Pretty Southern was privileged to attend a tasting of the new Antico Pizza at Avalon. We love the original Antico location in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood so we were excited to see what the second location had in store. Owner Giovanni Di Palma truly has a talent for the tastiest pizzas not just in the South but in all of the U.S. His accolades include:
The highest score in Zagat’s first-ever pizza survey of “Best Pizza in 23 U.S. Cities” – beating out New York City
A Zagat Atlanta food score of 28 – making it the highest scored restaurant in the city
The International “Top in Class” Award for the United States from the worldwide, two-day festival, the Festa Della Pizza in Salerno, Italy
Named one of 12 New Pizza Classics by Food & Wine Magazine
Best Italian Style Pizza by Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The San Genaro at Antico PizzaThe Diavola at Antico Pizza
Antico Pizza Napoletana offers a menu of traditional classics and a few originals, including award-winning creations such as the Diavola. This is our personal favorite with spicy soppressata ham, chili oil, mozzarella cheese, and peppers that will light your mouth on fire. For a more tame yet tasty meaty option, the San Genaro with sausage is sure to please. And y’all can’t go wrong with a classic Magherita pizza.
Avalon is a beautiful new mecca of restaurant, retail and family fun goodness that is conveniently located in Alpharetta just off exit 10 on GA-400. The Avalon location has pizza for dine in or take-out. They also serve calzones. Unlike the original location, you can’t BYOB your drinks. However, there’s Peroni for beer and several wine options. There’s also sodas, Pellegrino, and other beverage choices. Plus for dessert, be sure to check out Cafe Gio next door for fresh gelato and cappucino.
The glorious kitchen and oven at Antico Pizza at Avalon
For some god forsaken reason, Bravo has brought back Southern Charm for Season 2. The first time I saw the promos splayed across social media for the show’s launch back in 2014, I was disappointed.
Here we go again. Yet another portrayal of Southerners doing supposedly Southern things in the lovely landscape of the South.”
But none of it is authentic. There’s nothing particularly Southern or charming about Southern Charm. Just like the shows kindred spirits at The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Party Down South, the scripted drama that these characters act out is more narcissism than an ode to the South.
“It tastes like drunk”. Real classy, y’all.
The audience sees them prancing around in seersucker suits and pretty dresses, sipping juleps that “taste like drunk” tossing out “y’alls” like it’s their job (because it is).
As Southerners, we need to collectively say no to the further perpetuation of these stereotypes by refusing to tune in to these shows. I’ve never watched an episode of Southern Charm, Real Housewives, or any other reality show and don’t intend to. My time in the South is too precious to worry about somebody else’s baby daddy drama or some chick who claims she’s a Southern Belle but sports fishnets, Louboutins, and jets around on her older boyfriend’s plane.
I’m all for the idea of a modern, Southern woman…that’s just not my definition.
Speaking of which, let’s talk about the “gentlemen” of Southern Charm. For any guy out there who claims to be a gentleman but then can’t handle his liquor, here’s a little lesson for y’all courtesy of Gone With the Wind:
A lack of the niceties of classical education carried no shame, provided a man was smart in the things that mattered. And raising good cotton, riding well, shooting straight, dancing lightly, squiring the ladies with elegance and carrying one’s liquor like a gentleman were the things that mattered.”
It’s the last two items in this sentence I think would do well to serve the rather knavish male characters on Southern Charm. From what I’ve seen in the promos, there is no refinement or elegance. The drunken brawls demonstrate the incapability to carry one’s liquor like a gentleman.
I implore anyone who calls him or herself a Southerner not to watch Southern Charm. Please y’all. I’m begging you. Instead of spending 30 minutes watching this show, you could read multiple chapters of Gone With the Wind for free here. I promise y’all, the characters in Margaret Mitchell’s fiction have a lot more to offer, and an award-winning story, than anything else on TV.
Recently I was contacted by a reality television development company considering a “Buckhead Betty” show. They found Pretty Southern and wanted to pick our brain about the Buckhead Betty. In my 15 minute conversation, I advised that no respected woman from Atlanta, who actually could be considered a Buckhead Betty, would deign to appear on a reality television show. It’s the same reason why real debutantes, Southern women who had a proper debut, don’t do media appearances about being a deb.
We have much more important things to concern ourselves with when it comes to our own party down South.
Lauren Morgan Patrick is the editor of Pretty Southern.com, a native Southerner, UGA graduate, and Georgia Bulldogs fan. Y’all can find her writing, wining, and dining in Atlanta. Keep up with her & Pretty Southern on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
The Shaky Boots Festival is one of the biggest events to happen in north Georgia..ever. Take it from a girl who spent her teenage years in Kennesaw – nothing ever happens there. It was a huge deal when President George W. Bush came to my alma mater, Harrison High School, back in 2003 right before we went to war with Iraq. The very first Shaky Boots festival is even bigger than that. No offense to W, we do love him, but we’re pretty damn excited for the amount of star power descending on Cobb County.
