Saturday, August 28, 2010

Salsa Nights @ MEZCALITO'S CANTINA


Tonight: Saturday, August 28, 2010 time:10:30 PM to 2:00 AM

Join us at Mezcalito's Cantina for a fun night of salsa dancing!!! Enjoy our unique dancing ambiance or just relax on the patio. We also have a full bar with a variety of drinks.

- Free beginners salsa class from 9:30-10:30pm
- Free admission from 10:30pm

**$5 Freshly Made Margarita Special**


when :Saturday, August 28, 2010 time:10:30 PM to 2:00 AM:Mezcalito's Cantina located at 653 East Lake Drive Decatur, GA 30030

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Design-a-Library-Card Contest Winners

One of the winning card designs was featured here in a earlier post.
Congrats to the winners.



Winners from left to right are: Deborah Hunter, winner in adult category; Deondria Boyer, winner in children's category and Mollie Simon, winner in teen category. 12-year-old Deondria Boyer, a 7th grader at Tucker Middle School, is the winner in the youth age group. Her design emphasizes how reading can broaden your knowledge of the world. “I got to thinking about what happens when I read,” explained Deondria. “It truly can take you anywhere.”

“It’s exciting to know other people will see and use my design,” said Mollie Simon, 14. She is the teen winner with a geometric design and a message to “Read On.” Mollie is a 9th grader at Chamblee High School.

The winner in the adult category is Deborah Hunter. Her design makes books the foundation on which a strong community is built. “I’m happy and grateful to be a part of something that allows people to express themselves about reading,” she said.
read more here.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Howe Construction, Inc. Bowling For Dollars @ Suburban Plaza Lanes

From: http://neighbornewspapers.com

DECATUR, GEORGIA (August 25, 2010) – Howe Construction, Inc. is sponsoring and participating in the upcoming 8th Annual Bowl-A-Thon to support Children’s Miracle Network sponsored by the Greater Atlanta Chapter of Credit Unions. The Bowl-A-Thon will be held on Saturday, August 28nd at Suburban Lanes in Decatur, Georgia.

This event will benefit the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as a part of the Credit Unions for Kids program. Credit Unions for Kids is a collaboration of credit unions, chapters, leagues, and business partners who engage in fundraising activities to benefit 170 Children's Miracle Network affiliated children's hospitals serving 17+ million kids. Stan Howe, President of Howe Construction Inc. said, “In all times, especially uncertain economic times, it is important to remember what really matters. For us, giving back to the community and participating in events like these matters.”

About Howe Construction, Inc.

Howe Construction, Inc., established in 1999, specializes in offering complete construction services, such as site selection, architecture, engineering, project management, renovation, interior design and space planning to financial institutions throughout the Southeast. Howe Construction’s approach is honest and straight-forward with an emphasis on listening to the needs of their clients in an effort to ensure that their goals are met.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stan Howe

President

Howe Construction, Inc

770.643.0650

stan@howeconstruction.com

www.howeconstruction.com

Free Remodeling Seminars + Design Consultations @ Renewal Design-Build


**Space is limited, so reservations are required.**

Renewal will be presenting two seminars focused on homeowners thinking of remodeling in the current economy. Now more than ever, people are worried about their homes and what kind of investments they should make. These seminars will help educate, and hopefully, alleviate some of those fears. Plus, we’ll have free design consultations following each seminar.

REMEMBER SPACE IS LIMITED, SO YOU NEED TO CALL FOR RESERVATIONS.

*To reserve your space at the seminars, call 404.378.6962, or email info@RenewalDesignBuild.com.*


Best,

Kelly Cheek

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Kelly Cheek

404.378.6962

Kelly@RenewalDesignBuild.com

Free Seminars on Smart Remodeling

Design Consultations Follow Each Seminar

August 2010– This September, Renewal Design-Build will host two free seminars focused on homeowners who are thinking of renovating in the current economy. Remodeling in Today’s Economy and Kitchen and Bath Design Trends will be held at the company’s headquarters in Decatur. Renewal’s award-winning design team will be available after each seminar for free consultations. Seating is limited, so reserve your space today.

