Free Lunch @ McDonald's Winners

To contact us Click HERE
Sponsored Post

Congratulations to winners of the Free Lunch contest: Claudia, Kelli, Marta, Tracy and Lauren. Watch your mailboxes, ladies!

Each winner will have lunch on me this summer! McDonald's has delicious, affordable lunch options, including classics like the Big Mac, fun chicken McNuggets and tasty favorites like the Southern Style Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Each winner will each receive a $10 Arch card, courtesy of The Greater Atlanta McDonald's Operators Association.



Winners' names were drawn randomly, but each had a great comment:

"I love the fact the McDonald's includes apple slices with their Happy Meals now at no additional cost. Believe it or not, my kids love it more than their fries," wrote Claudia.

"My favorite item from McDonald's is their Latte. They are better than Starbucks and even better is the price," said Marta.

"I like the fact McDonald's has healthy choice. It is a routine on Saturday mornings for my son and I stop in at McDonald's. He usually gets Fruit & Maple oatmeal and get my favorite mango smoothie," posted Kelli.

"There are few things in the world better than McDonald's french fries. Even more upscale restaurants have a hard time beating them!" noted Tracy.

"My girls love the McNuggets with ranch," said Lauren.

This summer, McDonald's challenges workers to put an end to the working lunch and starting eating it at McDonald's.

For up-to-the-minute deals and yummy giveaways, follow @McDonaldsATL on Twitter.


The Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association (GAMOA) partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about their lunch menu items. As part of this program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the use of the products. GAMOA believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. GAMOA policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and voucher fulfillment will be handled by a third party.

What gets chefs into the kitchen?

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During the annual meeting of the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) on Monday, a panel of eight chefs was asked, "Why do you go into the kitchen every day?" Their answers reveal where they find inspiration...plus a few individuals' sense of humor.

Chef Michael Deihl, East Lake Golf Club (Atlanta, GA)
"Cooking is a tradition," he said. "If we don't cook and continue the tradition of passing on, we will lose cultural integrity."

Chef Anne Quatrano, Bacchanalia (Atlanta, GA)
"Because I love it," she said. "It makes me happy to be there."

Chef Linton Hopkins, Restaurant Eugene/Holeman & Finch (Atlanta, GA)
"To play and make connections," he said. "It's a way of getting into people's minds, bring us together and communicate."

Chef Ron Eyester, Rosebud/The Family Dog (Atlanta, GA)
"The kitchen remains the only sanctuary in the chaos of our industry," he said. "I'm addicted to the chaos and the kitchen. I'm glad to be entrenched every day. I look at it as a journey. Chefs impact neighborhoods."

Chef Chris Hall, Local Three/Muss & Turners (Atlanta, GA)
"Because I don't know any better," he said. "Seriously, it truly is a labor of love. Also, the people you meet--staff and guests and farmers--all inspire you. Also, I like piña coladas."

Chef Jay Swift, 4th & Swift (Atlanta, GA)
"Because I have a mortgage," he said. "And because I have terrific support from an awesome staff."

Chef Todd Mussman, Muss & Turners/Local Three (Atlanta, GA)
"For my kids, my business partners and my personal love of food," he said.

Chef Chris Hastings, Hot & Hot Fish Club (Birmingham, AL)
"Because I'm a chef," he said. "I cook, it's what I do and what I love to do. I love everything about the process."

Proof & Provision

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A former storage space has been delightfully transformed: Proof & Provision is now open in the basement of the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
In contast to Livingston Restaurant+Bar, the swanky restaurant on the main level of the hotel, Proof & Provision has a relaxed setting that encourages guests to "come as you are," says Chef Zeb Stevenson--who will appear in an episode of Chopped scheduled to air on August 7, 2012.

