Monday, April 30, 2012

Big Tex Cantina Review

Big Tex Cantina Review
 From: www.examiner.com
by  Alyson Runnels


Sunday at Big Tex in Decatur

Texas Born Southern Made Cooking
Now Open In Downtown Decatur!
308 W Ponce de Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
404 377-3939

I saw the picture on creative loafing and decided to hop in my car and head on out to Decatur to see if the comfort food advertised in the creative loafing magazine really existed.

As I drove up to the location, I saw a few people outside relaxing and enjoying the day.  When I entered the inside of the location, around 3pm on Sunday afternoon, I was greeted by a friendly host and server which made me feel right at home.
read full review @ examiner.com

Saturday, April 28, 2012

We Didn't Start The Fire - Billy Joel

Sent in by Jerry Andrews.

Something I got from John Dean, thought everyone would like it. J


This has been around before, but worth watching again.
 
---   This song & its title was the answer to a recent Final Jeopardy - only one person got it right - question was (paraphrased)   "What 1980's song do history teachers praise for its educational  value."   Not many people could understand all the references on Billy Joel's   song - fortunately, with this VIDEO, given the picture(s), now we can  "see" what our "ears" couldn't   hear.
 
Anyway, checked to see purpose behind the song. Apparently, it's Joel's homage to the 40-years of historical headlines since his birth   (1949).  Wish we could have appreciated the depths of this song when it was released rather than just the catchy tune.  Twenty+ years later, it's amazing what Joel was able to put into music and lyrics lasting only a few minutes.
 
Here it is, set to pictures. It's a neat flashback through the past half century.  Turn up volume, sit back and enjoy an over-view of 50  years of history in less than 3 minutes! Thanks to Billy Joel and some guy from the University of Chicago with a lot of spare time, Wikipedia,and   Google.
 
Top left gives you full screen - top right lets you pause.    Bottom left shows the year.  The older you are, the more pictures you will recognize.  Anyone over age 65 should remember over 90% of what they see. But it's great at any age.
 
      Click   Here:     We Didn't Start The Fire
 
 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

“Atlanta’s Ponce de Leon Avenue,” Book Signing May 1st

From AJC
By April Hunt



The history and significance of a main thoroughfare from Atlanta to Decatur will be the focus of a book signing and lecture Tuesday at the DeKalb History Center.
Sharon Foster Jones, author of “Atlanta’s Ponce de Leon Avenue,” will discuss highlights of the main street, including how it got its name and a special look at the DeKalb section.

The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Courthouse on the Square in downtown Decatur. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, but the event itself is free.

Read more at:  http://sharonfosterjones.webs.com/poncedeleonavenue.htm

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Fox Bros. to open Rib Joint on Scott Blvd.

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-- Photo of Maddy's taken a couple years ago.
click photo to enlarge.
  From:  clatl.com

Fox Brothers is poised to open their third concept - and their second in the Decatur area. Fox Bros. Rib Joint will take over the shuttered Maddy's on Scott Boulevard. While you may think the original Fox Bros. BBQ has the rib thing covered, this one will be a bit different. It is being billed as a fast-casual, with "quick service and a relaxed atmosphere." There will be both indoor and outdoor seating.

The new rib joint will open this summer. Fox Bros. currently operates their original location, Fox Bros. BBQ, and the more recently opened Big Tex Cantina, located near the Decatur Square.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Open House Airshow May 12 @ Dekalb P'tree Airport

h/t clairmontheights.org

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From pdkairshow.com
This year’s airshow sponsor, the Jim Ellis Automotive Group Atlanta, has gone over-the-top to provide you with what will truly be the Best Civilian Airshow in the country. Committals to this year’s airshow includes: Team AeroShell, world renowned Gary Ward in the MX2, U.S. Aerobatic Champion Skip Stewart in his super-charged biplane, superb formation flying by Team RV, Circus Maximus flying team, Neal Darnell in the Flash Fire Jet Truck, single-plane acts including Greg Koontz in the Super Decathlon, Greg Connell flying the Super Pits Special. This is an airshow you don’t want to miss. It will be our best airshow ever!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Oh, to be at Mingei

Dear Mingeisters-

Peonies are blooming early, our sea shipment from Thailand is coming late, and festival season is approaching quickly!  We are all stocked up with glorious little treats for your spring gifting-- remember Mom and all those grads!   Goodies from our latest buying trip in Thailand promise to arrive in early June. so stay tuned for news of that arrival.  There are lovely pieces on board you won't want to miss!

When you can't come to Mingei in person, you can now visit us virtually!  Click the link here.http://www.google.com/maps?q=mingei+world+arts&ll=33.774688,-84.294169&spn=0.004513,0.006899&sll=33.775221,-84.294815&layer=c&cid=1144470774775800779&panoid=CYoPLg6YUAdrXItv4zLKbA&cbp=13,79.81,,0,0&hq=mingei+world+arts&t=m&z=17&cbll=33.775104,-84.294788.

Mingei in the media--

On FFriday, April 27, the television crew of Necessary Roughness
will be filming at Javamonkey and in front of Mingei.  We WILL be open!  Come on over to see us that day, and take a few mninutes to watch the cast and crew at work!

Atlanta's Sublime Donut shop named America's best Bakery

-- Sublime Donuts named America's best bakery A small Atlanta donut shop is getting national attention. From 11 Alive

Valley Girl to help The Plaza Theatre

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-- The Plaza Theatre ---- -- Modern English 2011 I Melt With You TheBackstageBeat.com Smiths Olde Bar Atlanta, Georgia

Friday, April 20, 2012

Your DeKalb Farmers' Market in Decatur want to expand

 From WSBTV
DECATUR, Ga. —
Documents show owners of the popular Your DeKalb Farmers' Market in Decatur want to expand their business to include more than 1 million additional square feet of retail and warehouse space.