Renewal is an Atlanta Business Chronicle “Top Five Residential Remodeler” and has been featured in multiple home renovation shows.

The date and description of each seminar are as follows:

· Thursday, September 9, 7:00pm: Remodeling in Today’s Economy

Thinking of starting a renovation project, but not sure it’s worth the investment? Afraid to pull the trigger? This seminar will discuss remodeling in today’s marketplace, as well as what projects are good – and bad – investments. Free design consultations follow.

· Tuesday, September 14, 7:00pm: Kitchen and Bath Design Trends

If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, this is your chance to learn about kitchen and bath design basics, product selections, all the latest trends, and return on investment. Free design consultations follow.

Renewal Design-Build – 124 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur – is an award-winning firm dedicated to providing complete solutions for renovations, additions, kitchens, baths, porches, decks, small projects and repairs.

*To reserve your space at the seminars, call 404.378.6962, or email info@RenewalDesignBuild.com.*

Kelly Cheek

Marketing Manager
Renewal Design-Build


t. 404-378-6962
f. 404-378-6963

124 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA 30030

Kelly@RenewalDesignBuild.com

http://www.RenewalDesignBuild.com

Mingei August Sale




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Mingei World Arts
427 Church Street
Decatur, GA 30030-3334
(404) 371-0101
http://mingeiworldarts.wordpress.com/

Open Fri 11am-8pm; Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 12pm-5pm

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Overstock Liquidation Co. @ Suburban Plaza Shopping Center

DeKalb says no to GM redevelopment

By Megan Matteucci

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Balking at giving public money to a private developer, DeKalb County voted Tuesday against investing in the redevelopment of the vacant Doraville GM plant.
Instead, the county will likely use $36 million in federal stimulus bonds to upgrade its aging water and sewer system.

After months of closed-door meetings and negotiations, the DeKalb County Commission voted 5 to 2 to kill the $54 million project that called for a mixed use of retail and office space as well as residential units at the site near I-85 and I-285.

The plan called for giving $36 million in federal stimulus bonds to Florida developer New Broad Street. It also required another $18 million in interest, which would be paid for by a property tax increase.
ajc story

Monday, August 23, 2010

Wedding Proposal at Decatur store of The Cook's Warehouse



This sent in by Jim Brams of Cooks Warehouse
Cue two behind-the-scenes cupids: Wendy Allen, cooking school director, and Jim Fitzgerald, assistant manager of the Decatur store, who were “in” on the surprise.
Bhedwar issued a secret evite to the couples’ friends, about 40 of whom slipped in a back door as Mehta finished teaching her class that night. On bended knee, Cyrus proposed – and Naina accepted!
It might sound corny but there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. They broke out the champagne and everyone celebrated and then the party moved to a nearby bar-restaurant, The Chocolate Bar, for more drinks and celebration.
The Cook’s Warehouse ( www.cookswarehouse.com ) is greater Atlanta’s premier gourmet cookware store and cooking school with three locations in Midtown, Decatur and Brookhaven. It offers more than 15,000 products for the kitchen and operates the largest avocational cooking school in the Southeast, conducting more than 600 classes yearly, often taught by local chefs, and has a large web-based delivery-by-post site.
Owned and operated by founder Mary S. Moore, The Cook’s Warehouse also retails high-end appliances; conducts private cooking classes for unique celebrations and corporate events, and is a pro bono partner with virtually every major cooking event and gourmet association in Atlanta.

There's an app for that at Emory

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Want to search the catalog of the libraries at Emory University? What if you want to look up a professor's contact information? Maybe you're just trying to find a place to eat on campus.

Well, now there's an app for that.

Emory officials unveiled Monday a collection of smartphone apps to help students, staff and visitors navigate the campuses in Atlanta and Oxford. The programs allow people to search event calendars, get scores from the Emory Eagles varsity teams, read the college newspaper and other features, officials said.

ajc story

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Varsity Jr Closes Today.


