Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside
HOUS T ON • DALLAS • A TLANT A
LIVING
Photos:
22: Ben Finch
Photography,
26: Patrick Heagney, 68, 78: Erik Meadows
STYLISH
40 FASHION
’Tis the Season
Moosh owners offer sartorial tips for the holiday season
42 BEAUTY
From Neck to Toe
Preserving and protecting your body’s skin
44 WELLNESS
Stronger Than Yesterday
Kristin Klingshirn shares her fitness journey
46 TASTEMAKER
Breaking Barriers
Interactive gaming experiences offer cold-season fun
FAMILY
50 KIDS
It’s Game Time
Interactive gaming experiences offer cold-season fun
55 PETS
A Worthy Mission
The highs and lows of being an animal rescue worker
56 STRATEGIES
That’s a Wrap!
Chamblee expert shares tips for making holiday gift wrapping a breeze
CULTURE
60 ON STAGE
Coming to the Big Screen
Dunwoody mom channels her creativity into family-friendly screenplays
62 LITERARY
Sweet Revenge
Buckhead author turns years of telling stories into novels
64 TASTEMAKER
Art of the Matter
Rodney Kazemi’s new gallery brings international talent
65 EVENTS
Places to go and things to do
COVER STORY
68 Favorite Things
These local products, services and experiences should top your wish list
DELICIOUS
78 REVIEW
Lively Oasis
Dig into modern Middle Eastern fare at Delbar
82 DRINKS
Campfire Inspiration
Cocktails fit for stargazing in Atlanta
84 FOODIE JOURNAL
Comfort Food
“Queen of Waffles” expands Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles to Sandy Springs
86 TASTEMAKER
Grape Expectations
CellarFiller’s Elina Brager shares tips on choosing wine for any occasion
88 Featured Restaurants
A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead
BEHIND THE COVER
’Tis the season for parties, so what better way to illustrate our “Favorite Things” cover than with a striking couple exchanging gifts and raising a glass? Our team partnered with local balloon artist Carmen Lewis-Henagan to create a festive backdrop of gold-hued balloons, and party planning legend Tony Conway welcomed us into the ballroom at Flourish Atlanta in Buckhead for our shoot. Models from Click Models of Atlanta wore party-ready looks from Tootsies and Connaisseur Paris, and photographer Erik Meadows shot a variety of setups to convey the seasonal celebration.
91 Charitable A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings 94 Scene
Photographer: Erik Meadows
Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Models: Brenda M. and Pedro A., courtesy Click Models of Atlanta
Hair and makeup: Nyssa Green, The Green Room Agency
Balloons: CHEEMS Events
Wardrobe: On Brenda: Retrofête Waldorf strapless floor-length dress ($600), Nickho Rey earrings ($495), available at Tootsies. On Pedro: Three-piece suit with red dinner jacket ($499), available at Connaisseur Paris.
Special thanks to Tony Conway and Flourish Atlanta for hosting our team.
Joann
Vitelli
Erik Meadows
Editor's Letter
We all have our favorite things, from products we swear by to services we can’t live without. As journalists and editors, we often get the inside scoop on things we know our readers will love as much as we do. That’s why creating a “Favorite Things”-themed edition felt like the perfect way to end our 2025 coverage.
In this issue’s cover package, you’ll find ways to get in the seasonal spirit, some of Atlanta’s best adventure-focused experiences to give to loved ones (or do yourself), personalized gifts that show you really care and know the recipients well, top ways to give back this holiday season and a profile on a new-to-town private chef who makes hosting super-easy. Trust me, if you like to entertain at home, hiring a private chef is a sure-fire way to level up. I’ll bet these articles might introduce you to some things, people and experiences that will become your favorites too.
Throughout the rest of our pages, there’s plenty more to discover. Jill Becker profiles author and screenplay writer Katie Phillips; with help from the team at new boutique Moosh, style expert Lauren Finney Harden spills secrets on how to invest in the perfect party dress; Amy Meadows gives step-by-step instructions on how to ace your present wrapping this season; and editor Giannina S. Bedford profiles the colorful Serenbe home of a former Brookhaven family.
As the year winds to a close and your schedule fills with events, we hope this issue of Simply Buckhead will inspire you to make time for your favorite things, causes and people.
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
Carly Cooper
Lauren Finney Harden
Angela Hansberger
Nicole Letts
Amy Meadows
Hope S. Philbrick
Ashton Pike
Claire Ruhlin
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kimberly Evans
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
For more than 25 years, Kimberly Evans has been capturing the world through her lens and transforming moments into lasting memories. Her passion for photography began as a personal hobby and evolved into a lifelong dedication to storytelling through images. Evans attended the Art Institute of Atlanta where she earned a commercial photography diploma. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications and media. She believes every image has the power to preserve history, inspire connection and reveal beauty in unexpected places. In this issue, she photographed the “Chef to the Rescue” story for the cover feature.
We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.
Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.
Sara Hanna
, what would it be? If we can ask for anything, it would be for less, to be freed from the trappings of the modern world, especially its the of time which we would fill with family and friends, long walks to waterfalls, paddles dipped in the lake, and most of all, to be healthier and more observant of our natural world. Our storybook village is flip-flops close, farmers’ markets and concerts on The Village Green are the order of the day. Less takes on a whole new meaning.
Kaylee combines advanced clinical skill with a warm, welcoming approach that instantly puts clients at ease. She’s passionate about natural-looking results through injectable treatments, offering neuromodulators like Botox, fillers,PRP, and full facial balancing.
As part of our advanced wellness program, Kaylee also provides peptide therapies designed to support energy, clarity, and confidence — because looking your best starts with feeling your best.
Each of the 40 rooms at Soho Beach House Canouan come with expansive views of the beach.
SEASON’S EATINGS
by
Planning your holiday meals? Use these tips to help protect your home and keep costly repairs off the menu.
•Fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.s) belong in the trash, so throw away any leftovers before the dishes hit the sink.
•Costs for emergency repairs can jump 50% during the holidays, so keeping F.O.G. out of your pipes prevents costly, messy backups.
•Skip the pre-rinse by scraping dishes into the trash before washing. You can save up to 6,000 gallons of water a year.
Keeping tabs on recent rainfall, soil moisture, stream flows, and drought status helps us better understand our region’s water supply. Scan the QR code to visit our website and see the latest stats. Know the Flow
Everything You Do Makes a Difference! For more ways to save, visit mydropcounts.org.
Image
Freepik
NEWS BY Nicole Letts
TECHNOLOGY SOARS
MORGAN FALLS OVERLOOK PARK INTRODUCES INTERACTIVE BIRDING
Sandy Springs has installed a cutting-edge digital display at Overlook Park that's revolutionizing how visitors discover local wildlife, bringing the traditional park birdwatching experience into the 21st century. The 55-inch portrait-oriented screen automatically updates every 45 minutes to an hour with real-time bird sighting input from eBird, a popular app used by birdwatchers to log their obser-
vations. The display shows recently spotted species, complete with photos, spotter names and sighting dates.
Jason Green, digital communications manger for Sandy Springs, spearheaded the project as part of the city’s digital innovation initiative. “Back in the day when I was a kid, there always used to be a recent bird sightings board when you would visit parks and nature preserves, but it's something that's died
out because of technology,” Green says. His vision was to make birdwatching more accessible to casual park visitors. “The [app] experience is fantastic, but only if you know about it and if you're already a birdwatcher,” he says. “I wanted to make that experience more discoverable to general park goers.”
Once park visitors download the app to their devices via the QR code, the system works seamlessly behind the scenes, aggregating the information. The timing is designed so birdwatchers can see their own
sightings appear on the screen by the time they finish their park visit, providing instant gratification for their contributions.
This birding display, situated near the picnic pavilion at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, represents just one application of Sandy Springs' expanding digital signage program.
“I'm a Gen Xer, so I'm straddling that gap between pre- and postcell phone,” Green says. “Trying to bridge that gap is something I'm always looking to do.” n sandyspringsga.gov • @cityofsandysprings
New Dunwoody Bookstore Arrives
Prelude, an independent bookstore, is preparing to open in Dunwoody this fall. The bookstore will occupy a prime location next to Valor Coffee. Owner Abbi Diego, a Dunwoody resident since 2012, says the store will include 80% literature and 20% gift items, with plans to stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate evening shoppers. Prelude will have adult titles along with young adult and children's books, too. A mom to four boys, Diego is passionate about turning reluctant
readers into enthusiastic ones. "We want people to realize you can find almost anything that you're interested in," she says. As the shop gets its footing, Diego plans to launch book clubs for middle school students and host community events, including puzzle and craft nights. The store will also feature local merchandise such as candles and other bookish items designed by Dunwoody makers. preludebookstore.com @preludebookstorega
Pravida Health Now Open
A new high-performance medical
wellness center, Pravida Health, has debuted in Buckhead. The facility at 1801 Peachtree opened in July. Founded by board-certified physician Dr. Trevor Turner and Atlanta marketing executive Melissa M. Proctor, the concept combines advanced medical imaging and diagnostics with next-generation wellness treatments. “A lot of the tools you use to enhance athletic recovery are also frequently used in aesthetics to optimize skin and collagen production of wound healing,” Turner says. “We're a hybrid right between sports medicine and aesthetics.” One of the center's most
notable features is the Aescape, an AI-powered robotic massage table. This technology provides customized bodywork, from deep-tissue recovery to stress relief, with individualized precision. Other services include plasma exchange, hyperbaric chamber, red light therapy and IV therapy. pravida.com • @pravidahealth
Emory Integrated Memory Care Comes to Lenbrook Lenbrook, a senior living community in Brookhaven, now offers residents access to a unique and comprehensive dementia care program. In
partnership with Emory University, the Integrated Memory Care in Community program brings specialized medical and supportive services directly to residents. “One of the real advantages of this program is that, if you live at Lenbrook, you have this house call program where the practice comes out to visit the resident for his or her normal appointments,” says Lenbrook Chief Operating Officer Felecia Sveda. IMC also provides crucial support for families, including educational classes and access to a clinical social worker. lenbrook-atlanta.org @lenbrookatlanta
Like a Charm
Nonprofit marks anniversary with fundraiser
A Hero’s Welcome
Local community icon honored
Nancy Gordy Simms first became acquainted with Wesley Woods Foundation in 1986 when her mother, Evelyn Rankin-Gordy, began funding a floor of rehabilitation rooms. Wesley Woods was well known for providing affordable housing for older adults, and its mission was an ideal fit for Simms, a member of the local family that founded The Varsity and taught her the importance of supporting the community. It’s a commitment the Brookhaven resident carried throughout her time at the helm of her family’s business and during her work with such organizations as Feed My Lambs. For her years of dedicated service, the Wesley Woods Foundation bestowed upon Simms the Heroes, Saints & Legends Award.
“My parents instilled giving back by their example,” Simms says. “The community supported The Varsity, and my parents felt that it was important to give back generously. My mother also loved Wesley Woods and taught us that it was important to give not only financially, but also with your time.”
Simms was lauded at a special
event at Buckhead’s Flourish Atlanta alongside fellow recipients Patrise M. Perkins-Hooker and Douglas R. Hooker on Sept. 18. The honorees were celebrated for shaping their communities through a lifetime commitment to leadership, service and philanthropy. According to Simms, “I’m motivated because God has blessed our family greatly, and we’ve had a wonderful business for almost 100 years. And we’re called to give with a joyful heart and open hands.”
WESLEY WOODS FOUNDATION wesleywoods.org/foundation • @wesleywoodsga
When Buckhead resident Peggy Ratcliffe’s parents passed, she was tasked with cleaning out their home. Her father, an avid gardener, had amassed a collection of pesticides and herbicides—toxic items that could not be tossed into the garbage. Thus began a journey to educate herself about how to dispose of household hazardous waste and to help people across metro Atlanta create sustainable living environments. Live Thrive launched in 2010, and what began as a pop-up event has become a beacon of environmental education through its Center for Hard to Recycle Materials facilities.
“It’s meaningful to think that there are so many people in the metro area who want to do the right thing,” Ratcliffe says. “It’s amazing to have taken something that was personal to me
and grown it into an opportunity for people to be able to properly recycle items with confidence.”
To mark its milestone 15th anniversary, Live Thrive made its annual fundraiser, A CHaRM’ing Evening, more special than usual. Held Oct. 23, the event featured tunes from local band Yacht Rock Revue, as well as a costume contest for attendees sporting their favorite looks from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. In addition to food and cocktails, those in attendance received information about the organization’s projects, such as Live Thrive’s collaboration with the Atlanta Housing Authority’s Bowen Homes public housing project that includes the development of an environmental education center. “The exciting part is bringing all of these people together who have supported us through the years,” Ratcliffe says. “I feel so blessed to have had this door opened for me.”
Par for the Course
PGA REACH Georgia Foundation’s new trustee
Several months ago, Hank Clark, vice president of operations of Marlow’s Tavern and Sterling Hospitality, was on a golf trip that included Scott Geary, executive director of PGA REACH Georgia Foundation. The men enjoyed playing a few rounds together and got to know each other over lunches. It didn’t take long for Geary to ask Clark if he would like to become a trustee of the Buckhead-based nonprofit foundation that works to impact the lives of youth, military members and diverse populations by enabling access to golf.
“I’ve been in advisory roles with several organizations over the years, including the Georgia Restaurant Association. Marlow's Tavern has been a major contributor for Special Olympics Georgia and the Atlanta Community Food Bank, among other organizations. It’s a passion of ours to do good things for people who need it,” says Clark of the three-year term with PGA REACH Georgia that will allow him to offer advice, make
connections and raise funds. The timing was perfect for Clark, as Sterling Hospitality recently launched the Sterling Futures Foundation. The organization is in alignment with the type of effort put forth by PGA REACH Georgia, helping everyone from children to retired military members. “With our foundation’s involvement with the PGA REACH Foundation, we want to help grow the game of golf in underserved communities,” Clark says. “PGA REACH is doing a fantastic job.”
REACH GEORGIA FOUNDATION pgareachgeorgia.org • @georgiapga
TAVERN marlowstavern.com • @marlowstavern
Peggy Ratcliffe turned a personal mission into a city-wide sustainablity initiative.
Nancy Gordy Simms was honored for her community service.
Brandon
Amato
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to see
The Wizard of Oz
Live Onstage
Dec. 12 - 28 in Sandy Springs
City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) invites Atlanta to journey over the rainbow and see the exciting stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, Dec. 12 - 28 at the Byers Theatre in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. The production is the second in the theatre company’s 2025-2026 PNC Bank Season and is presented by Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists and Resurgens Spine Center.
“With a cast of 48 performers, The Wizard of Oz is one of our most ambitious productions to date,” said CSTC’s Executive Director Natalie DeLancey. “We’re adding a heavy dose of holiday magic and Broadway-sized dazzle that audiences have come to expect, especially from our previous Baayork Lee-helmed productions.”
Baayork Lee is a veteran of 14 Broadway shows and staged CSTC’s wildly successful productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Cats, and A Chorus Line, and others. Many young performers from the City Springs Theatre Conservatory Pre-Professional program and other area schools are joining an adult cast of incredibly talented actors, some from Broadway and Atlanta.
The Wizard of Oz runs Dec. 12 -28 at the Byers Theatre in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Discounts are available for seniors, large groups, and active/retired military personnel. $25 rush tickets are available for students, educators, first responders and entertainment industry professionals. Call 404-477-4365 or visit CitySpringsTheatre.com to purchase tickets and for more info.
