Appetizing Aperture: Chanterelles Sautéed with Olive Oil and Shaved Shallots

A foraging we will go. Or, thankfully a nearby scouter has sought and found local chanterelles for Aria chef Gerry Klaskala to sauté with olive oil and shaved shallots for a sprightly addition to the restaurant’s seasonal mix. Take a walk and absorb the sunshine and the view knowing to find these treasures you’ll only have cast eyes on Aria’s salad and soup selections.

Dabble in Fine Wines and Foods for Art’s Sake,at High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction March 21-24

The High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction is the largest charity wine auction in the U.S. benefiting the arts. This year’s theme embraces “The Art of Collecting the Very Best of Wine, Art and Food.” Participate in dinners, auction-related events and the phenomenal auction itself and consider yourself an integral part of this masters-full, multi-day event. We’re excited that a host of our favorite restaurants are involved, including 5Church Atlanta, Aria,American Cut, Brine Seafood Shack, Chicken and the Egg,Livingston Restaurant + Bar, Marlow’s Tavern, Storico Fresco Alimentari, Twelve Eighty and Umi.

Decant the entire event list and buy tickets here.

Lights, Camera, Action – Watch Aria on “Atlanta Eats” Feb. 24

From the heart of Buckhead to the local small screen, tune into Peachtree TV this Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m. to see Aria on “Atlanta Eats.” Chef/owner Gerry Klaskala shows off his seasonal daily specialties to the Atlanta Eats crew, while pastry chef Kathryn King wows with dessert classics like lemon pound cake and assorted sorbets. Pop open a bottle of bubby after being inspired by general manager and head sommelier Andrés Loaiza and get ready to make your reservation to Aria soon.

Appetizing Aperture: Aria's Shades of Orange

Orange? Star anise? Aria crafts its mesmerizing Shades of Orange cocktail using Ramazzotti, a digestif amaro created in Milan, Italy by Ausano Ramazzotti in 1815 from a secret, all-natural blend of 33 herbs and roots. Saffron gin, honey and lemon play along with this bright and tony tonic.

There’s Still Time to Throw Together a Holiday Party

Party? No party? PARTY! Not everyone’s an early bird in the party-planning department. Procrastinators, take heart. Atlanta restaurants can still accommodate parties from intimate dinners and lively chef’s tables to cocktail receptions for larger groups. Your guests will never know you “threw a little something together” as they merrily celebrate the holidays hobnobbing with great food and spirits.

Multiple Locations

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern sets a casual environment perfect for large groups desiring to party in both Midtown and Town Brookhaven. Enjoy a mouthwatering menu of appetizers, gourmet pizzas, burgers and other favorites in laid-back dining rooms or kick back with a high gravity craft beer on the patios. Want it all? Consider a buyout to use the entire restaurant or patio at both locations or book the semi-private dining area at HOBNOB in Brookhaven. To discuss your visions, fees and menus, call 404-968-2288 for Midtown, 404-464-8971 for Town Brookhaven.

Mouths water at the mention of Ray’s Restaurants graced with award-winning chefs and impeccable service at three locations across the city. A dedicated events manager at each Ray’s Restaurant trims stress right out of the picture -- what a gift!

In downtown Atlanta, Ray's in the City welcomes guests into private and semi-private rooms and areas glowing with rich woods and ambient lighting. Consider breakfast or brunch buffets, lunch, pre-selected dinner menus or exciting dinner buffets with stations for stir-fry, pasta, salad, carving or made-to-order sushi. Toast to a full range of bar ideas including mimosa or bloody mary bar add-ons. Host parties of various sizes, from up to 16 guests for a Wine Cellar dinner to 75 guests in the Peachtree Room overlooking Peachtree Street. Email cityevents@raysrestaurants.com.

Alongside the Chattahoochee River in Sandy Springs, Ray's on the River can host riverside events “outside” in the Grand Pavilion -- a covered, temperature-controlled environment accommodating up to 120 guests seated or 150 guests for cocktails, as well as a band or DJ and a dance floor. Inside the restaurant, host up to 70 guests for dinner or cocktails in the Private Dining Room and up to 30 guests in the semi-private River Room. Options vary, including pre-selected lunch and dinner menus, appetizers, platters, hors d’oeuvre, full buffets and chef-attended carving stations. Email riverevents@raysrestaurants.com.

