My life has given me such amazing friendships and as you know, people come and go, but when one comes back, it is one of the greatest gifts. I received such a gift last week.

Johnny P and I go way back. Way, way back. I won’t even tell you how far. But it’s far, I tell you. He and I have lived in Atlanta for many years and although we don’t live far apart, we never get together. Life gets in the way.

But we changed all that last week. My swanky friend, Caren West, of Caren West PR arranged a very special tasting for the three of us at Cafe Circa, in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta.

How could this have been here for 3 years, without me noticing?

Eric and John had never met, but I knew they would get along great. And they did. And John and I? Well, it was like not one second had passed since we had last seen each other. It was so much fun.

But before dinner? Drinks, natch. Our lovely hostess, Zanandi, told us to make ourselves at home as we waited. Yasmine served up a perfect Bubbly for me and a Manhattan for Eric as we waited for our buddy to arrive.

It's Happy Hour!

The decor is fresh and modern, with glamorous touches like chandeliers – you know I am a sucker for anything sparkly! Oh, Shiny!

Oh, Shiny! Um, were you saying something?

And then Johnny P arrived! Yay! Hugs and handshakes all around.

Eric and John

We gabbed and gabbed and we ate and ate. Ashley, our server, was fabulous and so knowledgeable about every item on the menu. That is a delight in itself. We started with the lamb meatballs, glazed with a grape chutney. Delicious.

Mmmm, meatballs!

We followed that up by sharing the calamari, with a cilantro aioli; the spiced curried poached mussels (my favorite) and the incredibly tasty ackee and salt fish – something you do not see on most menus. Eric and I love traveling to Jamaica, but we had never tried it on the island. Now we know how yummy it can be.

Crunchy calamari.

The mussels - must I share? Next time, one all for me.

Ackee and Salt Cod - you must try this when you visit.

General Manager, Mike, swung by the table to visit with us and we learned that he and John had met just the weekend before and was considering buying a condo in John’s building. Isn’t that crazy? I love Atlanta. That kind of thing happens all the time, but it never ceases to amaze me.

Next up – the entrees. The shrimp and grits for me, the jerk pork chop for John and the swordfish for Eric. But first, more hugs!

Big squeeze for my old buddy. Not that he's old or anything...you know what I mean.

My shrimp and grits. Very good. The grits were fab.

Johnny P's pork chop, served with sweet corn & green beans.

My darling Eric's pan roasted swordfish, served with sauteed carrots, zucchini, ginger, onion, coconut cream and a mango coulis.

Mike, Chef Hopeton and the crew then treated us to the most luscious desserts, which we shared.

Who can resist a red velvet cupcake?

Loved the Triple Chocolate Love - ginger chocolate cake, floating in Grand Marnier chocolate mousse, with cocoa whipped cream. OMG.

Meeting Chef Hopeton was wonderful. He is so kind and open and generous. We will be back to see him.

Chef Hopeton takes a moment for a photo.

The three of us finished up the evening with a bottle of bubbly on the rooftop deck. It is very cozy up there – the perfect end to a perfect time with old friends. Even if they’re not really old.

A million thanks to Caren West, GM Mike and Chef Hopeton for an exceptional evening. Go visit Cafe Circa!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Chuck Berry – Johnny B Goode

This weekend was packed with tons of fun. Saturday morning my bestie Lisa, reopened her Cabbagetown Market after a brief vacation. Lisa has a new partner, Mike, who is the ice cream guy! Mike is there making gallons of ice cream for your eating pleasure.

Mike and Lisa, Proprietors, Cabbagetown Market

Photos taken of Mike’s ice cream didn’t do it justice, but suffice to say, I bought 15 containers of the chocolate with chocolate chips and oreo bits. Five of those were devoured by Saturday night’s dinner guests, while the other 10 will be for tonight’s Design Is staff meeting. Everyone wins!

The shelves are fully stocked with all kinds of goodies, canned goods and good things to eat. Lisa has her pickled veggies for sale and there is a brand-new candy counter. Take a look:

And now, for a quiz!

Can You Guess What This Is?

And the answer:

Why, They're A Bevy Of Pixy Stix!

As always, Lisa will be making her amazing hand-crafted sandwiches (honestly, there is not a better bahn-mi in town).

You will find me at the lunch counter.  Join me?

Cabbagetown Market
198 Carroll Street
Atlanta, GA 30312
404-524-4539

Happy Monday, everyone. Make it count!

xoxo, Patti

Thursday night was my buddy Tami’s birthday party for her sweetie, Mike. It was so much fun!  Lots of cool new people to meet and you have got to check out the birthday cake!

It's Nacho Party - It's MIKE'S Party! Har Har Har....ahem.

This soiree was held at The Arizona Pub here in Atlanta. And that photo of the nachos was my dinner. Ok, not all of it, but most of it! Eric opted for the falafel and fries. So yummy!

Luscious Falafel!

Mike also shared a story of a very special gift sent to him by his dad in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was a microphone used by Elvis at a recording venue in Shreveport…isn’t that cool?

And some more party photos for you!

Our Fun Friend Jennifer

Celebrate!

Yours Truly, Enjoying the Festivities

The Always Elegant Tami, Our Perfect Hostess

So Much Fun!

Tami with Susie and Martin

What is Mike Doing?

Why, He's Blowing The Candles Out On His Awesome Doughnut Birthday Cake!

The cake was made by Sublime Doughnuts. They are loved by Atlantans and have some really unusual flavors – like Pink Lemonade! I had a chocolate iced with raspberry filling. Oh my goodness, it was tasty.

And, as always, Tami and Mike’s friends are super cool. I love spending time with them – they are both wonderful hosts and always so laid back and fun.

Happy Birthday, Mike!!

xoxo, Patti