Simply Buckhead June 2026

Your Guide to Living Well in Atlanta

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

Congratulations Ted Blum

Ted, your

It

On

With admiration and pride, Ernest Greer

Richard Valladares, Lori Cohen, Ted Blum, Ernest Greer, Matthew Gorson

Photos:

24: Patrick Heagney, 34: Joann Vitelli, 57, 64: Erik Meadows

STYLISH

36 FASHION

A Cut Above

SCAD fashion students sew up tough-fought scholarships in a nationwide competition

38 BEAUTY

Strong Tresses

Tailored hair regeneration at Buckhead’s Great Many

40 TASTEMAKER

Drinking It In

Ken Kreafle’s Reduce celebrates 20 years in business

FAMILY

42 KIDS

Skin Sneak Attack

How to spot and stop a summer staph infection

44 PETS

Attack

Avoidance

How to prevent uncomfortable situations with your pet

46 STRATEGIES

Role Reversal

Start planning for your parents’ future

CULTURE

48 ON STAGE

Tots and Teens on Toes

Leigh Ducas leads Strive Dance Studios in Buckhead

50 LITERARY

Back from the Brink Buckhead author moves on from major life crisis to inspirational writing

52 TASTEMAKER

Laugh and Learn

Funny Bus Atlanta is a good time, even in traffic

53 EVENTS

Places to go and things to do

COVER STORY

57 The Artisan Issue

Homegrown talent and handmade goods

64 REVIEW

A Different Kind of Southern

Yebo Beach Haus offers a melting pot of South African flavors

68 DRINKS

Fresh Pour

The new releases redefining your local taproom

70 FOODIE JOURNAL

Rise & Dine

Big Bad Breakfast brings scratchmade breakfast and Southern hospitality to Buckhead

72 TASTEMAKER

A Legacy in Motion

Blending hospitality instinct with real estate ambition, Pano A. Karatassos is building what comes next

74 Featured Restaurants

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

BEHIND THE COVER

Our crew arrived at Jenifer Gine’s home on a sunny spring afternoon. What looked like an abode on a treelined residential street in Dunwoody was also home to Homemaker Pottery, housed in her garage. For our “Artisans” cover package, Gine gamely set up at the pottery wheel, turning a gray lump of clay into a shapely vase as photographer Erik Meadows snapped away. Next, she carved, painted and glazed some handmade pottery that was in-progress. Eventually, those pieces she crafted will make their way to the Spruill Arts Center’s on-site store for some lucky shopper to acquire. Read all about Homemaker Pottery and other local makers on page 57.

Photographer: Erik Meadows

Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Model: Jenifer Gine

Makeup: Nyssa Green

Joann

Vitelli

Erik Meadows

Editor's Letter

Just the other night, a friend joined my husband and me for dinner at our house, and over a meal of pasta I made using a hand-cranked machine, we caught up. He commented about our rustic wood dining table, and I was proud to tell him that we worked with a local woodworker to craft the 10-foot dining table as well as a sideboard, coffee table and entertainment credenza. There’s something special about knowing that we have invested in one-of-a-kind pieces that will become family heirlooms, thanks to the artisans behind them.

That same spirit is behind this “Artisan Issue,” highlighting homegrown products and handmade goods. Our cover feature introduces you to Jeff Banks, the man who elevated the ice that comes in many of your favorite cocktails around town; Jenifer Gine, a Dunwoody-based potter; Szana Marr, a local who saw a need for a multi-functional, go-anywhere piece of clothing and launched her own company to sell it; and others.

Beyond the cover, this issue is packed with features aimed at inspiring and informing. Managing Editor

Giannina S. Bedford writes about her recent staycation at the new Hotel Phoenix Atlanta, a stone’s throw away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Writer Chelsie Butler interviews experts for tips on how to avoid situations where pets are likely to bite (a perfect read before your next dog park visit). In her “Foodie Tastemaker” profile, Carly Cooper interviews Pano Karatassos, who rep resents the third generation of the legendary Buckhead Life Restaurant Group hospitality empire.

As spring turns to summer this month, we hope this issue of Simply Buckhead will motivate you to get out and explore—and maybe find a locally made good to add to your own home collection.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin Senior Contributing Editor

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

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355

simplybuckhead.com

For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895

Joanne Hayes

Publisher and Founder

Sonny Hayes

Chief Financial Officer

EDITORIAL

Giannina S. Bedford

Managing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Senior Contributing Editor

Alan Platten

Creative Director

H.M. Cauley

Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karina Antenucci

Jill Becker

Chelsie Butler

H.M. Cauley

Allison Entrekin

Lauren Finney Harden

Katie Hughes

Mickey Goodman

Angela Hansberger

Michael Jacobs

Denise K. James

Nicole Letts

Amy Meadows

Hope S. Philbrick

Gillian Anne Renault

Claire Ruhlin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Patrick Heagney

Erik Meadows

Joann Vitelli

SALES & ADVERTISING

Bea Bolia

Account Executive

Layal Akkad

Graphic Designer

DIGITAL

BHG Digital

Website Development Management

Mike Jose

Director of Audience Development

LEGAL

Scott I. Zucker

Legal Counsel

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Karina Antenucci

With more than two decades of experience in health and nutrition writing, Karina Antenucci is a seasoned editor, content strategist and wellness expert. She has led editorial teams for national and regional publications, and her work has appeared in Health, Marie Claire, Delta Sky, Parade, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Magazine and Southbound, among others. She is a regular contributor to Simply Buckhead’s Wellness column and is the founder of the wellness platform Badass + Healthy. A Certified Intrinsic Health & Wellness Coach and Usui Reiki Master, and nearing the completion of a master’s program in nutritional sciences, she brings both a holistic and evidence-informed lens to her work.

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

Copyright © 2026 by Simply Buckhead All rights reserved.

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

Sara Hanna

Sara Hanna

Up and Up Page 22

BY Nicole Letts

MAJOR MAKEOVER

PIEDMONT CENTER REINVENTED AND REIMAGINED

In January, CP Group unveiled its master plan to redevelop Piedmont Center, a 2.2 millionsquare-foot, 14-building office campus near the intersection of Piedmont and Lenox roads in Buckhead. Renovations of the 46-acre site are expected to begin this year, converting the business hub into a mixed-use destination with restaurants, retail and other upgraded amenities.

Atlanta-based firms Smallwood, ASD|SKY and Of Place are leading design efforts. CP Group, which previously redeveloped Bank of

America Plaza and the former CNN Center, acquired Piedmont Center in June 2025 and has since added pop-up coffee cart LiveWire Coffee and food truck programming as early improvements. Building on these initial enhancements, the master plan outlines a broader vision for transforming the campus into a more vibrant, amenity-rich destination. “The goal here is not simply to renovate buildings but to reposition the campus as a more integrated, experience-driven destination, something that better

reflects both the evolution of office and the strength of the Buckhead market,” says Chris Eachus, founding partner of CP Group.

Central to the vision is a walkable retail and dining corridor along Piedmont Road, set to include at least six restaurant concepts. Other improvements include redesigned lobbies for buildings 14 and 15, expanded fitness and conference facilities, and a centralized amenity center connecting the parking decks to various sports courts. The campus will also have a state-of-the-art

fitness center, flexible event space, wellness amenities and a leasing office, along with a new entrance and arrival courtyard. CP Group also plans to build out roughly 42,000 square feet of move-in-ready spec suites for new tenants.

Piedmont Center has maintained strong occupancy, with recent leases including an expansion by Buckhead Investment Partners and a renewal from ScottMadden Inc. Large blocks of up to 140,000 square feet remain available. n cpgcre.com

Leadership Transitions for Harry Norman, REALTORS

The 96-year-old Atlanta luxury real estate firm Harry Norman, REALTORS is stepping into its next chapter with a series of leadership appointments. Todd Emerson, a 20-year company veteran who rose from sales associate to executive leader, has been named president. The firm also announced three key promotions: Cyndi Young as vice president of marketing, Jessie Dixon as senior manager of brand and

luxury marketing, and Rita Ukattah as director of technology and operations. The company remains part of HomeServices of America, one of the largest residential real estate organizations in the country. harrynorman.com • @hnrealtors

University Opens Luxury Archive and Research Center

SCAD has launched SCAD LUXE, a luxury archive and research center at its Atlanta and Savannah locations. The center provides

students with access to rare items from heritage brands including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, Tiffany & Co. and Gucci. Serving students from SCAD’s De Sole School of Business Innovation and School of Fashion, the facility features curated exhibitions exploring craftsmanship and innovation in the global luxury sector. The inaugural exhibition, The Art of Luxury: Iconic Craftsmanship, includes an exclusive presentation of Scalamandré’s archives, including iconic prints, rare fabrics and

documents, marking the brand’s first display at an educational institution. scad.edu • @scaddotedu

The Lovett School Receives Award

The Latin American Association honored The Lovett School with its Volunteer of the Year Award at the 37th Annual Compañeros Awards Luncheon, held at the Georgia Aquarium on April 16. The recognition celebrated Lovett’s dedication to Georgia’s Latino and Hispanic

community, with the school praised for its reliability and commitment to service-oriented projects, notably its language immersion experience with elderly Latino community members.

The Latin American Association is a Georgia-based organization founded in 1972 that serves approximately 40,000 individuals annually, helping immigrant families access economic mobility, English education, immigration services and workforce support across Atlanta and north Georgia. thelaa.org • @thelaa

Buckhead's Piedmont Center will be transformed into a mixed-use development beginning this year.

LOCAL SALUTE BY Mickey Goodman

Providence Media Inc., now named Hey Rhody Media, that owned a small group of magazines, and was tasked with helping launch SO Rhode Island It grew to 100 pages in less than 2 years and is still publishing today.

Shortly thereafter, Hayes met her future husband, Sonny, who was vice president of operations for Honeywell and managed more than 20 plants all over the world. In 2010, the couple married and moved to Atlanta to be closer to his sons. For a time, she continued to travel back and forth to Rhode Island but decided to create a slick new lifestyle magazine in her new hometown. Brainstorming at a round table luncheon met with enthusiasm, but it came with a caveat: The group felt she needed to meet with then-Buckhead Coalition Founding President and former Mayor Sam Massell to get his approval before moving forward. “He not only thought it was a great idea, but Sam became one of the greatest mentors in my lifetime and a very dear friend,” she says. Hayes’ vision for Simply Buckhead was to make it both informative for readers and affordable for advertisers. “If you had told me 20 years ago that we would be at the point we are now, I probably would have laughed,” she says. “I never anticipated it would be this exciting and that we’d still be growing our distribution that now reaches 440 locations with a circulation of 24,000.”

Publishing Good News

for readers in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Chamblee and the Upper Westside.

100 inductees from both the public and private sectors whose combined companies generate more

The East Greenwich Pendulum, her hometown newspaper. Twelve years later, Hayes was approached by

In 2025, the magazine began distributing at all nine Delta Sky Clubs at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Readers can also find the magazines at every corporate hangar at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport and at PS ATL, the luxury private terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson.

“At the heart of the publication is our mission to support nonprofits including the nsoro Educational Foundation that focuses on foster youth; Cure Childhood Cancer’s Quiet Heroes, a gala that honors the mothers and caregivers of children with cancer; Fashion A Cure; A Cure in Our Lifetime; Open Hand Atlanta and others,” says Hayes. The inclusion as a Titan 100 proves that her entrepreneurship and philanthropic spirit are making a difference. n

SIMPLY BUCKHEAD simplybuckhead.com • @simplybuckhead TITAN 100 titan100.biz • titanceo.com

PHOTO: Alexandra Zak

Fazit U.S. Soccer Speckles ($17.99)

Fancify your face with Fazit’s U.S. Soccer Speckles. Inspired by the viral glitter freckle trend mainstreamed by Taylor Swift, these makeup patches consist of a mixture of red, blue and silver jewels designed for expressing your loyalty to team USA. The “pat, press and peel to reveal” process offers a mess-free alternative to traditional face paint and can be applied over makeup or on bare skin. The speckles last 24 to 72 hours, are waterproof and sweat proof, and can be removed with oil cleanser or micellar water.

Fazit • fazitbeauty.com • @fazitbeauty

FIFA World Cup 26

Graphic Bucket Hat ($40)

Pivot from the standard strapback hat that dominates the sports scene and opt for a bucket hat instead. This Adidas multicolor option is a blend of sporty and chic, made from durable 100% cotton and twill fabric. The vibrancy embodies the World Cup culture, all while prioritizing comfort and maintaining its shape over time. It is also available in black and white. Adidas • adidas.com • @adidas

Fandom Through Fashion

For the first time, the FIFA World Cup is coming to Atlanta, and with it comes a fever pitch. Between eight matches hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, watch parties and celebrations in the streets, you’ll want to immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether your soccer knowledge is elite or Ted Lasso at best, this list of soccer-inspired apparel will ensure you fit right in just in time for kick-off.

Wondermint Soccer Acrylic Earrings ($30)

For those who prefer soccer balls in accessory-form only, these acrylic earrings from Atlanta-based Wondermint Goods are a go-to for the World Cup. The pendants hang from an 18-karat gold plated matte coin stud with stainless steel earring posts and engraved acrylic. Between the lightweight wear and hypoallergenic material, they’re well-fitted for fans with sensitive ears. Wondermint Goods • wondermintgoods.com • @wondermint.goods

Katie Hughes

Pandora Soccer Shoe Double Dangle Charm ($98)

For a refined token of your soccer affection, Pandora has a plethora of options. The Soccer Shoe Double Dangle Charm is a newly launched addition just in time for the World Cup. Made from sterling silver and 14-karat gold plating, the charm fits right into your jewelry collection. It’s also engravable, making it a suitable gift for your soccer-enthused loved ones.

Pandora • us.pandora.net • @pandora

FIFA World Cup 2026

Host City Atlanta Scarf ($40)

Mark this Atlanta milestone with the FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Atlanta Scarf. The matchless accessory features a bright, memorable design, and the ratio of 67% acrylic and 33% polyester fashions a comfortable feel. The scarf is 7.10-by-61.40 inches and is to be hand washed only. Wear it as an added pop of color to any sporting outfit or save it as a keepsake to honor the game of soccer. FIFA • store.fifa.com • @fifa

Three Waters that feels intentional.

