Tuesday, February 11, 2020

More dope happenings for VDay and beyond in ATL!

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or simply dope happenings around Atlanta, here are more great options to consider!
(Xoxolatl pictured above is just one of the many
who will make sure you're good in February.)

Yep! Like I said, I got you! These great deals, events and retail items are all happening during the month of February! Get it in!

Cheers!

Ale
99 Krog St NE


Available through February – Lost-n-Found Youth Trio

Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate is teaming up with Lost-n-Found Youth, a local nonprofit that exists to end homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth, throughout the month of February to launch the Lost-n-Found Youth Trio, a special chocolate bundle featuring three of the shop’s most beloved bars: Ripple Effect, Peru 70% Single Origin and Kissed Mermaids.

The Lost-n-Found Youth Trio is available for purchase through the end of the month at xocolatlchocolate.com or at Xocolatl’s micro-factory at Krog Street Market. For every set sold at $25, Xocolatl will donate 30 percent of its proceeds to the charity.

---------------------------------------------
1073 Green St (Roswell) / 160 N Main Street (Alpharetta)




Through February - Red Envelope Promotion

Back by popular demand for a second year, Monkey 68 and sister restaurant Monkey 68 Kitchen & Bar in Alpharetta have brought back the red envelope! Throughout the month of February, guests who dine at either restaurant will be handed a sealed red envelope at the end of the meal that holds a special offer to open with their server at their next visit. Prizes include a free signature sushi roll for each month of 2020, a free cocktail for each month of 2020, 20 percent off one visit, a free appetizer and two grand prizes for the luckiest - dinner for a party of 10 or a chef-prepared omakase dinner for two. All envelopes are redeemable through the end of 2020.

---------------------------------------------
50 S Main St. (Alpharetta)
Six Alpharetta City Center restaurants, including Holmes, Lapeer and South Main Kitchen, are teaming up to host a Mardi Gras Bar Crawl on February 22nd! Festivities will include Nola-inspired cocktails and bites at each restaurant, in addition to Mardi Gras beads, dancing, live music in the South Main Kitchen alley, and more. Tickets ($50) are available here.

 
Every Sunday, 11:30am-2:30pm – Brunch at Holmes

Every Sunday, Executive Chef Taylor Neary serves a brunch menu from 11:30am-2:30pm. Served alongside the restaurant’s regular lunch menu, specials for the next few Sundays include:



  • Huevos Rancheros - Crispy corn tortilla, refried black beans, eggs sunny side up, pico de gallo, Mexican crema, cotija cheese and tajin
     

  • Proper breakfast - Marinated 7-oz New York strip, eggs a la carte, cheesy hash browns and jalapeño cream
     

  • Brunswick Stew - New York strip, chicken, pulled pork, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, smokey broth and sourdough toast
     
    Advance reservations can be placed over the phone or on Resy here.
    ---------------------------------------------
    6330 Halcyon Way, Suite 740 (Alpharetta)
    Now Available – New Menu Items
    Tocayo, the fast-casual taco stand inside the food hall at Halcyon, is now serving new menu items including a Burrito with organic rice, heirloom pinto beans, street corn, housemade cheese, tomato, cilantro, onion and garlic crema; Quesadillas with chicken, pork, steak or fish; and Housemade Queso. In addition, the Taco Plate - served with choice of three tacos - now includes rice and beans. View the full menu here. 
     
    *NEW* Every Tuesday – Half-Priced Taco Tuesday
    Every Tuesday, enjoy half-off tacos from Tocayo. Selections include: 

