DailyCandy Atlanta

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

Havana Good Time?

2009-11-06T07:00:00Z

Havana Sandwich Shop Reopens

You’ve traveled the food globe from sea to shining sea. Even countries where your passport is banned.

One bite that’s definitely worth the trip: Havana Restaurant. The hungrily missed Buford Highway sandwich shop has relocated to a new spot, and it’s opening Monday.

Co-founder Debbie Benedit revived the resto just up the road from its former haunt. She gave the space a fresh look: metallic silver and blue walls, tropical decor, and etched flooring.

Counter service fans can thrill to the fabled No. 17 combo plate (half Cuban sandwich, black bean soup, and yellow rice topped with signature red sauce) and traditional dishes like pollo granadina (a quarter bird stewed in tomato salsa).

Of course, flan and arroz con leche recipes remain in-house secrets.

That’s embargo to you.

Havana Restaurant, 3979 Buford Highway, Chamblee (404-633-7549 or havanarestaurantatlanta.com).

Photo: Dana Seith

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T07:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Grin and bear it.

SHOP
Save the Pandas Trunk Show
What: Stacey Sheron and Sarah Ashley Longshore sell and auction off their fine art and goods to help the zoo’s Give So They Stay campaign.
Why: It’s not all black and white.
When: Kickoff party, Thurs., 6-9 p.m. Trunk show and silent auction, Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: StaceAge, 912 Huff Rd., West Midtown (404-350-3233).

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: New sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get first dibs (and we’re giving away $100 gift cards to 100 early members).
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DRESS
Sage
What: MM Couture, BB Dakota, Free People, and more at the boutique’s brand new Avenue at East Cobb outpost.
Why: Wise up.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 4475 Roswell Rd., ste. 1010, Marietta (770-565-6220).

GO (and EAT)
Afternoon in the Country
What: Forty top toques including Kevin Gillespie and Eli Kirshtein feed your face; all ticket proceeds benefit Georgia farmers affected by the floods.
Why: Eat your heart out.
When: Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Where: The Inn at Serenbe, 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd., Palmetto. Tickets online.

AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery
What: The new local cheese and yogurt enterprise whips out flavors like black cherry and port wine, peach and ginger, and honey.
Why: It’ll bowl you over.
When: Your spoon’s empty.
Where: Drip Coffee Shop, 928 Garrett St., Glenwood Park (404-627-7375); and other locations.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Sarah Ashley Longshore

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Ruling the Roost

2009-11-04T07:00:00Z

Bistro Niko Opens

You prefer your croque monsieur cheesy, your cocktails complex, and your dining concepts anything but.

We’ve got your number. It’s 404-261-NIKO. Dial for a table when Buckhead Life Group’s Bistro Niko opens tomorrow night.

Gary Donlick’s utterly open white tile kitchen features ticketless food stations, hanging charcuterie, and an iced oyster sleigh.

The Balthazarian dining room has red-boothed, smoke-glassed charm. Donlick, Pano Karatassos, and Niko Karatassos (the resto’s namesake) sourced century-old wall sconces from French brasseries. Snapshots from their trip line the hall to the loo.

Foie gras and ham hock terrine with apple compote, veal osso buco shepherd’s pie, and an extensive craft beer list will give the anis cordial and kir royale set a run for their money.

Yet another sign that they’re speaking your language.

Bistro Niko, 3344 Peachtree Road, in the Sovereign Building, Buckhead (404-261-6456 or buckheadrestaurants.com).

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

It's Peanut Butter and Jelly Pedi Time

2009-11-03T07:00:00Z

The Jelly Pedi Pedicure

Razors, abraders, and flesh-eating sea life have yet to deter you. When it comes to good pedi-curing, you jump in feet first.

So you’ll go totally soft on the Jelly Pedi at Enyiaanise Beauty Bar.

Sit back and relax while a therapist drops a foaming tablet into your ceramic foot bowl. Soon, you’re up to your ankles in a warm, Jell-O-like conditioning goo.

While the aromatherapy (scents like lavender, peppermint, and aloe) relaxes you, the mixture goes to work. Not only does it keep the water warm four times longer, it also absorbs calcium and magnesium while neutralizing skin acids. The result? Dissolved calluses and supple, rehydrated skin.

And no threat of swimming with the fishes.

Available at Enyiaanise Beauty Bar, 842 North Highland Avenue, suite 3, Virginia Highland (404-733-1000 or enyiaanise.com).

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

Easel Does It

2009-11-02T07:00:00Z

Painted Table Cafe

A splash of color here. A dash of texture there.

