2.21.2008

Go Live


I think the time has come.

2.21 HOT List from the Atlantan


EAT NOW!
Change is good (no, really!) at muy caliente tapas restaurant Loca Luna's new digs that ups the tropical paradise factor (waterfalls, palm trees, koi pond, live samba) while still featuring all your festive faves (ceviche, braised spare ribs, paella, mojitos). The mucho gratis parking isn't bad either. 550 Amsterdam Ave. NE, Virginia Highland, Morningside, 404.875.4494.

SHOP NOW!
There'll be no singing the blues at über-hip boutique Blue Genes' new outlet store. Instead we predict the store within a store will induce oodles of giddiness among bargain-hunting fashionistas for their big discounts on hard-to-find designer labels (think 20 to 70 percent off must-haves like Candace Ang black flats, a Hanii Y leather jacket, William Rast vintage trouser jeans) while the $25 rack (featuring a soft Harlow tee) may just become our new hangout.

Blue Genes
3400 Around Lenox Dr.
Buckhead
404.231.3400

PARTY NOW!
You could spend hours trolling MySpace to track down the next big thing in the Southeast's underground music scene (yawn) or check out The Devil Stole the Beat instead. The BMI/ASCAP grassroots showcase, now in its eighth year, brings together local on-the-verge musicians (alt-country Arum Rae and indie popsters Ski Club come to mind) and the creative types that love 'em for 16 performances over two nights. Feb. 20-22, $6, $10 for a three-day pass.
Smith's Olde Bar
1580 Piedmont Ave. NE
Midtown
404.614.0006

GET SMART NOW!
We're not sure how one develops a love for caves (obviously it doesn't involve claustrophobia) but the IMAX film, Journey Into Amazing Caves, the result of two scientists' passion for underground voids, is beautiful. Discover the joys of spelunking (that's cave exploration to you and me) at the Fernbank Museum. Through May 4, various times, $13. 767 Clifton Rd., Druid Hills, 404.929.6400.

2.13.2008

Need a cake?


Joshua John can really bake em. But they are so pretty would you really want to eat them?

Josh is obviously not trying to do business online, since his website is awful, but the few pictures he does have are gorgeous.

His cupcakes look like they are now for sale in Outwright Bookstore, which I happen to live very close to, I may just have to go try one out and see if they taste as good as they look...

Gorilla art?


Ok, seriously.

I get millions of newsletters and things but this really stands out. Apparently art has gone to a new level. Gorilla level. The two gorillas, Koko and Michael, in Cali. have begun to do their own paintings, and some genius decided to make digital reproductions (a limited number, of course) for people with WAY too much money to buy.

As if that's not enough, they also let the gorillas name the paintings.. things such as "Pink, Pink, Stink, Nice Drink" and "Stink Gorilla More." No, I'm not kidding.

This is taken straight from the newsletter, I think it's hilarious..
"Pieces run just $100-$350 (so feel free to go ape shit), with proceeds going
toward the preservation, protection, and well-being of the species.
And that’s no monkey business."

It is going toward a good cause, but as for the artwork.. get your kid to paint you something.

If you want to see for yourself, check out koko.org

Bronchitis..

is over!! The z-pack worked just as planned.. I'm almost 100% I am still coughing but its tons better.. I hate being sick.

2.07.2008

The HOT List!

EAT NOW!
The Chinese believe we all start off fresh at the beginning of each new year. Well, wipe your slate clean with the Chinese New Year Celebration at Indochine hotspot STEEL. Celebrate the Year of the Rat with a three-course dinner (sweet and sour ribs, hoisin duck breast) and a lion dance performance to ward off bad luck. Partake in other end-of-year Chinese traditions and do some major cleaning (starting with your plate) and family visiting. Better yet, invite them and maybe they'll pick up the tab. Feb. 7-9, 7PM, $40.
STEEL Restaurant & Lounge
950 W. Peachtree St.
Midtown Plaza
404.477.6111

The rain in Spain may fall mainly on the plain but for flavorful and authentic Iberian cuisine in Atlanta (saffron-infused paella, gazpacho, plancha-grilled seafood) head to Cuerno, the nuevo spot from Riccardo Ullio. The resto's salvaged metal sculpture of Spain's four-legged iconic symbol is, um, no bull. 905 Juniper St., Midtown, 678.904.4589.


SHOP NOW!
Think Project Runway meets High School Musical (minus the hissy fits and embarrassing Polaroids) when Grady High School fashion students show off their stylish designs at LUXE Deconstructed Couture Fashion Showcase. Like what you see? The tricked-out vintage items from 11 students are up for grabs ($250), as is the gratis food and bevies from JCT Kitchen. Expect plenty of one-of-a-kind creations with nary an impromptu pop song in sight. Feb. 7, 7PM-10PM, no cover.
LUXE-Atlanta
1000 Marietta St.
Downtown
404.815.7470


PARTY NOW!
Just because the holiday was originally named after two Christian martyrs (and may have involved animal sacrifice!), there's no reason not to have a rollicking fun time at Valensteins 2008, Atlanta's largest Jewish Valentine's Day party. Join 500 of your closest friends (and make new ones!) as you get into the romantic spirit with Geisha House's sexy atmosphere. The specially priced cocktails and gratis apps should help. Feb. 9, 9PM-2:30AM, $15-$20.
Geisha House
1380 Atlantic Dr.
Atlantic Station
404.355.6949

GET SMART NOW!
A tale full of family scandals, gossipmongers and Southern culture (no, not the Spears' saga), Cold Sassy Tree makes its Atlanta operatic debut at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Religion, death and social taboos get the sassy treatment in this story from Georgia-native Olive Ann Burns. Feb. 7, 8 and 10, $28-$97. 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, 770.916.2800.

Bronchitis...


I'm sick.. I have bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and may last several days or weeks*. Acute bronchitis is characterized by cough and sputum (phlegm)** production and symptoms related to the obstruction of the airways by the inflamed airways and the phlegm, such as shortness of breath and wheezing. Diagnosis is by clinical examination and sometimes microbiological examination of the phlegm. Treatment may be with antibiotics (if a bacterial infection is suspected), bronchodilators (to relieve breathlessness) and other treatments.

I went to the doctor today and got a z-pack.. should be better in no time..


*hopefully not in my case
**mine's a nice yellowish green

Music!