Holiday Libations

Tonight, I am hosting the Fourth Annual Girls Night Cookie Exchange at the condo. To say I am excited is an understatement. I have been thinking about this for weeks, and it's finally here!

While I will be making a special mulled wine for the ladies tonight, I think we all appreciate a good beer here and there, too, and especially at the holiday season. That's why TAP 1180's upcoming beer dinner caught my eye. Sweetwater beer paired with an awesome seasonal menu? I love it! 

Photo via TAP website

Check out the menu: 

420 + Seared New Bedford Scallop
Fennel puree, grapefruit bubbles, cucumber & mache

BROWN + Adam's Gnudi
Rosewood farm's Billy ragout, crushed pecorino, olive oil

LowRYEder + Curried Chicken & Sweet Potato "Pot Pie"
Springer Mountain Farms Chicken, coconut curry, sweet potatoes, flakey pie crust

Exodous + Roasted Venison Loin
Caramelized parsnips & carrots, sprout leaves, date and coffee puree, coriander jus

Festive Ale + Chocolate & Banana Éclairs
Chocolate ganache, banana custard, crushed macadamia nuts, banana chips

Nom nom nom. My nearest and dearest know that 420 is my go-to beer of choice (lo be the day that I don't live within Sweetwater distributor regions ... they just MUST expand nationally by then!), but any Sweetwater is good by me. 

This special dinner at TAP will be held next week, Tuesday, December 18th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person, all inclusive ... not a bad deal for five courses plus beers! I think this would make an excellent "holiday gift" for that special someone if you are still early in the dating spectrum  -- no need to stress over finding that perfect gift. 

Happy Eating (and Drinking!)!

Disclosure: No connection to TAP -- just wanted to share a great deal! 
 

Don't Forget: Cocktails in the Garden

As the summer winds down, there are a few weeks left of the fabulous Cocktails in the Gardens events over at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I speak from many years of experience that these evenings are one of the best ways to spend a lazy late-summer evening with friends or loved ones! This has been one of my favorite no-brainer memberships to reinstate each year.

Buckhead Betty tip: Use your admission to go towards a year-long membership by stopping by the membership tables on your way out. You will pay for it in three visits, and the first one is already done! A dual-membership is even easier to pay off, and you get easy (and free) date ideas for a whole year, hooray!

Cocktails has been a PR Girls fav for years!
Note to self: don't stand next to the tall girls in photos ;)

The Cocktails events typically run through September, when they then switch into Scarecrows in the Gardens mode and serve up seasonal beers, instead. Equally as fun, but it gets cooler at night pretty quickly, so stop by in September in order to enjoy the last few warm evenings :)

Get more info for your visit here: http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/ 

Note: I did not receive any compensation in exchange for this mention. I just love this place and want to share the info with you, reader friends! 

Feel the Chill

Atlanta is such an ever-changing town with restaurants and bars. I only have to drive one minute down the road to see something new every few weeks. While I love the old stand-bys, I also love that you never know what cool, new place is going to open up around the corner.

While I heard about the Czar Ice Bar a month or so ago (from my mom - go Mom!), I hadn't heard much else about this new sushi + vodka spot until they reached out to me earlier this week with an invite to attend a tasting evening. You all know how I love me some V, so I was of course in! I also love sushi, and have been looking for a nice "date night appropriate" sushi spot nearby ever since Bluepointe closed (sad days).

Czar Ice Bar opened up about two months ago in a space which used to be the bar for Andrews Upstairs. Located directly next to that popular music destination, it's no wonder that Czar has a great late-night appeal and a feel of city glam.

Feeling the warmth of this crazy hot heatwave hitting A-town? Grab a seat by the bar, which, no joke, is made of ice!

If you are a vodka-drinker, your head is about to spin. The Czar Ice Bar menu has not just one huge side of their menu dedicated to the clear liquid, but half of the front side of the menu, too! We sampled a variety of V last night when we were there, but my favorite was the 7even-7even-0h. Clever pun of our phone area code aside (I love that kind of thing!), I loved seeing the bartender flambe a piece of grapefruit to rub down the edges of the glass.

 

 

BB Tip: If they don't bring you any, ask for some water, too, because even though many of these vodkas are as smooth as water, they are not water! An easy mistake for your mind to make, especially after one or two or three. Preach. 

We loved that the vodka flights came out in their very own ice mold to keep things as cold as possible!

