Atlanta’s Burgeoning Summerhill Neighborhood is poppin’ in the fall!

Cheers Y’all!

Living in Atlanta, I am always exploring all this city has to offer, and I just received this information on what the burgeoning Summerhill neighborhood has on deck as the leaves change color. For the month of September, everything from eateries to sipping spots (including my Halfway Crooks homies), art events, and live DJs spinning during Crafts and Crates on September 21 are worth checking out! Here is all the information and dates straight from the source.

See you there!

SIP, SAVOR, AND CELEBRATE IN SUMMERHILL THIS SEPTEMBER

Photo: Brandon Amato 

Locals and Guests will Discover New Drinks, Art-Inspired Menus, and Festive Events Throughout the Month

As the vibrant Summerhill neighborhood welcomes the fall season, a series of exciting events and unique offerings will delight locals and visitors alike.

From refreshing new beverages to art-inspired menus, Oktoberfest celebrations, and Atlanta Streets Alive on Sept. 15, here’s what to look forward to in September:

·         During September, guests are invited to sip on the latest creation at Little Tart Bakeshop. The “Fram Boise” (fram-bwah) is a light and refreshing drink featuring raspberry green tea, local lime juice, and simple syrup, perfectly balancing sweet and tart flavors.

·         In collaboration with the High Museum of Art, Wood’s Chapel BBQ celebrates the “Giants” exhibition, showcasing art from the personal collection of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Menu highlights include:

·         Green Giant cocktail - a blend of gin, basil, lime, mint, cucumbers, elderflower, and grapefruit soda.

·         Vegetarian BBQ Butternut Squash with late summer succotash.

·         “Keys” Lime Pie - A vegan treat inspired by Alicia Keys.

·         This September, Junior’s welcomes back the “Return of the Mack” as the pizza of the month, featuring the iconic flavors of a Big Mac: beef, Thousand Island dressing, pickles, and cheese. Junior’s also hosts Wine Wednesday every other Wednesday with half-price pours on House Wine Malbec and Chardonnay and invites guests to join the fun for Drag Bingo on Sept. 11 and 25.

·         Press Shop has a full calendar of events for September. View the full events schedule online.

·         Sept. 11, 7-9 p.m.: Global Book Club - discussion of “Human Acts” by Han Kang.

·         Sept. 17, 7-9 p.m.: Floral Workshop with Full Bloom by Lauren. Tickets are on sale the first week of September.

·         Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m.: Artist Showcase with Brooke Reid featuring local Atlanta still life photography.

·         Sept. 23, 6-8 p.m.: Weaving Workshop with Woven Co. Tickets available at wovenco.studio.

·         Sept. 25, 7-9 p.m.: Fiction Book Club - discussion of “Liars” by Sarah Manguso.

·         Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m.: Knitting Circle - bring a project and enjoy some fun wine. Free for all skill levels.

·         September is all about Oktoberfest at Halfway Crooks with five special beer releases, including the flagship Fest Marzen (traditional festbier) and ALL CAPS (modern festbier). Guests can look forward to Bavarian food specials, live music, and entertainment each Saturday:

·         Sept 14: The Normas at 4 p.m.; UCX Cycling Short Film World Premiere at 8 p.m.

·         Sept 21: Crafts and Crates at 3 p.m.; DJ Dainja, DJ Mafioso, Peppermint Gatty, and special guests.

·         Sept 28: Donna the Wolfman at 7 p.m.

For more information on these events, please contact the venues or the Summerhill neighborhood website.

 

Fork Life: Stellar Atlanta Restaurant Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails Celebrates Year One Big Time!

Check out Verdure’s special menu featuring cuisine from Western and African Countries the weekend of August 16 to  18 .

Photo credits: Bites and Bevs | Madelynne Grace

 Hello, my distinguished fork lifters!

As you know, only fire restaurants get love on this site, and I have heard so much about Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails located down the street from me in Midtown Atlanta on the Beltline. With them celebrating a year this upcoming weekend and looking at the amazing menu they are featuring listed below, I HAVE to go! Life has come at me fast since they opened, but there is still no excuse for me  missing out this long after seeing some of the dishes and hearing so much about them. (Doesn’t Executive Chef Jean-Louis Sangare’s fish dish look amazing?) 