The Atlanta Regional Commission confirms it received documents detailing parts of the expansion plans.

DeKalb County officials said the proposed project is so large, the ARC would have to sign off on it before it could move forward.
Full story @ wsbtv.com

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Touch -a Truck Event is now April 21 Maybe , depending on the weather

Update from decaturpatch.com:

Dekalb County is postponing this weekend's Earth Day activities because of the possibility of bad weather.

Patch checked with the City of Decatur to see what they're planning to do.

Cheryl Burnette of the Active Living Department said Thursday morning that nothing has been postponed. In an email, she said,

I am still hoping for good weather. Earth Day and Touch A Truck are still on at this time. We will cancel Touch a Truck sometime Friday morning if it looks bad for Saturday, and Earth Day will go on unless there is lightning and thunder. Maybe we can dance in the rain and celebrate the rain that gives our earth plants and life.


From the site ,www.decaturga.com Come on out to the annual Touch A Truck event Saturday April 21


This event is for children of all ages. It gives them a chance to touch, and see up close their favorite truck or vehicle. The City of Decatur and DeKalb County will have fire trucks, dump trucks, tractors, police cars and motorcycles, bicycles and many other vehicles on display.

New this year: Ride your bicycle to the event. Decatur Police will be on hand to register your bicycle. In the event that it is lost or stolen, registration will aid in its safe return.

This event will be held in the Callaway Parking Lot, 120 West Trinity Place from 10am until 1pm. The event is free to the community.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Watershed announces reopening plans


From ajc

Watershed announces reopening plans

by Jenny Turknett
When is Watershed reopening?”

That’s one of the questions we’ve heard most since Watershed closed its Decatur location last August. Now, we have an answer. Last night, the restaurant sent a teaser to its email subscribers with the message “opening soon.” I spoke with Managing Partner Ross Jones this morning, who told me that Watershed, now called Watershed on Peachtree, is slated to open May 24, barring delays.

Jones calls the restaurant’s new location, 1820 Peachtree Road, their “new house,” with Decatur being their first. She says, “Decatur was awesome, but our new, bigger house has more of the features we were looking for, like outdoor and private dining and a large bar area.”
The restaurant will feature two distinct spaces: a large bar area Jones describes as “cool and casual” and a separate, more quiet dining area. Most of the extra seating will be found in the bar area and on the patio overlooking Peachtree Road.

According to Jones, designer Smith Hanes is using natural woods in the restaurant, but not the blonde woods that were associated with the Decatur location. She says that they are adapting the design to the current space.

You’ll also find a new menu at Watershed on Peachtree. Jones confirmed that chef Joe Truex remains at the helm and “has been working on the menu all winter long.” She says that they are not completely reinventing the menu, but that they’ve opened the door for creativity. The menu will change more frequently and will be more inventive than traditional — not as “old-school Southern.” Yet Jones says, “it will resonate with what we’ve always done.”

Some of your old favorites from Watershed’s menu may rotate through as specials. Watershed’s famous fried chicken nights will return, but on Wednesdays at this location.

Watershed on Peachtree is currently hiring for most positions, but says they are bringing back some key employees from the Decatur location.

–by Jenny Turknett, Food and More blog

Monday, April 16, 2012

Colbeh Persian Kitchen & Bar Opens in old Zucca Space

From: atlanta.eater.com

123 E Court Sq., Decatur
Phone 404-373-1226
Status: Certified Open

Over the weekend, Colbeh Kitchen, a new Persian restaurant in Decatur in the former Zucca space, officially opened to the public. Owned by a pair of Iranian brothers, Colbeh serves specialties like lamb shank, marinated beef kabobs, chickpea and eggplant dips, and stews like Khoresht Badenjan and Ghormeh Sabzi.

Also, it's sexy as all get out and there are plenty of brown liquored signature cocktails to sample at the long mahogany bar and a back lounge outfitted with ship windows. Check it out and make sure to send all early word—both the good and the bad—to the Eater tipline.


--

Photo credits: http://www.thrillist.com

As Seen in Decatur

Car of Tomorrow

Friday, April 13, 2012

Spend Your Weekend at W Atlanta - Midtown


click to enlarge

Time to get festive with a weekend full of happenings in the city. April 20 brings the Dogwood Festival to Piedmont Park and SweetWater Brewery’s annual 420 Festival to Candler Park. Spend the weekend with us just steps away from Piedmont Park and a short distance from Candler Park, giving you easy access to all the action.

  • Wonderful Room
  • Welcome amenity: 6-pack of SweetWater Microbrews delivered to your room
  • Two limited edition W Atlanta - Midtown “wayfarer” style neon sunglasses
  • 20% off all purchases in the W Store
  • Complimentary valet
  • Valid April 20 – 22

  • W Atlanta - Midtown info


This Tuesday - Dine Out for Lake Claire


Dine Out for Lake Claire Wahoos!

Dine out at Wahoo! Grill on Tuesday, April 17, and support the Lake Claire Swim Team, the Wahoos!

From 5 to 8:30 p.m. guests can enjoy our eclectic, creative menu, and we’ll support our “little fishes” and donate 20% of each person’s check to the swim team.

Make your reservations today by calling 404.373.3331 or visiting us online.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Fill ‘er up: Beer growlers weighed in 2 cities

From:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By David Ibata

Two cities are moving toward allowing sales of beer in large jugs called growlers, Channel 2 Action News reported.
The practice, in which fresh draft beer is poured into a reusable glass jug that’s taken home by the customer, was to be discussed in Dunwoody on Monday night and Alpharetta on Tuesday night.