Photo Courtesy Green Olive Media

Proof & Provision's menu is casual and playful, with reinterpretations of throwback classics like pigs in a blanket, grilled cheese and deviled eggs. But these dishes aren't based on family recipes--"my mom was a terrible cook!" admits Stevenson. He first wrote the menu and then launched elaborate cooking tests to tweak recipes until he achieved the taste he deemed perfect for each dish. For the hot pretzels, he spent hours researching high-alkaline options to help achieve the desired brown crust (his eureka! moment came upon discovering that he could increase the alkalinity of baking soda by roasting it prior to use). His chicken wings are brined and then confited in duck fat before they're sauced. No detail is too small in the pursuit of perfection: Ketchup and mustard, along with nearly everything on the menu, is made from scratch.Bold flavors aren't exclusive to the food menu. Alongside artisan-style beers, the drink list includes classic cocktails with creative spins--such as barrel-aging some cocktails on site.
Deviled eggs ($3) with arguably the world's fluffiest yolks and a pickle surprise; chicken liver mousse with blackberry jelly and toast ($3); and the popular Such Sweet Breath cocktail ($8) which is a mix of vodka, hibiscus liqueur, fresh lime juice, lemon jasmine honey syrup and soda:
Shaved prime rib sandwich ($7) with gruyere cheese, peppers and onions and dipping jus:
The onion soup ($5) has a higher ratio of caramelized Vidalia onions and gooey cheese than broth:
Confit chicken wings ($5) includes six wings with sweet and sour sauce plus a mild dipping sauce:

Considering the attention to detail of these preparations, the prices are quite a value. The food quality is a big leap up above most bar food and a tasty treat for humankind.

Bottom Line: This is the sort of place you'll want to frequent so that everybody knows your name and you'll know theirs.  Thumbs up.

Identity Theft

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The first movie that was filmed in Georgia celebrates the 40th Anniversary of its release this July: Deliverance, which was filmed primarily on the Chattooga River and Tallulah Gorge.

Since then, Georgia has played a role in many movies.

Currently, Universal Pictures is in Atlanta filming scenes for Identity Theft.

The Georgian Terrace Hotel will play a role in the film...


...though you may not recognize it since a careful lookout for props indicates that the hotel will sport a new name for the film:

In short, The Georgian Terrace's identity has been stolen.

Amusingly, this map positioned behind the set desk says "St. Louis" but the magazines on the desk say "Atlanta."

Other Atlanta locations include the Georgia Aquarium, which also appeared in The Last Song (a movie I do not recommend) with the suggestion that it was located on Tybee Island.


Identify Theft "stars two well-known actors, Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy,” said Doug Vaught, Chair of the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance. “It’s a comedy wrapped around a compelling and timely story about a cash-strapped father seeking a shortcut out of his struggles.”

According to a press release, Identity Theft finds Bateman as a happily married man with a loving wife (Amanda Peet) and two adorable moppets (We Bought A Zoo’s Maggie Elizabeth Jones and real-life acting sibling Mary-Charles Jones) who discovers that a clever criminal has swiped his identity. But when he confronts the perpetrator (McCarthy), he instead finds more of a wake-up call than justice.

In early July the production crew for Identity Theft will head south to film scenes in St. Marys, Georgia.

I look forward to watching it.

Free Lunch @ McDonald's Winners

To contact us Click HERE
Sponsored Post

Congratulations to winners of the Free Lunch contest: Claudia, Kelli, Marta, Tracy and Lauren. Watch your mailboxes, ladies!

Each winner will have lunch on me this summer! McDonald's has delicious, affordable lunch options, including classics like the Big Mac, fun chicken McNuggets and tasty favorites like the Southern Style Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Each winner will each receive a $10 Arch card, courtesy of The Greater Atlanta McDonald's Operators Association.



Winners' names were drawn randomly, but each had a great comment:

"I love the fact the McDonald's includes apple slices with their Happy Meals now at no additional cost. Believe it or not, my kids love it more than their fries," wrote Claudia.

"My favorite item from McDonald's is their Latte. They are better than Starbucks and even better is the price," said Marta.

"I like the fact McDonald's has healthy choice. It is a routine on Saturday mornings for my son and I stop in at McDonald's. He usually gets Fruit & Maple oatmeal and get my favorite mango smoothie," posted Kelli.

"There are few things in the world better than McDonald's french fries. Even more upscale restaurants have a hard time beating them!" noted Tracy.

"My girls love the McNuggets with ranch," said Lauren.

This summer, McDonald's challenges workers to put an end to the working lunch and starting eating it at McDonald's.

For up-to-the-minute deals and yummy giveaways, follow @McDonaldsATL on Twitter.


The Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association (GAMOA) partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about their lunch menu items. As part of this program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the use of the products. GAMOA believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. GAMOA policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and voucher fulfillment will be handled by a third party.

Free Lunch @ McDonald's Winners

To contact us Click HERE
Sponsored Post

Congratulations to winners of the Free Lunch contest: Claudia, Kelli, Marta, Tracy and Lauren. Watch your mailboxes, ladies!

Each winner will have lunch on me this summer! McDonald's has delicious, affordable lunch options, including classics like the Big Mac, fun chicken McNuggets and tasty favorites like the Southern Style Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Each winner will each receive a $10 Arch card, courtesy of The Greater Atlanta McDonald's Operators Association.