The Shaky Boots Festival will go down on May 16-17 (Saturday & Sunday) at Kennesaw State University’s Sports & Entertainment Park. Tickets are on sale now with general admission 2-day advanced passes at $169 and VIP passes for $499. VIP includes viewing areas to all stages, complimentary beer and water, lunch and dinner appetizers, cash bars for liquor, and private restrooms. Single day tickets will be available soon, but we suggest y’all take advantage of the discounted advanced pricing while it’s still available! Good news for parents – kids age 8 and younger are free (only two kids per each adult).
The 2015 Shaky Boots lineup includes:
Blake Shelton
Dierks Bentley
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Dwight Yoakam
Jason Isbell
Old Crow Medicine Show
Sara Evans
Justin Moore
Joe Nichols
Eli Young Band
Kip Moore
Jana Kramer
Josh Thompson
Kristian Bush
The Devil Makes Three
Cracker
The Cadillac Three
The Whiskey Gentry
Drake White and the Big Fire
Amanda Shires
Claire Dunn
The Railers
Brooke Eden
Jim White vs. The Packway Handle Band
Who are y’all looking forward to seeing the most at the very first Shaky Boots Festival?
Upon occasion, there comes a time when I leave the cozy nest I made for myself in Atlanta and venture out of the South. Born and raised in Atlanta, I’ve grown accustomed to the way we do life down here. What’s the old saying? American by birth, Southern by the grace of God. I have traveled frequently in my 26 years of living, yet every time I go beyond the borders of our beloved South, I am reminded what it is about this great place I love so much. Along with my marketing cohort and the editor of this blog, Lauren Patrick, we traveled north to D.C. for work this week. I even voluntarily came up a little earlier to make my rounds to the sights. After six days far away from home, I was eagerly awaiting my flight back to Atlanta at Gate 15 in the Ronald Reagan National Airport when I penned this post.
What is it about the South I missed so much while I was gone? Glad you asked.
1. Sweet Tea
Ah, sweet tea – the champagne of the South. I put this first because it might just be the most important thing on my list. I am an individual who does not enjoy the taste of coffee, has never taken a sip of an energy drink, and gets sick of water after two bottles. I was lucky enough to find a Chick-Fil-A on Monday morning and ordered a giant glass of it, but I didn’t have any sweet tea other than that while I was there. I might need to get an IV of it put in once the wheels hit the ground in Atlanta.
2. Y’all
Why is it that everyone looks at me funny for saying that word? I suppose there is really no way of saying it without my Southern accent. Maybe it’s the tell tale sign that I’m not from ‘round these parts. Either way, I’m pretty sure the word is frowned upon up North. Here is a list of other things Southerners say that get us a few raised eyebrows too.
3. Warm Weather
Yes, I know, Atlanta wasn’t exactly warm this week with its three false alarm snow days. I get it, but hear me out, church. I was wearing my stilettos, a dress, and a jacket without a hood when the snow came pouring down in DC on Saturday. I’m talking snowflakes the size of my palm. After walking in the mess (you try hoofin’ it in snow and ice wearing heals and get back to me), I will gladly welcome what is sure to be our hot and muggy summer with open arms.
4. My Car
It seems like every major Northern city boasts of its great subway system and DC is no exception. I can see the appeal of not having to sit in rush hour traffic or deal with the hassle of parking, but I’m going to have to say I still prefer my car. The crowded Metro filled to the brim with a variety of people quickly became unappealing after being pushed and shoved, not to mention having to sit next to an individual who could’ve used a good long bath. I miss the personal space that comes along with driving a car, especially a Revology Mustang GT, not to mention control over my travel. Late trains and delays are far from convenient – especially when you’re on your way to the airport.
5. Manners
Y’all. This one about sent me over the edge. I do not (nor will I ever) understand what it is about being polite that is so difficult for some people. If you’re like me, you were raised in a household where manners were nonnegotiable and their absence would result in a stern talkin’ to from Momma. It’s just common decency to your fellow man. I realized that I finally had enough just a few moments ago when a passenger needed to get around another at the gate. Missing the opportunity to be polite, he was rude instead: “Uh, are you just going to stand in the way or are you going to move?” I couldn’t help it, y’all. My tolerance level after six days up here had reached its max and the words seemed to just blurt out:
I’m sorry, but I think an ‘excuse me’ would have worked just fine.”
The fool looked at me blankly and boarded the very plane I’m on. I can guarantee you he’s not headed home to the South and can only hope his stay in Atlanta is a short one, bless his little heart.