By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

What'll ya have before the Varsity Jr. closes its doors?
Sunday will be the last day to enjoy chili dogs and onion rings at the Lindbergh Drive location, according to the iconic Atlanta restaurant chain.

After 45 years, the Varsity Jr. will close due to an inability to meet zoning requirements with the City of Atlanta. Restaurant owners had hoped to build a new facility, complete with indoor restrooms.

"This has been one of the hardest decisions the Varsity family has had to make in our 82 years of operation," the restaurant's website states.

Employee Kelly Bibbs told the AJC she's worked at the Varsity Jr. for six years and now will move to the Varsity Gwinnett location. But it won't be the same, she said.
ajc story

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Renewal Design & Build is hosting two free seminars and design consultations


Renewal is hosting two free seminars and design consultations for those homeowners thinking of renovating.

Enjoy refreshments while you look at design and finish samples in our on site showroom.

Seating is limited, so reserve your space today!

The award-winning Renewal design team will also be available after each seminar for free consultations.

Thursday, Sept. 9, 7 pm:
Re
modeling in Today's Economy
Read description.
Free design consultations follow!

Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7 pm:
Kitchen and Bath Design Trends

Read description.
Free design consultations follow!
Download the flyer here.

To reserve your space, call 404.378.6962, or email info@RenewalDesignBuild.com.
404.378.6962 | 124 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Chick-fil-A tops Atlanta's fast-food market

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Chick-fil-A ranked highest for customer satisfaction among fast-food restaurants in Atlanta, according to J.D. Power and Associates. The group's 2010 U.S. Restaurant Satisfaction Study measured customer satisfaction for restaurant chains in 10 U.S. markets, judging them by price, service, the meal itself and the restaurant's ambiance, cleanliness and convenience. The study was based on responses from 93,410 customers of more than 100 major restaurant chains who dined at a restaurant between May and July 2010. There were 9,612 respondents in the Atlanta market.

ajc story

Monday, August 16, 2010

The 2010 Decatur Book Festival Monster now has a name "The Bookie Monster"


Read all about it at The Decatur Book Festival site.

“The Bookie Monster” is his name , and he is coming Labor Day Weekend.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Gardenhouse Dance to Host a Free Decatur dance event in September


This was sent in by
Erin Weller
Decatur resident and arts enthusiast

When: Sept 18 &19 at 4-5pm.

Where: East Decatur Station 2752 East Ponce de Leon, Suite A.


Event Tip- Free Decatur dance event in September



Hi! As a reader of your blog, I wanted to let you know about a unique, tenacious little dance company I volunteer for that works in Decatur, Gardenhouse Dance. We're holding a free showing in Decatur on Sept 18 &19 at 4-5pm. Not your typical contemporary dance company, Gardenhouse has been around for many years, and has performed in warehouses, Atlanta's Museum of Contemporary Art, and outdoor sites around the metro area. East Decatur Station is providing performance space for our upcoming showing at their 2752 East Ponce de Leon, Suite A, Decatur location. The event is appropriate for all ages and free to the entire community. Ideas to be shared in the dance showing include a video "Yours," an excerpt from an upcoming work entitled "Ah, well.." investigating night-time monkey brain, and an excerpt from future work "Elongation" involving a solo performer and a horse. You can visit www.gardenhousedance.org for more info. For a formal press release and photos, you can contact me (Erin) at bludramakick@yahoo.com, or director Nicole Livieratos at nicoleandalan@bellsouth.net. Thanks so much, Erin Weller Decatur resident and arts enthusiast

Wimpy Kid ice treat truck tour @ Little Shop of Stories


By Shelia M. Poole

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The 2010 Diary of a Wimpy Kid summer ice-treat truck tour will roll through Georgia as part of a nationwide tour.
The tour will highlight the release of the new "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth" book, which will go on sale in November. The tour also leads into the September release of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid Box of Books," the first-ever collection of books one through four in the series that features an original Rowley Jefferson cartoon.

