Simply Buckhead October 2025 by Simply Buckhead

Your Guide to Living Well in Atlanta

BLUEPRINT BUCKHEAD

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

Where timeless design meets exceptional cuisine...

HOUS T ON • DALLAS • A TLANT A

Photos: 26, 62: Patrick Heagney,

Joann Vitelli, 70: Erik Meadows

STYLISH

38 FASHION

Reimagining the Past

Building a time capsule wardrobe for the fall

40 BEAUTY

We Tried it

Our staff tries and tells on three local hotel spa treatments

42 WELLNESS

Train Your Brain for Joy

Create a happier life through positive psychology

44 TASTEMAKER

Stress Reliever

Shay Richardson offers a respite with RestFuel

CULTURE

54 ON STAGE

All Rise and Shine

Julie Grant serves a legal feast each morning on Court TV

56 LITERARY

Not-So-Creepy Crawlies

Chamblee author creates children’s books around misunderstood creatures

58 TASTEMAKER

The Artist and Artrepreneur

Local artist aims to open doors for local creatives

59 EVENTS

Places to go and things to do

DELICIOUS

70 REVIEW

46 KIDS

Soft Meets Style

Underwood Hills mom turns cozy chaos into kidswear hit

48 PETS

Sort Out Shedding

Fed up with Fido’s fur?

The pros can help

50 STRATEGIES

Bank on It

Buckhead financial expert offers tips

Welcome to the Jungle Feast Peruvian-style at Madre Selva

74 DRINKS

Smoke Show

A multisensory experience in a glass

76 FOODIE JOURNAL

Aria’s New Era

The new executive chef shares what’s shaping his vision for the Buckhead restaurant

78 TASTEMAKER

Luxurious Taste

Arrivato founder Andre Melchionda brings gourmet extravagance to your door

80 Featured Restaurants

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

BEHIND THE COVER

Simply Buckhead tends to have people on our covers. But given the fact that buildings are inanimate objects, we thought an architecturethemed cover would be challenging to illustrate. Fortunately, we have a terrific design resource right in our backyard: The Savannah College of Art and Design has an architecture degree program at the Savannah campus and an interior design program at the Atlanta location. We tapped interior design student—and recently crowned Miss Georgia USA—Savannah Miles as our cover model. The SCAD team provided realistic props including scores of architectural plans, renderings and models. Photographer and SCAD grad Patrick Heagney took hundreds of images to get the perfect cover shot. Check out “Simply Scene” to see Miles in her crown.

Charitable A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

Photographer: Patrick Heagney

Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Model: Savannah Miles

Hair and makeup: Nyssa Green, The Green Room Agency

Wardrobe: Staud Lena pleated midi skirt in earth ($245), Nili Lotan Alla silk halter top in vintage leopard ($420), Nili Lotan Patti tweed boucle short jacket in ivory ($1,390), available at Tootsies. Fine jewelry courtesy Diamonds Direct. Special thanks to SCAD for hosting our team. @simplybuckhead

Joann

Vitelli

Joann

Vitelli

, 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.

Editor's Letter

When I moved to Atlanta, I was completely taken with the city’s skyline, so much so that I rented an apartment in Old Fourth Ward that overlooked it. It was 2006, and I was working in Buckhead where a bevy of development was taking place: the Sovereign Buckhead, Terminus and the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead building (formerly The Mansion on Peachtree) were all taking shape. My then boyfriend and now husband was part of the construction team that erected Terminus and the W Atlanta Downtown, and I gained a great appreciation for the work it takes to build a high-rise and create a stunning urban panorama. In this issue, we honor some of the iconic buildings that give our community its personality and the talent that leads to the creation of architecturally interesting structures.

This issue also celebrates creatives in other industries, from Claire Pack, the founder of Underwood Hills-based kids wear brand Winnie + Crew, to Gina Gallois, a children’s book author who is making opossums more lovable. Angela Hansberger highlights the ingenuity of local bartenders’ smoky cocktails, and Hope S. Philbrick takes us on a food journey into the Peruvian jungle at Madre Selva where service and ceviche are top attractions.

Each time I edit an issue of Simply Buckhead, I’m reminded of all the genius and virtuosity that exists in our city and how lucky we are to be surrounded by it, be it proven by a scenic skyline or a smoky cocktail.

Sara Hanna

Giannina S. Bedford Managing Editor

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

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

For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895

Joanne Hayes

Publisher and Founder

Sonny Hayes

Chief Financial Officer

EDITORIAL

Giannina S. Bedford

Managing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Senior Contributing Editor

Alan Platten

Creative Director

H.M. Cauley

Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karina Antenucci

Jill Becker

H.M. Cauley

Carly Cooper

Lauren Finney Harden

Brandi Fowler

Angela Hansberger

Katie Hughes

Michael Jacobs

Nicole Letts

Amy Meadows

Hope S. Philbrick

Ashton Pike

Claire Ruhlin

Jessica Saunders

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Madelynne Grace

Patrick Heagney

Erik Meadows

Joann Vitelli

SALES & ADVERTISING

Layal Akkad

Graphic Designer

DIGITAL

BHG Digital

Website Development Management

Mike Jose

Director of Audience Development

LEGAL

Scott I. Zucker

Legal Counsel

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Brandi Fowler

Brandi Fowler’s love for travel and fashion led her to a career as a multimedia journalist. After graduating from Duke University and obtaining an MA in broadcast journalism from the University of Southern California, Fowler was a contributor for InStyle, E! Online, Cosmopolitan, Variety, LinkedIn News and more. Her articles have been syndicated by Health, Marie Claire, Essence and others. She is also the founder of the travel and lifestyle site Destination Fab and co-founder of branding and media consulting firm The Second Espresso. In this issue, she interviews artist Sabre Esler for the Culture Tastemaker 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.

Page 22

NEWS BY Nicole Letts

Peachtree Battle Shopping Center welcomed new tenant, Sit Still, in June.

Sit Still, a salon specifically for children, opened its first Georgia location in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center on June 15. Taking over the former Peachtree Battle barber shop location, the youngsters' salon maintains the space's hair care past while introducing a fresh concept to the area. “I knew in my mind that Peachtree Battle would be the only place I would want to open because it's so central. Everybody knows about the shopping center, and it's already a part of daily life,” says franchise owner Eleni Snider Morris.

iPads to keep young clients entertained during their appointments.

“We really try to make it a good experience for the kid and for the parents,” Morris says.

STYLING & PROFILING

Swoozie’s Reopens in Buckhead

After shuttering in late 2024, one of Atlanta’s most recognizable local franchises is back. Swoozie’s Buckhead returned in June as though it never left, occupying the flagship location space at 4285 Roswell Road. Clients will find the same, familiar layout with fresh products and a more spacious feel. The gift shop is under the direction of owner Ashley O'Donnell who has served as a part of the team since 2005 and is the daughter of Swoozie's founders David Dworkin and Kelly Plank-Dworkin. “This new chapter

is a continuation of the brand's heritage, founding roots and being here in Atlanta, our flagship location, since 2001,” O’Donnell says.

“Swoozie's will continue to be your one-stop-shop for all things gifts, entertaining and parties.” swoozies.com • @swooziesbuckhead

Summit Coffee Arrives at Brookhaven City Centre Brookhaven City Centre welcomed Summit Coffee this fall. Located on the first floor with direct access from Peachtree Road, this 850-square-foot space serves

Morris is an Atlanta native and mother of two who previously worked in public relations and marketing as well as advertising sales at Meta. She discovered the Sit Still franchise opportunity through an Instagram advertisement and recognized a gap in Atlanta's market for specialized children's hair services. The intimate 500-square-foot space is staffed with four stylists and features a neutral environment with pops of color that avoids overstimulation. The salon includes three car-shaped styling stations and two traditional barber chairs, each equipped with individual

as a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Summit Coffee operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours during special events. Beyond coffee, Summit has light meal options for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon break. Customers will also find branded merchandise alongside exclusive Brookhaven-themed items such as its custom mahjong set featuring local iconography, T-shirts, hats and candles. “The partnership with Summit Coffee and [local owner] Adam Cook is highly regarded

Services include basic cuts priced at $35 along with popular add-ons such as sparkle strands, mini manicures, glitter tattoos, keratin tip extensions in fun colors and semipermanent color treatments for older children. Every service includes a sprinkle of glitter or a dash of temporary color, and first haircuts come with a photo and hair keepsake. The location also hosts parties and events such as braiding classes.

Product selection emphasizes clean, chemical-free options suitable for children, including brands like Amika, Eleven Australia and Original Sprout. Kids are offered apple juice, and adult companions can enjoy sparkling water while children receive services. There are also plans to add coffee service in the fall. n

and represents the values and sustainability of Brookhaven,” says Renée Areng, Explore Brookhaven president and CEO. summitcoffee.com • @summitcoffee

New Development Breaks Ground in Sandy Springs Hillcrest, a mixed-use development, broke ground in Sandy Springs late summer. Situated on more than 8 acres at 6150 Sandy Springs Circle, it will replace the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church Activities Center. The project includes 362 multi-family units, 30 luxury

• @sitstillkidspeachtreebattle

townhomes and more than 18,000 square feet of patio-focused retail surrounding a central public greenspace and plaza. Hillcrest will include a parking garage with more than 100 public spaces for retail and city events, plus enhanced street infrastructure to improve walkability and accommodate street parking in Sandy Springs' entertainment core. The project is spearheaded by High Street Residential, a subsidiary of Trammell Crow Company, along with partner Third & Urban. sandyspringsga.gov @cityofsandysprings

Answering the Call

Empowering youth through baseball

According to former professional baseball player C.J. Stewart, “If you’re born into poverty, you have a 4% chance of making it out. I did—and baseball was my way out.”

Raised in Atlanta’s Bankhead neighborhood, Stewart beat the odds to play for the Chicago Cubs as an outfielder. In 2007, he was challenged by real estate developer Stan Conway to do something about the declining number of Black boys in baseball. So Stewart and his wife, Kelli, launched the L.E.A.D. Center for Youth that provides year-round direct service programming to 300 boys in third through 12th grades. Over the years, L.E.A.D. (Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct) has grown to serve Bankhead,

A Hole in One

Raising money for cystic fibrosis

When Brookhaven residents Carter and Jess Pope learned at 20 weeks pregnant that their son would be born with cystic fibrosis, they grieved. But then they got to work.

“We started talking to other families who have kids with CF, and we were introduced to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Georgia Chapter here in Atlanta,” Jess says. “It gave us so much hope because there was so much happening with research. And it’s all possible by the fundraising they do.”

Buckhead, Bartow and beyond, using baseball to provide valuable life lessons and show Black youth that they are entitled to success. The organization also encourages student-athletes to serve their communities. Recently, the organization finalized the acquisition of land in the Center Hill community in northwest Atlanta

to build a world-class baseball and tennis complex. “Our sports-based youth development model is a lifeline for children living in poverty and facing systemic barriers,” Stewart says.

“L.E.A.D. isn’t a charity; it’s a calling."

L.E.A.D. CENTER FOR YOUTH leadcenterforyouth.org • @lead2legacy_atl

Rise and Shine

Training the new generation of solar power employees

When Michael Chanin co-founded Cherry Street Energy 10 years ago, he and his team wanted to ensure that the company could fully support a burgeoning industry and its customers for years to come.

Carter’s parents, Carter Pope Sr. and Bet, wanted to be part of that effort on behalf of their grandson, Brax, who turned 5 in August. The Buckhead couple established the Swing for a Cure Golf Tournament, held each June at the Peachtree Golf Club since 2022. The event is now a family affair with the entire Pope clan participating in the planning and management of the tournament that attracts more than 100 golfers annually. This past June, Swing for a Cure raised

$495,000 for the CF Foundation.

“It’s been a labor of love,” says Jess, who joins Carter, Brax and his siblings, Lena and Will, for additional fundraisers such as the CF Foundation’s Great Strides Walk (for Team Brave Brax) and Cars & ’Q for the Cause. “We want to keep our foot on the pedal so everyone with CF has access to new therapies and medications. We want to make sure that no one gets left behind.”

“We needed to create opportunities to learn a new trade in what we call a reimagined renewable energy economy,” says Chanin, a Buckhead resident and the company’s CEO. “We sell solar power. We own, operate and maintain the infrastructure that supports clean energy production, and we need skilled labor to be trained and capable of supporting that infrastructure.”

The Shine On program was created to recruit, train and develop the “New Collar Workforce.” Through that platform, the Cherry Street Solar School, a 10-week intensive program that offers education, certification and skills development, has trained 250 individuals since 2018. Many of them have found careers through partnerships between Cherry Street

and organizations like City of Refuge and the nsoro Educational Foundation that supports youth who are aging out of the foster care system.

“Every county in Georgia needs someone who knows how to do solar, just like every community needs a plumber or a house framer. Every community needs skilled and talented individuals who know how to operate and maintain this technology,” Chanin says. “Education in this area is something that we look to continue to lead.”

L.E.A.D. launched in 2007 with 18 teenage boys and a vision; today, the organization operates year-round, impacting hundreds of youth annually.

The Pope family is dedicated to raising money to find a cure for CF.

C.J. Steward uses baseball to provide life lessons to Black youth.

Cherry Street Energy is leading the charge to train the solar power workforce.

14K Gold Oval Signet Ring ($598)

Cast in 14-karat yellow gold and sculpted with a tapered band that feels both elegant and modern, this petite oval signet ring from Sarah Chloe exudes quiet luxury. What makes it truly yours is the engraved monogram on its face, turning your initials into a subtle signature you can wear for years. It’s a small detail but one that feels instantly personal and effortlessly chic.

Neiman Marcus Lenox Square neimanmarcus.com • @neimanmarcus

Bubble Letter Necklace ($48)

The latest monogram trend can be found at Anthropologie on the Westside. These bubble-letter necklaces are perfect for adding personalized flair to a layered look or wearing on their own as a statement piece. Made of 14-karat gold-plated brass with a 15-inch chain, this bauble is a must-have in your jewelry lineup this fall. Anthrolopogie Westside Urban Market anthropologie.com • @anthropologie

Leave Your Mark

Blame it all on our roots; we showed up in monogrammed boots. One thing’s for certain about Atlantans: Our Southern ways can’t resist tailoring our clothing and trinkets with custom lettering. Thankfully, we’re not short of spots to shop for the perfect monogrammed piece. Here are a few of our favorites. STORY: Ashton Pike

Grant Leather Catchall ($59)

This catchall from Pottery Barn expertly blends form and function. With supple pebbled leather and a sophisticated snap-together design, this trusty tabletop staple is at the ready to hold life’s daily essentials or small mementos. Have your initials pressed into the surface ($16) to transform this simple tray into a timeless keepsake.

Pottery Barn • potterybarn.com • @potterybarn

Kitchen Towel (From $48)

Since the Buckhead flagship store first opened in 2022, Weezie has become a local staple for its sought-after, monogrammable collections that range from bath towels to throws and beyond. These quick-drying kitchen towels, featuring the brand’s signature scalloped edges, come in 14 colorways, including playful patterns and classic hues. As with all of Weezie’s offerings, a monogram (your choice of letters only or full name) can be added for $15 per item.

