Thursday, August 27, 2015

Call for Artists: Create Three Benches and Three Bicycle racks for Harmony Park

From: http://decaturartsalliance.org/
The Decatur Arts Alliance announces a call to create three benches and three bicycle racks for

Submission deadline: 10/31/2015
Artist notification: 12/1/2015
Installation date: 2/29/2016

All submissions must be entered through callforentry.org.

Bicycle Rack Project Requirements:
Bike racks should be functional, fun, big, and visible. The bike racks should be weather resistant to the Georgia climate and be able to accommodate three to eight bicycles. The specific City of Decatur bicycle guidelines are here.

Bench Project Requirements:
The bench should be six ft. long, 20 in. deep and 30 in. high. Variations in depth are acceptable but the height and the length need to be consistent. The proposed project must be made of durable materials that are easy to maintain in the southeastern climate.

Budget:
Artists of benches and/or bike racks should submit a proposed budget for the design, fabrication, finishing and transportation of the bench and/or bike rack to the installation site. The budget will be considered as part of the selection process.

Selection:
A review committee comprising art professionals, representatives from the City of Decatur, Oakhurst business district, and the bicycle community will be responsible for the selection of the winning designs. Proposals will be viewed on the basis of creativity, artistic merit, functionality for intended purpose, long-term maintenance, durability, budget and public safety.

Work deemed unsuitable for public use will not be accepted. Only completed, ready to install work will be accepted. Project concepts, maquettes and artists’ renderings will be considered. The City of Decatur is responsible for all cost for materials during installation, including but not limited to final site preparation, plinth, clean up and repair of any damage caused during installation.

Please include three images per submission that clearly shows a front and back and one detail shot. Artists may submit more than one submission for bench and/or bike rack for consideration but each sculpture submission must have the three images specified.

Please describe installation method of the bench or bike rack. Selected artists will be responsible for transportation to the installation site. Benches and bike racks must be delivered ready, stable, well-fabricated and installation-ready.
Harmony Park in the the historic Oakhurst neighborhood business district in Decatur, Georgia. Artists and design professionals are invited to design and create functional benches and bike racks for installation. This project is funded by a grant from the Decatur Craft Beer Festival and in collaboration with the Decatur Downtown Development Authority.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Varsity Jr. Building comes down for a mixed use Storage Facility

    File photo.  Varsity Jr. Drive-In on Lindbergh Dr.

From: http://atlanta.curbed.com
It's been a few years since the last "What'll ya have?!" was shouted at patrons of the Varsity Jr. on Lindbergh Drive. The former eatery that doled out FOs, chili dogs and artery-clogging onion rings for 45 years was torn down this week in preparation for another "mixed use storage facility" concept. Plans indicate that 10,000 square feet of the four-story building will be devoted to retail space, which could help lessen the inherent yawn factor of any storage place.
Located at the corner of Lindbergh Drive and Cheshire Bridge Road, the lot is just one of many slated for redevelopment in the area. Cheshire Bridge is undergoing a major transformation as strip clubs and old homes occupy land that's increasingly coveted by developers. While some are sad to see the once-seedy street transform, others are elated to watch the connection between Buckhead and Midtown strengthen. But there's no denying that a bit of uniquely Atlanta history was wiped clean with the razing of this place. 
Bottom photo credit: https://twitter.com/tonetoatlanta

Monday, August 24, 2015

The Decatur Book Festival is Labor Day Week-end

 More info @ https://www.facebook.com/DecaturBookFestival


CEO Lee May on DeKalb's New Soccer Facility

From: http://thechampionnewspaper.com
 A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get out the front door, and that is what’s happening right now in DeKalb County. There has been a lot of misinformation, at best, and outright lies and deception, at worst, as it pertains to the new soccer development coming to DeKalb.

The Atlanta United Football Club is investing upwards of $51 million into this area, and it is the single largest investment central and south DeKalb County has seen in more than two decades. It comes at a cost of  $12 million to the county, which is a 325 percent return on investment. However, the significance of the deal spans far beyond the numbers.

This project will be a catalyst for the revitalization of the Memorial Drive corridor, and will bring new people and expanded awareness of the area as a destination for business growth and development. DeKalb’s vast diversity in its population of more than 700,000 is concurrent to the diversity of Major League Soccer’s fan base. My hope is that this development can unite north and south DeKalb, as it presents a new venue for entertainment, events and tournaments, outdoor graduations and large community gatherings.

I have made no commitments on job numbers, taxes generated, or of specific financial benefits for a reason. This is more than just a soccer facility, and it is more than just about Arthur Blank; although we are excited to welcome both. It is an investment in our future.

DeKalb County Government is a billion dollar organization, and our investment is only a fraction of our budgets over the multi-year commitment in which we will pay out the $12 million.
more

Saturday, August 22, 2015

The Grindhouse Killer Burgers at Sweet Auburn Curb Market has been Sold

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2015/08/grindhouse-killer-burgers-sale-opening.html#more
Original Grindhouse Killer Burger sold...again

The original Grindhouse Killer Burgers at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market has again been sold, this time to a local resident.


