Pioneers of Beers: Brick Store Beer Manager Lee Dickson

Meet the beer manager of one of the world's best pubs

Ever since Lee Dickson served me a North Coast Brewing Old Rasputin Imperial Stout at the Atlanta-based, world-renowned Brick Store Pub years ago, I have been super cool with this gentle giant and Steelers fanatic ever since. In this ongoing Pioneers of Beers series, it’s always a pleasure to have candid interviews with individuals who are responsible for brewing, serving, promoting, writing, and supporting the greatest beverage in the world. This time, it’s the beer manager for one of the most revered craft brew bars on the planet. Ladies and gents, here’s the funny, down-to-earth, and knowledgeable Lee Dizzle.

Ale: Okay, let’s get the basics. Where are you from and how did you end up in Atlanta?

Lee: Well I’m from Pittsburgh and moved to Snellville Ga. in 1986 to live with my dad. I was 6'-6" in the eighth grade and moving to a bigger school helped me develop my basketball skills.

I had to include the Heinz bottle to
rep Lee's home, ya heard?

Oh, so you’ve got some game, eh? Evidently, a basketball was eventually swapped out for a tap handle pouring craft beer. How did brew become a part of your life?

I used to drink at the Taco Mac on Highway 78—which is now Summits Wayside Tavern—and loved to try new beers. I still have some of the old newsletters they used to send out to their “Passport” members of their drinking club. I ended up moving back to Pittsburgh a few years after college and had trouble landing a job in my field which was ‘machine tools.’ The alcohol laws in Pennsylvania were much higher than Georgia then, so I started to drink lots of Belgians, cask ales and high ABV beers. I fell in love with this overnight.

How did you get the job at the Brick Store and become the beer manager?

I cut my teeth in the beer business at the Sharp Edge Beer Emporium in Pittsburgh. While bartending and managing, I learned a lot about selling beer, the importance of glassware, cellaring, and running a business.

I met one of the Brick Store owners, Dave [Blanchard], through the website BeerAdvocate.com. I visited the pub a few times when I came back to town and then I started bugging the shit out of him, knowing I wanted to move back to Atlanta.

Nice! Dave is cool so I am glad it worked out. What was the first day like?

Oh man. My first day at the pub wasn't easy because a lot of the staff had been there for a long time, so I had a lot to prove to the owners and everyone else. I remember an old friend, Cozmo, who also worked at the pub who had suggested we share a Scaldis Prestige after work, and here I am six years later.

Lee's giant Steeler ass kicker.

What do you enjoy the most about your job and what’s a pain in the ass about it?

I'm a people person, so I enjoy working in a fun environment and interacting with the public. I especially love folks in the beer scene.

On the pain-in-the-ass part, anyone who's worked at a high volume restaurant will tell you that the work is hard and the hours are long. Working when everyone else is playing is sometimes the hardest part, though!

I feel you on that. I will try not to smile too much when I see you in the bar next time.

Ha! It’s all good.

What about specific beers? Name a few that are gangster along with breweries around the world that have wowed you.

I love the Belgian tripels like Westmalle tripel, Gouden Carolous tripel and Tripel Karmeliet. I’m a candy and ice cream guy, and these beers are sweet and complex. As for my favorite breweries, I've been to the La Trappe monastery in the Netherlands; Cantillon in Brussels, Belgium; Uerige in Dusseldorf, Germany; Traquair House in Scotland; and Twains in Decatur—it’s my local watering hole. You know what? As a whole, I believe the U.S. craft breweries are the best because damn near every one of them is pushing the limits and brewing exciting beers. From Allagash to Lagunitas, to Cigar City, to 3 Floyds.

Okay, Atlanta has an awesome beer scene. What is your favorite beer festival and why?

I'm a little biased when it comes to my favorite festival. Decatur Craft Beer Fest is my fave, though, because I get to entertain out-of-town brewery reps, plan exciting events, and try the best beers in the world with a lot of our regulars. I also really enjoy Hotoberfest, the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting, and Classic City Beer Fest.

Yep! I concur. They are all awesome fests. So how do you kill that little time you have away from the Brick Store?

When I'm not working around beer in town, I’m usually travelling from coast to coast or overseas in search of new beer experiences. A lot of beer is regional, and breweries or public houses are a great way to meet people and get to know their culture. I can’t tell you the last time I went on vacation that didn't involve visiting breweries or networking with beer industry people. It’s just a great business full of great people.

