It's OK to be a 'Lush'

We heart eco-friendly shops that reduce carbon footprints with less packaging and take care of us, Mother Earth, cute animals and sea creatures alike with lovely all-natural (seriously) ingredients. That's why we're all giddy inside that Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics is opening up another store in Atlanta at Perimeter Mall. The grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 7, from noon to 4 p.m., includes product demos, free goody bags (while supplies last), contests, free facials, tasty treats, free giveaways, and much more! Remember to bring 3 friends and be entered to win a $200 gift card. You won't want to miss out, so make sure to be one of the first 200 to RSVP and receive a special treat by calling 770-394-5874 or e-mailing perimetermall@lush.com.

Dine out tonight for John Henderson

Atlantans mourn the loss of John Henderson; the beloved restaurant employee at Standard Food & Spirits in Grant Park, who’s life was taken by armed men who robbed the restaurant on January 7th. Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House owners, Tad and Nancy Mitchell and HomeGrown Restaurant Concepts owner, Rich Chey and Atlanta Together are taking a stand against crime by hosting the Dine Out for a Safer Atlanta tonight, Wednesday, January 28. Participating restaurants will donate 20 percent of the day’s proceeds to the Atlanta Police Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping Atlanta’s neighborhoods safe, and the Crime Stoppers John Henderson reward fund.

Atlantans can do their part by dining at any of the participating restaurants on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. Enjoy some of Atlanta’s best cuisine, while contributing to a worthy cause. Participating restaurants include: 97 Estoria, Agave, Atkins Park, Aurora Coffee (North Highland and Moreland locations), Beleza, Blind Willies, Brake Pad, Corner Tavern (Little Five Points, East Point and Edgewood locations), Cuerno, Dakota Blue, Doc Chey’s (North Highland and Emory locations), El Myr, El Taco, Flatiron, Food 101 (North Highland and Roswell Road locations), Fontaine's Oyster House, Fritti, Front Page News, Grant Central, Highland Tap, Holy Taco, Java Vino, JCT Kitchen, La Tavola, Little Azios, Limerick Junction, Midway Pub, Milltown Arms Tavern, Meehan's Public House (Sandy Springs and Paces Ferry locations) Midway Pub, Moes and Joes, No Mas Cantina, Octane Coffee, Osteria 832 Pasta and Pizza, Ria's Bluebird, San Francisco Coffee (Candler Park, Poncey Highland and Virginia-Highland locations), Six Feet Under (Memorial Drive and 11th Steet locations), Sotto Sotto, Steamhouse Lounge, Stella Pasta Pizza & Spirits, The Cavern, The Glenwood, The Radial, The Standard, Steamhouse Lounge, Steinbeck’s, Universal Joint, Vickerys Bar & Grill (Crescent Avenue and Garrett Street locations), Vortex, West Egg Café and Zaya Restaurant.

Guests can go to www.atlantanstogether.com for an updated list of participating restaurants and a link to their Web sites.

Hanging out with Rande Gerber

Rande Gerber, Whiskey bar juggernaut (and husband of Cindy Crawford), relaxing on the leather sofa of Whiskey Blue at the W-Buckhead, after our one-on-one interview. He's one seriously cool person. Totally the guy you'd want hanging out at your parties. And I'm looking forward to going to his tonight! Check back soon for notes from my interview...

Get well, Steve Jobs!

Well, I do declare...

I'm uber-excited about the W-Tante Ball this Thursday, Jan. 22, at the W-Buckhead, where modern luxury meets southern charm (or so they declare). We shall see. The rooms are said to be sumptuous. Market, the restaurant, is delicious as it is adventurous. Living Room, another lounging eatery, is a stylish setting for salon socializing. And the bar, Whiskey Blue, decadent for elbow-rubbing, ear-purring and genuinely interesting old-fashioned cocktails with modern spins.

Another restaurant bites the dust...

The economy has taken down another restaurant—and a very good one, at that. Chef/owner Gary Mennie shut down his latest venture, Taurus (so named for Mennie's astrological sign), after New Year's Eve's dinner. The chophouse opened to much acclaim in 2005 after Mennie departed from the helm of Canoe, where he reigned over the kitchen for 10 years. No word on what will move into the well-designed space in South Buckhead, but the city views from the balcony are enviable for any brave company looking to venture a new business in these unstable times.

Well-crafted

I first met Tom Colicchio last May at the annual Share Our Strength Taste of the Nation gala at the Georgia Aquarium. An amicable guy with an unparalleled reputation for being a Renaissance man and quite the sex symbol to boot (Salon named him in its “Sexiest Men Living,” Nov. 2008), he posed for pics with foodies and socialites alike. He and I chatted ever so briefly about his upcoming endeavor: bringing his heralded restaurants to Atlanta. And the day has finally arrived.