In Alpharetta, Ray's at Killer Creek encompasses several space options to accommodate up to 70 guests. Seat up to 26 guests for dinner in the private Cellar with its warm woods, stone hearth and fireplace or up to 60 guests in the dividable Wine-Jordan Room, flanked by fine wines and a private courtyard. Outside, up to 70 guests can enjoy family style seating in the covered and heated Creek Room overlooking Foe’s Killer Creek. Email creekevents@raysrestaurants.com.

Sports fans look to Taco Mac for game days, but did you know the spirited locales score points in the fa-la-la field for holiday parties? Sure, you can have wings and beer – and everyone’s favorite American fare, wine and cocktails as well. Count on loads of space for larger parties and some locations can host events in private dining areas. Throw together an impromptu gathering or call ahead to accommodate larger groups.

Intown

5Church Atlanta sets the scene for swanky holiday parties at Peachtree and 14th streets in Midtown, beginning with the moment guests step out of their cars to complimentary valet parking. The rooftop patio accessorizes sparkly attire with the dazzling lights of Peachtree Street. Inside, large-scale artwork adds drama to private dining areas for groups large and small. See spaces, hors d’oeuvre and menu package ideas here. Email sales@5churchatlanta.com or call 404-400-3669.

Nostalgic glamour meets modern glitz at American Cut in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Three floors of top-notch party options woo you: private dining in The Cut Bar on street level, private dining rooms with seating capacities of 14 and 42 guests within the second-floor dining level, and an indoor/outdoor rooftop setting of The Regent Cocktail Club. Thrill guests with starry skies, striking skyline views and handcrafted cocktails at The Regent Cocktail Club where there’s even space for a jazzy trio or other live entertainment. Guests at American Cut and The Regent Cocktail Club enjoy three hours of complimentary covered deck parking. Contact events@ldvatlanta.com.

For the ultimate in understated elegance for special occasions and holiday parties, buy out Aria, Gerry Klaskala’s acclaimed Buckhead restaurant. Call the restaurant at 404-233-7673 for more information.

Host the holiday shindig in Atlanta’s oldest continuously licensed tavern. Lively Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland welcomes guests into an unpretentious environment where an upstairs room accommodates 30 guests for a sit-down dinner or 50 guests for a cocktail reception. Call 404-876-7249 for more information.

Create an event that’s sure to impress at Bulla Gastrobar in Midtown. Inspired by tapas restaurants of Spain, Bulla offers options for private luncheons or dinners with three-course or tapas-style menus and cocktail parties featuring Bulla’s signature wines and handcrafted spirits. Call 404-858-1577 for more information.

Invite guests to enjoy an American bistro-style party at The Federal in Midtown. Big group? The more the merrier at a restaurant buyout. Two-hour validated parking is offered in the adjacent 1010 Midtown parking deck. Email info@TheFederalAtl.com.

Food 101 American Kitchen & Bar in Sandy Springs excels in creating joyful memories wrapped around fabulous meals, service and special events. The local landmark restaurant’s private dining room can accommodate 40 people seated or 50 for a cocktail reception. Food 101 experts will help plan specialized menus and events within budget to keep the ho-ho-ho in your holidays. Follow this link to learn more or call 404-424-9773.

gusto! sets up a “Build your own gusto!” self-serve buffet that’s a huge, healthy hit with crowds of 20 people or more. The package includes mixed greens and Jasmine brown rice, grilled chicken and grilled portabella mushrooms plus two gusto! flavors: chile citrus barbecue, tahini cucumber feta, sweet soy Sriracha, chipotle mango avocado, apple curry peanut or Buffalo buttermilk blue. For groups of 20 folks or less, gusto! offers “Bowled Orders.” Add tea, lemonade and dessert platters for an additional charge; $100 order minimum for delivery. Contact Ryan Harrison at gusto! Ponce, 770-856-7417; Trey Strawn at gusto! Peachtree, 678-800-8372.

An event at Gypsy Kitchen transports guests to a beautiful, out-of-the-ordinary destination where Spanish cuisine mingles with foods inspired by the spice trade of India, Morocco and other countries. Chefs can create tasting menus, elaborate spreads or passed appetizers matched by a splendid bar program rich in Old World-style wines, craft cocktails and European beers. Contact Elizabeth Ridgway at Elizabeth@sphospitality.com or call 404-964-9253.

