AMC Sets May 31 Premiere for ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ Season 2

From: http://variety.com
AMC is crossing its fingers for the reboot of of drama “Halt and Catch Fire” on May 31, two weeks after the finale of “Mad Men.”

The show, set in the mid-1980s amid the rise of the PC business in Texas, struggled to find an audience last year in its 10-episode run. But AMC brass had faith in the premise, series creators Chris Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers and showrunner Jonathan Lisco, who acknowledge that changes are in store for season two.

“We’re going to drill down even deeper into these characters we’ve created, to give you all the emotional and psychological depth you’ve come to expect from ‘Halt and Catch Fire,’ while at the same time evolving the show to be brasher and even more addictive,” said Lisco.

Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis and Kerry Bishe topline “Halt.” James Cromwell has a recurring role in the upcoming season. --

Celebrate Easter with Brunch at Wahoo! Grill

Celebrate Easter with Brunch
at Wahoo! Grill 

Sunday,  April 5, 2015
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wahoo! Grill has been busy planning a delicious Easter brunch buffet just for you! 

 

Feature entrees on the buffet include the Charleston shrimp and grits, fresh herb egg scramble, smoked salmon and French toast  in addition to f resh baked breads, granola, yogurt, seasonal vegetables and chilled salads. The brunch buffet is only  $25 for adults and $10 for children.

 

What is brunch without classic cockatils such as the bloody Mary or a mimosa? As an Easter brunch special, Wahoo! Grill is offering these traditional brunch cockatils for only $6! 

 

To make your reservation for Easter Sunday, please call 404.373.3331 or visit the website. 

 

Summit Racing's Atlanta Motorama April 18-19 Atlanta Motor Speedway

From: http://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com
Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama
Saturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 19, 2015 9:00am-4:00pm

Spectators can enjoy two full days of family friendly motoring fun at the Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama. Tickets are affordably priced and include access to all areas of the show including the vendor midway, show car garage, extreme motorsports and so much more.

Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Adults: $12 per day

Kids (6-11): $5

Ages 5 & under: FREE

Adult Weekend Pass $20

Spectator entrance is located at Gate 13.

Neighborhood Clean Ups Start This Weekend!

Neighborhood Clean Ups Start This Weekend!
From: thedecaureminute
The City of Decatur offers Neighborhood Clean-Up days once a year to allow residents to dispose of bulky items that aren’t normally placed in Pay-As-You-Throw bags.  Each street in the City is assigned to one Saturday each spring, generally between March-June.  Don’t forget that Decatur also accepts bulky items year round as a part of the regular sanitation pick up!
 > Download the 2015 Neighborhood Clean Up Schedule Here http://www.decaturga.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=5602
If you have any questions, please contact Sean Woodson at sean.woodson@decaturga.com or 404-377-5571.  For more information visit decaturga.com/neighborhoodcleanup
Learn more at  http://thedecaturminute.com

Decatur Easter Egg Hunt is this weekend

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/
  The annual Decatur Business Association Easter Egg Hunt is this weekend!
 Join us on Saturday, March 28th on the front lawn of Decatur First Baptist Church The Easter Bunny arrives at 10:30am and the hunt starts at 11am sharp.

Photo credit :  www.ctvnews.ca

Original "Pete the Cat visits The Brick Store Pub" Painting by James Dean for Sale on Ebay

Original "Pete the Cat" Painting signed and dated by the artist  James Dean.  The painting is of the

Brick Store Pub in Decatur Georgia and of course Pete the cat.

James Dean is a well known artist and  author of  children's books based on Pete the cat.

Bid or make offer on ebay here Photo credit: ebay

WOODLANDS 2ND ANNUAL YOUTH ARTIST MARKET April 25

-- SAT. APRIL 25 WOODLANDS 2ND ANNUAL YOUTH ARTIST MARKET
 Woodlands Garden invites you to our 2nd Annual Youth Artist Market. This one-day arts event is for kids in grades 2 - 12 to create and sell their own artwork and crafts. The festival will be held in the meadow at Woodlands Garden on April 25th from 11am - 3pm.
 Rain date will be Saturday May 2nd. Deadline to register is April 4th Booth rental is $10 for 10’x10’ space You may share space with a friend. All proceeds go to you, or a good cause of your choice.
 Pay online at www.woodlandsgardens.org FOR APPLICATION OR QUESTIONS Contact Claire@woodlandsgarden.org 404-373-2222

Learn more at :  http://www.woodlandsgarden.org/

Woodlands Garden

932 Scott Blvd.
Decatur, GA 30030
MAP

Another Day for Duck's (and baskets, and bunnies…) and a JEWELRY SALE!