The events kick off Sunday. The first stop will be at noon at the Little Shop of Stories, 133A East Court Square in Decatur. At 4 p.m. , the ice-treat truck will be at Books-A-Million, 1774 Jonesboro Rd. in McDonough.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books, written by Jeff Kinney and published by Amulet Books, are sold in more than 30 countries around the world.

ajc story

Little Shop of Stories
133A East Court Square
Decatur, Georgia 30030

Friday, August 13, 2010

Update on The Varsity Jr. Closing



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http://www.11alive.com/

Relics and Rarities Moving to Underground Atlanta



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UPDATE:
Wasting no time, Warren has already cleared out half of the building as of Saturday
Aug. 14th.
He "hopes" to have the Underground Atlanta location set up by mid October.

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Warren Pickard inside his Decatur Ice Cream Parlor
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Relics & Rarities Leaving Decatur, Say It Ain't So - Relics & Rarities to Move to Underground Atlanta

Since Sept. 2009 Atlanta Policeman Warren Pickard opened his doors to his Car Gallery and Ice Cream Shop for a journey through time with his collection "Cool Stuff"

In early September 2009, Relics and Rarities Ice Cream Parlor and Car Gallery opened its doors to Decatur, Ga. He was prepared and did take the youth of Decatur, and the entire metropolitan area on a wonderful journey. The Gallery is full of American automobile history and the culture in which it is surrounded. Just about every item in the gallery has a Relics and Rarities information plaque associated with it. The plaques provided interesting and educational comments. His motto was and still is “learn something cool and have a cool scoop of ice cream while you’re at it.”

The Decatur location was very good to him but he wanted more customers to see his unique collection. He hates to leave Decatur,
but business is business and with an offer he could not resist, he will be moving to Underground Atlanta soon.

Warren said: "After the CNN story, Relics and Rarities got a lot of interest from all over the country. In fact 97% of Relics and Rarities customers over the last year did not reside in Decatur. So it makes good business sense to move into an environment such as Underground Atlanta. I think it would have been difficult for Relic and Rarities to find longevity on North McDonough Street in the long term because the street is so neglected".

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I know
Relics and Rarities will do very good in Underground Atlanta.
And become even more popular.
Good Luck Warren.

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Raging Taco & Burrito


Decatur, GA
Chill at the Festive Bar or relax on the Big Garden Patio! Enjoy Tasty margaritas & 16 Craft beers on tap! They validate parking! Since 1996.

Voted #1 Burritos by Creative Loaf
141 Sycamore St
Decatur, GA 30030
404-377-3311‎



Thursday, August 12, 2010

The English Beat @ Variety Playhouse Aug. 25, 2010



From variety-playhouse.com
One tempestuous weekend in March 1979 was the very first show by a nascent band known as The English Beat. The band hailed from working class, industrial Birmingham, England. When they rushed on to the music scene in 1979, it was a time of social, political and musical upheaval. Into this storm came The English Beat, trying to calm the waters with their simple message of love and unity set to a great dance beat. The English Beat are all about inclusion, rather than exclusion, and this shows in their personnel and their music influences. The band crosses over fluidly between soul, reggae, pop and punk, and from these disparate pieces they create an infectious dance rhythm. Along with their contemporaries The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, The English Beat became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular and influential bands of the British ska movement.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

PUBLIX Curbside shopping @ Toco Hills


Photo courtesy of Publix
You have enough on your plate. Let us shop for you!

Work. Kids. Soccer practice. With such a busy schedule, finding a good time to head to Publix can be a real challenge. That's why we're pleased to tell you about a new service that'll save you loads of time and simplify your life: Publix Curbside.