Himitsu impresses guests with “omotenashi,” the Japanese concept of selfless hospitality. The luxurious Japanese craft cocktail lounge located a few doors down from Umi in Buckhead hosts buyouts (65 guests seated, 100 standing) as well as semi-private events in the upper-level mezzanine (28 guests seated, 40 standing). Menus are specially created for each occasion, whether it’s passed appetizers, serving stations or a seated dinner. Consider serving sake and signature craft cocktails from Himitsu alongside Umi’s trademark beautiful sushi rolls and small bites from executive chef Fuyuhiko Ito and pastry chef Lisa Ito. Himitsu means “secret” in Japanese; after the party, the word will be out about the wonderfully memorable experience.

Located on the Westside under the White Provisions building, Ormsby’s feels like one of the city’s best-kept secrets. But it’s a leading destination for gatherings and celebrations of all sizes and stripes, thanks to a variety of games (shuffleboard, darts, bocce ball, board games and pool) perfect for socializing. With a wide selection of craft beers and a menu of classic and creative gastropub favorites, it’s a casual crowd-pleaser. Contact Leslie Battle, lbattle@ormsbysatlanta.com or 404-968-2033.

Red Beard Restaurants -- Gunshow in Glenwood Park and Revival in Decatur -- offer private and semi-private rooms accommodating small to large parties. For sizeable crowds, buy out one of the restaurants. The expert staff tailors menus and bar packages to suit, offering wines by the glass or bottle, beer, specialty cocktails and more. Both restaurants happily handle vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and food allergy sensitive needs. Gunshow‘s open kitchen, shared dining room and daily changing, family style menu lends itself to groups of 50-70, corporate buyouts or a group reservation for 13-24 guests. Chef Joey Ward pulls platters and desserts from the night’s menu, and individual chefs will visit guest tables with serving platters bearing their creations. Revival’s versatile floor plan seats lunch for 10, dinner for 25 or a cocktail party for 50 guests, and family style menus please for groups of 20-50 guests with a choice of soup or salad, entrée, chef-selected trimmings and a dessert. Contact events@redbeardrestaurants.com.

Storico Fresco Alimentari in Buckhead sets a Chef’s Table in the heart of the kitchen where guests revel while enjoying great food, wine and all the sights and sounds of a busy kitchen. Choose from different menu options that can include multiple courses, wine pairings or even family style pastas at the Chef’s Table, Commissary Kitchen and other options within this authentic Italian restaurant. Move quickly to lock in a date. For details and dates, email reservations@storicofresco.com.

Hurry! Sweet Charlie’s in Buckhead is offering 10 percent off holiday catering for orders booked before Dec. 1. An ice cream roll party at your place? Now that’s a novel and chill idea. Roll with it by contacting their catering staff.

With Victorian-era decor and ambiance, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar provides an intimate and sophisticated environment for dining and drinking for up to 80 guests. The 1920s-inspired Buckhead speakeasy features craft cocktails, small plates and live entertainment -- all in a smoke-free facility -- and is available as an event space any day of the week. Contact sales and events manager April Pitman, april@sphospitality.com or 404-931-1251.

The Southern Gentleman celebrates the essence of the South, and relaxed, yet polished, entertaining plays a major role. Treat guests to a fresh, modern and locally sourced take on Southern cuisine with handcrafted cocktails. Expansive space accommodates up to 150 guests, and dinner menus begin at $35 per person. Patio parties, group dinners and private, customized bourbon, rye or whiskey tastings are perfectly delightful ideas. Contact Elizabeth Ridgway at Elizabeth@sphospitality.com or call 404-964-9253.

Outside the Perimeter

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails in historic Crabapple provides a charming setting for parties of eight to 200 guests. Follow this link for a taste of what’s in store when hosting an event in the restored areas of the farmhouse including the Breezeway (16 guests), the Milton Room (40 guests), the Mayfield Room (24 guests), the Broadwell Room (12 guests), the Banquet Porch (40 seated) or the Bar (32-50 guests). Contact sales and events manager Jill Hayes at Jill@miltonscuisine.com or 678-431-8753.

Celebrate with sustainable seafood and spirits at Brine Modern Seafood Shack in Alpharetta’s beautiful Avalon development. Come casual for Cape Cod meets Santa Monica style with awesome private dining options for events of all sizes and occasions and oceans of free parking. For more information, contact elizabeth@sofried.com.

Stop flip-flopping on whether to have a party or not and coast into beachy holiday party bliss at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill - Canton Street in charming Roswell. Come ashore to seafood, cocktails and casual vibe where heels and Hawaiian shirts are equally appropriate. For inquiries about large parties and events, email events@tbkroswell.com.