Mingei at Duck's
this Saturday

Saturday, March 28
10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
In the courtyard by Duck's Kitchen.  
Need a map?

Jewelry Spring Cleaning Sale!
Basket Bonanza
and the Goodies to Fill Them!
(You will have to get your own chocolate bunnies.
 We can't be trusted with the likes of THOSE.)

Truly, some great deals to put a spring in your step!  Half price and more off lots of jewelry.
Half off at least on sequined Moroccan market baskets.
Also available?
Other baskets and little whimsies to fill them.

If you have something in mind you would like me to bring, email and let me know!

Reminder: Electronics / Shredding Recycling Day is Saturday 3-21-15

From thedecaturminute.com
Recycle your old electronics and Styrofoam and safely shred and recycle your documents all in one place. It’s simple and convenient. Just drop off your recyclables 9 a.m. though 1 p.m. (Sorry, early drop-offs are not possible.)
Contact Sean Woodson at 404-377-5571 or sean.woodson@decaturga.com for more information and last-minute updates, or visit decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling.

Paper Shredding

This is a great opportunity to ensure that your important personal documents are disposed of properly. AAA Security Shredding provides secure on-site document shredding, and all shredded documents will be 100 percent recycled. Most document types are acceptable, including bills, invoices, correspondence, canceled checks, tax records, financial statements, purchase orders, and blueprints and maps.
These items cannot be shredded: Cardboard, glass, plastic, magazines, napkins, newspapers, paper cups and plates, plastic or spiral-bound notebooks, phonebooks, three-ring binders, and trash.

Pub Crawl in Kirkwood Saturday March 28

From: http://clatl.com
Sat., March 28 in Kirkwood

Come out and play Saturday, March 28 from 5pm-10pm as we crawl our way through Kirkwood, hitting your favorite spots along the way! Check in at Elmyriachi to receive your wristband, which gets you sweet deals on Goose Island beers and grub, plus we'll raffle off some of our concert tickets from the CL prize drawer of glory (tm) at each location. As if that wasn't awesome enough, CL will donate $1 of every ticket to our Do Good projects!

Participating bars include:

5PM Elmyriachi: Two for $5 tacos: pork loin carnitas tacos with poblano-pineapple salsa, and pickled onions and/or grilled shrimp tacos with red chimichurri and charred mango. Plus $2 Goose Island 312 Pale Ale and DJs all night. Raffle item #1: Friday tickets to Shaky Knees Festival!

6PM The Pullman: Beer and food specials coming soon. Raffle item #2: 3-day tickets to CounterPoint Music Fest!

7PM Kirkyard Public House: $2 Goose Island IPA, $2 house cut fries, and $3 house cut sweet potato fries. Raffle item #3: Hawks playoff tickets!

8PM Taproom: Beer and food specials coming soon. Raffle item #4: 3-day Shaky Knees tickets!

9PM Elmyriachi: Head back for the final raffle: 3-day Hangout Music Fest tickets!

For more info, click HERE.

2015 Atlanta Film Festival Opening Night March 20

From: http://events.accessatlanta.com
Plaza Theatre
 1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue
 Atlanta, GA 30306
 Friday Mar 20, 2015 – 7:30 AM
Join us in celebrating film at this years Atlanta Film Festival in its opening night presentation of "I Am Michael", staring James Franco, Zachary Quinto and Emma Roberts. Based off of a true story, "I Am Michael" tells the life of Michael Glatze (Franco) a gay rights activists who abandons his homosexuality and leaves his partner Bennett (Quinto) an eventually becomes a Christian pastor and marries a woman named Rebekah (Roberts). Mix and mingle with directors and stars including Academy Award nominated actor James Franco will be in attendance on opening night. Franco is known for his roles in the "Spider-Man" franchise, and most recently "The Interview". General Admission: $30

Crusin' Decatur GA in the 60's

The 1960's in Decatur, GA with Misty Waters all the way to downtown Decatur on Candler Road and the places in between.The Drive in movies and the hamburger and restaurants and movie theaters and stores we shopped and places we hung out at. The high schools we all attended. Excuse the ending, this video will be edited again and replaced. Thanks for the memories!