How does it work? Just click on your location below to shop online at your convenience. Our easy-to-use site lets you select products from that store—and even honors sales prices and special deals offered in our weekly ad. Like your Deli meat, produce, or other items a certain way? Make a note! Our specially trained Curbside associates will put your entire order together, taking care to do just as good a job with your list as you would yourself. Then stop by at your chosen appointment time. We'll collect payment and bring your order to your car.

No matter how much your grocery order totals, the added charge for this service is just $7.99 each trip— and there's no service charge on your first order! Try it for FREE today.

Click below to get started.

Toco Hills Shopping Center
2969 N Druid Hills Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-3909
Main: (404) 638-6022
Start Shopping

Pee-wee's Big Adventure @ Annual Sturgis Rally


click here for more photos
Pee-wee’s visit on August 8th & 9th will officially kick off The Chip’s festivities during the 70th Annual Sturgis Rally in South Dakota where estimated attendance is over 650,000 riders.
full story
see this also
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The Book Nook - Decatur



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The Book Nook

Buy, Trade, Sell, Book's On Tape, Compact Discs, Videos, Records, Tapes, 50000 New & Used Books, 50 000 New & Used Books, New & Used Books, 5000 Cassettes, 20000 Used Tapes, 20000 Records, 15000 CDs, Compact Disc, Vcr's, DVD's

Hours: OPEN 7 DAYS

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Book Nook
3073 N. Druid Hills Rd.
Decatur, Ga
(404) 633-1342

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Decatur Arts Live Event


A Day of Performing Arts, Just for the Family
Decatur Arts Live!, August 21, 10am-2 pm

Flamenco dancers, jugglers, puppets, and comedians will be just some of the fun and entertainment for children and adults alike at Glennwood Academy, as they host
Decatur Arts Live on August 21, from 10:00am - 2:00pm . The event is a joint venture between the Glennwood PTO and Young Audiences, Woodruff Arts Center (YAWAC). It is designed to support the Cultural Arts enrichment program at Glennwood and to showcase the diversity of professional artists working with Young Audiences.


The fun will begin at 10:00 am as attendees rotate through a schedule of simultaneous performances, hands-on activities, and workshops insie the school. Families can enjoy performances from YAWAC artists such as storyteller Andy Offutt Irwin, Kathy Bennett, sculptor Jeff Mather, and singer/performer Greg Roth. Guests will listen to live musical performances and may speak one-on-one with artists about their craft. The event is appropriate for children aged pre-K through fifth grade and is open to the public. The school cafe will serve family-friendly snacks and lunch.

We are excited to have the opportunity to sponsor this event and work with Glennwood Academy, said Tony Kimbrell, Executive Director of Young Audiences. â€Å“Young Audiences is committed to providing students across Georgia every opportunity to experience arts to the fullest, and Decatur Arts Live is a way to help fulfill our mission—to transform the lives and learning of young people through the arts.

This event is designed to become an annual event, and a tradition for local families. Tickets purchased in advance are $10 for adults, $5 for kids, or $20 per family. If purchased the day of the event, tickets will be $15 for adults, $8 for kids, or $25 per family. You may purchase tickets in advance at http://www.Glennwood PTO.org. Glennwood Academy is located at 440 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2010 Decatur Arts Live event are still available. For more information about Decatur Arts Live go to www.GlennwoodPTO.org or contact Nia Schooler at (404) 759-1210 or niaschooler@comcast.net .

Tonight @ Eddie's Attic Concert for Decatur Education Foundation


Local favorites Caroline Herring, Diane Durrett, Kodac Harrison and Sydney Rhame take the stage on August 8 at Eddie's Attic in a first-ever benefit concert for Decatur Education Foundation.
Rhame and Herring will be joined by Harrison for the 5:30pm show and by Durrett for the 8pm show.

Purchase your tickets for the early show here.
Purchase your tickets for the late show here.
OR buy your ticket at the door.
All proceeds from this event support DEF's efforts to ensure that all the children and youth of Decatur have opportunities to reach their full potential.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Varsity Jr at Lindbergh Closing and moving to Dawson County



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By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

When Joseph Bailey started working at the Varsity Jr. some 40 years ago, he viewed it as "just another job."
"Then it became home," said Bailey, still reeling from the news that the Lindbergh spin-off of the downtown institution is about to serve its last chili dog.