  • Steak with onion & cilantro
  • Chicken with onion & cilantro
  • Pork with grilled pineapple, onion & cilantro
  • Fish with roasted chile, cabbage, garlic crema, cilantro & star dust
  • Mushroom with poblano, garlic crema, queso fresco, onion & cilantro
    ---------------------------------------------
    299 N. Highland Ave.
    Sat., Feb. 29, 6:30pm - 1:30am – Atlanta United FC Season Opener Watch Party
    Hampton + Hudson is one of three locations hosting an official season opener watch party with Atlanta United FC’s pub partnership program. To kick off the season, they’re throwing a watch party complete with beer and food specials, a DJ, Atlanta United swag and raffle prizes, patio games and more. Plus, the Atlanta United Street Team will be onsite hosting fun activities. Starting at 8pm, the match will be played on all TVs at the restaurant (with sound!), and afterward, the party will continue with post-match revelry including a live DJ until 1am and late night bites until 1:30am.
    ---------------------------------------------
    675 Ponce de Leon Ave.
    Everyday, 3-6pm – Brezza Adds $2 E.L. McIntosh & Son Oysters to Happy Hour Menu
    Brezza Cucina's daily happy hour offers guests $6 seasonal burrata dishes and $2 oysters sourced from E.L. McIntosh & Son oysters, a minority- and family-owned oyster farm in Harris Neck, Georgia that sells their oysters in only a handful of Atlanta restaurants.
    ---------------------------------------------

    656 N. Highland Ave.


    Mon., Feb. 24, 6pm until Sold Out – Ramen Night Collaboration with Lazy Betty
    Sweet Auburn BBQ and Lazy Betty are teaming up for a special pop-up ramen night from 6pm until they're sold out on Monday, February 24. Chefs Lino Yi of Lazy Betty and Nick Dresser of Sweet Auburn BBQ will dish up Smokey Tonkatsu Ramen with two topping options and other Japanese snacks alongside Japanese whiskeys. Sweet Auburn BBQ’s regular menu will also be served.
    ---------------------------------------------
    1530 Dekalb Ave. NE
    Mon. Feb. 17, 5:30pm – Talat Market Pop-Up at Lazy Betty
    Talat Market Chefs Parnass Savang & Rod Lassiter are popping up at Lazy Betty and serving a Thai-inspired á la carte menu along with specialty cocktails. Seating is first come, first served.
     
    Mon., Mar. 30 – Collaboration Dinner with Chef Graham Campbell
    Lazy Betty’s team is teaming up Chef Graham Campbell to offer guests special seven- and 10-course tasting menus for one night only! Chef Ron Hsu and Graham Campbell originally met on Netflix’s The Final Table. Campbell has worked in several acclaimed kitchens in England and Scotland, including the Ballachulish House, which earned a Michelin star while he led the kitchen. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at Castlehill in Dundee, Scotland. At the dinner, guests can expect dishes like New Zealand Venison with beetroot, kale and juniper from Campbell and Foie Gras Terrine with preserved persimmons and petite salad from Lazy Betty’s team. Wine pairings curated by sommelier Michael McNeill – the only level 4 sommelier in Georgia – will also be available. The seven-course menu is $140 per person, and the ten-course Chef’s counter menu is $180 per person, which is inclusive of service. Reservations can be made here.
    ---------------------------------------------
    255 Ottley Dr. NE


    New Seasonal: From Atlanta With Love
    East Pole invites guests to elevate their usual coffee order with something truly worth falling for, a seasonal latte made especially for Valentines Day. Featuring a house-made syrup with fresh blood orange, muddled raspberries and a touch of orange bitters and vanilla, the tasty latte is garnished with Xocolatl’s “Love and Happiness” chocolate heart crumbles.
     
    East Pole x Xocolatl Valentine’s Day Bundle
    East Pole and Xocolatl are joining forces to offer guests the perfect Valentine’s Day gift - a bundle of one bag of Traffic and one commuter bar for $20. Photos available here. Xocolatl will also be making an appearance at East Pole with a chocolate tasting from 10am to noon on Valentine's day! 
    ---------------------------------------------
    Fadó Irish Pub has thrown their St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Block Party since 1996, and this year is no exception. The event will feature outdoor beer and cocktail stations as well as food trucks, performances from Irish Dancers, soccer, Six Nations Rugby, live music and a DJ playing all afternoon and night. Pre-sale tickets ($20) are now available here and will be available for purchase at the door. Festivities will begin at 7am with English Premier League soccer and Six Nations Rugby matches on televisions, and Atlanta United will be on starting at 7:30pm.