New Drive-thru Waffle House Coming to Stone Mountain

 From: www.tonetoatl.com

Norcross-based Waffle House plans to open a new location on Stone Mountain Highway near its intersection with East Park Place Boulevard.  The new Waffle House will open in a former Arby's.  The site sits between a McDonald's and a Hardees.

Unlike any other Waffle House anywhere, this Waffle House will have a drive-thru!

The new Waffle House is projected to open mid-to-late April. The approximately 2,200 square foot restaurant already had a drive thru, so Waffle House decided to use it as a test.   According to a Waffle House spokesperson, the chain tested out a drive-thru a few years ago in a different location.   The spokesperson went on to say that the drive-thru will operate with limited hours (breakfast and lunch) and with a limited menu. 
more

Lunch and Learn about Southeastern Indians @ Old Courthouse March 17

From The Decatur Minute

The DeKalb History Center‘s March Lunch and Learn will feature Jim Langford as he reviews the history and culture of the Southeastern Indians as expressed through archaeological findings. He will also provide updates on important archaeology sites in Georgia and share his insight on how to interpret artifacts.

Free!  Bring your lunch.

Tuesday, March 17, Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030, Second Floor, Superior Courtroom
Read more about this at thedecaturminute.com

April Fools Comedy Night @ Three Taverns Brewery

 From decatur arts alliance.org

Come on out for comedy!

Sample the latest batch of laughs and hand- crafted beers! The Decatur Arts Alliance and Three Taverns Brewery host a night of local joking with comedians, Alyssa Barnett, Debra Cole, Lew Lefton, Andrew Michael, Dulcé Sloan, and Dan Weeks.
Ticket price includes: a night of stand-up entertainment, brewery tour, Three Taverns tastings (six 5.5 oz pours, to be exact), and a tasting glass to take home.
Limited seats available. Order tickets online at freshtix.com.

The Plaza Theatre - Atlanta's 75 Year Icon

 Photo credit D.G. Whitefield
From: http://www.atlantaintownpaper.com/

More than 75 years later, Plaza Theatre remains an icon

By  Isadora Pennington

If you’ve been in Atlanta long enough, chances are you’ve been to the iconic Plaza Theatre at least once. You may have also heard of the Plaza around Christmas time of last year when the small independent theater stood by their decision to screen the controversial movie, The Interview. At the time, Sony had pulled the film in the midst of threats and controversy. The Plaza Theatre fought to show the film and when Sony eventually did release the rights, the Plaza was one of the first theaters nationwide to screen the movie.
Located in Briarcliff Plaza shopping center at the corner of North Highland and Ponce de Leon avenues, the circa-1939 art deco theater with its distinctive marquee has gone through many changes throughout the years. The shopping center was the first in Atlanta with off-street parking, and is also home to varied retailers like Urban Outfitters (once home to the much-missed Plaza Drugs with its busy lunch counter), Righteous Room bar, FedEx/Kinkos, Island Flowers, Buffalo Exchange and the equally historic Majestic Diner, which has been serving up burgers and breakfast since 1929.
During the 1970s, the theater shifted focus from blockbuster films to hosting mainly X-rated and burlesque shows. The owner of the property, Robert Griffith, chose to renovate the entire lot and the theater was later purchased by George LeFont in the 1980s. LeFont looked upon the historic theater with a new light, booking independent and classic films, a theme that remains to this day. In early 2013, the Plaza was purchased by current owner, Michael Furlinger, a theater enthusiast aiming to restore the space with ties to its history.
more

Model Train Show - Cobb Galleria March 14-15

2015 Model Train Show
March 14th and 15th, 2015
Saturday:10 - 5 & Sunday: 10 - 4

Admission: $10 Adults - Kids 12 and under are FREE!
Scouts in Uniform get free admission
Cobb Galleria Centre

2 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339
www.cobbgalleria.com

At I-285 and I-75
Get Directions
Featuring

    Over 250 Vendor Tables
    Club Display Layouts
    Kid's Operating Layout
    Our Annual Raffle Layout
    Door Prizes
    Free Parking
    White Elephant tables
        to sell your used trains