And with that, read the official description below sent straight from the source listing all the details for Verdure's Year One celebration, including special entrees, small plates, and cocktails honoring the brilliance of cuisine from the African Diaspora. Book reservations asap! You know I am!

Cheers!

------

VERDURE KITCHEN & COCKTAILS HOSTS FIRST ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND EVENT AUG. 16-18

Specially Curated Menu to Highlight Distinctive African Dishes Alongside Popular Favorites

August will mark one year since Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails opened its doors to the public. To commemorate the occasion, the celebrated Midtown restaurant, known for its creative fusion of dishes, cooking techniques, and cultures from Western and African countries, offers a special anniversary dinner menu from August 16 to 18. The à la carte menu features a variety of dishes complemented by a handful of guest favorites from the restaurant’s regular menu.

“We want to give our guests the chance to sample some authentic dishes from across the African continent,” says executive chef Jean-Louis Sangare. 

Among the unique entrees on the anniversary menu, guests can expect to see dishes such as (selections are subject to change):

·         Jollof Risotto with crispy plantains

·         Sauteed beef tibs

·         Cassava and sweet potato croquettes

·         Smoked salmon injera roll

·         Pan-crisped duck breast

·         Afriki spicy beef stew

·         Grilled peri-peri chicken

·         Ethiopian honey-glazed sea bass

·         Seared sea scallops

·         Shito filet mignon

·         Heritage braised beef short ribs

The menu will also feature these popular selections from the regular menu:

·         Kedjenou de Moules: (pictured below top) fresh steamed mussels simmered in an Ivorian-inspired bouillon and cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, scallions, and a hint of white wine.

·         Pan-Seared Loup de Mer: (pictured below middle) a flavorful, tender, flaky pan-seared and butterflied branzino stuff with heirloom tomatoes, onions, kalamata olives, thyme, and pepper, all enhanced by a tomato concasse sauce

·         Zanzibar Roasted Lamb Chops: (pictured below bottom) tender roasted lamb chops placed atop a flavorful medley of Yukon potatoes, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, smoked paprika, and green asparagus, accompanied by a perfectly blended Zunzibar sauce.

Rounding out the menu is a specially curated selection of small plates including cassava and sweet potato croquettes, jollof risotto and crispy plantains, crispy fried octopus, oysters, yassa chicken lollipops and grilled corn salad offered alongside a selection of crowd-pleasing appetizers. Each evening will also feature a traditional Ethiopian coffee service and African entertainment.

With Verdure’s recently opened oasis-like patio amongst Atlanta’s greenery, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate and hopefully start an annual tradition. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit verdurekitchen.com. Verdure’s regular dinner menu will not be available during the anniversary weekend celebration.

About Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails

Ideally situated just off the Atlanta Beltline in Midtown, Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails boasts an innovative fusion of culinary expertise with vibrant influences from Western and African countries. The restaurant’s carefully crafted menus harmoniously blend traditional African flavors and techniques with classic Western dishes, resulting in a dining experience that showcases the best of both worlds. The diverse management team, representing Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast, infuses every meal with authentic expertise and warmth, inviting guests on a culinary journey inspired by Africa's diverse flavors and traditions. For more information, please visit verdurekitchen.com.

Sierra Nevada and Omnipollo launch a brew for National Hazy IPA Day!

Whaddup?!!!

For all you hop heads out there like yours truly, you need to put National Hazy IPA Day on your calendar, which is coming up this Thursday, August 15^th! And with all the festivities and special releases that will be happening around the US celebrating arguably the most popular beer style, I will keep an eye out for you. In fact, one of my favorite brew companies in the world, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., just collaborated with Sweden’s brewing king, Omnipollo, to create a limited-edition hazy IPA. They're both gangster, so I bet this is straight fire!

And like many special collabs, this one is going to be rare as hell and hard to get, so scoop this one called Hazy IPA Day (8.2%) on Sierra’s online store coming in 4-pack of 16-ounce cans, and directly at their Chico, CA, and Mills River, NC. locations. They told me they will also have it at select accounts in Manhattan and Brooklyn on draft while supplies last. I just had a blast at the North Carolina brewing headquarters and had a blast, but evidently I missed this launch. Regardless, I am letting you know about it so when you scoop some, feel free to rub it in; I won’t be mad. (Okay, maybe a little bit, but it’s all good.) The official press release is below. Let me know how it is!