Winners' names were drawn randomly, but each had a great comment:

"I love the fact the McDonald's includes apple slices with their Happy Meals now at no additional cost. Believe it or not, my kids love it more than their fries," wrote Claudia.

"My favorite item from McDonald's is their Latte. They are better than Starbucks and even better is the price," said Marta.

"I like the fact McDonald's has healthy choice. It is a routine on Saturday mornings for my son and I stop in at McDonald's. He usually gets Fruit & Maple oatmeal and get my favorite mango smoothie," posted Kelli.

"There are few things in the world better than McDonald's french fries. Even more upscale restaurants have a hard time beating them!" noted Tracy.

"My girls love the McNuggets with ranch," said Lauren.

This summer, McDonald's challenges workers to put an end to the working lunch and starting eating it at McDonald's.

For up-to-the-minute deals and yummy giveaways, follow @McDonaldsATL on Twitter.


The Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association (GAMOA) partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about their lunch menu items. As part of this program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the use of the products. GAMOA believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. GAMOA policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and voucher fulfillment will be handled by a third party.

Free Lunch @ McDonald's Winners

To contact us Click HERE
Sponsored Post

Congratulations to winners of the Free Lunch contest: Claudia, Kelli, Marta, Tracy and Lauren. Watch your mailboxes, ladies!

Each winner will have lunch on me this summer! McDonald's has delicious, affordable lunch options, including classics like the Big Mac, fun chicken McNuggets and tasty favorites like the Southern Style Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Each winner will each receive a $10 Arch card, courtesy of The Greater Atlanta McDonald's Operators Association.



Winners' names were drawn randomly, but each had a great comment:

"I love the fact the McDonald's includes apple slices with their Happy Meals now at no additional cost. Believe it or not, my kids love it more than their fries," wrote Claudia.

"My favorite item from McDonald's is their Latte. They are better than Starbucks and even better is the price," said Marta.

"I like the fact McDonald's has healthy choice. It is a routine on Saturday mornings for my son and I stop in at McDonald's. He usually gets Fruit & Maple oatmeal and get my favorite mango smoothie," posted Kelli.

"There are few things in the world better than McDonald's french fries. Even more upscale restaurants have a hard time beating them!" noted Tracy.

"My girls love the McNuggets with ranch," said Lauren.

This summer, McDonald's challenges workers to put an end to the working lunch and starting eating it at McDonald's.

For up-to-the-minute deals and yummy giveaways, follow @McDonaldsATL on Twitter.


The Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association (GAMOA) partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about their lunch menu items. As part of this program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the use of the products. GAMOA believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. GAMOA policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and voucher fulfillment will be handled by a third party.

Travel Annoyances

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Travel as often as I do and things that perhaps were once perplexing surprises grow into pet peeves.

This is perhaps partly due to the fact that the hotel industry seems to have adopted a global copycat approach to doing business. One hotel retires its gaudy polyester bedspreads and replaces them with white, (thankfully) washable coverlets and it seems innovative for about two seconds because blink and suddenly every hotel on earth is doing the exact same thing. Not that I'm complaining, I never liked the synthetic circa-1970s bedding and I've seen enough of CSI to know better than to touch it. That change was a good one. But why have all the wall-mounted streamlined blow dryers now been replaced with bulky blow dryers with long cords, stored in cloth bags with long cords that are tucked into obscure nooks? Now each morning starts with a scavenger hunt for the damn thing followed by a Survivor-style knot-untying challenge all while my hair is dripping wet. Not fun.

Here are my top travel annoyances. I'm sure to encounter more; consider this a first draft.

1. Parents ignoring their children's unruly behaviors in public spaces and vendors tolerating it.

2. Hotels that charge a fee for Internet access. It should be free. Ironically, it is frequently free at cheap hotels, so why not more upscale ones?

3. Turndown service. Don't short-sheet my bed, hide the blankets and pretend it's fancy.

4. Hotel rooms in which the TV, radio and/or lights are already turned on upon my arrival. This is an unnecessary use of energy and also makes it appear the room may be occupied by some other guest.

5. An alarm clock buzzing in my hotel room at some odd and inconvenient hour for which I did not set it.

6. Air-conditioners set to freezing temperatures.

7. Blow dryers stored in a cloth bag with long cords that require time-consuming unentanglement...though that's better than not having a blow dryer available at all.