    Tues., Mar. 17, 7am - Close – St. Patricks Day at Fadó Irish Pub
    Fadó Irish Pub will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with “Kegs and Eggs” at 7am and live music and Irish dance performances throughout the day. Starting at 4pm, the celebration will be 21+ with a $10 cover at the door. Live music by Desire will begin at 8pm, and a DJ will perform from 10:30pm to close.
    ---------------------------------------------
    1465 Howell Mill Rd. NW

    Every Thursday, 4-9:30pm – Pints & Popcorn
Every Thursday at their Westside tasting room, UrbanTree Cidery pairs a seasoned popcorn flavor with one of their hard ciders! Follow on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on the flavors of the week.
 
UrbanTree Cidery is teaming up with Ghost Coast Distillery on February 20 for a collaborative happy hour featuring specialty cocktails made with Ghost Coast spirits and UrbanTree’s cider. The Ghost Coast Distillery team will be on-site to meet, greet and give out complimentary swag!
---------------------------------------------

9 South Main Street (Alpharetta)

Every Thursday – Half-Priced Bottles of Wine
Stop in on Thursdays at South Main Kitchen for select half-priced bottles of wine to enjoy alongside the full menu of fresh Southern cuisine like Shrimp & Grits with Anson Mills stone-ground white grit cake, parmesan, conecuh sausage, Georgia shrimp, cream & chive and Cheshire Pork Porterhouse with turnip puree, fingerling potato, apple slaw and natural jus. 
 ---------------------------------------------
675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE
Fri., Feb. 14 through Sat., Mar. 14 – Girl Scout Cookie Sales at Ponce City Market
Girl Scout cookie sales are coming back to The Shed at Ponce City Market! Beginning Valentine’s Day through March 14, The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta will be rotating troops and hosting cookie sales at The Shed adjacent to the Beltline every Friday (4-7pm), Saturday (9am-6pm) and Sunday (9am-6pm).
 
Sat., Feb. 22 – Mardi Gras on The Roof
Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler! Mardi Gras on the Roof at Ponce City Market is back on Saturday, February 22. They’ll be tossing beads, serving Cajun favorites like Louisiana Gumbo and pouring Hand Grenades and Hurricanes all day long to the sweet sounds of Trio Jockamo featuring Will Scruggs. Until 2pm, family fun will be all around with face painting, arts and crafts and kid’s snacks, and beginning at 3pm, adults and children can partake in The Crawfish Boil for an additional charge. From 7-10pm, the Crawfish Boil is 21+ only. Tickets ($35-55) are available for pre-sale here, with limited availability to purchase day-of. Mardi Gras on The Roof is sponsored by Treaty Oak Distilling. Plus, those looking for a Sunday morning pick-me-up following the party can attend 9 Mile Station’s Mardi Gras Recovery Brunch on Sunday, February 23 featuring a live jazz trio and FunkCake! 
 
Sat., Feb. 22, Noon-4pm – Williams Sonoma Wedding Expo: Atlanta
From the perfect cake to the best florist in town, Williams Sonoma is bringing together their favorite local wedding vendors with their own trusted brands for a Wedding Expo like no other. Guests can register here to enjoy a day of exciting live cooking demonstrations, small bites and champagne.
---------------------------------------------
1317 Logan Cir NW.

Now Available – New Contender Round 2 
Second Self’s second addition to their rotating hazy IPA series, New Contender, is available in cans at the brewery as of today! The New Contender series pins two hops against each other within each release or “round” to “battle it out” for a remaining spot for the next round. Inspired by classic fighting video games, a favorite pastime for many at Second Self, the purpose of the series is to experiment and introduce a new two-hop blend during the brewing process to create unique flavor combinations. The original duo that was available in Second Self’s taproom and around Atlanta featured El Dorado and Mosaic hops. Now, El Dorado and Idaho 7 hops will battle it out to see which stands out. Stay tuned for the results!
 
Malibu Doyle Now Available in the Taproom
“Malibu Doyle,” a 13.9% ABV Russian Imperial Oatmeal Stout named after Second Self co-founder Chris Doyle, is now available on draft in Second Self’s Westside taproom! The beer is a spinoff of the brewery’s classic Olde Oyl beer, except this batch is aged in rum barrels with roasted coconut. 
 
Every Week – Student Sundays
Second Self is introducing “Student Sundays” in their taproom, where 21+ students are invited to bring their student ID to receive three pints and a six pack for $15. They are also offering a special Second Self Lyft code for 50 percent off rides.