Enjoy!

 

Sierra Nevada to Release Rare Ultra Hazy Beer for National Hazy IPA Day, Aug 15

‘Hazy Day IPA’ Collaboration with Omnipollo

To celebrate the second annual National Hazy IPA Day (August 15), Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is releasing Hazy Day IPA, an ultra-Hazy Double IPA in collaboration with internationally acclaimed brewery Omnipollo of Sweden. The small-batch beer will only be available at the Sierra Nevada’s California and North Carolina breweries, through their online gift shop, and at select bars in the New York City area.   

Hazy Day IPA is silky smooth and generously dry-hopped at an impressive seven pounds per barrel with Citra and Riwaka. It boasts notes of pineapple and orange candy, with top notes of citrus and a soft and juicy finish. At 8.2% ABV and just 30 IBU, it’s a premium expression of the Hazy IPA style, the brainchild of brewers from both Sierra Nevada and Omnipollo.  

“We go all in for Hazy IPA Day,” said Isaiah Mangold, Head Innovation Brewer at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. “We wanted a premium example of the style. So we designed this ultra-Hazy DIPA with our friends at Omnipollo for maximum hazy, hoppy flavor. Even the art on the cans was a collaborative effort. You can see and taste the influence from both breweries through this beer experience, making it a truly special and rare opportunity.” 

Craft beer fans can que up on release day to snag a Hazy Day IPA 4-pack of 16-ounce cans online at SierraNevada.com, or at one of the Sierra Nevada brewery locations (Chico, California or Mills River, North Carolina) where draft pours, menu specials and other festivities to mark the special occasion will be offered. In addition, a limited number of craft beer destination bars in New York City will tap kegs of the specialty release to mark the occasion.  

Beer fans unable to catch this 2024 limited-edition release to commemorate Hazy IPA Day on August 15 are encouraged to celebrate the occasion anyway by gathering with friends and toasting to one of the most popular styles in modern craft beer.    

Barrel & Flow is almost here!

Whaddup?!! 

Did you  book your tickets for not only the #1 Black beer festival in the world, but overall TOP beer festival in the US! Hit this LINK for the festivities and schedules of everything popping. Trust me, this is a vibe all weekend!

See you there!

It’s the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival!

Cheers Everyone!

Consistently the most anticipated culinary event in Atlanta during the height of tomato season, the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival is always one of my favorite seasonal happenings in my hometown. Hosted by Georgia Organics, chefs and mixologists from across Georgia’s capital make inventive cocktails, delectable bites, and creative pairings all made with the summer’s beloved red fruit—tomatoes—grown by Georgia farmers. Taking place at the Westside Motor Lounge (725 Echo Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318) this Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Do yourself a favor and snag a ticket before they sell out here. See below for the official press release.

Be sure to follow me at @ATLfoodWriter for more food adventures.

See you soon!

Andrea Janise

------------

13TH ANNUAL ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATO FESTIVAL

DESCENDS UPON WESTSIDE MOTOR LOUNGE THIS SUNDAY!

Hosted by Georgia Organics, longstanding food-fueled fundraiser celebrates local chefs, restaurants, and farmers during a one-day-only event complete with music, live entertainment, and more!

Tickets On Sale Now for Sunday, July 28, 2024, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, hosted by Georgia Organics, is descending upon Westside Motor Lounge this Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The longstanding fundraising event will once again feature a curated lineup of the Southeast's most popular chefs and bartenders showcasing their culinary prowess with dishes and cocktails crafted from tomatoes grown by Georgia farmers. This year’s lineup includes The Deer and The Dove, Talat Market, La Semilla, Chai Pani, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, and more, all serving an array of tomato-inspired dishes and cocktails, from savory to sweet. Guests will also be treated to live music, exciting live entertainment, and an auction boasting incredible items and experiences.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the 13th Annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, visit www.georgiaorganics.org. General admission tickets are $100 per person, and VIP tickets are $250 per person. Westside Motor Lounge is located on the corner of Northside Drive and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway at 725 Echo Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Stay connected on Instagram @Westside_Motor_Lounge.