Metallic Bandana ($159)
With its gleaming chainmail finish, this Karl Lagerfeld accessory is made for catching the glow of holiday lights and Champagne toasts. The adjustable clasp ensures it sits just right, while the engraved logo charm adds a polished detail. Perfect for layering over a sleek dress or tailored blazer, it’s the ultimate conversation piece to elevate your look at this year’s holiday event.
Karl Lagerfeld • karllagerfeld.com @karllagerfeld
Gold Satin Crystal Sandals ($1,895)
Jimmy Choo’s Skye 70 sandals strike the perfect balance between sparkle and wearability for the holiday season. Crafted in Italy from gold satin and dusted with crystal embellishments, the silhouette stuns with a low-cut vamp, square toe and sculptural curved heel. At 70mm, the height is also party-perfect, elevated yet comfortable enough to take on the dance floor.
Jimmy Choo Phipps Plaza us.jimmychoo.com • @jimmychoo
Holiday Spirits Earrings ($48)
Bring a playful twist to your holiday look with BaubleBar’s Holiday Spirits earrings. Shaped like a martini glass and topped with a skewer of olives and a festive red bow, they’re equal parts cheeky and chic. Made with gold-tone brass, glass stones and enamel detailing, these 2-inch statement earrings are perfect for everything from holiday cocktail parties to New Year’s Eve. Neiman Marcus Lenox Square neimanmarcus.com @neimanmarcus
All That Glitters
As temperatures cool and holiday spirits lift, opulent parties sweep through snazzy venues and grand hotel ballrooms for all-out festive affairs—another perk of our city being home base to some of the biggest brands and businesses. Whether you’re a guest-list regular or someone’s stylish plus-one, these statement accessories will ensure you shine at every holiday soiree this year. STORY: Ashton Pike
Tommy Beaded Flap Shoulder Bag ($295)
Bring a touch of sparkle to the holiday season with STAUD’s cult-favorite Tommy Bag, reimagined in intricate beading. Its flap silhouette and satin-lined interior offer both polish and practicality, while the shimmering, subtle floral design makes it the perfect plus-one for any festive fete. Whether paired with a chic cocktail dress or a posh two-piece set, this shoulder bag delivers just the right dose of glam.
Neiman Marcus Lenox Square • neimanmarcus.com @neimanmarcus
Tennis Bracelet (From $3,500)
Complete your holiday party look with a timeless diamond tennis bracelet. Universal Diamonds has a bevy of dazzling pieces, from a delicate 1.56 carats to a stately 9.86 carats. Each can be tailored to fit your unique style, including your choice of yellow or white gold. Effortlessly versatile, it’s the kind of accessory that moves seamlessly from office party to date night, making it a staple in any jewelry collection and the ultimate finishing touch for the season’s celebrations.
Cataloochee Ranch offers luxury, relaxation and adventure STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
As someone who ventures abroad often for work, I sometimes find myself forgetting how many travel treasures exist closer to home. A trip to Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, was just the reminder I needed.
The 825-acre resort on the edge of the Smoky Mountains walks the line between high-end and rustic, and it's just a 3.5-hour drive from Buckhead. My husband and I made our way there last winter and discovered a wonderland where outdoor pursuits were a main attraction, and all of the resort-style luxuries were at our fingertips.
We arrived for our weekend stay after gingerly navigating some snow-covered mountain roads. After being buzzed through the gate, we checked in and drove farther to The Delano, our onebedroom cabin. Named for FDR, who was instrumental in creating the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the accommodation featured a plush king-sized bed, living room with stacked stone fireplace, a bathroom with freestanding soaking tub and a wraparound porch with expansive mountain views. After settling in, we set out to explore. At the front desk, we picked up artfully illustrated maps to a plethora
of hiking trails such as Pine Tree Gap, Thunderbolt Knob and the ironically named Devil’s Britches, a short and gently winding trail that opens up to a charming picnic area. What I really wanted was to take a ride atop one of the working ranch’s 15 horses. When icy trails proved to be too precarious for the equine residents, the adventure team offered to take us on a trail ride in a souped-up UTV. What a ride: We got to see some of the remnants of 2024’s Hurricane Helene, including a multi-ton boulder that was pushed down the mountain to a new resting place in the middle of a creek. The highlight was a drive to the top of Hemphill Bald, a grass-covered crest that stands at 5,540 feet. From there, we could see miles in every direction. Depending on the day, guests can sign on for a leather workshop, a pottery class or watercolor painting instruction with a local expert. More adventurous visitors may choose to try their hand at archery, axe throwing and air rifles, or tackle a challenge course of rope ladders set among the tree canopy. If you want to explore with someone who knows the area, sign up for a private guided history and ecology hike. Just about everything can be arranged via text message through the front desk—a convenient alternative to having to pick up the phone or decide on
activities way in advance. After so much adventuring, you’ll work up an appetite.
Executive chef Jeb Adlrich, formerly of Atlanta favorites 4th & Swift and Tiny Lou’s, marries his European techniques with hyper-local Appalachian ingredients. The result is extraordinary. Over the entire weekend of eating meals at the property’s High Country at Switchback restaurant, some favorites included sunburst trout with sunchoke, sorghum and apples; prime ribeye sourced from the property; and the best calamari of my life that came with fried lemon slices and sumac aioli. The adjacent bar is cozy and turns out expertly made cocktails.
Much more is planned for this destination that already delights
at every turn. After we visited, the resort added a gym complete with Technogym and yoga equipment, a “golf saloon” with a Trackman pro golf simulator and a pottery studio. In late 2026, a new pool and spa will debut. Regardless of when you visit, there’s just the right blend of activity and relaxation, high-falutin’ luxury and down-home hospitality. n
Chef Jeb Aldrich uses ingredients to delight guests and keep them fueled for exploration.
Riding one of Cataloochee Ranch's horses is a perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Cozy, individually decorated cabins are an ideal respite.
Photos: Ben Finch Photography
A TALE OF TWO PROPERTIES
Canouan Island in the Grenadines is a hidden gem STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
It was the best of times, it was… Actually, that’s it. My first visit to Canouan was the best of times.
With its small size, pristine beaches, variety of activities, unspoiled nature and warm hospitality, discovering this 3-squaremile island in the Grenadines felt like a treasure hunt. Always up for an adventure, my husband and I decided to take a leap of faith to explore it, despite being able to research very little online.
Our first stop was Soho Beach House, the brand’s first Caribbean property, a five-minute drive from the smallest international airport I’ve ever seen. The 40-room hotel features low-key, colonial-chic rooms, all with ocean views. Ours came outfitted with a king-size
A-list celebrities, drawn to the privacy and jaw-dropping landscape, are among the VIP clients who rent villas in Canouan Estates.
Soho Beach House Canouan boasts a wide swath of beach and calm, crystal-clear water.
four-poster draped with mosquito netting, a spacious porch and a sitting room adorned with weighty coffee table books and a bar stocked with local spirits, compostable espresso pods from Grind and freshly baked cookies.
For the first part of the trip, relaxation was the name of the game. Will and I were the only ones on the expansive beach with its crystal-clear water and generous umbrellas. We spent time with the hotel’s gregarious sous chef who prepared tuna ceviche in front of us at the beach bar, and later, an omakase dinner with courses ranging from sushi to steak cooked on a Japanese binchotan charcoal grill at the on-site restaurant. I indulged with a massage at the Cowshed Spa where a therapist
kneaded out travel-induced knots and slathered on Soho House’s signature scented oils. From the end of the jetty, feet dangling over crystalline water, we watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in an array of pastel shades.
Later, we took a tour of Canouan Estates and learned more about the history of the island’s development. In the 1990s, an Italian billionaire wanted to build on Canouan’s more famous island neighbor to the north, Mustique, which gained notoriety for its popularity with Great Britain’s royal family and celebrity homeowners including Ralph Lauren and Mick Jagger. His plans were denied by local authorities, so he set his sights on Canouan, adding a golf course, villas and a luxury hotel.
He sold his interests to yet another Italian billionaire, Andrea Pignataro, who now stewards the land and owns the Estates and the two hotels. This history helped the island earn the reputation of a place where “billionaires go to escape millionaires.”
For our last two nights, we checked into the island’s other hotel, Mandarin Oriental. It offers a completely different style of luxury. Our nearly 1,000-square-foot, one-bedroom suite featured a marble bathroom, a wide veranda and came with a round-the-clock butler, reachable via text message.
While we made full use of the hotel’s multiple beaches and huge infinity pool, we also wanted a bit of adventure. To that end, Keyon, a Grenadines native and former British military trainer, took us on a hike to the summit of Mount Royal, the island’s highest point at nearly 900 feet above sea level. From the top, we could spot a constellation of neighboring islands, including the Tobago Cayes, famously a filming location for the Pirates of the Caribbean. Though challenging and steep at times, the view made the trek worthwhile.
It’s impossible to spend any time on Canouan without seeing tortoises everywhere. In fact, the population of red-footed tortoises far outnumbers the 2,000 residents who call the island home. To protect the babies, both hotels have "nurseries" on site where guests can feed the
Up, Up & Away
From Barbados’ international airport, Canouan visitors can take a SVG Air (flysvgair.com) shared charter flight that will stop on multiple small islands. Alternatively, this winter Delta Air Lines will launch a nonstop flight from Atlanta to St. Vincent, the largest island in the Grenadines. From there, take a flight or a ferry to Canouan.
adorable little ones mulberry leaves and hibiscus flowers. Drive along the golf course just before sunset and you’re likely to see hundreds of adult tortoises out for an evening meal, a sight that adds to the otherworldly feel of this special place. Canouan being under-the-radar is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the island and its two hotels would be happy with more guests flocking to it. Conversely, part of its charm is that it feels like a completely new discovery. Time will tell what the future holds for the diminutive island, but in the meantime, those lucky enough to book a trip are practically guaranteed to enjoy a magical, off-the-tourist-path experience. n
SOHO BEACH HOUSE CANOUAN sohohouse.com/en-us/houses/ soho-beach-house-canouan
Casual chic is the theme of the decor at Soho Beach House.
All suites at Mandarin Oriental Canouan come with verandas equipped with multiple seating vignettes.
Rural
Retirement
A NEW HOME IN SERENBE OFFERS A PEACEFUL PACE FOR FORMER INTOWN DWELLERS
To say Serenbe pushed Jill Campbell Bullock into retirement wouldn’t be farfetched. The former president and chief people and operations officer at Cox Enterprises spent four decades at the communications and automotive company. But after discovering Serenbe, something shifted. In 2019, Jill and her husband, George,
attended an outdoor play at the Chattahoochee Hills planned community located about a one-hour drive from Buckhead and began to think about a calmer way of life.
“My husband and I were looking around, saying ‘Wow, what is this place? This is amazing,’” Jill says. “We started thinking maybe we should buy land or a house to retire in someday.” ➥
STORY: Giannina S. Bedford
PHOTOS: Patrick Heagney
Matching custom drapes and upholstery tie together the decor in the welcoming living room.
That someday seemed far off, so the couple settled for purchasing a lot they could eventually build on. They continued to visit Serenbe on weekends and became more invested in the community with the purchase of a work-live condo unit with a ground level commercial space and residential in early 2020 in Serenbe’s Mado Hamlet and partnered with a local Serenbe resident on a Pilates studio. Soon after the studio opened, COVID hit. Jill, like many employees, began working exclusively from her full-time home in historic Brookhaven.
“One day, I just thought, ‘Why do we live in Brookhaven?’ I called a realtor friend and asked her, ‘What's the market like right now?” Jill says. It wasn’t long before an interested buyer approached with a hard-toturn-down offer, and they sold their home, completely furnished.
“We came to Serenbe that weekend and bought one of the three-story townhouses on Selborne Lane,” she says. “We moved in, and so did the neighbors next to us, and so did the neighbors next to them. We were all there brand new at the same time, and we had a ball.”
Jill and George began their home build on the lot they purchased in 2021. They worked with architect Steve Dray and John Bynum Custom Homes in the creation of the 5,400-square-foot, two-story abode.
“A must-have was windows. Being up on a hill, I wanted to be able to feel like I was in the forest,” Jill says. “I also wanted high ceilings, a lot of livable space, and I wanted it to be a great entertaining home so lots of flow through the house to make it welcoming.”
They moved into their new home in 2022. That same year, Cox employees started going back in-person to the office. Jill began commuting from Serenbe to the Perimeter for work and battling Atlanta traffic.
“I hated it. I just did not get back in the swing. I came home one day and said to my husband, ‘I think I'm going to retire early,’” she says. “I told my boss, and we gave it six months. It was the end of 2023, and I didn’t look back. I think it’s because I moved here.”
To put the finishing touches on her now full-time home, Jill enlisted the help of interior designer Mandy Culpepper of Mandy Culpepper
Above: The open kitchen mixes metals with wood, stone and curated art.
Right: Jill Campbell Bullock left a four-decade career at Cox to retire in the peace of Serenbe.
“A must-have was windows. Being up on a hill, I wanted to be able to feel like I was in the forest.”
—Jill Campbell Bullock
Interior Design. The Bullocks' former home in Brookhaven was filled with Restoration Hardware furnishings in muted grays and beiges, but this time she wanted something different.
“I wanted color, and you can see I put a lot of color in the house, which, for me, made it feel more welcoming and part of the forest,” Jill says.
Culpepper created vision boards to help Jill select vibrant fabrics for furnishings and window treatments. They also handpicked the hardware, including the green hexagonal crystal pulls in the open butler’s pantry that faces a sunlit breakfast room, one of Jill’s favorite spaces.
“We have tea here, play mahjong or other games. It just feels like a tucked-away getaway in the colors I love so much,” Jill says.
The dining room is another one of her favorites. The colorful eating space is anchored by a round dining table, whose top was built by two neighbors, and the base is a handselected tree stump. The room also features a vibrant landscape painting Jill bought in Israel.
“The art had been in storage, and I forgot about it. When I brought it out, I was like, ‘It goes perfectly in the dining room,’” Jill says.
An avid art-lover, Jill lets her hand-selected works, many by local artists, set the tone in the interior spaces. One of the most eye-catching is a back-lit metal installation high above the kitchen done by sculptor and Serenbe resident Kristin Genet. The work hangs above a wood range hood that Culpepper had faux painted to look like zinc. Other striking accents in the kitchen include the gold-veined marble, handmade tile backsplash from Renaissance
&
and a
Tile
Bath
The dining room's modern leather chairs add a vibrant pop to the rustic floors and wood accents.
Right: Perched on a hill, the Bullock home feels like it's tucked into a forest.
fish tank surrounded by pecky wood paneling.
In the adjacent living room, high ceilings allowed additional space for art, including four floral photographs by a Serenbe photographer Paula Susarte. Other works throughout the main living space include a painting of the Grand Tetons by Si-
las Thompson that Jill purchased in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and an old billboard transformed into a piece of art she discovered on a trip to Cuba.
For the primary bedroom, Jill had a painting commissioned from LA-based artist Christian Letts. The beach scene with a geometric sky is done in blues, white and dark gray
to match the room’s calm aesthetic. The bedroom also features a Chihuly-inspired glass light fixture and a peacock painting from New Orleans. In the bathroom, marble floors, light blue cabinetry and copper accents, including the tub, add vintage charm to the room that also houses Jill’s massive closet.
“When we built this house, I was still working and was going to continue to be working, so that is my excuse as to why my closet could be an apartment,” Jill says. “I love it. I can just go in here, shut the door and say, ‘Don’t bother me.’”
Sitting still isn’t really Jill’s MO, even in Serenbe. Her retirement has meant a busy social life. She’s even taken up baking.