Free Lunch @ McDonald's Winners

To contact us Click HERE
Sponsored Post

Congratulations to winners of the Free Lunch contest: Claudia, Kelli, Marta, Tracy and Lauren. Watch your mailboxes, ladies!

Each winner will have lunch on me this summer! McDonald's has delicious, affordable lunch options, including classics like the Big Mac, fun chicken McNuggets and tasty favorites like the Southern Style Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Each winner will each receive a $10 Arch card, courtesy of The Greater Atlanta McDonald's Operators Association.



Winners' names were drawn randomly, but each had a great comment:

"I love the fact the McDonald's includes apple slices with their Happy Meals now at no additional cost. Believe it or not, my kids love it more than their fries," wrote Claudia.

"My favorite item from McDonald's is their Latte. They are better than Starbucks and even better is the price," said Marta.

"I like the fact McDonald's has healthy choice. It is a routine on Saturday mornings for my son and I stop in at McDonald's. He usually gets Fruit & Maple oatmeal and get my favorite mango smoothie," posted Kelli.

"There are few things in the world better than McDonald's french fries. Even more upscale restaurants have a hard time beating them!" noted Tracy.

"My girls love the McNuggets with ranch," said Lauren.

This summer, McDonald's challenges workers to put an end to the working lunch and starting eating it at McDonald's.

For up-to-the-minute deals and yummy giveaways, follow @McDonaldsATL on Twitter.


The Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association (GAMOA) partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about their lunch menu items. As part of this program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the use of the products. GAMOA believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. GAMOA policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and voucher fulfillment will be handled by a third party.

Public House

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Put down your fork and drive to Public House in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Because you have simply got to taste the fried chicken livers, grits and Tabasco butter.


This is one of the best dishes I've encountered in quite some time. What's more, the restaurant has a great vibe that's a satisfying mix of relaxed and swanky. The food and the environs represent the best of contemporary Southern dining.

If liver makes you squeamish, this dish will likely win you over. It's that good. The crispy coating transforms the liver into a crunchy treat. The hot sauce adds a zippy contrast and grits round out the flavors.

Bottom Line: Fantastic.

Bomb Beer

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Georgia is the second state in the U.S. whereit’s possible to buy Bomb Beer. After the brand’s successful debut in New York,the company is eyeing national distribution in 2013.The brew is atraditional Bavarian-style lager and is known for its ever-evolving anddistinctive can design, created exclusively for the brand by noteworthy streetartists. “After successfully launching in Manhattan ,we were seeking to introduce Bomb Beer into another natural market,” said PatrickCarney, Bomb Beer president in the press release. “Atlanta was the obviouschoice, boasting a thriving culture of young artists and innovators who aregravitating towards ‘craftier’ beer options.” Headquartered in downtown Manhattan , Bomb Beerdraws its inspiration from local street artists, extreme sport enthusiasts,music fans and thrill seekers who live life to the fullest. Bomb Beer isavailable for purchase by the six-pack in select retailers and can be found onbar menus at exclusive restaurants and bars throughout New York and Georgia. BottomLine: Thumbs up.Bomb beeris priced at approx. $6.50 per six-pack.For moreinformation, visit www.bombbeer.com.

Honest Tea

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These days when soda is vilified, what's a thirsty person to do when water just won't satisfy cravings for flavor?

Honest Tea may be the answer.


I was recently sent six samples of Honest Tea to taste test and genuinely liked them all. This is big news considering that I typically dislike iced tea, too often finding it either bitter (unsweetened) or packed with sugar or high fructose corn syrup (sweetened).

I tried Honey Green Tea, (Not Too) Sweet Tea, Orange Mango, Pomegranate Red Tea and Just Green Tea (x 2). All were just sweet enough to erase bitterness without stepping into the too-sweet zone. Finding a favorite flavor that's under 100 calories and caffeine-free is no problem in this product line-up. My personal favorite was Honey Green Tea, but I wouldn't pass up any of others if someone handed me a cold bottle.

The company has a sense of humor, evident when reading the labels. (Ever wonder what honey is? You can find a graphic description.) On the glass bottles, the best joke awaits under the cap, where you can find 6-Word Memoirs printed, such as "Wedding dress lasted longer than husband" and "Bloom where you are planted." (OK, so some 6-word memoir authors may confuse the definition of "memoir" with "fortune cookie." Whatever, you may laugh.)

The Honest Tea Philosophy (as described in further detail on the company's website):

Real Tea
At Honest Tea, we embrace the simplicity of tea – water and leaves...For generations, cultures around the world have enjoyed tea grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers and we don’t see any reason to include them in our recipes today.