The 1,500 square foot counter service restaurant has been purchased by Tony Accurso, who reportedly lives "a short bike ride away." Contrasted to the two most recent owners, Accurso, who according to his LinkedIn profile has a background in marketing and advertising, plans to be a "hands on" owner with "incredible plans to grow the business."  Accurso will operate the restaurant though a franchise agreement with Alex Brounstein. 

Both Brounstein and Steve Josovitz, Vice President of  The Shumacher Group, who brokered the sale,  indicate that the Grindhouse at the Curb Market has always been profitable.   

According to a recent press release, as of September 13th, the Market, along with Grindhouse and other vendors, will open on Sunday afternoons, a day on which all had been closed in the past.  

Restauranteur Alex Brounstein first opened Grindhouse Killer Burgers at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market in 2009. At that time, I was a student at Georgia State and would often carve time out of my day to make the trek to the restaurant from the university's main campus. 

In the time since the original opening, Brounstein has added new locations to Piedmont Avenue in midtown, South Lumpkin Street in Athens and Concourse D of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

A fifth location is currently under construction on North McDonough Street in downtown Decatur, behind Chick-fil-A and across from Decatur High School. After a number of delays, Brounstein tells me he is on track to have the Decatur outpost open by "late 2015."

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Audubon Society to host Wildlife Sanctuary tour in Atlanta

From: http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/26816495/article-Georgia-News-Roundup?instance=home_state_bullets
ATLANTA (AP) — An environmental organization will host its annual Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary tour next month in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Audubon Society will hold the tour, featuring four properties along a 7-mile route through Decatur, a suburban area of Atlanta. There is an optional fifth stop at the Georgia Native Plant Society Fall Plant sale at Stone Mountain Park.

All proceeds will support the education and conservation efforts of Atlanta Audubon Society. Its mission is to protect birds and their habitats statewide through education, conservation and advocacy.

The tour will be held Sept. 19.

Tour sites include Woodlands Gardens; the homes of Deb and Douglas Wilson; Carolyn and Max Brown; and Mary Kimberly and Gavin MacDonald. Each location is located in Decatur.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.

Read more: The Marietta Daily Journal - Georgia News Roundup

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Could Donald Trump give this up for Air Force One?


Either way, which ever plane he would be on would be AIR FORCE ONE...That is if he becomes President.

Vanishing Georgia

Old filling station in Hoschton  GA

Monday, August 17, 2015

2015 East Lake Tour of Homes Aug 22-23


East Lake Tour of Homes 2015 East Lake Tour of Homes. Tour 7 Historic and One of a Kind Homes. Aug 22 10a-5p Aug 23 1p-5p. $20 adv/$25 at door. Tickets and More Information: eastlake.org/tour-of-homes

Friday, August 14, 2015

Slide the City Make-up Date set for Sept 12- This time on McDonough St.

 From: thedecaturminute.com

 We have also decided to move the location of the slide from W. Ponce de Leon Ave over to McDonough Street to reduce the impact on businesses and on traffic. Also, as it turns out, the hill is slightly steeper which will make for a really fun slide.


Slide the City has announced that they will bring the slide back on Saturday, September 12th. We understand that dates falls during the CSD fall break, but that was the only weekend open for both the City of Decatur and Slide the City. If you have tickets that you were not able to use last time, they are valid and you do not have to register again. If you have tickets that you cannot use, please email info@slidethecity.com to either transfer the tickets to someone else or to get a full refund.
We have also decided to move the location of the slide from W. Ponce de Leon Ave over to McDonough Street to reduce the impact on businesses and on traffic. Also, as it turns out, the hill is slightly steeper which will make for a really fun slide.
If you did not get a chance to buy tickets for the slide last time, Slide the City will put more tickets up for sale on Monday.  Check their website for more details. Also, don’t forget to use the promo code DBA15 to get a discount on your tickets and to help support the Decatur Business Association!

photo credit: slidethecity.com

Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival is Tomorrow Sat. Aug 15


Learn more at decaturbbqfestival.com

Video Friday - Smokey and the Bandit - Eastbound and Down


Thursday, August 13, 2015

Smith's Owner Insists Bar is Here to Stay. For Now.

Smith's Owner Insists Bar is Here to Stay. For Now.
From:http://atlanta.curbed.com/

 With litigation surrounding the sale of the Morningside strip center still pending, we'll all have to wait and see how things work out. Until then, party on.


Last month it came to light that Smith's Olde Bar on Piedmont Avenue could soon be getting the boot, with an auction of the building it occupies on the horizon. But owner Dan Nolen has set the record straight to the AJC, saying, "Smith's is not closing any time soon," and adding: "Our take on it is that we are going to honor our commitments to the bands that we've booked, and fight to save the jobs of our employees, and fight to save a small Atlanta music venue that's been around a long time." Nolen contends that the family of the property's original owner, who died earlier this year, offered Smith's only a short-term lease that wasn't exactly acceptable. With litigation surrounding the sale of the Morningside strip center still pending, we'll all have to wait and see how things work out. Until then, party on.

