Pretty Southern

Author: Lauren

The 5 Best BuzzFeed Videos About the South

I’ll admit it – I love BuzzFeed. I’m a sucker for the creative lists with funny .gifs. Sure, the journalistic integrity of the subject matter is debatable, but the content is still funny y’all.

So a hot minute ago, my sister and her boyfriend came over on a Friday night, and after a few glasses of wine the boyfriend asks me “So have you seen the video of non-Southern people drinking bourbon for this first time?”

“Why no!” I replied. We popped up the iPad, poured another round, and had an outright giggle fest. After further review, I learned this video wasn’t in fact by BuzzFeed. It’s still hilarious though.

So after a bit of research (and a lot of laughs) watching BuzzFeed’s Taste Test series available on YouTube, I present to you the 5 best BuzzFeed Videos About the South.

Americans Try Southern Food For The First Time.

“I think all Southern food tastes like it’s prepared with love.” Damn right, son.

People Try Moonshine For The First Time

“That sounds like some college level shit right here.”

Problems Only Southerners Understand

That moment when you ask for sweet tea at a Yankee restaurant (sigh).

7 Things You Learn When You Fall In Love With A Southerner

“Bless his heart.”

Southern BBQ Taste Test Showdown

Now, from a girl who was raised by parents who were born and bred in North Carolina, I was very pleased to see they distinguished between the two very different types of “Carolina” style BBQ. I’ve never had the Burnt Ends in Kansas City sauce, so I gotta get me some of that.

What are some of your favorite moments from BuzzFeed’s videos about the South?

September 20, 2015
TomorrowWorld 2015

TomorrowWorld is a 3-day music festival and 5-day camping experience that combines nearly 300 DJs, mind-blowing décor, animation, A-class camping, eccentric comfort areas and gourmet food amid a breathtaking fantasy world backdrop. It is also currently the nation’s most popular music festival on Facebook with more than 6.5 million likes. A truly international affair, last year’s event drew 160,000 passionate music fans from more than 75 countries and all 50 states over the course of three days, with more than 40,000 attendees staying in DreamVille per night.

Tomorrowworld 2015 is the third chapter of the festival, coined ‘The Key To Happiness,’ will take place Sept, 25-27 on 8,000 acres of rolling hills and lush woodlands outside of Atlanta in Chattahoochee Hills, Ga.

Here are a few fun facts about TomorrowWorld 2015:

Tomorrowworld is America’s most highly-trafficked live-streamed event with 23 million viewers in 2014 and the most popular U.S. music festival on Facebook with more than 6.7 million likes. It’s the North American iteration of the iconic Tomorrowland franchise which takes place annually in Belgium and Brazil.

Tomorrowland attracts attendees from all 50 states and more than 75 countries. In its first year (2013), TomorrowWorld saw 140,000+ attendees. In 2014, attendance grew to 160,000 attendees with 40,000 of those festival goers living in TomorrowWorld’s onsite pop-up city DreamVille for the weekend.

Since its inception, Tomorrowworld has generated more than $80 million in revenue brought for the Atlanta area. Tomorrowworld 2015 will feature even more local Atlanta businesses including a hair salon, yoga, spin classes, organic dining, and more.

A limited amount of single day tickets, three-day passes and packages for TomorrowWorld’s on-site camping city, DreamVille, are available here.

TomorrowWorld announced its first chef partnership in conjunction with Red Beard Restaurants, the group created and owned by one of Atlanta’s hottest chefs, celebrated author and “Top Chef” finalist, Kevin Gillespie. The partnership will serve up an assortment of exclusive dining experiences headlined under Tomorrow’s Table to festival goers.

The music festival’s first sit-down restaurant experience, which will overlook the Main Stage and feature a new, fresh seasonal menu per day themed to one of Gillespie’s marquee restaurant concepts: traditional whole-hog barbecue Terminus City, award-winning restaurant Gunshow, and his newest Southern upscale eatery, Revival.