Weezie • weezietowels.com • @weezietowels

Set of 4 Square Coasters ($40)

Atlanta is full of locally owned hidden gems. South of Hampton is one of them. Situated in the heart of Buckhead, the homegrown gift shop, owned and operated by Atlanta-raised Anna Muir, oozes Southern charm with a slew of monogrammable offerings. Adorn your side table with these 4-inch coasters that are customizable with 25-plus monogram options and 19 colors to tailor them to your personal style. South of Hampton southofhampton.com @southofhampton

MULTI-GEN MOUNTAIN GETAWAY

The Greystone Inn offers relaxed charm for the whole family STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

My family appreciates the charming mountain towns of Western North Carolina, but sometimes the hustle and bustle of glamorous Cashiers and Highlands can be too much, especially with two very small children. For the last few years, Lake Toxaway, about 25 minutes east of Cashiers, has been our go-to for a relaxed mountain escape. Specifically, we love The Greystone Inn. Lake Toxaway used to be a Gilded Age grande dame, with famous families like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers chasing cooler temperatures in the mountain locale. The stately home was originally called Hillmont and finished in 1915 by the prominent Armstrong family from Savannah. It was christened The Greystone Inn in 1985 after sitting vacant for many decades following a dam break. Touches of understated elegance, such as its Swiss chalet-inspired design, stone

foundations and oak paneling, dot the 30-room hotel.

The most impressive representation of the early 20th century designs is in the Rockefeller Suite, a multi-bedroom accommodation in the former library that was modeled after the library at the Biltmore Estate. Staggeringly tall ceilings, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves crammed with antique books and mullioned windows with sweeping views of the lake were in stark contrast to the myriad bags I dragged in containing everything a family of four, plus two grandparents, would need for a two-night trip.

Traveling with a 4- and 1-yearold can often be more trouble than it’s worth, but The Greystone Inn’s compactness and the room’s expansiveness are advantages. We gave my in-laws the downstairs bedroom with the gargantuan stone fireplace and signature plaid carpet, and my husband and I took the bunk room

with full beds upstairs with the kids.

We’ve explored the nearby towns in the past, including funky Brevard, but this trip was earmarked for a slower pace, plus a round of golf for my father-in-law and husband. We spent our two days on the property moving as slowly as four adults can with two small children.

Things that delighted my kids: the enormous free-standing tub in one of the two bathrooms, the window seats overlooking the lake, the secret passage to the main inn through a door on the landing upstairs, the pool and, of course, the lake. While too young to go out on the inn’s stylish handcrafted mahogany boats, my girls screamed with happiness wading in the cool water near the tiny dock outside our room.

Things that delighted me: easy on-site dining with great views at The Restaurant, plenty of places to let my younger daughter run and thoughtful service. The front desk

greeted my children with white stuffed squirrels, a nod to nearby Brevard, home to a large population of white squirrels. The last time we came with our dog, the front desk babysat him while we walked down the short hill to the Lake Toxaway Country Club for dinner. Guests can become temporary “members” of the club for the duration of their stay for golf at the Kris Spence-designed 18-hole championship course, tennis, croquet and pool time.

The Greystone Inn was acquired in 2024 by Brandon and Daphne Berger of the real estate development firm Wild Air Ventures. (Brandon came to the inn frequently as a child.) While the inn could use a few minor updates, such as better toiletries, I hope the elegance and easygoing pace of the inn stays, as it’s a true nod to another era. n

Above: The former library is now the two bedroom Rockefeller Suite.

Left: The Greystone Inn on Lake Toxaway was originally a stately private home.

OTTAWA WANDERING

72 hours in Canada’s capital to hit the historic highlights STORY: H.M. Cauley

In the thick of August’s heatwave, heading to Ottawa seemed like a brilliant escape. The idea turned out to be misguided as this year, temperatures in the Canadian capital were higher than Atlanta’s. It had an impact on the three days my sister and I spent there, juggling how much we could do outdoors and how many times we had to change clothes. Still, we managed to pack in some serious sightseeing.

As the capital, Ottawa blends its British and French history into almost every facet of life, from the typical “hello/bonjour” greeting from locals to dual-language menus and signage. The most prominent historical links are the three government buildings perched atop Parliament Hill overlooking the Ottawa River. In 1866, they were designed in the Gothic Revival style and restored 11 years after a 1916 fire. The structures are closed for renovation with a projected re-opening sometime in 2032, which means visitors can’t get to the top of the Peace Tower whose clock and carillon honor the memory of World War I soldiers. The extensive grounds are open to stroll,

and Ottawa River cruises offer views from the water. During the summer, the morning “changing of the guard” sees red-coated marching band and bagpipers in kilts make their way through the streets to the Hill to offer a short musical performance. We joined a throng of tourists and locals who braved the blazing sun to watch the 30-minute spectacle.

Nearby is another of the city’s most prominent National Historic Sites. The turreted Fairmont Château Laurier welcomed us, though we were definitely among the less

famous and prominent who have stayed there since opening in 1912. Located across from what was once the main train station, it is one of several grand hotels built along the Canadian Pacific Railway route to promote tourism. On a tour, we heard how Charles Hays, the man behind the project, never lived to see it completed as he went down with the Titanic, and how a famous portrait of Winston Churchill was stolen, reclaimed and rehung in the lobby bar. A short walk from the chateau, the capital’s energy is on display at the ByWard Market, a bustling few blocks of small entertainment venues, markets, boutiques, gelato cafes and restaurants such as Starling where we indulged in fresh seafood. A break from the sun came one afternoon with a leisurely barge ride along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site dug out by hand between 1826 and 1832 to provide

passage to Montreal. Now when it freezes in winter, it often turns into a commuter route for skaters heading downtown.

One of the most touristy things we did was take a 90-minute, double-decker bus ride with a bilingual tour guide who pointed out the silver-spired Notre Dame Cathedral, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Science and Technology Museum, the National Gallery, the War Museum (where we later checked out one of Hitler’s touring cars) and the Museum of History across the river in the French-speaking town of Gatineau. We got to most of these sites over the next few days when we also enjoyed dining on sea bass and gnocchi at Riviera Ottawa and Nagano pork tomahawk steaks at Social.

Our biggest dining surprise was finding most restaurants served only very sweet tea. Thankfully, we made our own unsweetened coolers in the hotel's guest lounge while coping with the wildly unexpected weather in the otherwise charming capital. n

OTTAWA TOURISM ottawatourism.ca/en • @ottawatourism

Above: Outdoor cafes, boutiques and entertainment venues are part of the Byward Market area.

Left: The Rideau Canal dates to the early 1800s is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Hotel Laurier is within walking distance from the Parliament buildings. La Terrasse at the Château Laurier overlooks the Ottawa River.

Lights, Camera, Action!

It wasn’t two minutes into my visit to Fayetteville, Georgia, the home of the Trilith movie studio, that I spotted a celebrity. My sister-in-law, Chris, and I had just pulled up to the valet stand at our hotel, the Trilith Guesthouse, when we spotted a tall, curly-topped fellow standing across the way from us. We immediately looked at each other and said, “Hey, isn’t that the guy from ‘Saturday Night Live’?” We waivered for a minute whether it was really him or not, but soon concluded it was Martin Herlihy, one of the comedians noted for the “Please Do Not

A star-studded escape to Trilith STORY: Jill Becker

Destroy” skits on “SNL.” Our hunch was seemingly confirmed later that day when we took a tour of Trilith Studios and discovered that Herlihy was a cast member in a movie called The Breadwinner that was currently in preproduction at the studio.

We never spotted Herlihy again during our stay, but the Trilith Guesthouse still proved to have plenty of star power. The 193-room property, which opened in January 2024, is a member of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio of independent boutique hotels and features a street-level restaurant, rooftop bar, exhibition kitchen with

hands-on classes, multiple event spaces and an outdoor pool. Our cozy, modern room looked out onto a small park and across to a back portion of the Trilith Studios lot.

That afternoon, we took a guided tour of the studios that began with a video chronicling how Trilith Studios came to be. It turns out that one of the largest film production facilities in the country was the brainchild of Dan Cathy, the chairman of Chick-fil-A. We also learned that since its opening 10 years ago, Trilith has been the backdrop for movies such as Ant-Man and

, and TV shows like “The Walking Dead.” One particularly amusing anecdote from the tour was how Cathy once used his own tractor to mow a field on the property that was, unbeknownst to him, being left wild to serve as an African savannah for the film Black Panther.

Cathy also envisioned the Town at Trilith, the bustling community that’s grown up around the studio. Chris and I strolled its main square after the tour and found lots of interesting restaurants and shops, including the Nourish + Bloom Market, an employee-less grocery where you just scan and go. The Town at Trilith residences are interesting, too, as the architecture was inspired by planned communities like Rosemary Beach, Florida. The hotel has bikes for rent in case you want to go exploring. That night, Chris and I dined at the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Prologue, where our feast included the summer berry and arugula salad, crawfish and sweet corn fritter, peach-glazed pork belly and a juicy, perfectly medium New York strip. We then headed to the fifth floor and grabbed an outdoor table at Oliver’s Twist rooftop bar, where we enjoyed a view of the main strip below and a couple of tasty strawberry margarita mocktails.

We reluctantly checked out the next morning after an alfresco breakfast back at Prologue. Our time at Trilith was short, but who knows? The next time we go to the movies, it might just have been made at Trilith Studios, and the stars might have stayed at the Trilith Guesthouse. n

TRILITH GUESTHOUSE trilithguesthouse.com • @trilithguesthouse

Left: A tour of Trilith Studios gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made.

Left: Hungry? The Trilith Guesthouse's eatery Prologue is a smart choice whether you're staying at the hotel or not.

Right: The Town at Trilith features an outdoor big screen for free movie viewings.

Heirloom

Quality

A DUNWOODY FAMILY WEAVES CHERISHED MEMORIES INTO THEIR RENOVATION

The Abram home looks as though it has been plucked from a south Georgia peach orchard and planted in the heart of Dunwoody. From the facade, the modern farmhouse with colonial revival influences blends approachable elements with refined details. Painted brick, classic shutters and symmetrical dormers are paired with gabled rooflines and an elongated front porch. The combination gives the home for the family of

five a current, upscale feel with a nod to traditional American architecture, a marriage that the homeowners intentionally worked to achieve.

Suzanne and Jared Abram purchased their home in 2014. At the time, the house had fewer than 3,000 square feet, but as their family grew, they wanted more space. With nearly an acre of land, they had room to expand to a fourbedroom, 4.5-bathroom house that tops out at nearly 5,000 square feet. ➥

STORY: Nicole Letts

PHOTOS: Patrick Heagney

Wooden beams stained to mirror the floors accentuate the towering ceiling while drawing the eye completely around the family room.

“We want people to feel like they can relax in our home but also enjoy its beauty.”

Suzanne Abram

Jared is the president of The Abram Group, a Sandy Springs-based recruiting firm specializing in the architecture, engineering and construction industries. Suzanne splits her time between being at home for the couple's children and serving as the firm's director of operations. With three kids aged 10 and younger, the Abrams worked with Ferrill Sessions to design a home that could accommodate everyone comfortably, giving them ample space to both spread out and be together. As with many houses, the kitchen automatically became the heart of the home. “I absolutely love to cook in this kitchen,” Suzanne says. Floorto-ceiling cabinetry gives plenty of storage, and small appliances live tucked behind doors. “There is a hidden place for everything! The spice

drawer, coffee pod drawer, knife drawer and utensil pull-outs are also awesome hidden touches,” she says. Brassy gold details, such as the pot filler and hardware, add a dash of glamour to the otherwise simple space that opens opposite an island to the breakfast and living room. “I love my La Cornue range. It’s the centerpiece of the kitchen and cooks like a dream. And I love my fridge and freezer; both touch to open when my hands are full,” she says. There are pass-through windows from the kitchen sink for Jared, who loves to grill, to easily move his creations from outside to be plated inside. The covered back porch blends indoor and outdoor living. “We all love the kitchen, living area and outdoor space as that’s where we live and entertain,” Suzanne says. A fireplace

Jared and Suzanne Abram gather with their three children, ages 10, 8 and 4.

The expansive covered patio provides ample space for the family to gather around the fire or at the dining table.

with a television above it and plenty of seating becomes an ideal spot for Jared to watch football games or for family game nights. A dining table allows for intimate dinners amid the lush yard. “We use the outdoor space in conjunction with the indoor space nearly year-round, and when the weather allows for doors to be open, it’s awesome. We have speakers throughout, so we always have music on, a football game by the fire, something on the smoker and a stocked wet bar so guests can flow in and out easily and sit at one of the three dining tables,” Suzanne says.

When they’re not entertaining friends and family, the Abrams enjoy the many spaces with each other. Upstairs, the bonus room, complete with a popcorn machine, serves as a cozy place for a movie night or for the kids to play video games with friends. The children's bedrooms and a guest room are also on the second floor.

The girls share a feminine sanctuary. “When we were in the early stages of planning, Ferrill asked them their favorite colors. Katherine replied with blue, and Charlotte said purple, and Ferrill pulled out

Left: Wallpaper by Soane Britain in Dianthus Chintz

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

Above: Custom cabinetry was designed to hide small appliances, creating a cleaner look to the kitchen.

Below: A bar houses the Abrams' collection of glassware.

a swatch of the blue and purple Schumacher fabric that she wanted to use on their headboards. This was one of the moments early on that I knew Ferrill was a match made in heaven for this project,” Suzanne says. The girls’ room was the primary suite before the renovation, during which the ceiling was vaulted and a window and window seats were added. The bathroom was reconfigured, and the colors became all about the girls. Lulie Wallace wallpaper, a clawfoot tub and penny tiles round out the space.

Their son’s room, splashed with blues in various patterns such as gingham and stripes, is down the hall, along with the guest room that features a secret passageway to the bonus room. That idea was the brainchild of Suzanne’s brother, who was also the builder. “He promised the kids a fun, additional way to

access the room,” Suzanne says. And he delivered on that promise. The primary suite on the first floor serves as a relaxing retreat for the Abrams. Walls painted in Smoke by Benjamin Moore act as a canvas for the Biscuit Home bedding. Light streams through the French doors, and the antique mirror above the bed bounces it around the rest of the room. Sessions surprised Suzanne with framed family photos and keepsakes to complete the space. Thoughtful details continue in the en-suite, where antique furnishings such as a small chandelier and a French brass towel holder complement modern amenities, including heated floors. “The shower tile [with its millwork-like detailing] was all Ferrill,” Suzanne says. “She really made it a special space.”

Sessions helped the Abrams create the perfect home for their family. “To be comfortable and beautiful at the same time is design perfection for us,” Suzanne says. “We want people to feel like they can relax in our home but also enjoy its beauty.” Mission accomplished. n

Above: Bedding from Biscuit Home adds a colorful punch to the otherwise neutral furniture.

Left: Upstairs, a game room has a kid-friendly wet bar complete with a working popcorn machine.

Sessions chose to play with pattern upon pattern in Abram's son's room. Gingham, stripes and dots add mature personality that can grow with him.

IN THE DETAILS

Family heirlooms permeate the Abram house. Suzanne points to some of her most cherished items.

1. Key Furniture. “I purchased the antique entryway piece [a marble-topped dresser] and the enfilade in the dining room because they remind me of my mom and her style,” she says.

2. Collectibles. Elephants from her father’s collection appear in almost every room as a reminder of her dad, better known as Papa to the children.

3. Vintage Treasures. “I lost my mom when I was a little girl and my dad just a year before we started our renovation,” Suzanne says. A vintage handbag once belonging to her mother hangs by the primary bathtub.

Above: Headboards in the girls' bedroom are covered in a Schumacher fabric, and the walls are painted lilac.