In addition to hosting friends at her new home, Jill's three children and two grandchildren visit and stay downstairs where there is a second living room, kitchen and guest bedrooms. The bottom level also houses the homeowners’ two offices. Jill’s is a daylight-filled, lively space with floral wallpaper and shelves adorned with books, crystal awards and framed photos with the prominent people she met during her tenure at Cox (George Clooney included). But does she miss her intown working life?
“We couldn’t be happier living in Serenbe. So many great friends, riding in golf carts, forest walking… it’s an ideal life,” she says. “We do not miss the hustle bustle, traffic and city life at all.” n
Above: The primary bedroom sooths with calming blue hues.
Right: Jill is a bath person and makes regular use of her copper tub.
1. “An unexpected favorite came from a local artist friend, Kristin Genet. She crafted an art installation on a massive wall behind the stove. It is so exquisite, especially at night when the panels are backlit. It is truly a showpiece that everyone comments on when they see it.”
2. “I adore our dining room. I wanted a round table as I like the way conversations flow around one. I also wanted to bring in fun red leather chairs for color. The hummingbird drapes and bird’s nest lighting is a great contrast to the red leather chairs. The pièce de résistance, though, is the pecky cypress wood ceiling.”
3. “The breakfast nook is a favorite spot for us to drink our morning tea or coffee and to play games. My mahjong pals meet there regularly, and it is such a peaceful, space. I enjoy just sitting there looking out at the forest.”
Jill Campbell Bullock’s Top 3 Favorite Design Details
Above: Jill's colorful office offers a view of the woodsy outdoors through French doors.
Above: The home offers various outdoors spaces, including a patio off the basement level for overnight guests to enjoy.
Left: The back patio is complete with a fireplace, making it useful in nearly all seasons.
BULLETIN BOARD
BY Lauren Finney Harden
THE JOY OF DESIGN
Local designer nominated for HGTV’s 2025 Designer of the Year Award
Peachtree Hills-based interior design studio Joy Street
Design and Principal Designer Kelly Finley took the national stage this fall when she was nominated for HGTV’s 2025 Designer of the Year Award. Finley’s work on a Georgia lake house was part of the Waterside Retreats category. Simply Buckhead spoke with Finley about the project and her design inspiration.
What attracted you to interior design?
I started Joy Street Design almost 15 years ago, but the path wasn’t linear. I was a corporate attorney, a litigator who thrived on strategy and problem-solving. At the same
time, I’ve always loved math, art and a good creative challenge. Design gave me a way to blend all of that into one creative, purpose-driven career. I went back to school just for fun, but once I realized this could be more than a passion project, I made the leap into design full-time.
What is your design philosophy?
Design should be joyful, unapologetic and deeply personal. I’m not interested in creating showrooms. I want to design homes that reflect who you are and how you actually live. That means bold color, layered pattern, personality and function that fits your everyday
DESIGN & REALTY NEWS
n Get a peek into five stylishly designed abodes at the inaugural Buckhead Friends Tour of Homes on Nov. 16. Sponsored by ADAC, the event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 100% of the proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Purchase $50 individual tickets in advance at adacatlanta.com/events/ south-buckhead-friends-tourof-homes
n Norluxe Realty recently opened its newest brokerage office in West Midtown at 1055 Howell Mill Road. Led by CEO Jeremy Norman, the office will be managed by partners Clarissa "CC" Gilmore and Dani Stevenson. The firm has nearly 300 agents operating in the Atlanta area and also in Birmingham, Huntsville, Chattanooga, Houston, Jacksonville and Miami. norluxerealty.com
life. A well-designed home should be both functional and fabulous. It should make your life easier and your friends just a little bit jealous.
Is there a particular kind of project you most enjoy?
I love any project where we can make a meaningful impact. That might mean designing a family’s forever home or transforming a space for a nonprofit. I’m especially drawn to projects that involve creative problem-solving, whether it’s a challenging layout or a bold vision that just needs the right execution. At the core of every project is our purpose: creating environments that support and encourage people to live their best life joyfully.
Tell us about the Georgia project that earned you the nomination for HGTV's 2025 Designer of the Year Award. This was our personal project on Lake Tobesofkee, where we took a dated 1980s vacation house and transformed it into a bold, modern
n After being closed for just over a year for renovations, the SubZero, Wolf and Cove Atlanta showroom in Buckhead is reopening. Situated in the Terminus building, the 11,000-square-foot space features 12- to 14- foot ceilings and more than 250 appliance models on display across four main zones that highlight live demonstrations, a gallery, lifestyles and vignettes. subzero-wolf.com
aluminum frame and woven all-weather wicker shade. Available, starting at $2,280, at AuthenTEAK at 1094 Huff Road. authenteak.com
retreat for our family. We kept the exterior walls and large windows, but everything else was reimagined to reflect how we live, relax and connect. It’s colorful, playful and filled with bold design choices but never feels like a showroom. The interiors balance clean lines with personality, from a neutral living room that lets the lake views shine to a kitchen with dramatic marble, warm cabinetry and intentional space planning. Outside, we redesigned the entire landscape to connect the home to the lake, added a sleek pool and cabana, and created what we now call Camp Finley. This home is the clearest expression of what we believe at Joy Street Design: A space where beauty, function and personality come together to create something full of life n
JOY STREET DESIGN joystreetdesign.com • @joystreetdesign
Atlanta-based designer Jenna Gross of Colordrunk Designs has partnered with Loom & Co. on a new rug collection. Known for her use of color and pattern, Gross brought her signature trait to the rug collection that she says aims to solve the challenge she has faced for years to find carpets with “bold, joyful color.” The Colordrunk x Loom & Co. Collection is available at loomandco.com
Finley’s work on a Georgia lake house, anchored by soaring ceilings, expansive windows and lots of color, earned her a spot among the nation’s top designers.
Thomas Kuoh Photography
Marc Mauldin
Photo
Rumi Velvet Stocking ($64)
Hygge for the Holidays
The Danish word “hygge” means coziness and comfort, an aesthetic synonymous with wintertime. From soft heritage throws to Southern-inspired garlands, these Nordic-feeling items bring a sense of warmth and nature to your holiday season. STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
Atlanta-based Frontgate always has excellent seasonal items and nails the hygge aesthetic with this soft, velvety stocking. It’s available in seasonal colors like light juniper and crimson, as well as softer ones like caramel and ivory, making it easy for your Christmas decorations to match your overall vibe. Part of the brand’s Rumi velvet collection, the stockings can be personalized. Frontgate • frontgate.com • @frontgate
Fireside Throw ($199)
Made from 100% virgin wool and woven in American mills, Pendleton wool blankets are legendary gifts to give, perfect for cold nights next to a fire in a mountain escape or at home. This blanket is made from mouliné yarn that has two color piles spun into one thread to give it a distinctive, textured and worn-in look. Throw it over the back of a couch or an armchair to encourage fireside reading. Pendleton • pendleton-usa.com @pendletonwm
Pine and Magnolia Garland ($229)
Swag your staircase, fireplace or doorframe with a classic Southern holiday design. This full, lush garland features handcrafted magnolia, pine boughs and real pinecones. Snag a matching wreath to get the full look or fill it out with softer accoutrements like ribbons and fabric.
Nothing says cozy quite like a big mug of coffee, tea or cocoa. The Big Mug from Asheville, North Carolina-based East Fork Pottery holds 14 ounces comfortably or 16 ounces for those who like to live it up. It’s microwave and dishwasher safe, and comes in a soothing malachite green as well as guava and sepia. Check it out in person at the brand’s Westside Provisions District store. East Fork • eastfork.com • @eastforkatlanta
Aspen Candle ($58)
Fans of Hotel Jerome in Aspen will be transported to the Colorado hotspot with this woody, smoky and rustic scent. The candle, which is made in the U.S., uses vintage cedarwood, leather and golden embers as well as notes of snow-capped pine to create a hotel-worthy scent. Made from hand-poured 100% soy wax and a hand-painted glass vessel, they are perfect gifts to give or keep. Pair it with a candle warmer for a glowy look.
Hotel Lobby Candle • hotellobbycandle.com • @hotellobbycandle
FIRED UP
Self-proclaimed “fireplace nerd” Trey Miller has the goods STORY: Carly Cooper
Aformer Boy Scout, Brookhaven resident Trey Miller never outgrew his fascination with fire. He founded Southern Andiron, a fire accessories retail shop and consulting business in Chamblee, with his wife, Marjorie, and turned his passion into a business in 2019. When he’s not selling real estate for Sotheby’s, Miller makes and sells firewood storage, tools, screens and andirons. “We build them right here in our shop,” he says. “Others that I sell are 250 years old!”
Here, he shares more about his fire-forward products and projects.
What are andirons?
They are two horizontal supports that raise the wood off the firebox floor just enough to allow oxygen to get to the fire and for the wood to combust into light. Andirons give
you the opportunity to have a quick, efficient fire with the maximum amount of heat, so you don't have to mess with the firewood as much as you do on a traditional fireplace. Andirons have been around since 3 A.D. It was the primary way people would get a fire going.
How did you become interested in them?
I’ve always had an affinity for andirons. I taught myself how to forge and learned blacksmithing from an older gentleman in rural Alabama. About seven years ago, I helped a friend with his fireplace and brought him a set of andirons. A couple weeks later, he sent me a picture of his fire with a fireplace grate. But you don't need the grate—just the andirons. I realized folks didn’t know much about fireplaces and andirons. That started us on a path
of educating people about fireplace tools and making them. I continued to educate myself and learned that fireplace grates derived from burning coal. They were never supposed to be used for firewood.
What do you like about fire?
I love what a wood-burning fire does for fostering community. Whether it's at summer camp, a bonfire or even in your living room, I don't think anything fosters community as well!
What advice would you give people making a fire?
Having the proper tools to be able to tend your fire is important. Having a fireplace screen that doesn't just fit and cover a part of the opening but that completely conceals the fire box is necessary. Our screens are designed to be inset, so they're very safe. With andirons, you can have less smoke coming out of the fire box because when you generate the amount of heat that comes from andirons with heat and oxygen, it makes the smoke go up versus out. This makes sure you're burning wood in the most efficient manner.
What’s been your favorite project thus far?
We do a lot of fireplace makeovers for people and a lot of business with clubs and resorts all over the country. When I first visited the Grove Park Inn in North Carolina, they were using a large fireplace grate between a big set of andirons that were basically decoration. I was able to educate the general manager and explain to him, “You're going to have a better, hotter, cleaner fire if you just used your andirons versus using the fireplace grate.” They removed the big, old grate, and now they're using the andirons as they were used 100 years ago when the Grove Park Inn was founded.
What do you do for fun?
I like to golf, ski, hunt and fish. I love to get out in the woods to harvest and split firewood—pretty much anything around a fire. We have a cabin in Canada where we go with our three daughters every summer. We also make fires at home year-round. n
“When you put in the work in the gym, you see it reflect in your diet.”
— Kristin Klingshirn
Kristin Klingshirn made it her mission to get fit in 2025.
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
Gas Bijoux earrings, $185
Essentiel Antwerp dress, $365
’TIS THE SEASON
Nostalgia Reigns
Mevery day, not just for one event. Everyone is getting more creative with how they dress,” she says. “The prototype of a statement dress for an event isn’t necessarily true now.”
Moosh owners offer sartorial tips for the holiday season STORY: Lauren Finney Harden MOOSH • 404.975.3176 mooshshoppe.com • @moosheshoppe
oosh, which means “mouse” or “cute” in Persian, ended up being the perfect moniker for Roya Reed and Julie Tracy’s Buckhead boutique. The two neighbors and friends opened their first outpost on North Highland Avenue in 2021 and their Peachtree Battle location in July. Reed is a former journalist, and Tracy is a former consultant and corporate fashion executive. Neither had experience operating a retail store before Moosh. “I think that has helped our success,” Tracy says. “We come at it from a consumer’s point of view as much as a business one.” The boutique stocks a variety of well-known and harder-to-find brands, including No.6, Alemais,
Essentiel Antwerp, ba&sh and Hunter Bell. As they enter the busy party season, the two share how holiday dressing has evolved.
Super Silhouettes
Moosh’s Buckhead shopper has a full dance card, brimming with events, especially around the holidays. That doesn’t mean, however, that holiday fashion needs to be flashy, says Tracy. “Quiet luxury is still in play,” she says. “There’s still bling but less poof. It’s decidedly less feminine, and there’s more attention paid to tailoring and structure.” The silhouettes are more pared down. One of Tracy’s favorite archetypes for the season is what she calls “modern discoglam” with a subdued elegance.
“The prints this season are very nostalgic,” Reed says. Her examples include elevated animal motifs and plaids. The color palette looks to the past as well. “Neutrals for holiday are warmer and richer, like burgundy and chocolate,” she says. “They make for an elegant monochromatic moment, or you can pair them with a bold seasonal color like saffron and emerald for impact.” She also loves suede to bring in rich texture.
Versatility for all Occasions
Shoppers now look for versatility in their purchases. “People want to buy something for a cocktail party and a date night,” Reed says. Value, no matter the price point, is important. “People used to buy a statement dress just for a party, but now they might think about how boots and a sweater can go with a skirt to become casual cool for
Accessorize Accordingly
For Tracy and Reed, accessories are where personalities can shine through, regardless of whether one follows fashion trends. “How you accessorize really does depend on your personality,” says Tracy. If someone is to “hit the bling button,” however, this is certainly the time and place for it. “There are more options out there to play with and help you decide what you want your look to be,” Tracy says. Reed is more definitive about the season’s accessories. “What your mom used to buy is now cool, like oversized earrings with large pearls and chunky, geometric shapes in mixed metals. They lend ’80s nostalgia and glamour,” she says. n
Heidi Harris
Roya Reed and Julie Tracy
Maria La Rosa bag, $400
As far as skin care is concerned, a lot of emphasis is put on taking care of your face. But what can we do to preserve and protect the skin on our bodies?
Just like the visage, the body shows signs of sun damage and aging— as well as your skin care practices. “Nothing is a bigger tell than a smooth, supple face with sun-damaged, wrinkled hands and neck,” says Dr. Elise P. Barnett, fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and founder and medical director of Atlanta Skin Wellness Center on the Upper Westside. Here, she offers tips for taking care of your body’s largest organ from the chin down.
The Regular Routine
On a day-to-day basis, Barnett recommends sticking with the basics: Use an unscented and dyefree moisturizing bar soap for the body; moisturize within minutes of stepping out of the shower with a ceramide-containing moisturizing cream; and apply a daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or above for sun-exposed skin. “Yes, 365 days of the year,” Barnett says about sunscreen. “It is the first line of defense against extrinsic aging.” For very dry skin, she suggests moisturizers with lactic acid or urea that can exfoliate and also help the skin to retain moisture. A 10% urea-containing product, such as ISDIN Foot Care’s Uradin Podos Hydrating Gel Oil, can be a useful tool to combat dry feet. As for oily skin, benzoyl peroxide washes or products containing salicylic or glycolic acid may help tame acne.
Skin Brightening
Topical vitamin A products can also help prevent or lighten sunspots
From Neck to Toe
Preserving and protecting your body’s skin
STORY: Karina Antenucci
on your body. Barnett says a product such as Skinbetter Science’s AlphaRet Body Overnight Cream corrects sunspots through gentle exfoliation and suppression of melanocyte activity. EVOlaser is an in-office treatment option to remove brown or red spots and reverse DNA damage from the sun and is offered at Atlanta Skin Wellness Center. “This laser combines several different wavelengths, targeting different aspects of sun damage.”