Real Taste
Our goal is to create a product in which the true taste of the leaves comes through. We don’t pulverize, process, or concentrate our tea leaves. Instead we brew the whole leaf, a way that Shen Nung would still recognize. We add a touch of organic cane sugar – just enough to accentuate the tea’s natural flavor.

Honest
We strive to live up to our name in the way we conduct our business. We do this whether we are working with growers and suppliers, answering consumer questions or trying to leave a lighter environmental footprint. In addition to being named one of The Better World Shopping Guide's "Ten Best Companies on the Planet based on their overall social and environmental record," Honest Tea was also listed as one of PlanetGreen.com's "Top 7 Green Corporations of 2010."

To learn more, visit honesttea.com.

Bottom Line: Thumbs up.

P.S. Please recycle your empty bottles. Thank you!

Campagnolo

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Campagnolo Restaurant + Bar is now open in the gayborhood of Midtown Atlanta. The stunning interior space would certainly meet Thom Filicia's approval. The space has a peaceful ambiance which sets the stage for a relaxed meal, and once you step inside you feel a contemporary Italian world away from the busy intersection nearby--which is quite an accomplishment. Outdoor seating is available, but why on a hot summer's eve you'd opt for a table near the road over the air conditioned environment indoors is beyond my understanding.

"Campagnolo" is Italian for Peasant, and this restaurant is the sister to Peasant Bistro. Once you know that, the name makes sense though it is a mouthful and our server admitted that it took him a month to perfect the pronunciation. I will not try. In our condo, we call this place the Italian Peasant and you're welcome to do the same.

The parking situation can be confusing. Just pull into the driveway near Zocalo and use the valet.

Once settled comfortably into our booth, we sipped the Campagnolo Martini ($10), a mix of gin, dry vermouth, St. Germaine, creme de violette and orange bitters, and a Negroni ($9), a mix of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.
Cozzo (Mussels) with sweet vermouth, tomato, scallions and ciabatta bread ($12). The sauce was delicious. If you order this, I suggest you ask for the bread to be served unbuttered; get butter on the side if you must, but odds are you'll just want to sop up the sauce.
Caprese salad ($8) adds roasted garlic to the traditional tomato, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar combination:
Lasagna Matta ($15) is not quite traditional with beef bolognese, bechamel, mozzarella and Parmesan:
My personal favorite dish of the evening, Orecchiette ($10/$16) is mixed with house sausage, broccoli rabe, cherry tomatoes and Parmesan:

Bottom Line: The newest Peasant offers a pleasant environment in which to dine.

Serpas True Food

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I hadn't been to Serpas True Food since the grand opening celebration a few years ago, so recently checked it out. I was impressed. Chef Scott Serpas is a friendly guy who clearly knows his way around the kitchen.

The Kitty Kiernan cocktail ($9) mixes Michael Collins Irish Whiskey with golden beet puree, punt e mes, orange bitters and fresh lemon. It's a truly fantastic drink:
The spring salad featured fresh strawberries, goat cheese and candied pecans and was delicious, but we both really loved the calamari ($10) which was cooked to perfection and flavored with just the right about of spicy heat:
For entrees Dean ordered a venison steak and I chose the mixed mushrooms. Both were topped with greens, which makes the photos a bit confusing but trust me it all tasted great:
We finished every bite of this rich chocolate dessert:

Bottom Line: Highly recommended.

Whiskey Blue

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The black raspberry martini at Whiskey Blue, atop the W Hotel Buckhead, is an inspired blend of black raspberry vodka, fresh lime juice and mint that's topped off with Champagne. The taste is both stylish and smooth—a tasty match to the bar’s elegant design and swanky atmosphere.
The strawberry mojito adds sweetness to the classic mix of white rum, simple syrup and fresh lime juice:
Whiskey Blue's seasonal watermelon concoction is a personal favorite. The glass is rimmed with white pepper, which when reading the menu might strike concern as an odd note. Trust me, it works.
Bottom Line: Cheers!

Fuoco di Napoli

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The namesake pizza at Fuoco di Napoli in Buckhead is hot, and I'm not just talking temperature. It's HOT with spicy salami and hot peppers that dominate the sweeter toppings of San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil. Pick off the peppers and the pizza is still spicy hot since the oils from the peppers have soaked into the crust. It's delicious, but order extra water, beer or whatever it is that you like to quaff to quench thirst because you'll guzzle it down.