Country Icon Marty Stuart Coming to Eddie's Attic Aug 21

From eddiesattic.com
If you were to give country music an address, you might say it's at the corner of sacred and profane, two doors up from the blues and folk, and just across the street from gospel, R&B and rock 'n' roll. And on a deeper emotional and spiritual level, it resides where Saturday night meets Sunday morning.

No one understands these coordinates better than Marty Stuart. For over forty years, the five-time Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, photographer and historian has been building a rich legacy at this very crossroads. On his latest release with his band The Fabulous Superlatives, the double-disc Saturday Night & Sunday Morning, Stuart captures all the authentic neon and stained-glass hues of country music – from love and sex to heartache and hardship to family and God – in twenty-three tracks.

“I've always thought that country music had a really unique relationship with gospel music,” Stuart says. “It is interesting to me that country stars can sing drinking and cheating songs authentically, then at some point during the evening or the broadcast, take their hats off and say, 'Friends, here's our gospel song.' If it’s the right messenger it seamlessly flows. That's a time-honored tradition, from Jimmie Rodgers to Hank Williams to Johnny Cash. Rogue prophets and rogue preachers. That is my world.
more 

photo credit: http://www.newsadvance.com

Pollo Tropical - Next Stop Tucker

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2015/08/pollo-tropical-targets-northlake-for.html#more

 The Northlake area has welcomed a number of new casual and fast casual eateries over the past few years including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Bojangles', Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint and Hudson Grille. 



 Pollo Tropical planning Tucker location

Miami, Florida-based Pollo Tropical is proposing to open a new freestanding location in Tucker.  The restaurant would be built in an outparcel of the existing Target store, at the corner of Northlake Parkway and LaVista Road, just off I-285.  As it stands now, the restaurant would be part of the City of Tucker. 

The restaurant and accompanying drive-thru must still receive council approval for the proposed SLUP (Special Land Use Permit). 

The Northlake area has welcomed a number of new casual and fast casual eateries over the past few years including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Bojangles', Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint and Hudson Grille. 

Pollo Tropical has been expanding its presence since re-entering the Atlanta market in 2011. There are currently seven locations open in metro Atlanta.
more
photo credit: http://pollotropical.com/

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Chelsea Clinton Book Signing at Little Shop of Stories Sept. 17

from http://www.littleshopofstories.com/events.php
 Chelsea Clinton Book Signing at Little Shop of Stories Sept. 17

Ms. Clinton will sign and personalize each purchased copy, but will not sign any other memorabilia. 

 


Little Shop of Stories is pleased to announce that it will host a book signing with Chelsea Clinton on Thursday, September 17th starting at 6 p.m.

Ms. Clinton is the author of It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going, a book for young readers offering information on a variety of community and world issues including homelessness, gender equality, and climate change, along with suggestions for action.

Additional information about Ms. Clinton's book can be found here.

This signing will be a ticketed event.  Tickets can be purchased at Little Shop of Stories in person or over the telephone at (404) 373-6300 starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 13th.
The price of a ticket is $20.32 which is the cost of her new book plus sales tax. A ticket will permit one family (up to two adults and their children) into the signing line.

Ms. Clinton will sign and personalize each purchased copy, but will not sign any other memorabilia. Due to the projected interest and the need to run a smooth signing line, there will be no opportunities for posed photographs. (We will have a designated area for taking photos if you wish.)

If you are unable to attend this event but would like to purchase a signed copy of Chelsea’s book, we will have a limited number of signed copies available for sale.
Katherine Applegate Author Event!!!

photo credit:  https://www.thereadingroom.com/blog/chelsea-clinton-to-write-young-readers-book/692

h/t decaturmetro.com

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Eye on Decatur - Suburban Plaza


Paper Plane is taking its last flight.

From: 
PAPER PLANE Facebook  page
Aloha, Gang. We have an announcement to make over this airplane intercom thing. As many of you know, Paper Plane has stopped food service this month. And at the end of August, after two-and-a-half years, we will stop all service. Paper Plane is taking its last flight, soaring off into the Decatur sunset. Which is to say, you should come by and enjoy our award-winning drinks and lovely staff while you can. You only have until the end of the month! Many of you have asked what's going to replace Paper Plane. We're happy to report that Wal-Mart will set up a small store in that space. Perfect for the Decatur-ite looking for guns, bullets, lawn chairs, half-off Christmas gear—really, anything. Of course, we are kidding. Put down your protest signs. We've got something even more (coco)nuts than that. See you soon, and until then, Mahalo, Y'all!