“We see it as basically an OK product. It’s certainly a growing trend. And we have had some interest expressed in business that would like to do that in our downtown area especially,” James Drinkard, assistant city administrator in Alpharetta, told Channel 2.

According to the AJC’s “Drink: A Beer, Wine and Spirits Blog,” growlers arrived in metro Atlanta in April 2011 at Hop City on the west side, followed in May by Ale Yeah in Decatur.

Last summer, growler stations opened in Whole Foods store on Ponce de Leon Avenue in the city of Atlanta and in the Merchant’s Walk shopping center in east Cobb County.

After first opening in Athens earlier in the year, the Beer Growler arrived in the metro area in August, when it opened a store with 40 taps in Avondale Estates.

Roswell and Forsyth County already have ordinances allowing growlers, Channel 2 reported.

Monday, April 9, 2012

A Derby Party to Benefit DeKalb Communities on May 5, 2012


From: Alison Murphy
Celebrate the Run for the Roses at A Derby Party in DeKalb County

and support nutrition and obesity initiatives in your community

PUBLIC WELCOME



DECATUR, Ga. – Get your tickets now for A Derby Party on May 5, 2012 at the Historic Mary Gay House in Decatur. From 5pm – 9pm A Derby Party will rock with a live band, red carpet photos, a best hat contest, a silent auction, and more. Of course, it wouldn't be a Derby Party without a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby! Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance http://www.jldekalb.org or $30 at the door.



All proceeds from the event will go in their entirety to support Improving Nutrition and Combating Obesity in DeKalb County, the Junior League of DeKalb County’s community impact area. The Junior League of DeKalb County is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.



If you would like to be a sponsor for A Derby Party please click http://bit.ly/Hz2oBs to learn more about those benefits. If you would like to donate to Silent Auction and have your business listed on our website and in our program, please contact Jocelyn Mills at Jocelynmm@hotmail.com.



Get out your favorite sundress, heels, and hat to celebrate the most exciting seconds in sports while also benefiting your community.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Homes for Sale Near Winnona Park Elementary School

From: http://decatur.patch.com
To see photos click above link.
Winnona Park is an old neighborhood in the Southeast part of Decatur close to Agnes Scott College and Columbia Theological Seminary. Life often revolves around the elementary school. For history and information about Winnona Park, go to the Winnona Park Neighborhood Association page.

Here are some houses in the neighborhood that are for sale:

225 Shadowmoor Drive, Decatur, GA 30030

Features: Three bedrooms, three baths, 2,032 square feet.

Price: $479,900.
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526 Kirk Road, Decatur, GA 30030

Features: Four bedrooms, four baths, 3,400 square feet.

Price: $679,000.
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540 Kirk Road, Decatur, GA 30030

Features: Four bedrooms, four baths, 2,340 square feet.

Price: $419,900.
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708 Avery St., Decatur, GA 30030

Features: Five bedrooms, four baths.

Price: $659,900
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142 Avery St., Decatur, GA 30030

Features: Five bedrooms, five baths.

Price: $649,900.
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217 Shadowmoor Drive, Decatur, GA 30030

Features: Three bedrooms, two baths, 1,993 square feet.

Price: $399,900.

Source: AOL Real Estate

(Please note that all property details, including pricing, are confirmed as of press time but are also subject to change.)
About this column: Looking for a home? Patch will compile listings each week around a theme, whether an open house or just listed. If you're an agent, please send your listings.

Friday, April 6, 2012

“East of Eden,” Screening at Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library April 13

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From : http://www.crossroadsnews.com
“East of Eden,” the romantic drama starring James Dean, will be screened April 13 at the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library in Decatur.

The 2-hour, 35-minute film, which was released in 1955, is being screened as part of the DeKalb Library’s mix of new releases and old favorites series.

The film is about a wayward young man who, while seeking his own identity, vies for the affection of his deeply religious father against his favored brother, thus retelling the story of Cain and Able.

The screening begins at 1:30 p.m.

Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library is at 1282 McConnell Drive.

For more information, call 404-679-4404.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Decatur's Neighborhood Cleanup Days Start Saturday In Oakhurst

From the decatur patch
The City of Decatur is starting its annual Neighborhood Cleanup Days on Saturday in a section of Oakhurst.

Public works crews will will collect yard trimmings, building materials (as long as they're not from private contractors), tires, appliances (unless they Freon) and trash that would not normally be placed in pay-as-you-throw bags.

Some things will not be collected: Liquids, dirt, bricks, blocks, stone, rocks, concrete and motor vehicle batteries or parts.

The city website says crews will visit these spots in Oakhurst on Saturday, April 7: Maxwell Street; Third Avenue (Eastlake to Northern); Oakview Road (East Lake Drive to Second Avenue, south side from Second Avenue to 1736 Oakview Road); Second Avenue (East Lake to Northern); Fourth Avenue; North Fourth Avenue; Fifth Avenue (Oakview to Northern); Gordon Street; Northern Avenue (north side only) and First Avenue.

The cleanup days will happen Saturdays through June 23.

Crews will visit other Oakhurst neighborhoods the following three weekends. Check the schedule on the Decatur city website to see when your neighborhood will be visited.

Through June 23, city crews will pick up yard trimmings, tires, appliances -- all kinds of stuff.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

James Bond Goes Heineken

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James Bond will drink Heineken rather than martinis in the newest film.
photo credit Sony Pictures


Newser) – James Bond is no longer exclusively a martini man: The super-spy will be swilling Heineken in at least one scene in upcoming 007 flick Skyfall, according to a surprising report from Advertising Age. It's part of an advertising push by the beer maker; Daniel Craig's Bond will also star in a Heineken ad and appear on packaging for the beer. Craig isn't about to jump ship over the change, telling the BBC that he'll "keep going until they tell me to stop. I know there'll be someone after me, and hopefully someone after them—I'm just trying to keep (the series) going."