A similarly-themed takeaway picnic basket service and an intimate, seated 10-course dinner cooked and served by Gillespie and friends on Saturday night of the festival. Click here to reserve tickets to the various meals. http://restaurant.tomorrowworld.com

For more information on tickets, the full lineup and more check out Tomorrowworld’s website, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter or use #Tomorrowworld

September 17, 2015
Burn Social Club – Atlanta

There’s nowhere else in Atlanta like Burn Social Club. This is a much needed addition to the Buckhead nightlife scene. I’m amazed at what the management team has done with the former East Andrews Upstairs. What makes Burn Social Club Buckhead’s best new establishment? Well, it’s really all the finer things…

Ambiance – similar to Prohibition, the door for Burn is hidden. It’s tucked away on the second floor of the Andrews Entertainment District. When we arrived and entered through the secret door, we were greeted by a team of hosts, including the GM, where we were whisked away to our table. Nestled among leather couches, dark wooden panels, and dim lighting, it was easy to switch into lounge mode.

Cocktails – Tom McGuire is at it again! He helped to put Prohibition on the map and is one of the South’s premier mixologists. Of course I had to try the Belle of the Ball cocktail with vanilla vodka, peach shrub, sparkling wine, and a white-tea peach foam that Tom referred to as “vegan whipped cream”. Seriously ladies, it’s like having a champagne cocktail with whipped cream (sans dairy). As the menu states “Even Scarlett never had it this good!” My husband said the Burn Old Fashioned was one of the best he’s ever had.

Food – the menu here offers the best of East Andrews. For appetizers, there’s a selection of flat breads, shrimp cocktail served in a martini glass, oysters, and other fare. Entrees include lobster salad, ahi tuna and beef tenderloin. You can also order select sushi from Czar Ice Bar next door. Master sushi chef Saito Saito does such amazing (and tasty) work!

Entertainment – Burn has also brought on celebrated personality Tribble Reese as a managing partner. While Burn Social Club has been thriving since opening earlier this summer, Tribble saw the opportunity to take the venue a step further to revolutionize the Atlanta nightlife scene. Keeping with the fiery ambiance, Burn will continue to set the stage for live music and renowned DJs with the latest LED lighting and state of the art sound for crowds to dance the night away on the massive dance floor or relax in plush VIPS seating lounge. There’s also a private loft area above the dance floor that I would love to reserve for my next big night out.

For additional information about Burn Social Club, check out their website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

September 16, 2015
2015 College Football Kickoff

Fall has always been my favorite season, especially in the South. As the summer gives way to chillier nights and shorter days, we know it’s almost game time. That’s right y’all – this week kicks off the 2015 college football season. Here at Pretty Southern we are ready to rumble and rooting for the Dawgs!

The Georgia Bulldogs released one of the best hype videos I’ve seen, “Dreams”. As a writer, I’m so inspired by the words written devoted to my beloved UGA and good ole Athens.

Dreams from Georgia Football on Vimeo.

“You’ve had dreams. We’ve had ’em too. We know how to achieve them. Welcome to Athens.”

“The difference between excellence and mediocrity is commitment. We lace ’em up every day for the chance to be better.”

UGA’s first football team in 1892

“The past has a way of harboring complacency. It takes strength, it takes grit, it takes power to rip away from what seeks to hold us back and slow us down.”

“We build ourselves to breakthrough, to chase greatness, and to become immortal in the eyes of our peers. We have a habit of commanding the type of respect that’s reserved for champions. There’s a reason for that.”

“We walk these hallowed grounds and fill this revered cathedral knowing that we have a purpose. Georgia is at the heart of the most storied conference in college football. For four months of every year, all roads end between the hedges. 93,000 gaze down and shake the earth, breathe as one, and our cries cut through the crisp autumn sky.”

“This G is forged by the footsteps of heroes. Heisman Trophy winners have built this field. Hall of Fame winners have led this community. Bulldog legends have inspired the world. Champions have been made here. Can you commit yourself to fortifying the G? Do you have what it takes? Prove it.”