🎥 Reel Talk: TWISTERS 🎥

Reviewed by L.K. Byron

The summer movie season is in full swing and the thriller, TWISTERS, is quickly approaching your radar! TWISTERS—some could say a follow up to the hit film TWISTER, released in 1996—is a worthy contender to earn your box office bucks.

After a brief introduction of a storm chasing team lead by Kate Cooper, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, the hunt is on for highly inclement weather and you might’ve guessed, TWISTERS. Without giving too much away, the team’s initial rush of adrenaline to tail a major tornado proves to be a highly risky decision that will change the course of their lives forever.

Five years later, due to the costly events suffered by her aforementioned storm chasing team, Kate found herself living a less adventurous and safer occupation as a meteorologist in New York City. That is until Javi, played by Anthony Ramos, her former chaser team member, walks back into her life determined to rejuvenate Kate’s passion for storm chasing with incentives and heartfelt compassion. Now, it’s decision time and Kate’s true love of twister chasing and thirst for redemption is winning her over. 

Kate, unable to turn herself away, joins Javi and his teammates to apply her top-notch knowledge of meteorology towards exploring, monitoring, and chasing tornadoes. Unfortunately, their newly formed team is not the only storm chasing team in the game. The additional competition team is captained by a seemingly brash storm chaser, named Tyler Owens, played by Glen Powell. Owens and his caravan of storm chasers deliver heavy doses of drama, conflict, and misunderstandings that bring about unforeseen events that send the storyline and plot into overdrive! TWISTERS not only fulfills the action, thrills, and humor departments, but accomplishes the goal of infusing numerous scenes with the catastrophic powers of nature that are hell bent on amassing destruction and loss of lives. TWISTERS is fun, entertaining, and does an admirable job of gripping you from start to finish.

Rated: PG – 13

Run Time: 1 hr. and 57 mins

Director: Lee Isaac Chung

 

Wild Heaven’s Second Annual Crab Trap & Tap this Saturday, July 13th!

 

Whaddup?!

I just got back from the Blue Ridge Mountains and have another weekend to look forward to already! There is no mystery that I am a seafood fanatic, and this goes especially for crab! While crab cakes are especially my thing, breaking down freshly steamed Maryland blue crabs is always memorable. Well it looks like one of Georgia’s favorite brewing companies, Wild Heaven, is bringing that experience back Low Country Boil-style, along with brews, cocktails, and live music to The Garden Club at their West End location (Wild Heaven West End, 1010 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310) on Saturday, July 13th from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Called Wild Heaven’s Crab Trap & Tap, it’s the second annual “shell-ebration” and it’s all you can eat, so I will be there!

Click here for all the information, plus the official description straight from the source below. Oh! And here’s an important note: TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR DAY-OF, WE WILL BE CLOSING THE TICKET LINK ON THE MORNING OF THURSDAY, 7/11 (IF WE DON'T SELL OUT BEFORE THAT, SPACE IS LIMITED!)

See you there!

WILD HEAVEN BEER HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL CRAB TRAP & TAP NEXT WEEKEND

Summer Bash Will Feature Fresh Maryland Blue Crabs, a Low Country Boil, EDB Micheladas, Live Music and More.

All-You-Can-Eat Tickets Are On Sale Now!

Summer at Wild Heaven is not just for cracking cold beers; it’s also for cracking apart delicious, freshly steamed Maryland blue crabs. Next Saturday, July 13th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wild Heaven Beer is throwing an all-out summer bash in The Garden Club at West End. The second annual Crab Trap & Tap, a lively feast inspired by the time-honored Maryland tradition of gathering around a table covered in newspaper, armed with mallets and knives, and savoring the succulent, sweet meat of freshly steamed crabs. 