On a second visit we opted for the margherita. It was soothing by contrast.

The crusts here are foldable and crispy/chewy perfection.

Bottom Line: Delicious pizza served quick in a casual environment.

Peasant Bistro - Revisited

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There are several restaurants in downtown Atlanta that are popular with tourists because they serve Southern cuisine--though I highly recommend feasting on regional cuisine, at least two of the options should be shut down immediately. Southern cuisine can be divine, don't settle for yuck. If you are hosting an out-of-town or out-of-state visitor, or are one yourself, know that there are many great options for Southern fare including Peasant Bistro.

Peasant Bistro serves tasty food in an upscale contemporary Southern setting, plus it's convenient to top tourist attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and my personal favorite City Segway Tours Atlanta. So spend the day exploring the city, then before dinner shower up at your hotel--as long as you're taking my advice, book your stay at The Glenn Hotel--and then head to the restaurant. You won't need a car, getting there is a pleasant stroll through Centennial Olympic Park.

For starters, consider the crab cakes which are packed with meat:

And while there are as many versions of shrimp & grits throughout the South as there are chefs, this version is a scrumptious balance of spicy and sweet:

Bottom Line: Upscale Southern dining conveniently located to Atlanta's main tourist attractions.

Crown Royal XR

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Crown Royal recently unveiled the second installment in its Extra Rare Whisky Series, a blend that includes select remaining whiskies from the LaSalle Distillery in Quebec, Canada.

Crown Royal XR marks the second Extra Rare whisky for the brand. As part of this on-going Series, each Crown Royal XR blend will be created including a batch of rare whiskies and distributed for a limited time.

The spirit is handcrafted by Crown Royal Master Blender Andrew MacKay, for whom the new installment of XR marks a personal legacy. The LaSalle Distillery, which opened in 1924, is where he began his career as an apprentice.

LaSalle is also significant to Crown Royal, as it was the first distillery opened by the Bronfman family, the folks who are responsible for creating the original Crown Royal in 1939 to commemorate King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Canada.

Andrew MacKay is responsible for blending the yearly formulations of all the Crown Royal whisky variants. He achieved the status of Master Blender in 2002 after years working as a Seagram distillery lab assistant, a two-year detour into a geology career, and two years as a blender for Crown Royal.

Crown Royal was my grandpa’s favorite indulgence, so I leapt at the chance to speak with MacKay about Crown Royal XR.

Q. How is this second installment differentfrom the first?
A. It’s differentseveral ways. The original was crafted from the Waterloo Distillery whiskies.As stocks began to run down I was asked, what would you do now? I couldn’t makeit the same. I looked through all the inventory and found little bits andpieces left over so to speak that had survived over years, including some ryefrom the LaSalle Distillery. I thought that would help create something new anddifferent with rye characteristics of clove and cinnamon and built on that withother base whiskies including some bourbon-style. I ended up with a nice, richCrown Royal Extra Rare with a top bit of floral note.

The fact that this is comingout of the LaSalle Distillery and has rye in the blend is what’s so special andis the main thrust of what defines this installment in the XR series.

Q. Ryes are very popular now, so is it acoincidence there’s rye in this blend?

A. Not really. I’vealways liked ryes. I was already thinking in those terms about a year and ahalf ago. The fact that there’s now a tendency to reinforce rye in market justhelped.

Q. What about ryes appeal to you?

A. I like the spicynotes, the richness they bring. Good rye has a nice rich yet smooth flavor. Thisis blended whisky, so it won’t hit you like ton of bricks. It’s designed to bemuch smoother. You get that impact in the mouth, with smooth character. The challengefor me is to balance flavors so you still get a creamy smooth mouthfeel yet stilllet the bourbon and rye flavors come through. That’s what this one is allabout.

Q. What’s your recommended ‘proper tastingmethod’?

A. The stock answer isany way they like. But the way I would do it is with one or two very small icecubes. In the lab we look at 20 percent alcohol strength; it’s bottled at 40percent. In the lab we let it sit 20 minutes in a covered glass and thenappraise it. Home consumers starting at 40 percent will initially experiencestrong vanilla, wood and creaminess; as the ice cubes begin to melt it dilutesthe spirit so other odors pop out and make an appearance over time. You don’twant too much dilution or it becomes thin and woody with too much water but witha few ice cubes and sipped slowly the experience is full.

Crown Royal XR is available nationwide for alimited time at a suggested retail price of $129.99 for a 750ml bottle. Formore information visit www.crownroyal.com.Please enjoy responsibly.