Anatomy of a Dinner Party: a day in the life of a hospitalityaholic
 

June, 2010

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Dining Out Shouldn’t Equal Empty Pockets

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Going out to eat can get expensive, yes? How can we offset those costs?

Does This Look Like You? We Have A Solution

My very smart friend and neighbor, Jay, emailed me the other day with a solution.

Since your blog does venture into you visiting restaurants, have you ever thought about a post about coupon/gift certificate sites in Atlanta?
 
I use www.halfoffdepot.com, regularly, have used www.groupon.com, www.halfoffgreen.com, www.halfoffbuys.com, www.scoutmob.com, www.restaurant.com, www.livingsocial.com, www.mydailythread.com and more.
 
The woman that runs www.atlantaonthecheap.com mentions many of these, but she doesn’t cover just restaurants, and it is the sole purpose of her blog. Also, she can’t cover nearly the number that are released by something like Half Off Depot, she just highlights their big deal of the day.
 
I follow many of the links above, including Concentrics restaurants and Yelp, on twitter. Great place to find discounts at some Atlanta restaurants.

 
Not sure it fits with what you are doing, was just a thought I had. But man, there are great places to save some dough on Atlanta restaurants!

Thanks, Jay!

I use www.scoutmob.com on a regular basis. I like that all you have to do is type in your telephone number and they text you the deal immediately. Easy peasy. I also really like www.opentable.com because of the rewards. You may not get an immediate deal on dining, but the more you book with them, the more rewards (i.e. dining gift certificates) you get. This is a great one for all you executive assistants out there, booking dinners for your bosses – why not get a little reward for yourself in the process? www.yipit.com is another site I like that goes to almost all the other sites and lists the deals for the day.

So get on out there and start saving, you smart cookie! And again, thanks, Jay!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Stylistics – Betcha By Golly Wow

A Most Charming Vacation

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

And happy Saturday! I have so much to share that I just couldn’t resist a little time with you this weekend.

Is there a favorite young girl in your life? Daughter, niece, cousin, goddaughter? Of course there is. And if she is between the ages of 13-18, have I got an idea for you! Michelle Payer, Area Director of P.R. for the Miami Ritz-Carlton Hotels, has come up with the grooviest way to treat your favorite young lady. Charm Camp!! Oh my goodness, let me give you the details, because it is almost too exciting.

Hurry On In, You Cannot Miss This!

Special Bonus Post – Sending You Packing

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Good Afternoon, Darlings!

I realize that it is rare for us to get together in the afternoon, but I had to share this with you.  Stephanie Johnson is having a sale!  For those of you who are not familiar with Stephanie and her bags, let me clue you in.  She has been featured in all the best fashion mags, from In Style to Vogue.  Plus, I used to be her personal assistant when I lived in L.A. (glamorous work if you can get it!) So I might be a wee bit partial to her. But with very good reason.

The Very Glamorous Stephanie Johnson

Pop On In For More Glamour

Fun Find Friday – Store It!

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Eric and I are grilling more everyday. And although the kitchen is right inside, I would love to have a piece to store all my grilling goodies. Voila! Look at this prep station just made for outside. I love it! It is touted as a prep station, but I do believe it would make a fabulous outside bar – cocktails, anyone?

Prep, Cocktails, Fireworks Storage...Well Maybe Not Fireworks Storage...

What do you think? Isn’t it marvy? Lets see what the specs are:

The Suncast Serving Station makes cooking and dining “al fresco” that much more enjoyable! Sometimes when you’re grilling up a storm, you just don’t have a big enough landing area to set all your supplies, platters and flame-broiled masterpieces! Well, your problem is solved, my friend! Just roll this totally handy Serving Station up to your grill for prep made easy. Also makes a great spot to serve up appetizers! The details: Provides 40″-wide counter space with ceramic tile-looking surface; 2 drop down leaves allow you to customize surface area; Casters (2 locking, 2 non-locking) for easy mobility; Easy snap-together assembly requires NO tools; 20 x 34 x 22″ d. (leaves down), 40 x 34 x 22″ d. (leaves up).

It rolls, y’all! A rolling outdoor cocktail cart. Wouldn’t this make a perfect gift for Father’s Day? Or maybe just because it’s Friday!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Charlie Daniels – Devil Went Down To Georgia

Dance All Night

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Today I’ve got a fun idea for you from charming Party Guru Colin Cowie to keep your party going when no one is ready to leave.