Friday, August 7, 2015

Go See Pee-Wee's Big Adventure at The Plaza Aug 12. Be sure and tell 'em Large Marge sent ya!


In partnership with the Atlanta Film Festival, the Plaza Theatre Foundation proudly presents its Summer Film Series! Continuing on August 12th with a 30th anniversary screening of Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (91 min).

Pay what you can in support of Georgia's longest-running independent cinema!


SCREENING DETAILS

Location: Plaza Theatre
Time: Doors & Pre-Show @ 7PM ; Showtime @ 7:30PM
Price: $10 Suggested Donation (pay-what-you-can)

PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE
Directed by Tim Burton
USA, 1985, English, 91 minutes 
Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens), an eccentric child-like man, loves his red bicycle and will not sell it to his envious neighbor, Francis (Mark Holton). While Pee-wee visits his friend Dottie (Elizabeth Daily), the bike is stolen. Thinking his bike is at the Alamo, Pee-wee sets off on a trip, where he meets many remarkable people, including waitress Simone (Diane Salinger) and a motorcycle gang. Eventually, Pee-wee discovers that his bike is being used in a movie and tries to recover it.
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure is part of the Plaza Theatre Foundation's Summer Film Series. For a full series line-up, and other series information, click here.

Video Friday- Glen Campbell Galveston


Thursday, August 6, 2015

Registration for the 5th annual Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby is now open.

    THE 2015 MADISON AVE SOAPBOX DERBY IS OCT. 10, 2015

Raul sends this in.

Registration for the 5th annual Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby is now open.

To register go to www.madisonavesoapboxderby.org
The beneficiary for the 2015 Madison Ave Soapbox Derby will be Hagar's House. 100% of all proceeds raised by the derby will benefit Hagar House.
Hagar’s House is an emergency night shelter and assessment center with support services for women with children. While participating in the program, families receive thorough assessment and crisis intervention. Hagar’s House is operated by Decatur Cooperative Ministry
To learn more about Hagar's House go to http://www.decaturcooperativeministry.org/html/programs.php

Twisted Soul Chef puts her twist on Southern Food

     Decatur GA

From: http://thechampionnewspaper.com
by Gale Horton Gay
It took a strike for Deborah Vantrece to realize there was something bigger and better out there for her.
A flight attendant at the time of the strike at her airline, Vantrece decided it was time to “wake up” and take “control of my life.’

The native Kansas City, Mo., woman decided to go to culinary school in 1994, and after working as a caterer and being the owner of Edible Art in East Atlanta and Underground Atlanta, she’s now brought her culinary style to Decatur.

Located on East Howard Avenue, Twisted Soul is one of Decatur’s newest restaurants. It opened last December, bringing a soul infusion menu to the city’s popular dining scene. The menu is replete with such offers as Sweet Tea Ribs with pork belly beans ($22), Pan Roasted Grouper with citrus white lightning butter ($24) and NOLA Barbecue Gulf Shrimp with country-fried biscuits ($23). There’s also Southern Marinated Fried Chicken with three cheese orecchiette, collard green roll with sweet potato apple chutney ($18) and a Summer Soul Salad with strawberries, arugula, black pepper, goat cheese and candied pecans ($13).
On its website, the restaurant is described as “Southern based, with a soulful twist,” but Vantrece said it’s much more than that.
more at: http://thechampionnewspaper.com

Deborah Vantrece  photo credit https://twitter.com/downtowndecatur/status/555139774408044545

Donald Trump holds a double-digit lead over his nearest rival in the GOP presidential primary.

From: http://onlineathens.com
Billionaire Donald Trump holds a double-digit lead over his nearest rival in the GOP presidential primary, according to a FOX 5/Morris News Poll.

The real estate mogul and reality TV star received 30 percent, the largest support of 16 Republican candidates, in a survey conducted by OpinionSavvy/InsiderAdvantage this month of 569 likely Republican presidential primary voters.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush came in second with 17 percent.

Neurosurgeon Ben Carson trailed him with 10 percent, followed by former Ark. Gov. Mike Huckabee with 7 percent, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz with 6 percent, and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker with 5 percent.
more at http://onlineathens.com/mobile/2015-08-05/poll-donald-trump-leads-among-georgia-republicans

------
photo credit http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/donald-trump-announces-2016-presidential-campaign-make-country/story?id=31799741