Left:

Above: The deep freestanding bathtub is the star of the show in the primary bathroom.

BULLETIN BOARD

BY Lauren Finney Harden

Outside the Box

Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts celebrates 30 years

Dyear and bring back containers of antiques. I always thought of it as a three-legged stool. We had stability. Some of the year, the plant department would go crazy, and at others, the gifts.

Create a sitting room vignette with the Giselle Spot Table by Hickory Chair. Made from solid, organic-looking alabaster and sophisticated polished brass, it looks right at home tucked between two conversation chairs. It’s sealed, so there’s no reason to worry your martini might ruin its beauty. Find it for $2,097 at Mathews Furniture + Design. mathewsfurniture.com

reflects on the business.

What did you offer at Boxwoods in 1995? We began with gifts, antiques and planted compositions. We take containers like a terrine or silver bowl, and we plant them with live plants. It was something nobody else was doing in the market. We’re also very well-known for our orchids that are grown locally and have been by the same company since we opened. That’s a huge part of our business. We also have always had specialty plantings, such as around front doors and pools, for residential and commercial clients. We would also go to Europe three to four times a

What did you expand to include? I joke that we’re like Sears, but we don’t sell batteries and tires. We have everything. A women’s department, furnishings, pillows, mirrors, lamps, decorative accessories and some food items.

We also do a lot of permanent botanicals. One whole floor of Boxwoods Home is permanent botanicals. They look and feel real. We’ve done commercial jobs, such as for The Garden Room at the St. Regis Atlanta. We did that interior, from the floor to the ceiling and across it.

Now, it’s more transitional or contemporary lighting. We used to do three to four containers a year from Europe. We’ve cut way back. We carry more new furnishings than we used to, with some vintage items. We change with the times.

What is Boxwoods’ legacy?

an Belman and Randy Korando opened Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts in Buckhead in 1995 to meet customers in the middle. “The choices back then were to go to very high-end stores or low-end stores. There was nothing in the middle with a good look but at a good price where you weren’t just paying for a designer name,” Belman says. The upscale yet affordably priced store was based on Korando’s skills as a landscape designer and the pair’s passion for antiques and collectibles. They found a storefront on East Andrews Drive where Boxwoods, now greatly expanded, stands today and has for 30 years. Here, Belman BOXWOODS GARDEN & GIFTS • 404.233.3400 boxwoodsonline.com • @boxwoodsatlanta

How have tastes changed over the years? Antiques used to be more popular. Atlanta has become transitional and a more contemporary city. People don’t want antique light fixtures.

We’ve become kind of an institution, and we’re thankful and very proud of it. We’re not planning to leave the business or retire. We love contributing to social events like health care and animal causes. We’ve tried to be very good stewards and contribute to making Atlanta the great city that it is. n

n The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center welcomes 12 new designer studios to its mix, bringing the total to 40. A newly redeveloped wing will house many of them, with the total studio footprint at 50,000 square feet. The collaborative wing is now home to Forbes Masters, Mandy Culpepper Interior Design, Tish Mills Interiors, Sande Beck Design and more. adacatlanta.com

Dutch brand Eichholtz joins esteemed European brands like B&B Italia, Louis Poulsen and Fendi Casa at Italian Luxury Interiors in Buckhead Village District.

Bold, daring and glamorous, the showroom has the brand’s lighting, case goods,

sculptural furnishings and accessories styled in thought-provoking vignettes. italianluxuryinteriors.com

Architect T.S. Adams’ first book, Tradition Made New: Houses with a Sense of Soul and History, is now available. Showcasing Adams’ knowledge of history, scale, proportion and intense attention to detail, the homes in the book span many styles, including Tudor, French country and Southern farmhouse. The Rizzoli-published tome includes a foreword by interior designer and fellow Atlantan Beth Webb. rizzoliusa.com

Dan Belman and Randy Korando of Boxwood Gardens & Gifts

SPECIAL EXHIBITION on the 350,000 American women who served their country in World War II

Our War Too celebrates American servicewomen in World War II and their enduring impact on shaping opportunities for future generations.

This state-of-the-art exhibition uses immersive technology, personal artifacts, and original film content to bring these women’s stories to life like never before. One innovative feature is ‘I Was There’ Interactive Biographies, which allow visitors to ask verbal questions to three real WWII servicewomen on interactive displays. Using cutting-edge AI, visitors will receive authentic responses drawn from interviews containing over 1,000 answers, making each interaction uniquely personal.

DEVELOPED BY

OPENING OCTOBER 14TH

SCAN HERE TO PLAN YOUR VISIT

Locke Rug (price upon request)

Part of Patterson Flynn’s broadloom collection, the Locke rug is a stylish way to bring personality to wall-to-wall carpet. Available in vibrant colors such as lilac, margarita and fog, it’s a creative way to brighten up everywhere from a closet to a nursery. Use it for standard size or custom rugs, or go all out with wall-towall carpeting. Check it out in person at the Patterson Flynn showroom at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center.

Patterson Flynn • 404.842.0400 pattersonflynn.com • @pattersonflynn1943

Cole & Son for Lee Jofa Leopard

Walk Fabric (price upon request)

This striking wallpaper is part of Cole & Son’s Ardmore collection that celebrates African traditions and culture through 40-year-old South African artisan brand Ardmore. It features a repeating leopard walking print by artist Punch Shabalala that’s perfect for a powder room or closet. Decide between five different styles at the Kravet showroom at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. Kravet • 404.812.6995 • kravet.com • @kravetinc

Lynx Lampshade ($99)

Ballard Designs designers found an antique wild cat fabric and used it as inspiration for an updated and stylish lampshade. The Lynx Lampshade is mushroom pleated and available in three sizes. It is handmade in a cotton blend fabric and comes in trendy colors pear and teal. The lampshade feels at home in a little girl’s room, a guest room or a preppy-chic living area.

Ballard Designs • 404.603.7033 ballarddesigns.com • @ballarddesigns

Seeing Spots

Leopard is no longer as wild a design as it once was, now widely accepted as part of the fabric of a classic interior design scheme. New variations that play on color and scale breathe new life into living rooms, bathrooms and more. Peep some stand-out interior items to inspire you to try the trend. STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Fresno Ottoman ($1,400)

Leopard comes to life in the Leonie Pacific fabric on this ottoman from Arhaus. Low with rounded corners, the 24-by-21by-17-inch footstool is crafted in North Carolina by upholstery artisans. The browns and blues in the pattern will pop against a complementary or contrasting decor scheme.

Arhaus • 404.869.0003 arhaus.com • @arhaus

Matouk Iconic Leopard Guest Towels ($124)

Bring personality into a guest bathroom via Matouk’s Iconic Leopard Guest Towels. They come as a set of two and are available in colors like green, crimson, cinder and sky. The Schumacher print, first introduced in the 1970s, is on imported Portuguese linen and made in the U.S. While lovely to have in your own home, they make an excellent gift, especially since they come in an elegant Matouk gift box. Gramercy Home • 404.846.9244 shopgramercy.com • @gramercyhome

It Takes Two

Interior designers Angela Means and Danielle Carney celebrate their boutique’s first year STORY: Lauren

Finney Harden PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

AInteriors came into design after having successful careers in other industries. Brookhaven resident Means had been in finance, and Buckhead resident Carney in nursing consulting, until a chance meet-

on the side after leaving their main gigs. They were looking for a creative outlet and were asked to decorate friends’ homes. “I had a staging company, and Danielle was selling something on Facebook. That’s how

opened Means Carney Home last year within their design studio on East Andrews Drive. Shoppers can find everything from Hillary Jackson and SJ Bailey Co. jewelry to light fixtures by Visual Comfort and Palecek.

Here, they share why they chose to open a store, what makes it different from others and what to expect this season.

Why open a boutique?

DC: We fell into retail. We weren’t looking to open a store. We shared a space with an architect, and she ended up selling the space, so we had to find a new home. It felt right when we walked into our new space [on East Andrews Drive in Buckhead], but the property manager said we had to include retail space with it. We looked at each other and said, “Are we really going to do this?”

What makes it different?

AM: It’s a creative space. We are focused on things that are unique, and people will need to come and discover them here because they won’t see them everywhere else. We want it to be a bit of a discovery and creative experience for the shopper. DC: Buckhead is big, but it’s also small. We wanted to make it the kind of place where we go out of our way to know someone’s name and what they are looking for, and to learn about their story. We’ve seen a lot of repeat customers. We want them to come in and say hello and see what’s new.

What has the last year been like?

DC: It’s been a learning experience. We thought it was going to be more designers coming in to use us as a resource for upholstery for clients and taking stuff on approval, but it’s been about half [designers] and half [retail shoppers]. It’s been fun. A lot of people walk in and buy something small, and some come in, and we end up helping them with a couple of rooms.

What’s been most popular?

AM: The art has been surprising. We didn’t anticipate it being as big a part of the shop as it has become, but it’s been fun for us to partner with other creatives to bring in unique things. People love it. We feature artists from all over the country: California, Texas, Alabama and local artists like Morgan Shrader, Elena Ferguson and Blayne Macauley. We’re always discovering new talent to keep things fresh. n

MEANS CARNEY HOME

404.394.3704 • meanscarneyinteriors.com @meansandcarneyinteriors @meanscarneyhome

Designers Angela Means and Danielle Carney in their Andrews Square shop and design showroom, Means Carney Home

Stress Reliever Page 44

STYLISH

“When a client tells me they feel better, it’s the most rewarding part.” — Shay Richardson

RestFuel, a boutique wellness studio in Buckhead, aims to help people shed daily stress.

REIMAGINING THE PAST

Building

time capsule wardrobe

for the fall STORY: Katie Hughes PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

Fashion is identity. It represents who you are, how you see yourself and how you want others to perceive you. Fashion is also an accumulation of the innovators of the past and the visionaries of the future. This delicate merging of past, present and future is best seen through the phenomenon of trend cycling.

Laura Nay, owner of La Librairie Luxury, an upscale women’s consignment shop in Buckhead that focuses on vintage and couture, defines trend cycling as “paying homage to the past through fashion.”

“We always gain insight into the future from looking in the past in many different areas,” she says, “but fashion specifically is really a place where you see it the most.”

The Y2K Return

Trends recycle every 20 to 30 years, and Nay hints that the 2000s will be

the prominent inspiration this fall.

“We're especially seeing [trend cycling] even with reissues of old collections. For example, Louis Vuitton has recently reissued the Murakami collection from the early 2000s, and that is projecting that the early 2000s are what is going to be really trending for this next season,” she says.

Other odes to the era of low-rise jeans and Juicy Couture include oversized handbags like the Chloé Paddington, Fendi Spy Bag and Stephen Sprouse collection, or Gucci by Tom Ford. But to Nay, the star of the fall is leopard print.

“It's going to be one of the biggest trends,” she says. “So if you can get your hands on some Roberto Cavalli early 2000s leopard print, that's going to be epic.”

Across the Decades

Despite the heavy Y2K influence,

other decades will still have their moments.

“Anything Jane Birkin (’70s) related is going to be fabulous. Nineties suiting, like women's suits and matching suits, is going to be a huge thing,” Nay says. “There's this chartreuse moment happening that's definitely an ’80s vibe.”

The key to fashion this fall is to take iconic items from different eras and weave them together with your own personal style.

Nay suggests loafers, which she says are “a great way to have a kind of lady-like shoe for the fall and get inspired by the ’70s and ’60s, with the ‘Twiggy era,’ with the shift dress, oversized blazer and a little cute loafer.”

Different seasons favor certain decades and, for Nay, the ’70s “ring true” to the fall—a connection that she thinks might be inspired by the art and films of that time period.

She cites the 1977 film Annie Hall as one example, calling Diane Keaton an “icon” for her influence. Other movie muses include Love Story, Klute and The Way We Were

The Power of Memory

Whether it’s art, social media or the desire for novelty that influences trend cycling, nostalgia for the past runs deep.

“The nostalgia factor is human,” Nay says. “It's a humanity thing that we always want to think back to a better place in time.”

Fashion is an opportunity to honor those times and preserve the past while reimagining iconic styles in a modern way.

“It’s not just about being thrifty,” Nay says. “It's about being unique; it's about being timeless.” n

Laura Nay, owner of La Librairie Luxury, shows off timeless vintage pieces just in time for fall.

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We believe investors deserve better. To us, that means a wealth management approach that’s rooted in open, transparent relationships.

With Schwab, you can expect low costs and full service— backed by a Satisfaction Guarantee. Talk with a Schwab Financial Consultant today for straightforward answers and actionable guidance.

Visit or call me at the Atlanta–Midtown Branch

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Brokerage Products: Not FDIC-Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value

The Charles Schwab Corporation provides a full range of brokerage, banking and ﬁnancial advisory services through its operating subsidiaries. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), Member SIPC, offers investment services and products, including Schwab brokerage accounts. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides deposit and lending services and products.

Wealth management refers to products and services available through the operating subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation, of which there are important differences, including but not limited to, the type of advice and assistance provided, fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences when determining which products and/or services to select. Schwab Satisfaction Guarantee: if you are not completely satisﬁed for any reason, at your request Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), Charles Schwab Bank, SSB (“Schwab Bank”), or another Schwab afﬁliate, as applicable, will refund any eligible fee related to your concern. Refund requests must be received within 90 days of the date the fee was charged. Two kinds of “Fees” are eligible for this guarantee: (1) “Program Fees” for the Schwab Wealth Advisory (“SWA”). Schwab Managed PortfoliosTM (“SMP”), Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium® (“SIP Premium”), and Managed Account Connection® (“Connections”) investment advisory services sponsored by Schwab (together, the “Participating Services”); and (2) commissions and fees listed in the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for individual investors or the Charles Schwab Bank Pricing Guide.

For more information about Program Fees, please see the disclosure brochure for the Participating Service, made available at enrollment or any time at your request. The Connection service includes only accounts managed by Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., an affiliate of Schwab. The guarantee does not cover Program Fees for accounts management by investment advisors who are not affiliated with Schwab or managed by Schwab-affiliated advisors outside of the SWA, SMP, SIP Premium, and Connection services. The guarantee is only available to current clients. Refunds will only be applied to the account charged and will be credited within approximately four weeks of a valid request. No other charges or expenses, and no market losses will be refunded. Other restrictions may apply. Schwab reserves the right to change or terminate the guarantee at any time.

WHAT: Stress Relief Massage

WHERE: The Spa at The St. Regis Atlanta

STORY: Giannina S. Bedford

Committing to an extra indulgence is always hard for me. I always tend to think I could be doing something “more productive.” But then I recall the saying, “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” I repeated this mantra in my head as I entered the luxe lobby of the St. Regis Atlanta in Buckhead and embraced my plan for the morning. First, a light breakfast at Astor Court: I sipped coffee and ordered the mixed berry parfait with Greek yogurt, berries, granola and almonds and a side of chicken sausage. When the food arrived, I took my time eating while enjoying the view from the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows and the quiet atmosphere with few guests. Time flew by and I soon realized I was due at the spa. I took the elevator to the sixth floor where I was greeted at the spa entry with a stunning geode-inspired “celebration wall” that set the tone for the room’s design of gold, teal and white. During check in, the staff offered me a juice shot with flavors of pineapple, ginger, carrots and peach, then I was taken to the women’s locker room to prep for my treatment. Once ensconced in a robe, I found a spot in a plush chair in the low-lit Iridium Lounge and closed my eyes. I was nearly asleep when my therapist, Aaron, entered to retrieve me for my 60-minute Stress Relief massage.