Tightening Up
Just like brightening, a combination of an at-home prescription-grade product and an in-office treatment can improve elasticity and skin quality. Barnett likes Revision Skincare’s BodiFirm product that promotes collagen and elastin production
to reduce fine lines and sagging. She suggests patients pair it with her go-to treatment for skin laxity, Sofwave. This device can be used on the elbows, arms, knees, abdomen and neck. “It uses ultrasound to heat collagen and stimulate the production of new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid,” she says.
An alternative for tightening elbows and knees is an injectable, such as Sculptra or Hyperdilute Radiesse treatments that stimulate collagen. “These injections are not fillers but biostimulators which provide gradual skin tightening and lead to a smoother, more youthful appearance of the skin,” Barnett says.
Hand Helpers
Over time, the wear and tear on our hands can be particularly
obvious as they develop dark spots and lose volume and elasticity, exposing tendons and large veins. Barnett likes to tackle these issues from multiple angles. For loss of volume, she uses Radiesse, a filler that has an instant plumping effect, stimulates collagen over time and masks some of the discoloration from deeper structures in the hands like veins. “At my practice, we then use the CoolPeel or the EVOlaser to correct dark spots and pigmentation.” Finally, to maintain results, microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, stimulates collagen through tiny needle punctures at precise depths. n
brizmaker
SHARE THE JOY
STRONGER THAN YESTERDAY
Kristin Klingshirn shares her fitness
journey STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Erik Meadows
Kristin Klingshirn, former co-host of The Bert Show (which ended its 25 years on air last month), has never considered herself a gym person. But after a body composition scan in the spring of 2024 revealed she had less muscle than she realized, she knew it was time for a change to gain strength. “It was apparent I was weak. It was the first time anybody
had ever mentioned it to me,” says the Buckhead resident. “And then it really struck me when I tweaked my back lifting up my son.”
After much bemoaning about her plight on-air, yet with still no real gym action, Klingshirn’s co-host Bert Weiss and Simply Buckhead Publisher Joanne Hayes surprised her with a gift: complimentary personal training sessions with Jamie
trainers, Bodner focuses on routines Klingshirn can sustain. “I told him from the start, I don’t enjoy working out. I do it because I have to!”
To extend the gift, Klingshirn invited a listener and fellow 40-something mom of five, Elizabeth Johnson, to train alongside her for three months. Having Johnson in the sessions was a bonus for Klingshirn. “We pushed each other, and it was empowering to have another woman there with the same goal of being stronger for her kids,” Klingshirn says.
Klingshirn has noticed changes beyond muscle tone and feeling stronger. Her posture and mood have improved and she has more stamina for daily activities. “At the beach, carrying my 40-pound son to the shore and back was no problem. Going up and down stairs feels easier,” Klingshirn says. She’s now more mindful of protein intake, sweet treats and healthier eating choices. “When you put in the work in the gym, you see it reflect in your diet. I haven’t given anything up—everything in moderation,” she says.
After five months, Bodner encouraged Klingshirn to add a fifth day of activity, such as a brisk walk, to her weekly fitness. While that addition was still a work in progress in September, she was proud to share that for the first time, she exercised during a trip. Bodner provided her with 15-minute routines with moves such as pushups, squats and planks. “No equipment needed, just determination,” Klingshirn says. These quick-hit strength-training exercises for women over 40 are now featured in her “Fitness Friday” Instagram stories.
Bodner, owner of Pinnacle Fitness in Buckhead who also trains Hayes.
“Bert forced my hand on air. How could I turn down a free membership and personal trainer? It was such a lovely, beautiful gift,” Klingshirn says.
Her new routine began in March and added two 60-minute strength-training sessions with Bodner to her already twice-weekly yoga classes at Yonder Yoga.
“Jamie is incredible. I need quiet, positive motivation,” Klingshirn says. Unlike drill-sergeant style
Like all journeys, Klingshirn’s hasn’t been without challenges. “Getting over the initial hump and pushing myself to go to the gym when I don’t want to has been the hardest part,” Klingshirn says. Additionally, when she fell ill for two weeks and started to get into a rut, it seemed impossible to get back into the workout groove. “Jamie encouraged me to give myself grace and assured me that my muscles wouldn’t atrophy after one or two weeks and to just keep going. All that work wasn’t for naught,” she says. Her advice for others? “Just start. Make your health a priority.” n @kriskling pinnaclefitnessgym.com @pinnaclefitnessatl
Jamie Bodner of Pinnacle Fitness trains Kristin Klingshirn twice a week.
Breaking Barriers
Atlanta sports medicine leader leaves lasting legacy STORY: Karina Antenucci
Growing up in a small steel town in West Virginia, Dr. Letha Griffin couldn’t have imagined the impact she’d make not only on sports medicine, but also on generations of women in health care. The first woman to join the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine in 1978, the board-certified orthopedic surgeon recently capped her 42-year career by being inducted into the AOSSM Hall of Fame. “It was the greatest honor of my life,” Griffin says. Her roles have included se-
nior partner at Buckhead-based Peachtree Orthopedics, board member of the Orthopedic Research and Educational Foundation, serving on the 1996 Atlanta Olympic medical committees and publishing more than 60 academic papers. Griffin has left a legacy of leadership, mentorship and advocacy in orthopedic care. Here, she reflects on her journey.
What brought you to Atlanta?
I studied at The Ohio State University where I earned my bachelor’s,
could take hours to look something up; today, answers are available instantly. And the profession has changed, too. My medical school class had only 12 women out of 200 students. Now, about half of all medical school students are women.
What was a main focus of your academic research?
In the ’80s and early ’90s, I concentrated on the prevention of ACL injuries. A group of women orthopedists and I pushed to change sports training methods, the one modifiable factor. Our efforts worked and led to decreased ACL injuries. For example, our research led to new gymnastics rules allowing gymnasts to land jumps with bent knees instead of straight ones, which reduced injuries.
You were Georgia State University’s team physician for decades. What was that like?
I began in 1982 when the athletic trainer asked me to help, and I stayed until 2018. My kids joke they were brought up on the soccer fields and basketball courts of GSU. Initially, I worked with all of the teams and watched both the athletics program and university grow. Athletes talked to me like they would their mother, more easily expressing their pain to a woman physician and not being embarrassed by it. Women make great doctors because we listen and care, which are two very important factors in addition to medical knowledge.
master’s, Ph.D. and medical degrees. After residency at the University of Michigan Hospital and a few years in Seattle, Buckhead-based Peachtree Orthopedics asked me to join the practice in 1981. I thought I’d give it a try for six months, and it turned out to be a great move. I just recently retired in 2023 at 78 years old.
What have been the most significant changes in orthopedics?
When I was a resident in the late ’70s, almost everything required open surgery. Now minimally invasive scopes and small incisions allow faster recoveries and better outcomes. Medicine overall has advanced at a remarkable pace. When I started, it
How do you approach mentorship, and what advice do you give to young people?
I mentor in many ways, such as helping young doctors navigate the system and connecting them to professional networks or talking with high school students about careers in medicine. My advice is not to worry if you don’t know exactly what you want to do yet. Try different things until you find what excites you. Whatever you choose, work hard and finish what you start. That determination will open doors you never imagined. n
Elevate Your Next Event with Chef Joost De Paepe Private & Corporate Dining On Location
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Experience the magic of the festive season at Atlanta History Center! Stroll through winter wonderlands in our 33 acres of botanical gardens and woodland trails, explore inside our new Goizueta Children’s Experience and other museum exhibitions on colder days, enjoy the historic Swan House decorated for the season, join us for one of our special holiday programs, and more. And don’t forget to take a picture with Priscilla and Percival, our iconic Pink Pigs from Rich’s Department Store, on display every holiday season!
IT’S GAME TIME
Interactive gaming experiences offer cold-season fun STORY: Karina Antenucci
Holiday breaks provide a welcome respite from the daily grind, but cabin fever can creep in before too long. If your kids (and visiting cousins) are bouncing off the walls-, or perma-glued to their iPads, interactive gaming experiences offer the perfect field trip. From retro video games to action-packed missions, game-filled destinations can be an entertaining indoor option that combines playtime with quality family time out of the house. Here are a few local spots to check out. Did we mention adults will love these, too?
GEEK OUT AND GAME ON
BATTLE & BREW in Sandy Springs
Feel free to geek out at Battle & Brew, which is part restaurant and bar, part arcade and part Local Area Network center offering communal gaming experiences. Kids can dive into everything from retro video games and tabletop board games to virtual reality and console gaming
with Nintendo, PlayStation or Xbox. With food, comfortable seating and table-front games, it’s the ideal spot for a low-key afternoon that’s still full of action. Just note that this gamer’s paradise becomes 21+ at 11 p.m. (way after bedtime anyway).
STEP INTO THE GAME
ACTIVATE in Buckhead
Think real-life video game meets obstacle course all synced with technology that tracks your score and progress. At Activate, families step into rooms with challenges ranging from avoiding lasers to memory tests and agility games such as digital dodgeball, each designed for up to five people to play at one time. All rooms feature a dark backdrop that accentuates the games’ neon light features, from a climbing wall and basketball hoops to “floor is lava”-esque glowing tiles. Sessions run in 75-minute increments, and they’re recommended for kids ages 10 and up with a team spirit who love fast-paced fun.
PUTT, PUTT, PLAY
PUTTSHACK on the Westside and in Dunwoody
This isn't Grandpa’s mini golf, but he’ll have fun here, too. For one thing, the nine holes are inside. Plus, you can’t cheat since the balls literally keep score and track your moves. And instead of trying to get the lowest score, you’re going for the highest with special features that gain you extra points—and hazard traps that lose them. Kids 7 years old and up will love swinging clubs in the neon-lit space with music-pumping vibes, interactive screens and the wildest hole designs the family’s ever seen. The menu offers family-friendly bites and mocktails alongside adult refreshments. Just plan to be out of there by 8 p.m. when it becomes 21+.
MISSION: FAMILY FUN
BEAT THE BOMB in Upper Westside Grab your goggles! It’s time to gear up for five timed team missions
filled with laser dodging, code cracking and digital puzzles. Didn’t beat the countdown clock? You and your four to six teammates will get slime, paint or foam bombed. (Don’t worry, you’ll be dressed in a hazmat suit.) Designed for ages 8 and up, this escape room-meetsaction movie experience is sure to be 100% unforgettable. If you do forget the fun and funny, just look back at the complimentary photos and video Beat the Bomb sends you. Outside of the explosive game rooms are game bays where groups of three to 12 players can compete in arcade-style games and enjoy food and beverages. n
Hi-tech meets mini golf at Puttshack in Dunwoody and on the Westside.
SAIL UNIQUE
Designed to feel like your own private yacht
A Worthy Mission
Eand volunteers to highlight their favorite pets at the facility by including its name on their own name tag. That way, visitors to the facility may be more inclined to ask about those cats or dogs.
decrease those numbers to fewer than 300 dogs and a maximum of 80 cats.
“Our numbers can be high because we have an open intake policy for DeKalb County residents as the county’s shelter,” Garcia says. “That means anyone living here can surrender a dog or cat as their last option.”
Challenges & Rewards
Garcia says one of the high points of her job is when she provides the perfect match for an adoptable pet and its new owner. Another positive is when the number of pets in the facility is on the lower side because of increased adoptions and fosters. Recently, a dog was surrendered to the facility in poor health, and Garcia was able to find a foster family who could provide medical attention to her quickly.
“When I left that day, I loved knowing that dog would be taken care of and that my weekend was going to be a happy one,” Garcia says.
One of the challenges is knowing that as many animals that are being adopted, more are being surrendered every day.
The Perfect Match
The highs and lows of being an animal rescue
very career has its ups and downs, but according to Sabrina Garcia, the rewards from working in animal rescue can often outweigh any negatives. We spoke with Garcia, the adoptions supervisor at Chamblee-based DeKalb County Animal Services, managed by nonprofit LifeLine Animal Project, about her career and what a day in her work life entails.
worker STORY: Chelsie Butler
Animal Cause Calling
Garcia discovered DeKalb County Animal Services in 2023 shortly after moving to Chamblee. Since joining the organization in October 2024, she has made it her goal to increase the number of dogs and cats being adopted, especially those that may be at risk because of limited space to house them. One way she does this is by asking staff members
Garcia says her faith brought her to DeKalb County Animal Services and that she knows she is in the right field of work. She also has something in common with the cats and dogs that come through her facility: As a child, she was up for adoption, too, so she can empathize.
In her role, there isn’t always a “typical” day, but one constant is her responsibility to ensure the animals are well cared for. When the doors open each day at 11 a.m., she and her team oversee finding the right homes for multiple cats and dogs. In September, the facility housed 538 dogs and 100 cats, and the organization’s goal was to
At DeKalb County Animal Services, the adoption process starts with a meet-and-greet between the potential owner and pet. A numeric system is used to evaluate dogs and cats for characteristics such as energy level so they are paired with the right owners. Garcia and her team also ask a lot of questions about the potential adopter’s home (i.e., Are there any pets in the home already?) and their level of experience with dogs or cats. If the pet they are considering is not a good fit, Garcia’s team tries to be as transparent as possible and often suggests other potential adoptees.
“It means a lot to me to walk out of here every day and know I am supporting a worthy mission,” Garcia says. “My work is chipping away to help these animals get adopted into good homes.” n
THAT’S A WRAP!
Chamblee expert shares tips for making holiday gift wrapping a breeze
STORY: Amy Meadows
There’s something magical about receiving a beautifully wrapped gift during the holidays. Of course, having to produce that perfect parcel is a different story. In fact, yuletide gift wrapping can be equally fun and frustrating when you have a mountain of purchases in front of you waiting to be transformed into dazzling, festive presents. Before you grab wrapping paper, ribbon and tape this year, check out this advice from Jordan Horne, owner of Gift Wrapping Concierge, a Chamblee-based custom gift wrapping service. Her tips are sure to make your seasonal wrapping experience quick, creative and merry.
What’s the best way to prepare for gift wrapping season?
Start by getting organized. Think about a room in your house that would be right for this type of work. It’s best to avoid places like the dining room, which you’ll need to use
daily. You just want a place with a hard work surface; you can even use a folding table in a corner of your bedroom that you can set up and put away after the holidays. Then be sure you have a sharp pair of scissors, double-sided tape (which can be hidden underneath a wrapping paper flap for neatness), plenty of boxes and tissue paper. I also keep a basket or trash can under my desk or table for scraps. And you can use old school slap bracelets to keep wrapping paper rolls closed.
How can I make my presents really stand out?
Not every gift has to be wrapped in fancy or expensive paper. You can start with very simple paper, even a large roll of brown butcher paper, and turn it into a gorgeous moment. It’s about the finishing touches. Use a really nice satin ribbon or a special gift tag, or you can bring in other elements. I love to get greenery or foliage from my
How can I simplify gift wrapping this year?
Pick a theme or a color scheme. Instead of getting different paper for everyone on your list, choose one or two papers and stick to those. You also can use more neutral or non-occasional wrapping paper that can be used for other holidays and events, and make it holiday inspired with those special finishing touches. Or you can purchase solid color or pre-decorated boxes; sometimes that’s all you need. Another great idea is to use clear cellophane with colorful ribbons or bows to show off a beautiful gift.
garden to add to my wrapping. You can add dried fruit like oranges or limes on a piece of twine as a gift topper (instructions for drying fruit in your oven can be found online). I also like to use tiny ornaments or baubles at Christmastime. Add a ribbon with someone’s embroidered initial or name. If you’re a photographer, add pictures to your gifts. No matter what paper you use, just add something special. Infuse yourself into your wrapping using your hobbies and skills, allowing it to reflect you.