Mid-December, I stepped into two of Atlanta’s newest—and hottest—restaurants: Craft Atlanta and Craftbar at the Mansion on Peachtree. The upstairs/downstairs duo is the brainchild of award-winning chef, restaurateur and author Colicchio, who hails from New York. He opened the doors to his hotly anticipated restaurants with little fanfare, not what’s typically expected for a Big Apple expansion into our fine city, especially one from the head judge on “Top Chef.” It’s that subtlety that provides a big draw into the understated elegance of Craft Atlanta and Craftbar. The new eateries are located in a free-standing building that’s part of the Mansion’s 42-story luxury hotel and residences across from Lenox Square Mall. Craft Atlanta and Craftbar offer two different dining experiences, both staying true to Colicchio’s food philosophy of bold flavors and farm-fresh, quality ingredients.


Since opening the first Craft location in New York seven years ago, Colicchio has received numerous accolades for the concept, earning a three-star review by the New York Times. Prior to Craft’s inception, Colicchio started the renowned Gramercy Tavern in Manhattan with partner Danny Meyer. The James Beard Award-winning chef made his kitchen debut in prominent New York restaurants. Colicchio has authored two cookbooks and is the head judge on Bravo’s hit reality show, “Top Chef.” Heading up the kitchens of Craft Atlanta and Craftbar is Chef de Cuisine Kevin Maxey, who has served at the helm of Craft Dallas since 2005, where he was named as a Rising Star Chef in 2007.

The 135-seat Craft Atlanta features an upscale, contemporary American menu of straightforward dishes that showcase the integrity of a single ingredient. Served family-style, the menu includes classic Craft dishes such as braised beef short ribs, beet and Roquefort blue cheese salad, roasted scallops with vermouth butter, Elysian Fields lamb loin, roasted hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and lemon beignets with lemon curd and lemon verbena ice cream. Similar to the menu, Craft’s libations include some of the best wines from around the world, focusing on smaller producers, as well as seasonal cocktails.

As a more relaxed dining option, Craftbar’s rustic and comfortable dining room offers casual fare and low-key menu items perfect for brunch, quick lunches and snacks, as well as casual dinners. Craftbar is located on the ground floor of the building and has table seating for 80, an intimate eight-seat bar, a wood-burning grill and display kitchen. In addition, a semi-private dining area seats up to 32 guests for special events. The menu includes a variety of bruschetta, hearty pasta dishes, roasted and braised meats and fish. Sandwiches, such as duck prosciutto with fontina and hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, are available for lunch, as well as for dinner.

Architects Bentel & Bentel, who are behind the design of all Craft restaurants, created the interior design for Craft Atlanta and Craftbar. The open wood-fire grill, clad in copper and steel, works as a symbolic hearth for the two-story space. Past the grill on the first floor, a thick, solid walnut slab anchors the bar and provides a warm contrast to the blackened steel-and-glass wine vault that screens an intimate dining lounge beyond. Local artist Stephanie Johnson’s works flank the walls. A monumental staircase of walnut planks draws guests to Craft Atlanta on the second floor. The spatial layout on this level provides varying degrees of intimacy while preserving the communal quality of one large dining room.

The continuing theme throughout the restaurants features natural elements of walnut, steel, copper, oak, brick, cherry, leather and muslin, all nodding to the impeccable craftsmanship reflected in every dish. SP
Kirsten Ott is the Life, Food & Style Editor of The Sunday Paper. E-mail her at kirstenott@sundaypaper.com.

DINING ESSENTIALS
CRAFT ATLANTA & CRAFTBAR
The Mansion on Peachtree
3376 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404-995-7580
www.craftrestaurant.com


Meals: Both restaurants are open for dinner. Craftbar also serves lunch and brunch.
Hours: Craft and Craftbar both serve dinner seven days a week: Sun.–Thu. 5:30–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m. Craftbar also is open for brunch Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., and lunch Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Reservations: Yes for Craft. Recommended for Craftbar, but walk-ins are welcome.
Dress: Business casual
Cost: Craft: starters: $3–$22; entrees: $22–$46; a la carte sides: $7–$16. Craftbar: starters: $9–$18; entrees: $16–$28.
Alcohol: Full bar
Parking: Complimentary valet

Say farewell to Bush

Bush has been a real pain in our asses for far too long. And now Bliss Spa is helping you to get rid of Bush with a discount on its painless-as-possible bikini waxing.
During the transition from one president to another, get 20 percent off Bliss Spa's signature Brazilian bikini wax, plus any waxing and post-waxing products you buy. (My fave: Get Out of Hair, a body lotion to soothe post-waxed and post-shaved skin, plus minimize ingrown hairs with willow bark extract.)
Offer valid Jan. 19 to Feb. 1.
Book your appointment now through Blissworld.com or by calling 877-862-5477 (TO-BLISS). Be sure to mention "Farewell to Bush" at checkout.
Bliss Atlanta-Midtown is nestled in the W Midtown (188 14th St NE). Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week. Reach them directly at 404-685-3510.