I can dig it. Besides the people, what do you love about the beer industry in general and what trends do you think are going to happen going forward?

I love the constant changes going on in the beer world and I think it keeps our industry fun and interesting. A lot of established breweries will keep rising to the top and a few will fall. I believe craft beer will continue to break into new markets and the traditional ‘Big Boy’ breweries will be trying to take back market share. The last ten years have been very interesting; the next ten should be as well.

Okay, besides running arguably the best beer bar in the country, what else could you see yourself doing?

My dream job would be to work in sales and marketing for a brewery I really believe in; hell, possibly my own. It’s my strength and also what makes me happy. I would also like to own or run a small bottle shop in a small town someday because of the interaction with regulars.

I’d be your first customer bro. Anything else you want to tell folks before we end this interview and knock off another pint of liquid bliss?

Yep! Just know that I love beer and working in the beer industry because of the great people involved like yourself. Thank you for creating one of the most informative and well-written beer sites around. I use it as a tool for my job, and your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Keep up the great work and remember: It’s not work, it’s just beer!

Damn, you got a brother blushing man. I will sip to that!

Let’s do it, Ale!

For more info on Brick Store and to follow Lee’s tweets, visit www.brickstorepub.com and @brickstorepub on Twitter. See you at their bar soon! 

Mother’s Day Sips and Eats in ATL – Part 3

You got reservations? Well then Good Times' Florida Evans is happy she won't
have to say, "Damn...damn...damn!" (RIP Esther Rolle)

Even more restaurants? Sheesh!

Okay, I already have Part 1 and Part 2 for you, and now here’s Part 3! There is absolutely no excuse you can’t find a spot for Mother’s Day…or is there? If so, there is a gift guide below as well! Just remember you owe me one!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s out there!!

Cheers!

Ale

4th & Swift

621 North Avenue NE

Atlanta, GA 30308

678.904.0160

www.4thandswift.com

Celebrate Mom in the Old Fourth Ward with 4th & Swift’s modern American comfort food cuisine. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., chef Jay Swift will serve a special prix fixe menu uniting classic brunch dishes with flavors closely reflecting the acclaimed dinner menu. Guests are also invited to dine on the restaurant’s newly renovated, fully covered patio overlooking Ponce City Market in the historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Call 678.904.0160 for reservations.

Del Frisco’s Grille

3376 Peachtree Rd.

Atlanta, GA 30326

404.537.2828

www.delfriscosgrille.com

Show mom you care by treating her to a festive Mother’s Day brunch at Del Frisco’s Grille from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Besides traditional brunch items such as lemon-blueberry pancakes and the Grille Benedict, the shareable flatbreads are great to share with the group. Toast mom with a signature cocktail and brunch to receive a $10 dining card towards your next meal at the Grille! For more information and to make your reservation, visit www.delfriscosgrille.com or call 404.537.2828.

West & Mill

1000 Marietta St., Suite 202

Atlanta, GA 30318

678.974.8953

www.westandmill.com

Treat mom to a Mother’s Day tea at West & Mill to truly make her feel special! The charming set-up includes a three-tier tray stacked with scones, petite fours and tea sandwiches. In addition to traditional tea service, tea cocktails are available to toast the special occasion. Call 678.974.8953 to make reservations or visit www.westandmill.com.

Ocean Prime

3102 Piedmont Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30305

404.846.0505

www.ocean-prime.com

Instantly become Mom’s favorite this Mother’s Day and treat her to brunch or dinner at Ocean Prime! Atlanta’s modern American supper club will open early for brunch at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 12, serving the restaurant’s delectable dinner menu all day as well as a supplemental small brunch menu until 3 p.m. Pamper her with prime fish and prime steak as well as items from the special brunch menu including short rib hash, blueberry French toast, crab and eggs and blackened salmon salad, paired with the restaurant’s award-winning handcrafted cocktails and extensive Wine Spectator-honored wine list. Give Mom what she deserves and make your reservation online today at www.oceanprimeatlanta.com.

The Melting Pot

Four Atlanta Locations

www.meltingpot.com

After all she’s done for you, doesn’t mom deserve something special to celebrate the day that’s all about her? Treat mom to a fondue feast this Mother’s Day as all four Atlanta-area locations open at noon for Sunday lunch. Enjoy The Melting Pot’s signature fondue menu including choice of creamy cheese fondue, crisp salad, savory entree and decadent dessert. What makes this day even sweeter? Fifty percent of the proceeds from each chocolate fondue purchase will be donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Indulge mom for a good cause! Visit meltingpot.com for reservations.