The sushi? Also fantastic. While we didn't try any of the nigiri or sashimi, my man has tried it there on another recent occasion and said it was some of the best he's had around town. We tried a lot of their special menu items last night, instead, like the Lobster Roll (so good):

 

  

A serious caveat -- this is a vodka and sushi bar. If you don't like one or the other, there isn't much on the menu for you. They do have sodas, some beers and wine, but really don't offer many other liquors.

Not a fan of sushi? Their spring rolls and goyza dumplings were fantastic, too, and could make a good meal when combined with an order of edamame.

This wall of vodka makes me happy :)

So, our review? A must-do if you are a vodka lover, and a great date night spot for some sushi-craving fans. They have a late-night dress code, so don't expect to walk in with flip flops or shorts on. It's a good spot to leisurely hang out, too. Grab a spot on the couches and sip some V while you wait for your sushi. 

We can't wait to go back! Thanks, Czar Ice Bar!

Disclosure: I was invited to a complimentary tasting event and was able to try menu items that appealed to us. All opinions are my own. 

Last Minute Love Potion

Are you ladies and gents all ready for the day of romance tomorrow?! I am! I am SUCH a sucker for holidays. You should see the condo. It is decked out with pink and red and hearts abound! All in a tasteful, decor-chic style though, of course ;) Even when I was 100%-forever-single (and there was a long, long time of that, mind you), I loved Valentine's Day. It's hard to hate a day filled with X's and O's.

Just in case you are still looking for that perfect way to seal the deal (ha!) tomorrow, here's a fun idea, courtesy of the W Hotel in Buckhead:

Whiskey Blue at W Atlanta – Buckhead will be bringing romance to the rooftop with champagne specials, complimentary chocolate dipped strawberries and signature Valentine’s Day cocktails. Valid through February 14.

You can head to the W to grab this drink, but if you are already wrapped up with your special someone (wink, wink) and can't make it into town, the kind people at the W shared two very special drink recipes with me for you to make at home, too! Check them out below. And Slainte!

Oh wait. Next holiday, Katherine, next holiday :)

Candy Heart

In a Shaker Glass add:

1 ½ oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or Baileys

1 ½ oz. Crème De Cacao

½ oz. Vodka

½ oz. Half and Half

Add ice shake well and strain in to a martini glass

Part 2 - In a shaker glass add:

1 ½ oz. Strawberry Puree

¾ oz. Fresh Sweet n Sour

¼ oz. Simple Syrup

2 ½ oz. Whip Cream

Add ice. Shake VERY well and slowly strain layer on top of the martini glass filled with the chocolate martini drink. Garnish with a strawberry half.

Love Potion #9

In a Shaker Glass add:

1 oz. Stoli Vanilla

½ oz. Watermelon Pucker

1 oz. Cranberry Juice

1 oz. Pineapple Juice

Add ice shake well and strain in to a Champagne flute about ¾ to the top.  Top with Champagne.  Garnish with a strawberry half.

Movie and Mangia

There are few things I find more enjoyable than delivery pizza on my couch on a rainy Friday night, a fresh Netflix (or whatever they are now going to call it...) DVD all ready to go in the player. Movies and dinner are great separately, but dinner AND a movie? You betcha, especially when they are at the same time for good prices.

Much of the time, though, I want to go OUT for a movie, especially to see the ones not yet available online (don't even get me started on this new streaming vs. DVD controversy that punk company created!). Here in Atlanta, like in most cities, though, making a night out of dinner and a movie can be a tough thing to plan out logistically, especially knowing the traffic that builds up on weekend nights around the hot spots!

Have you ever been to one of those dinner-and-a-movie theaters? They are quite popular, especially since you can do everything in one place! I have only been to one of these types of theaters once in my life, and had a mixed opinion. The drink menu was definitely tempting, but we got there too late into the previews (read: Katherine's typical arrival time, haha) to place any orders. Sad days. But while I wasn't eating that night, I almost felt as if I was, because all I could smell were the "gourmet nachos" they were trying to pass off as "dinner." Nachos for $12? Come on. That is not gourmet. That is bar food. They might have been awesome, true, but something about the whole scene made me expect a slightly higher caliber menu.

Such will not be the case, however, at the forthcoming CineBistro opening just up the road in the new Town Brookhaven complex. It is going to feature seven screening rooms, a big old-Hollywood glamour theme (shown above) and both first-run and independent films. All of that plus what sounds like is going to be top-notch food along with a bar and lounge where you can gather before and after the show. Katherine is becoming very interested...