Once in the treatment room, he let me choose from three Sothy’s essential oils for the massage. As soon as I inhaled the orange blossom and cedar wood oil, I was sold. He worked this zesty-meets-woodsy oil into my skin, applying firm pressure onto the typical tight spots in my neck and shoulders (computer time) and lower back (lifting my toddler to my hip). He also incorporated mobilizing stretches that pushed me into that uncomfortable but relieving zone, resulting in positive repercussions on my physical state for days. Towards the end of the treatment, I flipped on my back for a scalp massage that drew attention to how much tension I was storing in my head. The deep state of relax-

Joann

Vitelli

Above: Managing Editor

Giannina S. Bedford awaits her Stress Relief Massage at The Spa at The St. Regis Atlanta.

Right: The spa entry features a geodeinspired accent wall that sets a vibrant tone for the entire space.

ation made me almost lightheaded as I descended the massage table and threw on my robe. Unfortunately, the steam room was under repair during my visit, but I made a mental note to add more time to my next visit to enjoy this extra perk as well as the Himalayan salt stone sauna. Before heading to the valet, I ordered a freshly blended green juice from Astor Court to-go for some energy and to take a slice of the rejuvenating experience I just had on the road. n

$220 for 60-minute Stress Relief

Massage

THE SPA AT THE ST. REGIS ATLANTA

404.563.7683 • stregisatlantaspa.com @stregisatl

WHAT: Lotion P50

Slimming Algae Body Wrap

WHERE: Spa Intercontinental at the InterContinental

Buckhead Atlanta

STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

After months of spray sunscreen, chlorine from the pool and less-than-optimal moisturizing, my skin was in need of a refresh. While I’d experienced facials using cult-favorite French skincare brand Biologique Recherche in the past, I had no idea that body treatments with the science-forward products existed. When I discovered that Spa InterContinental at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta offered a whole body treatment, I jumped at the chance to check out the Lotion P50 Slimming Algae Body Wrap.

The spa is situated on the hotel’s second floor, and with its dim lighting and soothing music, it feels like

an oasis of calm along busy Peachtree Road. Once settled inside a treatment room, I stripped down and lay on a plastic-covered, heated treatment bed topped by a small towel. My therapist meticulously patted on Lotion P50 Corps, a version of Biologique’s most popular facial product that’s specially formulated for use on the body. Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, plus niacinamide, are blended to promote gentle exfoliation, even skin tone, minimize pore size and strengthen the skin’s barrier. A manual scrub with a nubby silicon mitt added exfoliation. Having used the sometimes tingly P50 on my face in the past, I knew better than to have freshly shaved legs, a move for which I was thankful.

Next, my therapist slathered on Enveloppement Marin, the algaeand spirulina-infused cream-gel mask formulated to detoxify and tone the skin. She explained that it could help eliminate fluid retention, stimulate metabolism and boost my skin’s firmness. She wrapped me up in a mummy-like cocoon and tucked in a heated blanket to let the mask absorb for 15 minutes, after which I took a warm shower to rinse off before returning to the treatment room.

The point of this service isn’t really a massage, but it was impossible to disguise the fact that my therapist, Junie, is an expert masseuse. She gently worked in the luxurious Crème Matricielle, a product designed to boost tone and firmness by supporting the skin’s collagen and elastin. I can’t recall a time my skin felt more moisturized—or relaxed.

My spa afternoon concluded with a special treat: a glass of Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in the relaxation

room. Next time, I’ll plan ahead for a pre-treatment visit to the spacious rooftop saltwater pool, adjacent to the second-floor spa.

Days later, the skin on my whole body felt smoother than any time in recent memory and had a litfrom-within glow. This decadent, efficacious service will be at the top of my list for anytime I need a whole body boost. n

$330 for 75-minute Lotion P50 Slimming Algae Body Wrap

SPA INTERCONTINENTAL BUCKHEAD ATLANTA

404.946.9175 • intercontinentalatlanta.com/ spas-buckhead-atlanta • @intercon_buckhead_atl

WHAT: Waldorf Signature Massage

WHERE: The Waldorf Astoria Spa Atlanta Buckhead

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

The best way to describe me of late would be “harried mother of two.” I’ve had very little downtime between caring for my family and working full-time. To get some just-for-me relief, I headed to The Waldorf Astoria Spa.

The hotel’s spa spans 15,000 square feet and two floors and is done in soft, muted tones like grey and peach to set the scene for relaxation. I could have sweat it out in the state-of-the-art fitness center, but I’m not that type of person, so I moved directly into chill mode after parking and being shown to the elevator. (Tip: Parking is no longer validated, only discounted.)

The spa has two places to wait within the ladies’ locker room: an indoor room and an outdoor patio. I chose to get some fresh air and was greeted on the patio with a flute of champagne that I sipped as I looked out over Buckhead. Tamara came out shortly to get

me for my 50-minute Waldorf Signature Massage to take place in one of the 13 treatment rooms. To complement the customized treatment, she offered me aromatherapy scents by Zents with names such as Ore, Earth, Water and Sun. The latter is a combination of vanilla, sandalwood and amber. There was also a bevy of add-ons like Knesko Skin collagen socks, lip masks and hydrating face masks. I wish I had booked more time to sit in the Keratin socks and gloves she offered, but I needed to maximize my time away, so we went straight into the massage. When I explained that I like firm pressure that feels like work and wanted to focus mostly on my aching back and neck and to forget the lower half of my body, she nodded and delivered on “firm pressure” like no other masseuse has—so much so that I fell asleep. After I woke from my relaxing experience, I had access to the spa’s myriad extras, such as the dry sauna, steam room and vitality pools. I did a quick turn in the sauna for the novelty of it. After showering and changing, I took the main elevator downstairs to the lobby and wandered through the English Gardens before finding the indoor pool. Normally, I’m an outdoor pool person, but it had begun to cloud over and rain lightly, so I found tranquility sitting by the 60-foot saltwater indoor pool. I faced the floor-toceiling windows overlooking the English Gardens and soaked up the alone-time for a spell before it was time for me to turn back into a mom pumpkin. I left the valet stand relaxed and refreshed, ready to take on the rest of the day with aplomb. n Starting at $200 for 50-minute Waldorf Signature Massage

The Waldorf Astoria Spa Atlanta Buckhead is done in muted tones like peach and gray.

A body mask made from algae helps tone skin at the Spa Intercontinental.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN FOR JOY

Create a happier life through positive psychology STORY: Karina Antenucci

When you hear “psychology,” you might think of fixing something that’s wrong, but what if it could help you instead focus on what’s right? That’s the goal of positive psychology, a scientific study rooted in optimism and happiness. Its foundation lies in the PERMA model that stands for positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishments. “To be at your happiest means cultivating more positive emotions, fully engaging in what you’re doing in life, investing in meaningful relationships, understanding that you matter and have meaning, and being in the place to go after these accomplishments,” says Brookhaven-based Kiki Ramsey, Ph.D., a social worker turned motivational speaker, founder of Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute, and professor of positive psychology at Life University. “It's not just good advice. This framework is based on decades of research.” A positive psychologist or coach can empower and guide you to

make these shifts. To get started, Ramsey, shares these top six tips:

Try the “Three Good Things” Exercise

A simple yet powerful tool for shifting your mindset: Every night, write down three good things that happened that day. Maybe it was having your favorite dish, a moment of quiet or time with a friend. According to Ramsey, this habit rewires the brain toward gratitude and activates feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.

Reframe Your Thoughts

“Humans have natural tendencies to focus on the negative,” Ramsey says. Stuck in traffic? Instead of fuming, think, “At least I’ll arrive safely.” Facing a setback? Look for what new doors it may open.

Own Your Mornings

Ramsey swears by the “4-5 a.m. Club.” Getting up early gives you quiet time to both center yourself and get ahead before the world

wakes up. “It changed my life,” she says. Want to try it? Place your alarm in the bathroom, so you have to get up. Then journal, stretch, pray, exercise or do something else that energizes your mind and soul before focusing on daily tasks or work.

Move Your Body Daily Movement isn’t just for fitness; it’s the difference between happiness and unhappiness, Ramsey says. “You don’t have to run if that isn’t your thing,” she says. “Find something fun.” It could be a dance class, weightlifting or even 10 minutes of walking each day. Just move.

Don’t Skimp on Sleep

Quality sleep is one of the most underrated mood boosters. “Your body tells you what it needs. You just have to listen. I recommend even prioritizing sleep over exercise,” Ramsey says. Aim for seven to nine hours.

Streamline Your To-Do List

Especially for busy women, Ramsey coaches the “4 Ds” to manage the daily mental load: Do it, delay it, delete it and delegate it. Ask yourself: “Is this urgent?” Then put it on the to-do list and get it done. If it isn’t urgent, put it on the delay list to revisit at a later date. If it doesn’t serve you, such as obligations to other people that you don’t want to do, take it off the list completely. And finally, do what you’re strong at and ask for help with the rest. Remember, says Ramsey, that according to some research, only 10% of your happiness is based on circumstances, and around 50% is genetic. “The rest, 40%, is based on your day-to-day activities and choices, which you control.” n

Kiki Ramsey, Ph.D., is a coach and professor of positive psychology.

Real Talk With Dr. Fonda Martin

How Does Menopause Impact Intimacy?

Declining collagen levels during menopause can make sex unsatisfying and uncomfortable. However, feminine rejuvenation treatment can stimulate your body’s natural collagen and elastin production, helping to rebuild vaginal tissue, improve sensation, and reduce sexual dysfunction in just a few sessions!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SIGNS OF MENOPAUSE AT MYBOUTIQUEGYN.COM

Yes! A Doctor Who Gets It!

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

• Hormone therapy • Sexual health counseling

• Weight control • Routine GYN care

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

wanted something focused solely on stress management and relaxation.

What sets it apart from other wellness spots in Atlanta?

We offer a curated and growing menu of services, including combined red light and salt therapy; infrared sauna; whole-body redlight therapy; cryotherapy; a sound, light and vibration therapy chair; and—our most popular—lymphatic drainage using the BallancerPro compression suit. Clients love the convenience of our circuit model, stacking two or three services together in under an hour. Red light followed by cryo? You’ll feel like you’ve had three cups of coffee without drinking any. And everything is clean and private, like a room in your home except without any cleanup.

What’s your personal wellness routine like?

I’m in the studio and always start my day with some complete Zen. On different days of the week, I use our various machines. Sound therapy, followed by red light and cryo, gives me an energy boost. In the evenings, I’ll use the sauna to wind down and sleep like a baby after. I especially love doing the lymphatic drainage during allergy season. It's incredible for circulation and detox.

Any favorite wellness spots in Buckhead outside of RestFuel?

Stress Reliever

Shay Richardson offers a respite with RestFuel STORY: Karina Antenucci

After 27 years in the corporate world, Shay Richardson found herself at a crossroads: empty nest, uninspired career and recovering from a neck surgery that left her unable to speak for two and a half months.

A healing trip to a wellness spa in Austin, Texas, in early 2023 sparked a bold shift away from roles in accounting, finance and marketing analytics, though she’d put all those

skills to work for herself. Just about a year later in May 2024, Richardson opened RestFuel, a boutique wellness studio in Buckhead with a mission to help people reduce feelings of stress and recharge their bodies through non-invasive, touchless therapies with a high-tech edge.

We caught up with Richardson to speak about her journey from spreadsheets to infrared saunas, what makes RestFuel a different

kind of wellness studio and how she maintains her own wellness in the process.

How did you come up with the concept of RestFuel?

During the years of working fulltime as a single mom, I was so tired and was in survival mode for so long. I came back from a wellness trip inspired to create something unique here in Atlanta that offered people a way to feel better. I dove in headfirst, running numbers and building out floor plans. I didn’t want to open a medical spa—no IVs, no facials. I

I love Tammy Stokes’ West Coast Workout. It’s such a results-driven class, and she’s incredibly motivating. I’m also a fan of Body20 with EMS fitness training where you wear an electric muscle stimulation suit. You only need 20 minutes for a full workout.

What’s been the most surprising thing about starting your own business? After working in corporate for so long, it’s empowering to make real-time decisions, get direct feedback from clients and change things quickly based on what works. I’m learning a lot. My brain hasn’t felt this reignited since I graduated from college. And when a client tells me they feel better, it’s the most rewarding part. That never happened in my previous jobs. n

Soft Meets Style Page 46

move and play.

“It takes a village and we want to be part of our customers' village.”— Claire Pack

Winnie + Crew's baby and toddler clothes are purposefully oversized, allowing for more room to

SOFT MEETS STYLE

Underwood Hills mom turns cozy chaos into kidswear hit STORY: Karina Antenucci

After working in social media for the American Cancer Society for a few years, Atlanta native Claire Pack found herself navigating new motherhood and remote work following the birth of her daughter, Winnie, in October 2020. "Things changed a lot," she says. “I wanted to do something that involved her and our family, and that poured more into our life instead of taking away from it.”

That vision of comfort, family and community became the heart of Winnie + Crew, a baby and toddler clothing brand born out of the chaos and clarity of early pandemic parenthood. Pack launched the first collection in May 2021 with her husband and business partner, Gavin, whose background in sourcing, merchandising and finance helped turn their idea into a fast-growing business.

“At the time, we were buying all these clothes for Winnie and realized there was a gap in the market. Everything was either too basic or too occasion-specific,” she says.

Claire Pack, founder of Winnie +

Instead, Winnie + Crew offers original loungewear in newborn to 4T that’s perfect for hanging at home or heading out in soft cottons and muted, seasonal tones. The brand’s signature oversized fit (think baggier, looser pieces) is designed to make dressing kids a little easier. “Nothing is itchy, scratchy or too tight,” Pack says. “It’s comfort meets style.”

The company operated solely online until January 2025 when it launched its wholesale arm, and it is now stocked in around 100 boutiques across the United States from Macon to Oregon (none in Atlanta yet). That rapid growth started with a "just do it" approach: A February idea turned into a May launch and inventory stacked in their small home. Early traction then came from Instagram mommy influencers. The Packs have seen 100% year-over-year growth ever since. Despite the business boom, community remains a central part of the brand’s identity. In 2023, the family launched The Giving Crew, a program that donates seasonal wardrobes each year to around 10 families raising children while facing hardships. “I always wanted to do something to give back,” she says. “We get that life is hard sometimes. It takes a village, and we want to be part of our customers’ village.”

The fall/winter collection, available now, marks a big transition

to organic cotton because, Pack says, it’s the easiest on little kids’ sensitive skin. The season’s cozy knits, sweatsuits and oversized sweater sets feature a streamlined color palette of blues, greens and earth tones. A festive holiday collection including plaid prints will follow in November.

The team is also planning local meetups and sip-and-shop previews to help customers feel the fabrics firsthand. “We want to connect with the parents who’ve been with us since the start,” Pack says.

With three kids—Winnie, 5; Jude, 3; and baby Nell—plus Pack’s sister on the team and a supportive extended family who lives in town, Winnie + Crew is as much a family affair as it is a fashion brand.

“Our motto? We’re all in this together,” she says. “We just want to make life a little easier for people with children.” n

Blues, greens and earth tones abound in winter collection.

Crew, wants to keep kids' clothes comfy.

Sort Out Shedding

Fed up with Fido’s fur? The pros can help STORY: Jessica Saunders

It’s not just you. Your pet’s shedding is a challenge to keeping a clean home. But taking care of the critters, plus some best cleaning practices, can keep the hairy tumbleweeds to a minimum.