It's not the only big move for 007: In what appears to not be an April Fools' joke, the Sun reports that none other than Queen Elizabeth has personally invited Craig to kick off this summer's London Olympics in classic Bond style. "James Bond" will appear in a film, in which he receives the royal mission to launch the games at Buckingham Palace and then parachutes into the Olympic stadium. For the skeptics out there, the news has since been picked up by the Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, New York magazine, and the Daily Beast. And finally, Adele recently told a French radio station she'll be releasing a new song by the end of the year, and many are speculating she could be referring to a Bond theme song.
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click to play.
to enlarge click icon at bottom right
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From: http://gordonandthewhale.com

Talk about a fast turn around.

From production purgatory to a new trailer coming in just a handful of weeks, the pending James Bond film SKYFALL has seen a cavalcade of set photos hit the web, but now it’s time for some of our first footage.

The Daily Mail is reporting that director Sam Mendes has cut a trailer for the film that is currently in the paws of executives over at Sony. The studio plans to put the trailer in front of prints of the upcoming actioner, MEN IN BLACK 3. That’s right, some Bond to get you prepped for some aliens and Will Smith's witty banter.

Overall, this isn’t the most amazing news story, but it does simply remind you that SKYFALL is coming up and coming up quickly. Bowing on November 9, the film doesn’t have too much longer off of screens, so it’s nice to see that soon we’ll finally get something to gaze upon. The film features a great cast, and Mendes is an inspired choice to direct. Hopefully it’s as interesting as everyone involved makes it sound.



Source The Daily Mail

First DeKalb Farm to School Workshop Held by The Cook's Warehouse


Press release for April 3

THE COOK’S WAREHOUSE FARM TO SCHOOL WORKSHOP
FOR DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROGRAM
Locally Grown, Freshly Prepared Meals for DeKalb
ATLANTA, April 3, 2012 – Mary S. Moore, founder and CEO of The Cook’s Warehouse (www.cookswarehouse.com), hosted the first farm to school “cooking workshop” session in its Decatur store to help cafeteria staff and schoolchildren’s meals for the DeKalb County (GA) School District.
The Cook’s Warehouse program is patterned after its successful two-year workshop series with the City Schools of Decatur.
This effort is a joint project of The Cook’s Warehouse, Georgia Organics (www.georgiaorganics.org), the Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (http://www.ldeiatlanta.org/ ) and the DeKalb County School District School Nutrition Department. DeKalb County Board of Health funded this workshop through a Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant through Georgia Organics.
It is meant to teach easy, efficient and inspired cooking skills which may be transferred to those staff and front-line cafeteria workers who feed our children one or two meals, five days a week.
Erin Croom, Georgia Organics Farm to School coordinator, began the morning with a discussion of the farm to school movement in Georgia, when to buy local fruits and vegetables and how to handle these fruits and vegetables to increase student consumption when offered on the menu in DeKalb’s Farm to School Program.
DeKalb County Schools is also participating in the Healthier U.S. School Challenge which aligns with Let’s Move Salad Bars To Schools. Joyce R. Wimberly, nutrition director of DeKalb County Schools, implemented a district-wide farm to school initiative this school year.
Chef Moore then taught the first class along with Chefs Megan McCarthy and Asata Reid and three cooking assistants, as a ground-up initiative beginning with pre-cooking skills including professional and safe knife handling.
Future classes may include finding local and organic farms as sources; seasoning food; quick and tasty, low-fat/healthy recipes that adapt well to large numbers; managing fresh food with minimal waste to stretch the school’s budget, and more.
The DeKalb School Nutrition Managers were treated to buffet breakfast and then prepared their lunch, practicing newly learned knife skills to make healthy recipes cooked with locally grown ingredients. There were 28 DeKalb County Managers in attendance from 25 different DeKalb County Schools.
Janet Stone, Menu Coordinator, described the morning as “a unique experience to work with these chefs, to enhance our culinary skills for use in meal preparation.”
Also on site were Hope Abbs and Jimmy Harmon of Dexter’s Farm, a distributor which donated many of the locally grown fruits and vegetables for the skills practice and luncheon meal. The Whole Foods Market on Briarcliff Road also donated produce.
After dividing the kitchen staff into four teams, the “practice” dishes prepared included:
· Three Sisters vegetable soup
· Crudités of hummus and broccoli pesto with vegetable dippers
· Green bean salad
· Chicken salad
· Carrot muffins
· Romaine salad with fresh strawberries and cucumbers with homemade balsamic dressing
· Two pastas, with broccoli pesto and with roasted tomato sauce
The revolution of healthy school lunches began with UK Chef Jamie Oliver (Food TV’s “Naked Chef” and a worldwide celebrity) who learned that this generation of British schoolchildren was the first in decades not expected to live as long as their parents. His UK program so revolutionized school lunches that Queen Elizabeth II named him an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2003 and he broadcast two series of shows in the United States from West Virginia and California.
In this movement, every spring First Lady Michelle Obama has planted vegetable gardens on White House grounds (the first ones since the Roosevelt administration’s “Victory Gardens”) and named Assistant White House Chef Sam Kass as her senior policy adviser for healthy food initiatives in her Chefs Move to Schools program. Moore was at the White House for the launch of this program.
The Cook’s Warehouse (www.cookswarehouse.com) is greater Atlanta’s premier gourmet cookware store and cooking school with four stores in the Midtown, Decatur and Brookhaven areas in the city and the East Cobb County area of the suburbs. It offers more than 15,000 products for the kitchen and operates the largest avocational cooking school in the Southeast conducting more than 800 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.
Moore is currently vice chair of Atlanta’s Table (the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank); president of the international board of Les Dames d’Escoffier; is a member of The Carter Center Board of Councilors; serves on the Woodward Academy Alumni board and belongs to numerous other gourmet associations.
The Cook’s Warehouse Decatur store is located at 180 West Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur, GA.