Cheers!
Ale
Posted by at Links to this post

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Part Two: Valentine’s Day ideas if you’re in Atlanta.



King + Duke's scallops look official!

Have any Valentine’s Day plans in ATL yet?
I got you.
If you have a significant other and enjoy living, you might want to consider some of these options in this series of Valentine’s Day options throughout Georgia’s capital. Part One has Loews as a great destination. In Part Two of my V-Day in ATL roundup, I have BeetleCat, St. Cecilia, King + Duke, JCT. Kitchen, no. 246, Bar Mercado, Cooks & Soldiers, Double Zero, Sugo and the Iberian Pig, Anne Quatrano’s Star Provisions Market & Café and Dub’s Fish Camp at Ponce City Market as all great spots to consider. JCT. Kitchen & Bar, one of my favorite restaurants, even has a post-Valentine’s event the following Friday.

The descriptions below are straight from the restaurants.

Enjoy!

Ale, the Love Doctor

------------------------------------------
Table & Main, Roswell’s favorite stop for simple, southern & seasonal cuisine, will feature a halibut dinner special February 13 through 15. The citrus herb encrusted halibut features rainbow Swiss chard, candied dates and pickled shallots, all atop Big Fat grits ($34). Guests can cheers to love with specialty priced bottles of King Estate Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir ($39 per bottle). Finally, chef Woody Back will bring Valentine’s Day to Sunday brunch with his cream cheese crepes embellished with macerated strawberries ($12), available February 16 only. To make a reservation, please visit tableandmain.com.

What’s more romantic than an Italian dinner for two? Join “Rome in Roswell” from February 13 to 15 for a special three-course, prix fixe dinner menu, with standouts including wild boar pasta ragú, handmade lobster ravioli and more. For $55 per person (tax, gratuity and drinks not included), guests can personalize their dining experience and choose from chef Eric Sell’s exclusive menu, available here. Please note that wine pairings will be available at an additional cost, and the regular dinner menu will also be available for ordering. To continue the celebration of love, chef Eric Sell will serve a deliciously fluffy and satisfyingly sweet short stack for weekend brunch ($13). February 15 – 16, all are invited to bite into these towering cakes, topped with icing and a sliced strawberry for picture-perfect pancakes. To make a reservation, please visit osteriamattone.com.


At Coalition Food and Beverage, chef Dean Hill will mark the occasion with three special dinner entrees available February 13 - 16: mahi mahi with lemon risotto, sweet pea and strawberry salsa ($30), an 8-oz. filet with blue cheese au gratin, broccolini, macerated raspberries and Godiva chocolate demi-glace ($35), and pan seared duck breast with roasted sweet potato and apple puree, wilted rainbow chard, cherry chutney and spiced walnuts ($32). Weekend brunch service will also be getting the love treatment, with chef Hill serving two brunch additions. On February 15 and 16 only, guests can opt for the steak and egg benedict with braised short rib, smoked tomato hollandaise and red wine onion jam ($14). For something sweeter, indulge in espresso French toast with Chambord mascarpone, brandied cherry syrup and walnut-bacon granola ($12). To make a reservation, please visit coalitionfoodandbeverage.com.
This Valentine’s Day, Beetlecat will offer a special four-course menu for $75 per person (seatings from 5-11pm – cocktails, beer & wine available for purchase). Oyster menus will also be available. Prix fixe menu standouts include onion tart, crab rangoons, lobster bisque, veal meatballs, burrata, risotto, lobster roll, halibut T-bone, 72-hour short rib & a selection of desserts. After dinner, head downstairs to The Den for a night-cap featuring a fully stocked bar, DJ spinning & the late-night menu offered from 11pm-2am alongside a special selection of pizzas.


Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a four-course coastal European dinner – available for $85 per person, pairings for an additional $65 per person. Menu standouts include an antipasti selection of scallop crudo, cauliflower soup, burrata, panela, agnolotti, cacio e pepe, lumachel & mafaldine pasta dishes, wood grilled Scottish salmon, braised grouper, striped bass, lobster pan roast & a selection of desserts.