Info from : http://www.themodeltrainshow.com/

"artmakerX2" at Sycamore Place Gallery March 14-15

 Sent in by Wanda Cooley

Eyesection Art presents

Ross's elegant, carefully crafted sculptures stretch the uses of wood to a fine edge, while Ben Harubin's experimental works blur the boundaries between sculpture and painting. For more information: eyesection@gmail.com

"artmakerX2," new work by artists Dana Ross and Benjamin Harubin, at Sycamore Place Gallery, 120 Sycamore Place in Decatur. Gallery hours are Saturday, March 14 from 11 am to 7 pm during the Rail Arts Studio Cruise as well as an opening reception 7-9 pm Saturday evening and Sunday, March 15, noon to 5 pm Free.

Electronics / Shredding Recycling Day March 21

From thedecaturminute.com
Recycle your old electronics and Styrofoam and safely shred and recycle your documents all in one place. It’s simple and convenient. Just drop off your recyclables 9 a.m. though 1 p.m. (Sorry, early drop-offs are not possible.)
Contact Sean Woodson at 404-377-5571 or sean.woodson@decaturga.com for more information and last-minute updates, or visit decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling.

Paper Shredding

This is a great opportunity to ensure that your important personal documents are disposed of properly. AAA Security Shredding provides secure on-site document shredding, and all shredded documents will be 100 percent recycled. Most document types are acceptable, including bills, invoices, correspondence, canceled checks, tax records, financial statements, purchase orders, and blueprints and maps.
These items cannot be shredded: Cardboard, glass, plastic, magazines, napkins, newspapers, paper cups and plates, plastic or spiral-bound notebooks, phonebooks, three-ring binders, and trash.

Shark Tank Contestant to open Retail Store March 16

From: http://www.ktul.com

Southern Culture Artisan Foods Set to Open Flagship Storefront

Decatur, GA (PRWEB) March 04, 2015

From a small start-up, to Shark Tank, to a storefront in just under three years, Southern Culture is the freshest proof that the American Dream can really come to life.

On Monday, March 16th at 2 PM, Southern Culture will open the doors to its first retail store located in Decatur, Ga. During the grand opening, founder Erica Barrett will offer an array of her southern-inspired breakfast foods. She invites everyone to try some unreleased recipes as well as her staple pancake mixes that come in every flavor from Bourbon Pecan to Banana Pudding, flavored stone ground grits in herb garlic and truffle with sea salt, sweet and/or salty bacon rubs, and maple syrup.

The retail store is connected to the Southern Culture warehouse, where all of the goods are prepared by hand in the on-site studio kitchen. The grand opening of the retail store will be an event for new and old customers to sample food, listen to music, and mix and mingle with the Southern Culture team.

This hub of all things cultured and southern will also be home to cooking classes available for sign-up on the website beginning Friday, March 6th. Barrett will teach classes on how to prepare southern breakfasts, traditional southern dinners, and other southern region cuisine.

Im very excited to finally see my customers face-to-face, Barrett said. Its been three years of growing a wholesale business, and now we can interact with our customers on a day-to-day basis--thats exciting!

Since 2012, Southern Culture has been committed to re-inventing breakfast in a healthy, cultured way. All of the products are handmade and contain fresh ingredients, with no GMOS, no powdered dairy, and no sacrifice on taste. As a globally expanding company, Southern Culture is making southern, homestyle breakfasts accessible and easy--even if youve never been to the Southern states of America. With appearances on the Shark Tank, QVC, and a feature in O Magazine, founder Erica Barrett is well on her way toward steering her customers away from drab, boring breakfasts, one recipe at a time.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/03/prweb12556329.htm

Shark Tank Contestant Opens First Retail Store In Decatur, GA

GRAND OPENING of Georgetown Cupcake Buckhead March 7

From:  https://www.facebook.com/georgetowncupcake
Atlanta - Mark your calendars! The GRAND OPENING of Georgetown Cupcake Buckhead is this SATURDAY, MARCH 7th at 12:00pm!

Spread the word to your family & friends in the Atlanta area — In celebration of our Grand Opening, Georgetown Cupcake Buckhead will be giving away 1 FREE cupcake per person (any flavor!) all day long, on opening day, from 12:00pm – 9:00pm.