Monday, April 2, 2012

DeKalb testing new police cars

DeKalb testing new police cars
By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The DeKalb County Commission recently approved spending $159,000 on six Chevrolet Caprice cars as test models for its new police department fleet.
The department is also reviewing Ford Interceptors for possible replacement of its current fleet. The decision on which car will become the new patrol vehicles is expected later this year.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Stone Mountain Park's new water-spouting Geyser Towers Opens Sat. March 31

By Howard Pousner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Phoebe Feibus had come prepared for a preview of Stone Mountain Park's new water-spouting Geyser Towers attraction this week, donning yellow rain boots fashionably decorated with sock monkeys. The only problem was, she was getting so soaked that her galoshes kept filling up like tanks at an aquarium.
But when you're 7, it's hot outside and there is water erupting, misting, spritzing and spraying seemingly in every direction, a few quarts sloshing around in your shoes hardly puts a damper on the fun.

"Awesome!" was the home-schooled Atlanta girl's two-thumbs-way-up review.

A $1 million addition to the park's Crossroads Village fun town, Geyser Towers officially opens Saturday, not coincidentally just in time for spring break. The two-story, wet-and-wild climbing playscape promises regular dousings to kids of all ages from 10 sources of water as relief during Atlanta's typical summer armageddons of heat and humidity.

A few days earlier, project manager Paul Creasy had gone to great pains to explain that those who would prefer not to get drenched while climbing around on the Geyser Tower's polypropylene-rope bridges and tunnels -- translation: parents -- could avoid that fate. All people had to do to stay relatively dry, he pledged, was pay attention to the timing and location of eruptions and sprays as they moved under and around the playscape.

Even water-loving kids, he added, probably wouldn't require a change of clothes.

But clearly that was an adult talking and adults, even ones with five young children like Creasy, can sound so so silly when they try to sound expert on the behavior of kids around water.

At Thursday's preview, sodden youngsters raced from the Show Geyser, rising from an 8-foot stonework pedestal just inside the entrance and unleashing torrents of agua 30 feet high, to the often-erupting Bubble Geyser under the middle of the playscape, trying to soak up every drop.

One story above, other soaked young civilians lolled on the triangular-shaped netting stretched between the three towers, getting misted by a half-dozen elevated spritzers as they anxiously anticipating the thar-she-blows! moment when the frothing bubble geyser below shot up more liquid refreshment.

Stone Mountain Park marketing manager Laura Ramos said Geyser Towers is a response to regular requests from visitors for liquid fun. "We definitely wanted to address that need that we heard," she said. "I mean, Atlanta's got some scorcher summers."

Geyser Towers additionally fits in with Stone Mountain Park's growing portfolio of physically challenging attractions, along with its neighbor Sky Hike and the winter favorite Snow Mountain. Geyser Towers skews a little younger than the more adventurous, three-story Sky Hike, an elevated family adventure course where the only moisture involved is sweat. Its highest level is a daredevil-baiting 40 feet off the ground.

Targeting (but by no means limited to) ages 7 through 12, Geyser Towers features levels that are 14 and 24 feet high, with its tunnels and walkways fully enclosed by netting, like a fast-food playscape on steroids.

Once inside it, the climbing is varied. For instance, the "V"-shaped truss rope bridge between levels one and two is more supported and easier to navigate than the looser "V"-shaped suspended rope bridge between the first and second towers on level two.

To enter the structure, one must be at least 32 inches tall and young ones between 32 and 40 inches require an adult chaperone. Those under 32 inches, however, can get their wet on by simply hanging out on the ground level and there's even a trickling "creek" of moving water in a corner for toddler enthusiasts.

The structure has a capacity of 157, so there may be short waits to access it on the hottest days. Park officials believe an average visit will last 30 to 40 minutes, since most guests want to get their money's worth out of multi-attraction Adventure Passes, but there's no time limit.

Like Snow Mountain, Geyser Towers draws water from Stone Mountain Lake that it treats to make it potable, similar to swimming pool water. The roughly 50 gallons a minute used by the attraction recycles back into the lake via a closed loop system.

Geyser Towers would seem to close the loop on what young kids want when the forecast is set to sizzle. Trying to dry by the sun after his immersion, 11-year-old Atlantan Noah Vrazel proclaimed, "It was really cool. I liked running through the [bubble geyser] and going through the tunnels."

Did he want to come back?

"Yes," he said with the absoluteness of youth. "But next time with a towel."

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From : stonemountainpark.com
Erupting March 31st! Welcome to the first and only adventure of its kind. Geyser Towers bring an all-new, must-do experience to Stone Mountain Park. Multiple levels of suspended rope bridges and net tunnels connect you to towering platforms that overlook the gushing geyser. With its sporadic eruptions and multiple offshoots, you can play in the spray or stay high and dry. The options, and the fun, are all yours.

Ideal for the whole family, Geyser Towers offers plenty of room for adults and the perfect amount of excitement for the kids. As an option for our littlest guests, toddlers can splash in a trickling creek while mom and dad relax in the shade. Geyser Towers at Stone Mountain Park. One cool adventure.

Get your Mountain Membership today to enjoy this all-new attraction plus many more all year long!