According to the fine folks behind this big opening, the CinéBistro experience will include:

• The ultimate dinner-and-a-movie night out for those guests 21 and older with proper ID
• First-run, art and independent films with first shows beginning daily at 12 p.m. 
• All digital projection on 40- to 50-feet wide wall-to-wall screens 
• State-of-the-art surround sound audio 
• Stadium-style seating featuring ultra-luxurious, high-back leather rocking chairs and love seats with attached swivel tables, accommodating approximately 100 guests per theater 
• Reserved seat selection and advanced ticket purchase (highly recommended due to demand) at www.cobbcinebistro.com or in person at the CinéBistro concierge desk 
• $10 ticket pricing before 4 p.m. and $12 after 4 p.m. available seven days a week 
• Full-service, in-theatre dining available to those arriving 30 minutes prior to scheduled show time 
• Full bar and lounge open to guests not seeing a movie 
• Four 3-D screens, closed caption and assisted audio 
• An outdoor patio overlooking Town Brookhaven 

But what about that food? I admit, I was a bit skeptical, but then was extremely pleased to see that it is going to be an American bistro-inspired menu emphasizing high-quality, freshly prepared dishes made in-house daily. “Preview” appetizers include oven baked goat cheese (yum!), “The Bay” crab dip with aged cheddar pull-apart rolls, bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with gorgonzola and lamb lollies with potato sauce, fresh thyme and pomegranate glaze.

All of that alone got my attention, but then hearing that main entrees range from pan-seared Atlantic salmon and habanero glazed pork tenderloin to blackened ribeye and lump blue crab cakes, and I thought, DONE! I am going to have to try this place out. It sounds a lot like what Fox Sports Grill, STATS and STRIP have done for the Atlanta "sports bar" scene, so why not try this place out, too?

Here are the details: CinéBistro at Town Brookhaven opens September 23 and is located at 1004 Town Blvd., Suite 1070, Atlanta, Ga. 30319. It will be open seven days a week. Parking is available throughout the property as well as at an adjacent lot specific for CinéBistro guests.

For more information, visit www.cobbcinebistro.com or call 404.333.0740.

So, friends, will you be checking this out for your next date night or girls night on the town?

Disclosure: I received info about this theater from the CineBistro team, but did not receive compensation in exchange for this post. 

Laugh and Dine for Dad's

This event sounds so fun, I just couldn't help but pass it along. Especially since I initially thought it was Father's Day-related, but then realized that was just my tired brain not reading things right ;) Whatever, this still could be a super fun thing to "gift" your Dad if you are still searching for something for tomorrow's big day!

Cheers to my friend Wendy at @ATL_Events for being behind this awesome event! Go Wendy!

Dine Out for Dad's
Thursday, 6/23 from 5:30pm-10pm at Sauced

The run-down: Similar to other local dine-out events for non-profits, proceeds from the night go towards Dad's Garage. BUT you also get a 50% off ticket to see a show that night at Dad's Garage, too! You can't beat that. This is a great dinner-and-a-show date night idea.

Betty Tip: Guys, do the whole deal with the waiter ahead of time so you can impress your lady with your planning "skillz." 

Here are the two show options that night at Dad's:
8:00pm – sLaughter Camp
10:30pm - Uncomfortably Up Close and Personal

Make a reservation at Sauced by calling 404.688.6554. Then save your spot at Dad's too - purchase a ticket for that evening at the student price. You'll receive a coupon with your bill at Sauced that we'll verify at the door. 

Get the full event details on Facebook - and get ready to laugh while helping a great cause!

Another 101 Things To Do...

... But this time it's especially for you love-birds out there. Or at least anyone who has a partner-in-crime of sorts, be it a BFF or a sister or a brother or cousin who might be willing to check some of these items off with you. I say some, because really, some are definitely reserved for that special someone in your life (e.g. writing a note together to your future grandkids, switching sides of the bed...). Single and ready to mingle? Ignore those few outliers, because the rest of this list still rocks.

"Like" the Target Club Wedd page on Facebook to get access to the full app. You can check off the items you have done, mark items you want to do, and share all of them to your wall, too.

While we have already (technically) conquered things like the week at sea and the "giant" puzzle, my list of To-Do's now includes throwing a dart at a map and making dinner from that country, and skipping out of work some day to go bowling. Shh, don't tell anyone. I need to perfect my curve, after all. 

And all you non-relationship "I hate dating" type people? Suck it up and check it out, and consider it your own personal bucket list in the meantime :)

Which of these are on your To Do list? Anything particularly silly or fun?