A 2022 poll of 2,000 pet owners commissioned by Electrolux Group parent company AEG found that half were disgusted by pet hair in their home, with 27% finding cat or dog hair in their food—and 32% embarrassed when guests found it.

Excess pet hair is not just a sanitation issue and humiliation. Unaddressed, it can damage HVAC systems, exacerbate allergies and, together with associated odor, affect a home’s resale value.

Fido and Fluffy, of course, can’t help it. Soft, beautiful coats are one of the attractions of healthy domestic animals. Hair growth of most breeds has a three-phase natural cycle: growing, transitional and resting, Dr. Jessica Vogelsang of PetMD.com wrote in the article “Year-round Coat Care for Pets: What You Should Know.” In the

majority of dog breeds, hair is in the resting phase most of the time. At the end of that phase, the hair falls out of the follicle to make way for a new growth. This is called shedding, and density and coat length affect the degree to which shedding is noticeable. A Siamese cat and a Persian shed the same amount, but Persians’ longer hair is more visible.

Pets shed fur year-round, but the rate increases in fall, when they naturally take on a denser coat for winter, and in spring when it gives way to a lighter summer coat, says Dr. Leanne LeFavi, veterinarian at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital in Buckhead. Pets’ coat type, age and nutrition, and weather conditions also affect shedding, she says. Start at the source to control pet hair. Brush and groom pets regularly and feed them a highprotein diet. Supplements like fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids can also help. Medical conditions can lead to more shedding; if owners see a change a checkup is due to rule out thyroid disorder,

kidney disease, parasites or stress/ anxiety, LeFavi says.

In addition to reducing new shedding, owners can reach out to professionals for cleaning help.

A “good 40%” of homes cleaned by Atlanta Green Maids, headquar tered in Buckhead, need help with shed pet fur, says Carl Christian, company general manager. More in-depth cleaning for petrelated problems is available as an add-on to regular service.

“At the end of the day, pet hair just requires more time. It requires more labor to get up more pet hair,” Christian says. The extra service allows for that time and covers deodorization as well. Dog “fur tends to stink,” he says. Cleaners can put essential oils in the vacuum to make the home and the appliance smell good and eliminate odor. The service also uses a roller tool that picks up fur from furniture and drapes, Christian says.

Using a robot vacuum regularly is a big help. “Just doing that alone eliminates 50% of the work,” Christian says. “Then we focus on the furniture, the drapes.”

Another tip: Keep pets out of wet areas like bathrooms. Pet hair is much harder to remove when it’s stuck to damp surfaces. n

For do-it-yourselfers, he advises that in addition to requiring more time and elbow grease to get up, pet

Carl Christian, Atlanta Green Maids general manager

Reset for Fall

Meet Kaylee, RN — Aesthetic Injector & Wellness Provider

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.

BANK ON IT

When Ashley M. Fox worked as a financial analyst on Wall Street, her high-earning clients each had more than $25 million to invest, and they also had access to all of the resources and information they needed to choose the right investments for their portfolios. However, Fox recognized that the everyday person typically cannot tap into that kind of stock market knowledge. That prompted her to leave Wall Street behind and start her own company, Empify, that provides people of all socioeconomic backgrounds with around-theclock, easy-to-understand investing education so they can build generational wealth. Here, she shares her insights about becoming a firsttime investor and how to navigate the process like a financial pro.

When is the best time to become an investor?

The best time was yesterday. The second best time is today. If you are spending money, then you are equipped to become an investor. You can start investing the moment you get a social security number.

But if you haven’t gotten the oppor tunity yet, I would say that now is the time to start.

How much money do I need to start investing?

People think you need a lot of money to begin investing, but you do not.

We encourage people to start with at least $20 per month to build wealth. That’s $5 every week. And you really can $5 your way to $1 million. But you can’t get there if you don’t start.

What are the first steps I need to take as I begin investing?

Start by picking a small amount that you can commit to pay yourself ev ery month to invest. Then you need to open a brokerage account. All brokerage companies do the same thing, so key features to consider are customer service, user-friendli ness and educational resources. You may also want to select a brokerage that offers fractional investing; companies like Fidelity and Charles Schwab will allow you to purchase half a share if you have half the amount needed to purchase a full share, but your share will grow at the same rate. Once you’ve chosen

sites; consider their products, their customers and how they make mondon’t know how a company operates.

purchase stock that pays a dividend

the way, remember that the game of building wealth is strictly business. If the market drops, that is normal. You with the expectation that your stocks not going to disappear. Just take the time to learn the language of wealth.

Ashley M. Fox knows that small investments can yield large dividends over time.

Feodora

Chlosea

CULTURE

Page 59

“It’s so heartening to witness our community rally around this cause year after year.”

—Brian Bollins

All Rise and Shine

The first word on trials across America comes each weekday morning from Buckhead resident Julie Grant.

As the host of Court TV’s 8 a.m. “Opening Statements” since September 2023, the ex-prosecutor sets the scene for the cases people will be talking about.

“My job isn’t to tell anybody what to think,” Grant says. “It’s to help give some context, explain some of the things that may be hard to understand and guide them as they watch the trial and make those judgments for themselves.”

Her on-air work combines interests that go back to her time

Julie Grant serves a legal feast each morning on Court TV STORY: Michael Jacobs

at Ohio’s Mount Union College as a broadcasting major with a legal studies minor who worked at the campus radio station. She recalls a professor telling her that Court TV “would be the perfect job for you.”

She and the network needed a few retrials first.

Grant started in TV news in her hometown of Steubenville, Ohio, but stopped to attend the University of Akron law school. She didn’t plan to practice; she just wanted to improve her reporting.

North Carolina, then again in Pittsburgh. When she wasn’t covering legal events such as jury selection for Bill Cosby’s 2017 criminal case— jurors were chosen in Pittsburgh for the trial in Philadelphia—she was earning a degree in trial advocacy from Temple University through remote coursework and one weekend a month in Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, Court TV, which left the cableverse in 2008, was reborn in 2019. That year Grant moved to Atlanta to begin hosting trial coverage.

“Its uniqueness and its realness are what fascinated me,” she says. “Some people will deem it infotainment, but we show people what actually happens.”

She helps viewers understand that not all doubts are reasonable, that forensics aren’t always important and that no case is perfect, no matter what they see on “Law & Order.”

Victims take priority on air, where she emphasizes that behind viewers’ true-crime thrills is real-life trauma, and off, where she serves on the board of the National Center for Victims of Crime and the advisory board of the Pittsburgh-area Crisis Center North’s dog companion program.

She finds her own respite with her dog, Reyna, and cat, Rocky, plus her musician boyfriend, Justin Fabus. A former cheerleader in college and for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, she is devoted to lifting weights and enjoys new restaurants, Punchline comedy shows and music concerts of all types. She also flies home to visit her parents in Steubenville every month.

“Then I fell in love with the trial work,” she says. “I think it’s the storytelling because trial advocacy is storytelling. The best advocates are the best storytellers.”

Her four years as a prosecutor in Pittsburgh were hard—“many days you have everybody mad at you”— but rewarding because she was doing the right thing for victims.

“It was such a wonderful experience,” she says. But the chance to tell different stories drew her back to TV news, first in Greensboro,

While she misses the courtroom and hopes to serve as a part-time magistrate judge in retirement someday, she has no plans to leave “Opening Statements,” named for her favorite part of a trial.

“Opening statements win cases” by creating lasting impressions with master storytelling, she says. “That’s what we try to do with the show. We set the tone for what’s to come.” n

COURTTV courttv.com • @courttvnetwork

JULIE GRANT

juliegrantesq.com • @juliegrantesq

NOT-SO-CREEPY CRAWLIES

Chamblee author creates children’s books around misunderstood creatures STORY: H.M. Cauley

Like many people, Gina Gallois set out to study one thing in college before changing her mind. For the Chamblee resident, the shift came after being bitten by the love bug of French culture and language. The bite changed the trajectory of her life and career, taking her from the University of Cincinnati and an environmental science degree to being the author of children’s books and raising a family with her French-born husband in the U.S. Just before graduating in 2001, Gallois added French as a second

major and headed off on a summer immersion program. She briefly crossed paths with her future husband, Fabien, but it wasn’t until she was teaching in Nantes in western France that the two reconnected in earnest. They married in 2006 and headed back to the States for his schooling, and Gallois followed her own educational path, earning a Ph.D. in French Literature from Emory in 2014. She was also teaching, but before her second child was born seven years ago, she decided to step away from the classroom and write a memoir.

“I really like that form of literature,” she says. “But at the time, I was reading a lot of children’s books, and being an animal and nature lover, I somehow realized people do not know enough about opossums. I ended up writing about opossums.”

Gallois took on the task of recreating the creatures’ image “so people wouldn’t think they’re disgusting.” But she couldn’t foresee that she’d wind up writing four books featuring the only marsupial native to North America. Funded by a Kickstarter campaign, Opossum Opposites debuted in February 2020, followed by Mama Opossum’s Misadventures, Opossum Disco, Opossums to the Rescue and Quantum Possum 1. All the books are published under her imprint, Moonflower Press.

Gallois then branched out with a “bug club series” starring “misunderstood bugs” in Cicada City: A

Bug Club Story and Moth Metamorphosis: A Bug Club Story. “It’s always a bug people don’t know the value of,” she says. “And each book is well researched and factual.”

Along with doing reputation repair for critters most of us would hit with a sneaker, Gallois offers select titles in French and Spanish to bolster dual language learning among young readers. She writes initially in English, then translates the stories into French, while a bestie from grad school handles the Spanish version. (In her own home, the family speaks a mashup of French and English.)

“What publisher would have said, ‘Let’s do a French version of this book,’” she says. “I’m able to work with things I’m interested in.”

Gallois has shared her work with various schools around the area that have French immersion programs as well as early education and foreign language teachers. She’s also been spotted selling her books at local farmers and artisan markets. And in February, her local state representative, Karen Lupton, issued a resolution recognizing her work with misunderstood animals. A second Quantum Possum will continue that effort, even though it was the farthest thing from her mind in those early college days, Gallois says. “I never intended to start an opossum empire!” n moonflowerpress.com • @artemisopossum

Gina Gallois turned her love of misunderstood critters into bilingual children's books, including a series featuring opossums.

The Artist and Artrepreneur

Local artist aims to open doors for local creatives STORY: Brandi Fowler

Sabre Esler always knew she wanted to be an artist. Her family supported that dream but with a reminder to turn her passion into a sustainable career. “They were like, ‘Don’t be a starving artist,’” she says. That advice shaped her path. Esler, who lives in Brookhaven, earned a dual degree in science and art from Miami University of Ohio in 1988, initially intending to become a medical illustrator. She later pivoted to design and advertising and then to fine art full-time after earning her

MFA from SCAD in 2015. She went on to create paintings, prints and sculptures that explore the relationship between natural and manmade systems. But as she worked as an artist in Atlanta, she noticed a void she wanted to fill. In 2024, Esler founded The Pollinator Art Space at The Goat Farm, an experimental exhibition space in West Midtown that showcases art from established and emerging artists to help them connect with collectors. Here, she shares how she became an artist,

It’s psychology. I read a lot of books about why people think the way they do. I take about 5% of what they've written and turn that into visual imagery about things we don't see that are driving forces behind what we're doing as humans and how we're trying to navigate it.

Why was it important for you to create The Pollinator Art Space platform?

In the Atlanta art scene, there are not that many spaces for artists who are doing a lot of inquiry and pushing boundaries, particularly in material like I am. My original intention was to do a co-op, but when I negotiated with The Goat Farm to do this exhibition space, the other artists didn’t have the bandwidth or ability to do it. So I said, “All right, I'll just do it on my own.” I'm still actually looking for partners if anybody wants to join me. I'm having a lot of fun with it, but it is a daunting task at the same time. I have found so many wonderful artists and continue to engage with them. I'm doing it in a curatorial way as opposed to a gallery. It’s like a mini Atlanta contemporary or a teeny tiny MOCA Georgia.

What has been most fulfilling since you founded The Pollinator Art Space?

The joy from the artists, from being able to interact with people. I'm calling it the pollinator space because I'm trying to connect people.

What do you hope the space will be in five years?

what inspires her work and the story behind The Pollinator.

How did you become an artist?

I think most artists start as children. We just never stop. I ended up doing design work and advertising after college. I followed my husband around the country and picked up advertising gigs. Finally in 1995, I decided to go on this journey of doing fine art. I went back to graduate school in 2012 for a specific skill set to really understand it. I haven't stopped since then.

What is the inspiration behind your art?

I'm working with young people who want to learn what it's like to run an exhibition space from curation to studio visits, managing the media and the collector base. And that's what we're really trying to grow. I hope to teach people that it's a fun experience to collect original artwork.

To build a collector base, build interest and support artists in Atlanta would truly be a meaningful thing. It's so desperately needed for all these artists who just want to make a living. You need a collector base to keep artists here. n

SABRE ESLER sabreesler.com • @sabreeslerfineart

THE POLLINATOR ART SPACE

thepollinatorartspace.com • @artpollinatorspace

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

BBQ FOR A CAUSE

16 YEARS OF FUNDRAISING FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Choate Construction Company is preparing to host its 16th annual Cars & 'Q for the Cause event, a gathering that has become a driving force in the fight against cystic fibrosis. The familyfriendly fundraiser takes place Oct. 25 at the company's Sandy Springs headquarters. Choate is expecting nearly 1,000 attendees to support the Georgia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

What began in 2009 as a modest company initiative has evolved into an anticipated fundraising event in Atlanta's architecture, engineering and construction industry. The car show features an impressive display of over 100 prize-winning automobiles, ranging from ultra-classic vehicles to exotic supercars, creating an interesting showcase for automotive enthusiasts.

In addition to the vehicle displays, the event offers a comprehensive entertainment experience. Attendees will enjoy barbecue from Jim 'n Nicks while sampling craft beverages from local vendors From the Earth, New Realm, Mutation Brewing and STATS Brewpub. Other festivities include live music, friendly car competitions, a silent auction and activities for kids.

The fundraiser's success has been substantial, with last year's event surpassing its goal by raising $724,144. This brings the total amount raised by Cars & 'Q to more than $4.5 over its 15-year history. Brian Bollins, vice president and division manager for Choate's Atlanta operations, says the event has grown, noting the inspiring dedication of supporters. “Without a doubt, the highlights of the event are the check reveal and the heartfelt stories shared by our CF Ambassadors about living with the disease,” Bollins says. “This year, we’re poised to top

$5 million. The camaraderie is undeniable.” Choate Construction's commitment to fighting cystic fibrosis started 35 years ago when a friend of event coordinator Emily Bridges was diagnosed. Bridges is the daughter of Choate founder and chairman Millard Choate. That sealed Choate’s philanthropic mission and eventually led to the inception of the car show. “It’s so heartening to witness our community rally around this cause year after year, even without a personal connection to cystic fibrosis,” Bollins says. Available online, tickets are $40 for entry and dinner or $60 for entry, dinner and unlimited beer and wine. Children 6 to 12 are $20, and under 6 are free. Parking is included in the ticket price. n

carsnq.com • @choateco

Choate Construction has raised more than $4.5 million for cystic fibrosis over the last 15 years.

More than 100 cars will be on display throughout the day.