For an afternoon excursion, board the Rum Runner, the resort’s free water taxi that shuttles guests between Three Waters and its sister properties Amara Kay Resort and La Siesta Resort and Villas. It’s a pontoon boat with 12 BYOB seats, a perfect excuse to grab a cocktail from the tiki bar before boarding. En route, you’ll take in sparkling cerulean water, tropical wildlife and the Alligator Reef Lighthouse, among other sites.

Get There Fast, Take it Slow

The Cove lets guests get away from it all STORY: Nicole Letts

My first order of business at happy hour at the tiki bar at Three Waters Resort and Marina was to order a Rum Runner. It was here, at the since shuttered and replaced Holiday Isle Resort, that the now iconic cocktail was invented in 1972, and it has been an island staple ever since. I took a sip and audibly exhaled. It was officially “vacation o’clock.”

Travel to Islamorada, a series of six islands in the Florida Keys, was seamless, making it a breeze to reach the point of actual off-thegrid relaxation. To that point, the

day had consisted of a golf cart tour of the 15-acre property, a few hours at the adult-only pool and this trip to the bar overlooking the marina.

A few guests commented that they had seen a manatee near some of the boats earlier, and a breeze kept the humidity at bay, making it an ideal start to a three-night stay.

Three Waters Resort and Marina is a part of Marriott Bonvoy and features both cottages and standard hotel rooms. It also boasts The Cove, an adult-only resort-within-aresort. Here, windows and balconies overlook the lagoon and horizon.

A part of Three Waters Resort and Marina, The Cove sits on a peaceful, adultsonly Islamorada peninsula.

There’s a small private beach, shaded with palm trees and a 21+ pool with ample seating. The rooms are cozy rather than sprawling, but their views are expansive, and the accompanying balconies on each room function like an outdoor living room. Throughout the property, soft music plays at a just-right volume. It’s not background noise so much as a mood, a constant, low hum of vacation serenity that signals you’re somewhere special. Little touches like an outdoor fitness center, eggshaped rattan swings and firepits reinforce that feeling. There’s an ease to

Nine distinct dining concepts are available at Three Waters. Little Limón, perched above the oceanfront breakfast and lunch spot Mercado Morada, offers rooftop views in every direction and a menu of Latin-Asian fusion small plates such as ceviche and steamed bao buns. At Kindler, the resort’s wood-fired signature restaurant, upscale dining takes inspiration from the coastal locale. Start with the corn and lump crab fritters served alongside smash-fried fingerling potatoes, fennel, mango and chorizo vinaigrette, and don’t skip the furikake monkey bread with wakame butter; it’s a subtle, oceanic seaweed nod to the surrounding environment. A fitting finale for the meal is the restaurant’s Key Lime Bar topped with whipped cream and sugared berries.

Three Waters has managed something that’s genuinely difficult in a destination as popular as the Florida Keys: It feels new without feeling out of place. The Cove, in particular, strikes that balance beautifully. It’s mature and serene, with just enough adventure to remind you exactly where you are. n

Left: Little Limón is a casual Latin-Asian fusion restaurant that overlooks the water.

Right: Kindler is upscale dining, specializing in wood-fired foods.

BIG IN TEXAS

San Antonio has become the place to visit in the Lone Star State STORY: Allison Entrekin

San Antonio is having a moment. For the second year in a row, Travel + Leisure readers have named it one of their top 15 favorite cities in the country. And Hotel Emma, San Antonio’s premier boutique property, toasted its 10th anniversary late last year on the heels of being named the No. 1 hotel in Texas by U.S. News and World Report. Not bad for a town once known primarily as “Military City USA,” thanks to its large concentra-

tion of armed-forces bases.

It’s easy to see why Hotel Emma gets so much attention. Located at the headwaters of the San Antonio River Walk, it’s Texas’ only AAA Five Diamond and two Michelin Key property—and a favorite of celebrities such as Paul McCartney, who recently stayed there. It’s housed in a former 19th-century brewery and maintains many historic elements, including a 20th-century compressor in the lobby and exposed

brick walls throughout. Upon check-in, guests are directed to the hotel’s vaulted library that houses 3,700 books on such topics as history, travel and nature. There, a bartender shakes up welcome margaritas that can be enjoyed while sitting in one of the library’s club chairs and flipping through a book. The 146 rooms and suites are designed to feel like you’re staying with a stylish Texan friend. While no two are exactly the same, many have mesquite tables and original art. Ours had a heavenly fireplace terrace overlooking the river. The hotel is also known for its bar and clubhouse, Sternewirth, nicknamed “San Antonio’s living room.” With French oak floors, a bar carved from a fallen tree and former beer-fermentation tanks repurposed as seating nooks, it’s the perfect place to sip a smoky Oaxacan old fashioned, made with tequila and mezcal instead of bourbon, while

listening to live music.

Directly outside Hotel Emma’s doors, the Pearl District is home to more than 22 acres of restaurants, shops and live-entertainment venues. It’s anchored by the Culinary Institute of America that has a special focus on Latin American cuisine. It’s a big reason San Antonio has been named one of only two UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy in the United States. The institute’s fine-dining restaurant, Savor, showcases students’ talents through a four-course tasting menu.

Pullman Market, a relative newcomer to the Pearl since opening in 2024, is home to a specialty grocery store, butcher shop, bakery, food hall and four full-service restaurants. Fife and Farro serves a decadent Caesar salad blanketed in so much Parmesan cheese it has become a viral sensation. Nicosi is a Michelin-starred dessert-tasting experience from Tavel Bristol-Joseph, who was just nominated for a 2026 James Beard Award for outstanding pastry chef.

The Pearl District has plenty of shopping, too. Dos Carolinas sells bespoke guayaberas (breathable “Mexican wedding shirts”), while Modern Pop features fun gifts like a children’s sound book that teaches kids how to roll their R’s. Be sure to catch a concert or live comedy at Stable Hall, a horse stable-turned-entertainment venue.

By the time you leave San Antonio, you’ll be relaxed, inspired and—no doubt—very full. You probably won’t be wondering why everyone’s talking about this Texan town; your only question will be, “When can I come back?” n

Hotel Emma anchors San Antonio's 22-acre Pearl District.

Left: Many Hotel Emma guest rooms have exposed plaster walls, nodding to the building's roots as a 19th-century brewery.

Right: Welcome margaritas are served in Hotel Emma's library, featuring 3,700 books from the collection of San Antonio historian and novelist Sherry Kafka Wagner.

Up and Up

Like a phoenix rising, downtown Atlanta’s profile has been on the upswing for some time. When droves of visitors arrive this month for the FIFA World Cup, they will see a transformed city center, anchored by the $5 billion Centennial Yards entertainment complex where Hotel Phoenix opened in December 2025. As the complex’s first boutique hotel, the 19-story property, which includes 292 rooms and 15 suites, is a sight to behold, seemingly perched above the parcel of land formerly known as “The Gulch.”

When I checked into my 13th floor

The uber-stylish Hotel Phoenix sets the tone for a refreshed downtown

STORY: Giannina S. Bedford

Premier Terrace one-bedroom suite for a staycation, I was awed by the birds-eye view of downtown’s iconic landmarks, from Mercedes- Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena to everything surrounding the sports complexes. My room had floor-to-

ceiling windows providing panoramic vistas from every angle. It was also equipped with a small outdoor terrace—not an amenity for those with a fear of heights. I stepped onto the patio and felt on top of the world, but my husband couldn’t stomach being outdoors at that altitude for long. Luckily, the Phoenix’s striking interior, designed by TVS Architecture and Interior Design, is the best place to spend your time. Local art consultant Matthew Whitaker sourced the artwork adorning the hotel’s guestrooms and public spaces, predominately with pieces from local artists. I was in awe of the suspended sculptures in the lobby’s main stairwell made by artist Peter Gentenaar from handmade pulp paper with a bamboo framework.

The hotel’s interior styling mixes luxury with urban edges, including

warm wood paneling, jewel tones and clubby furnishings. This look extends to the lobby-level restaurant, Zephyr, that serves French and Southern cuisine. We settled into a cozy banquette and studied the menu that includes French onion soup and deviled eggs starters, prime steaks and mains such as duck a l’orange and cacio e pepe. I indulged in steak frites, and my husband selected a snapper with green beans, pesto and toasted almonds. The food was on-point, and my Heirloom Station cocktail with Mezcal Vago, St. George Green Chile vodka, Heirloom Pineapple Amaro liqueur and fresh lemon juice had me planning a return trip to the hotel’s Bar Z for a drink tasting in the future. Zephyr also serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, and the hotel recently opened Bless Your Heart, a rooftop bar and restaurant adjacent to the resort-style pool with cabanas and guest DJs. The pool deck wasn’t open during my stay, but I can just imagine taking in the views from a pool lounger on the third floor. It’s another reason to come back.

The Hotel Phoenix sets a high standard for the future face of downtown, one that will continue to attract visitors, World Cup or not, and make locals proud. As I walked around the property during my stay, I was grateful to have such a statement-making property representing the heart of our city. n

Hotel Phoenix stands at the heart of Centennial Yards' entertainment options.

Left: Guest rooms are done in warm autumn colors, and many offer upclose views of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Right: The lobby features eye-catching sculptures suspended above an open stairwell.

A PEACHTREE HILLS FAMILY DOUBLES DOWN ON THEIR BELOVED NEIGHBORHOOD HomeHills in the

Janie Beck and her husband have lived in Peachtree Hills since they got engaged in 2013. A wedding and two daughters later, they realized they needed to expand beyond their three-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow, but they didn’t

want to leave the community they’d come to cherish.

“The community aspect of Peachtree Hills is so special to us,” says Beck, who grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia. “My husband and I are both from small towns, and it feels like home.”

STORY: Giannina S. Bedford

PHOTOS: Patrick Heagney

Two Wesley Hall Vaughn wingback chairs and a family heirloom table offer an inviting place to sit off the living room.

The couple realized they needed more space during COVID, so they kept an eye on the market. Beck took note when a neighborhood duplex went up for sale and was purchased by real estate agent Susan Calahan, who planned to flip the property. In November 2022, after construction began, the couple decided to look at the house, which was next door to the home of Beck’s college best friend.

“We walked through it before it was finished and we were able to buy it off market,” Beck says.

The family moved in two days before Christmas 2022. A few weeks later, they called in the help of Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors, who was familiar with the property, to help personalize the interior.

“We did not do it all at once. I would call it slow and steady. All

the things that Liz guided us on were so impactful, so I feel like it was a very measured approach,” Beck says. “People can get really intimated by the idea of working with a decorator, but everything that they presented was really helpful, for my husband especially.”

The interior design process was guided by the Becks’ desire for a home that was aesthetically pleasing while also comfortable for their two girls, Cecilia and Margo, now 6 and 8. The homeowners love the outdoors and wanted to incorporate the blues and greens of a natural landscape inside.

“Liz pushed us in the right direction to complement the blues with greens and to have the play of color,” Beck says. “We love plants and flowers, and wanted to feel like the outdoors were inside.”

Along with contemporary furnishings, Williams helped the Becks integrate family heirlooms, including

When the Becks entertain, everyone gathers in the open kitchen.

Janie Beck and her husband have lived in Peachtree Hills since 2013.

“We nest and rest in every space of the house.”— Janie Beck

blue-and-white china and a vintage filing cabinet in the dining space as well as a grandmother clock in the living room. “It’s a good mix. It seems collected more than as if we went to a showroom and plopped it all in. It is thought out,” Williams says.

Before the Becks moved any furniture in, Williams hung the couple’s art and photos, and took time visualizing the layout of the open living space to find the best location for the dining room and various sitting areas. The open kitchen, with countertops of stained wood and quartz and a modeled subway tile backsplash, overlooks the dining room that features a custom round table by Nottingham Antiques and Birmingham chairs from Acquisitions recovered with Thibaut Cadence Emerald fabric. Nearby, a sitting area with two Lee Industries chairs is a favorite spot where the Becks often enjoy their morning coffee and cuddle with their girls.

Blues, greens and neutrals combine in the living room, where handpicked throw pillows dress up the sectional sofa.

The painting in the dining room by Tyler Colgan through Atlanta Artist Collective reminds Janie Beck of her favorite vista in Sewanee, Tennessee where she went to college.

“It was important that we use what we have,” Beck says. “We wanted to maximize the space. Even the guest room is where my husband plays guitar, and our desk is in there. We nest and rest in every space of the house.”

Other favorite gathering spots include the living room, where furnishings combine a Wesley Hall Signature Elements sectional

in blue performance velvet from WebbMarsteller and a Made Goods Askel coffee table in faux raffia with a neutral Couristan indoor/ outdoor rug. Below the inconspicuous frame television is an eye-catching Villa & House Emil console in 1970s-style burl wood.

“Cozy is probably the word that most people use when describing

our home. It’s very comfortable. We didn’t want anything a kid couldn’t cuddle up on or a dog couldn’t flop on,” Beck says.

The Becks often have neighborhood friends over and enjoy hanging out on the screened-in porch nearly 10 months out of the year, thanks to the outdoor fireplace. The open-air living area is furnished

in a wicker sectional from Rocky Mountain Patio, Visual Comfort Maverick fans and a side table by Beck’s friend and artist Sara Palmer. Beck also incorporated Palmer’s art in the primary bedroom: Two pieces of mixed media/collage were created to match the room colors of neutrals with touches of light blue. The decor also features wood fragment lamps from Interiors Market, Oxford side tables from WebbMarsteller and a custom bed dressed in linens from Buckhead’s Gramercy Home.

“Our bedroom is my sanctuary; the muted palette, exposed brick, blackout curtains and pitched roofline create a sense of calm that feels worlds away from the pace of our daily life,” Beck says.