Spend the Night in With Oscar

You are (virtually) looking at a girl that can't help but look for the absolute cheapest option for things (most of the time. Random splurges on J Crew and Nine West notwithstanding). It bugs me when I lose out on an extra few dollars of a sale here, or forget my coupon for the freebie dinner there.

That being said, I look for quality in most things I do and buy. I am not about to give up the good life in return for that extra buck. The perfect balance is somewhere right in between frugality and fabulousity.

The guys out there know that they can always charm us gals with a great date night. For girls like me, however, if it is a weeknight date night, I get an extra surge knowing that it's a good use of our time AND money. Call me silly, call me obsessed, I don't care. If you take advantage of that fun Groupon while I am with you, I will think you nothing short of genius.

I came across a random folder while doing some (overly-compulsive) spring cleaning last week. It's bright yellow color caught my eye first, and then the handwriting on the front. Mine, of course, but more so what it said -- "Things to Do and Fun Extras!" Oh, how simple my life once was before the days of Reader, instant 365 Things to Do emails and Scoutmob tweets. I, at one time, pulled interesting articles from magazines and newspapers and stored them right there, in my own file-able inspiration board.

Among other cute things stored within it's pockets, the folder held two similar articles that I thought particularly timely this week, even though I pulled them out of the AJC circa Summer 2007. What is timeless about them is that they are the kickoff to the perfect, cheap and worldly date night -- actually, make that 100 date nights, all of which can impress for both high quality and budgetary reasons.

May I present the American Film Institute's Top 100 Greatest Films OF ALL TIME. And not just one version, but two -- an updated list from 2007 that adds to the original list published in 1997, and a version that breaks out movies into genres. Pick a movie that you or your significant other haven't seen. Alternate choices each time you pull out the list. Or close your eyes and point and see which one comes up randomly.

So whether you are looking for fun, educational or just plain random date nights, the AFI list is a great jumping-off point for your video queue or trip to the video store. Pair an Italian flick with homemade pizza and vino. Pick up some popcorn and Twizzlers for the old comedies. However you do it, it will be a fun night with your significant other, a group of friends or totally by yourself.

Except for those creepo ones like Psycho. Better find at least one person to join you :)

Ready to get watching? Download these printable checklists straight from AFI: 
AFI Top 100 Movies 100th Anniversary Edition
AFI 10 Top 10 Movie Lists by Category 
All other AFI lists (Passions, Thrills, Laughs, etc.) are available here

Pizza Pizza!

Image Source

Over the last few years, I have become a master (mistress?) in the art of pizza making at-home on the cheap. Forget the pizza stones and dough from scratch. While those would be fun if I had more money and/or time, homemade pizza can be as easy as naming an Italian movie (Goodfellas!). And even better? It can be 100% indulgent, or 100% healthy -- whichever your pleasure for your evening in Napoli.

Looking for an unique date night idea? Build-your-own pizzas are creative and inexpensive, and allow for some much-desired quality time in the kitchen with your significant other. It's also great for those early date nights, because it's a relaxing and fun way to get to know each other.You can also make mini pizzas, or one big one with two sides of different toppings to keep it entertaining.

Here, a few of our favorite combinations to get you started. Think beyond basic cheese or pepperoni. Pizza is a blank slate, and is meant to be experimental!

Dough
If you don't have time to run past your local pizza shop (recommended! Try Fellini's here in town) for some, stop by Publix and grab theirs by the bakery counter. Dough only costs a few dollars when fresh.

Another great and cheap option -- Pillsbury's thin crust pizza crust. We used this over the weekend and were pleasantly surprised by how great it turned out, and for how few WW points, too. 1/5 of the pizza crust is only 5 points! It requires a 5-minute pre-bake, which works well if you have toppings to prep.

For whichever dough you use, spray a large baking sheet with Pam and stretch the dough out on it to meet the edges. Roll up the sides a tad to make the "crust."

Sauce
Sure you can go the jarred or canned route. But I prefer doing sauces more a la natural. Try a simple can of bottom-shelf crushed tomatoes, and drain out some of the liquid before spreading all over the top of your crust. This type of "sauce" is simple but gives a fantastically fresh flavor. Even better, skip the sauce and make your pizza white.

Toppings
This is where it gets fun. Here are some of my favorites.

