On Friday, Anatomy of a Dinner Party, will be one year old. I can’t believe how quickly the year passed. So many new friends, so many fun happenings, parties and vacations!
I thought you might like to read the top four posts of the past year, so we can remember the good times together. Number four is our macaron making class with Helen of Tartelette. It was a super fun day with 12 of the most lovely women I have ever met. It was also the day after Sugar Coma, so we were all in tasty sugar mode.
Whew, I am finally at home after being gone since last Wednesday. Three days at the lavish Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island on assignment for Design Is, and then up to Sky Valley for some R&R with our sweet friends Clint & Matt in their cozy mountain cabin in North Carolina. Even though Eric and I were there to relax, I couldn’t help but see a story in the weekend. Those two really have this weekend guest thing down to a science. Everyone is responsible for a meal (including happy hour snacks), so no one is stuck doing all the cooking. Brilliant, yes?
Eric and I were in charge of Saturday night supper, since we got there too late to enjoy Friday supper with everyone.
This week’s Fun Find Friday comes to you via my sweet husband, Eric, who is always on the lookout for the cool stuff.
The Gamerator is pretty swell if you are a lover of video games. And beer. I have to admit, it would be loads of fun after everyone is finished with dinner. And since it has a keg built in – it’s interactive fun!
Here are the deets, peeps!
About Gamerator
A creation of The Custom Bar Guys, Inc. THE GAMERATOR strives to be the ultimate fixture in the world of home entertainment.
Each unit is pre-loaded with over 85 licensed classic arcade games. NOTE: Unit includes the original, licensed PC copies of all games listed. These are not emulators or knock-offs, they are the original games.
In addition, because of our commitment to making your Gamerator experience as enjoyable as possible, we will purchase a FREE one year subscription to GameTap’s Gold membership on your behalf, providing you with online access to over 1,000 more games! (Visit GameTap for a full list)
Other Gamerator features include …
* A refrigerated interior capable of holding a standard keg of domestic beer, as well as a 5lb. aluminum CO2 tank. (International keg taps are also available, please see our ordering page for pricing information.)
* A 26 inch flat-panel HDTV
* Two conveniently-placed cup holders to house your beverage while playing
* All Gamerators now come standard with a trackball system in addition to the dual joystick setup. The trackball is currently not pictured, but it will now be included on ALL units.
In addition, the Gamerator can be fully customized to your particular needs. Virtually any video game system on the market (past or present) can be hooked up to the Gamerator … XBox 360, Wii, PS3, PS2, NES, Genesis, etc. NOTE: Most gaming systems require an adaptor (not included) to use the dual joystick system, though all can be played with original system controllers. (Adaptors can be purchased via a third-party such as www.x-arcade.com)
Also, the Gamerator runs Windows XP, so you’re free to add virtually any other PC game you’d like!
Gamerator Specs: 75″tall X 38″wide X 38″deep
Approximate Weight: 400 lbs
System: Refurbished desktop PC, Windows XP
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Salvadore Dali. Just the mention of his name invokes images of melting clocks, mind bending artwork and that iconic mustache.
Being able to see that fabulous artwork in person is staggering.
Being able to experience it with 4,000 other art lovers, a DJ, models resembling something from a Guillermo del Toro film, was beyond staggering.
What a night.
The multimedia exhibit at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art opened to a capacity crowd this past Saturday night and the people watching was part of the show.
Not ready for summer to end? Me either. And since I’m at Amelia Island today writing a story on The Ritz-Carlton, I thought I would share a very special getaway to chase away those “not ready for summer to end” blues. This price is incredible – and it’s all inclusive – you know, all food and beverages included. That means all those swanky beach cocktails you like! Get on the horn and book that last hurrah, Darlings!
Paradisus Playa Conchal resort is currently offering the Spa Getaway Package which is a 4 night/5 day stay and includes:
In-room welcome gift
Welcome 30-minute facial treatment per person
Free use of Jacuzzi at Ahuia Spa
One 80-minute Shell massage per person
One 30-minute private yoga class for two
15% discount on any additional therapies bought at Ahuia Spa
Price per person/per night based on double occupancy for 4 nights:
While in New Orleans, Eric and I had the chance to visit the fantastic Farmer’s Market in town. It’s small, but the vendors are of the highest quality. We ate crispy, delicate pastries, popsicles made with the freshest fruit, bought brightly colored peppers, ripe Creole tomatoes, picked up luscious goat cheese and even bought a goat roast. Now, I have never cooked goat, but this seemed as good a time as any to try it.