Please note that for your safety, closed-toe shoes are required. Guests between 32 inches and 40 inches tall must be accompanied by a chaperone age 16 or older. Before experiencing the attraction please read the guest safety information posted at the entrance.
Location: Crossroads
Cost: Included in One-Day Adventure Pass and the Mountain Membership.
Minimum Height Requirement: 32 inches
Companion Information: Guests between 32 inches and 40 inches tall must be accompanied by a chaperone age 16 or older.
This is an Outdoor attraction.
This ride is Wheelchair Accessible.
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SunTrust Ga. HQ to move to Campanile Building


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Workers were removing scaffolding in front of the building Thursday at 1155 Peachtree St
after putting up the SunTrust sign

photo credit: NEXT STOP...DECATUR

Reprint from ajc article dated Aug. 2011

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By Rachel Tobin

Just weeks after losing one prized lease deal, John Dewberry’s Campanile building in Midtown signed another: SunTrust Banks Inc.
Starting in April or May, the Georgia division of the Atlanta-based bank will relocate 350 employees to the former BellSouth headquarters building in Midtown from 25 Park Place downtown.

The bank will take five of the lower floors of the 21-story Campanile, bringing the building to 50 percent leased. The deal includes signage on the lower portion of the building at 1155 Peachtree St.

Dewberry bought it last year out of distress with a loan from Georgia’s Own Credit Union, also a building tenant. They paid $36 million for what then was a mostly vacant but ritzy building BellSouth had built with all the trimmings of a headquarters.

For Dewberry, the SunTrust deal is great news after law firm Morris, Manning & Martin cancelled its decision to move there, deciding to stay in Buckhead.

For SunTrust, the move is part of a major real estate realignment that will affect 1,250 employees here. About five years ago, the bank sold its 25 Park Place tower to Georgia State University. The bank plans to move 500 employees to the Portman-designed SunTrust Plaza complex at 303 Peachtree St. and 400 employees in the SunTrust Robinson Humphrey investment banking unit out of SunTrust Plaza and into Atlanta Financial Center in Buckhead. After all the moves, SunTrust will employ about 5,000 in downtown and Midtown and another 950 in Buckhead.
full story at ajc

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Things to do Saturday March 31, 2012

From: http://www.atlantadowntown.com/events

Saturday, March 31:

Stone Mountain BluegrassRoots Music and Arts Festival Saturday Mar 31

Stone Mountain BluegrassRoots Music and Arts Festival

From : accessatlanta.com

Saturday, Mar 31 10:00a to 7:00p
at 922 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA
Price: FREE
Phone: (404) 846-8186
Age Suitability: All Ages

This is the best recipe for a New Southern Tradition. Mixing bluegrass musicians and self taught southern artists and artisans is a combination worth savoring! Up to 150 artists and artisans will brighten the historic charm of Stone Mountain Village. A small stage will showcase group Contra dances and bluegrass music, plus bluegrass “street jams” will be featured throughout the festival. This event will bring much needed attention to the restoration of this historic village.

Spring 2012 class schedule for The Cook's Warehouse


The Spring 2012 class schedule has been released by The Cook’s Warehouse (www.cookswarehouse.com) with a wide variety of classes and several visiting and local chefs.

From “Knife Skills 101 Hands On” to advanced, hands-on classes with local chefs, there are close to 200 classes to pick from and one for every age level and interest in this quarter’s classes.

The Simple Abundance classes with our partner the Atlanta Community Food Bank will serve up well-known local chefs – Hugh Acheson (Empire State South), Linton Hopkins (Restaurant Eugene), David Bradley (Ecco), Steven Satterfield (Miller Union), Don Hackett (Sherlock’s Wine Merchant), David Sweeney (The Bakery at Cakes and Ale) and Piero Premilo (Pricci) – at the head of a class.

And the Spring classes bring several out-of-town chef-instructors including Suvir Saran, Jodi Rhoden, Holly Herrick, Maria Speck, John Besh, Robin Asbell, Hugh Carpenter, Sheri Castle and Martha Hall Foose.

And our local Celebrity Chef Virginia Willis will teach “Healthy Southern Cooking” among her other classes at Cook’s.

As far as cuisines, students may choose from Indian, Italian, Greek, Thai, French, Mexican, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Cajun, Mediterranean, Tuscan and Spanish flavors, and several seafood/shellfish offerings including our acclaimed “Seafood Savvy” series with our partner, the Georgia Aquarium.

Also available are lessons in a variety of subject-oriented courses from Big Green Egg (grilling) and summer barbeque, the Paleo Diet, vegan/plant-based/botanical abundance, pasta, canning, gluten-free, cooking for allergies, dinner parties, Vidalia onions!, bacon lovers, bridal planning, cake decorating, cast-iron cooking, couples nights out, spring/seasonal ingredients, desserts, pizza, Southern and Healthy Southern, spa day, paella, tapas and teen cake decorating, among others.

Holiday classes include Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day Baking with kids age 10+, Father’s Day Cooking with Kids and a Proper Mother-Daughter Afternoon Tea for kids age 8+.

There are technique classes such as desserts, knife skills, pressure cooking, pasta making, and “The Bread Basket Hands On” to puff up one’s bread-making skills.

Although most classes include wine after cooking demonstrations, there are strictly “Wine,” “Wine and Food Pairings” and “Wine and Cheese Pairings” classes as well.

For an intense immersion geared to first-time cooks, our East Cobb store will offer a three-day series “Kitchen Basics and Beyond” on a Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Stand-alone classes for the novice include the popular “Knife Skills 101 Hands On” and even “A Poultry Primer: Chicken and Duck Hands On.”

And the ever-popular kids’ class offerings for ages 6-9 or 10-17 include International Favorites, Touring the U.S. and Cooking with Colors weeklong day camp series; teen cake decorating, Asian small plates, Spring cupcakes, tasty snacks, family pizza fun, teacher gifts, Springtime snacks, breakfast, Mother’s Day classes, Father’s Day Cooking with Dad and even Daddy and Me Hands On for ages 3-5.