If you plan to see the sunrise, throw an after-party with whatever you think will keep the party alive. From colored lights to mirrored balls, from an espresso bar to an assortment of specialty cocktails or—one of my favorites—Coffee Shooters presented to guests while they’re on the dance floor. Iced and potent, they are sure to keep the party going, providing the needed rocket fuel without missing a single beat. You’ll look back at your wedding and say, “I could’ve danced all night—and that’s exactly what I did!”

 

To get started, rim some test tubes or shot glasses with the peel of an orange and then dip the rim of the glass in chocolate shavings and some chili flakes. In a shaker filled with ice, mix the following:

 

1 ounce Vodka or Tequila (I prefer Tequila)
1/2 ounce Kahlúa Especial
1/2 ounce Tia Maria
1 ounce cold espresso

And here’s a link for those test tubes so you don’t have to go searching for them – super cheap!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Ke$ha’s Tic Toc

The Iberian Pig

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Tapas continue to hold our collective attention and of course there will always be places that do it halfheartedly and others that excel. Unfortunately, most tapas restaurants serve the same tired old dishes.

But not The Iberian Pig. They are producing small plates that thrill. Best friend Clint picked the perfect spot for Holly and I to meet up with he and his mother, my Memphis pen-pal, the genteel Miss Sylvia. Situated in the middle of Decatur Square, you can support the environment and jump on the MARTA and end up right in the middle of the square – how’s that for green?

Decatur's Art Deco MARTA Station - You Are Here!

Come On In And Join Us For Dinner?

Cold Is The New Cool

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

The official start of summer is just days away, but Old Sol seems antsy to bring it on. It is positively steamy here in Atlanta and what better way to beat the heat than ice cream? Now I know that might coincide with your bikini-ready plans, but you need to give yourself a tiny break here and there, yes?

There are so many fantastic ice cream purveyors here in our city – just turn around and you bump into one!

If Only We Could All Look So Sweet Gobbling Ice Cream

More Frozen Goodness Inside

A Most Glamorous Brunch

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Sex And The City 2 has opened and what better way to celebrate the girls than by starting with brunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead? I know, I’ve been spending a lot of time at The Ritz, but I am sure Carrie Bradshaw would approve. I donned my girliest outfit ever – pink frilly top, Liz Claiborne garden skirt, sweet sandals and a very pink beaded purse. I might have looked more fluffy pink cupcake than glamour girl, but it suited the occasion.

The Perfect Skirt For A Brunch With Friends

Pair my sugary apparel with bestie Holly and the most dazzling brunch buffet known to Western Civilization and we were on! A red carpet was awaiting our arrival at the entrance to The Ritz-Carlton. Opening the door we were enveloped by the sounds of a tuxedo-clad pianist in a lobby dripping with crystal chandeliers. Jaw dropping, to say the least.

Holly and Me, Glamming It Up

More Spectacular Brunch Shots Inside

The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of The Southeast

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Just when I think life can’t get any better, I turn a corner and a wonderful surprise pops up. Yesterday was one of those days, but instead of one surprise, it was twelve in the form of the amazing Public Relations staff of the Southeast Ritz-Carlton Hotels.

It was my genuine pleasure to attend a special media luncheon as the guest of Sandra Ryder, Area Director of Public Relations, Atlanta. When I arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, I was greeted warmly by each staff member I encountered. They embody the epitome of hospitality.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

Find Your Next Vacation Spot Inside

Breakfast for Breakfast, Part II

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Yesterday you saw me use up leftover ribs and potatoes in a tasty breakfast hash. Today I will recount Sunday’s breakfast – Chilaquiles.

Never heard of it? It was our favorite way to start the day on several of our trips to Mexico. Let me share with you.

Start with tostados (you can also use tortilla chips – leftover from last night’s cookout, perhaps?) Usually the next ingredient added is refried beans. I had some in the pantry, but totally forgot that they were in there. Eric made a homemade tomatillo sauce (salsa verde). Then the cheese – queso fresco would make your dish authentic, but we used cheddar. Top with an egg, sunny side up and finish it with a dollop of sour cream and maybe a bit of avocado. If you are feeling fancy, garnish with a bit of cilantro. Devour with mucho gusto!

Muy Delicioso!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Young MC – Bust A Move