What can I do to make gift wrapping more fun this season?
You could host a wrapping party in late November or early December. Everybody brings the gifts they need to wrap and their own wrapping paper, or you could provide it, and you all wrap together. It’s a great way to get together during the holidays, and it is so fun. n
Jordan Horne offers tips to make gift wrapping fun and easy.
bornbaby
Gorjana
Tecovas
CULTURE
Coming to the Big Screen Page 60
“I have a lot of creative ideas I'd like to see out in the world.” —Katie Kenny Phillips
Local screenwriter Katie Kenny Phillips with her trusty laptop at Ark Coffeehaus in Dunwoody.
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
Coming to the Big Screen
Dunwoody mom channels her creativity into family-friendly screenplays
STORY: Jill Becker PHOTO: Erik Meadows
When the movie When Harry Met Sally came out 36 years ago, Katie Kenny Phillips remembers going to the bookstore to buy a copy of the screenplay. She says it resonated with her because “it was just so funny and real.” Fast forward to today, and Phillips is writing her own screenplays.
She does this from her home in Dunwoody that she shares with her husband, five kids and two “ridiculous” Australian labradoodles. Given her living situation, it may come as no surprise that Phillips’ scripts are for family-friendly films that are “fun and funny but with a little grit to them.”
“They’re not movies you're going to watch and think, ‘Oh, that's so unrealistic. No families are like
that,’” she says. “We give everyone plenty of flaws.”
Phillips pens her scripts with fellow screenwriter Kelly Bandas, who’s based in Nashville. “I knew of Kelly through Instagram because she’s a comedian, and I really enjoyed her content,” Phillips says. So Bandas immediately came to mind when Phillips had the idea a few years ago to start what she calls “a mastermind group of creative women who’d come together regularly and support each other in their creative businesses.”
“I reached out to Kelly, and she immediately responded and said she was interested,” Phillips says. They eventually met in person at one of the group’s retreats, where she and Bandas looked at each other and said, “Do you want to try
writing a script together?”
Their first attempt, The Hatecast, is set around a popular television show romance that’s later revealed to be a hoax. “We submitted it to a writing contest, and it made it to the quarterfinals,” Phillips says. “A friend who works in entertainment out in LA also read it and thought it was good, so she was pitching it around. After that, Kelly and I were like, OK, we think we did a pretty decent job, and we have great chemistry, so we were encouraged to write a second script.”
Two of the pair’s screenplays are in development with producers. The first is Sweet Home, which centers around a burned-out YouTuber attempting to escape her high-pressure, influencer life by going off-grid in the quaint little town where Sweet Home Alabama was filmed. The other is Verified Fan, an action comedy Phillips describes as “Yes Day meets Bridesmaids” that revolves around the escapades of a mother who promises her teen-
age daughter tickets to the hottest concert of the year. Their latest script, their sixth, is a Christmas rom-com titled A Christmas Rental
But that’s not the end of Phillips’ creative endeavors. She’s also the author of a dozen children’s books, the latest of which is Today I Feel Like a Jelly Donut. “I’m currently pitching a TV show based off of it,” she says, “so we’ll see what happens with that.” Phillips also works for The Women in My World, a nonprofit aimed at developing and supporting women of faith in the entertainment industry. A recent project involved assisting with the production of a dramatic audiobook series the organization’s founder, Shari Rigby, is creating called A Lady in Defiance, set to make its debut in the next few months. “It will be like Netflix for your ears,” Phillips says.
It’s clear the Dunwoody mom has several irons in the fire. “I have a lot of creative ideas I’d like to see out in the world,” she says. n katiekennyphillips.com • @katiekennyphillips
Phillips' latest screenplay is a modern take on the classic tale A Christmas Carol
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Growing up in Kennesaw, Danielle Singleton was the make-believe kid. “I was always the one making up stories, and I still do that,” says the Buckhead resident. “Now, I just write them down.”
Singleton’s imagination has inspired her to write eight novels and two children’s books. Her latest, Revenge, debuted in September after marinating in the back of her mind for eight years.
“I wrote a little bit, then let it sit for a while,” she says. “Then I wrote a different book. But in the past year, I picked this one back up and wanted to finish it.”
Buckhead author turns years of telling stories into novels STORY: H.M. Cauley
A disrupted writing process is par for the course, says Singleton, who left town to attend Georgetown and then Harvard Law school, which she finished in 2012. A corporate law job brought her back to Atlanta, and even while working for nine years for a financial products company, the desire to write didn’t diminish. But life and other events got in the way.
“I was a senior in college when the financial crisis hit, so I went to law school, and writing became a side project and an escape,”
Singleton describes her latest as a classic whodunit murder mystery, a genre she’s followed for most of her work with the exception of the romance novel, Every Star in the Sky Set in Wyoming, Revenge follows a resourceful police chief tracking down a brutal murderer. Singleton assures her audience the idea came “pretty much out of my imagination.” Her daily life is more centered on family life with her daughter, now 5; a 2-year-old son; and her real estate advisor husband, Will Battle. But she’s always on the prowl for new ideas.
she says, though that side project became her first novel, the kidnapping thriller Safe & Sound. “Then my daughter was born at the height of COVID in 2020, since then, I’ve been a mom and writer.”
Singleton still draws on her legal background for many of her ideas.
“I really enjoy the research part, which I do because I put my pretend stories in real places, real towns. I want to be accurate as much as possible. For Revenge, the setting is loosely based off a ranch I’ve been to in Colorado.”
“I’m always looking for things that jump out,” she says. “I use the notes feature on my phone a lot for when ideas hit me, and I send myself emails. I keep a Word document open with 10 stories I could work on that are anywhere from one sentence to 5,000 words. I just haven’t gotten focused on any of them and may never focus on some of them. But I keep track of things that are always jumping out at me.”
With all her books, Singleton has opted to self-publish. “Like a good lawyer, I did a lot of research on which path I wanted to take, and I like having the ability to self-publish outside of the vanity presses. I have this product I believe in, so I decided to put it out there myself and see where it goes. I’m not a household name, but I’ve done pretty well, and I’m pleased and hopeful for the future.” n daniellesingleton.com @daniellesingletonbooks
Along with raising two children, Danielle Singleton is always on the lookout for a great story idea.
Each year, students from the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education perform in the cherished holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. They experience the thrill of sharing the stage with Atlanta Ballet dancers and performing to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, played by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Many of these young dancers may one day grace stages around the world, captivating audiences for years to come.
and
Gennadi Nedvigin, Artistic Director
Sharon Story, Dean
Gennadi Nedvigin,
Photo by Kim Kenney.
Costume sketches by Sandra Woodall.
Gennadi Nedvigin, Artistic Director Sharon Story, Dean
Photo by Kim Kenney.
connect with the work and start or grow their collections.
What do you look for when selecting artists?
It’s all about the medium and the execution. I love unique materials. For instance, Dutch artist Nemo Jantzen uses nails and thread on wooden panels to create portraits and still lifes, and Korean sculptor Seo Young Deok brings figures to life with bike chains and industrial metal. These artists are truly at the top of their game.
Is there a piece that’s resonated deeply with you?
The Wounds series by one of our featured mixed-media artists Juan Miguel Palacios is beautiful acrylicon-canvas portraits of women with cracked drywall behind them. It’s symbolic; we’ve all been broken in some way, especially if you’ve lived a life. Simon Berger’s broken-glass portraits also strike a chord. The craftsmanship is unbelievable.
Do you support local talent in addition to international artists? Yes! We’re currently doing a solo exhibition with Atlanta artist Niki Zarrabi called To Have and To Haunt We’ve also shown her oil paintings in Miami at Art Basel and represented her to a gallery in Dubai.
How has Atlanta’s art scene changed over the last 30 years?
Art of the Matter
suggested I try the art world instead. That was back in 1996. I just dove in.
Atlanta’s art scene welcomed a new player this June with the opening of Luca Fine Art, a sleek gallery nestled in the Star Metals District building on the Westside. At its helm is Rodney Kazemi, a veteran art dealer and agent whose career spans nearly 30 years working with local and international artists and collectors.
For Kazemi, a Buckhead resident, Luca Fine Art is more than a gallery; it’s a personal milestone. “It’s been a long time coming,” he says. Named
after his son Luca, the gallery intends to set the stage for Atlanta to take its place on the global contemporary art map.
Here, we speak with Kazemi about the gallery’s artists, his advice for young collectors and art pieces that speak to his heart.
How did you find your passion for art? I originally wanted to go to fashion school in New York. But a family friend, who was one of the biggest international art publishers at the time,
Why was this the right time to open your own gallery?
For the past 10 years, I’ve been attending Art Basel in Miami and building relationships with international artists who didn’t have representation in Atlanta. We have such an international city now, and there’s a growing demand for that caliber of work. It was time to bring these artists to the Southeast instead of collectors having to travel to New York or Miami. I wanted to create a space that feels approachable, where anyone can come in,
Atlanta used to feel like a more traditional city, and its art options reflected that. But with the influx in tech and finance industries here, there’s more sophistication now. Diversifying is fantastic for the city, from restaurants to the arts. It’s exciting to see a stronger market for contemporary art. Places like the Star Metals District, where we’re located in the design hub of the city, are helping shape this next chapter.
What advice do you have for young collectors?
Buy what speaks to you. Don’t obsess over future value. Art is very personal and subjective; it should reflect who you are and what you love. Let it be an extension of your personality and your home. n
Rodney Kazemi’s new gallery brings international talent STORY: Karina Antenucci
EVENTS BY Nicole Letts
A selection of clothing, accessories and other personal items once belonging to André Leon Talley will be on display at SCAD until March 1, 2026.
FRONT ROW FASHION
SCAD PRESENTS ANDRÉ LEON TALLEY EXHIBIT
The Savannah College of Art and Design is celebrating the legendary fashion editor and cultural icon André Leon Talley with the exhibit André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever. Now on display at SCAD museums in Atlanta and Savannah, the tribute is curated by Rafael Brauer Gomes, creative director of SCAD FASH museums, and showcases nearly 70 pieces from Talley's personal collection, a bequest to the school. “Beyond the exquisite garments, he entrusted us with a remarkable collection of bespoke shoes, hats, books, photographs and personal ephemera. Together, these items reveal not just a career in fashion, but a life lived with intellect, passion and flair,” Gomes says.
Coveted pieces by renowned designers such as Tom Ford, Ralph Rucci, Manolo Blahnik and Dapper Dan are complemented by mementos and artwork gifted by Diane Von Furstenberg and Karl Lagerfeld. Visitors can explore iconic looks worn to Met Galas and fashion shows, alongside pieces from more intimate events throughout his storied career. “One of the most meaningful features of this exhibition is the sense of André’s presence that permeates the gallery,” Gomes says. A sculpture of Talley by SCAD alumnus Stephen Hayes, for example, is used as the face of the mannequins, giving the garments a lifelike character.
A commemorative catalogue published by Rizzoli will accompany the exhibit. It features photography by SCAD alumnus Allen Cooley and archival images from fashion
publication includes essays, stories and personal memo ries from Talley’s colleagues and admirers, including Anna Wintour, Darren Walker and Carolina Herrera. The exhibit is on display until March 1, 2026. General admission is $10. Admission is free for SCAD FASH members. n
scadfash.org/exhibitions • @scadfash
The exhibit showcases more than 70 items.
Photos: Allen
Cooley
EVENTS BY Nicole Letts
Pop-Up
Bubble Planet takes Doraville
Experience a whimsical journey at Bubble Planet, an immersive pop-up attraction now open at the Exhibition Hub Art Center Atlanta. This family-friendly event runs through Nov. 30 and invites guests of all ages to explore a fantastical world of bubbles through various themed rooms. The hour-long journey is filled with interactive displays and photo opportunities. Visitors can dive into
a "bubble ocean" filled with enormous balloons or relax in the "giant bubble room" on bean bag chairs amidst a kaleidoscope of colors. The "bubble bath" room offers a visually appealing twist on a traditional ball pit, while the "infinite room" uses mirrors to create mind-bending illusions. For a unique experience, the "bubble getaway" room showcases a robot-generated bubble
Southern Acoustics
display. Standard adult admission is $27.90 and provides access to the main exhibition. A VIP pass is $35.90 and includes the main experience plus a virtual reality feature and souvenir. Advance booking is encouraged; tickets are available online. n
bubble-planet.com/atlanta @bubbleplanetexperience
Walker Hayes unplugged
Platinum-selling country artist Walker Hayes will perform an exclusive acoustic concert at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center's Byers Theatre on Nov. 16. The "Fancy Like" singer-songwriter will share personal stories behind his songs, offering audiences insight into the triumphs, viral success, family memories and heartbreak that shaped his distinctive voice in country music. “It is, frankly, a very big deal for us,” says Bill Haggett, executive director of the Sandy Springs Performing
This holiday season, The St. Regis Atlanta welcomes the return of The Astor Chalet. Capturing the spirit of winter in the Alps, the Swiss-inspired chalet designed by award-winning Atlanta-based design firm Summerour Architects offers guests a selection of festive gifts, stocking stuffers, food and wine, and home decor. It is adorned with a colorful collection of decked trees, sparkling garland and whimsical holiday accents.
LIGHT UP BROOKHAVEN
Dec. 3
explorebrookhaven.com
@explorebrookhaven
Light Up Brookhaven returns to Blackburn Park with bites from local food trucks, festive live performances and the show-stopping arrival of Santa Claus via helicopter, courtesy of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Families can capture photos with Santa before gathering for the countdown to illuminate the city’s 40-foot Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah.
HOT CHOCOLATE CRAWL
Dec. 6
buckheadvillagedistrict.com
@buckheadvillagedistrict
Arts Center. “We're thrilled to have Hayes coming as [this is] a new show for him. He's just launched his new album, and it's an intimate album for him.” Songwriter and producer Shane McAnally will open the show. McAnally has written and produced more than 50 No. 1 hits for artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt and Kenny Chesney, earning him three Grammy Awards and multiple industry honors. Tickets start at $48.50. n
sandyspringspac.com @sandysprings.pac
Guests are invited to stroll amid a festive atmosphere at Buckhead Village and adjacent areas, stopping at designated locations to enjoy hot chocolate and specialty cocktails along the way. In addition to sipping specialty beverages, the event will collect toys for kids in foster care and family homes with donations going to the Police Athletic League and The Atlanta Citizen’s Police Academy.
TINSEL AND TWINE
Dec. 13
westsideprovisions.com
@westsideprovisions
Westside Provisions transforms into a cozy holiday wonderland featuring a curated outdoor market filled by local artisans, makers and vendors. Guests can enjoy complimentary festive drinks, sweet treats and live music as they shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Families will find plenty of entertainment from interactive kids’ crafts and s’mores to stylish Santa photo ops.
Things Favorite
TAKE IT FROM US, THESE LOCAL PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND EXPERIENCES SHOULD TOP YOUR WISH LIST
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
When it comes to all Buckhead has to offer, the options can be overwhelming. From picking the perfect gift or indulging in an unforgettable experience to discovering meaningful ways to give back to our Atlanta community, we’ve curated a host of fun—and perhaps surprising— things you’ll want to have on your radar. This list goes beyond raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Read on to discover some of our favorite things!
Wardrobe: On Brenda: Lapointe lightweight satin caftan top with feathers ($990), Lapointe lightweight satin asymmetric maxi skirt ($850), Deepa Gurnani earrings ($100), available at Tootsies. On Pedro: Brown three-piece suit ($599), available at Connaisseur Paris.