The Becks’ are thrilled with how their home turned out, but they do have plans for a potential future project: adding a two-story garage with a place to play music. They are in no rush, however, and focused, for now, on living out their neighborhood dreams raising their girls in their refreshed Peachtree Hills abode.

“I walk around at least weekly, and I’m just like, ‘I love our house,’” Beck says. n

Left: Visual Comfort Maverick fans keep the screened-in porch cool, while the fireplace comes in handy when the weather turns cool.

Once a duplex, the Becks' completely remodeled Peachtree Hills home checks all the boxes.

Above: The serene primary bathroom features cafe curtains in a linen-blend sheer material from Weitzner Fabric.

1. The kitchen nook. “Tucked just off the kitchen are two swivel chairs and a petite cocktail table that invite easy lingering for morning coffee, a quick catch-up or a glass of wine while someone makes dinner nearby. Equal parts cozy and functional, these seats can accommodate the girls, a parent and a dog.”

2. The chair on the porch with the little side table made by my friend. “This is my favorite spot in the whole house. I like to sit out there in the morning before the sun comes up and listen to the birds with a cup of coffee. It's also my favorite spot at the end of the day with a mocktail or cocktail, unwinding with family or friends.”

The primary bedroom features tan and white curtains in Fabricut Trend appliquéd fabric, Gramercy linens and custom throw pillows.

Janie Beck’s Favorite Design Details

BULLETIN BOARD

BY Nicole Letts

MASTER MIXERS

The Modernist's Rob Gini and Felipe Florez make the case for ditching design dogma

Balance is one of the most sought-after qualities in interior design, yet it’s one of the hardest principles to achieve. Mixing modern and traditional elements requires a confident eye and a willingness to let go of rigid rules. At The Modernist Design Collective, a furniture and interiors gallery on the Westside, that tension frames the store and the business’s design philosophy. Owners Rob Gini and Felipe Florez, business partners for nearly a decade and with more than 25 years of combined experience in modern and contemporary furniture, have built a space around the idea that vintage modern and new modern can coexist and sharpen each other. Here, they share how to successfully blend eras for cohesive design.

How do you define the relationship between modern and traditional design?

RG: I think it's the rooms themselves and the period of a home that define the balance between modern and traditional styling, as well as the way that they can work with one another. Today’s spaces are designed to be more lived in versus serving as more formal settings. We have a more casual lifestyle, and people want to enjoy their spaces.

What does that balance between modern and traditional design look like in practice?

FF: My wife is traditional, and I'm more of a modernist. We live in a 1930s brick bungalow in Candler Park. I have an assortment of collectible Danish designs and midcentury modern pieces, but we also

DESIGN & REALTY NEWS

n As of March, Atlanta shoppers have a new destination for everything home. Following its 2024 flagship debut in Wilmette, Illinois, Wayfair's second U.S. location has opened at The District at Howell Mill. Spanning 150,000 square feet, the store offers furniture, decor, appliances, outdoor living, housewares and home improvement products

across every style and budget. Visitors can dine and unwind at The Porch, the store’s all-day cafe. The Wayfair Inc. family of brands includes AllModern, Birch Lane, Joss & Main and Perigold. wayfair.com/m/atlanta

n Ghenogas Gallery has relocated from Brookhaven to Miami Circle, bringing with it ambitions

have more traditional furniture like a wingback chair with carved legs. We modernized it with a new fabric. We have other elements in that room, like artwork, that has more of that vintage or traditional feel to it. Area rugs, especially Moroccan or Turkish styles, add layers and help bring everything together.

Do certain eras or styles translate naturally into a contemporary home or certain eras that naturally work together?

RG: Something from the Deco period plays well with anything from the ’70s. We are seeing moments of the ’80s with more curvature playing well with some new design that's happening today. For me, the biggest thing is scale and proportion. When scale works, I think anything can be blended and mixed.

How do you encourage your clients to take design risks?

FF: I always say that I work as a counselor on the weekends because I counsel couples [with different design aesthetics] and help them compromise. We have questions that we ask when we're

that extend well beyond its walls. Now at 693 Miami Circle, the gallery is positioning itself as a gateway to Atlanta's design district, presenting furnishings, lighting, decorative art, its eponymous porcelain brand and more under one roof. The larger vision includes The Circle, a quarterly district publication, an online directory that maps the area

Make a sculptural statement with the Selina Slipper Chair, part of Onward, Holly Hunt's debut collection under the joint creative vision of Design Director Chris Eitel and Executive Creative Director Jo Annah Kornak. The modern chair balances curved upholstery with a wood base, with or without a swivel. Available at Jim Thompson at ADAC. jimthompsonfabrics.com

trying to bring somebody out of their comfort zone. We sit down to gauge what they like, what they don't and how they react. Based on that assessment, we guide them.

How do non-professionals hone their era blending skills?

RG: We believe that no home should be too new nor too traditional. The beauty is to mix the two together to compose unique, one-of-a-kind spaces. We’re proud that The Modernist offers a vintage design collective as well as products from our new division that will also stand the test of time. We look to give our customers the best of both worlds n

THE MODERNIST themodernistatl.com • @themodernistatl

and its showrooms, and Savvy Staged, a staging concept that carries the Miami Circle aesthetic directly into homes for sale. ghenogasgallery.com

n Buckhead Village recently gained a new design tenant, Eichholtz. Operated by the team behind Italian Luxury Interiors, the showroom introduces Eichholtz’s

luxury lifestyle collections, including furniture, lighting and accessories, to the Atlanta market. Eichholtz is open to the public but also offers a trade program for design professionals. Hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. The showroom also plans to host regular events. eichholtzatlanta.com

Rob Gini and Felipe Florez are the duo behind The Modernist Design Collective on the Westside.

Connecting leaders, commerce, & shaping the future of Buckhead the future of Buckhead

Connecting leaders, strengthening commerce, & shaping

For more than 70 years, the Buckhead Business Association (BBA) has served as the voice and connector of Buckhead’s business community.

We bring together executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers to:

Build meaningful professional relationships

Stay informed on policy, development, and economic trends

Engage directly with civic leaders and influencers

Strengthen Buckhead as a place to do business

Whether you’re growing a company, leading an organization, or investing in Buckhead’s future — BBA is where connections turn into impact.

Marbled Keepsake Boxes ($232 for set)

Double down on design with a pair of block-print keepsake boxes from Nashville-based Reed Smythe. Handcrafted in Jaipur, India, they are made using traditional marbling and bookbinding techniques. Place keepsakes like photographs or cards within, or use the paper boxes in a closet to protect precious jewelry.

Keith Smythe Meacham co-founded the brand with the late Southern author, journalist and entertaining specialist Julia Reed.

Reed Smythe & Company 615.200.8287 reedsmythe.com @reedsmytheco

Bunny Williams Home

Ruffle Nesting Trays ($325)

Little Luxuries

Romanticizing your life is easy when you are surrounded by beautiful things. Small luxuries like porcelain keepsake boxes, sophisticated tissue box covers and handmade pottery are little reminders that beauty is everywhere, if you know where to look. When perched on a shelf or front and center on a coffee table, these tiny items have the ability to bring a smile to your face.

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

This set of three ruffled ceramic bowls can be nested or separated on a coffee table, shelf or credenza to create an attractive vignette. The 7-, 8- and 9-inch diameter bowls are splatter-glazed and handmade, and belong to an exclusive pottery collection between Bunny Williams Home and Matin Malikzada, a famous Afghan potter who now resides in Connecticut.

Mathews Furniture + Design 404.237.8271 mathewsfurniture.com @mathewsatl

Engine Turned Pewter Tissue Box Cover ($279)

Part of Waterworks’ Engine Turned collection, this pewter tissue box cover offers an elegant solution in a powder room or primary bath. Made in England, it features a hand-machined striped texture that adds a bit of masculinity. Use it alone or alongside the accompanying soap dish, toothbrush holder, tray and wastebasket. Waterworks • 404.266.1080 waterworks.com • @waterworks

Paden Tray Set ($1,500)

Bring nature inside with a pewter faux silk tray set. Clean-lined and practical, this set consists of two trays: one 21 inches long and the other 25 inches long. They have cut corners with panels set in alternating directions for a unique texture; the brass inset handles give them a bit of shine. See them in person at Made Goods’ ADAC showroom. Made Goods • 404.748.4049 madegoods.com • @madegoods

Mottahedeh Artichoke Bowl with Bird [$360]

Whimsical trinkets, such as this charming one by 95-yearold China brand Mottahedeh, hint at a homeowner’s personality. Standing only 4.5-inches tall, the porcelain box featuring an artichoke and bird is hand-painted and the perfect receptacle for candy, condiments and rings. Display it in a collection with other found objects, or let it stand on its own on a powder room counter.

Fragile • 404.257.1323 fragilegifts.com • @fragile_gifts

Experience Life

first 100 days in business, and today we have over 11,000 customers.

How does it work?

Wholesalers buy on speculation. I once had to go to North Carolina to pick up trees after a wholesaler had sold the ones I needed for a job. It wrecked the job's profitability, and I began to understand how important it is to get local materials and have access to them from the customer side. It felt like something was missing. It wasn’t efficient, so I came up with ServeScape. Growers give us their inventories, we post them, and then we provide last-mile delivery for both professionals and homeowners. We offer higher-quality plants directly from farms, often at better prices than traditional retail. Georgia alone grows over a billion dollars’ worth of horticultural products annually. We have more than 3,000 products on our site and over $100 million in available inventory. Customers trust us to select the right plants, and we stand behind that with guarantees. Our return customer rate is around 70%.

What additional services do you offer?

Lush Life

Mario Cambardella’s ServeScape delivers Atlanta’s greenery

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

Mario Cambardella’s adult life has centered around making Atlanta a more beautiful place. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s and master’s in landscape architecture, as well as a second master’s in environmental planning. After getting married and graduating, he started his first business focused on food-producing landscapes and had Atlanta History

Center as one of his clients. That business helped him win a design contest with the city of Atlanta, which led to a job as the Urban Agriculture director in 2015. Cambardella served the city for four years, with some of his original projects still in play, such as the urban food forest at Browns Mill, the AgLanta Eats Festival and more. While working for Atlanta, Cambardella focused on food acces-

vein. Now, as the founder and CEO of Chamblee-based ServeScape, Cambardella connects plant growers with customers, all online. Here, he explains how it works.

How did you start ServeScape? We launched in March of 2020. My last day as Urban Agriculture director was two days before we launched ServeScape—and two days before COVID shut everything down. Every store was closed. We were the only plant delivery place. We ended up doing $100,000 in our

We deliver, but we also work with about 17 independent designers on both commercial and residential projects. We’ll complete more than 500 planting plans this year. We’ve also added installation: When you check out and meet the minimum, the system calculates installation costs so you can add it in one click. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure marketplace. People can DIY or get full support. We meet people where they are. We also have InstaScape, our AI tool, where you can upload a photo and reimagine your space with designs tied directly to plants available for purchase.

What should we be planting now?

June is Perennial Gardening Month, according to the Perennial Plant Association. That includes native pollinators like coneflower (echinacea), black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia) and bee balm (monarda), all of which thrive in Georgia. There’s a big perennial movement in gardening right now. n

STYLISH

A Cut Above Page 36

“There are just so many things that come with [the award] other than the scholarship money.”

— Maddy Osborne

SCAD student Maddy Osborne gets some valuable one-on-one time with musician and fashion guru Pharrell Williams as he shares input on her portfolio.

A CUT ABOVE

SCAD fashion students sew up tough-fought scholarships in a nationwide competition STORY: Jill Becker

On March 23, Maddy Osborne and Zaria McLeod, students at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, were rubbing elbows with celebrity stylist Law Roach and other fashion industry elite at a glamorous gala in New York. The pair were among the select group of students from across the country who earned an award from the Fashion Scholarship Fund, the foremost fashion-oriented nonprofit in the country that hands out almost $2 million in scholarships each year.

The celebration came after Osborne, a senior, and McLeod, a junior, were named recipients of a prestigious Virgil Abloh “PostModern” Scholarship from FSF. Named for late African-American designer and entrepreneur Virgil Abloh, this particular fund was cre-

ated to foster equity and inclusion within the industry and help support the next generation of Black fashion leaders. In addition to being awarded $10,000 each, Osborne and McLeod have access to invaluable educational, networking and mentoring opportunities. “There are just so many things that come with it other than the scholarship money,” says Osborne, praising the one-on-one mentorships in particular. “I feel like that's super important because it's nice to have someone to talk to and to help you navigate your career, especially as a senior.”

McLeod is equally grateful for the award. “Being a winner is definitely an honor for me,” she says. “It’s pushed me to go deeper and work even harder.”

The scholarship application process is no easy feat. To prove

their mettle, applicants must put together a detailed brief centered around a specific theme, which for this year’s competition was “Fashion Crosses Industries.”

“The students do in-depth research and make a 17- to 22-page case study,” says Kirsty Ward, a fashion professor and the competitions coordinator at SCAD Atlanta who helps guide the applicants through everything from the initial concept for their study to the research and design process. “It was a lot,” says McLeod. “I’m thankful to my professors for being so hands-on.”

For her winning case study, Osborne focused on what a potential collaboration between fashion brand Thom Browne and Major League Baseball could look like. “Both are known for their uniforms,” she says. “I felt like this was a cool way to

change the narrative and how people see uniforms in general, and to find a new way to value individualism.”

McLeod’s presentation showcased a potential partnership between Ralph Lauren and high-end luggage maker Béis for a lifestyle-driven “Pack Like a Pro” campaign.

Osborne and McLeod weren’t the only SCAD attendees at the FSF gala; 20 students from the university’s School of Fashion and De Sole School of Business Innovation were named 2026 FSF recipients, which marks a new university record for the number of FSF wins and also secures SCAD’s position as the university with the most scholarship recipients in the country for the FSF class of 2026. n

SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN • scad.edu

An eye for design: award-winning SCAD students Zaria McLeod (above) and Maddy Osborne (right).

POSTCARDS

A curated escape of effortless silhouettes, artisanal textures, and sun-drenched hues inspired by the

of

AGOLDE

NAGHEDI

LARROUDÉ

Strong Tresses

Who doesn’t want thicker, healthier hair?