Georgetown Cupcake Buckhead is located at 267 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA. For directions, please visit www.georgetowncupcake.com.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Grand Opening in Atlanta!!
photo credit:  Georgetown Cupcake

The Fifth Annual Superhero & Supervillain Pub Crawl March 7

 From: http://www.shsvcrawl.com/
The fifth annual Superhero & Supervillain Pub Crawl and fundraiser is hitting the streets and bars of East Atlanta Village on March 7, 2015.  This year we are sponsored by the fine folks at Budweiser and wristband sales benefit PAWS Atlanta!
-----------
More info here.
from http://www.meetup.com
The 5th annual Superhero & Supervillain Pub Crawl is going to be awesome fun!

The crawl is in East Atlanta Village and will begin at the Glenwood for wristband pickup. Come dressed up as your favorite Superhero or Supervillain, or feel free to make up your own character. There will be a costume contest for the best hero, best villain, most creative hero/villain. The crawl will feature various drink specials and a portion of the proceeds from wristband sales will benefit PAWS Atlanta.

Wristbands are for sale now on the website.  Use promo code GOG2015 for $5 off the purchase of each wristband. Check the website, www.shsvcrawl.com, for more details as they are posted.

One GIANT Memory of East Lake in the 1960's

It was 1960 something, and me along with my brother and cousin rode our bikes over to The Grand Opening of the new Colonial store located in East Lake. We were there to see one thing "The Tallest Man in the World".
He arrived in the smallest car I had ever seen and when he stepped out, he was a  GIANT.
His name was Henry Hite

Henry Hite facts on the back of the 1960's card include:

Age: 49
Height: 8'2"
Weight: 300 lbs
Married 28 years ago in Springfield, Missouri.
Wife: Maria stands 5' 3" tall
Five brothers, seven sisters - all under 5' 11".
From Atlanta, Georgia, but now makes his home in Chicago.

Shirt size: 19
Sleeve length: 42 inches
Size 22 shoes - cost $250 per pair.
Suits cost $250 - require yards of material.

From: http://www.thetallestman.com/henrymullens.htm
Henry Hite (1915 – 26 May 1978) born Henry Mullens, was a giant who was well-known in his day for making movies and personal appearances and the occasional movie that would capitalize on his height, 7'6.75" (230.51 cm).

When he was 18 years old he adopted the name Henry Hite and started a comedy duo with his friend Tommy Lowe (real name Roland Picaro): the Lowe and Hite comedy team, later joined by the midget Stanley Ross. Together, they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

An example:

"How did you get so tall?" Mr. Low asked Hite who would reply,"I eat what's right."
Mr. Low would then turn to Stanley to inquire, "How did you get so short?" bringing the reply of, "I eat what's left."

Apart from Henry Mullens and Henry Hite, he was also known as the Corn King Giant, the Certified Giant and the Jolly Giant. 

Photo credit: me. This was the photo card they gave out.

See all the comments on Growing up in Decatur Facebook page.

What's Next for 310 East Howard Ave

Decatur Metro  is reporting Las Brasas the little chicken joint that was once City Wide Cab company
 located on East Howard Ave. will not renew their lease and is looking for a new location.
 I guess the lease went way way up because of all the new the townhomes at East Howard Place  that are now under development, or maybe the land owner has much bigger plans.

-

The City Wide Cab photo is circa 1983.

Two Nice Lunchs

 I missed this last week, its a story about eating lunch at two nice
places, Spice to Table and Leon's
From: http://www.eatitatlanta.com/
The last two weekends have been quite nice. While slightly chilly, the sun has been shining and it feels like a time to go out and do something. Maybe the belt line? Have you been to the belt line? OMG stampede on the belt line towards Krog Street Market!?!? God help the children trying to buy ice cream at Jeni’s, though the poor souls in the hour long Yalla line look prepared for dispatchment.
We decided to try Spice to Table just up the road at the Studioplex. It’s a small space, more approachable than Asha’s former restaurant on Northside, with a smattering of limited small plates to be ordered counter-service style. I missed out on the fried chicken, but ordered some small plates to share with the family. I really enjoyed it. It made me think of Dynamic Dish – soulful food, alive with flavor and zero guilt. I look forward to my return.
read more
photo credit eatitatlanta.com