La Tagliatella

Two Atlanta locations

Emory Point and Midtown

www.latagliatella.us

Mother’s Day is the time to share the love mom has given to the family, so take her to La Tagliatella to share an Italian meal as well. The northern-Italian derived menu boasts a communal dining experience with family-style portions. Start off the meal with traditional antipasti, then choose from more than 400 pasta and sauce combinations or share a hand-spun Napoletano wood-fired pizza. The comfortable atmosphere encourages mom to fork a sample off everyone’s plate. The Emory Point and Midtown La Tagliatella locations will be open regular hours from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 12.

Table & Main

1028 Canton Street

Roswell, GA 30075

678.869.5178

www.tableandmain.com

Treat mom to a simple, seasonal and Southern dinner for Mother’s Day at Table & Main. Moms will receive a complimentary dessert with dinner selections such as Charleston she-crab soup, shrimp ‘n grits and more.

Wahoo! Grill

1042 W College Ave

Decatur, GA 30030
404.373.3331

www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Chef de cuisine Scot Davis is hard at work on a special selection of delicious brunch features to help you celebrate Mom. Our standard brunch menu, along with feature entrees including the Wahoo! omelet with sautéed asparagus, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and a balsamic reduction; and the French Toast with fresh brioche bread, vanilla-lemon cream cheese and seasonal fresh fruit compote, will still be available to all guests on May 12. One of Wahoo!’s most famous menu items,the Charleston shrimp and grits, is available through the buffet, as well as the famous blackened chicken in a chipotle Creole sauce. Fresh baked breads, granola, yogurt, seasonal vegetables and chilled salads are also available. Even with the addition of new Mother's Day specialties, prices remain $18 for adults and $8 for children.

Ri Ra Irish Pub

1080 Peachtree St NE #1  

Atlanta, GA 30309
404.477.1700

www.rira.com/atlanta

Give mom an authentic Irish experience this Mother’s Day at Ri Ra Irish Pub. Moms eat free with the purchase of your entrée. Choose from chef Kelly’s specialties such as haddock & chips, crispy salmon en croute and more.

CinéBistro at Town Brookhaven

1004 Town Blvd. Suite 1070

Atlanta, GA 30319

404.333.0740

hwww.cobbcinebistro.com/brookhaven

Serving brunch to mom in bed is getting too over-done, so why not have brunch while watching the latest flick at CinéBistro at Town Brookhaven? On Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, mom can enjoy chef Hector Gomez’s French "connection" toast, steak and eggs or rotating frittata. The American bistro-inspired cuisine and first-run Hollywood film combo gives mom the perfect excuse to settle into the luxurious leather rocking chairs and unwind on a weekend afternoon. Movie tickets can be purchased ahead of time by visiting www.cobbcinebistro.com. 

Osteria 832

832 N. Highland Ave

Atlanta, GA 30306

404.897.1414

www.osteria832.com

Mom deserves a little trip to Italy, but if that’s too expensive take her to an Italian-style brunch at Osteria 832. The warmer weather welcomes diners to the patio and the family-friendly atmosphere gives mom the joy of dining with the young ones at a place they’ll love too. Italian brunch favorites are available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., like breakfast pizza, vegetali Benedict orstone-ground Parmigiano grits.

Village Tavern

11555 Rainwater Drive

Alpharetta, GA 30009

770.777.6490

www.villagetavern.com

If mom wants to have a variety of food choices to eat for Mother’s Day brunch, Village Tavern’s brunch buffet is just what the family needs. For $19.95 for adults and $10.95 for children 10 and under, Village Tavern opens early at 10 a.m. to serve both breakfast and lunch options available. Choose from eggs Benedict, waffles, made-to-order omelets or chicken, prime rib and desserts. There is sure to be an option for even the pickiest eaters in the family. Call 770.777.6490 to make your reservation.