According to a recent report by the George Washington University School of Medicine, Americans spend over $1 billion annually on hair loss treatments, including drugs, medicated shampoos and procedures such as invasive hair transplants. It’s big business. Now, Great Many, a new boutique practice in the Buckhead Village District, offers a different approach.

“Hair care and hair growth is kind of the next frontier, similar to where skin care was 10 or 15 years ago,” says Great Many co-founder and co-CEO Steve Klebanow. “I saw a gap in the market. I couldn’t figure out why there was no place where someone could go meet

with a qualified medical professional in a beautiful setting, learn in an easy-to-understand way why they’re experiencing hair loss, and then get a partner and a plan.”

The Great Many Atlanta location, the first outside New York, opened early this year and delivers on the “vibe” Klebanow and his business partner, Michael Pollak, wanted, with natural wood tones and serene green shades that are welcoming rather than clinical.

Clients meet with a clinician to discuss their goals and take a closer look at their scalp. A wand with a magnifying camera shows what the naked eye can’t see, uncovering issues such as excess sebum, dandruff, inflammation and dormant follicles. That analysis helps the team

in the most natural treatment and preferred not to take meds.

As a result, PRP was my recommended protocol. I liked the idea because it uses my own blood, drawn in the office. After the vials were collected, they were inserted into a centrifuge to separate the platelet-laden plasma that contain growth factors to promote follicle health. That was then injected with super-thin needles into my scalp. The pain was bearable, and after three treatments spaced about five weeks apart, I can already see new baby hairs sprouting around my hairline.

craft a customized plan of action to improve the quality and quantity of the client’s hair over time. The plan could include a mix of supplements such as the brand’s proprietary Votesse that blocks DHT, a cause of shedding, and prescriptions such as minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or a new FDAapproved laser treatment. I had the opportunity to experience the Great Many process this spring and learned that hair quality and quantity can be impacted from factors ranging from styling (tight ponytails and buns can cause breakage) and coloring to hormonal changes and simple genetics. While I have a full head of hair, I have always aspired to have more ample tresses. During my initial meeting, a registered nurse looked closely at my scalp and spent time asking questions about my goals and lifestyle. I mentioned that I was only interested

The collection of products I picked up may be helping, too. They sent me home with their line including shampoo, conditioner, scalp treatment and root densifying treatment. Klebanow says these products are designed to use in tandem with other protocols, and they’re not promoted as miracles on their own. “We worked with a great team of chemists, scientists and doctors to develop these, so they’re all bespoke formulations,” he says. “But a shampoo alone is never going to regrow your hair.”

The price point is another differentiating factor, as Great Many’s prices start at $495 per session. I’m excited to return for a six-month follow up to have more photos taken to compare my results, though I’m told that peak growth often appears at the 12-month mark.

“Plants take a long time to grow,” Klebanow says. “So does hair.” n GREAT MANY • 404.400.2800 greatmany.com • @meetgreatmany

Great Many co-founder and co-CEO Steve Klebanow wanted to create a place for clients to get individualized plans for hair health.

Drinking It In

Ken

Kreafle’s

over 20 patents and unique collaborations such as with Vera Bradley, which launched in Target in March.

Reduce celebrates 20 years in business

BSTORY: Lauren Finney Harden

uckhead resident Ken Kreafle has been in the drinkware business for over three decades, including working for big-name brands like Disney and Starbucks. In 2006, he founded his company, Reduce, to help diminish the use of single-use plastic water bottles and bring a more stylish offering to the market. Since then, he estimates that the company has sold 10 million drinkware products at retailers such as Kroger, Walmart, Target and Costco, and he now employs 40 people at the company’s Westside Provisions District headquarters. Here, the CEO explains his journey and why keeping the company in Atlanta has been a smart business move.

What inspired you to create a drinkware brand?

My wife and I were living in a thirdfloor walk-up apartment in the early 2000s, carrying giant boxes of bottled water up the stairs every day. I created a product that was a set of five bottles in a tray. You would fill them up yourself, and they fit nicely in the refrigerator. You’d have bottles of cold water ready to go without the expense of buying bottled water, and it would be more eco-friendly. From there, I decided to make the bottles less utilitarian, and Reduce was born from that. I think our focus on fashion and product development has made it so that drinkware is more of a reflection of your personality and something

worth keeping, which is what helped us succeed.

What makes Reduce different than other drinkware brands?

We use stainless steel, which is sustainable. We also use some recycled plastic, but we try to stay away from plastic as much as possible. Stainless steel is obviously more recyclable in general, and the manufacturing process is cleaner. Customers keep stainless drinkware longer, too. We want to have products that are really going to make drinking your coffee or water a better experience. For example, there’s Hot1 with a slider that allows drinks to cool off when they’re too hot to drink. You can also adjust your flow to drink faster or slower. There’s also Saltini, a lidded margarita glass. You can salt the lid and drink directly from any side without spilling. We have

Why have you kept the brand Atlanta-based?

I came to Atlanta when I was working for another drinkware company. I’ve been here since 2001. It’s important for us to be connected locally. We want every customer who buys our products to feel good knowing they’ve made a difference by not choosing bottled water, but also that they are supporting local efforts, like Chattahoochee River Keeper. My wife, Ilene, and I have worked with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper for years. They are doing amazing work keeping our waterways clean. We're happy to support them with product and financial donations, but our Reduce team especially enjoys the annual Sweep the Hooch clean-up day where we can see the impact up close. n

reduceeveryday.com • @reduceeveryday

Skin Sneak Attack Page 42

Don't let a bug bite turn into a skin infection.

“Staph bacteria normally live harmlessly on the surface of healthy skin...” —Deandra Ellis

SKIN SNEAK ATTACK

How to spot and stop a summer staph infection STORY: Karina Antenucci

Summer means more time outside and more chances for scraped knees, itchy bug bites and irritated sensitive skin. Most issues heal quickly with BandAids and ointment, but breaks in the skin can give bacteria an opening. One common genus of bacteria that likes to take advantage of summer’s heat and humidity to spread is staph, short for Staphylococcus.

“Staph bacteria, of which there are many kinds, normally live harmlessly on the surface of healthy skin as part of its microbiome but can cause infection when there’s a break in the skin that allows it to get in,” says Dr. Deandrea Ellis, a board-certified pediatrician with Zarminali Pediatrics in Buckhead and Dunwoody.

Signs of Staph

Early on, a staph skin infection can look minor, even like a bug bite. “It

usually starts with a small area of redness which then begins to spread, and it can progress quickly from hours to days,” Ellis says. Two common types of bacterial skin infections are cellulitis and impetigo. Cellulitis is not contagious but is a deeper infection that causes red, hot, swollen skin. Impetigo, on the other hand, is highly contagious and affects the top layer of the skin, causing clumps of honey-colored blisters or sores.

One simple trick for parents: Use a marker to draw a circle around any area of concern. “If you notice it spreading and going beyond those borders, seek medical advice,” Ellis says. Additionally, she advises that “if the skin feels hot to the touch, there’s swelling or any pus or drainage, accompanying fever or pain, itching or burning at the site,” those are all signs to visit the pediatrician immediately.

Treatment Tips

Treatment requires antibiotics to kill the bacteria and stop the infection from spreading. It may include topical or oral antibiotics if more severe and not improving from the topical cream. Ellis says your pediatrician may order a culture to determine the type of staph for more targeted antibiotic treatment.

It’s also important that your child doesn’t scratch the skin, which can spread the infection. Depending on the kid’s age, mittens, antihistamines or topical corticosteroids may help with itching.

To prevent contagious impetigo from spreading to family or friends, clean frequently touched surfaces such as kitchen counters, faucets, doorknobs and remote controls. In addition, avoid sharing clothing, towels and personal care items.

SMART PREVENTION STEPS

n Use insect repellent to prevent bites.

n Clean and cover cuts and scrapes.

n Take care of new piercings.

n Shower with soap right after sports and swimming.

n Don’t share towels, clothing or razors.

n Launder swimsuits and towels in hot water.

n Keep eczema and other skin conditions under control.

n Wipe down shared sports equipment and mats with Clorox wipes.

Risk Factors

Some kids are more prone to infection. For instance, children who are immunocompromised, live with someone who works in health care or have a skin condition that causes cracks in the skin may have increased exposure. Athletes and campers who share equipment or close quarters can face a higher risk, too.

Reoccurrence does happen. Not everyone has staph on their skin, but if your child does, it’s not unreasonable for them to get an infection again in the future, says Ellis. n

ZARMINALI PEDIATRICS zarminali.com • @zarminalipediatrics

Attack Avoidance

How to prevent uncomfortable situations with your pet

STORY: Chelsie Butler

We bring pets into our homes to provide a safe, loving, enriching environment in which they can live and thrive. Many cats and dogs embrace this, but some can feel threatened—whether real or perceived—and can react negatively in certain situations.

When dogs are afraid or nervous, they often exhibit pack behavior, become territorial and/or gang up on another animal or a human. Dogs may also practice resource guarding, aggressively protecting things like food. Cats may become scared or anxious when their personal space is invaded, and both animals

prior trauma or lack of socialization. We spoke to Mark Spivak, the head trainer at Comprehensive Pet Therapy Inc., a Sandy Springs-based pet training company, to identify stressors for cats and dogs and how to avoid potential attacks.

Start From Scratch

When you are choosing a cat or dog to bring into your home, Spivak says to look for those that appear calm and stable. Then the key is to provide plenty of early socialization with other people (different ages, genders, heights and face types), animals (in and out of the home) and environments (for dogs this includes places where they may encounter things like scooters and bikes).

“Play dates with friendly dogs of compatible age, dog day care and obedience classes provide productive socialization for dogs,” says Spivak. “Cats living as the only cat in a household are often difficult to socialize with other cats, since there are fewer social opportunities. Nevertheless, if a friend has a kitten, you can try play dates with your cat.”

Recognizing Warning Signs

Spivak says few pets go out of their way to be aggressive, but it is important not to ignore initial signs that they are anxious, afraid or agitated. With dogs, those signals can include growling, bared teeth, a stiff body carriage, cowering, lip licking, raised hackles and deep-pitched barking. For cats, signs of stress are tail thumping, dilated pupils, swishing tails, hissing, hiding and flat ears.

Avoiding the Attack

If you are approached by an aggressive dog, Spivak says not to trust your first instinct to run away— unless you have time to safely escape—as that excites and empowers the animal. Instead, stand tall and slowly move away while calmly talking to the dog or sternly saying “sit” while retreating.

When encountering a reactive feline, Spivak suggests remaining calm, avoiding eye contact and gently moving out of the cat’s territory. Additional measures include making a loud noise and placing a barrier between yourself and the cat.

Eliminating the stressor for a cat or dog is important if you want to prevent a distressing situation for you and the animal. If you are a stranger, ask the owner first if you can pet Fido or Tigger. Do not unnecessarily invade their personal space. If the cat or dog is your pet, provide plenty of activity for them to exert their energy, such as scratching posts and climbing perches for cats and daily walks for dogs. And both pets benefit from their share of regular play sessions. n

Mark Spivak of Comprehensive Pet Therapy Inc. shares advice on eluding possible pet confrontations.

Schedule an appointment today, or visit your local Atlanta branch.

SoulCycle

Gorjana

Fab’rik

Corbu’s Pizza

ROLE REVERSAL

Start planning for your parents’ future STORY: Amy Meadows

This year, Baby Boomers born in 1946 are turning 80 years old. For many, this is a major turning point as they find themselves moving farther away from independence and closer to needing supportive care. And often, their adult children are responsible for making key decisions and plans for their future. If you are in this situation, you may be wondering how to approach the process so you can best help your aging parents. Tracy Johnson, a registered nurse, is owner and founder of Buckhead-based Premier Care Management of Georgia, a leading geriatric care management group, and offers the following advice so everyone in your family can feel comfortable and prepared for the days and years to come.

How do I know when to step in and begin helping my parent make decisions? You may begin to see things that don’t sit right with you. Maybe you see a scrape on your mom’s car, or you dad keeps forgetting to pay a

turn to adult day programs if your parent wants to stay in their home but needs activity. You may be able to have a caregiver in the home short-term to help address some needs like bathing, grooming and dressing, as well as laundry or maintenance around the house. There are also private or agency-based live-in caregivers. And at some point, assisted living or memory care makes the most sense. There are phases to the process.

How do I begin making long-term plans?

certain bill. You could see that your parents don’t have food in their refrigerator. They may have had several falls and trips to the emergency room. Medically, this is what we call change of condition. There’s a change in what you see, and you may need to delve deeper into what’s going on.

Do I need to move my parent out of their home right away? It’s such a big decision, and there’s no cookie cutter approach. You can

Turning to an aging life care manager is an excellent option. That person can help you do a formal assessment, asking whether your parent has had any medicine errors, lost weight, missed doctor appointments, is showing cognitive issues and more. They can create a personalized plan for your parent’s long-term care with you and your siblings or other family members, making sure that everyone is on the same page about medical care, finances, insurance and legal

help advocate with doctors when necessary. It’s all about helping you project manage your parent’s care.

What decisions should my parent make as they begin to get older? Every adult should have a power of attorney. It doesn’t even matter if you’re 65 or older; you need to have someone who can make decisions about your health care and finances if you are unable to do that.

My parent is getting older but doesn’t need care yet. What should I be doing now? Start keeping notes. Get a three-ring binder or an app (like Caring Village) and record everything about their medical care, medicine lists, important tasks and more. Write things down about their doctor visits or trips to the hospital. We often forget the timeline of when things happen, so keeping a record is extremely important. Whatever you do, do it sooner rather than later. So much of what we see now deals with dementia, and you need to have plans in place before you can’t have that conversation with Mom or Dad. n

Tracy Johnson helps families prepare for Mom and Dad’s future needs.

CULTURE

Tots and Teens on Toes Page 48

“I want to create a space that produces happy, confident dancers.” —Leigh Ducas

Dance studio owner Leigh Ducas shows off one of the many trophies her students have won.

PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Tots and Teens on Toes

Leigh Ducas leads Strive Dance Studios in Buckhead

Leigh Ducas’ dream in high school was to be a Rockette.

She has what it takes. She’s tall with long legs, a dazzling smile and strong dance training, and she twice attended the Rockettes’ summer intensive at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Luckily for Atlanta, she changed her mind while studying for a BFA in dance at the University of Georgia.

Now her dream is to make her studio, Strive Dance, the best it can be. “We strive to help kids from 3 to 18 be great dancers and good people,” Ducas says. “I want to create a space that produces happy, confident dancers. It’s so rewarding to see children succeed.”

Founded in June 2025, Strive Dance is tucked away in the sports and recreation building of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Buckhead, just a stone’s

throw from Ducas’ home. In three small studios it offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics and contemporary dance. Students can also audition for the preprofessional competition program; the winning participants’ gleaming trophies are lined up on the windowsills of one of the studios.

Ducas, 30, danced briefly with two small companies in the Atlanta area but says her greatest joy is teaching.

“Dance teaches structure and internal drive,” she says. “It’s strenuous but creates a strong mind-body connection. It teaches respect for others; you learn how to move with and around other people.” These are skills that will serve people in life long after they leave Strive, she says.

“I feel beautiful when I dance! I teach kids that, too.”

In Ducas’ classes you might hear traditional ballet music or popular

Disney tunes, even a Taylor Swift cover now and then. The KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack is a huge favorite right now with the preschoolers, she says with a smile.

Ducas grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and attended the Youth Performing Arts School there. After college, she taught at a studio with a competitive dance program, which was new to her. She liked it. In Strive’s competitive program, students train five hours a week and compete at venues such as the Georgia International Convention Center. But many students sign up for Strive’s recreational, just-for-fun division, too. Tuition for that program is $100 a month for one class a week. The competitive program is $300 a month, plus the costs of costumes and competition registration fees.

Peachtree Road United Methodist has had a dance program since the

1990s, led by different people over the years. When the most recent instructor retired, Charles Akin, the church’s director of sports and recreation, reached out to Ducas. She has brought “a renewed level of energy, organization and community engagement to our programs,” Akin says.

Strive puts on performances in May and December, giving students a chance to show parents and friends what they’ve learned.

When she’s not working, Ducas spends time with family and friends, and can often be found walking on the Beltline or engrossed in a book. Dance, however, is her first love.

“In my opinion,” she says, flashing her Rockette-quality smile, “everyone needs dance.” n

STORY: Gillian Anne Renault PHOTO: Erik Meadows

BACK FROM THE BRINK

“It was a beautiful, clear day,” she says. “On his way out the door, we said I love you, and I remember hearing the garage door close. Then I went on with the morning, making sandwiches and cleaning the Christmas decorations we’d gotten out the day before.”

A widow at 29, Duke says her husband’s unexpected death upended her life. “All my dreams, everything, came crashing down. The rebuilding process was disorienting and awful, awful.”

But a few months into the grieving process, Duke found supportive friends who attended Passion City Church near Peachtree Hills, and the draw of that community inspired her to move to Buckhead.

“I just got in a moving truck with my three kids and the fishbowl splashing everywhere,” she says. “It was beautiful to see how these people offered us strength and support. Through them, I felt God did some miraculous healing in my life and my kids’ lives.”

One of those miracles was meeting and marrying Jon Duke, with whom she has a son, 8. “I was terrified to date; I had never really dated anyone,” she says. “It was a slow process to open my heart to love again.”

But the story doesn’t end at a happy second marriage, she says. About three years ago, she began putting her experiences in writing. “I had a vivid dream that it was time,” she says. “From that day on, I woke up every day and wrote for the woman who would be on the other side of the book.”

In February, after more than two years of writing, Duke published And She Got Up, a work wrought from her pain and growth. “It’s interesting how suffering in a strange way can be a gift, and I couldn’t run away from it,” she says. “But it’s not just me telling my story; I’m wanting to show women this is how I did it, and how this is what’s possible for you, too. Whether you have faith or no faith, I want you to pick this up and know hope is possible, and your story’s not over yet.”

The story Courtney Pray Duke, 43, has to tell starts when she was growing up in Arkansas and met her future husband, Andrew. She was 8; he was 9. Eleven years later, the childhood sweethearts married, and over the next 10 years, life went cheerfully on, filled

H.M. Cauley

Buckhead author moves on from major life crisis to inspirational writing STORY:

with three children and a Christian community in Dallas, Georgia, where Andrew was the worship pastor. But life changed dramatically the day before Thanksgiving in 2012 when Andrew headed out for one of his regular bike rides, and Duke stayed home to finish holiday prep.

In the midst of that, she let an unrecognized number go to voicemail.

“It said, ‘Your husband has been in an accident; get to the trauma center at Kennestone Hospital immediately,’” Duke says. “I got the kids in the car, and before we could get there, I got a call from a family member telling me to pull over. That’s when I learned he’d been hit by a charter bus and didn’t make it. Our whole world just crumbled.”

That reminder keeps Duke going. “It’s still so hard; we miss Andrew every day, but I’ve learned to hold grief and joy at the same time,” she says. “When I lost Andrew, I thought my life was done, and that was the end of the story. This is a life I could never have planned, but it’s not the end of the story.” n

COURTNEY PRAY DUKE

courtneyprayduke.com • @courtneyprayduke

Laugh and Learn

Funny Bus Atlanta is a good time, even in traffic STORY: Denise K. James

Afew years back, Summer Rose was tired of her corporate job in technology and noticed some friends in Charlotte were “living their best lives” running a comedy bus tour that drove patrons around the Queen City. A native of Atlanta, graduate of Chamblee High School and then-resident of Peachtree Hills, Rose wondered if her own city could benefit from something similar. The answer was yes, and Funny Bus Atlanta has been on the road since 2024.

The concept is simple. Visitors and locals board the 38-passenger Bluebird school bus and ride around the city while humorous hosts tell tales of Atlanta in a tongue-incheek fashion. It’s a fun way to learn about neighborhoods, landmarks and hotspots, and according to

Rose, you never quite know what you’re going to see out on the road. She spoke to Simply Buckhead about the journey.

How did your friends in Charlotte help you get started?

I made it happen with their support. I knew Lisa Schnurr and Kevin Anderson from when they lived in Atlanta; I worked with Lisa at the Treehouse Restaurant and Pub in Buckhead. I started asking them questions about their Funny Bus business, and I poked around and did some research about other tours in Atlanta, but nothing was quite as fun and upbeat. I realized we needed it here. And Lisa and Kevin had already introduced the concept to Cleveland, so I felt confident opening the third franchise.

How do you explain the experience to someone who hasn’t been?

It’s a 90-minute tour of Atlanta’s historic sites with a comic as your host and lots of music. And you can bring beer or wine. We play trivia games, and we hand out prizes, but I think one of the unique things is that the hosts do stand-up but also do improv. We regularly have people dancing in the streets with us, and the comics are always talking to people in their cars or roadside. Everyone is always laughing; traffic isn’t boring on a funny bus. No two tours are the same. It’s also different depending on what’s happening in the city that day.

What do the tours cover in the 90 minutes?

We hit several landmarks and neighborhoods, which I’m proud of. We pick patrons up at the Margaret Mitchell House and drive by Piedmont Park, the Beltline, Krog Street Market, Ponce City Market,

“Murder” Kroger, Hotel Clermont, the Majestic, the Plaza Theatre, Videodrome, Manuel’s Tavern, The Carter Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Grant Park Market and Oakland Cemetery. Then we head into downtown and cover Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Underground Atlanta, the Georgia state capitol, Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame, the Georgia Aquarium, Waffle House, and we eventually curl back around to go by the Varsity, the Fox Theater, the Georgian Terrace and Georgia Tech. And we finally end up back where we started.

How often do tours run?

Our main public tours are Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and are ages 17 and up. Sometimes we have a noon tour if it’s busy. We also offer private tours during the week with custom pickups and drop-offs in Buckhead, Midtown and downtown. And we’re adding additional tours for the World Cup in June and July, which we’re excited about. n

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

CENTENNIAL SCAVENGER HUNT

THE ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER TURNS 100 AND UNVEILS ITS MOST COMPELLING ARTIFACTS

The Atlanta History Center is marking its 100th birthday with a series of new exhibitions, and one of them, Atlanta in 100 Objects, is built around one deceptively simple premise: 100 objects tell the full story of the city. The exhibit draws from archival collections and invites visitors to explore artifacts that trace the city’s evolution over the past century. Curators spent months combing through the collection and weighing thousands of candidates before landing on the final 100, a process that reflects just how rich and layered the city’s history truly is. Vice President for Collections and Exhibitions Michael Rose says, “We hope that visitors will encounter a piece of Atlanta’s history that they’ve never seen before, and they’re taken by surprise.”

The complete exhibit is a sweeping and eclectic mix, and it spans the entire Buckhead campus as well as the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown. “Unlike most of our other exhibits, where you walk into a gallery, and you see the whole thing, this one is spread throughout the Atlanta History Center,” Rose says. Among the highlights are the first map of

Atlanta used during General Sherman’s 1864 Civil War siege and 1950s couture gowns by Atlantanative and fashion designer Ann Moore. The Swan House, the center’s historic estate, is also on the list; it’s considered a single object in its entirety.

One of the most meaningful inclusions is a collection of annual academic bulletins spanning 1887 to 1927 from Spelman Seminary, now Spelman College. They were among the first items donated to the center after its founding. The Zero Milepost, the marker that designated Atlanta as the terminus of the Western & Atlantic railroad and a major transportation hub, also stands out as a significant piece in the exhibit. “That is as basic to Atlanta as you can possibly get,” Rose says. Several items are also making their debut, having never been displayed before, including Victorian period dresses specifically positioned to highlight the bustles, and 1920s house plan books by Leila Ross Wilburn, one of the first female architects licensed in Georgia. n

atlantahistorycenter.com/atlanta-in-100-objects @atlantahistorycenter

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

Juneteenth Jubilee

Sandy Springs celebrates Juneteenth at City Springs on June 19. The free, family-friendly event commemorates the end of enslavement in the United States when Union soldiers brought news of freedom to Texas. Each year, Sandy Springs honors the legacy, culture and contributions of African-Americans. Falling on a Friday, this year’s

event runs later than ever, extending from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. New in 2026, the celebration adds a live concert to its lineup, which also includes local vendors, arts, crafts and games. A STEAM-focused digital art gallery, presented in partnership with LIQUID Arts and Productions, showcases original artwork by area high school

students that is brought to life through an augmented reality app. Back by popular demand, live storytelling and on-site genealogical research opportunities give attendees a chance to connect with their heritage and culture. Neighboring cities Brookhaven and Dunwoody will also join as partners, giving the celebration a footprint that spans three municipalities. n

sandyspringsga.gov/juneteenth @cityofsandysprings

Red, White and Blue Ridge

The Firecracker Train is full steam ahead

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which began running train excursions in 1998, will host its annual Firecracker Special, a round-trip journey departing from historic downtown Blue Ridge and winding through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Toccoa River. The Firecracker Train travels to the twin cities of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Upon arrival, passengers will disembark for a community fireworks display before re-boarding for the return trip. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway General Manager Rachal Gray says this year’s journey carries added meaning. “There’s something especially poignant about celebrating America’s 250th birthday aboard a historic railway, traveling

along tracks that have connected these Appalachian communities for well over a century,” she says. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the fireworks stop.

The city of Sandy Springs

Celebration is back for 2026.

BUZZ

FEATHERS 5K

June 6

atlantacancercarefoundation. org/2026-feathers-5k @accf_couragehopestrength

The Atlanta Cancer Care Foundation will host its Feathers 5K, a family-friendly run and walk at Oglethorpe University. Proceeds benefit the foundation, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to cancer patients across a 17-county service area.

GROOVIN’

ON THE GREEN

June 13

dunwoodyga.gov @cityofdunwoodyga

Join Dunwoody for Groovin’ on the Green, an all-ages outdoor concert series at Brook Run Park Amphitheater, where towering trees provide a backdrop for a late spring evening out. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coolers. Admission is free.

COPA SANDY SPRINGS SOCCER TOURNAMENT

June 27

jamsports.com/tournaments/48 @playjamsports

JAM Sports and the city of Sandy Springs are partnering to host Copa Sandy Springs, a six-on-six adult soccer tournament at Hammond Park, open to all skill levels and genders. Participants receive a complimentary drink, and prizes will be awarded. Futbol Fever, a World Cup viewing party at City Green, will follow. The tournament is $45 for individuals and $400 for complete teams.

SARAH MCLACHLAN AT SYNOVUS BANK AMPHITHEATER

July 3

chastainparkamp.com @synovusbankamp

Tickets are $76.99 for adults and $59.99 for children, plus tax. n

brscenic.com/firecracker-special-ride @blueridgescenicrailway

The Better Broken Tour with Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell takes the stage at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park. VIP packages that include access to sound check, exclusive merch and more are available. One dollar from every ticket benefits the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. General admission starts at $61.

Sandy Springs honors a notable holiday

Juneteenth

THE ARTISAN ISSUE

HOMEGROWN TALENT AND HANDMADE GOODS

In 2026, most of us are inundated with items mass-produced for big box stores. From furniture with hard-to-follow assembly instructions to clothing that comes from overseas factories, it’s easy to feel uninspired. Enter a cadre of local artisans who take pride in creating functional, beautiful items for us to enjoy. Here, you’ll read about a duo of furniture craftsmen who handmake stunning pieces for individuals and for some of the area’s top restaurants, a local fashion designer whose multi-style skirt helps solve the age-old question of what to wear, a creative mixologist who crafted an array of inventive mixers for mocktails and cocktails, and more. We can guarantee you’ll be charmed by these one-of-a-kind products and the makers behind them.

Joann

Vitelli

Erik Meadwos

Joann

Vitelli

FROM CLASSROOM TO CLAY

When Jenifer Gine sits down at the pottery wheel in her Dunwoody home studio, she sees well beyond a blob of clay. “The possibilities are endless,” she says. “I know I can create a look that’s uniquely mine, that’s colorful, layered and playful.”

