Pretty Southern – Page 51 – Love the South

Pretty Southern

Brunch at Davio’s in Atlanta

At Pretty Southern, we’re big fans of Davio’s Atlanta.

We loved our food blogger five-course tasting at Davio’s, and were delighted to be invited for brunch. Similar to our previous dining experience, our meal started with a basket of warm focaccia bread.

We also noshed on the veggie frittata with brunch potatoes.

After sampling the delicious scallops the first time, it was lovely to see they were available for brunch, too! Personally, I love scallops at any time of the day.

As Davio’s calls itself a Northern Italian Steakhouse, of course, the steak & eggs had to be top notch.

The classic spaghetti bolognese is also available during brunch

For dessert, we sampled several options.

My favorite dessert at Davio’s was the zeppole, or Italian donuts.

For more information about brunch and other deliciousness at Davio’s Atlanta, check out their website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

May 3, 2016
Georgia Aquarium Celebrates 10th Anniversary with New Attractions

There are a few splashy new attractions at the Georgia Aquarium.

It’s hard to believe the Georgia Aquarium is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

“We are so excited to officially open our new sea lion gallery and premiere our new dolphin presentation to the public today,” said chief operating officer and executive vice president of Georgia Aquarium, Joe Handy. “We’re celebrating not only the past ten years and the amazing achievements that we have accomplished, but the next ten years and all that lies ahead. We hope everyone comes out and is inspired by all the new and wonderful things at Georgia Aquarium this year.”

Guests can enjoy watching sea lions splash about at the new SunTrust Pier 225, while learning more about these social marine mammals as their trainers interact with them. This new exhibit will educate guests on the dangers they face in the wild and key environmental factors that impact them. Georgia Aquarium currently has four sea lions that were rescued from last year’s Unusual Mortality Event (UME), where record numbers of sea lion pups are stranding on California beaches in search of food.

Say it with me now y’all, “Awww!” Those are sweet sea lions!

It’s great to see the Georgia Aquarium doing its part to help take in stranded sea lion pups.

In addition to the sea lions, the newest residents at the Georgia Aquarium include dolphins!

The AT&T Dolphin Celebration presentation is a high energy, fun, and exciting experience.

While showing the relationships they create with their trainers, guests will learn more about bottlenose dolphins through a variety of new behaviors.

For more information about the Georgia Aquarium, check out their website including times and exhbit openings, plus follow Georgia Aquarium on Facebook and Twitter.

May 2, 2016
7 Upcoming Chattanooga Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Chattanooga is a happenin’ city, especially in the spring and summer.

Hardly a weekend goes by when there’s not something exciting happening somewhere in the city. I’ve never been a social butterfly, per se, but since moving here, I’ve learned to get out and enjoy the social scene. Am I a socialite in training? Maybe.

Special events in Chattanooga drip in Southern charm and excitement. Here are seven awesome upcoming events in Chattanooga that y’all shouldn’t miss!

Fresh-picked strawberries from the Chattanooga Market!

Sunday Farmer’s Market – This happens every Sunday at First Tennessee Pavilion, right across from Finley Stadium. Last weekend was opening weekend, and almost everyone and their mothers in Chattanooga came out to see what’s in store at the market this year. Vendors from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and sometimes beyond bring their best produce, baked goods, artwork, home decor and much more to show off and sell to Chattanoogans and visitors. The market is one of my favorite stops to make on the weekends, and I’m so glad it’s finally back! Seriously, I’m here much more often than I’m not.

Nightfall Concert Series – Nightfall is the perfect way to end the work week. Every Friday starting May 6, a section of downtown–right next to my office, conveniently–closes off to make space for the city’s best nighttime street festival and concert series. We bring in acts from around the country that provide the musical entertainment while we enjoy delicious local food and drink. It’s a highlight of many Noogans’ summer nights. Check out the lineup.

Tennessee Whiskey Festival (May 21) – Tennessee is home to some of the nation’s best whiskey. Chattanooga celebrates that amazing whiskey and those that make it this May at the Tennessee Whiskey Festival. Guests sample whiskey from around the region, enjoy food along with their spirits and try their feet at dancing (which may be difficult, depending on how many whiskey samples you’ve had). The whiskey festival benefits H*Art Gallery, a non-profit organization that provides outreach and support to other local non-profits that offer art classes and art therapy to clients. Ready to taste over whiskey from over 20 distilleries? I am.

Uncorked (May 21) – I love wine and I love music, so the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s Uncorked event was basically made for me. Uncorked is an evening of music, food, wine and a good time, all benefiting the CSO and their programs.

Photo via Nooga.com.