Chicken and the Egg in Marietta offers intimate, private chef’s table dining for 24-28 guests around custom-made, distressed wood tables. For more information, contact Elizabeth Taft at 678-388-8813 or elizabeth@sofried.com.

Beyond the Perimeter, Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar in East Cobb provide lunch, dinner and cocktail party options and copious free parking. At Seed, select from prix fixe brunch, lunch and dinner menu options or mix and match from menus for get-togethers of 10 to 50 guests for dinner, more for cocktails on the patio. Download Seed’s Event Planning Guide for more space details and a sample menu. Stem Wine Bar is a mighty “vine” option for a private lunch event Monday through Saturday, a private wine dinner or a restaurant buyout for groups of up to 40 seated or 60 for cocktails. Contact Chris McNeill, general manager, at cmcneill@eatatseed.com or 678-214-6888.

Cruise to Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar at The Avenue in East Cobb for a deliciously doable venture thrilling seafarers and landlubbers alike. Seat up to eight guests in the Wine Room, Oyster Bar or at a Chef’s Table. Groups of up to 20 guests can be seated at one table or 28 at multiple tables in the Shiplap Room. Deck the halls outside, hosting 26 guests in the covered patio area or up to 50 on the full patio. Buyouts are available. Follow this link for more information or call 770-635-7641.

Atlanta Chefs Host Fire Aid ATL Benefitting Fire-Ravished Napa and Sonoma Nov. 12

Recent raging fires have caused damage and heartache in California’s beautiful Napa and Sonoma wine producing regions. Reaching out with compassion from the East Coast, Atlanta friends of the wine community are pitching in to help by hosting Fire Aid, a fundraiser for the Napa Valley Community Foundation and the Sonoma County Resilience Fund at Local Three on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. More than a dozen of Atlanta’s best chefs, including Gerry Klaskala of Aria and Mike Patrick of Storico Fresco Alimentari, will lay out an epic smorgasbord alongside an array of the best wines from Northern California and beyond. Atlanta’s own DJ Yvonne Monet provides musical entertainment, and silent and live auctions offer up exciting items including trips, highly rated wines and a picnic for 30 guests on the L3 patio. Tickets are $250 per person and include food stations, passed dishes and wines. Purchase tickets here. Free parking.

Not Your Usual TV Dinner – “Atlanta Eats” Films at Aria Nov. 8

Early birds may get a chance to be seen out on the dining scene when  “Atlanta Eats”  films a segment at Aria on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The Atlanta Eats crew will slide in toward the beginning of dinner service, around 5:30 p.m. Wonder what seasonal, daily specialties Aria owner and executive chef Gerry Klaskala will create for the camera? Which desserts will Aria pastry chef Kathryn King prepare to wow diners? Perhaps warm chocolate cheesecake, Georgia Fuji apple upside-down cake or vanilla panna cotta with rabbiteye blueberry compote. Surely Aria general manager and head sommelier (a.k.a. the wine guru) Andres Loaiza will pop in and maybe show off the Aria wine cellar. Ah, lucky hosts, sneaking in bites of Aria delights -- all in a day’s work. Reserve your table now for the lights, camera and action using Aria’s new reservation system, Reserve.

Picture What’s New at Aria – Now on Instagram

Garnering looks is nothing new to Aria. Ever since Aria opened in 2000, Atlantans, visitors and award-givers have noticed the Buckhead gem’s chic ambiance, impeccable service, the absolutely fabulous menu created by chef/owner Gerry Klaskala and pastry chef Kathryn King, and general manager and wine director Andres Loaiza’s well-curated wine cellar. Aria continues to out-best itself -- undergoing an interior décor facelift in 2016, changing to the easy-to-use Reserve reservation system this summer and jumping onto Instagram. See how much fun they’re having posting Instagram pics, especially Loaiza, who’s always eager to snap a shot of a primo wine or special 3L Chateau Peyrassol Rosé 2016 opening. And then there’s Klaskala, in Tomato King regalia, vying for Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival votes. A picture-perfect moment if ever there was one.