More Details about Avondale Marta Station mixed-use Development

From: http://atlanta.curbed.com

By Michael Kahn
The Avondale MARTA station's proposed $95 million mixed-use development is drawing closer to reality, as evidenced by a filing made to the Department of Community Affairs for the State of Georgia.
 But that doesn't guarantee it's going to happen. Part of MARTA's colossal, transit-oriented development initiative targeting a number of stations across the network, the plan could bring a slew of residents and neighborhood amenities to the east-Decatur area. Currently, about 2,500 people live within a half-mile of the station, according to MARTA; the development could increase that number substantially with 338 apartments and 34 condo units, plus an additional 92 units reserved for senior housing, putting the total for residential units at 464. With the increased density, the proposal calls for a grocery store and restaurants, in addition to 17,220 square feet of more retail space and 40,000 square feet of "institutional" space. They didn't elaborate on what "institutional" means, exactly.
more

photo credit itsmarta.com

Peach State Opera presents Donizetti's "Elixir of Love" on Sunday, March 1

Sent in by Nancy Martin

Peach State Opera presents Donizetti's "Elixir of Love" on Sunday, March 1 at 3:00 p.m. in the Cole Auditorium of Georgia Perimeter College (in the Fine Arts Building CF) located at 555 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston, GA 30021) performed in English. Donizetti's "Elixir of Love" on Sunday, March 1 at 3:00 p.m. in the Cole Auditorium of Georgia Perimeter College (in the Fine Arts Building CF) located at 555 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston, GA 30021) performed in English.
 There will be a pre-opera talk by Carter Joseph , who does talks for The Atlanta Opera, at 2:00 p.m. Donizetti's sparkling comic opera, "The Elixir of Love" follows simple yet fervent country bumpkin, Nemorino, who is hopelessly in love with Adina, an independent and attractive yet fickle landowner.

With the dashing Sergeant Belcore also competing for Adina's affections, Nemorino turns in desperation to traveling con man, Doctor Dulcamara and his "elixir of love" (really a bottle of cheap wine). Ducamara's faux love potion causes a domino effect of hilarious plot twists and surprising romantic turns in this masterpiece of beguiling arias and intoxicating duets.

Ticket prices are $22 adult, $20 senior (over 60), $10 students (including college students with ID), $5 Georgia Perimeter College students, alumni, staff and faculty. All seating is general admission and parking is free. Tickets may be purchased on our website at www.peachstateopera.org or at the door. The production is condensed and total performance time is approximately 2 hours.

We love groups and offer a great discount for group ticket purchases! For groups of 10 or more for our March 1 performance, tickets are only $10 each. Tickets must be purchased together as a group at the same time. For group sales information, please contact our Marketing Associate, Nancy Martin, at 404-373-8165 or her e-mail address at iljrd@yahoo.com

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken Coming to Atlanta

From: http://atlanta.eater.com/2015/2/18/8064123/guss-world-famous-fried-chicken-atlanta
A new player is joining Atlanta's fried chicken scene.
Hugely popular chicken chain Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is expanding around the country, and Atlanta is getting in on the action later this year. Gus's now lists Peachtree Center in Downtown as a future location for one of its restaurants.

The Memphis-based chain, which dates back to the 1950s, is commonly listed among the best fried chicken purveyors in America. In 2011, Fresh Off the Boat's Eddie Huang wrote for Eater, "They do perfect down and dirty Southern fried chicken." There are 10 Gus's outposts currently in business in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, and expansion is set to extend Gus's reach to St. Louis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Detroit.

photo credit : http://gusfriedchicken.com/

WEST END Open Streets for All - April 19

From: http://www.atlantastreetsalive.com/
Join the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and thousands of Atlantans for the West End route on April 19, 2015.  The 3.5 mile loop connects three neighborhoods and opens up the streets to people of all ages to walk, bike, skate, or use any human-powered means of transportation. Learn more about the route here.
Atlanta Streets Alive — where we close the streets to cars and open them to people. Bring your bicycle or just your feet, and get ready to explore your community streets in a safer, healthier, more livable way.

American Pickers might do Some Picking in Cherokee County

From:http://cherokeetribune.com
Historic relics, overlooked gems and antiques are needed in order to lure the dynamic duo, who are often seen touring the country on the History Channel’s “American Pickers,” to Cherokee County.