Over the past year you have met so many of our favorite folks. Chioke has been a guest star in many of these posts. Remember his movie night here, our taco and candy night here? Those are just a few of the times we’ve shared and I’ve shared with you.
But now Chioke is moving to THE big city, New York City, to continue his education, and will be gone for three years. Three years I will not be able to walk two blocks for a hug or a special cocktail. Three years I will not be able to hear the sound of his smooth voice and laugh at his wicked jokes.
My heart is a little heavy today.
We spent our last evening together for a while doing what we do best – eating. Eric, Holly, Chioke and I met up at JCT. Kitchen in Atlanta for a (semi) celebratory meal. I first introduced you to JCT on my first meeting with Eddie and Jaithan.
Since JCT. does southern cuisine best, it was a fitting place to say our goodbyes.
Today’s fun find comes from Betabrand and are called Gluttony Pants. Isn’t that a hoot?
See, They Look Hip and Cool...
They look just like plain ole chinos, but the secret is inside – three separate buttons spaced far enough apart to get through Thanksgiving dinner or that hot dog eating contest you’ve been wanting to enter.
Go Ahead, Have That Fifth Slice Of Pizza - You're Covered!
And there’s more! The cutest James Beard inspired graphics in the lining are sure to bring a smile to your full face.
Love Those Graphics!
At $100 a pop, they are not cheap, but you won’t keep running out to the tailor to get your buttons sewn back on.
When we travel, our souvenirs naturally include something regional to eat or drink. Our last trip to New Orleans, we picked up Cat Daddy Moonshine, Ryals Goat Roast and Creole Tomatoes. Lucky for us we drove, so it was much easier to carry these treasures home.
Now, I know what to do with the Moonshine, not sure how to fix the goat (any ideas out there?), and the Creole tomatoes just epitomize the essence of summer. Eric and I brought home about 6 of these Louisiana beauties, akin to heirloom tomatoes, and have been enjoying them in the yummiest BLT sandwiches you can possibly make.
Those Gorgeous Creoles - Photo Courtesy of Jason Perlow
Can you grow them where you are? Well, it’s a little late in the season, but you (and I) can always plan for next year. Here’s some info about them from Gary Ibsen’s Tomatofest website:
The Creole was developed by LSU around 1956. An heirloom developed in Louisiana for hot, humid climates. This variety has a very loyal following. Yields 3-inch, round, firm, red fruit with a lots of juice and delicious tomatoey flavors with good acidity.
All I know is that sounds like we could grow those here in the hot Georgia summers. I’ll be purchasing the seeds for next year and hope mine grow as big as they do in Bayou country.
So, if you are anywhere near Louisiana soon, pick up some Creoles. You will be tasting summer!
I know you are always looking for fun things to do. Caren West just sent me this press release for a super fun foodie event to wrap up summer.
Take a look!
This Could Be You!
THE ATLANTA FOOD RAVE ANNOUNCES 2010 PARTNERS
Event Experiences By Room & Board, SmartWater, Three Olives Vodka, El Zarco Tequila, Leblon Cachaca,
Freixenet Sparkling Wines, Tapena Spanish Wines, Whynatte, Sinless Margarita, Chocolate Pink,
Peachy Treats, Sweet Infinity Cakes and The Artmore Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia (August 3, 2010) – The Atlanta Food Rave, an interactive night of food, fun, cocktails and live entertainment slated for Friday, August 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery has announced a variety of exciting new partnerships and experiences for attendees. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Tickets are $55 per person for ages 21 and up and are available for purchase online at www.atlantafoodrave.com.
A percent of the proceeds from The 2010 Atlanta Food Rave will go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which currently distributes nearly two million pounds of food and other grocery items each month to more than 700 non-profit agencies and 38 counties in the Atlanta area. With a mission to fight hunger by educating, empowering, and engaging the communities of Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, The Atlanta Food Rave is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds from the event to this great charity. Visit www.acfb.org for more information.
The Atlanta Food Rave will be held on Friday, August 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery at 199 Armour Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30324. Tickets are $55 per person for ages 21 and up and are available for purchase online at www.atlantafoodrave.com. Complimentary valet parking will be available. For more information about the event or partnering with The Atlanta Food Rave, please visit the Web site or call 404-856-0157.
Whoo Whee! Doesn’t that sound like a good time? Get on out there and enjoy one last hurrah before the weather turns cool.