Riverbend Music Festival (June 10-18) – Who knew Chattanooga had a whole week-long music festival with some pretty sweet headlining acts? Riverbend celebrates 35 years this June with a crazy awesome festival in store. This year’s acts include Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldredge, Heart, Hawk Nelson, .38 Special, REO Speedwagon, Salt & Pepa (what a throwback) and more. And it all happens down on the Riverfront. It’s the perfect summertime event.

Pops on the River (July 3) – One of the best ways to celebrate our nation and its freedom is at Coolidge Park with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s Pops ensemble. Bring your blankets, picnic baskets and patriotic spirit and enjoy an evening of American-spirit-fueled music on the banks of the Tennessee River. And of course there’s fireworks at the end. And yes, you can see the fireworks from Finley Stadium across town.

Southern Brewer’s Festival (August 20) – Beer? Yes. Craft beer? Even more yes. I went to this event last year and tasting over 30 brews made me appreciate craft beer so much more. Breweries from around the country bring their best to the Chattanooga Riverfront for everyone to taste and enjoy. Last year I absolutely loved a watermelon wheat beer from a brewery in Alabama. There’s also lots of koozies. Every Southerner loves koozies.

Catch me at any of these events and spots around town. Summer is about to get kickin’ up here in Chattanooga and I could not be more excited! My calendar is filling up fast.

A version of this post originally appeared on Kate’s blog, A Thought and a Half.

May 1, 2016
Classic City Cooking – The Official Cookbook
Y’all know we love Athens, Ga., here at Pretty Southern.

We’re die hard Dawg fans, have brunched with Hugh Acheson, and even have a UGA student blogger. All that being said, it was a treat to find out that a UGA alumni, Juanina Kocher, has authored Classic City Cooking.

Juanina lives in New York City – Brooklyn to be exact – but truly she’s a Southerner at heart.

Her hometown is Athens, and she’s also a graduate of UGA. Red and black are definitely her signature colors, and yes, that was a reference to Steel Magnolias. This work is a labor of love and an homage to her Georgia roots. For her first cookbook, Juanina interviewed Athens legends including SEC football all-star Bill Bennett, and musicians Darius Weems, Widespread Panic and the Whigs. The Foreword for Classic City Cooking is written by Athens restaurateur Peter Dale, who apprenticed at 5 & 10, the very joint which helped to Athens fine dining on the map. Dale also co-owns The National in downtown Athens (along with Acheson) plus Seabear Oyster Bar in the Bottleworks and Condor Chocolates in Five Points.

Classic City Cooking features recipes from some of the most well-known establishments in Athens including:
“All of the recipes are my favorites,” she said. “We had a lot of help from our family and friends with the recipe testing, a lot of them we tested at home ourselves.” The stunning food photography by JP Bond is a perfect compliment to these delectable recipes. Here are a few of Juanina’s personal favorite recipes from Classic City Cooking:

1) Seafood Charmine from DePalma’s. “This dish was one of my favorites while I lived in Athens and continues to be a dish I crave when I’m back home,” she said. “I was thrilled when the DePalma’s team agreed to hand over the recipe for the book. The Charmine Sauce was perfect on the first try and just as good when made at home as in the restaurant.”

2) Scotch Egg from The Branded Butcher. “I love eggs and a Scotch Egg is a particular favorite,” she explained. “The recipe is super easy and oh-so-good for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The celery root remoulade is an incredible (and genius) accompaniment.”

3) Bangers and Mash from The Royal Peasant. “My husband insisted we test this one ourselves. It’s elevated comfort food at its best. The flavors in this dish are amazing. The savory turmeric really stands out and is a wonderful compliment to the creamy mash.”

The official book launch for Classic City Cooking is Saturday, May 14, at LRG Provisions in Athens.

Purchase tickets here! The ticket price of $40 includes a copy of the book (a $29.95 value), open bar, and tasty passed bites from the talented chefs at LRG. Classic City Cooking can also be purchased from Avid Bookshop. For more information, like Classic City Cooking on Facebook and follow Juanina on Instagram. We’ll also give away one ticket to the book launch party. Leave a comment below to enter!
April 28, 2016
Saltyard Partners with Creature Comforts for Earth Day Celebration
As Captain Planet said, “By your powers combined…” big things happen to help the earth.

This Earth Day, April 22, Atlanta-based eatery Saltyard powers up with Athens-based brewery, Creature Comforts, for a beer dinner benefitting local non-profit The Farmer Fund. Atlanta’s favorite beer personality, Ale Sharpton, will be in attendance to host a raffle at the end of dinner.

