Pretty Southern – Page 30 – Love the South

Pretty Southern

Let Freedom Ring! Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July in ATL

Fourth of July festivities are right around the corner and some of Atlanta’s favorite local haunts are gearing up to celebrate the stars and stripes. From a fiery brunch on the BeltLine at TWO urban licks and PARISH, to a celebration before the fireworks at City Winery, an All-American menu at Dantanna’s and much more, revelers can celebrate Independence Day in a number of unforgettable ways throughout the city.

Join City Winery for a Patio Party Before the Fireworks

Before fireworks light up the sky across Atlanta, City Winery at Ponce City Market is hosting a 4th of July party on its expansive patio from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. A family-friendly event where dogs are welcome, the popular urban winery, restaurant and intimate music venue invites guests to enjoy a fun-filled day featuring live music with Sailing to Denver and Ivory Williams, festive food specials and more.

In addition to the full menu, Executive Chef Nick Anderson is firing up the Big Green Eggs and cooking made-to-order pizzas for $16. He’ll also be serving a special BBQ basket for $20 that includes a full rack of spare ribs, potato salad, broccoli salad and cornbread. Four-legged patrons can also get in on the Independence Day festivities and sink their teeth in City Winery’s Canine Cuisine menu while slurping up dog-friendly wines including CharDOGnays, ZinfanTails and MalBarks. Partygoers can also snack on house-made sweet or savory popcorn during the patio party and pick up a wine growler and healthy hiya snacks to go when it’s time to watch fireworks. Historic 4th Ward Park is just across the street.

For more information, call (404) 946-3791, or visit citywinery.com/atlanta City Winery Atlanta is located at Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave NE, Suite #201, Atlanta, GA 30308. In addition, stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @citywineryatl and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/citywineryatl.

Head to Dantanna’s for All-American Fourth of July Specials

Dantanna’s is celebrating Fourth of July with classic All-American specials including hotdogs, hamburgers, potato salad, and more. Hungry diners can even nosh on a BBQ Pork Plate, featuring shredded pork shoulder, house-made barbecue sauce, Texas toast, fried onion and coleslaw, or a half rack of St. Louis ribs served with fresh corn on the cob. Dantanna’s full menu, featuring additional American classics from steaks and burgers to salads and seafood, will also be available.

Dantanna’s Buckhead is located at 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE #304, Atlanta, GA 30326 and Dantanna’s Downtown is located at 1 CNN Center #269, Atlanta, GA 30303. For more information visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.760.8873 for the Buckhead location or 404.522.8873 for the Downtown location. In addition, stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @dantannas.

Celebrate the Red, White and Blue on the BeltLine at PARISH and TWO

Get a head start on Fourth of July festivities at The Neighborhood Café and Brasserie at PARISH and TWO urban licks with a special brunch. Featuring a hearty and flavorsome menu created by Executive Chef Chavez Hernandez, brunch lovers can get patriotic and celebrate Independence Day with favorites like the American Breakfast – scrambled eggs, a choice of country sausage or applewood smoked bacon, grits or potatoes and a biscuit; The Burger – grass fed beef, benton’s bacon jam, dijonaise, grilled onion, cheddar and house cut fries; Chicken and Waffles – fried chicken, blueberry waffle, Sriracha butter and peanuts, and much more at PARISH.

With inspired, familiar American food, an inventive beverage program, and warm hospitality, The Neighborhood Café will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and The Brasserie will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. PARISH will be closed for dinner. For more information or to make reservations, call 404.681.4434 or visit parishatl.com. PARISH is located at N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307. Stay connected on Twitter at @parishATL and Instagram at @ParishInmanPark and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/ParishFood-and-GoodsInman-Park.

Hungry revelers can also visit TWO urban licks for a fiery July 4th brunch created by Executive Chef Michael Bertozzi. Available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can take advantage of classics such as the Two Eggs Any Style – crispy brunch potatoes and hickory smoked bacon; Crispy Chicken Biscuit – scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, buttermilk biscuit, and brunch potatoes; Eggs Benedict – smoked hog, poached eggs, charred onion hollandaise, and brunch potatoes, and much more at TWO.