Little Alley Steak

955 Canton Street

Roswell, GA 30075

770.998.0440

www.littlealleysteak.com

Executive chef Bob McDonough will feature New York butcher-inspired meets Southern dishes this Mother’s Day at Sundaybrunch! Think filet Benedict with sous vide egg and traditional Béarnaise, shrimp and grits with jumbo Gulf shrimp, Anson Mills cheddar grits and poblano peppers and chicken + waffles featuring golden malted waffle and maple butter. Brunch side items include smoked bacon, country sausage, raisin bread and fingerling potatoes mixed with peppers, onions and asparagus. Treat Mom to what she deserves and call 770.998.0440 to make a reservation today.

Southern Art

3315 Peachtree Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30326

404.946.9070

www.southernart.com

Also, show your mom what she deserves this Mother’s Day with a special brunch at Southern Art from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 12, featuring a cookbook signing with celebrity chef Art Smith beginning at 1 p.m. For $55 per person and $28 for children 12 and under, guests can savor a delectable spread complete with a breakfast and brunch buffet, charcuterie and local cheeses display, chilled seafood station, roasted and carved meat station served with buttermilk biscuits and chef Art Smith’s acclaimed buttermilk fried chicken. Save room for family-style dessert specials. For more information and to make your reservation, please call 404.946.9070 or visit www.southernart.com.

Bacchanalia

1198 Howell Mill Rd NW  

Atlanta, GA 30318
404.365.0410

www.starprovisions.com

Join Bacchanalia on Mother’s Day to celebrate moms with a specially prepared three-course lunch of spring inspirations from noon to 2:30 p.m. For more information and to make a reservation visit www.starprovisions.com or call 404.365.0410, ext. 22. The full menu is $70 per person and can be viewed here.

Serpas True Food

659 Auburn Ave.

Atlanta, GA 30312

404.688.0040

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re looking forward to greeting mothers, grandmothers and mothers-to-be onSunday, May 12! Gather around our tables for an approachable brunch prepared by Chef Scott.
Served during special holiday hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., our Mother's Day brunch will feature a seasonal menu of comfort favorites, including beef short ribs eggs Benedict and blackberry buttermilk pancakes. Sample special dishes on the beautiful patio for an al fresco experience and complete the relaxation with a "Sayonara" - a Cathead Vodka cocktail with ruby red grapefruit, lime, agave nectar and bitter lemon.

No brunch? How about a gift to still show the moms in your life you love them?

CineBistro

1004 Town Blvd. Suite 1070

Atlanta, GA 30319

404.333.0740

http://cobbcinebistro.com

Treat the movie-goer mom with a gift card to CineBistro in Brookhaven. The card can

be used to purchase tickets to the newest movie playing on the big screen and for

the dining menu, including the extensive beverage menu of hand-crafted cocktails or

wine.

Vino Venue

4478 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30338

770.668.0435

www.vino-venue.com

Dunwoody’s newest wine emporium, Vino Venue, offers a diverse selection of wine

and epicurean-related gifts to give your mom this Mother’s Day. Each bottle of wine

available for purchase is carefully chosen by multi-credentialed wine expert

Michael Bryan, and is also available to sample in-house. Gift cards to use Vino

Venue’s wine dispensing machines, or Eno-matics, to sample from nearly 32 wine

varieties normally never offered by the glass, are also available for wine-loving

moms. From top quality stemware and elegant decanters to fresh jams and jellies

and infused oils, Vino Venue’s artisan market offers additional wine-related gifts to

complete your wine-themed gift basket. For the mom that loves to cook, treat her to

a hands-on cooking class in Vino Venue’s Chef’s Kitchen with culinary director

Jessica Ray.

Spa Sydell

Six Atlanta Locations

www.spasydell.com

From expectant moms to mother-in-laws, Spa Sydell has you covered. Give mom a

day she'll never forget with one of Spa Sydell’s signature Mother’s Day packages

or opt for the Sydell Luxe gift certificate valid for all Spa Sydell’s signature services

including the celebrity-praised Intraceuticals 02 treatment, injectable services and

fillers. To book an appointment or purchase one of Spa Sydell’s big burgundy gift

certificates call 404.255.7727 or visit spasydell.com.

Village Tavern

11555 Rainwater Drive

Alpharetta, GA 30009

770.777.6490

www.villagetavern.com

If mom is looking for a new favorite place to dine “outside the perimeter,” give her a

gift card to Alpharetta’s Village Tavern. The broad menu includes steaks, seafood,

burgers and pizza so mom will always have an option no matter what she is in the

mood for.