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are famous for searching through other people’s belongings in order to find valuable pieces — whether it’s art, motorcycles or old wind-up toys.

The production team of “American Pickers” is on a search of their own to find a new location full of historic treasures, and Cherokee County could be the perfect spot.

But residents need to get involved by showing off rusty relics that may be lingering in a junkyard, basement, garage or old barn throughout the county.

Some of the items Wolfe and Fritz are looking for include old advertising signs, old toys that are either tin, wind-up or cast iron, pinball and slot machines, taxidermy, Houdini items, old rodeo items, folk art, early Halloween items, vintage sports collectibles, firefighter collectibles and pre-1950s western or equestrian gear.

If “American Pickers” selects Cherokee as its next location, it could mean more positive publicity for what makes the county attractive for visitors.

read more

photo credit: http://www.history.co.uk

Atlanta Film Festival is March 20-29

From: clatl.com
At last, after last week's updates we have the final slate of features and shorts that will be screened during the 39th annual Atlanta Film Festival. The ATLFF received 3,761 submissions, and the lineup consists of 62 feature-length films, and 91 shorts. The festival runs from March 20-29, at the Plaza Theatre and other locations.
Read full post at http://clatl.com/freshloaf/archives/2015/02/24/atlanta-film-fest-announces-full-lineup-for-2015

Petition to Help Save Suburban Plaza Bowling

Please sign petition here to help save suburban plaza bowling https://www.change.org

Trinity Triangle Update photo

 Decatur GA
Trinity Trangle

East Howard Place Updated Photos

From: http://www.atlantarealestateforum.com/monte-hewett-homes-announces-new-townhome-community-in-decatur-2-98337/
The  townhomes at East Howard Place are now under development, with completion dates placed for spring 2015. Priced from $589,900, there are two distinct floor plans available. The Hillyer will offer 2,242 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, while the Howard is the premium end-unit floor plan, complete with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms throughout 2,000 square feet of living space.

Thanks to its proximity to downtown Decatur, residents at East Howard Place will enjoy a walkable lifestyle, with easy access to many of the dining, shopping and entertainment destinations that can be found in the area. A small sampling of the local attractions include Fellini’s Pizza, Leon’s Full Service, Cakes & Ale, summertime Concerts on the Square, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Glenlake Park, Druid Hills Golf Club, Kimball House Restaurant, Decatur Famer’s Market and the East Lake Golf Club. Plus, Decatur has its own MARTA station, providing residents with easy access to most of Atlanta’s other intown neighborhoods.

To be among the first to reserve your new townhome at East Howard Place in Decatur, contact sales agents Ted Blocker at 404-918-4455 and Sandy Bartow at 678-859-3922. For more information on East Howard Place, visit www.MonteHewettHomes.com.

 Photo credit for map and rendering photo: http://www.atlantarealestateforum.com

Eye on Decatur - LEON'S

Leon's Full Service in Decatur recently added a new vintage style sign. It looks great.

Oakhurst Wine Crawl 2015 - Saturday Feb. 21

From: https://www.freshtix.com/events/oakhurst-wine-crawl-2015
For tickets go to above link
The 2015 Oakhurst wine crawl will be held on Feb 21, 2015 from 4-7pm.  Participants can taste over 100 different wines while visiting the businesses in Oakhurst.  Over 30 businesses will be showcased this year serving wine.  All wine crawlers must be 21 years of age or older and have valid ID the day of event.  The wine crawl will begin at the Solarium at 231 W Hill Street, Decatur Ga 30030 and participants can stroll the Oakhurst village or ride the Fur Bus ( free of charge ) to businesses along College Ave.  This event is for adults only and will happen on scheduled date rain or shine.  No refunds will be given, as this is a neighborhood sponsored event to promote other events in Oakhurst throughout the year.

Fire Damaged LongHorn Steakhouse has Plans to Rebuilt across from Toco Hills

 

 From http://www.tonetoatl.com

A new LongHorn Steakhouse coming soon?

The fire-damaged LongHorn Steakhouse on North Druid Hills Road was finally demolished earlier this week.  LongHorn Steakhouse, part of Orlando, Florida-based Darden Restaurants, burned last June, and up until this week had sat fenced in, caved in, and abandoned.
The LongHorn building, which locals say dates to the 70s, was originally a Sambo's, and later a Skeeter's Mesquite Grille, a predecessor to LongHorn.