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Halt and Catch Fire Review

From:  http://variety.com
Halt and Catch Fire” didn’t stoke many embers ratings-wise, but its second and potentially final season went out, on the show’s understated terms, in a blaze of glory. AMC’s attempt to craft another “Mad Men”-esque period piece from producers behind “Breaking Bad” remained as chilly and emotionally distant as its high-tech setting, but the second-season gambit of dramatically altering the relationships and narrative largely worked, creatively speaking, if not in terms of earning a reboot from the audience. The finale, moreover, deftly left the story open enough to continue while providing appropriate closure if this serves as a full halt.
Blessed with the benefit of hindsight about how computers and digital technology have impacted our world since where this season began 30 years ago, the show remained at its best when exploring those business machinations, and less compelling in its web of relationships. Simply put, watching Gordon (Scoot McNairy) fall apart emotionally while his wife Donna (Kerry Bishe) flourished running the game startup Mutiny had its moments, but never popped as much as this well-informed look into the roots of the tech boom.
For that reason, the finale (and SPOILER ALERT if you haven’t watched) came around to a reasonable and logical end point, which felt both true to the characters (mostly) and savvy about allowing viewers to mentally plug in the gaps about what the future likely holds for these fictional pioneers. That culminated with the “California, here we come” finish, and the promise of moving this whole act to the fertile fields of Silicon Valley.
Still, the show’s dramatic heart remained the slick-talking visionary/salesman Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace), whose adventure trying to settle down personally and professionally – work for an imperious tycoon of a father-in-law (James Cromwell, who tends to class up whatever joint he visits) – seemed doomed from the get-go. Yet the fact that Joe would take what appeared to be his downfall and turn that back into a Phoenix-like rebirth – using Gordon’s genius to embrace the burgeoning possibilities of launching an anti-virus business – reinforced the sense of a guy with nine lives, someone who would always manage to land on his feet, usually at the expense of others.
“Real security is trusting no one,” Joe said, not only tapping into the paranoia that digital technology has unleashed long before the current era of hacking, but also anticipating the slogan for “The X-Files.” The sequence in which he sells the new product by demonstrating what it can do was an example of the show at its very best, displaying Joe’s daredevil streak while exploiting everything we know about computing circa 2015.
As noted, series creators Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers left the door open to proceeding with this story, but that final image of Joe staring out at the glittering landscape spread out before him felt if not like the end, at least an end. And after giving the series a second chance, one could hardly fault AMC — which has renewed Sunday-night companion “Humans” and the ratings-challenged “Turn” — for not beating its head against a wall on another enterprise with passionate but narrow appeal. (AMC has said an official decision on “Halt” will come after the season ends.)
Granted, “Breaking Bad” gradually broke out into an unqualified hit, but despite talk about seeking to broaden “Halt’s” base, even in today’s binge-oriented age that’s a rare exception. On the plus side, the network did provide “Halt” fans a chance to see the series play out long enough to reach a more satisfying finish – on the eve of that digital dawn when the geeks began to inherit the Earth.

photo credit:  http://wegotthiscovered.com

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Juice Bar Is Adding a Virginia-Highland Location

From: http://atlanta.eater.com
It will be the third Atlanta-area location.

Juice Bar is taking it's health-conscious snacks and beverages to Virginia-Highland. The juicery, with locations in Suwanee and Druid Hills and another planned for Johns Creek, will open at 1402 North Highland Avenue in September. It's the same development that houses Ron Eyester's The Family Dog.

Juice Bar offers typical healthy fare: smoothies, juices, a variety of shots, and cleanses. The shop will also cary "wellness products" from local purveyors such as wellness products from local purveyors such as Georgia Grinders, Golda Kombucha, Mountain Organics, Popstar Popsicles, Queen of Kale, and Vonnie's Wheatgrass. Juice Bar's parent company, I Love Juice Bar, operates 25 shops in 10 states.
photo credit: http://www.yelp.com/

Friday, July 31, 2015

A Look Back at The Plaza Theatre 29 Years Ago

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/19526750653/in/datetaken/https://www.flickr.com

 Playing at The Plaza - Robert Redford and Debra Winger in LEGAL EAGLES & Jack Nicholson in HEARTBURN.

Video Friday - Danny and The Juniors- At The Hop

All the cats and chicks can get their kicks at the hop Let's go!

From: http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/danny_and_the_juniors/at_the_hop.html
Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah
Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah, at the hop!

Well, you can rock it you can roll it
You can slop and you can stroll it at the hop
When the record starts spinnin'
You chalypso* when you chicken at the hop
Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation at the hop

Ah, let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop

Well, you can swing it you can groove it
You can really start to move it at the hop
Where the jockey is the smoothest
And the music is the coolest at the hop
All the cats and chicks can get their kicks at the hop
Let's go!

Ah, let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop
Let's go!

[Instrumental Interlude]

Well, you can rock it you can roll it
You can slop and you can stroll it at the hop
When the record starts spinnin'
You chalypso* when you chicken at the hop
Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation at the hop

Well, you can swing it you can groove it
You can really start to move it at the hop
Where the jockey is the smoothest
And the music is the coolest at the hop
All the cats and chicks can get their kicks at the hop
Let's go!

Ah, let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop
Let's go!

Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah
Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah, at the hop!

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Is it Adiós for Smith's Olde Bar

Marketed as "Morningside Strip Center," the property that includes the iconic Smith's Olde Bar is due to go to auction August 28th.


from :http://www.tonetoatl.com
 The property currently home to Smith's Olde Bar may soon change hands.