Mixson

www.mixson.com

www.mixsonmarket.com

843.321.9575

Charleston families and visitors alike can head over to historic Park Circle

neighborhood for a Mother’s Day surprise. Conveniently located in the blossoming

Mixson community, Mixson Market stocks a bevy of quality goods and Lowcountry

provisions. From greeting cards to select cookbooks and nifty wine caddies, mom will

adore any one of the cute and classy gifts the Market has to offer. Whether it’s an

afternoon picnic or a memorable Mother’s Day dinner, the Market’s artisanal meats,

cheeses, pastas, pastries and select fine wines will make the most of any celebratory

meal.

Westside Provisions District

1100-1210 Howell Mill Road

Atlanta,GA 30318

www.westsidepd.com

This year, surprise your family’s leading lady with the “really good stuff.” Westside

Provisions District is Atlanta’s destination for special gifts – whether it’s beautiful

designs from A-list retailers such as Calypso St. Barth, Lululemon and newcomer

Kayce Hughes, or a festive bouquet from Le Jardin Francais. If quality time with

mom is what you need, spend a day the Westside way; visiting boutiques and

exploring the District’s vibrant culinary scene. Stroll over to gourmet foods market

Star Provisions for a sweet afternoon treat, or give mom a break from the kitchen

with dinner at one of the District’s renowned restaurants.

La Tagliatella

Two Atlanta locations

Emory Point and Midtown

www.latagliatella.us

Impress mom with a gift card to share a date-night at La Tagliatella. With locations

in Emory Point and Midtown, she will get the night out she deserves and a meal

worthy of Italy itself.

Osteria 832

832 N. Highland Ave

Atlanta, GA 30306

404.897.1414

http://www.osteria832.com

Osteria 832’s gift card will benefit mom in more ways than one. She will be

registered in the Karma Club and able to earn rewards based on dollars spent and

the card can be used at Doc Chey’s restaurant. This is the gift card for the family

mom.

Mother’s Day Sips and Eats in ATL: Part 2

Okay, Peg Bundy wasn't the best mom,
but definitely one of the funniest!

Get your late pass!

Still haven’t booked a brunch or dinner yet on Mother’s Day this Sunday? Ooooooooh, I’m tellin’! Okay, I’m not a snitch so you’re off the hook. But hurry up and see if you can still make reservations with one of these awesome restaurants or pubs and save yourself from a whoopin’.

And can you believe I might have a Part 3 right after this? (Part 1 is here.) Yep! Stay Tuned!

Cheers!

Ale

On the beer side…

Cypress Street Pint & Plate has…

For more info, visit http://cypressbar.com/

Wrecking Bar has…

“Real Moms Drink Beer”

Though we believe we should celebrate the women in our lives every day, show mom an extra special Sunday on Mother's Day, May 12. Let her take a break from the kitchen forchilled English pea soup topped with house made crème fraîche or house made biscuits with Riverview farms sliced cured h a.m., poached farm eggs and served with Wrecking Bar barrel aged mustard Hollandaise sauce.

For more info, visit http://www.wreckingbarbrewpub.com/

Muss & Turner’s has…

Mother's Day Brunch!
5.12.13    |   10:00-3:00
Mother's Day is upon us! And we're in the mood to put our spin on the Mother's day brunch. Join us on May 12th from 10:00   a.m. - 3:00   p.m. as we whip up some “f a.m.iliar” classics with an M&T twist!
($29.93 for adults, $14.93 children 6-12, children 5 and under free)
For more info, visit http://www.mussandturners.com/indexmain.html.

Mother’s Day at Fifth Group Restaurants

South City Kitche's two locations have some awesome fare! This is the one in Midtown.

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.”- Mark Twain

Reward that special lady in your life with a well-deserved break from the kitchen.  Let us prepare her a special meal at South City Kitchen Midtown, South City Kitchen Vinings, La Tavola, Ecco, and Lure this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12.

Both South City Kitchen locations will offer 3-course prix fixe brunch menus for $32 per person ($16 for children 12 and under) and 3-course prix fixe dinner menus for $42 per person ($21 for children 12 and under).  These prices do not include tax or gratuity.

South City Kitchen Midtown will offer the special menus from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for brunch and 5:00-9:00 p.m. for dinner. For reservations, call 404.873.7358 or make them online.