New Year, new you

The first of any year always brings strengthened resolve to improve your eating habits. But eating better doesn’t have to mean never dining out again. Here are our some of our favorite restaurants’ healthy dishes:

DRESSED
Three locations in Midtown, Buckhead and Perimeter (coming soon). (There’s one in Hong Kong, too!)
www.dressedsalads.com.
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATES:
California salad: grilled chicken, avocado, egg whites, tomatoes, slivered almonds and Iceberg lettuce with Balsamic vinaigrette, $9.25
Shrimp scampi salad: grilled shrimp, roasted garlic, white beans, tomatoes, fried capers and baby spinach with lemon caper vinaigrette, $9.50
Vegetable garden salad: grilled asparagus, roasted beets, carrots, broccoli, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet corn, white mushrooms, sweet onion and Iceberg with avocado dressing, $9.25
Or customize your own nutritional bowl of greens and toppings.

LOBBY AT TWELVE
361 17th St., 404-961-7370, www.lobbyattwelve.com
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATES:
Vegetable sandwich, roasted tomatoes, avocado, buratto, pepperoncini, $10
Atlantic salmon, spaghetti squash, green goddess dressing, $24
Yellowtail tuna, chimichurri, polenta, $22

MURPHY’S
997 Virginia Ave., 404-872-0904, www.murphysvh.com
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATES:
Whole grain granola, $4. With yogurt and bananas, $4.50
Linda’s omelette: sautéed spinach, onions, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, $10 (Be good to your heart, and have it made with egg whites for an additional $.50.)
Mango chicken salad: mixed greens, roasted chicken, toasted peanuts, ginger Balsamic vinaigrette and crispy noodles, $10
Seared grouper, garlic shrimp sauce, broccolini, mashed potatoes, $17
Vegetable plate, chef’s selection of locally grown and organic vegetables, $16

PARISH
240 N. Highland Ave., 404-681-4434, www.parishatl.com
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATES:
Roasted vegetable sandwich, butternut squash, roasted red pepper, portabella mushrooms on a parmesan roll, $8
Tomato and watermelon salad with local goat cheese, basil vinaigrette, $6
Peel-and-eat Gulf shrimp, $8-$19
Jumbo BBQ shrimp, $19
Pan-roasted halibut, $23
Enchanted mountain trout, $16.50

ROOM AT TWELVE
400 W. Peachtree St., 404-418-1250, www.roomattwelve.com
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATES:
Shrimp and miso soup, marinated shrimp, shitakes, ginger, scallion, $6
The Room vegetarian sandwich: goat cheese, avocado, walnut pesto, multigrain bread, $10
Assorted sushi, $6 to $14
Seared rare tuna, stir-fried vegetables, dashi broth, bonito flakes, $21

STATS
300 Marietta St., 404-885-1472, www.statsatl.com
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATES:
Veggie sandwich, fried green tomatoes, grilled portobello mushroom, chipotle sauce, $9
Tuna tataki, chili lime sauce, crisp vegetable salad, Nori crackers, $13
Market fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, market price

ALON’S BAKERY AND MARKET
4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road and 1394 N. Highland Ave., www.alons.com
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATES:
Tunisian spicy tuna sandwich: tuna chunks with capers, preserved lemons, lemon juice, olive oil, potatoes and hard boiled egg on a baguette with harissa (spicy) sauce, $7.49
Valencia salad, romaine and radicchio lettuces, toasted walnuts, imported gorgonzola and Valencia oranges with a citrus vinaigrette, $6.99

LEGAL SEA FOODS
275 Baker St. NW, 678-500-3700, www.legalseafoods.com
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATES:
Red-onion jam swordfish, $25.95
Steamed little-neck clams, garlic and white wine, $12.95

ONE MIDTOWN KITCHEN
559 Dutch Valley Road, 404-892-4111, www.onemidtownkitchen.com
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATE:
3 from the garden: Swiss chard gratinee; glazed turnips, golden raisins; parsnip flan, black truffle butter, $11

TAP
1180 Peachtree St., 404-347-2220, www.tapat1180.com
GOOD-FOR-YOU PLATE:
Cobb salad with chicken, avocado, bacon and blue cheese over baby gem lettuce (hold the bacon!), $11 SP
Kirsten Ott is the Life, Food & Style Editor of The Sunday Paper. Reach her at kirstenott@sundaypaper.com