A former elementary teacher

in the City Schools of Decatur and Atlanta Public Schools before home-schooling her two now-adult children, Gine doesn’t think of herself primarily as an artist. Her creative endeavors were limited to crocheting and classes in photography and watercolors at the Spruill Center for the Arts.

get better the more I practiced. And I was surrounded by people with great suggestions and encouragement.”

Gine also picked up pottery making tips from online videos. “There are so many on YouTube, I could watch for days,” she says. “Even though I wasn’t a natural at first, I was determined.”

The key component to being a “natural” is mastering the wheel, Gine says. “It can take a really long time to learn how to get the clay centered, and you really can’t learn just by watching somebody do it. But once that clicks, you’ve got it. You can feel it when it’s right.”

Gine admits her learning curve came with many recycled attempts—like starting out to make a bowl and ending up with a spoon rest—but continuing to take classes and getting her own wheel for her converted garage studio have made a difference.

“Pottery is a really dusty hobby, so I’m happy in the garage,” she says. “I have a heater in there, and I’m happy to park in the driveway, so it’s working for me.” She also has her own kiln and plenty of space for painting.

Since her first foray into the artform, Gine has focused on developing a style all her own that she demonstrates in the decorations she adds to each piece.

Former teacher turns pottery into a second career

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTO: Erik Meadows

“I love learning and trying new things,” she says. “But those classes didn’t light a fire for me the way pottery did.” A friend and enthusiastic potter convinced Gine to give it a try, and she took her first class at Spruill in 2019.

“There were so many things and ways to learn,” she says. “I felt I could

“I got into surface decoration about two years ago and have been perfecting those techniques,” she says. “Initially, I was very minimalist, but I’ve moved to using different ways to carve the clay, to add layers of under-glazing to get unique effects. And I play around with different forms; I’ve gotten more curvy. That’s been really exciting.”

After selling her creations on Etsy since 2020, Gine was also excited to be invited to add pieces for sale in Spruill’s gallery shop. Large mugs are her bestsellers.

“For someone to spend money on something I made is a huge boost of confidence,” she says. “And it’s funny because I still consider it a hobby in many ways. But I spend four or five days a week doing something pottery related, whether it’s working in my studio or helping out with a class at Spruill. It’s still so exciting.” n homemakerpottery.com @homemakerpottery

SIMPLY SOLID

How Jeff Banks crystalized Atlanta’s

For 15 years, Jeff Banks watched the Atlanta bar scene evolve from simple highballs to worldclass mixology. As a veteran bar manager, he saw the city’s top Japanese spots and French brasseries pouring pricey bourbons over cloudy, rapidly melting ice. At the time, the only option for clear ice was a grueling DIY project: buying 150-pound blocks and attacking them outside with chainsaws and bandsaws to create manageable cubes.

"Nobody should give a bartender a chainsaw," Banks says. That realization, paired with a win at a 2018 Beldam Vodka Bar Fight cocktail competition, provided the seed money for King Cube. Starting with a single ice block maker, a small bandsaw, a chest freezer and free space in a local distillery, Banks set out to provide Atlanta with the one thing its luxury spirits were missing: perfect transparency. A common myth says clear ice

requires boiling or distilled water. In reality, it’s all about physics, Banks says. In a standard freezer, ice freezes from all sides, trapping air and minerals, including flavors and aromas, in the center, hence the cloudy core.

Banks’ process uses directional freezing. By freezing 300-pound blocks slowly from the bottom up over five to seven days, the ice pushes dissolved oxygen and minerals to the surface, leaving a crystal-clear cube. The process is a slow-motion labor of love; from the first drop of water to the final bagged cube, a single batch takes eight to nine days. "We don’t do it because it is easy; we do it because we thought it would be easy," Banks says about the eight years of trial and error required to master the thermal shock that can shatter a block if it's cut too soon.

Clear ice isn't just about "eating with your eyes." Because it is free of air deposits and minerals, King Cube’s ice is significantly denser than

scene

standard ice. This density ensures a slower dilution rate, keeping a cocktail tasting exactly as the bartender intended from the first sip to the last. Clear ice lacks that freezer taste of silicone molds, as King Cube's airtight packaging prevents the ice from absorbing outside aromas.

Banks’ traditional cube is the 2-by-2 inch that fits most glassware, but he delivers custom sizing to fit a bar’s glassware, including cubes with flowers suspended inside or branded with a logo. For effervescent drinks like a French 75, Banks’ Collins spears provide fewer “nucleation points," meaning your gin and tonic stays fizzy significantly longer.

Today, King Cube supplies nearly every Michelin-starred restaurant and high-end establishment in the city, including Mujo, Marcel, St. Cecilia, Lucky Star, KR SteakBar, Fudo, F1 Arcade, Yeppa and new Koshu Club, as well as most hotels in Buckhead and downtown.

For the home mixologist, King Cube offers retail bags of 12 cubes at local spots like Corks & Caps, Grapes & Grains and Tuxedo Wine & Spirits. The set of a dozen cubes is by design. “If you do a 2-ounce pour from a standard 750 ml bottle, you should have 12 pours per bottle,” says Banks. As King Cube expands into a new 15,000-square-foot warehouse in Doraville, enthusiasts can expect new offerings like spheres, custom engravings  and even soccer ball-shaped ice  just in time for the World Cup. n kingcube.com • @kingcubeice

For the home mixologist, purchase here:

CORKS AND CAPS corksandcaps.com • @corksandcapsatl GRAPES AND GRAINS WINE & SPIRITS grapesandgrains.com • @grapesandgrainsstore TUXEDO WINE & SPIRITS tuxedowineandspirits.com @tuxedowineandspirits

cocktail

STORY: Angela Hansberger PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

IN THE MIX

Nicky Hines was a longtime corporate food and beverage veteran with almost 30 years under her apron. But 10 years ago, she began an event and catering company, A Dining Diva, on the side.

“I’d take a vacation day and host dinner parties, which translated into me doing cocktail classes,” she says. She was doing so well with her side hustle that she eventually left her corporate job in 2019 to pursue A Dining Diva full-time. The timing was not great; the pandemic followed swiftly after she had made that decision.

Hines did not let world events derail her, despite feeling hopeless.

“Everything we did was social; the whole concept of the company was to be social,” she says. But customers continued to ask her to show up, even in the most precarious of times,

Nicky Hines’ Brown Girl Mixers sweeten social experiences

including a customer who requested she do an online cocktail class.

“People from all over the country joined me for this girls’ happy hour,” she says. In advance of the event, Hines sent participants mixology boxes that included homemade cocktail syrups. Customers loved the concept and the syrups. Her business grew from there, eventually leading to a 100-person, two-day, online event with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.

While the events were fun, the main feedback the Upper Westside resident kept getting was that her attendees wanted syrups in bigger bottles. So in 2022, she found a commercial kitchen, applied for a Department of Agriculture license and began commercially bottling her Brown Girl Mixers line.

Brown Girl Mixers offers eight

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

year-round syrup flavors based in citrus, spice and heat, and four seasonal syrups such as raspberry grapefruit in the spring or peach in the summer. She bottles seven shrub flavors akin to drinking vinegars that add complexity to cocktails, plus three non-alcoholic bitters. Finally, there are two salts, including a Tajin-style spicy salt, a rimming spice and a rimming sugar called Cosmo Sugar that mimics the flavor of the popular beverage. Hines tries to use local ingredients as much as possible in her creations. These products are not only for those who like to imbibe. “Every Brown Girl Mixers bottle, except the bitters, features mocktail recipes, with the last two lines showing how to make it into a cocktail,” she says. Her products can go far beyond beverages for those willing to stretch

their imaginations. Hines loves using her products in baking and savory recipes, and encourages others to do so through recipes on her website. “I use them as extracts, as sweet finishers and in other ways, such as using rosemary hibiscus syrup on Brussels sprouts as a glaze,” she says.

While she is busy with Brown Girl Mixers and is focused on growing her business this year, Hines still produces events through A Dining Diva and often incorporates Brown Girl Mixers. For example, she recently hosted a virtual cookies and cocktails class based on Girl Scout cookie flavors.

For now, customers can find Hines at farmers markets on Peachtree Road and in Sandy Springs. She hopes to add more retail locations in the future. n browngirlmixers.com • @browngirlmixers

Wood Mill Lab has furnished elegant flourishes at Atlanta restaurants such as Bar Blanc, Aziza and Little Sparrow since opening on the Upper Westside in 2014.

Owners Chris Hagen and Jeff Chambers have built custom bars, tables and other fixtures for commercial spaces as far away as Scotland. For the Woodlark Hotel in Portland, Oregon, they crafted a 30-foot-long lighted cabinet in eight sections to be assembled on site by workers they never met.

But the hospitality industry feels stale for Hagen, 64, and Chambers, 48. All-consuming commercial jobs that can last two years hurt the quality of life Hagen has with his partner, artist Lee Arnett, and Chambers has with his wife, Alisa, and their two children.

So Wood Mill Lab is emphasizing residential work for more creativity, fun and completion within a month.

“We’re taking some of what we’ve learned and putting that into our residential furniture,” Hagen says. “We’re building something that lasts generationally that doesn’t look like it’s a plastic piece of crap.”

Native Midwesterners Chambers, who designs and fabricates the furniture, and Hagen, who applies the finishes, know all about genera tional quality.

Chambers’ family worked as tool and die makers for General Motors, and he brings the aesthetics of car interiors to furniture. He also uses screws and bolts collected by a grandfather who “would cross a park ing lot if he saw something shiny.”

Hagen’s grandfather was an industrial engineer who took apart motors for fun and designed fiberglass boats. He finds inspiration in old-school wood finishes that preserve yachts’ beauty.

“We both come from art backgrounds, and making functional art is really what we do,” Hagen says.

They met in 2003 in the finishing department of furniture importer Pierce Martin. Both had come to Atlanta in the 1990s, Hagen to work, and Chambers to study at the Atlanta College of Art, where he graduated in 2001.

After Pierce Martin fell victim to the 2008 recession, Hagen took tools and equipment and started ID Lab, a furniture refurbishing busi-

FINISHED WITH ALCHEMY

ness. When customers sought custom furniture instead, he launched Wood Mill Lab with Chambers.

“I can make anything pretty on the outside, but I need him for the inside,” Hagen says.

Chambers embraced “lab” in the company’s name because of the “mad scientist” element of their work.

“If I can draw it, then we can make it,” Chambers says. “If I can see it and blow it apart in my head and see the parts, then there’s nothing that we can’t make.”

Problem solving is the core of their projects, from a wine room in which bottles seem to float to an outdoor kitchen that resists weathering and a multiuse cabinet built into a 1971 Volkswagen bus.

Wood Mill Lab engineers enduring magic into custom furniture

STORY: Michael Jacobs PHOTO: Erik

“We make furniture that your family will fight over for generations,” Chambers says. “We don’t want to make something that you’re going to throw away.”

That quality comes at a price. A coffee table could cost $3,000 to $26,000.

“We are definitely high end,” Hagen says. “But we work with highend materials, and we produce a

high-end result.”

He says only in the past five years have they “gotten really good.” Their residential clients benefit from that skill and from their portfolio of unbuilt designs.

“We’re excited about the next 10 years, and we’re excited about doing it in Atlanta,” Hagen says. “It’s a really, really great market for makers.” n woodmilllab.com • @woodmilllab

Meadows

Chris Hagen (left) and Jeff Chambers at Bar Blanc, one of the restaurants for which they have created handmade furnishings.

GO WITH THE FLOWY SKIRT

Szana Marr, who pronounces her name “like Reneé, but with Z like zebra,” wears her trademark flowy skirt in a leopard pattern with a fitted black tank and sleek jacket. She appears both comfortable and chic, meeting the

objective of her fashion line, VerZa.

Marr credits her grandmother for her sense of style. She and her mother lived with her maternal grandmother, Dottie, in Sarasota where Marr learned invaluable style tips such as pinning clothing for

Meet designer Szana Marr of VerZa

STORY: Denise K. James

better fit, wearing classic accessories (brooches were a favorite), shopping for secondhand treasures and taking photos. As she moved into young adulthood, fashion design called her name, yet Marr opted for a career in real estate for the sake of stability.

An agent since 2004, Marr continued nurturing her love for style on the side, even as she found success as a real estate broker. She sold clothing on Poshmark and eBay, and enjoyed the experience, but buyers were clamoring for more of her selections beyond what she kept for inventory. “It pushed me to finally design my own clothing,” she says.

A wrap skirt that Marr purchased on a 2023 beach vacation in Cartagena, Colombia, served as the inspiration. “It was pretty and flowy, and I wore it everywhere,” she says. “So I recreated it in a longer, wrinkle-free version. It’s similar to the wrap skirt I originally bought, but I increased the length, added a pocket, changed the strap and improved it quite a bit.”

Since January 2025, Marr’s unique wrap “ZaZa” skirt, patent pending, has grown in popularity. The skirt is dry fit and wrinkle-free, and it can be worn more than 10 ways, from a skirt to a dress to a shirt. “It’s a giant piece of fabric, and you decide how you want to wrap it yourself,” she says.

Shoppers can choose from black, classic leopard and silk animal print. Though she started with medium and large sizes, Marr soon expanded from extra small to 3X because “the skirt looks good on everyone.” Newcomers to the brand can find various ways to tie and wear the ZaZa on social channels or the company website, and many fans submit photos to be posted with the headline “Pretty in ZaZa.”

Marr says the skirt solves multiple wardrobe problems: It’s a staple piece requiring easy care, yet you can wear it to dinner or to an event. “It reduces [being overwhelmed] about getting dressed,” she says. “I kept getting stuck about what to wear, and I don’t always have time to go shopping.”

Marr intends to design new pieces under the VerZa brand in the future, all bearing her style philosophy that clothing should solve wardrobe woes and be easy, comfortable and flattering.