South City Kitchen Vinings will be open 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for brunch and 5:00-9:00  p.m. for dinner. To view these special Mother’s Day menus, click here.   Reservations can be made online or by calling 770.435.0700.

La Tavola will be open for Mother’s Day brunch from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and will offer the regular dinner menu that night from 5:30-10:00 p.m.  To view the La Tavola Mother’s Day brunch menu, click here.  To make reservations, call 404.873.5430, or make reservations online.

Ecco will also be open for brunch from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Mother’s Day.  They’ll offer a special menu for brunch, but they’ll also offer their regular dinner menu from 5:00-10:00 p.m. that evening. For reservations, please call 404.347.9555 or make them online.

Lure will also offer a special brunch menu for Mother’s Day.  The restaurant will serve this menu from 10 a.m.-6  p.m. Reservations are available online or by calling 404.817.3650.

Special Mother’s Day Menus at @SCKMidtown, @SCKVinings, @LatavolaATL, @EccoATL, and @LureATL

Posted on April 25, 2013by Fifth Group Restaurants

And even more awesome restaurants!

Ray's on the River is a super chill spot.

Moms in Roswell can enjoy a special brunch buffet at Aqua Blue this holiday with carving stations, made-to-order omelets, sushi, assorted desserts and more. Adults dine for $29.95 each, children ages 4-12 eat for $9.95 and children under 4 years old eat free. Adults of age can indulge in $15 bottomless mimosas and the restaurant’s famous Bloody Mary bar. The regular dinner menu is available from 5 to 9 p.m.  Tax and gratuity are not included. For more information or to make a reservation, call 770-643-8886. aquablueatl.com

Bantam + Biddy, Midtown’s chicken eatery, hosts Mother’s Day with a special three-course menu. For $25, guests can choose from starters of tomato gazpacho or English pea salad with goat cheese. The second course offers options of chicken and dumplings or salmon with asparagus and caper egg vinaigrette. Assorted pies, cupcakes and cookies finish off the meal. Moms receive a bag of sweet treats as a parting gift. Tax and gratuity are not included. For more information, call 404-907-3469. bantamandbiddy.com.

Bhojanic in Buckhead and Decatur are celebrating moms with a special North Indian Punjabi brunch. From noon to 4 p.m. fans of the home-style Indian restaurant can enjoy the one-of-a-kind brunch. For more information or to make reservations, call 404-841-8472 for the Buckhead location and 404-633-9233 for the Decatur location.  bhojanic.com

Moms craving a Southern meal this Mother’s Day can head over to West Midtown’s JCT. Kitchen & Bar for a four-course Sunday supper. The regular Sunday supper menu plus special featured items of the day are offered for guests to enjoy. For more information or to make a reservation, call 404-355-2252. jctkitchen.com

Little Cake Bakery in Buckhead is baking up tasty treats for mom this Mother’s Day. On Saturday, May 11, the bake shop is carrying the usual daily cupcakes and sweetens up the weekend with three special flavors: strawberry champagne, pink lemonade and lemon lavender. To place an order for cupcakes or for more information, call 404-841-8856. littlecakebakery.com

Midtown moms can brunch at Olmsted on Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to the regular menu, special menu features are served for the day. To make the day a little sweeter, all mothers receive complimentary flowers and chocolate covered strawberries. Families who want to remember the occasion can have portraits taken by an on-site photographer. Both indoor and patio seating are available.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 404-443-8431. olmstedatl.com  

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown keeps moms happy with an extensive menu selection of more than 35 sushi, appetizer and tapas items on special, ranging from $2.25 to $7.25, plus a wide variety of beer, wine, sake and signature cocktails ranging from $3 to $7. Popular dishes any mom is sure to love include the Tootsy Maki, Rainbow Roll, Pineapple Cheese Wontons and the “RA”ckin’ Shrimp. Moms deserve to be treated to a cocktail and can choose from RA’s cocktail options, like the Absolut Asian Flirtation, Pinnacle Strawberry-Kiwi Saketini or Absolut Tokyo Peach. The Mother’s Day special is available from open to close for dine in orders only. For more information or to make a reservation, call 404-267-0114. RAsushi.com