Reserve Serves Three “Rs” at Aria: Reservations, Requests and Reminders

The new Reserve reservation system at award-winning Aria makes locking in a time and table for dinner a cinch. Select your preferred dining time and enter the number of guests on the easy-to-read screen. Instantly, you’re almost done by adding name, email and mobile number. There’s even a place to include special requests…say, that proposal-perfect special table in the corner or one by the door so your dear aunt can enter and exit with ease. For those prone to forgetfulness (or who need an excuse to bow out and head to dinner), Reserve texts a reminder to your mobile phone. Think of Reserve as a prelude to Aria’s impeccable service and chef/owner Gerry Klaskala’s incredible cuisine. Still prefer person-to-person? Simply call Aria at 404-233-7673. Stay in the know by signing up for Aria news and events.

Support Your Local Pastured Birds and Restaurants during Pastured Poultry Week July 24-30

Pastured Poultry Week, July 24-30, roosts at the top of the pecking order as far as chicken chowing (and chowing down on chicken) goes. Who wants to be cooped up when there’s a world to explore and taste? You certainly don’t and neither do these happy birds. These slower-growing breeds have continuous daytime access to outdoor pastures for at least half their lifetimes (extreme weather exception), shelters for safety and pre-slaughter stunning. During Pastured Poultry Week, savor their superior flavor in special dishes featuring pastured poultry at Aria, The Federal, Gunshow, Revival and Seed Kitchen & Bar.

Wine Spectator Pours “Best of” Awards over Aria, Ray’s in the City and Umi

Could it be the toast heard ‘round the world? Wine Spectator magazine raises a glass to its 2017 “Best of Award” recipients, honoring restaurants exhibiting outstanding dedication to their wine programs. Award winners hail from all 50 states and more than 75 countries. In Atlanta, “Wine Spectator” applauds Aria, Ray’s in the City and Umi among a cast of outstanding restaurants. Ray’s in the City and Umi each claim an “Award of Excellence” commending merit in satisfying discerning wine lovers with well-chosen assortments of quality wine producers and prowess in achieving a thematic match of wine price and style to restaurant menus. Ray’s in the City offers a lengthy wine list of wines by the bottle, including alternative reds and whites, global labels, French wines, Champagnes, sake and dessert wines in a wide price spread. The downtown restaurant pours a well-curated selection of wines by the glass to complement executive chef Dean Berthelot’s menu of premium seafood, sushi and prime, hand-cut steaks and chops served daily at lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. At Umi, an exceptional wine and craft sake list enhances the sophisticated evening dining experience afforded by chef Fuyuhiko Ito and his team. Reservations are suggested to enjoy Umi’s menu of modern and classic Japanese fare and sushi prepared using the highest quality fresh fish flown in daily from around the world.

Aria, chef/owner Gerry Klaskala’s Buckhead jewel, goes a step further and brings home the “Best of Award of Excellence” accolade. In addition to mastering “Award of Excellence” criteria, attaining “Best of“ status lauds the restaurant for a wine program that excels in breadth across multiple regions and/or significant vertical depth of top wines and carries out superior presentation. Stunning contemporary American cuisine, incomparable hospitality and an award-winning wine program land Aria on “Best of” lists year after year. Reservations are suggested at Aria for dinner served evenings Monday through Saturday.

Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival Blossoms with Chefs and Mixologists July 16

Better Boys and Early Girls, the ninth annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival is your kind of fruit fest, ripe with tomato-rich treats and concoctions created by dozens of Atlanta’s best chefs and mixologists and 50 local farmer friends. A few plum personalities to look for at the Georgia Organics benefit: 5Church Atlanta chef Scotley Innis; Aria owner/chef Gerry Klaskala and mixologist Stefano Gandossi; Gunshow executive chef Joey Ward and mixologist Mercedes O’Brien; Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails executive chef Derek Dollar; Ormsby’s chef Nick Anderson; The Southern Gentleman executive chef Matthew Ridgway; and chef Tomas Lee of Midtown Takorea & Ssam Bar. Ford Fry’s tribute to summer’s revered heirlooms plants itself at Park Tavern in Midtown this Sunday, July 16 from 1-5 p.m. Like killer tomatoes, this festival flourishes rain or shine. Buy tickets in advance: $45 general admission; $40 Georgia Organics members; $125 Lexus VIP (early access and VIP area exclusives); and $74.95 “Good Grit” package including six issues of “Good Grit” magazine. A limited number of $75 general admission tickets will be available at the door. Killer tomatoes, we surrender already.