King + Duke is offering a four-course Valentine’s Day menu complete with choices of hamachi crudo, roasted oysters, wagyu beef carpaccio, lobster Texas toast & Parisian gnocchi, seared scallops, Hudson Valley duck, roasted leg of lamb, NY strip, crispy Georgia trout, smoked mushrooms + truffles & a selection of desserts. Available for $75 per person – coursed wine pairings available for an additional $35 per person.

 

JCT. is offering a four-course Southern-inspired prix-fixe menu available for $70 per person with pairings for an additional $24 per person. Menu highlights include crab brioche, burrata, soft poached duck egg, seafood bouillabaisse, cacio e pepe, seared foie gras, pan roasted scallops, duck breast, pan roasted striped bass, wood roasted venison loin, braised bone-in short rib, a Valentine’s “surf & turf” for two ($30 supplement) & a selection of desserts.



On Friday, Feb 21, JCT will be hosting a non-traditional post-Valentine’s Day event in the form of a happy hour in partnership with Arches Brewing. Beginning at 5pm, head over to JCT’s upstairs bar where the kitchen will be serving up your favorite bar bites each paired with a complementing Arches Brewing pour. Bites will be available for $5 each – 4 oz. beer pairings available for $2 each. Menu line-up includes the below – regular food & drink menus are available for purchase.
  • ‘Southside’ Lager + Truffle Fries
  • ‘Queen's Weiss’ Hefeweizen + Angry Mussels
  • ‘Southern Bel' Belgian Pale Ale + Cheese Plate
  • ‘Low Viz’ American IPA + Mini Burger


no. 246 is offering a four-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner menu available for $65 per person with pairings for an additional $30 per person. Menu includes an amuse-bouche of white bean soup, foie gras mousse & scallop crudo followed by a choice of ricotta mezzeluna, potato gnocci or wood roasted oysters. Main entrées including duck confit, braised beef cheek, grouper en cartoccio, roasted ribeye & mushroom farrotto followed by a selection of desserts.

Bar Mercado is open from 5-11pm on Friday & Saturday serving specials in addition to the full menu. Specials include yellowfin tuna, short rib asado negro, tres leches cake, specially featured rose bottles, The Love Below cocktail (gin, suze, lemon & berry puree) & a Mai tai carafe for two.

Cooks & Soldiers will be open from 5pm-12am on Friday & Saturday serving specials in addition to the full menu. Specials include Hudson Valley foie gras, lobster almohada, pomegranate lamb ribs & St. Honore Heart red velvet cake.

Double Zero is open regular hours and serving specials in addition to the regular menu Thursday through Saturday. Specials include a garlic knot for two, lasagna, filet mignon & a praline tiramisu bombe for dessert.

Sugo will be open regular hours. The regular dinner menu will be available for a la carte dining in addition to an optional three-course prix fixe menu option available for $55 per guest. Prix fixe menu highlights include meatball al sugo, burrata, snapper, lobster, muscatel filet, bread pudding, tiramisu & chocolate dipped cannolis.

The Iberian Pig Buckhead will be open regular hours with specials available Thursday through Sunday. Specials include a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board, Chilean sea bass, filet mignon & “burnt” Basque cheesecake.

The Iberian Pig Decatur will be open regular hours with specials available Friday & Saturday. Specials include a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board, duck confit salad, ‘foie’nch toast, striped bass & raspberry chocolate galette for dessert.

In addition to the regular menu, Dub’s Fish Camp at Ponce City Market will be offering a Valentine’s Day “Fruit de Mer” featuring half lobster, six oysters, 4 shrimp and 2.5 oz. steelhead tartare for $65.

Staying in instead? Star Provisions Market + Café has you covered with its mise en place “evening at home” offering. The menu is $180 and includes dinner for two, beginning with lobster bisque, followed by thyme cured tenderloin of beef or steelhead trout en papilotte, then Coeur de Neufchatel, chocolate hazelnut heart tart and strawberry rose macaron. Cooking & serving instructions are provided for each dish. Orders must be placed by Tuesday, February 11, at 5 p.m. Call 404.365.0410, ext. 4 to place your order.