Executive Chef Nick Leahy of Saltyard has put together a menu that even Captain Planet himself would want to enjoy.
- Hors d’oeuvres: Passed house-made Canadian bacon with Creature Comforts beer mustard on cheddar crackers paired with a Bibo Pilsner
- 1st Course: Otter Bay oysters with Emergence & Meyer lemon granita paired with Emergence Limited Release Blonde Ale
- 2nd Course: Charred local squash, herbed Atlanta Fresh Yogurt, Athena-chile-honey, boiled peanut gremolata paired with Athena Berliner Weisse
- 3rd Course: Pan-seared scallops, field pea and sweet corn succotash, country ham & tomato butter paired with Tropicália American IPA
- 4th Course: Pastrami-cured smoked pork cheek, Vidalia onion champ, porter glazed baby carrots paired with The Kings Ransom Baltic Porter
- 5th Course: Strawberry & rhubarb pie with Brettomatic pastry cream and toasted oat crumb paired with Brettomatic Pale Ale
Want to join the party? Tickets for An Earth Day Beer Dinner Celebration are limited and may be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets. Cost is $69 per person plus tax and gratuity ($88 total) and includes dinner, paired beverages, and raffle entry. That’s an awesome night in the making! Dinner will be served on Friday, April 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Can’t make it? Follow Pretty Southern on Twitter and Instagram to see us post pictures of this delicious dinner.

For more information, pleas call Saltyard at 404-382-8088. Guests must be 21+ to attend.
April 21, 2016
Ta-Ta, Turner Field! A Former Braves Tomahawk Team Member’s Tribute

It’s Opening Day. Spring is here, and so is baseball season.

Cotton-Eyed Joe, anyone?

Yet, the typical excitement I usually have every year has been replaced with a feeling of nostalgia.

I was privileged to be part of The Atlanta Braves Tomahawk Team. Cheering on our home team, rallying up the crowds, and spending time under the bright lights of Turner Field is an experience I will never forget. Especially since this is the last season for The Braves before they move to Cobb County. Sites such as slot online are available for those who want to bet on the Braves or other teams.

Me & The Braves Tomahawk Team at Turner Field

This year, April through October will not represent a period of familiar sights, sounds, smells, and activities that I typically associate with those months. They will not mean spending almost every night at Turner Field, surrounded by the sport that I love. I will not only find myself admiring the game from the stands rather than the in-game action as a Tomahawk Team member, but I will also find myself attending the final Opening Day ceremonies at Turner Field. For other sports-related news that are not to be missed, you can turn to sites such as Jimmy John Shark.

Freddie Freeman & I at Turner Field

For 20 years, I have known Turner Field to be my second home. For 20 years, I have grown up watching legends perform the art of baseball. For 20 years, I have admired my team and been a loyal part of Braves Country.

A throwback picture of me in my very first Braves uniform around age 9.

For the last three years, I have worked alongside people who have made a lasting impact on me. From late nights in the locker room during rain delays, to early donut and coffee runs before day games, I couldn’t have asked for a better Braves family.

I went to visit a Children’s Hospital with some of The Braves players. The kids faces were priceless!

When you spend 81 home games each season together, the memories that you make are endless, and they will always hold a special place in my heart. My last three years working within the Atlanta Braves organization has also proven to me how baseball can be a genuinely enjoyable activity that people of all ages can enjoy.

To think that the sport of baseball is slowly dying out brings a pain to my heart. Each season brings with it something new and exciting, yet familiar and recognizable. Each game supplies unique experiences, traditions, and memories. I love the historic atmosphere that surrounds the game. I strive to hear the cheers and chants among fans. I yearn to see the amazed faces of young kids admiring their heroes from afar, and the ecstatic smiles when they get to meet them.

I LOVED volunteering at the Special Olympics Baseball Camp

Baseball unites us, yet separates us. It excites us, yet infuriates us. It captivates us, yet liberates us.

Baseball is recognized as America’s national pastime not only because it was one of the original sports in the country, but because it has grown to be one of the most popular as well. For generations, baseball has brought excitement and entertainment to wide varieties of people, ranking highest among family-friendly environments.

Like a lot of fans, I appreciate baseball as more than just a sport. I have realized that following and interacting with the game has become a passion that can be shared not only among people all over the country but around most of the world as well.

I think that is what I find so exhilarating about the game. It can be so many unique things among so many countless moments. It can mean so many distinct things to so many diverse people, yet it still finds a way to unify us into something larger: a team, a league, a community, a generation.

The Home Depot Tool Race – a tradition at Turner Field

As Atlanta Braves season ticket holders, my family never turned down an opportunity to go to Turner Field during my childhood years. Between the face painting, peanuts and popcorn, and our favorite usher, “Sunny,” we were guaranteed to have a blast at the ballpark, rain or shine.

My time as an Atlanta Braves Tomahawk Team Member may be coming to an end, but that only means that the rest of my life is just beginning. Additionally, just as the Atlanta Braves time is coming to an end at The Ted, they are rebuilding for something far more exciting in the future.

So ta-ta, Turner Field.

You will be missed, but never forgotten. Cheers to Suntrust Park for the promise of a World Series Championship.

April 4, 2016