Not only will guests enjoy fresh steamed Maryland blue crabs flown in from Harbour House Crabs, but they will be treated to a Low Country Boil featuring an all-you-can-eat feast of shrimp, Pine St. Market sausage, corn, potatoes, and other fun salty and sweet summer treats. Groove to live tunes from Nero Simon & The Sunsetters, bringing the mellow vibes of sunsets, sand, and surf. With community tables for enjoying shareables, the garage doors will be open for indoor and outdoor revelry, and a cash bar ready to serve the perfect summer drinks, including the iconic Old Bay rimmed EDB-Micheladas, and the regular lineup of Wild Heaven beers. For more information or to purchase tickets to Wild Heaven Beer’s second annual Crab Trap and Tap for $69 plus fees, visit wildheavenbeer.com or call 404.254.2232. Tickets will not be available at the door day-of and the ticket link will close on the morning of Thursday, July 11th. Wild Heaven Beer West End is at 1010 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beerwildheaven or on Instagram and Twitter at @beerwildheaven.   

WHAT: Wild Heaven Beer’s Crab Trap & Tap

WHEN: Saturday, July 13, 2024, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Wild Heaven West End 

1010 White St SW 

Atlanta, GA 30310

COST: $80-$150, plus taxes and fees

WEBSITE: wildheavenbeer.com

EVENT LINK: https://gardenclubatl.freshtix.com/events/wild-heaven-crab-trap--tap-2 

CONNECT: Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/beerwildheaven/ Instagram at  @beerwildheaven

📽 Reel Talk: A Quiet Place: Day One 📽

Review by L.K. Byron 

 A Quiet Place: Day One snuck into theatres with a strong cast lead by Lupita Nyong’o—who plays Sam, an ailing hospice patient—propels us through another addition of the Quiet Place series. Now, New York City is under attack by an alien legion that viciously attack and kill anything that gives off even the slightest decibel of sound.

The story sprouts its legs when Sam reluctantly joins a patient field trip only after given the promise of a trip to her favorite pizzeria in the city. Unfortunately, this trip places the group in the heart of the city when the aliens decide it’s time to wreak havoc and destruction of the human race. After chaos ensues, Sam finds herself on a solo journey along with only the companionship of her therapeutic animal, a nifty cat named Frodo, to fight for what’s left of a life that has already been unfairly cut short. For her, and the other humans lucky enough to have survived the initial alien invasion strike, silence is crucially golden; their lives depend on it.

During their trying attempts to stay alive and silent, Sam comes across Eric, a traumatized law student [Joseph Quinn], and is begrudgingly forced to expand her escape tandem to a party of three. They must immediately become each other’s savior to ensure the best chance of escaping the city with their lives, but that’s easier said than done; they are severely outnumbered by the forces of evil salivating at the chance for their demise.  

A Quiet Place aims to please with adequate doses of suspense, action, drama, and humor. If you’re looking to be entertained with those previously stated factors in mind, your box office bucks should prove to be well spent. Just hope your fellow moviegoers stay as silent as parts of this movie are for the true viewing experience; this is when Quiet is the most nail biting.

Run Time: 99 minutes

Director: Michael Sarnoski

Screenplay by: Michael Sarnoski

PG-13

It’s the 2024 Last-Minute Father’s Day Gift Guide!

 

Let’s Make Some Dads Smile!

Once again, it’s on! 

As always, I did some digging and received some submissions of dope gifts that would make that special dad, husband, uncle, brother, or whoever else has done a commendable job raising someone grin ear to ear. Besides my two cents with some of the items listed below, I included the descriptions shared directly from the providers for precise information. From smell goods, to palate pleasers, clothing, amazing concerts at one of the nation’s elite music venues, the perfect show for hip-hop heads, and a few other items, here is my 2024 Last-Minute Father’s Day Gift Guide. Enjoy!

Any Concert At The Eastern Is A Must!

I Say: Stellar music curators Zero Mile is bringing some serious heat to one of the most incredible concert venues in the nation, Atlanta’s The Eastern, this summer, starting tonight! I’m talking RenderHaus @ RenderATL feat. DJ Pee Wee (A.K.A. Anderson .Paak), Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, and The Lox to mention only a few! Get a dad some tickets and blow his mind!

They Say: The Eastern is a state-of- the art venue in the Dairies complex in the Reynoldstown neighborhood of Atlanta, located right off of the Atlanta Beltline. The venue boasts a multi-tiered floorplan which offers unrivaled sight lines, top of the line sound and lights, spacious floorplan, and rooftop which includes a covered performance space, bar, restaurant and open-air seating.. Full-service bars are conveniently placed around the venue maximizes flow, efficiency and patron experience. The venue has been designed with artists & patrons in mind, to provide the best live music experience possible.