A zoning dispute with the city led to Friday's announcement, which stunned employees and customers alike. The restaurant, at Lindbergh and Cheshire Bridge Road, will close Aug. 23, just a few weeks before ground is expected to be broken on a new Varsity Jr. -- in Dawson County, across the street from the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall on Ga. 400.
ajc full story

Suzanne Vega Tom's Diner


Have a great weekend.

The Other Guys - Starts Today



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Thursday, August 5, 2010

Isabella's Cafe Now Open


Isabella's Cafe
910 West College Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
www.isabellascafe.com

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Ponce de Leon Construction near Deepdene Park


From a post at Fresh Loaf : "According to the county, the construction is part of a streetscape improvement that will result in an eight-foot-wide sidewalk similar to those winding through the other greenspaces along Ponce."

At first I thought they were going to widen Ponce in that area.
Now I know the answer Streetscape Improvements.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Run Decatur Run

By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A little Decatur Envy could be healthy.
Or so city leaders and organizers of an upcoming 5K race hope. The DeKalb County city has become the first municipality to sign up to participate -- with city residents, workers or anyone else who wants to race under the Team Decatur banner -- in what has been a corporate event for 28 years.

And the city challenged other communities to join in a little healthy competition when the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk race day comes next month.

“It’s not just a way to get active,” said Cheryl Burnette, the city’s assistant director of active living. “You can come out and meet people you may never have met before. It’s truly for the community.”

Decatur is used to trying things first. For more than a decade, the town has widened sidewalks, planted trees and added streetlights to entice pedestrians downtown.

The city’s main drag -- Ponce de Leon -- and Decatur Square have since filled with pubs, outdoor cafes, boutiques and condos that many other cities cite as their model when renovating their center cities.
ajc story

Monday, August 2, 2010

Boutiques Warehouse Sale @ Decatur Holiday Inn Aug. 6 & 7

Ink and Dagger Presents The 2nd Annual Man Day Aug. 14, 2010


Ink & Dagger Tattoo Parlour is proud to bring you “Man Day”. What is “Man Day”? Well, only the most significant holiday of them all. Every year, couples celebrate Valentine’s Day, and we all know that it’s all about the ladies. So we’ve decided to let them have their candy hearts and roses and claim a new holiday for men everywhere.

On Saturday, August 14th, Ink & Dagger brings Americans a day to celebrate all things macho with a barrage of tattoos, stiff drinks, friendly competition, and good times.

Starting at noon, Ink & Dagger will open it’s doors and let the festivities begin with a selection of tattoos for $50. After you get your manly badge of honor, head over to Twain’s and raise a glass to the Y chromosome while enjoying a few pints of our limited edition “Man Day Brew”. Stick around for a live sideshow performance from the world-famous Capt. Stab-Tuggo. He’ll amaze your eyes and astound your senses as he performs timeless sideshow acts including sword swallowing and the human dart board.

As the evening progresses, the Captain will host a carnival of events including an arm wrestling showdown, bobbing for lobsters, hot wing eating contest, handyman challenge, beard and mustache competitions, and much more.

Everyone wins on ‘Man Day’ but a lucky few will win a free spin on Ink & Dagger’s world-famous “Wheel of Destiny“. Once you emerge victorious from one of our manly competitions, your true destiny awaits as you step up and face the wheel. Throw caution to the wind and give it a spin. You could win your share of $1000′s in prizes including free tattoos!