“My checkmarks for everything will be versatility, whether it’s in the ways to wear it or the places you can wear it, plus functionality, comfort and boldness. My grandmother always said, ‘If you look your best and feel pretty, you can do anything you want to do.’” n verzawear.com • @verzawear

Prime steaks, modern seafood, and a dining experience that’s both refined and bold. We respect the steakhouse tradition - we just don’t feel bound by it.

DELICIOUS

A Different Kind of Southern

YEBO BEACH HAUS OFFERS A MELTING POT OF SOUTH AFRICAN FLAVORS

Buckhead’s landscape is replete with restaurants ranging from tony steakhouses and French brasseries to elegant sushi counters. It’s rare to find something unique added to the mix. Enter Yebo Beach Haus, an upscale eatery focused on South African fare.

Much like the food of the U.S., South African cuisine is marked by the other foodways that have touched it. It’s easy to see influences from the indigenous African, Indian, Malay, Dutch and British who have called its land home over the centuries. Those same influences are evident on Yebo’s menu.

STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

The menu at Yebo Beach Haus reflects South Africa's global influences.

Bolognese gets a wild upgrade with a mix of ostrich and beef ragu.

eschew espresso martinis at night, I let myself indulge during this daytime visit. Rather than the standard shaken variety, Yebo bartenders dial up the interest by serving theirs frozen with a delightful secret ingredient: Amarula Cream Liqueur. Made from the fruit of the marula tree, it infuses citrusy and toffee flavors, adding depth to the cocktail.

Below:

Those who haven’t been to the East Andrews development since a bar of the same name was a weekend hotspot should be prepared to be charmed by the tucked-away eatery that features both indoor and alfresco seating. The dining room is dimly lit and cozy, while the outdoor courtyard feels like a secret garden, with overhead light streaming in during the day.

Full disclosure: I’ve been a fan of restaurateur Justin Anthony’s eateries since 10 Degrees South was a fixture on Roswell Road in the early 2000s. The original Yebo opened at Phipps Plaza in 2012 and moved to a historic house on West Paces Ferry before landing in its current locale in 2020.

I was excited to introduce others to this flavor safari and invited a college friend to lunch. We started with a colorful appetizer of roasted butternut squash and beets nested on housemade whipped ricotta cheese and topped with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of toasted pistachios. We opted to add a side of grilled sourdough bread to this sharable starter. While I normally

Fresh, creative and flavorful cocktails are a fun way to start—or finish—a meal.

A decadent smash-style Angus beef burger came to my friend with melted American cheese, lettuce, tangy pickles and a housemade “special” creamy sauce, all sandwiched between a light-as-air brioche bun. The salty-crisp fries were served alongside curry ketchup. Never one to turn down a double order of fries on the table, my steak frites order also added a petite and perfectly dressed mixed green salad to accompany the medium-rare hangar steak topped with whipped butter studded with fresh herbs. Even the side of crispy Brussels sprouts had a South African twist: Buttermilk flavored with peri-peri, a seasoning made from African bird’s eye chilies, gave the dish just enough of a kick to add interest without overwhelming heat. During a second visit, another friend and I decided to go all out, sharing as much as our petite table for two would hold. Since the restaurant offers a raw bar menu (and because my guest doesn’t enjoy raw fish), we started with the shrimp tempura roll. The flash-fried crustaceans were tucked into sushi rice, wrapped in seaweed and drizzled with creamy peri-peri aioli. We couldn’t miss the

Above: Halibut comes dressed with sweet-spicy red butter curry, charred broccolini and coconut rice.

Steak frites are a protein-rich lunch order.

bobotie crepes, one of my favorite menu items from my years of frequenting this restaurant. Still-steaming tender crepes are stuffed with a mixture of curried ground beef, diced apples and raisins, and served covered with creamy hollandaise. It’s just the right mix of sweet and savory, highlighting the influence of the Cape Malay community in South Africa who fused flavors from the Indonesian spice trade and traditional Dutch cooking. I’ve never introduced anyone to this dish and had them not love it as much as I do. We chose two entrees to further represent the cornucopia of influences present in this fascinating country’s cuisine. Italian tagliatelle Bolognese got an exotic upgrade with a ragu made with ostrich and beef, plus wild mushrooms. On paper, eating ostrich might sound like an adventure, but really, it’s a smart addition: Its lean meat lends a tender texture and subtly gamey flavor. The halibut came out flaky and fragrant, with char-grilled broccolini and coconut rice. My only complaint: I wish there was a bit

Above: Bobotie crepes, a traditional South African dish, offer sweet and savory flavors.

Right: Brussels sprouts, curried cauliflower and macaroni and cheese are ideal sides.

Left: Sushi at Yebo works as a shareable starter or a meal on its own.

more of the red butter curry sauce to complement the South Asian flavors on the plate. A side dish of creamy curried cauliflower topped with crunchy toasted almonds was an ideal accompaniment.

A word to the wine lovers: Ask the on-staff sommelier for recommendations and be open to trying some signature South African varieties.

The Cape winelands are productive and respected in the wine world, and the crisp Chenin Blanc, a white wine, and the deep red Pinotage are winners that deserve a taste.

The service at Yebo is consistently strong. During my lunch, our server was efficient but not memorable. However, our second server made us feel like we were chatting with a new best friend. While we were about to tap out he encouraged us to go for the bread pudding (“I crave it!” he told us). I’m so glad we heeded his sage advice. It arrived warm, flecked with white chocolate, drizzled with buttery bourbon-infused caramel and topped with vanilla ice cream. It was a sweet send-off that left us dreaming of a return visit. n

Yebo Beach Haus

404.228.8024 • yebobeachhaus.com • @yebobeachhaus

Prices: caviar: $96-$250; raw bar: $18-$165; garden: $14-$16; starters: $17-$36; salads: $13-$16; mains: $28-$95 sides: $9; desserts: $5-$15.

Recommended: Smash burger, steak frites, Brussels sprouts, bobotie crepes, ostrich and beef Bolognese, bread pudding.

Bottom line: This South African eatery showcases an approachable, thoughtfully composed menu with influences ranging from Dutch and indigenous African to Indian and Malay. With its intimate dining room and a patio that feels like a secret garden, it’s a smart spot for casual fine dining in Buckhead.

Warm bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream was an unexpected favorite.

Above: New to Pontoon Brewing are THC + CBD cans of Fizzy Lifting nonalcoholic beverages.

Left: A modern Berliner Weisse, Mandarin Dragonet is named for the ornate saltwater goby fish.

Right: Nice & Easy from Round Trip drinks like your favorite lager with an extra punch of hops.

FRESH POUR

The new releases redefining your local taproom STORY: Angela Hansberger

The numbers tell one story.

The American craft beer industry generates more than $28 billion annually, and Georgia alone claims over 100 licensed craft breweries. But walk into a neighborhood taproom, and the data dissolve into something more immediate: What’s new? Across Atlanta, a handful of small breweries are answering that question with releases that push past the expected pint.

ROUND TRIP BREWING

The Westside lager specialists known for meticulous German-style brewing have expanded their creative range with two releases that demonstrate collaboration and craft precision. Nice & Easy Cold IPA, brewed in partnership with Home Grown restaurant, splits the difference between styles. West Coast hops including Chinook, Centennial and Mandarina Bavaria ride atop a

cold-fermented lager base, delivering the hop-forward punch of a West Coast IPA with the clean, crisp finish of a classic lager. Because

“Nice is better than not nice,” as the can reads, it's a beer that tastes like a handshake between two schools of thought. Meanwhile, Precision Pilsner is a finely tuned German-style pilsner built on aggressive noble hop additions of Tettnang and Select, and engineered, as the brewery puts it, to be enjoyed across land, sea and air. It’s best sipped on Saturdays when Misfitsss BBQ sets up shop inside the brewery that is kid- and pet-friendly with frequently rotating taps.

PONTOON BREWING

Sandy Springs' Pontoon has always been comfortable defying expectations; it’s a barley wine specialist tucked into a suburban office park. The brewery's newest move is its boldest: Fizzy Lifting line, a flavorful,

alcohol-free THC beverage, is aimed at a generation rethinking what it means to raise a glass. Pontoon CEO Sean O'Keefe sees the shift as something deeper than a trend. "The rise of mindful drinking is reshaping the beverage industry," he says. "Consumers are increasingly looking for options that allow them to stay present, socialize and enjoy the moment without alcohol." For O'Keefe, the move isn't a departure from craft brewing's DNA so much as an extension of it. "Craft beer has always been about creativity and connection," he says. "It's not about replacing tradition but expanding it to meet how people want to gather today." The brewery has live music, is kid-friendly and has Ghost Pizza on site for slices to go with beer or Fizzy Lifting.

CONTRAST ARTISAN ALES

In the heart of Chamblee, Contrast Artisan Ales is small but mighty,

releasing bold and creative brews. Urban Tetris Hazy IPA delivers a complex and full flavored drink experience with three malts and two hop varietals. With Simcoe and Cryo Citra hops, it’s tropical, citrusy and only 6.5% ABV. Also striking is the Mandarin Dragonet Berliner Weisse, a kettle-soured ale infused with pineapple, blood orange and a spicy ginger finish that drinks like a craft cocktail. Tart and genuinely refreshing, it's the kind of release that reminds you why small-batch brewing matters. Contrast is dogfriendly with an outdoor area featuring games, food trucks and frequent comedy nights. n

CONTRAST ARTISAN ALES

contrastartisanales.com • @contrastartisanales PONTOON BREWING pontoonbrewing.com • @pontoonbrewing ROUND TRIP BREWING roundtripbrewing.com • @roundtripbeer

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COLLEGE MOVE-IN DAY. A STRONG START FOR OUR SCHOLARS.

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This is the first time I have seen a program show such thoughtfulness and dedication toward its students, and it really made me feel valued and supported. I truly appreciate the effort and kindness that went into making this package.

The nsoro Educational Foundation supports youth aging out of foster care nationwide as they pursue post-secondary credentials, gainful employment, and financial independence.

Ernleen MSW, Social Work, 2026 Fordham University

FOODIE JOURNAL

RISE & DINE

Big Bad Breakfast brings scratch-made breakfast and Southern hospitality to Buckhead

In November, James Beard Award–winning chef John Currence brought his breakfast and brunch concept Big Bad Breakfast, founded in Oxford, Mississippi, to Howell Mill Road in Buckhead. The restaurant emphasizes BBB’s signature homemade comfort food and warm hospitality, along with nods to Atlanta, says Currence.

BY Claire Ruhlin

Fellini’s on the corner did not hurt at all; I’m a huge fan. The spot was cozy and just seemed to check all the boxes we look for. I love that traffic slows to a crawl right through where we are located, and the neighborhood feels organic and joyful. It feels like a wonderful, peaceful bubble inside the chaos that a huge city can feel like at times.

What dishes are unique to Atlanta? We came up with a dish called

chef

“Shiitake On A Shingle,” knowing there would be greater call for vegetarian/vegan dishes. We also worked up a Peach/Blueberry Coffee Cake for a sweet offering.

What felt important to preserve from the original concept?

Everything about the original concept is preserved. What makes us entirely unique is that we still do absolutely everything from scratch, from our biscuits to our jellies and jams.

How does the menu strike the balance between tradition and reinvention?

The original idea was to create a chef’s version of a traditional Southern breakfast/lunch diner. We wanted to apply the philosophical principles, technique and quality ingredients

Summer Sweets

South City Kitchen Executive Pastry Chef Eric Wolitzky’s 7-Up Bundt Cake is a nostalgic treat

1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

1 cup 7-Up or Sprite, room temperature

n Chamblee’s BlueTop Restaurant & Bar has a new sister concept, Baby Blue, housed in a trailer next door. The pizza kitchen offers a daily menu including flavors such as classic cheese, Buffalo chicken and The Baby Blue, a square pie with mozzarella, pepperoni and hot honey. babybluechamblee.com

n Chef Anne Quatrano’s daytime restaurant and bakery, Summerland, is now open at Upper West Market in Underwood Hills. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the eatery offers baked goods, to-go items, coffee, beer and wine. upperwestmarket.com

normally reserved for full-service fine-dining to breakfast service, while paying tribute to the mom-and-pop diners that have vanished from the American dining landscape. n

BIG BAD BREAKFAST bigbadbreakfast.com @buckhead_bigbadbreakfast

CITRUS GLAZE:

1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoon fresh lime juice

2 teaspoon 7-Up (plus more to adjust consistency)

½ teaspoon lemon zest

Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 325°F. Generously grease a 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray

Let cream cheese and butter soften for at least 30 minutes. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat softened butter, cream cheese and sugar on medium-high for 5 minutes. Lower the speed to medium. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before

adding the next. Mix in the vanilla, lemon extract (if using) and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking soda. With the mixer on its lowest setting, add 1/3 of the flour mixture, then half of the 7-Up. Repeat, ending with the final 1/3 of flour. Mix just until the last streak of flour disappears. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes. Let it cool for 30 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Whisk the glaze ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and let it set for 20 minutes before slicing.

SOUTH CITY KITCHEN southcitykitchen.com @southcitykitchen.atl

James Beard Award-winning

John Currence brings Big Bad Breakfast's unique take on Southern fare to Buckhead.

side at Chops in Florida. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in hospitality management, he began pursuing real estate development.

We spoke to him about carving out his own role within the family business and helping bring Chops Lobster Bar to Centennial Yards.

What’s it like to work with your family on this project?

It’s a huge learning experience. I like watching how my dad and uncles make decisions. They have decades of hospitality knowledge. My grandfather brought fine dining to the South. This is a rare opportunity for me to bring something new to the table for the family legacy.

We did a site walk to see the layout and understand how it would impact guest experience. Then we sat down and went over preliminary drawings. What we do is not just about buildings; it’s about experiences.

Do you think you’ll ever go back to the hospitality world?

I love the restaurants. If they ever need me to help for a night, I’m more than happy to, but the real estate world is where I’ll be long term. My family is very supportive. They’re all about forging your own path. Getting my foundation working in restaurants was very helpful because it relates to every business.