Marketed as "Morningside Strip Center," the property that includes the iconic Smith's Olde Bar is due to go to auction August 28th.  According to a "property package" I obtained, the center, on Piedmont Avenue in Piedmont Heights, was built in 1925 and has been owned by the Taylor family since 1927, or 88 consecutive years. 

Although now controlled by a trust, Beverly Anne Taylor owned the property until this past March when she passed away at age 97.  A native Atlantan, Taylor's parents May Garvey and Albert Heery Bailey had a home at the corner of Peachtree and Piedmont Roads until 1956. Notably, in 1939 she attended the premiere of Gone With The Wind and danced with Clark Gable at the ball.  To this native Atlantan, both of these are pretty remarkable.

Also remarkable is the longevity of key tenant Smith's Olde Bar. The bar, restaurant and live music venue occupies 10,511 square feet (over five spaces) of the property's overall 17,767 square feet in retail space.  Smith's has been the center's biggest attraction in recent memory, having opened in 1993. Similar to the likes of The Masquerade and the (original) Roxy Theatre on Roswell Road in Buckhead, Smith's is a great place to see a new, local or up-and-coming band in an intimate setting. 
more

Do You Like the Coca-Cola Freestyle Drink Machines

 I thought it was just me but everything just tastes awful from the freestyle machines. I like Coke, so when I use these freestyle drink machines. My Coke DOES NOT TASTE LIKE A COKE. My drink tasted like, it was part orange and/or grape,diet coke,sprite etc...

I think it's a balance between carbonated water and syrup that is messed up. 
Several fast food drive thru places  use these machines .
Many Theatre's use these and for the price you pay, you should get a drink that taste good.
 Never again will I use these type machines.
Comments welcome.
It's even got a facebook page


-- Comment: Anonymous said... I can't stand Freestyle machines. Besides tasting like other flavors of whatever the person before you had, they also lack in the syrup. All the drinks taste water-down.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe Coming to Decatur

 From: http://www.tonetoatl.com

Taziki's upcoming Decatur location will opened alongside a new outpost of Highland Bakery at 315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue. 

 

Birmingham, Alabama-based Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe plans to end 2015 with six units in metro Atlanta with the possibility of adding another six in the coming years.  The fast casual chain entered metro Atlanta in 2012 with a location in Sandy Springs at the  "Glenridge Springs" development, near the Haverty's building.   Taziki's added a location on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta in late 2013. Last spring the chain opened in Athens in the Bottleworks on Prince Avenue. 

Today the chain opened its newest location, in Suwanee on Old Peachtree Road.  Here, Taziki's joined Nashville, Tennessee-based I Love Juice Bar in a newly built center just off I-85 and adjacent to an existing Home Depot. 

As I previously announced, Taziki's upcoming Decatur location will opened alongside a new outpost of Highland Bakery at 315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue. While a drive-thru I Love Juice Bar was also proposed for the property, the concept was panned by the city of Decatur and ultimately abandoned.
read more at http://www.tonetoatl.com

photo credit:  http://www.restaurantnews.com

Eye on Decatur - US1 Discounts

http://www.us1discounts.com/

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Make it a Day to visit Oakhurst Village

Today is a great day to visit Oakhurst Village

From: thedecaturminute.com
 Not in the mood to go downtown today for Slide the City? Visit the fine restaurants, stores and services in Oakhurst Village instead! They continue to remain open during regular business hours while the Oakhurst streetscape project is underway.

    Bee’s Knees
    Decatur Eye Care
    Family Dollar
    Halo Salon
    Intown Acupuncture
    Intown Auto Care
    Kavarna
    Keller Knapp Real Estate
    Matador Cantina
    Mezcalito’s Cantina
    Mojo Pizza
    New Acropolis
    Oakhurst Cleaners
    Oakhurst Market
    Oakhurst Pediatrics
    One Step At A Time
    Origins Real Estate
    Saba
    Steinbeck’s
    Hop ‘N Shop
    Sugar Moon Bake Shop
    Taj Ma-Hound
    Tessitura
    The Solarium
    Universal Joint

Slide the City will be CLOSED by 1 p.m. Due to Water Main Break

Ticket holders will be contacted by Slide the City in the near future about refunds, etc.

 From: thedecaturminute.com
Slide the City will be CLOSED by 1 p.m.

 Due to the ongoing issues with a DeKalb County water main break the decision has been made to shut down today’s Slide the City event by 1 p.m. Ticket holders will be contacted by Slide the City in the near future about refunds, etc.

Because many buildings are without air conditioning (A/C system requires water),  cooling centers are in the process of being established around the city. As soon as those locations are determined (we want to make sure they have water and functioning restrooms) an update will be posted here.

DeKalb County continues to tweet updates via @ItsInDeKalb.