Make Aria Dinner Reservations through Easy to Use “Reserve.com”

Reservations are getting a revamp at award-winning Aria, chef/restaurateur Gerry Klaskala’s Buckhead gem. Now guests will be better able to reserve a table to suit their desires. “Reserve,” Aria’s new user-friendly reservation system, delivers an exceptional guest experience and personalized service any time of day. Prefer person-to-person? Simply call Aria at 404-233-7673. Stay in the know by signing up for Aria news and events.

Foodie Flag: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Swizzles & Stirs Midtown June 1-4

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival spreads its richness across Midtown like avocado on toast with a side of champagne over the Thursday-Sunday weekend of June 1-4. The four-day bacchanalia of all-you-can-indulge-in food, wine, beer and spirit tastings and classes features the region’s top food and drink products; local, regional and international chefs and their creations; and industry experts. Saturday morning, you’ll find an assortment of Sublime Doughnuts accompanying Sublime founder Kamal Grant, who will be making a guest appearance at the decadent Beer for Breakfast class. Repping Gunshow are chef Joey Ward, who’ll be speaking at the Saturday afternoon seminar, "Down the Southern Street: Food Stories of the South," and “Cocktail Cart Conductor” Mercedes O’Brien shaking the Coca-Cola tent. Guests will find Scotley Innis from 5Church Atlanta in the tasting tents. Another reason this festival’s fab -- Aria chef/owner Gerry Klaskala is on the advisory council. The event menu includes general and tasting passes as well as individual dinner, lunch and brunch events, Masterclasses and Connoisseur weekend packages. Choose the ticket package ($55-$1,800) that best suits you and start drooling about this easy-eating weekend.

Sip and Savor Four Wines, Five Courses at Aria Rhys Vineyards Dinner May 24

Expect a divine wining and dining experience when Aria hosts a Rhys Vineyards Wine Dinner on Wednesday, May 24. Aria chef/owner Gerry Klaskala creates an inspired five-course menu showcasing four sensational wines from Rhys Vineyards: Anderson Valley chardonnay 2014, Horseshoe Vineyard chardonnay 2013, Anderson Valley pinot noir 2014 and Bearwallow Vineyard pinot noir 2013. These four varietals express the nuances of the varying rocky, mountainous, cool and coastal conditions of the California winery’s estate vineyards. Want to know more about these terroir-driven wines? Chat with Rhys Vineyard sales director Eric Sothern at the event. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. $150 per person (includes tax and gratuity). Limited seating; call 404-233-7673 for reservations.

One Wine. One Bottle. One Night. Repeat. “One and Done” at Aria

Andres Loaiza, general manager and head sommelier at Aria, is introducing a new wine promotion, “One and Done,” a.k.a. #oneanddone. Tuesday through Saturday, Loaiza will select one outstanding bottle of wine to uncork and offer by the glass until the last drop is poured. Price per glass varies with the evening’s selection. Enjoy “One and Done” wines in both the bar and dining room. Pop onto Aria’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see which “one” they will open. Plan is to offer the same wine, albeit a new bottle, on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as Friday and Saturday. Thursday is a one-shot deal.

Gerry Klaskala Cooks, Entertains Guests at “Atlanta Eats” Inside the Chef's Studio in the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom on August 31

Thirty-five guests will savor a heaping helping of stories, a chef’s demo, four-course dinner and great wines with Atlanta’s own legendary chef Gerry Klaskala at Inside the Chef's Studio, presented by Oxygen Financial, on Wednesday, August 31. Aria chef/owner Klaskala and “Atlanta Eats” host Steak Shapiro will spill some stories of life in the restaurant field during the 6:30-9 p.m. event taking place in one of Atlanta’s coolest kitchens, the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom in Buckhead. Tickets, $175 per person (plus online service fee), are available on FreshTix. Price includes complimentary valet, wine, beer, four-course meal and cooking demo. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank. 

Pastured Poultry Week Flies the Coop on July 18. Don’t Miss Out

Through July 18, Atlanta restaurants showcase the outstanding and delicious characteristics of pastured poultry during the fifth-annual Pastured Poultry Week. Flock to Aria, Bellina Alimentari, Gunshow, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Seed Kitchen & Bar – all are featuring special pastured poultry dishes on their menus. More info on our Atlanta Dish blog.