Open only for brunch on July 4th, TWO will be closed for dinner. To make a reservation, call 404.522.4622 or visit twourbanlicks.com. Located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30306. In addition, stay connected on Twitter at @2urbanlicks and Instagram at @TwoUrbanLicks and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TwoUrbanLicks/.

Park Tavern Hosts the Atlanta Track Club Official Post Peachtree Road Race Party

Atlanta Track Club members and patrons alike can enjoy a post AJC Peachtree Road Race celebration at Park Tavern on July 4th. Revelers can refuel and nosh on power bagels, fresh fruit and other signature breakfast dishes courtesy of Einstein Bros. Bagels. Capturing all the fun, 680 The Fan will be on site broadcasting a live show. To cool down, members that are ages 21 and up will receive a complimentary Yuengling Light Lager.

To enter the Post-Race Member Party, each Atlanta Track Member must present a member key fob, a neon yellow wristband provided by the Atlanta Track Club or a race number printed with the words ‘Post Race Party.’ Non-members are invited to register on Monday, July 2nd or Tuesday, July 3rd at the Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo. Ages 21+ must bring an ID. Ages 20 and under can attend the post-race celebration when accompanied by a parent. For more information, visit www.parktavern.com or call 404.249.0001. In addition, stay connected on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ParkTavern and on Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter @parktavern.

Finally, for other happenings around Atlanta, visit https://prettysouthern.com/.

July 2, 2018
Atlanta Beer Bus Offers Sunday Funday BOGO Rides
Toast to the summer with good friends and local brews because starting Sunday, June 24th, the Atlanta Beer Bus is kicking off BOGO Sundays. Available every Sunday, beer lovers that purchase one originally priced wristband for $15 will receive a second wristband for free.

The Atlanta Beer Bus is a hop-on/hop-off shuttle service that transports beer enthusiasts between Atlanta’s finest breweries. Stops include:
- SweetWater Brewing Company
- Monday Night Brewery in West Midtown
- Urban Tree Cidery
- Second Self Beer Company
- Scofflaw Brewing Co.
- Red Brick Brewing Company
- Park Tavern
- Orpheus Brewing
- Plus more fun!
June 30, 2018
PASTIS Celebrates 20 Years of Success with a Weekend of Nonstop Fun

Located in Historic Roswell, PASTIS is celebrating 20 years of success with a week of nonstop fun, events and surprises. Owned by Carla Dent, the iconic restaurant is located on bustling Canton Street and is known for its casual French bistro fare, live music offerings, commitment to the community and love for its patrons and staff. PASTIS is hosting an array of activities including nightly live music, tastings, giveaways, food and drink specials, guest appearances, charity givebacks, and much more.

Friday, June 29th

As a special thank you to the City of Roswell for its ongoing support, area residents and businesses are invited to join PASTIS for lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and receive 25% off their meal by showing a business card or license with a Roswell zip code. PASTIS Favorite Guest Bartender Dr. Ron Redman will make an appearance behind the bar at 7 p.m. and Guest Chef Paul Williams will serve hungry patrons an array of culinary favorites from the past 20 years during lunch and dinner, while local musician Justin Borgman will entertain with another soul-stirring performance beginning at 6 p.m. All day long, wine lovers can buy one glass of Frei Brothers Wine and receive the second glass for free.

Saturday, June 30th

In honor of the 20^th anniversary, revelers can begin their evening during the Happiest of Hours boasting cocktail samplings, passed appetizers and more from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Additionally, as PASTIS looks forward to the next 20 years, Guest Chef Paul Williams will reveal the new menu for diners to explore. Photographers will be on hand taking pictures and guests can enjoy live music by popular singer/songwriter Evan Koteles, giveaways and later the Atlanta Soul Band performs from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Sunday, July 1st

What better way to end a week of 20th-anniversary events than with a Bloody Mary and Champagne Brunch? From 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can nosh on mouthwatering brunch and lunch offerings while sipping on $12 endless mimosas or getting creative at the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.