Friday, July 24, 2015

7 DAYS TO GO


Poster credit: http://screenrant.com/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-trailer-preview-casting/

The Slide the City is finally here! Sat. July 25

From: thedecaturminute.com

 So even if you don’t have tickets to ride the slide, come on out and enjoy the festivities. T.Mac, Ted’s Montana Grill, and Cafe Lily are all planning big patio parties that are open to everyone.


The Slide is finally here!
After months of talk and preparation, tomorrow is the big day for Slide the City! Not only will it be super fun and a cool way to spend a day in Decatur, but it is a big fundraiser for the Decatur Business Association. The DBA hosts so many free community events all year long, these funds really help make that happen. (Concerts on the Square, Blue Sky Concerts, Easter Egg Hunt, the Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast, as well as help fund the MLK Jr Service Project and the 4th of July Fireworks.)

So even if you don’t have tickets to ride the slide, come on out and enjoy the festivities. T.Mac, Ted’s Montana Grill, and Cafe Lily are all planning big patio parties that are open to everyone.

It will be hot so don’t forget to bring sunblock and a water bottle.  And speaking of water bottles, the Environmental Sustainability Board will be out at the event refilling your water bottles for free!

We can’t wait to see you #slidedecatur

Video Friday - The Human League


Thursday, July 23, 2015

Eyes on a Decatur Pole - That Way to The Dogg House

Let me point you to the Dogg House ---> it's at  310 E. Howard Ave

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Slide the City is this Saturday July 25 - Over 5,000 People Expected

From: thedecaturminute.com
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Decatur Business Association, the DBA along with the City of Decatur has decided to shake up our traditional summer event, the Decatur Beach Party, and make a huge SPLASH this summer. For one day only, there will be a 1000 foot long water slide in the middle of W. Ponce de Leon Ave, stretching from Clairemont down to Ponce de Leon Place.
Here are some important details to note:
  • W. Ponce de Leon will be closed between Clairemont Ave and Fairview Ave at 3am on Saturday, July 25th until midnight that same day.
  •  Decatur Police will be present at road closures as well as roaming the event site
  • Hours of the event are 10am-9pm. We expect over 4000 people to attend this event
  • We have not allowed additonal vendors or foodtrucks to attend this event in the hopes that you, our local businesses will benefit greatly
  • There will be music along the Slide for most of the day. We will end the music at 8pm on Saturday evening
  • Police located at the barricade at W. Ponce and Fairview will allow local traffic inside the barricade if they are going to a business whose driveway is not blocked by the Slide
  • Police will also allow residents who reside in the 315 and 335 buildings to access their buildings
We encourage people to walk, ride bikes, to take Marta to Decatur. If you need to drive, please note the various parking decks on the map
Several of our favorite Decatur businesses will be hosting patio parties and specials on Saturday. Make plans now to hang out at Cafe Lily, T. Mac, and Ted’s Montana Grill-all who have specials planned for the day!
---
Other news sites are reporting   5 to 6 thousand people are expected, not all of the 6000 tickets were sold. 

Revival Restaurant Updates Menu

This updated menu just sent in from Emily and Melissa over at Revival .
Thanks Emily and Melissa

KEVIN GILLESPIE’S REVIVAL TO OPEN ON JULY 23 IN DECATUR
Executive Chef Andreas Müller’s Menu of Elevated Southern Fare
Features a Family-Style Spread Suited for Sharing a Meal
 
ATLANTA (July 22, 2015) – Atlanta-based chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie is opening his latest dining destination, Revival, in Decatur on Thursday, July 23. The restaurant offers guests a family-style dining experience reminiscent of Gillespie’s own family’s traditions, and executive chef Andreas Müller reinterprets the food from Gillespie’s childhood with a selection of Southern-inspired dishes that will bring guests together at the table.
Müller, who previously worked at Gunshow, shares Gillespie’s enthusiasm for preparing traditional meals with farm-fresh ingredients and uses his own Swedish background to inject both rural and refined culinary influences into the Revival menu. Guests can order dishes à la carte or choose the family-style option ($49 per person), which includes the choice of one entrée for the table and is served with hors d’oeuvre, relishes, trimmings, Gillespie family iron skillet cornbread, the choice of dessert, tea and coffee. The restaurant is opening with dinner service only and will add lunch in several weeks. 

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Menu items for dinner include the following:
 Hors d’oeuvre ($6-$10):
·         Sliced local tomatoes with cucumbers and sweet onion
·         Toasted deviled ham tea sandwiches
·         Local kale salad with old-fashioned boiled dressing
·         Old-fashioned skillet-fried green tomatoes
 Entrées ($11-$18):
·         Country-fried Kobe beef round steak with skillet pan gravy
·         Revival fried chicken
·         Grassfed beef and pork meatloaf wrapped in bacon
·         Wood-grilled Berkshire pork steak
·         Spiced Mississippi catfish in low country tomato gravy
·         Wood-grilled South Carolina quail glazed with roasted honey and garlic
·         Mushroom-stuffed cabbage dumpling with spicy roasted tomato sauce
 Trimmings ($4-$6):
·         Fatback-fried silver queen corn
·         Hickory-smoked local greens
·         Old-fashioned creamed potatoes
·         Fresh field peas and snaps in sweet cream butter and dill
·         Green cabbage with confit ham
·         Revival mac n’ cheese
·         Pan-roasted mushrooms with celery and lemon
·         Local zucchini and summer squash pancake
 Desserts ($7):
·         Geneva’s toasted vanilla pound cake with peach fool
·         Butterscotch trifle with butter pecan cream
·         Lemon icebox pie
·         Rustic peach and nectarine tart à la mode
·         Awesome chocolate cake