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

Running Towards Big Goals

Girls on the Run celebrates 25 years

Join Girls on the Run Georgia's Shimmer & Shine Soirée at JoJo's Beloved on Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. to celebrate 25 years of empowering girls. This milestone anniversary event brings together coaches, alumni, supporters and change makers for an evening of music, open bars and hors d'oeuvres while honoring a program that has touched over 42,000 lives. “It’s a moment to reflect on our impact, recognize how far

we’ve come and spark excitement for the next generation of unstoppable youth across Georgia,” says Executive Director Lea Rolfes.

Since 2000, Girls on the Run Georgia has grown from a small initiative into a movement to build confidence, deepen friendships and develop lifelong skills through a research-based curriculum.

“All proceeds from the event benefit the Girls on the Run Scholarship Fund, helping ensure every girl in Georgia

has the opportunity to experience the joy, strength and sense of belonging our programs provide,” Rolfes says. In addition to the party, Girls on the Run will also be honoring individuals who have been part of the organization's 25-year history, as well as those making a lasting impact in women’s sports. Tickets start at $150. n

BUZZ

A

TASTE OF CHAMBLEE

Oct. 18

tasteofchamblee.net

@chamblee.ga

A Taste of Chamblee brings together the vibrant restaurant community each October with international cuisines lining the streets. Now in its 16th year, the festival offers families the opportunity to enjoy college football on jumbo screens, wine tastings and dedicated kids' activities.

OKTOBERFEAST

Oct. 18 - 19

citysprings.com/feast

@cityspringsdistrict

Sandy Springs' second annual Bavarian celebration comes to the City Green mid-month. Enjoy live music from authentic German polka band the Swinging Bavarians, German beers, traditional cuisine, polka lessons and yard games. The event is free to attend.

JOHN LEGEND

Oct. 24

chastainparkamp.com

@synovusbankamp

Travel the world without leaving Brookhaven at the 2025 Brookhaven International Festival, Oct. 18-19. While the annual community celebration is moving to a new location at Lenox Park for 2025, its purpose remains the same: bringing together cultures from around the world under one sky. Experience performances representative of countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Jamaica, Spain, China and more; participate in interactive art activities and entertainment designed for all ages; and enjoy diverse global cuisine that will take your taste buds on an international journey. The festival extends beyond cultural immersion, too. The Brookhaven International Festival 5K Oct. 19 at Peachtree Creek Greenway

Brookhaven International Festival returns

is a qualifier for the AJC Peachtree Road Race. Whether you're seeking cultural enrichment, family fun, culinary adventures or athletic achieve-

explorebrookhaven.com • @explorebrookhaven girlsontherunga.org/25-anniversary @girlsontherunga

John Legend brings his "Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour" to Buckhead's Chastain Park. The performance celebrates the breakthrough album that launched his iconic career. Experience the full 15-track performance, including "Ordinary People" and other classics from the EGOT winner's catalog, during the evening. Tickets start at $81.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

LUNCHEON

Oct. 31

dressforsuccessatlanta.org @dressforsuccessatlanta

ment, this two-day celebration offers something special for everyone. n

Dress for Success Atlanta's Signature PINK Women's Empowerment Event is slated for Halloween. It will tackle how to deal with business world “scaries.” Join Atlanta's top women leaders at the Dress for Success Halloween luncheon to discover how they've navigated challenges and seized opportunities. In-person tickets are $160, while live streaming tickets are just $15.

BUCKHEAD BLUEPRINT

THE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN ISSUE

The Atlanta skyline is iconic, and the Buckhead landscape is dotted with interesting buildings. In this feature, we dive deeper to profile some of the structures, people and initiatives that continue to make our neighborhoods interesting and functional. Here, you’ll find educational programs for budding architects, design-forward sacred spaces in which to experience a sense of peace, historic buildings with serious provenance and some of the most impressive commercial architectural marvels that have shaped the city. Read on, and don’t forget to look around when you’re exploring Buckhead and beyond.

PHOTO: Patrick Heagney

Model Savannah is wearing an Adam Lippes Ludlow top in mocha ($1,290), Adam Lippes Leto skirt in mocha ($1,890), L’Agence Jia crop jacket in mauve tweed ($650), available at Tootsies. Jewelry is available at Diamonds Direct.

Left: The fabulous Fox Theatre dates to the late 1920s.

Right: Is it a sail or a ski lift? Either way, the top of the Pinnacle in Buckhead makes it recognizable.

Below: Ponce City Market, renovated out of a former Sears building, has been a catalyst spurring development in surrounding neighborhoods.

COOL CONSTRUCTION

Architecture experts weigh in on what makes a building iconic STORY: H.M. Cauley

Atlanta is fortunate to have an array of commercial buildings with instant identity: The King and Queen structures overlooking the Perimeter in Sandy Springs, the circular Westin Peachtree Plaza downtown and the Bank of America Plaza in Midtown, which, at 1,023 feet, holds the record as the tallest building in the Southeast.

And then there are others with names even long-time locals aren’t sure about. That one at Peachtree and Oak Valley roads with the ski jump—or is it a full sail?—on the roof is The Pinnacle. Symphony Tower is often referred to as the “Batman building” for the glass wings that soar above its 41 stories at 1180 Peachtree St.

Whatever their official names, they represent structures with some iconic architectural features that make them memorable. But experts say there’s often more to it than that.

“There has to be some kind of aesthetic component that makes a

building stand out from the norm, something exceptional,” says Brian Bell, cofounder and principal in the architectural firm BLDGS and a Georgia Tech professor of practice in the same field. “A lot of architecture says it’s iconic, but most of it, quite honestly, just follows a formula. Sometimes just being new is good enough for some developments, but there are some in the city that are way ahead of that.”

For Bell, the redevelopment of the old Sears structure into Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood is one such project. While not a skyscraper, the renovated building has become a focal point for development in the area, including the Intuit hub and Mailchimp offices.

“Ponce City Market is creating a new and exciting kind of center in the city, a place people want to be, and that’s sort of magic,” Bell says. “It’s got a lot of energy and quality around the thinking, planning and building.”

Another notable for Bell is Three

Alliance Center, the 30-story building on Lenox Road that appears to have windows poking out at different levels. “It’s playful with these windows that randomly pop out in different ways to play with light effects,” Bell says. “It captures your eye and stands out.”

For Tim Crimmins, professor emeritus of history at Georgia State with a specialty in urban history and historic preservation, some of the city’s oldies are still the goodies.

“I love the Flat Iron and the Healey buildings downtown; they’re classics,” he says. “They represent Atlanta when it was a much different place, and all the skyscrapers were downtown. Now, their design and scale make them disappear in the modern landscape.”

Crimmins says it’s often hard to take in the full scale and magnitude of a skyscraper unless it’s viewed from far away. At ground level, viewers get a different impression, and that was the objective when many downtown classics went up.

“They were built at a time when people arrived by busses and trolleys,” he says. “Think of how prominent the Fox Theatre is at street level. That marquee on Peachtree is an icon. But it’s hard to get a view of the entire building.” Many of today’s modern marvels are made for a driving population that impacts the design, Crimmins says. A good example is the Georgia Pacific Building, a downtown standout with its pink marble façade—and a parking deck on one side. But due to the building’s position atop the Peachtree ridge, the deck isn’t quite so obvious. “It even has its own columns to disguise it,” Crimmins says. How a building interacts with the larger landscape is another factor in making it iconic, Bell says. “That’s an important role. Think of the Bank of America tower and the way the top glows at night through the open filigree. It’s always been one of my favorites, and it’s still playing a role: It’s a beacon.” n

SACRED SPACES

Exploring local religious architectural marvels STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Religious buildings in our area are historic, beautifully designed and filled with unique architectural elements. “The sacred spaces of Buckhead reflect the delicate balance that defines the city itself,” says Lindsay Weiss, senior project manager at Harrison Design, which has an awardwinning arm dedicated to religious architecture called Sacred Studio. Countless religious buildings have long played a role in the community, some going back over 100 years. “Part of what makes Buckhead so distinctive is the community’s shared commitment to preserving its rich architectural heritage,” she says. Here are five thoughtfully designed spaces to consider visiting.

Cathedral of Christ the King

Before the Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King was dedicated in 1939, a Greek Revival mansion stood on the Peachtree Road property that was once owned by the Ku Klux Klan. It went into foreclosure under their ownership, and the land was purchased to build a French Gothic cathedral in the style of medieval churches. Designed by Philadelphia-based firm Henry D. Dagit, Christ the King is made of Indiana limestone, Stone Mountain granite, Italian marble and Georgia marble, with the total cost at $400,000 in 1936 [equivalent to more than $9 million today]. There are 65 stained-glass windows throughout the nave that is covered by a ribbed-barrel vault.

The Cathedral of St. Philip

In 1933, the Episcopal Cathedral of St Philip moved to its current home on Peachtree Road as an anchor of “Jesus Junction.” While the building is almost 100 years old, the congregation dates back over 165 years. Drawing from Gothic Revival influences, it was designed by the first head of Georgia Tech’s architecture school, Francis Palmer Smith, and features a cruciform

plan, pointed-arch windows, stone walls and stained glass windows by Henry Lee Willet. A central crossing tower above the nave and transepts represents the church as a beacon.

The Church of the Apostles

The 100,000-square-foot sanctuary of The Church of the Apostles, an evangelical congregation, can seat 2,800 people, fulfilling the challenge of creating a peaceful, respectful space at scale. Positioned in west Buckhead and visible from I-75, its steeple towers at 240 feet. There are more than 90 stained glass windows, including a centerpiece rose window. Completed in the early 2000s, the $70 million building reflects a Neo-Gothic style.

The Temple

Founded in 1867 as the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation, The Temple is Atlanta’s oldest Jewish congregation. Its synagogue on Peachtree Street was designed by Philip Trammell Shutze and completed in 1931. The red brick building, arranged in a Flemish bond pattern, features rounded elements throughout, including round-headed windows, a drum dome and Roman Doric colonnades. Inside, plaster relief work, such as friezes with Jewish iconography, vaults and cornices, blends with organic elements such as terrazzo floors, black marbleized-wood columns and gilded motifs.

Sardis Methodist Church

Sardis Methodist Church on Powers Ferry Road was built by Atlanta-based architect Owen James Southwell and is on the National Register of Historic Places, joining only one other church in the area, New Hope AME Church and Cemetery. Rustic and simpler than other Buckhead churches, it reflects a Georgian Colonial Revival style that echoes the early 19th century time period in which the church was

founded. The striated brick is laid in a monk bond pattern, giving the facade a textured effect. The churchyard has as many as 750 tombstones with prominent surnames like Collier, Mathieson and Irby dating back to 1869. Be sure to check out the sole mausoleum, built in 1878. n

CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE KING 404.233.2145 cathedralctk.com @cathedralctk CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES 404.842.0200 apostles.org @apostlesatl THE EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL OF ST. PHILIP 404.365.1000 cathedralatl.org @cathedralatl SARDIS METHODIST CHURCH 404.237.6060 sardischurch.com THE TEMPLE 404.873.1731 the-temple.org @thetemple_atl

Above: The Cathedral of Christ the King is a French Gothic masterpiece on Peachtree Road.

Left: The Church of the Apostles is 240 feet tall and sits overlooking I-75.

Below left: The Temple, designed by Philip Trammell Shutze, was completed in 1931.

Does your kiddo enjoy all things cranes, bulldozers and excavators? Do you find building blocks and LEGO bricks scattered across your floors? Is Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site a part of your nightly reading routine? Does your high school student have a goal of being an engineer, architect or superintendent? If so, you might have a builder-to-be on your hands. Foster your child's creative streak via these play places, afterschool programs and camps.

Gritty Fun

Chamblee is home to Isaac’s Sandlot, an innovative indoor experience for kids. Here, children can unleash their construction dreams in a gigantic sandbox filled with Tonka trucks and ride-on excavators and dig up buried treasures waiting to be uncovered. Meanwhile, adults can unwind in comfortable seating areas complete with coffee, charging ports and free Wi-Fi, making it easy to work or simply relax. The venue provides card and board games for those seeking group entertainment beyond sandplay. isaacs-sandlot.com

Super Scouts

At the Museum of Design Atlanta, Girl Scout troops can discover how design and STEAM technologies empower them to change the world. MODA's workshops, tailored for up to 20 scouts and lasting two hours, are crafted to cultivate innovative problem-solving skills. Troops can explore Digital Game Design where they'll learn about algorithms and sequences while creating their own maze game. The Art & Design workshop challenges scouts to discover art in their surroundings, express ideas through their own creations and experiment with composition to earn their badge. The Craft & Tinker workshop encourages tactile creation using diverse materials, including 3D printers and recycled goods. Various workshops are offered for all scouting age groups. museumofdesign.org/girl-scouts

GROWING UP

Where to get your budding architect involved in Atlanta and beyond STORY: Nicole Letts

experiences invite them to design buildings and neighborhoods. Registration for 2026 camps opens in December.

OPERATOR OASIS

If you’re willing to go farther from home, this unique theme park near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, allows children to safely operate real excavators, crushers, lawnmowers and gators while creating unforgettable memories. Dig ’N Zone is designed for all ages, with attractions from toddlers to teens. All machines are speed-limited, seat-belted and supervised. Beyond the thrills, Dig ’N Zone cultivates real-world skills like hand-eye coordination through engaging play. Kids get to explore, get dirty and build in an authentic environment. With 27 acres, there's ample space to play and experiment. dignzone.com

Buzzing into STEAM

Georgia Tech's Center for Education

Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing hosts the Kids

Interested in Discovering STEAM Club and STEAM workshops designed to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. The KIDS Club caters to second through fifth graders with Saturday workshops from 9 a.m. to noon at Tech's Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons. For $65, students can engage in hands-on activities such as building

skyscrapers or making games with all supplies provided. STEAM workshops are available for sixth through 12th graders, exposing them to diverse science and engineering topics using creative problem solving. Additional programming is offered during the school week as well as summer. expandedlearning.ceismc.gatech.edu

Architecture Academy

High school students looking to explore a future in design can participate in the immersive Ar-

chitecture Summer Academy at Kennesaw State University. This two-week "pre-college" program offers a comprehensive introduction to architecture as a potential career. Participants delve into the design process through hands-on architectural projects covering topics such as drawing, sustainability and landscape design, all within a studio setting. It's an opportunity for aspiring architects to engage with the built environment in new and exciting ways while gaining essential skills for college and beyond. kennesaw.edu n

MODA's summer Design Camp is for curious creators ages 6-18. Hands-on

James Ly, Courtesy of MODA

GOTHIC GEM

The Architectural Legacy of Oglethorpe University STORY: Nicole Letts

Drive north on Peachtree Road through Brookhaven, and you might catch a glimpse of a gray stone belltower rising through the trees. It’s a landmark for Oglethorpe University, an institution that has anchored the corner of Peachtree and Woodrow Way for over a century. Here, tucked behind a granite guard gate, the campus transports visitors from the neighborhood’s tree canopy to the hallowed halls of Oxford University in England. For Atlantans seeking an architectural discovery, Oglethorpe offers a remarkable journey through collegiate design hidden in plain sight along one of the city's busiest corridors.

