Dear Santa

Dear Santa,



I hope all’s well on the Pole. It’s been quite some time since we last spoke, but perhaps you remember my plea for Suzie Johnston to trip on her new jump rope in the third grade class talent show (thank you for answering my prayers on that one). Or maybe you remember my extra-special efforts to impress you with my crunchy carrot cake gumbo in ‘89 (Dad said your reindeer really knew how to fly after noshing on that mix).



Listen, I know we’ve talked openly before, and I hope we can be frank with each other again. I’m a little older and wiser now, and I’ve graduated from milk and cookies to something a little stronger. You can probably appreciate the need for a stiff drink after a hard day’s night, right? Atlanta’s bar scene needs some of your magical powers, Santa. We’re hurting for bartenders who know how to pour just the right amount of liquor to make your tummy burn with that heat we all know and love. 



I don’t want to call out any names, and the really bad ones are probably already on your naughty list. Hell, I probably am, too. (And I can explain that, if I absolutely must.) But about these bartenders…they’re doing OK with their jobs, but sometimes I wonder, just how often do they want us to tip them heavily before they give us a fair amount of shots? Furthermore, why the hell do they feel like it’s all right to carry on a conversation with an old friend in the corner when there’s a mass of thirsty drunks waiting at the other end for one of their lousy, weak drinks?



I’m sorry for complaining, especially since you’re probably just interested in getting the list of what toys are going where. But this is so important to all Atlantans and to nightlifers everywhere. I hate to make you put in any extra time in our city when you have so many to visit in just one night, but if there’s anything you could do to just put your snowy spin on some of the holiday drinks, we’d all be much obliged.



I promise you’ll get a really stiff drink when you come down my chimney.



Love,

Kirsten

Ringing It In

Out with the old, and in with the new. Send ’06 out with a bang with these New Year’s Eve party destinations for Atlanta’s finest and shiniest.



Let your NYE really blossom this go-round at the new ultra-luxe Asian-influenced nightclub, Lotus Lounge. Admission ranges from $25 in advance to $35 at the door. For those that prefer a more exclusive party, 10 unique private rooms are available for reservation. Your VIP status buys you: Moet White Star Champagne, assorted appetizers, entry fees, party favors, and a room for between 10 and 35 of your closest peeps. Lotus Lounge, 2420 Piedmont Rd. NE, Lindbergh City Center, 404.869.3445 



Rock it like it’s hot at the creatively formal 8th Annual Downtown Countdown. Headlining is ‘90s favorite Drivin' & Cryin', along with Rehab, Modern Skirts, That 80s Band, and Unzipt. More music from spinning DJs and live karaoke from Metalsome Inc. complete the set. Wallflowers can laugh in the New Year in the comedy showcase lounge with live comedians. An array of open bars offers one bartender for every 70 guests. Bottoms up. $139 and up. Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St. NE, 800.422.7295



More than 2,000 of Atlanta’s sleekest converge for the fourth year in a row for Jezebel Magazine’s Jezolution. The general crew pays $119, or go high-brow for $169. That wad o’ green buys you more than 40 bars, two live bands, two DJs, a full dinner buffet, a full breakfast buffet, and a few rumored surprises. Grand Hyatt, 3300 Peachtree Rd., 404.364.3841 



Celebrate your New Year's with an elegant and low-key evening at two of Atlanta's primo fine dining destinations, Bacchanalia and Quinones. Both restaurants will be serving a lavish prix fixe menu. At Bacchanalia, nosh on delicious cuisine for $75 per person, or partake in the champagne tasting menu for $150 per person. Quinones Room provides a more intimate celebration meal for $125 per person or a champagne tasting menu for $195 per person. Reservations are limited, so please book early to ensure your spot. Bacchanalia & Quinones Room, 1198 Howell Mill Rd., 404.365.0410 

Simply The Best

With new restaurants popping up like there's a sumo wrestler convention coming and a slew of new clubs and bars being opened and promoted all across town, it’s hard to decide which one to go to on any given night. Some—like Tara Reid’s breasts—dropped out of the running, and more than a few have made us look away (like Britney’s flashings). A few have stood out above all the rest though, and have made our list of the best of ’06.