Revival seats 100 guests and features a lush garden and a patio space that will house an outdoor bar called Communion in spring 2016. The restaurant is located at 129 Church Street in the former Harbour House Pub site in Decatur. Revival is open for dinner Sunday – Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 5-10 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not required and can be made by calling the restaurant, 470-225-6770,  or online . For updates, follow Revival on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook . Additional information can be found at www.revivaldecatur.com .

Remembering The Martin's Eastgate / Suburban Plaza Theatre circa 1965

     DECATUR GA
Remember this theatre, it was located at Suburban Plaza Shopping Center. original name was Martin's Eastgate Theatre but later changed name to The Suburban Plaza Theatre.

 The opening movie for the theatre  was  The World Premiere of Walt Disney "Those Calloways".  At the premiere were stars of the film, Brian Keith, Brandon De Wilde and Linda Evans.

Comment from :Stan Malone Built by the Martin Theatre Company in 1964 as the Eastgate. The shopping center and theatre soon underwent a name change to Suburban Plaza, probably because there was already an Eastgate Shopping Center on Columbia Drive near I-20. It opened in January 1965 on the same day as the Village and the Westgate Twin. Premiere feature was “Those Calloways.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Decatur's Newest Restaurant "Revival" releases Menu for Thursday Opening

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Dining room photo from https://www.facebook.com/RevivalDecatur/posts/1590900431173841

 According to Decaturish a new UPDATED MENU with lower prices is in the works.

------------------ Menu released on Monday does not reflect new lower prices---------------------
  • Hors d'oeuvre ($9-$15)

         Sliced local tomatoes with cucumbers and sweet onion
         Toasted deviled ham tea sandwiches
         Local kale salad with old-fashioned boiled dressing
         Revival relish tray
         Old-fashioned skillet-fried green tomatoes

  • Entrées ($18-$26)
Country-fried Kobe beef round steak with skillet pan gravy
Revival fried chicken
Grass-
Creamed Georgia white shrimp and Savannah red rice
Wood-grilled Berkshire pork steak
Spiced Mississippi catfish in low country tomato gravy
Wood-grilled South Carolina quail glazed with roasted honey and garlic
Mushroom-stuffed cabbage dumpling with spicy roasted tomato sauce
fed beef and pork meatloaf wrapped in bacon
  • Trimmings ($6-$8)
Fatback-fried silver queen corn
Hickory-smoked local greens
Old-fashioned creamed potatoes
Fresh field peas and snaps in sweet cream butter and dill
Green cabbage with confit ham
Revival mac n’ cheese
Pan-roasted mushrooms with celery and lemon
Local zucchini fritters
  • Desserts ($8)
Geneva’s toasted vanilla pound cake with peach fool
Butterscotch trifle with butter pecan cream
Lemon icebox pie
Rustic peach and nectarine tart à la mode
Awesome chocolate cake
-----
 From: Revival facebook: Revival officially opens  Thursday, July 23rd, for dinner. For everyone interested in making reservations you have a couple choices. You can make them online at Seat Me or you can call us directly at 470-225-6770. We look forwarded to sharing the next chapter in our lives with you all very soon!

129 Church St.
Decatur  GA 

Sharknado 3. Oh Hell No ! Wed. July 22


Friday, July 17, 2015

Bird's-eye View of Decatur circa 1965

This is a 1965  bird's-eye view of downtown Decatur at N. McDonough St & W. Trinity Place.
 Not long after this photo was taken, this corner was all torn down for the building of the New Courthouse.

Comments: 
Frank Thomas: I remember this! My father in law's office was on west trinity place right next to the old post office, a white marble building.

Sandra Wilkins Flournoy I went to that Belks so many times. And the theater.....I remember well seeing Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte there. Scared the day lights out of me.

 Laura Peacock Babb: Frank Thomas. I remember that marble building. Sandra Wilkins Flournoy we saw the same movie there too.

Diane Riley Brendel Woodall: We used to go to the Decatur Post Office every Sunday! My grandfather was the Secretary of two Masonic Lodge's. From there we would go to the Dairy Queen at Clairmont and N. Decatur Rd.


 Tom Ball: Parker's filling station. My dad worked for belks for 30 years

Read more comments at:  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200671660551327&set=gm.10153516823947650&type=1&theater