After moving from Milledgeville and then to downtown Atlanta, the college was reestablished at its present location in 1915 by Thornwell Jacobs. The striking architecture was intentional: Working with the prominent Atlanta architectural firm Morgan & Dillon and W.T. Downing, Associate Architects, Jacobs wanted a campus where the buildings mimicked those of the iconic campus in Oxford, England. He is quoted describing the buildings as the university’s silent faculty. “Jacobs wanted the students to feel like they

were at a college when they walked through the buildings," says Library Director and University Librarian Eli Arnold. The architecture wasn't merely for aesthetics; it was an educational philosophy manifested in stone and steel. Every detail was meant to inspire scholarly pursuit.

Each building tells its own story. Hearst Hall, completed in 1915 and named after newspaper magnate and Oglethorpe benefactor William Randolph Hearst’s mother, who was an early advocate for women, originally housed the entire university. The great room on the first level was designed by architect Walter T. Downing. “The room has dark wood paneling, and it looks and feels English,” Arnold says. The staircase, vaulting and carved column details all reflect the inspiration.

The iconic Lupton Hall, built in three phases, features the campus's most recognizable element: its carillon. The 52 bells were donated by Harriet "Hattie" Harwell Wilson High of the High Museum of Art fame. The quarter-hour chimes add a collegiate soundtrack to campus life. Nearby, Lowery Hall is designed as a replica of Corpus Christi College at Oxford where James Edward Oglethorpe studied. Today, the

facade still stands within the Philip Weltner Library.

The attention to detail extends to the materials themselves. "All of the granite on the main buildings, the library, Lupton, Hearst and the stadium are all Georgia granite sourced from Stone Mountain when it was still actively quarried,” Arnold says. Topped with Indiana slate and accented with copper and steel, these buildings represent a commitment to quality that has endured for over a century while offering a direct architectural lineage that connects today's students to centuries of educational tradition.

Modern renovations have successfully honored this legacy while meeting contemporary needs. The recent Cousins Center expansion demonstrates transitional design elements such as exposed beams and sleek accents while maintaining as much material consistency as possible. While Stone Mountain granite is no longer available, the chosen match is all but exact. The campus continues to serve Jacobs' original vision while adapting to modern realities.

The Gothic campus, which serves 1,500 students, balances its grandeur with approachable accessibility. Visitors are invited to explore the college grounds and building exteriors or catch a sporting event, an art exhibit or a theater performance. “This is all so stately looking,” Arnold says. “But at the same time, students belong here. We're not scary, even though our offices and classrooms are in these beautiful buildings.” n oglethorpe.edu • @oglethorpeuniv

The Gothic architecture is modeled after Oxford University in England.

Above: From these steps, see Hermance Stadium, which was dedicated right before the stock market crash on Black Tuesday in 1929.

Left: The first bells for Oglethorpe were a gift from Harriet "Hattie" Harwell Wilson High of the same fame as the High Museum of Art.

What do Buckhead’s public art, sidewalks, workforce housing, green spaces and environmental certifications have in common? Livable Buckhead touches them. The nonprofit helps commercial and residential properties in more than 45 neighborhoods, 18,000 individual homes, 36,000 multifam ily residential units and 23 million square feet of commercial office space and works to make Buckhead safer, more beautiful and more sustainable. At the helm is Executive Director Denise Starling. “Our mission is to create a positive impact in Buckhead, so it is always an amazing place to live and work. We serve as a connector between developers, city staff and community stakeholders,” she says. “We help ensure each project contributes to a more livable, inclusive and resilient Buckhead by guiding development and bridging the gap between civic organizations and developers.” Here, she shares more about the organization.

How did Livable Buckhead begin?

In 1997, as Georgia 400 was completed and development surged, local leaders saw traffic problems on the horizon and took action. The Buckhead Business Association formed the Buckhead Area Transportation Management Association to launch the Buc shuttle and help employers offer commute alternatives. In 2008, BATMA led the creation of Buckhead’s greenspace plan, but there was no one to implement it. So BATMA expanded its mission, stepping up to meet the broader needs of the community. That shift gave rise to Livable Buckhead with a focus on sustainability, greenspace and long-term livability.

How does Livable Buckhead work with developers and redevelopers?

We want to make sure Buckhead remains this great community well into the future. We are always looking for ways to enhance the quality of life and make sure the community is resilient. Our membership bridges commercial and residential sectors. New developments over 25,000 square feet are required to be members, and we work with them on transportation, events, activations and more.

BUILT TO LAST

Livable Buckhead improves neighborhoods

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

districts that cover the majority of the commercial core of Buckhead.

It serves as the official forum for reviewing and commenting on projects that need a special administrative permit or variations from code requirements. This ensures that new developments are aligned with the intent of the zoning and the broader goals of the community.

It is collaborative and not a “gotcha” kind of group. Our partners want to know what the community wants and what our priorities are so

What are some of the projects the organization is responsible for?

Our signature project is PATH400. We did the parks plan and have been building that out for the last decade. We look for added park space. Buckhead is the lowest-parked district in the entire city of Atlanta. We’ve added 35 acres through PATH- 400 and the adjacent parks so far, such as Old Ivy Park and Mountain Way Common. We’re doing the design work for the Blueway Trail connect-

of transportation. We are also responsible for safety initiatives, including getting all the security directors of the commercial properties together with Zone 2 and MARTA police officers for an information exchange. We provide a housing subsidy funded by the Community Improvement District to have Atlanta Police Department officers live in Buckhead. n

THE LAST STOP

Brookwood Station is the only passenger train station in Atlanta STORY: Lauren Finney Harden PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

At the corner of Peachtree Street and Deering Road stands Brookwood Station, the last remaining passenger train station in metro Atlanta. For a city that was once named Terminus, the station is a reminder of the importance of Atlanta’s train past.

According to Thornton Kennedy, board member of Buckhead Heritage, local historian and host of the History for Cocktail Parties podcast, the name Brookwood comes from a house close to the station on Peachtree. Kennedy has a personal connection: His family has had roots in Buckhead since the 1850s, including a great-great-great-grandfather who was one of the conductors on the first passenger train to pull into Union Station, Atlanta’s first train depot in 1845. By the late 1800s, Atlantans were beginning to move north of what is now downtown, Rhodes Hall had been built, and Ansley Park and Tuxedo Park had been created. “The area was evolving,” Kennedy says. Originally called Peachtree Railway Station, Brookwood Station was built by the Southern Railway Company (now Norfolk Southern) in 1918. Trains came straight through with the sole purpose of dropping off passengers, and there was no

turning around or backing up. Now, only one train makes a stop: Amtrak’s Crescent line runs from New Orleans to Washington, D.C.

“The whole impetus for the second passenger depot was to take the pressure off the downtown station and put people closer to their homes,” Kennedy says. Before Brookwood Station, passengers who lived on the north side were dropped off downtown at Terminal Station, where the Richard B. Russell Federal Building stands today. “It would take you an hour to get

home,” he says, but Brookwood cut considerable time off their commutes. “It was very important to the development of Atlanta.”

Kennedy says that, while many train depots were massive, Brookwood Station is small in comparison.

The building was designed by the noteworthy architect Neel Reid’s firm in an Italian Renaissance style. The building has Palladian windows and entranceways on every facade except the rear, and has three bays and four brick pilasters with limestone bases.

“It’s a small building, but a handsome

one. The inside has church pew benches and curved, vaulted ceilings throughout, and light fixtures that look like street lamps,” Kennedy says. “There’s even a little garden on the side where the highway is. It’s a jewel box of a station.”

Originally segregated with an African-American waiting area and restrooms, it was desegregated after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but the partition is still visible today. In 1976, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The last renovation was in advance of the 1996 Olympics. While that might sound strange to upgrade a station served by only one train a day, Kennedy says Europeans were used to traveling by train and did so to and from Washington, D.C., for the games. “I have a feeling they were quite shocked to get into the teeny tiny station,” Kennedy says.

Now, 76,000 people use the stop every year, a small number compared to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s 108 million. Today, it’s known as both Brookwood Station and Peachtree Station, hinting at its history and importance. The station is open for visitors and passengers between 7:30 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., with a three-hour closure between 3 and 6 p.m. n

BROOKWOOD STATION amtrak.com/stations/atl • @amtrak

BUCKHEAD HERITAGE SOCIETY buckheadheritage.com • @preservebuckhead

Brookwood Station sees nearly 80,000 passengers each year.

Neel Reid's architecture firm built Brookwood Station in an Italian Renaissance style in 1918.

DELICIOUS

Welcome

Jungle to the

FEAST PERUVIAN-STYLE AT MADRE SELVA

STORY: Hope S. Philbrick

The fact that service is a priority at Madre Selva becomes obvious as soon as you walk through the heavy wooden door. Smiling staff members invite you to place your hands over a bowl for the restaurant’s welcome ritual: Water enhanced with essential oils is slowly poured from a pitcher over your hands, then you’re presented with a steaming towel. The impetus may be to freshen up, but there’s a comforting sense of ahhh that comes from the sort of greet-

PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

ing more often found at a spa or first-class cabin of an airline than at a restaurant. Located in Uptown Atlanta near the Lindbergh Center area, Madre Selva— “mother jungle” in Spanish—makes no small claim on its website: It aims to be a “sensory retreat where Latin coastal cuisine meets modern refinement,” a place where scratch-made dishes showcase “bold regional flavors, seasonal ingredients and the untamed spirit of the Mother Jungle” for a “journey worth ➥

Lomo saltado, the classic Peruvian stir-fry, impresses with each bite.

Opened in spring of 2024, this restaurant boasts a Peruvian ceviche bar, a wide array of creative cocktails that taste even better than their photogenic good looks, artsy food presentations on custom plates, a vibrant mural spanning the wall over the kitchen, a lineup of fish on ice, a well-stocked bar and an upbeat vibe. If this is jungle fever, you’ll be happy to get it.

Over the course of a meal, you’ll likely meet most of the staff on duty. One person keeps water glasses filled, another takes orders, others deliver drinks and food, and anyone passing by will ask how things taste and if you need anything. “We work as a team,” one server explained, as if that wasn’t readily apparent. Somehow, they manage to be incredibly attentive without veering into the annoying zone. If you’re less than fluent in Peruvian cuisine, trust staffers to help interpret the menus.

Cocktails are a genuine treat here with fresh ingredients, well-balanced flavors, showy presentations and even some fun myths. Don’t miss the Pisco Sour, a frothy delight with sweet and sour notes. Peru’s national

drink showcases the native pisco brandy with lime juice, sugar, egg whites and bitters. NGT, a spirit-free “not gin and tonic,” combines botanical and citrus notes so delightfully you’ll swear it’s the real thing. Echoes of Chavin, with tequila, kombucha and sage, is described as a “potion that brings health and good fortune to those who perform the ritual” and served in a rocks glass with a skullshaped ice cube that lights up. The pastel, petal-adorned Forest Infusion towers over a glass in a dispenser that looks like a mini chemistry lab. The gin-based beauty is touted as an “ancestral shamanistic remedy that has been brought back to sip at your own discretion.”

Dinner options merge tradition and innovation for refined dishes with zesty flavors. One appetizer coats octopus cooked in a Josper grill that sears and smokes with a smokysavory-spicy anticuchera sauce. It’s piled onto a plate alongside corn and potatoes with a drizzle of tangy chimichurri sauce, dots of sweet cream and a crown of red-veined sorrel leaves. Lomo saltado is a standout entree featuring stir-fried beef ten-

Above: Raices de la costa happily marries ingredients from the earth and sea. Below: Brunch presents familiar, casual fare with a Peruvian twist.

derloin, bright aji amarillo peppers, tender potatoes and fluffy white rice with choclo, a large-kernel variety of Peruvian corn. It’s the stir-fry 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 showcasing prawns and calamari that’s served bubbly hot with chopped avocado for cooling bites. The Peruvian ceviche bar, where the focus is on the simplicity and purity of each dish’s featured ingredients, serves up a range of seafood as well as several vegetarian and vegan options. Vegetarian causa layers bright mashed yellow potatoes with red beets, cherry tomatoes, avocado

aioli and microgreens; it’s gorgeous with earthy and tangy notes.

Brunch offers the same high-quality service and creative cocktails, but kitchen preparations are more casual and relaxed. “It’s what a mother or grandmother in Peru might make,” one server explained. Huevos a la brasa, a Peruvian spin on steak and eggs, tops juicy churrasco-style beef with a crispy fried egg, a stripe of herbaceous chimichurri sauce and a drizzle of spicy rocoto carretillero sauce featuring a chile native to the Peruvian Andes alongside a pile of perfectly-cooked golden potatoes. Desayuno costeño gives meat and eggs a Peruvian spin with a choice

of chorizo and a fried egg with arepitas (cornmeal cakes) or crispy pork belly and scrambled eggs with tostones (crispy fried plantains).

Finish on a sweet note with chocolate de altura that tops rich, smooth, dark chocolate gelato with lucuma foam made using fruit with caramel-maple notes native to the

Andes valleys and a splattering of crunchy quinoa and cocoa nibs.

A friend who routinely travels South America ranks Peruvian cuisine as his least favorite on the continent. After dining at Madre Selva, I think my friend’s palate is as useful as a broken compass. Don’t let anyone steer you away from this place. n

470.516.1389 • madreselva.restaurant • @madreselvaatl

Prices: Cocktails, $13-$42; starters, $13-$25; ceviche bar, $17-$45; mains, $21-$73; sides, $3-$8; desserts, $14-$16; brunch plates, $10-$36; brunch sides, $3-$5.

Recommended: Pisco sour, vegetarian causa, octopus anticuchero, lomo saltado, raices de la costa.

Madre Selva

Bottom line: Upscale service, vibrant decor and eclectic tunes accompany fresh, robust Peruvian dishes alongside high-quality cocktails.

Smoky octopus is served with corn, potatoes, sorrel and a duo of bright sauces.

Above: Cocktails impress whether you prefer them foamy, spicy, smooth or crisp.

Below: Chocolate de altura is a sundae loaded with flavor and texture.

Left: Vegetarian ceviche is as pretty as it is flavorful.

SMOKE SHOW

A multisensory experience in a glass STORY: Angela Hansberger

As delicate tendrils of smoke waft above a cocktail, a new drinking ritual takes hold beneath the amber glow of a low-lit bar. More than flavor and the shock and awe of controlled combustion, smoking cocktails are an immersive experience.

Perhaps the smoking of hickory, oak or cedar wood is reminiscent of primal connections. We are drawn to fire, and by transforming the ephemeral nature of it, bartenders create cocktails that are both delicious and artistic. Smoking cocktails are a multisensory experience of sight, aroma, taste and earthy aesthetics. Here are some favorites that are perfect for the advent of autumn.

MAGGIANO’S SMOKED OLD FASHIONED

Along with tapping Michelin-starred chef Anthony Amoroso to elevate the menu, Maggiano’s introduced an updated Mixologist Collection of cocktails. Many of the new ones are standouts, including the Smoked

Old Fashioned. Presented in a glass smoke box for the spectacle and for the depth of flavor, the assertive mix stirs together Knob Creek Rye, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur and a few dashes of bitters. An expression of orange peel adds bitter citrus oils. Everything is poured over a large ice sphere. It’s rich with notes of oak and truly a slow sipper.

NORIFISH OPEN SESAME

When Buckhead’s Prefecture converted to NoriFish, the cocktail menu underwent transformation as well. With keen attention to Japanese spirits and ingredients, cocktails offer beautiful pairing options. After combining ingredients in a mixing glass, bartender Henry Kurniawan traps hickory wood smoke in the vessel then pours into a Nick and Nora glass. The smoked sesameinfused Manhattan uses the woody notes of Akashi Japanese whisky, sweet vermouth and brandy-esque black ume liqueur. It is sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and

garnished with a Luxardo cherry.