Hey, Good Lookin’ -- Whatcha Got Cookin? Aria Now Open after Gorgeous Refresh

Always a beauty, Aria is back after a quick, albeit luxurious and rejuvenating, spa treatment. Chef-owner Gerry Klaskala is behind the kitchen door, creating critically acclaimed dishes as he has done for the past 16 years. The front of the house sports a frisky new look leaning toward daily comforts over more formal occasions. “Before, the room made you feel like you needed to wear a jacket, a place for a birthday or anniversary. We wanted to make it feel more comfortable, soothing, and relaxing.  I’m digging it so much,” Klaskala told Atlanta Magazine. We won’t spill all of the beans here, come glimpse the easygoing glam by making dinner reservations online. Living spontaneously, without reservations? No hesitations. The bar area offers no-reservation-required seating for casual diners. Photo by LuAnne Demeo.

Give Winter the Cold Shoulder, Slurp Soup

When it’s raw outside, nothing thaws hands and mellows the soul like a bowl of steaming hot soup. Join us as we lift lids and peek into stockpots to see what’s simmering at, stewing around metro Atlanta.

Blow off downtown’s wind chill by ducking into JP Atlanta and savoring a bowl of onion soup “1967” served au gratin ($12) -- a starter on the All-Day Dining menu.

Looking for a rosy glow in Midtown? It’s found in Article 14’s lycopene-rich tomato bisque with whipped crème fraîche and basil ($7).

Zucca, may rhyme with Bazooka, but the golden butternut squash soup with winter pesto and mascarpone ($5) at Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market is oh so much more satisfying and good for you.

Brace yourself with homestyle chili dolloped with sour cream and cheddar ($5) at Chick-a-Biddy before total immersion in an adrenaline-pumping movie or shopping at Atlantic Station.

Expect a heated debate over which Vietnamese soup is best when slurping with friends at Le Fat in Midtown. Three top competitors: Le Fat Pho (beef noodle, $12), Pho Ga (chicken noodle, $10) or Bún Bo Hue (spicy beef, $12).

A cup or bowl of tomato bisque ($4.95/$6.95) at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern hits home after a brisk walk or jog around Piedmont Park. Even better, order the grilled cheese and tomato bisque combo ($11.95) sporting a sandwich oozing havarti, Parmesan and fontina cheeses for dunking.

Pining for that something smoky in a bowl, not on a bun? Get stoked for vegetarian smoked tomato bisque at 10th & Piedmont ($4/$6) with buttermilk biscuit croutons, Parmesan cheese and fried basil. A gluten-free option is available.

At Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar in Midtown, enjoy a bowl of butternut squash soup with chicharrones (pork rinds), lemon and cilantro ($6) before sharing a board laden with locally made cheese or charcuterie.

In Virginia-Highland, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar OKs “playing with your food,” i.e., toying around with the crisp garlic croutons floating atop their creamy tomato basil soup ($3/$5).

Like everything about Aria in Buckhead, creamless celery root soup with Umbrian black truffles and Parmigiano-Reggiano reflects pure elegance in every detail ($12).

True Southerners chowing down at Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead can’t pass up a meaty bowl of Brunswick stew with house-made crackers for crumbling or dipping ($4.50).

When you’re craving a bit of soothing FlexMex mojo, stop by the closest Tin Lizzy’s Cantina for a cup of chicken tortilla soup, seasoned tomato broth dancing with chicken breast, corn, jack cheese, tortilla strips, avocado and chopped cilantro ($2.69).

Scuba-doobie-do dive into Caribbean lobster bisque at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead or Roswell. Each cup or bowl of this slightly sweet and island-spicy bisque swims with lobster and blue crab in a tomato sea ($4.95/$6.95).

Heady roast chicken and vegetable stew, available at all Bantam + Biddy locations, sustains souls for the long haul with fresh herbs, tender potatoes and a cheery cheddar biscuit topper ($12.50).

Even if “Burrito” is your middle name, tortilla soup calls out at Willy's Mexicana Grill locations. A favorite by the bowl ($4.75) or as an entrée add-on ($2.95).

Sushi may be on your mind at Roswell’s Aqua blue but don’t overlook the miso soup rich with fresh vegetables, tofu and mushrooms for $5. Hearty soup du jour choices alternate between loaded baked potato soup and clam chowder ($5).

Spoon into a cup or bowl of seafood gumbo with white rice ($7/$9) at Ray’s on the River and watch the Chattahoochee carry your cares away.

Across the river in East Cobb, Seed Kitchen & Bar spikes its nourishing roasted butternut squash soup with maple cream and sprinkles on toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy contrast ($7.95).