FARM-TO-SCHOOL COOKING CLASS FOR CITY SCHOOLS OF DECATUR CAFETERIA WORKERS


From Jim Brams of Cook's Warehouse

THE COOK’S WAREHOUSE HOLDS SECOND FARM-TO-SCHOOL COOKING CLASS FOR CITY SCHOOLS OF DECATUR CAFETERIA WORKERS

Locally Grown, Freshly Prepared Meals

for Decatur Schoolchildren

ATLANTA, August 2, 2010 – Mary Moore, founder and CEO of The Cook’s Warehouse, hosted the second half-day Farm-to-School “cooking workshop” for cafeteria workers from the City Schools of Decatur.

Brad Bryant, Georgia State Department of Education superintendent, was among those who addressed the group after breakfast. Mr. Bryant related how he had observed the same type of program in Baltimore, run by a local chef, and told the cafeteria work force how vital they were to education since healthy school meals have changed the learning curve of young eaters.

Also addressing the group:

· Amanda Dew Manning, program manager of the Georgia state School Nutrition Program;

· Erin Croome, Farm-to-School coordinator of Georgia Organics;

· Meagan Mohammadione, clinical dietician of the Emory Bariatric Center, and

· Anujah Bata of Destiny Organics

After breakfast, Moore led the hands-on session with Megan McCarthy, a healthy lifestyle consultant and chef, and Seth Freedman, a chef and personal culinary services provider, in a presentation of quick and tasty, low-fat/healthy recipes that adapt well to large numbers, including:

· Chicken, watermelon and feta salad

· Roasted fresh tomato sauce over pasta

· Oven-roasted chicken with tomato jus and mashed potatoes

· Apple and Blueberry cobblers with whipped cream

The recipes use low-fat ingredients and culinary tricks, such as whipping the potatoes with freshly made chicken stock instead of butter or milk, and the use of fresh herbs to allow full-flavor dishes with a lower salt content. The three dozen attendees prepared all the recipes and ate them for lunch afterward.

The first class in the series last November began with pre-cooking skills including professional and safe knife handling and seasoning food properly.

This new Decatur school-lunch program is a joint project of Matthew Rao of Rao Design Studio; The Cook's Warehouse; Georgia Organics, and the Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International. It is meant to teach easy, efficient and inspired cooking to those front-line cafeteria workers who feed our children one or two meals, five days a week.

The recent attention to healthy school lunches began with UK Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver (Food TV’s “Naked Chef”) who just hosted the ABC-TV program “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” in West Virginia. He began his drive in the UK when he learned that this generation of British schoolchildren was the first in decades not expected to live as long as their parents. The UK children’s diet was identified as the primary cause.

In the U.S., First Lady Michelle Obama has expanded her “Let’s Move!” campaign by assigning White House sous chef Sam Kass to lead the “Chefs Move to Schools” initiative. Mrs. Obama hosted 700 chefs at the White House this June to energize this initiative and Mary Moore attended the daylong ceremonies.

And some vendors of The Cook’s Warehouse donated gifts, including:

· Messermeister: A knife roll (a canvas, roll-up carry-case that chefs use to carry knives outside the kitchen) including one 8” Chef’s knife

· The Cook’s Warehouse: A pastry brush, carbon steel peeler, pastry scraper, and CW cap

· Cuisinart: Subsidized the cost of three food processors

The Cook’s Warehouse ( www.cookswarehouse.com ) is greater Atlanta’s premier gourmet cookware store and cooking school with three locations in Midtown, Decatur and Brookhaven. It offers more than 15,000 products for the kitchen and operates the largest avocational cooking school in the Southeast, conducting more than 600 classes yearly, often taught by local chefs, and has a large web-based delivery-by-post site.

Owned and operated by founder Mary S. Moore, The Cook’s Warehouse also retails high-end appliances; conducts private cooking classes for unique celebrations and corporate events, and is a pro bono partner with virtually every major cooking event and gourmet association in Atlanta.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

New Orleans Sno Ball Cafe Grand Opening


Decatur, GA

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday-Thursday 11am - 8pm
Friday & Saturday 11am - 9pm
Sunday 12pm - 7pm
Monday Closed

New Orleans Sno Ball Cafe
340 W Ponce de Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030