Ray’s Restaurants is celebrating mom at all three restaurant locations this holiday. Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs is celebrating all weekend long with Spanish-themed drinks and tapas on Saturday, May 11. Moms can sip on sangria and enjoy different tapas options while listening to live Spanish guitar music. On Mother’s Day, the restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering a buffet meal all day long. Adults eat for $39.95 each, kids ages 5-10 dine for $19.95 each and kids ages 4 and under eat free.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 770-955-1187.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ray’s on the Creek in Alpharetta is serving brunch for $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids ages 5-10. Kids 4 and under eat free. The regular dinner menu is available from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call 770-649-0064. Downtown’s Ray’s in the City serves Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids ages 5-10. Kids 4 and under eat free. From 5 to 9 p.m. the regular dinner menu is offered. For more information or to make a reservation, call 404-524-9224. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price at each restaurant.  raysrestaurants.com

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Seven Lamps in Buckhead offers a special Mother’s Day brunch menu. Options from the a la carte menu include the citrus-cured salmon sammie, Seven Lamps eggs Benedict and Georgia shrimp with South Carolina grits. Special brunch cocktails, created just for the day, are served shaken or stirred for mother’s enjoyment.

For more information, call 404-467-8950. sevenlampsatl.com

Woodfire Grill is making moms feel special this Mother’s Day. The restaurant, typically closed on Sundays, is open for business serving matriarchs a four-course prix fix dinner for $58, plus tax and gratuity. The menu offers local greens with blackberry vinaigrette, purple basil, raw beets and smooth cheese, Georgia white shrimp and grits with smoked tomato gravy and green tomato jam, wood-grilled skirt steak with chimichurri, braised beans, root beer BBQ and fried Vidalia onions and blueberry cobbler served with vanilla ice cream.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 404-347-9055. woodfiregrill.com

Alabama Senate Passes Bill to Legalize Homebrewing!

Finally! All 50 states have legalized homebrewing!

Last month, I was happy to announce that Mississippi became the 49^th state to legalize homebrewing here, and post an in-depth interview with the director of the American Homebrewers Association, Gary Glass, here. This month, it’s Alabama’s turn!

This is a happy day for the ongoing fight for independence in the world of brewing.  Congrats go to everyone who was a part of the movement including the American Homebrewers Association, the Right to Brew grassroots team, legislators, Representative Mac McCutcheon, and Senator Bill Holtzclaw. As soon as we get Governor Robert J. Bentley's autograph on the bill, it's on! Below is the official press release.

Oh, and there has been the launch of another site based on sharing homebrew recipes today as well! It's called The Brewer's Barrel here. 

Let’s continue to fight the power one brew at a time.

Cheers!

Ale

 Alabama Senate Passes Bill to Legalize Homebrewing

Boulder, CO • May 8, 2013 – The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is pleased to announce the Alabama legislature has passed a bill that, once signed by Governor Robert J. Bentley,  will effectively legalize homebrewing throughout the state. Alabama will be the last state in the nation to legalize homebrewing.

"Homebrewing has been an integral part of the history of America, so it’s thrilling to know that soon all 50 states will support this growing hobby and long-standing tradition," said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. "We appreciate the backing of all of the homebrewers, the dedicated grassroots efforts of Right to Brew and the legislators who have worked so diligently to make homebrewing a reality in Alabama. We are especially grateful to Representative Mac McCutcheon who introduced this bill and has fought long and hard for its passage, along with Senator Bill Holtzclaw."

Alabama is the last state holding out against legalizing homebrewing. In March 2013, Mississippi became the 49^th state to pass homebrew legislation. The AHA has been working with Right to Brew for five years in order to get the Alabama bill passed.

Homebrewing became federally legal in 1979, though the 21st Amendment predominantly leaves regulation of alcohol to the states. Therefore, even though homebrewing is federally legal, it is up to individual states to legalize homebrewing in state codes. Once the Alabama bill is signed by Gov. Bentley, it will be the first time since pre-Prohibition days that homebrewers in all the states can legally brew at home.

The hobby of homebrewing has seen exponential growth in recent years. The AHA estimates that more than one million Americans brew beer or make wine at home at least once a year. Alabama is home to an estimated 5,000 homebrewers who will soon enjoy brewing without the restrictions of a state-wide ban.

About the American Homebrewers Association:

The American Homebrewers Association has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 37,000 homebrewers. The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) organizes events including the National Homebrewers Conference andNational Homebrew Competition. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy magazine. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association, whose Brewers Publications division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers.

Beer lovers and anyone interested in making their own homemade beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA onTwitter, and join us on Facebook.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.