The Shows I’m Going To:

RenderATL Presents RenderHaus @ RenderATL feat. DJ Pee Wee (A.K.A. Anderson .Paak)

DaniLeigh, D Smoke, KAMAIYAH, Coco & Breezy, DJ JMo

Friday, June 14, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Burning Spear featuring Kabaka Pyramid

Friday, June 21, 2024 - 8:00 PM

The Lox

Saturday, July 13, 2024 - 8:00 PM

Steel Pulse with Jesse Royal

Sunday, July 28, 2024 - 7:30 PM

Scofflaw Brewing Co. Host First-Ever Bourbon Battle

I Say: Just the sound of this event sounds awesome! This is the first Backyard Bourbon Battle brewing powerhouse Scofflaw has ever hosted, and with it being community driven and bridging the gap between spirits and beer, it’s gotta be a must for dads who imbibe. Tickets can be purchased here. 

They Say: Scofflaw Brewing Co. is thrilled to host their first-ever Bourbon Battle on Saturday, June 15th at their MacArthur Taproom. From 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, local community teams will go head-to-head in the ultimate whiskey barrel-picking challenge. 

Event goers have the opportunity to sample each team's Kentucky Bourbon and cast votes for their favorite barrel. The team with the most votes will claim the coveted Backyard Bourbon Battle Heavyweight Belt, legendary bragging rights, and win their very own custom bottle. 

Scofflaw’s very own Basement Bourbon will be available for purchase at the event. In addition to bourbon battle and tasting, there will be a variety of food options from local vendors available for purchase and live Bluegrass and Folk music from Atlanta’s very own, Clawdad. 

Tickets can be purchased here. Guests must be 21+ to participate in the bourbon tastings but families are welcome to come and enjoy all of the festivities the backyard has to offer, such as cornhole, bocce ball, basketball, and Foursquare. Rain or shine, the battle will be on! 

City Winery Atlanta and Ed Lover Presents:

“The Live Mix-Tape Band” on June 17th at 8pm!

I Say: I had the pleasure of interviewing hip-hop icon Ed Lover over some craft brews a few years ago, and it was a complete honor. His knowledge, experiences, and hilarious personality is unforgettable. Hearing his take on the history of rap fused with a live band at City Winery is ingenious! Go here for tickets!

They Say: Ed Lover Presents "The Live Mixtape Band" - A Nostalgic Journey Through 90's & 2000's Hip-Hop and R&B. Get ready for a musical blast from the past as the legendary Ed Lover takes you on a captivating journey through the golden era of hip-hop and R&B with his unique event, "Ed Lover Presents The Live Mixtape Band."

VarieTees Honors Hops Through Clothing!

I Say: If you know me, I am all about the threads, and the VarieTees clothing line is connecting two of my passions—beer and gear! Taking hop varieties (see what I did there?) like Simcoe, Cascade, and Mosaic to name a few, VarieTees is making everything from hats to sweatshirts honoring the beer industry’s most cherished flowers in fly fashion.  Show some love to the hops that please your palate the most and grab some pieces!

They Say: VarieTees is a Yakima Chief Hops brand focused on providing socially and environmentally conscious merchandise featuring artwork by a diverse group of illustrators, designers and makers. We seek to celebrate the industry's vibrant portfolio of hops through visual storytelling and collectable goods that are unique to each variety.

We have two new collections that will serve as staple VarieTees apparel: The Flagship Series and Harvest Collection.

Flagship Series: VarieTees® Flagship Series highlights favorite hop varieties Simcoe\, Mosaic, Citra and Cascade. Staple varieties in a classic style is sure to be a long time favorite in your wardrobe. Go here to get your gear today: https://varietees.com/collections/flagship-seriesnull

Harvest Collection: The HARVEST collection features custom embroidered cones capturing the unique characteristics of some of the most popular hop varieties including Simcoe, Mosaic, Citra and Cascade. Go here to get your gear today: https://varietees.com/collections/harvest-collections

Sweet Auburn Barbecue is Fired Up for Father’s Day!