The Cook’s Warehouse (www.cookswarehouse.com) is greater Atlanta’s premier gourmet cookware store and cooking school with four stores in the Midtown, Decatur and Brookhaven areas in the city and the East Cobb County area of the suburbs. It offers more than 15,000 products for the kitchen and operates the largest avocational cooking school in the Southeast conducting more than 800 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.

The Cook’s Warehouse is truly “Every Excuse to Cook.”

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Decatur Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Decatur First Baptist Church. March 31


From the decatur minute

Please join us this Saturday, March 31st for the annual Decatur Easter Egg Hunt presented by the Decatur Business Association. This year the hunt will be held on the beautiful lawn of Decatur First Baptist Church.
The bunny will arrive around 10:30 am and the hunt will begin at 11:00am.
Plan to stay afterwards for the DFB Spring Fling with games, food, and fun for the entire family!
Also, the Decatur Fire Department will be collecting non-perishable food and household items to stock the shelves at Decatur Cooperative Ministry and DEAM- so bring a basket of food and leave with a basket of candy!

http://thedecaturminute.com/

Mad Men Releasing 'Zou Bisou Bisou'

Sexy earworm single a sign of their times
By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

(Newser) РIt's a product campaign worthy of Madison Avenue brains: Introduce a catchy "earworm" song during a popular TV series, then release it as a single. That's what Mad Men is doing with the addictive sexy French ditty everyone is humming: "Zou Bisou Bisou," sung to suave Don Draper by his saucy new wife, Megan, in the series' season premiere. Mad Men production company Lionsgate is releasing actress Jessica Par̩'s version of the song as a single on iTunes, and as a limited edition vinyl sold through the program's web site, reports the Washington Post.
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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

DeKalb not ready for city of Brookhaven

From :The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By April Hunt

The threat of a new city being carved out of a swath of north-central DeKalb County later this year could mean higher taxes for county residents come 2013.
If voters in the area between Buckhead and Chamblee vote to become Brookhaven this summer, DeKalb stands to lose between $25 and $27 million in revenue, some of it as early as December. Tuesday, the county administration said it had yet to plan exactly how it would deal with that blow.

“Our only options are to raise revenues, reduce expenses or draw down our reserves,” said chief operating officer Richard Stogner, adding a mix of those options will be the most likely outcome.

Six new cities have taken shape in metro Atlanta since 2005, most recently last year’s incorporation of Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County.

In nearly every case, supporters argue the new cities mean better services and more responsive government. But since each new city must include plenty of commercial land so taxes will cover those services, critics argue the incorporation movement leaves behind poorer or mostly residential areas.

DeKalb has made those same criticisms. But Stogner said the county still cannot begin planning until it sees if Brookhaven residents agree to become a city. The bill allowing that vote is being finalized in the state Legislature and is expected to be signed soon by Gov. Nathan Deal.
Full story ajc

The Atlanta Film Festival Takes over operations for The Plaza Theatre

Gayle and Johnny Rej still own the theatre, the Atlanta Film Festival will be managing it for them.


From: clatl.com
Posted by Debbie Michaud


Last November, the Plaza Theatre sent out a cry for help: The vintage repertory cinema was seeking new ownership in the face of the prohibitively expensive cost of converting the theater to digital screening formats, a necessary move as studios are not only ceasing the production of film prints, but also going so far as to destroy film archives. A full digital upgrade would cost an estimated $30,000-$40,000 - money the nonprofit moviehouse doesn't have owners Gayle and Johnny Rej told CL after the November announcement.

The Atlanta Film Festival announced last night after a screening of AKA Blondie that it will be taking over programming and marketing for the Plaza Theatre, effective immediately. This does not mean that ATLFF 365 owns the Plaza: "It's essentially a management partnership. [The Rejs] own it and we're going to be managing it for them," says Christopher Escoboar, ATLFF365 executive director.

"What Johnny and Gayle started six years ago, which was to save the Plaza, was always a step one. This is the next step in ensuring that the Plaza stays a sustainable and permanent place in [Atlanta's] arts and film landscape. This is not the job is done; we're a step closer and [the festival] is trying to be a mechanism in ensuring the plaza's survival," says Escoboar.

The new partnership is part of a five-year plan Escoboar calls "mutually beneficial with a lot of trust and flexibility built into it" that will assist in raising funds to help the Plaza make the digital conversion, as well as provide support for things like grant writing and building maintenance for which the Rejs previously haven't had the resources.

"We have a phase plan," Escoboar explains. "The Plaza has not only not had full digital capabilities, they haven't had the proper HD digital projection." Theaters are being forced into a two-part DCP system, a digital process that grabs films from the Internet and plays them through special (ie, expensive) projectors that boast a resolution higher than HD. According to Escoboar, "Theaters are being shoved into doing this so that the distributors can save on printing and shipping costs of film that can cost $5,000 a piece to make and more to ship around the country. They're forcing the conversion for their own benefit and not helping anyone do it."

Escoboar worked out a deal with Optoma Technology to purchase two high-end projector units for the festival for the price of renting them. Landmark Midtown will house the projectors after the fest, but the Plaza will have free reign to use them, opening up all kinds of new event, and therefore revenue, possibilities to help raise money for the full-fledged digital transition. That means early releases and access to a much broader library of films thanks to ATLFF 365's international reputation and programming savvy.

"We don't have money but we do have means to use the resources the Plaza has to make money. We're putting up what we each have available to meet what we each need to be greater than the sum of the parts," says Escoboar.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Victory Sandwich Bar Coming to Decatur


photo courtesy of historicinmanpark.blogspot.com

Looks like the old Karma Boutique and Rocket 88 space at 340 Church St. will have a sandwich bar or should I say
a VICTORY SANDWICH BAR.
Prehaps it will look something like the Inman Park location seen above.

h/t decatur metro

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Should Apple offer larger iPhone screen?