KEMURI AT HIMITSU

“Smoke” in Japanese, kemuri is a lesson of elegance through balance that combines Japanese whisky, bourbon, Kijoshu sake, Oloroso sherry, Benedictine and bitters. Small amounts—just enough to fill the glass—of cinnamon and clove powder are smoked. “The delicate aroma primes the palate for warm notes of baking spices, honey, citrus and dried fruit that are layered through the silky texture of the cocktail,” says mixologist Brendan Seery.

SMOKED OLD FASHIONED AT RED PHONE BOOTH

Performance is part of the appeal when ordering drinks at Red Phone Booth. The Smoked Old Fashioned may require extra time, but it is worth it. Smoky and sweet, it’s a signature cocktail at the Buckhead speakeasy, with Four Roses Bourbon over La Perruche brown sugar cubes sprinkled with Angostura

bitters. It is poured over handcarved ice. Before an expression of citrus peels, the cocktail is smoked with hickory wood in front of you. The experience feels as timeless and alluring as securing the secret code to get through the door.

SMOKY OLD FASHIONED AT VERDURE KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

Surrounded by plumes of smoke from hickory wood chips, the Smoky Old fashioned is as Instagrammable as the verdant surrounds of Verdure. The mahogany fusion of bourbon, demerara sugar, Angostura and orange bitters accented with a Luxardo cherry comes under a glass cloche for maximum dramatic effect, along with added aromas and woodsmoke flavor. n

HIMITSU • umiatlanta.com • @umisushiatl MAGGIANO’S maggianos.com • @maggianoslittleitaly

NORIFISH • norifishsushi.com • @norifish_sushi

RED PHONE BOOTH redphonebooth.com • @rpbbuckhead

VERDURE KITCHEN & COCKTAILS verdurekitchen.com • @verdureatlanta

Smoked before your eyes in a glass box, Maggiano’s Old Fashioned is imbued with notes of savory oak.

470.530.2298 | info@joostdepaepe.com | joostdepaepe.com Elevate Your Next Event with Chef Joost De Paepe Private & Corporate Dining On Location

Schooled in the French culinary tradition and refined with a modern Asian touch, Chef Joost De Paepe brings a rare blend of precision and creativity to the table.

With experience in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, he delivers high-end cuisine tailored to your private or corporate event— served at the location of your choice.

For those who value discretion, sophistication, and elegant culinary excellence. Contact us for a bespoke proposal.

FOODIE JOURNAL Culinary News & Notes

Aria’s New Era

The new executive chef shares what’s shaping his vision for the Buckhead restaurant

After serving Atlantans for 25 years under the leadership of chef-owner Gerry Klaskala, acclaimed Buckhead restaurant Aria welcomed a new executive chef, James Beard Award semifinalist Joseph Harrison formerly of Savannah’s Common Thread, in June. Harrison joins the team under

new owner and former GM Andrés Loaiza, with plans to continue the restaurant’s legacy.

on the plate that are recognizable but a little bit interesting. You can look at something and think that these are maybe typical flavor profiles and ingredients that you’ve seen go together before, but maybe there’s a layer of seasoning or texture that changes the whole dish. I try to take that approach here at Aria.

How does Aria’s history shape your approach?

Naga Bistro is expected to open this fall in Chamblee, serving Laotian, Thai and Cambodian cuisine in the space that formerly housed Wild Ginger Thai Cuisine. The concept comes from the team behind the Michelin-recommended Snackboxe Bistro. snackboxebistroga.com

Magnolia’s Kitchen & Cocktails has replaced Under the Cork Tree at The Prado in Sandy Springs. The eatery highlights modern Southern cuisine. magnoliassandysprings.com

Clean Juice is now open on Dresden Drive in Brookhaven, serving

How do you plan to balance honoring Aria’s past while introducing your own culinary perspective?

One thing I’ve developed in my style over the years is a way to get things

We have guests who have been coming to the restaurant since its opening and service team members who came with the building, so my first job is to respect that. My

Raising the Bar

Sip something special with a chamomile punch cocktail from Lucky Star’s beverage director Kirk Gibson

Recreate one of Lucky Star’s signature cocktails (pictured here topped with an oyster) with this recipe, or make a reservation for the omakase experience Wednesday or Thursday.

Chamomile Milk Punch Yield: 1 cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

15 oz. Planteray 3 Stars rum

7 ½ oz. lemon

7 ½ oz. cava syrup*

9 oz. whole milk

10 oz. chamomile tea (cooled)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine rum, lemon, cava syrup and pour into the milk. Let it settle and curdle the milk for an hour. Strain through a coffee filter, nut milk bag or kitchen towel. Add the chamomile tea. Optional: carbonate it with a SodaStream or something equivalent. Keep in the refrigerator and serve over ice.

* For the syrup, combine equal parts cava and sugar, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reserve in the fridge.

goal is to make sure those people keep coming back. But also, we can’t let Aria be a museum— and those are Chef Gerry’s words. He wanted it to keep moving forward and continue being part of Atlanta’s dining scene as it evolves.

What will you be bringing from Common Thread?

I really came into my own during my time in Savannah. I was given the opportunity to cook so many different things and work with an array of people. People would always ask me, “What do you guys cook at Common Thread?” Over time, we ended up cooking whatever we wanted, and as long as we respected the food and made it delicious, people came back for it. That informs my approach to cooking now. You can do interesting things and bring interesting flavors to the table, as long as you’re respecting the basics and the foundations. n

Joseph Harrison.

George Sanchez

Brandon Amato

Luxurious Taste

Arrivato founder Andre Melchionda brings gourmet extravagance to your door STORY: Carly Cooper PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Luxurious delicacies such as caviar and truffles have long been synonymous with special occasions, adding a touch of elegance and indulgence to festive gatherings and memorable events. Growing up with an Italian father, Andre Melchionda developed an appreciation for Italian delicacies from a young age. After college, when the small private equity firm he was working for failed to offer the professional growth he craved, Melchionda delved into his history and interests.

“I was thinking about what I wanted to do, what sort of connections I had and what I was passionate about,” he says. “I was always interested in truffles and finer Italian goods. I speak Italian, have family over there and a pretty solid network, so I knew I could find whatever I wanted fairly easily and get it imported.”

In 2022 Melchionda started

Arrivato, a luxury and rare foods distribution company, first from his parents’ house in St. Simons Island. He later moved to Buckhead with a warehouse in West Midtown. Initially, it was wholesale only, but he recently started selling to individuals through the website.

“I started with truffles, then olive oil and balsamic, and slowly added products,” Melchionda says. “It was pretty much blind faith. But we made it; we’re here, and we’re thankful.”

We spoke to him about Arrivato’s offerings and how they fit into celebrations year round.

Who are some of your wholesale clients?

The bulk of our business is restaurants: Umi, Atlas, Kyma, Lazy Betty, Spring and Le Bon Nosh. It’s the majority of Michelin-starred restaurants in town. We have clients in

South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Virginia. We work with Barnsley Gardens, The Club at High Hampton, Four Seasons Palm Beach and Sea Island Resort.

How can Atlantans buy your products directly?

We launched e-commerce this year. You can get Wagyu, caviar, balsamic, olive oil and truffles online. We wanted to give consumers a little taste of what we’re doing wholesale. You can buy a bottle of olive oil, a kilo of caviar or a 4-ounce filet. There’s no minimum. It’s shipped to your home. We have approximately 30 products online, including a truffle slicer and caviar spoons, compared with a couple hundred wholesale.

How do you ensure you offer the best products?

A lot of it is education and talking to

people like chefs and my contacts in Italy, asking, “Where do you get the best balsamic? What makes it the best?” It comes down to flavor and taste. If it smells good, and it tastes good, it’s good.

A best-selling product on ecommerce is Sanuki Wagyu, one of the rarest cuts of beef in the world. We have an extra virgin olive oil coming out of Calabria in southern Italy. They make 1,000 bottles of this mono varietal. It’s the rarity of it.

What can people look forward to from Arrivato for the holidays?

We’ll have white (seasonal) truffles. We’ll probably add a couple new items as well. For gifts, you’ll have different package options at different price levels.

What do you do for fun?

I’m a big Italian soccer fan. I watch the Atlanta Braves, Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons. I like to read and work out, hang with friends and go out to dinner. n

ARRIVATO arrivatoimports.com • @arrivatoimports

Andre Melchionda at Lazy Betty

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

Keep it simple at The Americano with a perfectly cooked filet mignon and housemade steak sauce.

Juicy preserved strawberries crown the seared milk cake, providing a sweet finale to any meal at Carmel.

5Church’s cacio e pepe merges umami and spice in each creamy bite.

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

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.

Cocktails: $6-$18 • Starters: $14-$28 • Salads: $12-$33 • Entrees: $14-$39 • Prime steaks: $51-$160 • Sides: $4-$20 • Desserts: $4-$13 buckhead.5church-atlanta.com

THE AMERICANO

Celebrity chef Scott Conant, the Scottsdale, Arizona-based culinary talent behind The Americano at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, seems to have cracked the code for ongoing success in Atlanta. The eatery walks the line between steakhouse and Italian, so must-try dishes include fork-tender, olive oil-poached octopus; wedge salad dressed with crunchy bacon lardons, creamy buttermilk blue cheese dressing and tangy marinated tomatoes; any of the prime steaks cooked to your preferred temperature; and creamy polenta topped with roasted seasonal mushrooms (hello umami!). Chef watchers may know one of the dishes that put Conant on the culinary map is the beautifully simple pasta pomodoro. It’s essentially three ingredients: tomatoes, basil and fresh, daily made pasta. The simplicity of the dish’s elegantly al dente pasta, cloaked in velvety tomato sauce, studded with basil and sprinkled with salty, creamy Parmesan, is a wonder to behold. Whether he’s in the kitchen or managing from afar, Conant has the Midas touch.

Appetizers: $18-$24 • Salads: $16-$19

Raw bar: $21-$175 • Pasta: $32-$52

Steak: $42-$140 • Entrees: $34-$52

Sides: $9-$18 • Dessert: $9-$16 theamericanoatlanta.com

CARMEL

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

PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace, Erik Meadows

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

NEWK’S EATERY

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.

Drinks: $5-$16 • Tacos: $7-$8

Starters: $8-$19 • Entrees: $17-$45 • Sides: $7-$10 • Desserts: $15 • oaxacaatl.com

OK CAFÉ

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.

Appetizers: $4-$8 • Burgers and sandwiches: $4-$13 • Mains: $12-$16 • okcafe.com

SOUTHBOUND

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!

BELOVED BENEFIT

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Derek White and Kendra Greis

(Getty Images)

The legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis lives on in the work of The Same House, an organization that addresses some of the city’s challenges. In mid-August, its Beloved Benefit at the Woodruff Arts Center generated a significant financial boost to its efforts, raising $8.2 million to support eight beneficiaries: Atlanta Technical College, Latin American Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, City of Refuge, Morehouse College of Medicine, New Life Community Alliance, Partners for HOME and the Westside Future Fund. This year also marked a change for the event that has been held since 2019: Rather than a seated dinner, the evening focused on highlighting the positive impacts made by the nonprofits through storytelling and entertainment.

Santiago Marquez, Wendy Corona

Maria Taylor, Rickey Smiley

Rapper T.I. entertained the crowd at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Dan Cathy, Shan Cooper

Ludacris

Jeff Foxworthy

TRUFFLES AESTHETIC

2233 Peachtree Rd., Suite K, Atlanta, GA 30309

(770) 460-2000

trufflesmedispa.com

TRUFFLES AESTHETICS

Maggie Schreck, PA-C is a highly-skilled and sought-after injector treating patients in the Buckhead location of Truffles Aesthetics. Maggie is an injector trainer for both Allergan (the makers of Botox Cosmetic, the Juvederm portfolio, and Kybella) and Galderma (the makers of Dysport, the Restylane portfolio, and Sculptra Aesthetic).

Maggie is also one of the very few injectors who trains physicians and other practitioners nationally in the use of Sculptra Aesthetic for both the face and body. With more than 18 years of injectable experience, Maggie specializes in Non-Surgical Aesthetic Rejuvenation.

She is a true artist who loves working with patients to help them achieve their aesthetic goals. She is known for her excellent bedside manner, exceptional patient care, and innovative treatments that cannot be found at other practices. Maggie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts from Miami University of Ohio and her Physician Assistant degree from Yale University. In addition to her extensive experience as an injector, Maggie has worked in the field of plastic surgery since 2007 assisting in surgery, preoperative care, and postoperative care. Maggie is a native of upstate New York and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.

Ariessence a pure PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) that powers natural skin regeneration and rejuvenation, leading to the appearance of healthier, younger, and more vibrant skin.

Botox/Dysport/ Daxxify softens fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, crows feet and frown lines

Fillers adds or restores volume to the face with results lasting up to two years

Kybella non-surgical fat reduction in neck and body.

Sculptra face and body treatment that stimulates collagen to lift and build volume

Maggie Schreck, PA-C

SOUL & SUPPER

PHOTOS: Briana Crudup and Jared Razzetto

The first of what organizers hope will be many events like it took over Duluth’s Stonewood Ranch Estates venue in late August to connect selected guests over fine food and entertainment. Soul & Supper: A Night with Mali Wilson featured a cocktail hour, a farm-to-table dinner co-curated by Todd Dae Kulper, head chef at UMI in Buckhead, and Wilson, a Grammy-nominated performer who also sang, backed by a band of accomplished musicians. Organized by Eric Donovan Wilson and hosted by Andre Melchionda of sponsor Arrivato Caviar, the evening raised more than $27,000 for Mali’s nonprofit, Earth Angel Worldwide, and the Earth Girl campus at Stonewood.

Gail Cloe Wells, Melanie Fenwick Thompson

Mark Sanders, Nancy Sanders

Robin Donnelly Bandemir

Monique Lauren Peters, Christina John

Norelie Garcia, Michelle Sanchez, Dia Simms, Keith Simms

Bites from UMI

Andre Melchionda, Mali Wilson

Mali Wilson entertains with live music.

STORY: H.M. Cauley

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

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

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

PAWTY ON THE PATIO

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Donald Douglas Photography

Appropriate for the hottest time of the year, International Dog Day was marked on Aug. 26 by more than two dozen two-and fourlegged attendees of the Pawty on the Patio. The early evening event to benefit the Atlanta Humane Society took place on the recently renovated terrace of the Grant Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, which hosted the event alongside Simply Buckhead. In addition to music, cocktails, dog toys and a buffet of human- and pet-friendly treats, pet portraits by the pros of Nina Parker Photography were a major attraction. Donations went directly to the Atlanta Humane Society to support its work with needy animals and to encourage pet adoptions.

Dansby

Fatim Abdul with Major and Lenox

Justin Lamprecht and Bella

Michelle Gortemoller, Stephanie Davis with Dansby

Connor Penn

Destinee DuBose, Chelsea Mackey, Christina Yonkoske

Jeanie Daniels, Sharon Saha with Peachy and Bear

Signature drinks menu

CROWNING GLORY

SCAD student, current Miss Georgia USA and this issue's cover model, Savannah Miles, appears here with her crown in front of glittering artwork by Marcus Kenny. PHOTO: Patrick Heagney

Adam Lippes Ludlow top in mocha ($1,290), Adam Lippes Leto skirt in mocha ($1,890), available at Tootsies. Jewelry available at Diamonds Direct.