It remains unclear why over eight months have passed since the fire, and only now is the site being cleared.

Heidi Schauer, Media Representative for LongHorn Steakhouse, provided the following yesterday:

"Our landlord for the Toco Hills restaurant began the demolition of the building this week. We expect the demolition process to take two weeks."

"The landlord is in the planning phase of rebuilding the restaurant.  That’s all the information I have at this time."
 http://www.tonetoatl.com/

Photo credit Google maps

Kudzu Antiques President's Day Sale

http://www.kudzuantiques.com/

Dekalb Prison Bus Breaks down on the way to Courthouse

 From decaturish.com
 According to Decaturish, Public Information Officer Cynthia Williams stated on Tuesday:
"Due to an unanticipated mechanical problem that caused the shutdown of a Sheriff’s Office inmate transport bus this  morning, deputies had to transfer some 40 inmates from one transport bus to another while en route to court in downtown Decatur.  Following protocol, armed deputies from the Field and Court divisions were able to block traffic, create a secure perimeter and make the transfer within 15 minutes without incident or threat to the general public.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused for commuters, and we thank you for your patience and cooperation."

file photo.

Two New Anchors for Brookhaven Plaza

From Tomorrows News Today
The nearly 45,000 square foot anchor space, once home to beloved Harris Teeter, is slated to become a Stein Mart and a Total Wine & More.
The Harris Teeter opened in 1993, and was one of the more successful and popular locations for the Charlotte-based grocer, but it closed in 2001 amidst stiff competition and the chain's exit from the Atlanta market. Kroger, which purchased the lease, for a time operated it as a Kroger (approximately 2001-2003.) Even with Cherokee Plaza (former A&P turned Kroger) across the street, Kroger still controls and has been paying the lease (due to expire 08/2018) and had thus prevented another grocery store from opening.  Wilson and Sons Antiques opened in the space over six years ago but closed soon after. Since then, the space has been vacant. 
full story http://www.tonetoatl.com/2015/02/pigs-fly-brookhaven-plaza-getting-two.html#more

Behind the Scenes Look at Tour deCatur

Peach State Opera to present Arias in Avondale Sunday, Feb. 22 from 4-6 p.m.

Sent in by Nancy Martin
Peach State Opera to present Arias in Avondale Sunday, Feb. 22 from 4-6 p.m.

Peach State Opera will be bringing an afternoon of "Arias in Avondale" to The Bishop Restaurant in Avondale Estates, on Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. The restaurant is located at 124 N. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates, GA 30002. Enjoy arias by some of Peach State Opera's fine performers accompanied by wine and delicious small plate appetizers. The Bishop Restaurant is handling reservations which may be made by calling 404-692-5454. The price for this afternoon of fine music, wine and appetizers is $35 per person which also includes a discount for anyone wishing to remain at The Bishop for dinner after the performance. You will enjoy hearing our singers in this very popular and elegant new setting in Avondale Estates. Those interested should make reservations now as this event will sell out quickly.

Largest Park for Atlanta Announced

Also Plans to Expand the Atlanta Streetcar
From ajc
Mayor Kasim Reed announced plans Wednesday to expand the Atlanta Streetcar and build what will become the city’s largest public park.

Speaking at the annual State of the City business breakfast, Reed said the city is taking the “first steps” to connect the Atlanta Streetcar’s downtown track eastward by three-quarters of a mile, ultimately connecting the rail line with the Beltline trail.
The mayor did not say how the expansion to the streetcar, which cost $96 million in its first phase, would be funded.

Plans for the streetcar to connect to the Beltline’s eventual 22-mile loop of parks and trails have long been in the works, but many are skeptical it will become reality because of lack of funding.
full story
Photo credit from
flickr member MATT' JOHNSON

Railroad Crossing Closures this Week

From http://thedecaturminute.com/ CSX will close the McDonough St. railroad crossing Mon., Feb. 2 and Tues., Feb. 3 for railroad tie maintenance. The Candler St. crossing will be closed Tues., Feb. 3 and Wed., Feb. 4. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will be directed to detours at either the East Lake Drive or Commerce Drive underpasses. For more information, contact Project Civil Engineer Jennings Bell at 404-370-4104 or CSX Railroad at 877-835-5279.