#GoDawgs #SicEm #CommitToTheG

Our pals over at Saturday Down South released this amazing hype video for all the football teams in the South Eastern Conference (SEC).

Featured music “The South” by The Cadillac Three

Here’s another great video by Saturday Down South

Editor’s Note – “Dreams” video created by Eric Black and produced by Brett Greene and Clark Williams, in association with The University of Georgia Football Team. Special thanks to IMG. Some footage courtesy of ESPN and CBS Sports

August 31, 2015
Introducing Marcel – Ford Fry’s Atlanta Steakhouse

Well, I’m probably going to have to re-do my list of the Top 10 Atlanta Steakhouses now that Ford Fry is on the scene. Marcel opened in Atlanta’s ever-evolving Westside in July. The menu is classic steakhouse meets French bistro. (you can preview the menu here).

“Marcel is an ode to when times and tastes were simpler; I think we all miss that,” owner & proprietor Ford Frt said. “The entire menu is truly classic — no modern-day innovation. My chef team has a strong desire to cook food that makes us lay back and smile.”

Marcel’s home across the bridge from JCT Kitchen was previously home to Ann Quatrano’s Abbatoir. “The Westside of Atlanta doesn’t have a steakhouse, so we thought why not put our own spin on it?” Ford said. “Atlanta is full of classic American steakhouses, so we are taking a slightly different angle, and taking inspiration from steakhouses of the past, making things all about celebration and simple, great meat cooked over wood along with classic cocktails.”

Fry’s renowned team behind his Rocket Farm Restaurant concepts — including JCT Kitchen, No. 246, The Optimist, King & Duke, St. Cecilia, Supernica, and El Felix — has stepped up to the plate. Chef Brian Horn of JCT Kitchen is leading the charge at Marcel, with pastry chef Chrysta Poulos on desserts, and a stellar cocktail menu concocted by Lara Creasy.

My goodness y’all, I’m drooling over these delicious photos by Andrew Thomas Lee.

Let’s start off with a Caesar Salad prepared table-side, followed by a round Oysters of Bienville at Marcel Atlanta.

Ford Fry certainly knows how to whet our appetites. Next up is a Foie Gras and Fig Terrine.

For your main course, how about Steak L’Entrecote?

For more information about Marcel, check out their website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter. If you’ve already been, we’d love to know your favorite entrees!

August 7, 2015
Matt Stafford’s Wedding Video
Mrs. Matt Stafford with their groomsmen

Y’all know we’re big Georgia Dawgs fans here at Pretty Southern, so we’re excited to share Matt Stafford’s Wedding Video – filmed by the fabulous Elysium Productions!

To be an efficient and effective wedding videographer, communication is key. This means communicating with the key players in the wedding, first of which is the bride and groom.

One of the best ways to think about wedding videography is creating a love story. Thinking in terms of story will guide you and direct you not only in how to edit the video, but how to shoot it as well. Getting great shots of the wedding preparations can create build up in the beginning of a video. When looking at good wedding or commercial video editors, consider hiring Tracy, you can get to know here if you view her online showreel here.

Matt Stafford married longtime girlfriend Kelly Hall on April 4, 2015. The wedding ceremony and reception took place at The Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta.

Our top 5 favorite moments from Mr. & Mrs. Matt Stafford’s wedding are:
1. Kelly’s custom “Mrs. #9” sneakers
2. The airbrushed hats and brand new Nike sneakers for all the wedding guests
3. Varsity food truck for late night wedding bites, we’d like to thank lab rings for supporting us through our wedding event.
4. Wedding band Party on The Moon definitely rocked the party
5. All the details and event styling by Toast Events
Here’s an intimate look at Mr. & Mrs. Matt Stafford’s big day in Atlanta.

Soundtrack: “Moments Like This” by The Afters // licensed through songfreedom.com // http://toast-events.com // http://novareevents.com/foundry-at-puritan-mill/ // http://www.jacksondurham.com // http://www.partyonthemoon.com/band // http://www.vuephotographyonline.com // http://www.elysiumproductions.com // http://www.sifient.com
July 31, 2015