From ajc
Days after a report that the next new iPhone will have a bigger and sharper screen comes another one that says the screen will remain the same size but there will be other changes.

In a posting, iMore.com says the screen of the “iPhone 5,1” will be the same size but the dock connector will be more “mirco”, reducing the size of the 30-pin dock to allow for more auxiliary connections. The website also says that if the screen size grows it won’t be as large as the 4.6 inches speculated earlier this week.

South Korea’s Maeil Business Newspaper reported a high-definition 4.6-inch Retina display is on the way, with several times as many pixels as the existing iPhone 4S display. Maeil, without disclosing its source, said Apple has already started placing orders for the bigger screens.

LG Display and Samsung Electronics Co., Apple’s major display suppliers, declined to comment. And Apple, which began selling the 4S last October, isn’t talking, either.

And according to PC magazine’s website, an unnamed Samsung official reportedly told The Korea Times recently that Apple is planning to launch a smaller iPad with a 7.85-inch screen by the end of the year. Current iPads have 9.7-inch screens.

Should Apple increase the size of its next iPhone screen to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus?

Saturday, March 24, 2012

New Movie Filming at NO. 246

From http://decatur.11alive.com

From all day on Sunday, March 25 through lunch service on Friday, March 30, No. 246 in Decatur will be closed to the public due to film production. A movie called A.C.O.D. will be filming at the restaurant during this time. No. 246 Owners Ford Fry and Drew Belline apologize for any inconvenience to guests and will open the restaurant again for dinner service on March 30 at 6 p.m.

Directed by Stu Zicherman, A.C.O.D. (Adult Children of Divorce) focuses on a young man who discovers he was enlisted many years ago in a study about divorced children and when he’s ushered into a present day follow-up study, it creates new havoc for his family. The comedy stars Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, Jessica Alba, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jane Lynch.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Update photos of The Decatur Rec Center Construction.



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According to Decatur Patch:
The City of Decatur hopes the new Decatur Rec Center will be finished by this Christmas.

The new basketball court will have a running track that will circle the top of the gym, at window level.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Jobs Bus To Visit Decatur Wednesday

From Decatur patch
It will be at the DFCS office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jobs Bus' To Visit Decatur Wednesday

Decatur and Avondale Estates residents looking for work can check out DeKalb County's Mobile Career Center, also called the “jobs bus,” on Wednesday, March 21.

The jobs bus comes to the Department of Family and Children Services at 178 Sams St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the last scheduled visit to Decatur for the month.

Major features of the resource center include 13 computer stations; a private interview area; high-speed satellite Internet connection; printer, scanner and copy services; and a fully accessible ADA workstation with movable table and auxiliary.

The mobile unit will also provide residents with essential services including job search assistance, adult workshops and training, resume writing and interviewing tips.

For more information, please visit the Workforce website.

Welcome to Agnes Scott

Sunday, March 18, 2012

The Oakhurst Castle - Open House



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OPEN HOUSE | A home fit for a king

In a neighborhood full of ranches and craftsman homes, Tom McCloskey says he knows his Oakhurst home is "out of context."

From 11 Alive News

Update on New Refurbished Decatur Fire Station No. 1 Coming Soon

Here is a updated photo of Decatur Fire Station NO. 1

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Trinity Mercantile & Design Co. - OPENING SOON

Trinity Mercantile & Design Co. will be opening soon.
A home furnishings & design service store.
Lighting-Upholstery-Window Treatments-Rugs--Design-Case Goods-Gifts.

131 Trinity Place
Decatur, GA
Hours : Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 & By Appointment.
404-378-0197

Matador Mexican Cantina Health Inspection Report



DECATUR-Matador Mexican Cantina in Decatur has a popular taco bar and patio so it's recent score of 51 was a bit of a surprise.
From 11alive.com

Friday, March 16, 2012

Andy Warhol's 1963 "Double Elvis" painting is poised to fetch $50 million


Newser) – Andy Warhol's 1963 "Double Elvis" painting is poised to fetch a whopping $25 million per Elvis at auction this spring. Sotheby's has set an estimate of up to $50 million for the work, which shows Elvis dressed as a cowboy and shooting from the hip, AP reports. Warhol produced a series of 22 Elvis images. One of them—"Eight Elvises"—set the record for a Warhol work when it was sold to an Italian collector for $100 million in 2009.

Barriers to buffer I-20 noise

Photo credit: http://www.mto.gov

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From :http://www.crossroadsnews.com

Barriers to buffer I-20 noise
The construction of the collector/distributor lanes will not only ease traffic congestion at the I-20/I-285 interchange in Decatur – it also will bring traffic closer to scores of homes and apartments along the 4.7-mile project.

To buffer residents from increased traffic noise, more than 3.78 miles of sound barriers will be erected as part of the $30.9 million project.

Georgia Department of Transportation spokesman Mark McKinnon said sound barriers will account for $8.05 million, or 26 percent, of the project’s total cost.

The 8- to 20-foot barriers will be erected along GDOT’s existing rights of way boundaries and no additional rights of way were acquired.

Just over three miles of the sound barriers will be constructed along I-20 eastbound between the I-285 ramp and the I-20 Wesley Chapel Road exit to muffle traffic noise for residents in the Rainbow Creek subdivision and on the other side of the Wesley Chapel I-20 entrance ramp to shield residents of Village at Wesley Chapel apartments and an unfinished subdivision on Minola Road that backs onto the interstate.

The construction of the additional lane on the 1-20 and I-285 entrance ramp will bring traffic closer to the homes along Raindrop Court, Rainbow Creek Drive, Treasure Court, Rainover Trail, Star Lane, Bright Court, Shadowbrook Drive, and Rainwater Court.

Read more: CrossRoadsNews - Barriers to buffer I 20 noise