A Legacy in Motion

Blending hospitality instinct with real estate ambition, Pano A. Karatassos is building what comes next

STORY: Carly Cooper PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Pano A. Karatassos, 24, is tackling the family business from a different direction. His grandfather, I. Pano Karatassos, founded Buckhead Life Restaurant Group in 1979. His father, Pano I. Karatassos, and uncle, Niko Karatassos, lead the company today. But “Little Pano,” as he’s called, is more interested in development. After learning property tax and transaction management at commercial real estate services firm CBRE, he joined Kim King Associates as a

project manager, where, under the leadership of his uncle and CEO Beau King, he’s helping bring Chops Lobster Bar to downtown.

The 13,000-square-foot restaurant will be the third location for the brand after Buckhead and Boca Raton, Florida. Chops is slated to open later this year in Centennial Yards, the 50-acre revitalization project bringing sports, music, restaurants, retail and residential living together. Little Pano is working with Kim King Development Director Dan

Connor to manage the project, doing everything from working with design schematics to boots-on-the-ground construction site reviews.

“It’s been a dream come true. Chops is such an iconic Atlanta institution and major piece of Buckhead Life history. I’m excited to bring it to Centennial Yards,” he says.

The young Karatassos started working in his family’s restaurants at age 15, making pizzas at Pricci. He cooked at Kyma and Bistro Niko before interning on the management

Do you feel pressure to live up to your name?

There’s a sense of responsibility that comes with my name and my family. My grandfather is an amazing restaurateur. My dad is a fantastic chef. I’m bringing a new perspective of real estate. I want to be the third Pano bringing something new.

What do you do for fun?

I love to play golf, hang out with my friends, travel and try new restaurants. I coach 11- and 12-year-olds through Buckhead Baseball. I’m trying to bring up the next generation to be good players on and off the field. Working at a restaurant is all about being on a team. Giving guests the right experience is like winning at sports. n

CHOPS LOBSTER BAR CENTENNIAL YARDS chopslobsterbar.com

“ First Horizon Bank has been an advertiser in Simply Buckhead magazine since its inception in 2010. The quality of the magazine—relevant articles, local business profiles and Atlantacentric events—align perfectly with our targeted clientele in the Buckhead market. Advertising in Simply Buckhead has been a very effective branding tool and has helped us exponentially grow our wealth and commercial banking businesses. We appreciate our partnership over the past 16 years! LORI

”

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

Atlanta Fish Market's toffee crunch pie is a rich, decadent treat.

At il Giallo Osteria & Bar all the fresh pasta is made within view of the dining room.

One bite explains why basil chicken is a popular favorite at Pink Lotus.

BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick

ATLANTA FISH MARKET

A dining destination on Pharr Road since 1993, Atlanta Fish Market offers multiple seating areas, eye-catching works of art, attentive service and skilled preparations of high-quality fare. Menus boast “Atlanta’s largest selection of fresh, wild caught fish,” though steak, chicken, salads and veggies are also available. Sixteen different types of fish can be sautéed, broiled, blackened or prepared Hong Kong style with sherry soy broth, the most popular choice and the restaurant’s signature dish since 1996. Jumbo lump crab cakes are dense with meat. Gumbo marries seafood nuggets, sausage bites and zippy spices. Stuffed flounder casserole is loaded with shrimp, crab, scallops and mushrooms in a white wine sauce. Fish or shrimp tacos or a grouper sandwich make a scrumptious lunch. Desserts like toffee crunch pie are worth the calorie splurge. Before heading out, stop by Pano’s Food Shop, a takeaway market that offers daily cuts of fresh seafood plus steaks, sides, signature ingredients and desserts. Entrees: $20-$56 • Platters: $50-$57 Iced seafood: $22-$92 • Happy hour bites:

$8-$24 • Sushi: $9-$16 • Sandwiches: $20-$38 • Soups & salads: $12-$15 • Sides: $8-$39 • Desserts: $9-$10 • Cocktails: $8-$25 • Wine: $8-$35/glass, $48-$150/ bottle • atlantafishmarket.com

BLUE RIDGE GRILL

For more than 20 years, Blue Ridge Grill has been a mecca for Buckhead power lunchers and chill evening diners alike. Whether for business or romance, BRG is a paragon of hospitality, and each guest is embraced like a VIP. Standard crowd-pleasers on the EuroAmerican menu include grilled Georgia trout, French-boned chicken with wild mushrooms and filet mignon with Vidalia onions. Small plates and sides of iron skillet mussels, Caesar salad with crisp Beeler bacon, custard-like corn soufflé and (off-menu item) fried pickles with buttermilk dipping sauce are absolute must-tries. If cost is an issue, call ahead, as menu prices are not advertised online. Lunch: $9-$42 • Dinner: $13-$62 blueridgegrill.com

DAS BBQ

In 2016, Stephen Franklin had a dream to make Georgia the most “inclusive, creative barbecue experience in the country,” and that’s just what he did at DAS BBQ. Whether it’s the rosy, smoke-ringed brisket, equally pink and juicy St. Louis-style ribs or the spicy, smoked chicken wings, every bony bite is a testament to Franklin’s focus on the art and science of smoked meats. Bring the whole family and don’t pass up house-made sides of decadent cream corn, mac ’n’ cheese and stick-to-your-ribs Brunswick stew. Dig into

white chocolate banana pudding after if you’re willing and able. Meats (whole, half and sandwich): $7-$28, sausages $5/link • Wings: $9/$18 for half dozen/dozen • Side dishes (in regular, pint or quart): $3-$23 • Desserts: $3-$5 • dasbbq.com

ECLIPSE DI LUNA

At the tail end of Miami Circle is one of the most convivial joints in town. Head over for happy hour Monday through Thursday when most drinks and tapas are half price, and there’s live music. Yummy small plates of habanero-spiced ahi tuna ceviche, smoky sun-dried-tomato mac and cheese (made with three different cheeses) and refreshing Granny Smith apple salad are some of our favorites. Still hungry? It’s hard to pass up the succulent balsamic-y spare ribs and flavorful, crunchy calamari. If you’re with family (or a family of friends), consider the exquisite saffron-infused paella, made with authentic Calasparra rice. Tapas: $2.95-$14.95 (most in the $5-$8 range) • Large plates (for two or more): $20$24 • eclipsediluna.com

THE HUNGRY PEACH

Despite the hyper-elegant surrounding showrooms, The Hungry Peach, located inside the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, serves up anyone’s idea of a perfectly downhome lunch. Colossal salads and delectable renditions of classic sandwiches, such as the melt-in-your-mouth corned beef Reuben, egg salad and smoked bacon-pepper jack wrap, are sure to please welcome visitors and hungry professionals alike. Sides including the Cajun mac ‘n’ cheese and loaded potato salad will knock your designer socks off. Not to be missed are the freshly made sweets, such as the five-layer coconut cake and Callebaut chocolate brownie. Wash it all down with a bottomless mason jar of iced sweet tea.

Starters: $4-$9 • Salads: $10-$12.50

Sandwiches: $8.50-$12.50

Desserts: $2.50-$6 • thehungrypeach.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 Neapolitan-

style 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

PINK LOTUS

The goal at West Midtown’s Pink Lotus is to spotlight lesser-known dishes of Thai cuisine. Presenting authentic regional specialties from across Thailand, the menu offers a range of dishes from homey classics to modern creations. Shareable appetizers and combination plates at lunch and dinner make it easy to sample multiple temptations in one visit. From mild to super hot, spice levels can be customized. Cocktails merge savory and tropical elements in surprising ways; for instance, one martini shakes gin together with papaya salad and fresh lime. Starters include golden crab rolls with a scrumptious sweet plum sauce. Delicately fried rings of calamari are paired with a tangy chili-lime dipping sauce. Slow braised short rib in a five-spice glaze is an ethereal joy to eat. Chiang Mai fried rice is savory and herbaceous with a garlicky tang. Basil chicken stir fries tender chicken with a kicky sauce featuring Thai basil, chilies and garlic. Finish sweet with a slice of coconut cake.

Starters & Shareables: $13-$23 • Soups & Salads: $17-$19 • Signature plates: $21-$55 Noodles: $25-$31 • Sides: $2-$12 • Desserts: $15 • Lunch sets: $30 • Drinks: $6-$27 pinklotusthai.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.

Antipasti: $9-$19 • Pizzette: $17-$20 • Sides: $12-22 • Mains: $22-$39 • Cocktails: $13-$15 Desserts: $9-$12 • pendolinoatl.com

STARFISH

Starfish—which can look just a little lost on the block that houses Restaurant Eugene and Holeman and Finch—is exactly the kind of sushi joint we have been trolling for. In a city where Japanese cuisine can be hit-or-miss and sometimes not the freshest, 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.

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

TERRA TERROIR

Escape the ordinary at Brookhaven’s awardwinning Terra Terroir. With its secret garden setting, service-oriented vibe, upscale fare plus full bar with an impressive wine list, this bistro is ready to surprise and impress. The eclectic lunch and dinner menus show American, European and Asian influences. Dishes boast layered flavors, surprising combinations and artful presentations. Gambas al Ajillo is a crowdpleasing Spanish starter with shrimp in sizzling olive oil infused with garlic and red pepper. French Country Supper is a menu standout featuring fork-tender duck leg confit plus andouille sausage and white beans. Coconut Thai salmon with curry broth is spiced just right. A hearty slow-braised Duroc pork shank arrives with creamy parmesan polenta. Grapefruit and pomegranate salad with mixed greens is a lighter option. Assorted charcuterie and cheese might accompany a wine tasting or stand alone as a hearty starter. Sweet temptations include flourless chocolate tart, sweet potato bread pudding, crème brûlée and sabayon.

Raw bites: $19-$23 • Appetizers: $15-$25 Salads: $15-$26 • Mains: $19-$49

Cocktails: $14-$18 • terraterroir.com

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

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Visit simplybuckhead.com to read all of our restaurant reviews!

PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace , Erik Meadows

2026 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 Fix Georgia Pets Gala

CURE Childhood Cancer Believe Ball

Arthritis Foundation Crystal Ball

Emory Winship Gala

A Cure in our Lifetime Spring Breakfast

Grady Cross Ties

FreeRent Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Dress for Success Atlanta EmpowHER Luncheon

Dress for Success Atlanta Closet Confidential

Atlanta Police Foundation Blue Jean Ball

ArtsBridge Foundation Gala Simply Buckhead is here to help with your next nonprofit event.

Please contact Joanne Hayes, Publisher, at publisher@simplybuckhead.com for more information.

QUIET HEROES

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Lynn Crow

The 21st Annual Quiet Heroes event in late March welcomed about 500 guests to Flourish Atlanta in Buckhead for lunch, an auction and raffles. The event included special pampering stations for the honorees: mothers of children with cancer, many of whom went home with surprise gifts from Spanx, YETI, Chicken Salad Chick, D. Geller & Son and more. The Chris Glavine Love in Action Award was presented to Elesha Bateman, a constant Quiet Heroes volunteer since its inception. The event raised $480,000 to support the organization’s ongoing efforts. Simply Buckhead was a proud media sponsor.

Dawn Riel, Jessica Eachus, Jessica Swinsburg, Nicole Sarkis

Elesha Bateman

Erika Ward, Nadine Alvarez, Nikki Glee, Beverley Reid, Heather Tardif

Amanda Benedict, Joanne Hayes, Nyssa Green

Jenn Hobby Rivera, Kristin Connor, Karen Morgan

Natalie McCann, Laura Wilfon

Lisa Jobe, Julie Phillips, Laura Hedrick, Janice Hylton, JoEvelyn Morris, Helen Deihl, Jana Kicklighte, Donna Kennedy

Right now, federal funding cuts are threatening to slow critical pediatric cancer research. Kids like Ripken and families across Atlanta can’t afford to wait.

That’s why CURE funds research that leads to more effective, less toxic treatments so children, like Ripken, have better options and healthier lives after treatment. curechildhoodcancer.org

Atlanta has always stepped up to the plate for kids like Ripken. The next breakthrough starts with you.

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FASHION A CURE

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Paul Beezley, Jenni Girtman

More than 550 supporters of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University gathered in late April for Fashion A Cure, a benefit to support the institute’s work around cancers affecting women. The luncheon, held at the Piedmont Driving Club, marked the 14th year the effort has been organized, this year by Buckhead residents Dorothy Christians and Beth Marshall. A highlight featured cancer survivor Alia Hernandez sharing her story and walking the runway with her husband, Jemir Martinez, and their two young boys. With a raffle, paddle raise, live auction and sponsorships, $645,000 was raised. Simply Buckhead was a proud media sponsor.

Mary Field Wise

Beth Marshall, Dorothy Christians

Alia Martinez, Jemir Martinez

Dorothy Perno, Lane Perno

Rose Davis, Reign Davis

Lynne Rankin, Laura Fletcher

Joanne Hayes, Susan Mendelsohn

TINY DANCERS

Leigh Ducas says her greatest joy is teaching the next generation of dancers at her Buckhead studio, Strive Dance. PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Buckhead’s Next Chapter Is Underway

Along West Paces Ferry Road, a 20-story residential tower rises within one of Atlanta’s most prized addresses. Elyse Buckhead introduces 194 private condominium residences with expansive terraces, floor-to-ceiling glass, and more than 63,000 sf of indoor and outdoor amenities designed as an extension of home. Adjacent to the St. Regis and steps from Buckhead Village, the setting is unrivaled. The perspective is rare.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION 1- to 3-Bedroom Residences from $1 Million

Schedule a Private Appointment ElyseBuckhead.com | 404-777-4861

107 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30305

Artist’s Rendering

Artist’s Rendering

Artist’s Rendering

Artist’s Rendering

photo: Zach Veatch

45 years serving

WONDERLAND

Pundits say there’s no such place. Yet in glorious, tax-free Tennessee (also overlooked by pundits) is a lake and golf community with an enthusiastic and welcoming membership whose days are spent on the lake, the course, courts and trails. Manicured, private and featuring exceptional residences. Makes you wonder, why not Tennessee?

HOUS T ON • DALLAS • A TLANT A