• White pizza with mushrooms and spinach: Pick up the best mushrooms you can find. 
• Mexican breakfast pizza: Smash up drained black beans with a teaspoon of cumin, and spread on crust. Top with salsa verde (the green one) and shredded Mexican cheese. Bake about halfway (timing depends on which crust you use), then add 4-5 cracked eggs on top -- make a divet for each one so that they stay in place. Cook until eggs are over-easy and not wiggly. If desired, serve with shredded lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream.
• Mexican breakfast pizza, take two: We added a cup of chopped leeks to the bean mixture, and used taco sauce instead of salsa. Ah-maz-ing just as is!
• Meat lover's pizza: This one was for the man, since you can tell I don't mind going meatless with my pizzas :) Brown up reduced-fat sausage, adding Italian seasonings as you go. Layer crushed tomatoes, cooked sausage and pepperoni slices on top of crust, finishing with shredded Mozzarella cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and browning.
• Peppers and onions pizza: Saute sliced multi-colored peppers and onions until softened. Combine with cooked, sliced Italian sausage. Spread crushed tomato "sauce" and cover with sausage and peppers mixture. Top with shredded Mozzarella and finish up in the oven. 

Mangia!!

A Bajillion Date Night Ideas

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and many of us are booking up our calendars for the upcoming weekend, since the actual holiday falls on a Monday this year. In honor of this heart-warming day (or weekend, if you are lucky enough for a few days of fun!), I wanted to share some (though not an actual bajillion) date-night ideas with you courtesy of TheNest.com, one of my new favorite websites.

Sister site to TheKnot.com, The Nest is all about being the "go-to resource for busy couples starting their lives together." However, despite the coupley-angle, this site has a ton of great tips for gals and guys alike, no matter your Facebook Relationship status. Their recent list of "62 Ways to Add Color to Your Home" has me lusting over a Kelly green wall and the idea of stacking books by spine color and size. I also bookmarked the section where Consumer Reports comes in and gives expert advice on buying appliances, and the Savings Calculator looks like a great quick tool to have nearby. Cool!

So as we start seeing red hearts and roses all around, never fear if you are lacking in inspiration for a romantical date for two that sticks within your budgetary zone. Thanks to The Nest for these fabulous thought-starters!

• 20 dates under $20 - I love that they break it out by price level using a key. $ = $1-6, $$ - $7-14 and $$$ = $15-20.
• 5 delish date night dinner ideas - You can't get much cheaper than staying in for the evening and cooking up a gourmet meal for two. The risotto one sounds so fab.
• 6 great date ideas under $15 - These theme ideas are ueber-friendly to your wallet. The "People Watching" one is right up my alley for any weekend lazy morning.
• Romantic ideas for any budget - A bit more general, this list is a good spot to head if you need a jolt of inspiration and can figure out fine details on your own.
• 13 dinner-and-a-movie ideas -Any menu planned around Wedding Crashers sounds perfect to me!

V-day Dates: A Beautiful Serenade

While relaxing over the holidays, I had a chance to channel my inner child while playing with my 4 year old cousin. Maddie loves Disney as much as every little girl does, and so it was a treat for me to be able to sit down with her and watch Sleeping Beauty!

Sleeping Beauty is my absolute favorite Disney princess movie, and I haven't seen it in years. I love the beautiful movie and scenery, but then also love love LOVE Tchaikovsky's ballet upon which the movie is based. While I may not be actively playing the cello in any ensembles right now, listening to Tchaikovsky's music transports me back to the performances we gave back in the day playing the lyrical and challenging tempos of this great Russian composer. I was a big fan of his pieces, most of which have both melodic interludes and big orchestral finales (read: loud and fast!). Works like Capriccio Italien and Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet give me goosebumps, and they were fun to play, too.

Tchaikovsky left nothing behind when he composed the Sleeping Beauty ballet suite, and Disney incorporates the music flawlessly into that gorgeous movie. If you haven't seen it recently, I highly recommend renting it, and tuning in to the soundtrack behind the fun story. Grab your cousin, your niece or your daughter and have fun in the fairyland.

Another option that gets me all fluttery-heartbeat just thinking about it is seeing the Sleeping Beauty ballet live on stage! Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center is offering up just that opportunity, and just in time for the romantical Valentine's Day weekend. Tickets for Atlanta Ballet Presents the Sleeping Beauty start at an affordable $28, and run all Valentine's Day weekend long. They could be paired with pre-show drinks at area venues like Ray's on the River or South City Kitchen Vinings for a fantastic V-day date.

Guys, impress your gals with this adorable yet sophisticated (seriously, the symphony is a great date to show the girl you mean business!) option for a night on the town. It's never to early to start planning!

And girls, if you don't think your man will get the hint on his own, perhaps just leave this window open on your computer so that he just happens to see my recommendation :)