Cheers!!!
Posted by at Links to this post

Part One: Valentine’s Day ideas if you’re in Atlanta.


Valentine’s Day plans in ATL yet? I got you.
If you have a significant other and enjoy living, you might want to consider some of these options in this series of Valentine’s Day offerings throughout Georgia’s capital. This is Part One featuring Loews Hotel, one of my favorite hanging destinations in the city. The Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar is on and poppin'.

Enjoy!

Ale
Check out what Loews Hotel’s Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar has to offer!
They say…

Celebrate Love on Valentine's Day at
Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar at Loews Atlanta Hotel
Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other or your Galentine, make Valentine’s Day special this year by indulging in a 3-course prix fixe at Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar located at the Loews Atlanta Hotel. On Friday, February 14, diners will be treated to a sophisticated meal that’s sure to surprise and delight.

Start with a choice of appetizer including Braised Artichoke Heart & Jumbo Lump Crab (Welted Spinach, Parmesan Reggiano, Tomato Fondue), Baby Kale & Gem Lettuce Salad (Baby Poached Apple, Cranberry, Candied Pecans, Grapefruit Vinaigrette) OR Southern Caesar Salad (Prosciutto, 6 Minute Egg, Cornbread crumble, Cheddar Dressing). The main course includes a sharable herb risotto for the table along with a choice of Pan Seared Tenderloin (Wild Mushroom, Asparagus, Bordelaise Sauce), Flounder en Papillotte (Fennel, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon, Salad of Haricot Vert) OR Smoked Half Chicken (Succotash, Natural Jus). Finally, get lost in a decadent dessert, choices include Red Velvet & Chocolate Heart (Fresh Strawberries, Berries Cream), Passion Fruit Napoleon (Pineapple Crisp, Tropical Sorbet) OR Vanilla Crème Brulee (Fresh Berries, Biscotti).

·        Cost is $55 per person (not inclusive of tax and gratuity)

·        Seating available from 5:30pm – 10:00pm and reservations are strongly recommended via OpenTable or by calling 404-745-5745

·        Complimentary 2-hour Valet Parking included.
Posted by at Links to this post

The hardest podcast I ever did.


Trust me, I remember them all, but the beginning of this podcast will be eternal.

This was one helluva way to kick off 2020.

Real talk. Right after 1 pm hit on Sunday, January 26th, my favorite sports figure ever­—Kobe Bryant—and his lovely daughter Gigi left this world alongside the other passengers of that helicopter. I was at The Beverly gastropub in Grant Park ready to be interviewed by the My Homeboy Podcast. While setting up, we all heard the news. I was crushed. We were all in shock. I had to excuse myself and keep the tears that were swelling up to myself.
After fielding the wave of calls from friends and family who knew how fond I was of Kobe, I had to put the phone down and take on the most difficult podcast I ever was interviewed in. The humor, interesting questions, knowledge we kicked around, and overall experience with the My Homeboy Podcast team helped me get through it. To eternalize the moment upon hearing the devastating news, the mics were on when the Beverly staff pointed to the televisions. I will never forget this.

The podcast titled "A Toast To Kobe "Bean" Bryant" went on because that’s what Kobe would’ve wanted everyone to do. Here is the link once again.

Thanks goes to the Beverly team and especially My Homeboy Podcast for pulling through this trying time with me. It will never be forgotten.

Rest eternally Kobe. Although where you are, I'm sure you're still working on something you want to perfect and teaching the Mamba Mentality.

Below is the official My Homeboy Podcast description:


RIP Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant. There is a short moment of silence in the beginning to honor their memory. Legends Live Forever. This episode was planned to be fun and lighthearted, however, we were informed the unfortunate news of Kobe Bryant passing right before our recording. We have to thank Ale Sharpton for kicking it with us on this suddenly somber occasion and some good people at The Beverly for informing us. 


Some of Ale’s current media outlets include Thrillist.com, USA Today, CraftBeer.com, Upscale and Ebony to name a few. The Kobe Bryant news was developing during this episode’s recording, so please excuse any misinformation. This is the perfect episode for non-beer drinkers who are destined to become converted. We discuss Kobe’s legacy, Ale’s collaboration with New Belgium and creation of his Piano Keys Imperial Stout, beer festivals, the little-known origins of beer, and more. Tell us what your favorite beer is on Facebook and enjoy!