Either after or before Brunch take a stroll to the local Ann Jackson or Vinings Gallery where you can enjoy a complimentary glass of PASTIS Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Merlot. During the evening, diners can sink their teeth into the preview of items on the new dinner menu starting at 5:30 p.m. and take in a live jazz performance from Jabari Grover Trio from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Opening in 1998 in Historic Roswell, PASTIS is located at 928 Canton Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075. For more information, visit www.pastisroswell.com or call 770-640-3870. Stay connected and up to date about the 20^th Anniversary happenings on Facebook www.facebook.com/pastis.roswell, on Twitter @pastis928 and Instagram at @pastisroswell.

June 29, 2018
Sit & Slurp at TWO urban licks for National Mai Tai Day
Conveniently located just off the BeltLine in the Old Fourth Ward, strollers and imbibers alike are invited to sip on TWO urban licks’ Mai Tai Slushy in honor of National Mai Tai Day on Saturday, June 30, 2018.

Perfect for a gal date or a group of friends, this summertime favorite is the go-to drink to have in hand while watching or playing a rousing game of bocce ball on TWO’s spacious outdoor patio. After enjoying this tasty libation, hungry guests can also nosh on Executive Chef Michael Bertozzi’s larger than life fiery menu including Salmon Chips, Baked Oysters, Hush Puppies and much more.

TWO urban licks’ Mai Tai Slushy Recipe

Ingredients
- 2 Parts Light Rum
- 2 Parts Dark Rum
- 1/2 Part Overproof Rum
- 1 Part Each of Fresh Lime Juice, Orange Curacao, and Orgeat
- 5 Parts Water
Directions
Editor’s note–these are from the restaurant. For eveyone else, just throw the sh*t in a blender and party

Using a refractometer, adjust Brix (measurement of sugar in an aqueous solution) to 14 degrees. Add water to lower brix, grenadine or simple syrup if higher Brix needed. When desired sugar content is achieved, then set machine to freeze. Garnish with Pineapple spear, lime wedge, umbrella or anything fun for garnish. Serve and enjoy!

Located at 820 Ralph McGill Boulevard in Atlanta, Ga. 30306. For reservations and more information, call 404.522.4622 or visit twourbanlicks.com. In addition, stay connected on Instagram and Twitter at @twourbanlicks and on Facebook at Facebook.com/TWOurbanlicks.

Finally, for other happenings around Atlanta, visit https://prettysouthern.com/.
June 28, 2018
City Winery Celebrates Iconic Women Winemakers

On Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 7 p.m., City Winery will host an Iconic Women Winemakers event celebrating women winemakers with tastings of six different wines crafted by some of the most talented women in the industry.

Hosted by City Winery’s Assistant Winemaker, Faith Drew, certified Sommelier Briana Pope-Pettis, and Stephanie Northrup, guests are in for a delicious and educational evening. Guests can enjoy a special tasting of Faith Drew’s 2017 Stainless Steel Chardonnay, made on-site at City Winery Atlanta. Drew will also unveil for the first time her new Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Down at City Winery!

“Winemaking has always been seen as a male-dominated industry, but really, women have been at the cutting edge of the art and science of winemaking since the beginning. We loved the idea of highlighting some of those women and their wines in a fun, educational setting,” says Drew.

The evening also includes a Q&A and mouthwatering, rustic pairings created by Chef Nick Anderson just for the occasion. Guests will also receive an exclusive offering of 10% off all wine bottles for that night only.

Tickets are $35 and available to purchase at https://citywinery.com/atlanta/iconic-women-winemakers-6-28-18.html. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com/atlanta or call (404) 946-3791.

Finally, for other happenings around Atlanta, visit https://prettysouthern.com/.

