows
2025 EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
The nsoro Educational Foundation Starfish Ball
CURE Childhood Cancer Quiet Heroes
Friends of Winship Fashion A Cure
Open Hand Atlanta Party in the Kitchen
American Cancer Society Hope Ball
Fix Georgia Pets Gala
Veterans Empowerment Organization Gala
CURE Childhood Cancer Believe Ball
Simply Buckhead is here to help with your next nonprofit event.
Please contact Joanne Hayes, Publisher, at publisher@simplybuckhead.com for more information.
FASHION A CURE
STORY: H.M. Cauley
PHOTOS: Paul Beezley, Jenni Girtman
The 13th Annual Friends of Winship Fashion a Cure glammed up the Piedmont Driving Club for an April afternoon of food and fun to benefit the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. The event, chaired by the trio of Buckhead residents Lynne Rankin, Jennifer Raulet and Ashley Whitehurst, welcomed 500 supporters to a live auction, raffle, lunch and runway show. Survivor Lillian Hamilton stole the spotlight by walking the runway in honor of her late sister and sharing her own patient testimony. The event raised $464,000 for research into the treatment of cancers affecting women. Simply Buckhead was proud to be the day’s media sponsor.
Ashley Whitehurst, Dr. Suresh Ramalingam, Jennifer Raulet, Lynne Rankin
Nyssa Green, Ronnel Blackmon, Joanne Hayes
Ali Blaisdell, Sylvia Dick
Laura Pope, Courtney Deitz
Campbell Bleke, Emma Duke Bleke
Lauren Tilashalski, Carter Tilashalski
Isha Wicks, Phyllis Hollowell
TEA FOR TWO
Mom-and-daughter models Holly and Scarlett have a whimsical tea party among vibrant blooms in the Atlanta History Center's stately garden. PHOTO: Patrick Heagney
Wardrobe: Holly: Zimmerman Dawning Floral Picnic Dress ($1,850). Available at Tootsies.
BUCKHEAD
photo: Zach Veatch
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