Posted by at Links to this post

Friday, December 20, 2019

Steer Me! Car Reviews Part 4: Even more impressive automobiles for 2019 plus a sneak peek to 2020!


The 2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR is definitely a standout.

You should get a great deal on these 
to close out the year!
While traveling and exploring cities especially throughout the South with a large group of beer hunters, here are three automobiles to satisfy all the demands including comfort, high-tech accessories, safety, value, saving gas, and great looks to name a few. Keep in mind the 2019 models should have great deals to end the year out, so enjoy the savings!
By Ale Sharpton, Andrea Janise and Lamont Byron
(All photos are courtesy of automakers.)

2019 BMW X4 xDrive301
BMW has had a fantastic year regarding the latest wave of models they have presented in 2019. The 2019 BMW X4 xDrive301 continues the momentum with its plethora of standard features powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine using an 8-speed automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes; signature xDrive all-wheel drive system; and enhanced smartphone connectivity. Encased in a sleek, yet muscular crossover coupe body which looked gorgeous in BMW’s Dark Graphite Metallic and Tacoma Red Vernasca Leather interior, this is one automobile that will win over both solo drivers and those with family.
For more Information, visit Bmwusa.com.

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL 1.5T S-AWC
Considering the numerous cars Mitsubishi has presented to the world over the years, they have hit a homerun with their 2019 Eclipse Cross SEL 1.5T S-AWC compact-crossover; upon first look, this carmaker demonstrates a more risk-taking approach resulting in a stunning exterior. (The Mitsubishi “Red Diamond” exterior paint comes highly recommended.) Accompanying the eye candy, this model comes with a 1.5-liter direct-injection turbo engine, “super” all-wheel control for easy maneuvering, and a sound interior laced with real leather and an always applaudable heads-up display to help with keeping eyes on the road. Coming with an infotainment touchpad, a generous number of standard features, plus the optional Touring Package featuring a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, roof rail, and dual-pane power panoramic sunroof, Mitsubishi is surely geared for a remarkable year.
For more information, visit Mitsubishicars.com.

2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
What, an SUV? Yes! Stunningly designed, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR­—Special Vehicle Racing—is also one of the most exhilarating behind the wheel. It’s 550 horsepower, supercharged 5.0-liter, V-8 heart; all-wheel drive; 10-inch touchscreen; optional 22-inch wheels; and 825-watt Meridian Surround Sound System take things to the next level. The Ultra Blue exterior makes it even more electric.
L.K. Byron adds...
Exterior:

First off, the F-Pace SVR’s exterior styling borders on flawless. The headlights, taillights, grill, and side panel designs deliver an eye-catching sporty feel. The adaptive LED Headlights with auto high beam assist ensure that the road ahead is clear and well luminated for safe nighttime driving. The panoramic sunroof includes a sliding front section to accommodate the driver and passenger while the rear seat passengers can simply enjoy the view. This model’s electric “Ultra Blue,” color and SVR body kit additions will make head turns a regularity when you’re out and about, so don’t be alarmed.

Interior:
The interior is well designed and adequate for everyday needs. Noteworthy inclusions are an interactive driver display, heated and cooled power front performance seats, nifty heated split fold rear seats, ambient interior lighting, 10” touchscreen Touch Pro System w/ navigation, and rear-view camera with a 360- degree parking aid. Another plus is the powerful and crisp 825 watt Meridian Surround Sound System which makes sure your favorite tunes are fully appreciated when played in time of need. The fit and finish is on point along with a smooth to the touch, quilted leather seats. Leg room and comfortability are attributes to the interior as well.

Performance:
The F-Pace is top notch. Surface roads and highways are the perfect canvas for the 550 horsepower 8- cylinder engine to display its talents. Acceleration leaves not much to be desired along with road feel, and handling. Although the tank is a bit thirsty, the overall performance and driving experience manages to make that slight gripe an afterthought. 

For more information, please visit Jaguarusa.com.