June 27, 2018
The Mountains I Carry

Editor’s note–the following is an excerpt from a manuscript by Andrea Walker

The day I knew I wanted to be a writer was also the day I went “missing” and my face almost ended up on a milk carton.

I was nine years old and had finished reading an excerpt from Walden by Henry David Thoreau. In the book, he talks about the woods as his inspiration to write. My young, impressionable brain thought that I should do the same thing and venture into the woods myself for inspiration.

I packed a bag which included my two favorite Barbies, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and my brand new diary with its own lock & key. I left mom a very detailed, well-written note about my whereabouts and knew exactly where I wanted to go.

Our house was surrounded by forests but the spot I had in mind was a creek bed that was deeper into the woods. It was mid-afternoon. After I found my writing spot, I placed my pink Barbie travel bag on the ground and perched on top of it. I was always a very peculiar child where I could sit and daydream for hours and had no recollection of time. So I honestly can’t really tell you how long I was out there staring up at the trees and scribbling various thoughts in that diary. By the time the sun was going down, I knew I needed to get home and my little adventure had come to an end.

As I got closer to my house, I noticed that there were several police cars in the driveway. I instantly started to panic and thought something bad had happened to Mom or Dad. When I walked into the kitchen, two policemen were talking with my Mom. They all turned to see me wheeling my travel bag behind me, looking as perplexed as they did. Needless to say, I was grounded for an entire month and I was banned from taking anymore writing sabbaticals.

But my love for writing never stopped. I would go off and write plays, stories, poems, and proudly show them off to my parents. Our fridge became a collage of my budding passion.

As a child who was always in her head, writing has always been a way for me to connect the dots, to explore the “whys” and “hows” and try to understand why things happen the way they do. Writing opens up the door for me to document the journey, so to speak. Interestingly enough, I knew deep down that one day I would have a story to tell.

When Dad died my senior year in high school, the last story I wrote was called The Body which recounted me seeing him in his coffin at his funeral. I never shared that story to anyone. I quickly burned it after writing it and never spoke about my father to anyone. After that, I wrote hardly at all. I hardly talked about what was going on inside my head. I stayed in a shell, always writing in my own head but never having the courage to put it words.

Years later, as my mother’s health worsened, I stopped writing altogether. She used to whisper to me sometimes as she struggled to breathe, “I miss your stories, Andrea. When are you going to write for me again like you used to?” When she died, that’s when I started working on this book.

For the last couple of years, I’ve tried to piece together my life like scenes in a movie, trying to recollect all those moments from my childhood, my young adulthood, to where I am now–and figuring out how the story may end. All the people around me, the many people I have loved, lost, hated, admired, adored–all of them weaving in and out of my memories, shaping my existence then and feeding my need for recollection now.

Like my nine-year-old self, I want to go back out into the woods from my youth. I want to hear my father’s strong, calm voice and feel my mother’s touch. Honestly, I can’t really remember what they both sound like now. I want to rewrite the pain from their lives and create a new story for them. I want to turn my heartaches into love stories that last forever.

“Why?” I ask God. “What do I do with this all this?”

I don’t believe that life is a series of happy or sad accidents. There’s intentionality to the people we meet, whose lives are intertwined in our own. Each person, each moment is part of a bigger picture of our existence, that makes us who we are and breathes life into us. Each moment is like a thread that intertwines over time. I celebrate those moments in this book. The mountains that I have climbed. The peaks and valley of my existence thus far. Maybe…just maybe…I can pay homage to all those souls who came into my story over the years.

I dedicate this book to my parents, to the people that I have loved and loved me in return. You know who you are. I have grown to appreciate this complex, dark, rich and diverse world in which we live In.

So I tell you, my reader, that the hardest and most beautiful thing about this world is to live in it.

But you already know that.

Andrea Walker is a true Southern woman having been born and raised in Alabama and currently living in Atlanta. She received her journalism degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham and spent several years in broadcast journalism before moving into marketing. This excerpt is from her first memoir and is super passionate about mental health and women’s empowerment issues.

June 20, 2018