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The Scoop – Summer 2019

SUMMER READING

Hotbox

So after you throw your fabulous summer soiree, or perhaps before, pick up a copy of the Lee Brothers latest book, Hotbox: Inside Catering, the Food World’s Riskiest Business.

Hotbox provides an inside look at the drama of high-end catering business in New York. Matt and Ted Lee spent four years working along side some of the industry’s most sought after catering chefs, preparing food for elite cocktail parties often from a tent pitched on a loading dock amidst a sea of chaos. It’s a fascinating look at what happens behind the scenes.

The Charleston natives rose to fame by creating a mail-order catalogue business to order boiled peanuts and other Southern pantry staples while away at college in the Northeast.

Soon after a travel editor approached the duo and asked them to take a road-trip through South Carolina in search of great food and write about it. The rest, as they say, is history. They are now the host of a popular cable TV show, “Southern Uncovered with The Lee Bros,” as well as food contributors for several magazines and have written several cookbooks.

www.mattleeandtedlee.com

ATHFEST

It’s no secret that Athens is known for its’ music scene.

June 21-23

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The weekend of June 21-23 the best local and regional musicians and visual artists will converge in downtown Athens for the The three-day festival supports music and arts education, generating much needed funding for it’s non-profit, AthFest Educates, and raising awareness. To date, the annual event has issued more than $330,000 in grants.

Many performances on the outdoor stages are free and open to all ages! Indoor performances, as well as Club Crawl tickets, is available for purchase.

This year’s lineup includes The Norm, Don Chambers, DK, Seline Haze, Misnomer, Hunter Morris & Blue Blood, DJ Kountry and more.

For more information visit athfest.com.

GOBAR

Hey Bartender

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Throwing a party this summer and looking for a bartender to mix the perfect cocktail? Call the folks at GoBar. Founded by Athens native Payton Anderson, GoBar provides the convenience of a bartender to anyone and everyone – “no matter where you are.”

Simply supply the function and the alcohol and give them a call. It’s that easy! Each bartender knows how to provide a list of “standard” cocktails; specialty cocktails will be made upon request.

To book a bartender visit gobarservice.com

GETAWAYS

Birmingham, Alabama

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Millions swing by yearly to Georgia’s capital city to feel its historical significance and get a taste of it’s vibrant culture. With abundant museums, a booming restaurant scene, ample green space and a nightlife culture full of live music venues and comedy clubs, Atlanta, is a city that is filled with quirky, fun and diverse areas to explore.

WHERE TO STAY

The Ellis Hotel, Atlanta’s Chicest Boutique Hotel. Choose a historic Peachtree Street landmark with a legendary past and an impeccable tradition for guest service, or a chic and stylish boutique decked out with every modern luxury. The Ellis Hotel offers enhanced experiences that you can enjoy such as Fresh-Air floor by Aerus with a private-access entry, a purified breathing environment that is allergen-free so that you can enjoy the health benefits of breathing purified, fresh air during your visit.

There is also a Wellness Room by Nikken Health that brings seven wellness benefits right into your guest room, designed for a great night’s sleep.

Relax and savor your favorite beverage and market fresh, farm-to-table cuisine in the new Terrace Bistro and Lounge, or enjoy the Bistro patio right on Atlanta’s famous Peachtree Street. Happy Hour (open to the public) from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. nightly, features $6 small plates and $6 select specialty cocktails and Ellis Hotel guests can enjoy $2 wine tastings each evening from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Located at 176 Peachtree St. NW. Visit
www.ellishotel.com.

At The Social Goat Bed and Breakfast, you get sterling Southern hospitality, plus a menagerie of goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, goldfish, and rescue cats. The rambling Queen Anne Victorian homestead, urban barnyard is set on three-quarters of an acre near sprawling Grant Park and offers a charming selection of master suites and cottages outfitted with pine floors and French antiques. When the host tells you breakfast is prepared using farm-fresh eggs, you’ll know exactly where they came from. Just one block from Grant Park, guests can enjoy all the attractions and much more while visiting. www.thesocialgoatbandb.com.


Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown
. In 2004, the first Hotel Indigo property opened its doors across from the Fabulous Fox Theatre in the eclectic arts and entertainment district of Midtown Atlanta. Designed by famed architect John Portman, Hotel Indigo’s soaring atria and cloud- grazing glass elevators grace skyscrapers around the world. Portman shaped the city’s skyline throughout the years and today, the architect has reimagined a one of kind, original design. Hotel Indigo Downtown nods to Portman’s midcentury design that merges seamlessly with the latest technology and amenities. Easy access to downtown’s biggest draws including AmericasMart, another Portman work and an accessible via skywalk makes this a perfect location. The gleaming 206-room hotel is walking distance to the Georgia Aquarium and 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park. Located at 230 Peachtree Street NE. Visit www.ihg.com.

WHAT TO EAT

Steve Palmer, an Atlanta native owns fifteen bars and restaurants in the South East including Atlanta’s Oak Steakhouse, and Colletta. As part of the Indigo Road Restaurant Group, Palmer also runs a nonprofit, Ben’s Friends (named after fellow chef Ben Murray, who sadly took his own life after years of alcohol dependence) and gives culinary professionals the emotional support they need to continue their work while providing a spiritually whole and physically safe environment.

Oak Steakhouse Atlanta presents a fresh take on the classic steakhouse and offers contemporary small plates and entrees that celebrate Georgian ingredients fresh from neighboring farmers and purveyors in a modern and refined environment. Oak is passionate about supporting local farmers and fishermen and proudly showcases their bounty throughout their menu. Located in Alpharetta’s new premier community, Avalon, Oak Steakhouse house favorites include housemade ricotta gnudi, a seasonal vegetable plate, daily fish selection, Grassroots Farms roasted half-chicken, grilled swordfish steak and a whole fried lobster. Oak’s wine list highlights California Cabernet and Old World reds. The restaurant also offers a curated selections of beers, available on tap and in bottles, from local breweries. Located at 950 Third Street, Alpharetta. Visit www.oaksteakhouseatlanta.com.


Colletta is a modern Italian restaurant and The Indigo Road’s newest endeavor. Led by Chef Jason Stern, Colletta presents new interpretations of Italian cuisine using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s cuisine draws influence largely from Northern Italy and reflects Chef Michael Perez’s novel interpretations of Italian food.

Following Italian dining traditions, Colletta’s “For the Table” menu offers options for a communal, family style dining experience. A full menu is also available a la carte. Colletta’s bar also opens to the restaurant’s courtyard, with an added service window to serve cocktails to guests strolling in Avalon. Located at 900 Third Street, Alpharetta. Visit
www.collettarestaurant.com.

WHAT TO EXPLORE

Walk the Eastside Beltline. The Beltline, a historic railway corridor turned multi-use trail and green space, is one of the South’s most ambitious revitalization projects, linking 45 neighborhoods in Atlanta across 22 miles. Because it’s so popular with bikers, joggers, dog walkers, and tourists, you’ll want to get an early start (preferably on a weekday).

You can try a Stumptown fix at Chrome Yellow Coffee + Dry Goods, soak up some sunshine and a cold brew on the outdoor patio, then take a peek at the boutique in back. Owners Kyle and Kelly Taylor have stocked their hip space with brands like Ace & Jig, Rogue Territory, plus a peppering of ceramics, candles and indie coffee magazines.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Learn about The American Civil Rights Movement and its significance for the progress of human rights across the world. In June 2014, the $68 million National Center for Civil and Human Rights welcomed its first visitors to a landmark downtown building designed by Phil Freelon. Emotional exhibits include one by Tony award-–winning playwright George C. Wolf about the American Civil Rights movement, in which visitors pull up stools at a mock lunch counter and imagine the pain faced by peaceful protestors while their seats rattle from fictional kicks and their headphones echo with abuse. Visitors leave inspired and empowered to join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their communities. Located at 100 Ivan Allen JR. Blvd. www.civilandhumanrights.org.