2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD
Andrea Janise says: 


This CX-9 takes Mazda to the next level in terms of pleasing the most passengers since the automaker’s existence, boasting three rows to seat up to seven adults comfortably. And don’t worry, the sleek looks deceptively hide its capacity complemented with a smooth ride. The top-of-the-line Signature flaunts a long list of features including Auburn Nappa leather seating; LED signature grille accent lighting; and 20-inch alloy wheels to name a few. For more options, the CX-9 also comes in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims as well. Talking for especially mothers, this is an amazing family car that still keeps your cool points intact with all the great looks the CX-9 possesses.
Please visit Mazdausa.com for more information.

2019 Toyota Camry SE
A bestseller for more than a decade and for good reason: It’s continues to be reliable, mechanically sound, and consistently comes with awesome resale value. For an added edge, its aggressive, sporty design is heavily applauded as one of the most attractive sedans on the market. The 2.5-liter, 4-cyliner engine packs 203 horsepower, while still a never-thirsty combined 32 miles per gallon; “Audio Package” with ENTUNE 3.0 Audio Plus with App Suite; stellar safety ratings; and a price tag under $30K keep the legendary status of the Camry alive. Look for the other trims including a Hybrid SE in mind as well. You won’t lose no matter the style you choose under the Camry umbrella.
Please visit Toyota.com for more information.


2019 Honda Insight Touring
Honda has always been one of the most reliable and consistent brands in the automotive world, and now they flex a little design muscle to coincide with gas conservation by bringing on the all-new Insight hybrid sedan. Complete with a sleek frame, more-than-ample trunk space, and generous amenities thanks to the Touring trim, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Integration; power moonroof; 17-inch alloy wheels; LED lighting; Honda Sensing package; and a Sport mode for the 151 horses under the hood. 48 combined city/highway miles per gallon seals the deal.
Please visit Honda.com for more information.


For 2020, here are some models confirming the new year is going to be very promising! Check these out! 
2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SE


Luxurious and rugged, two descriptions that rarely together when describing an automobile, but the Land Rover Range Rover line continues to master the combination. The Range Rover Evoque provides this signature driving experience in a smaller frame compared to its other siblings, but comes with a redesigned exterior, a slightly larger cabin boosting rear legroom, and 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder engine packing 246 horses steered by all-wheel drive. While the standard model is generous, the optional packages such as the Demo Specification Pack (fixed panoramic roof, keyless entry, 360° surround camera); Drive Pack (adaptive cruise control, high-speed emergency braking); and Interior Luxury Pack boasting 21-inch wheels, theater-esque Meridian Surround Sound System, and a leather upgrade throughout the interior. The All-Terrain Response Control will ensure passengers are pampered while taking on virtually any road condition. It’s the Land Rover way.

For more information, visit Landroverusa.com.

2020 KIA Soul X-Line
KIA has rewarded the legion of fans and soon-to-be loyalists with the third generation of one of their most popular lines, the Soul. Revered for how inexpensive, yet practical, multi-dimensional, and unconventional signature box-shaped exterior they made a trend, the X-Line edition has stepped it up even more. Let’s welcome in the 18-inch alloy wheels; added safety features (rear-cross traffic collision warning, blind spot warning, and lane-change assist); roof rails; user-friendly interface connecting both smartphone applications; impressive cargo space; and body cladding for a more rugged look, while protecting the exterior. With a combined 30 miles per gallon, industry-leading warranty package, and starting price of $21,620, we definitely have something to look forward to in 2020.   

For more information, visit Kia.com.

With the newest luxury SUVs, stocked sports vehicles, and sleek sedans doing their best to be eye candy, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator has turned the same amount of heads—if not more. While the 2020 Gladiator Overland 4x4 maintains the boxy, rugged Wrangler frame, it’s the exclusive convertible capability, and what brings it to the next level—a 5-foot cargo bed stocked with a 115-volt AC outlet. The Premium Audio Group (8.4-inch display, Alpine audio system, GPS); Trailer Tow Package (boasting a class-leading 7,650-pound towing capability); and Jeep Active Safety Group (rear park-assist, blind-spot detection, forward collision warning) packages are strongly suggested to complete the Jeep experience.

For more information, visit Jeep.com.










           

Posted by at Links to this post
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)