Chef to the Rescue
Belgian-born chef Joost De Paepe creates restaurant-worthy experiences at home
If the idea of dreaming up an elaborate menu, cooking for a group of friends, serving it and being an engaging host seems overwhelming, you’re not alone. Sometimes it’s best to leave it to the pros. That’s where chef Joost De Paepe comes in.
Hailing from the Flemish region of Belgium, De Paepe moved to Atlanta two years ago for his wife’s job. While in Europe, he completed culinary school and worked in restaurants in London, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium, contributing to kitchens that garnered a total of three Michelin stars.
A dozen years ago, he started his own catering business and hasn’t looked back, even with a transatlantic move.
While his bread and butter is private clients looking to host intimate dinner parties with elevated menus,
STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
he also specializes in cooking classes as team building activities for corporate groups. He has been known to create large-scale fine dining fetes, such as a recent one for 80 people at the residence of the Belgian consul in Buckhead.
The meticulous culinary pro, who has a host of regular clients around town, recently cooked for eight guests at the home of Simply Buckhead Publisher Joanne Hayes. The group of old and new friends was welcomed with glasses of Champagne and hors d’oeuvres passed in elegant serving vessels.
A one-bite masterpiece of eggplant, ricotta and parmesan cheese was followed by a delicate dish of Asian-inspired sea bass ceviche accented with creamy avocado.
As someone who regularly writes about fine dining and chefs, I was impressed that chef De Paepe
worked alone, assisted by a single server. The Hayes’ open concept kitchen was always in view of both the cocktail area and the dining room, and the chef maintained a calm, almost military-like precision as he plated each dish. Unsurprisingly, he had arrived hours in advance to make sure everything was prepped and ready for the guests’ arrival.
After whetting our appetites with starters, we settled into our seats at the dining table for a five-course meal. Our group was perhaps unusual in an age of ultra-specific dietary restrictions: No one had anything they requested to avoid when the chef asked. However, he was prepared for just about anything. “I always bring back-ups so that I can adjust every dish, just like at a restaurant,” he says, noting that proteins can be switched out and ingredients omitted as needed.
Both the size of the dishes and the pacing were just about perfect. That’s by design. “My cooking has a French base, but I make it more modern and lighter,” De Paepe says. “Even if you have multiple courses, at the end of the meal, it's not too heavy.” Every dish was beautifully plated on serving ware brought by the chef, and several came with a tableside touch—think shaving truffles or pouring a sauce from a sculptural kettle. And each was no more than a few bites. While our meal featured fish as the main protein, De Paepe creates each menu
according to the host’s preferences and, since everything is customized, can accommodate special requests or preferred ingredients.
De Paepe offers detailed suggestions and tasting notes so hosts can work with their favorite merchant to pair wines with each course. At
our recent dinner, Hayes tapped local purveyor and sommelier Perinne Prieur, the owner of Perrine’s Wine Shop, to create pairings that further elevated each bite.
While our meal had the benefit of a spacious kitchen, De Paepe can work in much less ample environ-
THE MENU
Norwegian gravlax with hijiki, dashi and Ossetra caviar
Open ravioli with king crab and leeks
Risotto with enoki mushrooms and shaved black truffle
Cod with green asparagus, shallot and red wine
Chocolate tartlet with red berries and lemon
ments. “As long as there's an oven, a stove and a bit of space in the fridge, we can do almost anything,” he says. As the guests enjoyed their final sips and lingered over conversations, the kitchen was already clean, looking as though no meal had been prepared. Joanne and her husband, Sonny, said goodnight to friends and went to bed without lifting a finger, proving that, with the right team, it’s possible to host a restaurant-quality meal at home without feeling stressed
Favorite Places to Feel the Seasonal Spirit
Where to go and what to see to make the most of the most wonderful time of the year
STORY: Nicole
Letts
There's something almost conspiratorial about how Atlanta does the holidays. The city seems to collectively agree that ordinary just won't cut it this time of year; everything gets a little more sparkle, a touch more warmth and considerably more charm.
Friends linger a little longer over dinner, outfits get a touch of pizzazz and festive music welcomes you at every turn. Familiar restaurants and parks come alive even more than usual, creating an almost tangible energy. Sure, you'll find the expected twinkle lights and decor, but look closer and you'll discover unique theatrical performances, long-standing traditions and experiential dining opportunities.
Amore e Amore
Nov. 4 - Dec. 24
This Highland Avenue gem combines authentic Italian cuisine with holiday spirit. Hosts “Mama” Gale
Parker and “Professor” Giovanni Ferro will once again deck their Italian restaurant with sparkling ornaments and winter charm. Pair the whimsical atmosphere with an approachable menu featuring kid-friendly foods like pizza bites
and pint-sized pasta, and Amore e Amore becomes a go-to festive eatery for families. Special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who visit with guests and collect handwritten letters from excited children, add to the excitement. amoreeamore.com
Georgia Festival of Trees
Nov. 21 - 30
A dazzling forest of custom-designed Christmas trees awaits at Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. The Festival of Trees celebration features live entertainment, boutique gift shopping and delightful holiday activities such as the Christmas Brick Challenge, where families can create festive LEGO masterpieces for display and prizes. The Pink Pig, a rail-less, open train ride offering a unique trek through the festival grounds, is back, continuing its more than 70-year tradition. The event benefits Georgia nonprofits Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink in their missions to end human trafficking and support survivors, making every moment of Christmas cheer meaningful and impactful for the community. gafestivaloftrees.org
Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Nov. 22 - Jan. 11
Back for 2025, this seasonal event honors global cultures through an enchanting exhibit featuring beautifully decorated trees and vibrant displays. Local cultural partners select and share unique stories
Kim Kenney
It's not Christmas without Atlanta Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker
Igloos at the Epicurean Atlanta are a festive place to gather throughout the season.
WORTH THE DASHING DRIVE
ATHENS
The Downtown Athens Parade of Lights on Dec. 4 brings the community together with themed floats and festive music while Santa hosts the annual tree-lighting ceremony. accgov.com/parade
CALLAWAY RESORT & GARDENS
Fantasy in Lights features over 10 million lights across a 7-mile scenic drive. New this year is a PINK Jeep tour for getting up close and personal with the display. callawaygardens.com/beach/events/ fantasy-in-lights
DAHLONEGA
Old-Fashioned Christmas showcases a true Hallmark-esque holiday getaway. Each year, the historic 1800s square glows with thousands of twinkling lights, a two-story Christmas tree, and loads of shopping at local boutiques. dahlonegachristmas.com
incorporating traditional art, crafts, symbols and ornaments representing holidays and customs worldwide. The exhibit transforms Fernbank into a gallery of secular and nonsecular international winter traditions, encouraging an appreciation for diverse seasonal observations. fernbankmuseum.org/winterwonderland
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Nov. 23
For one night only, A Magical Cirque Christmas brings holiday cheer to the Fox Theatre. The variety showstyle production is designed for the entire family and features entertainers performing awe-inspiring acts set to seasonal music. Expect magic, juggling, acrobatics and a fanciful storyline about the efforts of a fairy sprite who tries to save the Christmas season. This show is an unforgettable theatrical experience that celebrates the magic of the season. foxtheatre.org/events/ detail/magical-cirque-christmas
Epicurean Igloos
Nov. 29 - Jan. 1
Dine in captivating style at the Epicurean Igloo Experience at Midtown’s Reverence, where twinkling igloos transform the hotel’s lively W. Peachtree Street patio into a winter dining destination. Each igloo accommodates four to six guests and comes complete with festive decorations, homemade hot chocolate and a specially crafted prix fixe menu designed to lift your
Don't miss having a
holiday spirits in more ways than one. Available for booking online throughout the holiday season, it’s a magical setting where guests can enjoy exceptional cuisine while staying warm and comfortable in their own private winter abode. epicureanhotelatlanta.com
The Marietta Pilgrimage
Christmas Home Tour
Dec. 5-7
Celebrate the 39th annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, a tradition that opens the doors to five private residences. This year’s tour takes place in the historic Kennesaw Avenue Neighborhood and invites guests to discover Marietta's most beautiful homes adorned with stunning seasonal displays. Beyond the homes, the tour includes several of Marietta's churches, museums and historic buildings, creating a comprehensive journey through the city's architectural treasures. This fundraiser takes place the first full weekend in December and supports Cobb Landmarks and Visit Marietta. Convenient shuttle service ensures easy access to all locations, and tickets are usable throughout the weekend. mariettapilgrimage.com
Dec. 6 - 27
Step into a world where Christmas magic unfolds as Atlanta Ballet presents its enchanting reimagined production of The Nutcracker at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Watch as young Clara's Christmas Eve gift transforms into a dashing prince who whisks
her away through a winter wonderland where falling snowflakes and twirling flowers come to life. With original choreography and incredible sets that grow and shrink before your eyes, The Nutcracker is a cherished seasonal tradition that will capture the hearts of all ages. n
atlantaballet.com/performances/nutcracker
The Nutcracker
Above: See holiday variety show A Magical Cirque Christmas for acrobatics and live music.
Right:
Italian feast under twinkling lights at Amore e Amore.
Give back to the local community by gifting treats such as candied pecans and honey.
Favorite Ways to Give Back
Give the gift of comfort and joy
STORY: Nicole Letts
While the spirit of giving runs deep during this time of year, knowing where to direct your generosity can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Atlanta offers an array of opportunities to transform your holiday goodwill into a tangible impact that goes far beyond writing a check. Whether you have an hour to spare, a few dollars to donate or the wish to make your regular holiday shopping more purposeful, these organizations and programs make it easy to turn your seasonal spirit into year-round change.
Thanksgiving Mobile Food Pantry
The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully (CHOICES) hosts an annual Thanksgiving Mobile Food Pantry that provides holiday meals to families facing food insecurity. It aims to supply each family with a complete Thanksgiving dinner as well as enough healthy fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and
groceries to last a full week. Last year, 700 volunteers helped the pantry serve 144,000 meals, packing 120,000 pounds of groceries over just two days.. This year, the annual event is scheduled for Nov. 22 at Atlanta Technical College. choicesforkids.org
Doggie’s Day Out
This heartwarming initiative lets you become Santa's helper by whisking away four-legged friends from their kennel confines for magical adventures around town. Pups sport “adopt me” vests and leashes during their 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. adventure. Whether you're strolling through a park, treating them to a festive pup cup or simply sharing cozy companionship, you're giving these deserving dogs precious moments of normalcy while boosting their adoption prospects. Volunteers must be 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. Sign up to make tails wag and hearts merry. furkids.org
Meals on Wheels
Make your holiday giving deliciously meaningful by buying gifts from the Purposeful Gourmet line from Meals on Wheels Atlanta.
Items such as handcrafted candied pecans, dark chocolate bars and jars of wildflower honey are created in Meals on Wheels’ commercial kitchen by an executive chef and registered dietician. These treats make perfect gifts for hosts, colleagues or loved ones while directly funding the nonprofit that serves over 1,800 daily meals to combat senior hunger, food insecurity and social isolation. purposefulgourmetfoods.org
Angel Tree
Atlanta's Angel Tree program serves over 8,000 children annually. Interested Atlantans can participate by selecting tags from the Angel Tree Atlanta website or shopping online through Walmart's Spark Good Registry. Simply choose a child's wish list, purchase the requested clothing and toys and bring or ship them to the Angel Tree Warehouse at 2029 Tucker Industrial Road by Dec. 5. The Salvation Army then distributes gifts to families, ensuring every child experiences a little Christmas joy. angeltreeatlanta.org
Operation Christmas Child
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan’s Purse has
delivered shoebox gifts to over 232 million children in more than 170 countries and territories. Participating is simple. Start with a shoebox and label it for a boy or girl along with the appropriate age range. Fill it with a medium to large "wow" item like a soccer ball or stuffed animal plus fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and a note. Drop off your completed shoebox at local collection sites during National Collection Week, Nov. 17 - 24, or build your box completely online for ultimate convenience. samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/ operation-christmas-child
Toys for Tots
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program brings Christmas smiles to Atlanta's children in need by collecting and distributing new, unwrapped toys during the holiday season. In 2024, the organization donated 834,737 toys to kids throughout the metro area. You can participate by donating new toys throughout the year at any Georgia State Patrol office, or you can shop online directly from Atlanta Toys for Tots' Amazon wish list. n northatlanta.toysfortots.org
Above:
Left: Volunteers pack boxes for the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child initiative.
Above: Give the gift of adrenaline with the Porsche Driving Experience.
Left: Psurro iFly takes skydiving indoors for the ultimate all-weather, no planes required experience.
Right: With the Shark & Ray Interaction at the Georgia Aquarium, recipients get up-closeand-personal with marine life.
Gifts That Beat Any Box Under the Tree
These
adventurous experiences push the limit STORY: Nicole Letts
Forget predictable presents like candles and gift cards. By the time wrapping paper clean-up is over, those things are already forgotten and gathering dust. Many of the best gifts aren't things that come in boxes; they're memories that last a lifetime, filled with stories worth retelling for years to come. This holiday season, skip the shopping mall chaos and the shipping deadlines, and give someone something they'll never forget. Adventure experiences offer the chance to step outside one's comfort zone, all while discovering a potential new hobby or thrill. Whether it’s soaring through indoor wind tunnels or hitting top speeds in luxury sports cars, here are three experiences that will transform your gift-giving game.
FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE
Let loose and let iFLY deliver the authentic heart-pounding excitement of jumping from a plane but in a controlled, safe environment. The exhilarating indoor skydiving activity uses cutting-edge, vertical
wind tunnel technology that creates a smooth, powerful column of air capable of suspending you in flight. The result is the pure intensity of floating weightlessly while mastering aerial maneuvers under expert instruction. Each 60-second flight provides the same thrill as a 45-second airplane free fall, but with multiple opportunities to improve and extend the adventure through various package options. The complete 90-minute session includes professional training, all necessary gear, hands-on instructor guidance and a personalized certificate, making it a comprehensive journey that beginners can safely enjoy while still satisfying the craving for extreme thrills. Plus there's no need to worry about weather conditions; this flight is wheels-up on your timeline. A two-flight voucher starts at $113. iflyworld.com/atlanta • @iflyus
FOR THE CAR SNOB
The Porsche Driving Experience lets automotive enthusiasts command world-class sports cars on professionally designed racing
session begins at $500, while a top-of-the-line, four-hour track experience is $3,350. porschedriving.com/atlanta • @pecatl
FOR THE THRILL SEEKER
circuits. The premium program with luxury vehicles features two distinct tracks: a 1.6-mile South Track with modular configurations, and a 1.3-mile West Track handling circuit inspired by famous international driving roads. Open to drivers 21 and older with valid licenses, participants get to experience the spine-tingling roar of turbocharged engines and feel the precision of German engineering. The standard, 90-minute session begins with personalized coaching where instructors assess your objectives and introduce you to your chosen Porsche vehicle before getting behind the wheel on the track. Have a youngadult driver? Consider giving them the Porsche Young Driver’s Experience that picks up where basic driver’s ed leaves off, moving into advanced road mastery through a four-hour program that teaches real-world hazard navigation and split-second decision-making on professional tracks. Rain or shine, this high-octane adventure delivers automotive thrills no showroom visit could match. A 90-minute
Children 7 and older (and adults too!) can suit up and step into a marine life habitat during the Shark & Ray Interaction at the Georgia Aquarium. The 75-minute hands-on adventure combines education with excitement as participants touch and feed the animals. You’ll learn about shark biology and their vital role in ocean ecosystems through exclusive behind-the-tank access that reveals secrets most visitors never see. This tactile experience transforms fear into fascination, making it perfect for aspiring marine biologists, adventure enthusiasts or anyone ready to conquer their bucket list. With all equipment provided—including wetsuits, towels and facilities—and a souvenir photograph to commemorate the encounter, recipients gain a deeper understanding of these predators. Whether overcoming shark phobias or fueling existing ocean passions, participants leave as newly minted advocates for these incredible animals and armed with stories that will captivate friends and family for years to come. Tickets are available online and start at $105.99. n georgiaaquarium.org • @georgiaaquarium
Initial Necklace ($850)
An initial pendant is a timeless gift that works for many types of recipients, especially one like this that is designed for everyday wear. Available in 14K white or yellow gold, it comes in all 26 letters of the alphabet. It has elegant and round brilliant-cut diamonds that provide a touch of understated sparkle that can be layered in effortlessly with other jewelry. Diamonds Direct • diamondsdirect.com @diamondsdirect
Fulton & Roark Fulton Extrait de Parfum ($205)
Created as an homage to the city of Atlanta, Fulton & Roark’s newest fragrance features notes of mandarin, tea olive, black plum, vanilla and amber. Founder Gabriela Chelariu is based in WinstonSalem, North Carolina, but finds inspiration in the thrumming and constant reinvention of our “City in a Forest.” While the 50ml bottle is beautiful to keep out on a vanity, it also comes in a more travel-friendly parfum solid. It’s a subtle reminder of Atlanta that speaks to its complexity and brightness.