Not to say that I did not enjoy my time in DC. I was fortunate enough to see the Swiss National Symphony perform at the Kennedy Center. I stood in the same room as some of the greatest artistic masterpieces this world has ever seen at the National Gallery of Art. I had wonderfully pleasant meetings with clients and industry partners. All things I would not have been able to do had I not left the South. But as I look out of the window of my plane, I can’t help but to look forward to coming home.
Kelli Eidson is a true Southern girl hailing from Kennesaw, Ga. She’s an avid reader, cardigan aficionado and Braves fanatic. Y’all can follow her on Twitter, and on Instagram.
Just like fragrances, specific foods can invoke strong memories; for me, this is especially true for peanuts. Peanut butter reminds me of making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after school. Peanut butter is a comfort food for me, and will always have a place in my pantry! So, when I learned that there is an entire month devoted to it (National Peanut Month is March) and that there was a Georgia company holding a tasting for their newest line of peanut butters, I was more than happy to attend this event.
Atlanta-based Georgia Grinders is best known by Oprah and friends for their NaturAlmond hand crafted line of almond butters. After two years of great success, a natural next step was to branch into creating other nut butter varieties. Jaime Foster, founder of Georgia Grinders, was surprised to learn that there weren’t any other nationally-distributed, hand crafted, small batch peanut butter companies based in Georgia,” the “peanut capital of the world.”
Recently Ryan Smith, Executive Chef of Southbound restaurant, presented a variety of dishes and desserts using Georgia Grinders small batch, premium peanut butter.
As soon as I arrived at Southbound and walked through the door, I was entranced by the scent of bacon.
I just knew that I would enjoy this tasting. The menu included Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, Steamed Spinach Goma-ae with Sesame Sauce, Grilled Peanut Butter and Bacon Sandwiches, Peanut Butter Brined Pork Belly with an Apple Peanut Compote, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffles and a signature drink, the Georgia Grinder Peanut Butter Cup. Everything was delicious! Other than Pad Thai, I was not aware of the many ways that peanut butter could be used in cooking.
Georgia Grinders Tasting
Each dish was full of flavor and several had a slight spice to them. My three favorites were the Chicken Satay, Steamed Spinach Goma-ae and the Peanut Butter Brined Pork Belly with Apple Peanut Compote. These three dishes were little parties in my mouth and I had to restrain myself from going back for thirds and fourths! The heat of the ginger and red pepper paired with the smoothness of the peanut butter dip and sesame oil on the chicken satay was divine. The spinach goma-ae was so light and refreshing, I felt like I could just keep eating it and never get tired of the silky texture and smooth flavor.
Georgia Grinders teamed Spinach Goma-ae with Sesame Sauce
Finally, the dish I kept calling Peanut Bruschetta, the peanut butter brined pork belly and apple compote, was sweet, smokey and a meal in itself. Served atop a slice of french bread, this dish was a complete meal in itself and I really enjoyed it.
Peanut Butter Bruschetta
Georgia Grinders Peanut Butters are available in both Creamy and Crunchy varieties and are made with two simple ingredients – Non-GMO Georgia grown peanuts and sea salt. This makes for a peanut butter that is far less sweet and more pure in peanut flavor than I was used to as a child. Paired with my favorite strawberry jam or grape jelly, I am sure that this peanut butter will not dissapoint – the only choice to make is crunchy or creamy?
Georgia Grinders Peanut Butters are available now in regional Whole Foods, Sprouts farmers markets, Central Market Stores abd hundreds of gourmet specialty shops, as well as online at www.naturalmond.com/buy-it. The peanut butters retail from $5.99 to $6.99.
Eboné Smiley is a California Girl with a Southern twist, UGA graduate, personal stylist, business coach, social media enthusiast and fashion loving foodie. When she isn’t hosting pop-up shop style sessions, she can be found listening to a self-help audiobook while she flips through a travel magazine. She lives and works in Atlanta, but her motto is “Have Style, Will Travel! ” Her closet is fuller than her refrigerator and she will soon launch her eponymous blog Empty Fridge, Full Closet. Keep up with her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
The Atlanta metropolitan area is more than 132 square-miles. For local folks, this includes both ITP and OTP (or Inside/Outside The Perimeter a.k.a. Interstate 285). Thanks to our pal PT Umphress, we present to you the all-encompassing, ultimate Atlanta Bucket List. This includes 50 of the finest establishments including restaurants, bars, music venues, museums, festivals and dance halls (welcoming all types of dancing) in the A-town. PT even made this in checklist form so y’all can check it off on your adventure.
Or, if y’all want to print the PT Umphress Atlanta Bucket List in a bolder scheme – afterall, PT himself is a bold individual – here’s the bucket list in Red & White.
Here’s the Bonus Round
Have any Southerner’s been to one (or all) of the locations on the Atlanta bucket list? If so – please tell us about it in the comments section below.