When it comes to food, you’re always up for measured strokes of inspiration.

Painted Table Cafe seeks to please your palate palette.

Chef Omega Idolion Angell has taken up residence beneath the Fine Line Gallery, serving breakfast and lunch in a cozy, eclectic space.

A mix of wood, metal, stone, and orange Venetian faux finish make the interior a canvas in its own right. A big band soundtrack and rotating local art up the art house ante.

The far-ranging menu includes aromatic peanut butter and jelly soup, French toast rolled in caramelized Frosted Flakes and served with vanilla-orange anglaise, and pistachio-encrusted red snapper. The selections pay homage to Angell’s work in 92 countries (including stints as an Alaskan king crab fisherman and Flying Biscuit exec chef) and his willingness to play with his food.

Not to mention yours.

Painted Table Cafe, 465 Boulevard Drive, Grant Park (404-622-4353).

Photo: Courtesy of Painted Table Cafe

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

Gone Country

2009-10-30T06:00:00Z

Cafe Campesino Atlanta Opens

When it comes to a caffeinated pecking order, things can go from gourmet (client meeting expensarino) to goopy (basement mail room vending machine) in the blink of a bleary eye.

Perk up, chickadee. Little Red Hen bakestress Maria Moore Riggs officially opens Cafe Campesino at Sweet Auburn Curb Market tomorrow.

The endearing corner cafe will sell Riggs’s ever-popular goodies (among them, whole grain apple bran muffins, scones, and ginger cookies) and fair trade Americus-roasted blends from around the world.

A display case with French panes; hangout nook with big, comfy chairs; and chilled fridge stuffed with yogurt parfaits, breakfast burritos, and the like make it the sort of spot where aspiring baristas and working-class coffee clutchers will feel equally at home.

And less like they’ve gone to pot.

Cafe Campesino Atlanta, Sweet Auburn Curb Market, 209 Edgewood Avenue, Downtown (404-254-2029 or cafecampesinoatlanta.com).

Illustration: Getty Images

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T06:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Call your boo and your best ghoul. It’s gonna be a scary-fun weekend.

SEE
Phantom of the Opera
What: The silent 1925 film backed with a live Atlanta Symphony Orchestra soundtrack.
Why: Get spooked senseless.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.
Where: 1280 Peachtree St., Midtown (404-733-5000).

WAKE
Halloween Costume Ball and Monster Dance Party
What: BYO booze, an on-site mixologist, and 3,000 feet of dance space.
Why: Scare up some fun.
When: Sat., 10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: Murray Mill, 1200 Foster St., West Midtown. For info, call 404-441-2176.

STROLL
Shops Around Lenox Market
What: The Paper Mill Village debuts ITP with gourmet and artisan goodies.
Why: You’re a basket case.
When: Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 3400 Around Lenox Rd., Buckhead. For info, call 404-226-0351 or e-mail papermillmarket@yahoo.com.

BEND
Barre Blend Class
What: The fusion class at the Pilates and gyrotonic studio’s newest location mixes ballet and floor work to tone arms, abs, and thighs.
Why: Get a leg up on the competition.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.
Where: 1170 Howell Mill Rd., ste. p15, West Midtown (404-815-7117).

GET
Brow Waxes
What: L.A.-style shaping techniques; French lounge music; and sweets, tea, and cucumber water for snacking.
Why: Wink, wink.
When: Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. R.S.V.P. by phone.
Where: Natural Body Spa and Shoppe, 2385 Peachtree Rd., ste. a3a, Buckhead (404-869-7722).

Photo: Courtesy of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher

Give Thanks

2009-10-28T13:15:00Z

Heritage Thanksgiving Turkeys

Your typical Thanksgiving meal includes mashed potatoes with a side of crazy, yams topped with family dysfunction, and turkey as dry as your parents’ sex life.

Bring some sanity to the table this year in the form of a Heritage turkey.

Grown on the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, the fowl is bred naturally; never fed antibiotics or animal by-products; matures at a natural rate; and, when the day comes, meets a clean end.

Pick a bird ranging from 8 to 22 pounds (one pound per person), and Heritage will include the neck and giblets for stuffing and gravy. Never frozen, the game comes on ice, sealed in a cryovaced bag with a cavity wedge to protect it from bacterial growth.

Order before they sell out, and your gobbler will arrive via FedEx Tuesday, November 24 with cooking instructions.

Oh, will you please pass the judgment?

Available online at heritagefoodsusa.com.

Photo: Getty Images