Neiman Marcus Atlanta neimanmarcus.com • @neimanmarcus
Custom Trucker Hat (from $45)
Trucker hats have become popular again, and Buckhead-based Golden Eye Truckers bring local and regional flair to a look. Choose hats with patches representing popular local schools such as The Westminster Schools, Marist School and Pace Academy, or local sports leagues like Buckhead Baseball. Make a hat your own with an existing patch or two, or Golden Eye Truckers can create a specific custom patch just for your lucky gift recipient.
Golden Eye Truckers
goldeneyetruckers.com @goldeneyetruckers
Personalized Perfection
Customized gifts are a thoughtful way to show someone you care deeply and know them well. The heartfelt nature of these gifts, whether fully or partially personalized, turn the act of giving a gift into something more meaningful as the recipient realizes the extra steps taken to give such a considerate item. Peruse these options for the family member or friend in your life who deserves the best of the best. STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
Personalized Baby Blanket (from $94)
Atlanta-based brand Weezie has branched out into baby gear, including tummy time mats, kids’ towels and this soft keepsake baby blanket. The blanket is made in India, is 100% cotton and available in 15 embroidery styles, including ones with ducks and rocking horses. Level up with one of the three appliqué styles available in a variety of combinations, including floral patterns and Liberty London fabrics.
Weezie • weezietowels.com @weezieatlanta
Custom scarf (price upon request)
For local CB Grey designer Courtney Buchanan, every custom scarf starts with a customer’s story, translating memories, places and missions into heirloom pieces. Each collaboration is unique, whether she’s designing for another brand like KMM Collective, which created a “Bee Kind” scarf tied to its diamond and gold bee necklace benefitting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a destination like Alys Beach and Mauna Kea Resort, or for a customer who wants to surprise a gift recipient with something truly special. The experience of designing the scarf is part of the fun, so this present can be given as a way to help someone unleash their creativity by designing their own, or having a meaningful one drawn up on their behalf.
CB Grey • shopcbgrey.com • @shopcbgrey
Custom Mah Jongg Jokers (from $68)
Georgia-based Mah Jongg Maven can create a set of custom joker tiles to play with American mahjong sets. Each set of eight jokers can be engraved with anything you like, from phrases like “lucky me” or the name and an illustration of your pet to a simple heart. Hobbies such as knitting or golf can be put on a joker, and they can even replicate vintage joker styles. Any color of the rainbow can be included, and you’re only limited by your imagination. Custom jokers pair well with the brand’s signature colorful chicklet tile set for which they’ve become known over the last 25-plus years in business.
Mah Jongg Maven • mahjonggmaven.com @mahjonggmaven
Custom leather exotic belts (from $200)
Tart by Taylor Collegiate
Large Tray ($140)
Dallas-based Tart by Taylor has an adorable and functional collection of trays to nail the perfect SECthemed gift for a current college student or for someone who remembers their four years fondly. The large acrylic tray is 13.5-by11-by-2 inches and has two gold handles. Whether cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers or Alabama Crimson Tide, it’s a great way to serve up snacks and drinks.
Mitylene • shopmitylene.com @shopmitylene
Monogrammed Carl Friedrik Carry-On Luggage ($395)
Your recipient will travel in personalized style with a polycarbonate hard-sided suitcase from London-based brand Carl Friedrik. Sophisticated leather detailing, large zippered compartments and silent spinning wheels make it as practical as it is sleek. Get it monogrammed with a beloved’s initials or something cheeky like BRB. Mark & Graham • markandgraham.com @markandgraham
For over 40 years, w.kleinberg has been creating elegant and sophisticated custom belts, pet collars, handbags and more. The brand’s customization program has endless options, from exotic leathers like alligator and ostrich to luxuriously embossed calf. Customers can choose colors, widths and buckles to make each belt their own, and everything is made locally in the Buckhead-based workshop. w.kleinberg • wkleinberg.com • @w.kleinberg
DELICIOUS
Lively
Oasis
DIG INTO MODERN MIDDLE EASTERN FARE AT DELBAR
STORY: Hope S. Philbrick
Delbar offers a lively taste of the Middle East at One Buckhead Plaza. It fills the space formerly occupied by Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s Nava and Ford Fry’s King & Duke. To make the place its own, Delbar’s game plan is to go bold: The decor is lavish, the vibe boisterous, the service vigilant and the spice levels may jolt your taste buds. The strategy seems to be working, based on recent lunch and dinner
PHOTOS: Erik Meadows
crowds, the high numbers of fans on social media and its Michelin recommended status since 2023.
In Farsi, “delbar” means someone who captures the heart. It’s a fitting name for Chef Fares Kargar’s restaurant that’s conceived as “a love letter to Middle Eastern cuisine,” according to Delbar’s website. “We wanted to bring Persian food and Middle Eastern food in a way that wasn’t presented before.” Expect a blend of tradition and modernity.
meat is paired with colorful sides.
If you’ve ever been to the Middle East, architectural elements set a distinctive, instantly recognizable scene with arches, glazed tiles and carved screens. Shades of beige and pink dominate the color scheme, while potted plants and textural works of art from fabrics to sculptures to light fixtures add pops of color. The overall effect is warm and timeless yet modern.
Once seated, you’re welcomed by a server holding a rimmed plate topped with what looks at first glance like marshmallows. Hot water is poured onto the mounds from a pitcher, and they bloom into warm towelettes to wipe hands clean.
Menus are packed with options. Faced with unfamiliar words? Staff members are eager to give guidance, even recent hires who may still be learning the subtleties of Middle Eastern cuisine. Odds are high that you’ll meet several staff members during your visit, convenient if you prefer multiple endorsements of items before ordering.
Cocktails taste spirit-forward and have fun names like Magic Carpet, Dubai Drift and Saudi Money. The Delbar spritz gives vodka a bitter kick with amaro. Long Live the Shah combines bourbon and rum with citrusy herby dimmi liqueur, almondy-tart falernum and peach juice. Zero proof drinks include the iced coconut chai tea with forward cinnamon and ginger notes. There are also several sharbat drinks—the Middle Eastern ancestor of sherbet—including one made with sour cherry and lime.
Multiple dishes appear on all menus, though each menu also has unique specialties like dinner meats, lunch sandwiches and brunch flatbreads. All meat is halal, and all plating is pretty.
At the start of the meal, a sabzi plate with herbs, salt-water soaked walnuts, radishes and feta cheese arrives with taftoun bread, all tasty gifts. Sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds, the thin bread is cooked in a tandoor oven and served warm. It’s so addictive, you’ll be happy to learn that refills are
The bread offsets bold dishes with generously layered flavors that zigzag around the mouth. Surprising combinations abound, such as a salad that smothers large cubes of watermelon with avocado emulsion,
Above: Herby sabzi polo is crispy/fluffy rice that pairs with anything.
Left: Choose a side of crisp fries or a green salad with any lunch sandwich plate.
Below: A sabzi plate of nibbles and warm, fresh taftoun bread are complimentary accompaniments.
burnt honey, tarragon, mint, feta and harissa candied pistachios. The adana bite tops a rich lamb kebab with spicy/herby zhoug and spicy sesame tahina sauces for abundant heat. Falafel balls are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with a unique herby punch.
Honey harissa chicken is a standout with tender, caramelized chicken coated with a sweet/spicy sauce with balanced peppery and sweet notes. Chinjeh, a featured meat at dinner that’s paired with eggs at brunch, features prime sirloin marinated in yogurt for a tender bite delicately flavored with saffron.
Among the several rice side dishes “Sabzi polo goes with everything!” enthused a server about one option. Solid advice: Impressively fluffy with a crusty top layer, the basmati is speckled with herbs
and easy to enjoy.
The koobideh sandwich at lunch packs housemade turmeric barbari bread (pita’s thicker cousin) with blended lamb and beef, labneh (yogurt cheese), pickles, butter braised tomato and tangy sumac. The joojeh sandwich stuffs citrusy saffron chicken breast into the bread with pickled relish, mayo and tomato. Salad or fries are offered alongside sandwiches; go for the thick fries that are crisped to perfection and sprinkled with a tangy spice blend.
Desserts include pistachio lava cake, ginger date cake and baklava with orange cinnamon syrup—all with legions of online fans. The cardamom gelato sprinkled with rose petals offers a soothing finish to a zesty feast.
A bazaar for the senses, a meal at Delbar is unforgettable. n
Recommended: Iced coconut chai tea, honey harissa chicken, koobideh sandwich, joojeh sandwich, adana bite and sabzi polo.
Bottom line: A vibrant ambiance, textural art, bustling servers and a lush patio garden set the stage for spicy dishes and strong cocktails.
Cardamom gelato with rose petals and pistachio can cool palates at the end of the meal.
Falafel balls and lamb kebab kickstart meals with layers of bright flavors.
Above: Cocktails are strong on spirit and non-alcoholic drinks range from tart to spicy.
CAMPFIRE INSPIRATION
As the seasons change and the air grows crisp, a bartender’s cocktail lexicon shifts from bright and breezy to something more substantial. It’s a time to think towards the campfire for flavor inspiration, moving away from effervescence in favor of drinks that offer both internal warmth and a complex, contemplative taste. The foundation of this style works with dark and light spirits, but bourbon, aged rum and brandy work exceptionally well, not just for their higher proof, but for their rich caramel and oak-driven character. Mezcal and scotch bring smokiness to the glass. These spirits can be a blank canvas for the aromatic heat of spices like cinnamon, allspice and clove, with warming compounds and evocative aromas that transport the imbiber to a cozier place. The goal is a drink that feels
less like a quick refreshment and more like a liquid companion to the flickering light of a fire.
To build on this robust foundation, bartenders turn to ingredients that add a layer of intriguing bitterness and earthy complexity. A dash of amaro can provide a bittersweet counterpoint that cuts through the richness of dark spirits while adding a long, herbaceous finish. Fresh herbs such as rosemary or sage are used not merely as a garnish but as a primary flavor, with their piney notes creating a bold, savory contrast. For more adventure, mushrooms are finding a place in the glass, with dried porcini or truffles infused into syrups or spirits to deliver a surprising layer of umami depth.
At Avize, the food menu is complemented by seasonal shifts in cocktails that play with alpine ingredients that especially match
trees with Avize’s Old Man of the Woods
with accents of pine and maple.
Left: Ingredients such as pine, citrus and warming spices can elicit the electric colors of autumn or a winter campfire in a cocktail.
Right: Warming spices and bourbon take the chill off in Roshambo’s Shake the Frost.
cooler seasons. Old Man of the Woods, with a base of Michter’s Rye, stirs in maple and pine and uses bay laurel gomme syrup as a sweetener. Bay leaves give a eucalyptus and spice flavor to the syrup made with resin from the acacia tree that provides a silky texture. Boozy, sweet, citrusy and pine laden, it will place you comfortably on the forest floor, much like the restaurant’s venison tartar, sprinkled with tiny mushrooms and other woodsy treasures. You can get lost under the trees and next to a fire pit while sipping cocktails at The Chastain, and should it be cold or rainy, the heated and enclosed patio creates the perfect setting for a woodsy drink. Plucking rosemary from the restaurant’s gardens, the bartenders infuse bourbon with the piney, citrusy and lightly tannic flavors of the herb. They add this to the Rosemary Old
27 roots, herbs and spices rounds everything out with warm complexity and honeyed sweetness. It’s a great choice for lingering around a communal fire, and you don’t have to drive to the woods to find it.
How do you “shake the frost” at Roshambo? With a cocktail named just such, it can be both woodland cozy and festive, depending how you feel while sipping. Slightly nutty, high rye spice notes of Brothers Bond Bourbon ease you in, with orange, bitters and allspice dram adding to a warming finish. The Jamaican liqueur has a complex pot still rum base with allspice, clove, nutmeg and pepper. It has the color of autumn leaves and the spice of winter coming, but you can sip it comfortably indoors. Besides, you can’t nosh on hot Disco Tots (tater tots with pimento cheese mornay sauce) out in the wild. n
cocktail
FOODIE JOURNAL
Comfort Food
“Queen of Waffles” expands Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles to
Entrepreneur, cookbook author and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Kelli Ferrell wears many hats. A 2023 Simply Buckhead Rising Star, Ferrell opened her breakfast and lunch restaurant, Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles, in Conyers in 2016, later relocating the popular restaurant to McDonough in 2022. In August 2025, the restaurant expanded with
Sandy Springs
BY Claire Ruhlin
FOOD NEWS
was super important.
a second location in Sandy Springs. We caught up with Ferrell to talk about what this new chapter means for her and the local community.
What drew you to Sandy Springs for your second location?
I’ve been living in the Buckhead area for about three years now. Having a location that is near me
Fresh Flavors
The location is right off of I-285, so it’s easy to find. I also love being inside the Prado shopping center. In case of long waits, people still get the opportunity to visit some of the other stores nearby. The parking is easy and accessible, and we have the same operating hours Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How do you balance tradition with innovation on the menu?
We are a classic restaurant with a unique twist. You have all of your breakfast necessities—eggs, grits and coffee. And we have that innovative experience where we
Consider your next side dish sorted with Chef Kevin Rathbun’s zucchini-parmesan salad
An ode to the original Krog Bar in Inman Park, which closed in 2020, Chef Kevin Rathbun’s Krog Bar Coal Fired Pizza is now open at ADAC West in Peachtree Hills. While the menu celebrates coal-fired pies, it also includes fresher flavors like this zucchini salad.
Zucchini-Parmesan Salad
Yield: 1 salad to share
INGREDIENTS
4 medium zucchini, halved and shaved into ribbons, avoiding seeds
1 4-ounce piece Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaved into ribbons
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon olive oil
¼ cup basil leaves, torn Salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add zucchini and Parmesan to a bowl. Toss with the remaining ingredients. Best eaten immediately after tossing.