Best Hip-Hop Dancing

Django Gypsy Kitchen & Saloon: Old-school house party meets packed-to-the-max dance floor sprinkled with groove-worthy hits from the likes of Ludacris and Tupac to Lil’ Jon and Ciara—all enjoyed in the basement of an eclectic Midtown restaurant. 495 Peachtree St., 404.347.8648



Best Blended Bar

PJ’s Coffee and Wine Bar: On the weekend, this strategically placed (near the gigantic new Cineplex) coffeehouse is jumping like a Buckhead club with a more relaxed crowd. The DJ spins a variety of mixes while you sip on your choice of java or vino. 232 19th St., Atlantic Station, 404.745.4215



Best New Lounge

Lotus Lounge: Just six months old, this Asian-inspired bar has blossomed into an ultra white-hot nightspot for the see-and-be-seen variety of partiers. The members-only VIP mezzanine level and classy and creative cocktails add to its allure. Lindbergh City Center, 404.869.3445



Best New Restaurant

TROIS: The classiest place to open in Atlanta since, well, who cares? Concentrics’ newest venture proves successful with their three-tiered French restaurant that takes as much care to its palate-pleasing dishes as its luxurious décor and elegant vibe. 1180 Peachtree St., 404.815.3337



Best New Date Haven

The Sweet Lowdown: In a city where tapas are the norm, Executive Chef Carmen Cappello boldly cooks up hearty meals of gastronomic pleasers. The spacious bi-level restaurant doubles as an events location. 942 Peachtree St. NE, 404.207.1324 



Best Chophouse

Taurus: Chef and owner Gary Mennie has merged a classic tradition of a steakhouse with an enviable elegance and ambiance. The fairly priced menu packs pizzazz, and the staff demonstrates gracious Southern hospitality. 1745 Peachtree St., 404.214.0641

Ringing It In

Out with old, and in with the new. Send '06 out with a bang with these New Year's Eve party destinations for Atlanta's finest and shiniest.



Let your NYE really blossom this go-round at the new ultra-luxe Asian-influenced nightclub, Lotus Lounge. Admission ranges from $25 in advance to $35 at the door. For those that prefer a more exclusive party, 10 unique private rooms are available for reservation. Your VIP status buys you: Moet White Star Champagne, assorted appetizers, entry fees, party favors, and a room for between 10 and 35 of your closest peeps. Lotus Lounge, 2420 Piedmont Rd. NE, Lindbergh City Center, 404.869.3445



Rock it like it’s hot at the creatively formal 8th Annual Downtown Countdown. Headlining is '90s favorite Drivin' & Cryin', along with Rehab, Modern Skirts, That 80s Band, and Unzipt. More music from spinning DJs and live karaoke from Metalsome Inc. complete the set. Wallflowers can laugh in the New Year in the comedy showcase lounge with live comedians. An array of open bars offers one bartender for every 70 guests. Bottoms up. $139 and up. Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St. NE, 800.422.7295



More than 2,000 of Atlanta’s sleekest converge for the fourth year in a row for Jezebel Magazine's Jezolution. The general crew pays $119, or go high-brow for $169. That wad o' green buys you more than 40 bars, two live bands, two DJs, a full dinner buffet, a full breakfast buffet, and a few rumored surprises. Grand Hyatt, 3300 Peachtree Rd., 404.364.3841



Celebrate your New Year's with an elegant and low-key evening at two of Atlanta's primo fine dining destinations, Bacchanalia and Quinones. Both restaurants will be serving a lavish prix fixe menu. At Bacchanalia, nosh on delicious cuisine for $75 per person, or partake in the champagne tasting menu for $150 per person. Quinones Room provides a more intimate celebration meal for $125 per person or a champagne tasting menu for $195 per person. Reservations are limited, so please book early to ensure your spot. Bacchanalia & Quinones Room, 1198 Howell Mill Rd., 404.365.0410

seasonal tips

A few guidelines to get you through this holiday season:

* No one likes to be coughed on. Seriously. Keep your hands over your mouth or keep your sick self at home.

* Some folks get rather down this time of year. Get counseling or ask a friend to grab a cup of joe to pull your woe-is-me routine. Anything to help you through it, except cornering your poor co-workers 'round the punchbowl at the office Christmas party. Keep it jolly.

* Don't hand out presents in front of people whom you didn't buy for. It's rude. Do it in private.

* Don't expect a gift in return.

* Though you might think everyone loves alcohol as much as you do, don't include it in your gifts unless you're sure the recipient can appreciate the rare single-malt you've just invested in.

* No matter how tempting, it's never OK to get more tanked than your boss at your office holiday party. Names of the naughty will be taken down on some list somewhere. Trust me on this.

* Not everyone believes in Santa and/or Jesus. A simple "Happy Holidays" will suffice if you don't know someone's religion.

* Tacky decor is not OK. Plastic Santas taller than you are not cool, and never will be.

* Be generous with your tips for your waitresses, waiters, and bartenders. Everyone's got someone special they're trying to buy for this holiday season.