I Say: A Wu-Tang Chili Sauce sauce created by Sweet Auburn Barbecue? I’m in!

They Say: Give Dad something he really wants this Father’s Day: high-quality barbecue and a side of making memories with friends and family. This Father’s Day, June 16th, Sweet Auburn Barbecue is gifting all fathers a bottle of Sweet Auburn’s Wu-Tang Chili Sauce to complement their at-home grilling.

This award-winning sauce from the Hsu family helps Dad take his grill master skills to the next level—perfect for chicken wings, shrimp, a dipping sauce for fries or dim sum and more. It doesn't end there, open all day for lunch and dinner, both locations will feature a brisket fried rice special alongside their extensive menu that seamlessly merges southern barbecue traditions with Asian cuisine. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is located in Poncey-Highland at 656 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 and in McDonough at 1828 Jonesboro Rd., McDonough, GA 30253. 

For more information, visit www.sweetauburnbbq.com. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @sweetauburnbbq. 

 

Make Father's Day Sweeter With Sugar Shane’s

I Say: If Pops has a sweet tooth, look no further! Sugar Shane’s is no joke!

They Say: Get ready to wow Dad with the sweetest Father's Day treats, courtesy of Sugar Shane’s Gourmet Bakery. The award-winning dessert brand that took the nation by storm with its ginormous and irresistibly decadent cookies, is serving not-to-miss specials just for dads at its four Atlanta locations from Thursday, June 13th until Sunday, June 16th, 2024. Show him just how much he’s loved with a Father’s Day Cookie Box that includes the Dashing Delta, Cookies N Cream, Walnut Chip, Betty White, Dark Knight and original Chocolate Chip all for $31.99. Not an Atlantan? Not to worry. Sugar Shane’s offers nationwide shipping at sugarshanes.com. Visit Sugar Shane’s Gourmet Bakery in Atlanta at Midtown (398 14th Street Atlanta, GA 30318), Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE N 145 Atlanta, GA 30308), Sandy Springs (1110 Hammond Drive Suite 30 Atlanta, GA 30328), and Kennesaw (1635 Old 41 Hwy Ste 107 in Kennesaw, GA 30152). Stay connected on Instagram at @sugar_shanes and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sugarshanesatl.

Savoir Faire’s Soul Café Eau De Parfum

I Say: Blended, bottled, and boxed by hand, Atlanta-based celebrated renaissance man Chris Classic's Savoir Faire fragrance line herehere is one of the most extraordinary in the industry boasting scent combinations that will have everyone wanting to get a whiff of Dad. Arguably the most popular selection—Soul Café—has notes ranging from tobacco, to blood orange, patchouli, private musk blend, amber wood, lavender, and even Arabic coffee to name a few. When it comes to his different selections, I honestly love ‘em all! Visit Classic’s site for his eyewear, haberdashery, jackets, bags, and other amazing products for both men and women as well. He’s a baaaad dude.

They Say: These fine fragrances are for men and women. Inspired by the diaspora, hand blended in Atlanta, they are created using quality ingredients.  The olfactory experience will vary uniquely from person to person. In other words, you won't be smellin' like everybody else. As with the previous unisex Savoir Faire fragrances, Soul Cafe opens rather strong. The dry down is beautifully complex and offers a multitude of options for the various wearers to exude. Savoir Faire is proudly a Black owned fragrance brand.

Smell Goods For Dad’s House By Pura!

I Say: Even though I’m an Air Sign, I can’t be the only loving great scents throughout my home. Get one—or many—of the diffusers and scents Pura has to offer and keep dad’s spot smelling phenomenal.

They Say: The Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser ($49.99) and scent selection are epic gifts that any dad will appreciate. Pura’s diffuser and accompanying smart app allows Dad to customize the fragrance experience to his liking, right from his smartphone. With a wide variety of premium fragrances from Kenneth Cole’s Go Fig-ure to Guy Fox’s Soho to Caswell-Massey’s Lake, Pura has a scent to suit every Dad’s preference. Give the gift of fine fragrance from Pura this year, perfect for any special father in your life! In Atlanta, Pura is available at Ponce City Market, The Container Store, and Dillard's.

Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser $49.99

Kenneth Cole’s Go Fig-ure $19.99

Guy Fox’s Soho $13.59

Caswell-Massey’s Lake $15.99

 

Miami’s Museum of Graffiti's 'Sneaker Stories' exhibit is in Atlanta this weekend!

 

Cheers Everyone!

Okay, now you know how much I love sneakers judging by my Instagram posts and the latest event I co-hosted, Ale Max Day 2024. Well now coming to my beloved city of ATL is the Museum of Graffiti’s “Sneaker Stories” straight from Miami. This special event will be hosted at Ponce City Market for one weekend only, May 31 – June 2, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday. And guess what? It’s free!

The official information is below. See you there, sneaker fiends!

 -----

Miami’s Acclaimed Museum of Graffiti Pops Up in Atlanta, May 31-June 2

World’s first museum dedicated to graffiti brings limited-time, free sneaker exhibition to Ponce City Market

The Miami-based Museum of Graffiti proudly announces its latest traveling exhibition, "Sneaker Stories" presented by Modelo, will come to Atlanta’s Ponce City Market for one weekend only, May 31 – June 2, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday. This free experience will explore the historical ties and evolving relationship between graffiti art and sneaker culture through informative displays featuring rare sneakers and their corresponding art inspiration.

A first-of-its-kind contemporary art museum, Museum of Graffiti exhibits, educates and celebrates the thousands of graffiti artists who have transformed walls in public spaces into vibrant masterpieces. With the “Sneaker Stories” pop-up, the Museum of Graffiti will bring its renowned unorthodox approach to urban art education to Atlanta. Presented as a faux sneaker store, this immersive museum experience will highlight the many seminal crossover collaborations between graffiti artists and global commercial brands like Nike, Adidas and Reebok. Guests will be taken on a 20-year journey of collaboration that has seen sneakers transcend their original purpose to become integral to the fabric of urban culture and art. The exhibition will feature a selection of limited-edition sneakers displayed alongside their original artworks by artists including Futura, Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Claw Money and Faust, who have been tapped to create highly converted footwear that can sell on the secondary market for upwards of $20,000.

"Through 'Sneaker Stories,' we aim to celebrate the artists from the global graffiti art movement who have transitioned from the streets to appear inside the biggest companies in America, like Nike, Reebok and Adidas, and influenced countless others along the way," says Alan Ket, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti. "Thanks to our partnership with with Modelo, we’re able to bring this unique cultural exploration to Atlanta, inviting the community to uncover the stories behind the art and the artists who have routinely been stigmatized due to the negative connotations surrounding spray paint."

Inside the pop-up, which will be located next to Nike at Ponce City Market, guests can also expect to find Museum of Graffiti’s world-class gift shop, packed with limited edition collectibles, rare books and apparel. At the complimentary sneaker customization bar, courtesy of Modelo, each pop-up visitor can also become a designer with colorful new laces, charms and buckle plates to personalize their own sneakers.

“Modelo can’t wait to kick off this ‘Sneaker Stories’ exhibition alongside the Museum of Graffiti,” said Rene Ramos, senior vice president, brand activation, Constellation Brands. “The relationship and inspiration the sneaker world and the graffiti artform have with each other truly embodies the grit and tenacity Modelo is all about, so it’s exciting to see that come to life in this exhibit.”

A panel discussion entitled “Fighting Spirit Stories” with Cey Adams, moderated by Atlanta’s own Dr. Dax, will take place on Saturday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a limited edition print release and signing. Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

About the Museum of Graffiti

The Museum of Graffiti, founded in 2019 in Miami, Florida, is dedicated to exhibiting, preserving and elevating the history and evolution of graffiti art. By highlighting the work of prominent graffiti artists, both local and international, each exhibition explores the cultural and social significance of this art form. The museum boasts a significant collection of rare original paintings, photos, sculptures, ephemera, works on paper and designs that come together to tell the story of how this renegade artform has captivated youth and adults for over fifty years. The Museum has recently become widely recognized for its robust educational programs, pop-ups, workshops and events aimed at promoting graffiti art and its positive impact on communities. For more information, please visit museumofgraffiti.com and follow the brand on social media at @museumofgraffiti.