From the owners of 26 Thai Kitchen, Pink Lotus is now open in West Midtown on Brady Avenue. The restaurant’s shareable menu highlights lesser-known regional Thai specialties. pinklotusthai.com
La Mixteca Tamale House is now open on Chattahoochee Avenue, serving handmade tamales and other Oaxacan dishes. mixtecatamales.com
After undergoing a renovation, Rumi’s Kitchen has reopened in Sandy Springs with a new look and an expanded menu that now includes more Middle Eastern flavors in addition to its Persian classics. rumiskitchen.com
do our take on waffles, from our classic flavors down to our peach cobbler, banana pudding and red velvet. It’s still a classic breakfast eatery with a lot of our innovative plates. We specialize in waffles, and that’s what we do best.
What dish would you recommend to best capture the spirit of Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles?
I would definitely say our peach pecan waffles, which are one of my favorites. That is a deep-fried, traditional waffle, but it’s drizzled with a sweet cream cheese on top and then dusted with powdered sugar. Brown sugar pecans are infused in the waffle with peaches, whipped cream and pecans on top. It is the best treat ever. It gives you a warm peach cobbler with the pecans. It’s to die for. And, of course, it’s served with our Nana’s fried chicken. n
We’ve done some where we compare Old World versus New World wines. There was a women’s event where I showcased wines made by female winemakers. Every year around October or November, I do champagne and fried chicken. It’s a lot of fun because it makes you realize champagne and wine are not as snooty as some people make them out to be.
What tips can you share with wine drinkers?
Follow the 20-minute rule. If you have a red, pull it out and let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature. If you are drinking white, pull it out of your cellar and stick it in the fridge for 20 minutes. Then it will be perfect.
There’s not a bad wine out there. Something may not be my favorite, but it’ll be someone else’s. That’s the beauty of wine.
What’s your favorite wine?
I’m very fond of the Burgundy region. It encompasses a lot of different flavors and complexity. I like to drink wines that pair with food. If I’m having a salad with roasted chicken, I’ll have a white burgundy. If I’m eating osso buco, I’ll drink something big and red.
What local restaurants or bars do you like for wine?
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS
CellarFiller’s Elina Brager shares tips on choosing wine for any occasion
STORY: Carly Cooper PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
Elina Brager has a nose for wine. A sommelier and specialist with a Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level III certification, she dove headfirst into the subject after her husband gifted her a wine class for their anniversary in 2014. Today, she serves as chief wine
connoisseur of CellarFiller, a company she founded to teach others about wine and help them stock their homes. With a 400-bottle retail store and tasting room in Sandy Springs, Brager hosts wine dinners and events, and helps locals choose the perfect bottle, be it for a gift, special
occasion or typical Tuesday night.
A wife and mom of two, Brager worked in category management for corporations including Georgia-Pacific and The Coca-Cola Company before creating CellarFiller. At the beginning, she focused primarily on filling people’s wine cellars based on their preferences. Later, she began partnering with restaurants and wineries for special meals and tastings. “It’s a lot more fun than sitting by myself counting bottles in a cold cellar,” she says.
Bones has a really good wine list. The lady who owns Nam in Sandy Springs does a great job with her wine selections. But I usually tell people to bring their own bottle to restaurants. You’ll pay a corkage fee, and it’ll still be less expensive than buying there.
Which wines do you recommend people bring to holiday events for hostess gifts?
You want to look smart, like you’ve put thought into it. It’s always a good idea to bring champagne. It’s never a failure to bring a nice bottle of Burgundy, maybe Châteauneufdu-Pape. You want to make sure the wine has some pedigree. You want it to have an over 90-point rating and be around 20 bucks. That’s a nice quality-to-price ratio. n
The bar menu at Gypsy Kitchen presents an array of creative cocktails.
Madre Selva’s lomo saltado, the classic Peruvian stir-fry, impresses with each bite.
Le Colonial’s chicken curry is a bubbling bowl of pungent aromatics, finely diced sweet mango, yam, green beans and chicken.
BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick PHOTOS: Erik Meadows, Joann Vitelli
5CHURCH BUCKHEAD
5Church Buckhead, a funky upscale restaurant on Peachtree, offers helpful servers, modern local art, a 21+ sunroom patio and selfie-ready spaces. Menu items meld Southern roots and global influences. Addictive baked oysters boast a texture akin to pasta and a parade of earthy and spicy flavors. Sushi tots contrast crunchy/soft textures and sweet/spicy flavors in each bite. The lamb burger tops meat with red onion marmalade, gorgonzola, arugula and a secret sauce, a combination that marries earthy and tangy notes. The shrimp and grits has a great sauce-to-grits ratio, so each forkful carries sophisticated, spicy flavor without losing the stone-ground grits’ creamy texture. Grilled salmon is cooked to order and available on the brunch, lunch and dinner menus with some variations. Chicken and waffles reigns at brunch for good reason, pairing fluffy ricotta waffles with crisp, juicy, fried chicken. Desserts are sinfully good.
Carmel, situated in Buckhead Village, gives off major vacation vibes, thanks to the breezy Smith Hanes-designed interiors and the coastal-oriented menu. Start with cocktail classics with a creative twist, such as the Negroni Sour and Acapulco Way, a riff on a margarita. Inspired by some of the world’s best coastal culinary regions, the menu at Carmel leans into ultra-fresh seafood and wood-fired dishes. Favorites from the starters include feather-light milk buns with whipped togarashi butter, hamachi crudo accented with passion fruit and just-spicy-enough morita chili, and a plate of crispy fries topped with crème fraiche, béarnaise sauce and a generous portion of briny caviar. Entree standouts include the whole, perfectly grilled lobster with lemon and buttery brioche crumbs; delicate diver scallops with verdant spring peas, fragrant leeks and decadent brown butter; and a sleeper hit: the fall-apart tender, hearth-roasted chicken with, tangy chimichurri. A smart wine list and thoughtful service round out the experience. Next time you need a little getaway, look closer to home.
Raw: $18-$165 • First wave: $8-$26
Mains: $36-$175 • Sides: $12-$14
Desserts: $10-$14 • carmelatl.com
CANOE
Dining at Canoe feels like a vacation. Nestled on the shores of the Chattahoochee River, it serves upscale food and pampering service surrounded by manicured gardens, flowing water and birds. Celebrating its 27th
anniversary in 2022, Canoe offers more than 300 bottles of wine, 40 by the glass. Beers range from well-known international brands to local craft brews. Creative cocktails are updated often and include riffs on classics. The food menu is driven by ingredients at the peak of flavor, so changes are frequent. While salmon, steak, chicken, rabbit and kangaroo are menu constants, presentations vary. Meats are cooked to perfection and paired with impressive sides such as tender brie ravioli, crusty vegetable tart, savory bread pudding or other creations. The signature dessert is popcorn-flavored ice cream layered with peanut Cracker Jack, Chantilly cream and salted caramel sauce for a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Cocktails: $9-$15 • Appetizers: $9-$22 Burgers and sandwiches: $14-$19 • Entrees: $16-$48 • Desserts: $11 • canoeatl.com
GYPSY
KITCHEN
Take your taste buds on a nomadic journey at Gypsy Kitchen in the Buckhead Village District, where you’ll find abundant flavors plus an upbeat vibe. Small plates dominate the menu, true to the Spanish tapas experience. The eclectic assortment ensures there’s something to please just about anyone, with abundant vegetarian options as well as diverse omnivore plates. Don’t miss tirokroketes, a trio of crisp cheese balls served with spicy-tart almond romesco sauce. Grilled octopus is cooked to tender perfection. Roasted mushrooms and whipped goat cheese toast surely makes avocado toast green with envy. Moroccan spiced lamb skewers are pleasantly spicy. Sumac honey-roasted carrots offer a healthy way to satisfy sweet cravings. The bar menu presents wine, beer and creative cocktails including gin and tonic on draught with an exclusive tonic. Sangria is offered in both red and rosé versions, with shareable carafes available for an authentic Spanish experience.
Cocktails: $9-$15 • Small plates: $9-$20
Meat & cheese: $8-$48 • Mains: $25-$65
Desserts: $10-$12 • gk-atl.com
LE COLONIAL
Le Colonial’s website describes this upscale French-Vietnamese restaurant as “a luxurious escapist oasis,” and we’d agree. Amidst potted palms, starched white tablecloths and whirring vintage fans, glitzed-up diners are transported back to 1920s Vietnam and enjoy the culinary synthesis of the era. Favorite street fare such as banh mi thit nuong (chargrilled pork sandwich) and pho bo (beef noodle soup) get the white glove treatment with the culinary team’s skillful way with Asian herbs and spices. Classic favorites of crispy pan-seared chicken dumplings, garlicky beef rice noodle rolls and curried green papaya salad will have you hankering for a one-way ticket to Saigon.
Small plates: $12-$24 • Soups and salads: $10$18 • Large plates: $14-$60 • Sides: $4-$11
Desserts: $12-$14 • lecolonialatlanta.com
MADRE SELVA
Located in Uptown Atlanta near the Lindburgh Center area, Madre Selva—“mother jungle” in Spanish—showcases Latin Coastal cuisine in its scratch-made dishes that merge tradition and innovation. It offers a wide array of creative cocktails, a Peruvian ceviche bar with seafood, vegetarian and vegan options, upscale service and an upbeat vibe. If this is jungle fever, you’ll be happy to get it. Peru’s national drink, the pisco sour, is a frothy delight. An octopus appetizer gets zesty with anticuchera, chimichurri and sweet cream sauces. Lomo saltado is the beef stew you wish you’d grown up eating. Raices de la costa, which presents as a smoky cousin to paella, is a seafood and rice dish rich with prawns and calamari. While dinner showcases refined cooking techniques and artful presentations, brunch dishes are casually prepared and styled after Peruvian home cooking. Don’t let anyone steer you away from this place.
This Mississippi-based chain has popped up in the Atlanta market, and though it looks like a fast-food joint, it tastes like homemade. Salads—from shrimp remoulade salad to a delicious steak-and-blue-cheese version to oldfashioned chicken salad—are a standout. At this casual, family-friendly, crowd-pleasing spot you can also get sandwiches, pizzas and mac and cheese but, refreshingly, no burgers. We are pretty crazy about the sausage-and-pepperoni pie, with its thin crust and warm and gooey toppings. And who can resist a crispy rice treat with chocolate and peanut butter? Not us. Salads, sandwiches and pizzas: $7-$11 newks.com
OAXACA
Photo-ready dishes pop out of the open kitchen at Oaxaca (wah-hah-kah) in Chamblee. Vibrant colors and abundant garnishes advertise the robust aromas and flavors packed into each creation. Rooted in Oaxaca, Mexico’s indigenous culinary traditions, a variety of moles and salsas dot the food menu while mezcal reigns over the cocktail list. The popular Agave Rising Sun pairs tequila with crisp cucumber, sweet pineapple and tart lime juices. Guacamole arrives studded with herbs, flowers, nuts and radishes. Tetela de pato showcases duck confit, black beans and Oaxaca cheese in a triangular
masa nestled atop tamarind mole. Enchiladas divorciadas smother its chicken-stuffed tortillas in green and red sauces divided by a stripe of sour cream. Green mole pipian covers braised wagyu short rib in an herb-nut sauce. The restaurant’s modern decor has an outdoorsy vibe, and high-volume music pumps up the energy; the aesthetic flows from the dining room onto a covered patio.
Just as we send diners to Bone’s for the definitive steakhouse experience, we suggest OK Café as a classic diner with a strong Southern twang. The offerings here are anchored in time and tradition: Root beer floats and cherry lemonade are called Black Cows and Pink Ladies. Meat-and-twos and veggie plates laden with silken collards and exquisite mac and cheese are meant to be washed down with sweet ice tea and sopped up with a perfect corn muffin. Fat slices of meatloaf encrusted with tomato sauce, roast turkey with cornbread dressing and gravy, chicken pot pie with an adorable little “OK” stamped onto its puff-pastry blanket—this stuff draws a crowd. If you don’t want to play the waiting game, you’d better arrive before 11 a.m. or between the lunch and dinner rush. After a quarter-century, OK Café never goes out of style.
A “welcome to the neighborhood” vibe lingers throughout Southbound in Chamblee, whether you sit at the bar stocked with artisan spirits, on a comfortable chair in the main dining room or under an umbrellaed picnic table on the patio. Weathered wood, exposed bricks and dangling light bulbs give the space casual elegance. The menu presents Southern comfort food with some creative international flavors and influences. Variety means there’s something for just about any preference, diet, budget and hunger level. The menu changes about three times a year, but popular favorites remain, including the double-stack burger, Southern ramen, smoked short rib, Chamblee hot chicken and wild Georgia Shrimp.
Small plates: $4-$18 • Mains: $14-$33
Sides: $4-$6 • Desserts: $6-$9 southboundatl.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!
HOPE BALL
STORY: H.M. Cauley
PHOTOS: KO Photography with Kimberly Evans
Celebrating its 10th year, the American Cancer Society Hope Ball drew more than 450 supporters to the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta in late September for an evening of dinner, dancing and learning led by emcee Karyn Greer of WSB-TV. A highlight of the evening was the “Mission Moment” when co-chair Richard Cox, a senior vice president at Delta Air Lines, shared his personal connection with cancer. Along with co-chair Ken McCue, the two spearheaded the push that collected $1.45 million for the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge. Simply Buckhead was proud to be a media sponsor.
Richard Cox
Ron Lewis, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Jerrick Lewis
Michael McCue, Ken McCue, Michele McCue, Jack McCue
Andy Axelrod, Nicolas Klamon, Kimberly Klamon, Scott Montgomery, Michael Panzarella
Tijuana Plant, Sid Barron, Joanne Hayes, Oko Buckle, Richard Cox, Steven Klamon, Ken McCue, Sandra Harris, Tselan Kunian
2025 EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
The nsoro Educational Foundation Starfish Ball
CURE Childhood Cancer Quiet Heroes
Friends of Winship Fashion A Cure
Open Hand Atlanta Party in the Kitchen
American Cancer Society Hope Ball
Fix Georgia Pets Gala
CURE Childhood Cancer Believe Ball
Arthritis Foundation Crystal Ball
Simply Buckhead is here to help with your next nonprofit event.
Please contact Joanne Hayes, Publisher, at publisher@simplybuckhead.com for more information.
PARTY IN THE KITCHEN
STORY: H.M. Cauley
PHOTOS: Victoria Inman Photography.
For the 22nd year, Open Hand’s Party in the Kitchen drew a crowd of about 500 guests who rallied in September to support the nonprofit’s efforts to bring nutrition and dignity to those in need across 53 counties. The trio of chairs—Marc Castillo and Victor Macias of Buckhead, and Heather Froy of Woodstock— oversaw the evening’s festivities at the Foundry at Puritan Mill that included cocktails and live and silent auctions. Chef co-chairs Kevin Rathbun and Peter Kaiser headlined a list of more than 20 area restaurants that brought their top tastes to the event. The party brought in more than $600,000 for the worthy cause.
Roger Smith, Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel, Stephen Carpenter
Butch Whitfield, Madhavi Bezwada
Matt Pieper
Alex Teodorescu, Jill Czaplinski, Jim Hilderbrandt, Johanna Ellis Reisinger, Bill Crafford, Carson Cowan, David Ellis
Sonny Hayes, Chris Molen, Terri Molen, Joanne Hayes, Heather Ann Edwards, David Dixon
Todd Tautfest, Evelyn Mims, Otto Stupka
Joseph Harrison
Peter Kaiser, Kevin Rathbun, Heather Froy, Victor Macias, Marc Castillo
CHEF RULES
Belgian chef Joost De Paepe, who specializes in private, inhome dining, cooked a multicourse meal at Simply Buckhead Publisher Joanne Hayes' house, much to the delight of her guests.
PHOTOS: Kimberly Evans
porschedriving.com/atlanta
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