Macallan 12-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Yummy.

I always laugh when I hear the word “Scotch.” I can’t help but hear Ron Burgundy’s word from Anchor Man: “I love Scotch. Scotchy Scotch Scotch. Here it goes, down into my belly…” Ron Burgundy did for Scotch what self-serve wine bars did for wine – made it less snooty and more accessible. At least in my mind. Even so, I never got around to experimenting with Scotch Whiskey until very recently – I still considered it to be a “man’s” drink. I also incorrectly assumed that Scotch Whiskey is nowhere near as interesting or complex as wine.

Thanks for Macallan, however, these erroneous thoughts and assumptions were corrected. A few months back, my husband asked if I wanted to attend a free Scotch tasting with him at Atlantic Station’s Lobby at Twelve hotel/restaurant. He had asked before, and I had either been busy or simply hadn’t been interested. This time, though, I decided to give it a shot. At least I would get a free drink, even if I didn’t like it. I was suspicious though — free? I soon learned that they more than make up for the free events with new Macallan converts like myself.

Read More »

Growlers - the best way to transport draft beer

The growlers are coming, the growlers are coming! Hailing from San Diego, I already knew what growlers were. But, when we casually threw around the term out here in Atlanta, unless the person we were talking to worked at Brickstore or Twain’s, they had absolutely no idea what we were talking about. Shameful! Growlers are basically jugs used to transport draft beer. Why use them, you ask?

1. It’s generally cheaper to pour draft beer into growlers than it is to buy cans or bottles of the same beer.

2. There are a lot of microbreweries that don’t sell their beers in many places; it’s wonderful to just visit the brewery and take a growler or two home with you.

3. They make great gifts at parties (save the growler though!)

I live in Decatur, so I was really excited to read this article today. The Beer Growler is just down the street from me, and Sherlock’s is a five minute drive. Decatur is getting on board! This isn’t surprising, really, given the number of good beer bars in downtown Decatur. But, ever since I heard that Hop City was going to be the first place in Atlanta to offer growlers, I was itching to Decatur to hop on the growler wagon. Ale Yeah! was the first store in Decatur to offer growlers, and since they’re doing so well, the idea is catching on.

The best part about a growler? When the beer is all gone, simply wash it out and bring it back to the store to be re-filled with another one, or perhaps a different one. It’s very environmentally friendly!

Cheers…

notmargaret

The Marianna and Wrecking Bar Brewpub in Atlanta, GA

For months and months, the mysterious, Victorian-looking rotunda complete with columns and wide, curved steps sat behind a wire fence, looking more dilapidated by the day. Every time I drove by the place near Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood, my curiosity was piqued: what was that beautiful building, and why was it being allowed to become run down? I dreamed about what I could do with the space if I had the funds — a wine bar, a huge bed and breakfast, a hostel. Luckily, someone with an even better idea came along and decided to convert the historic building into an event space on the top portion (called The Marianna) and a brewpub called The Wrecking Bar on the bottom. Perfect!

Interior glimpse into The Wrecking Bar

I finally set foot in the bar last night for the first time (it’s been open since June 19, but life gets in the way of good beer sometimes).  Having visited, I can now confidently say that Wrecking Bar will be a longtime resident of Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood. Though there is a brewpub competitor just down the street (The Porter Beer Bar), the Wrecking Bar should have no problem enticing loyal customers for two main reasons. First, the space. Even though the bar is in the “basement” of the building, it feels pretty light and airy inside, and the lighting at night makes it feel more like a comfy den than a cavernous cave. I loved the exposed stone beams and the wood floors, and the lighting was soft and welcoming. And, I could actually hear my friend talking — no loud music here, which is a major plus for me. I never understand why pubs, which are supposed to be places for people to hang out and talk, insist on blasting music that prevents any meaningful conversation from taking place. Silly.

The delectable Veggie Thai Curry

Secondly, the food and drinks rock. Ironically, neither my friend nor I had a beer, even though I do love my IPA’s. Instead, we opted for a glass of Pinot and a remarkable Old Fashioned. Don’t commit to disliking whiskey until you’ve sipped on the Wrecking Bar’s version called an In Fashion – it’s very, very drinkable.  As for the food, my friend and I both enjoyed what we ordered, me especially. I really loved scarfed down my Vegetable Thai Curry. It was spicy and a little sweet, and it actually tasted more like a green curry than a yellow. The veggies it came with were well-cooked, fresh and delicious. My friend enjoyed demolished her Mediterranean veggie sandwich, and I can personally attest to the fries being first-rate; I certainly stole enough from her plate!

The bar area

Wrecking Bar’s beer list is small compared to The Porter Bar, perhaps, but they appear to offer quality, well thought out selections. I look forward to trying some of those on my next visit;  I’m a little embarrassed that I didn’t explore the beer menu when I was at a brewpub. But, sometimes you just crave a cocktail. Like a lot of Atlantans, I’ve spent a long time waiting for The Wrecking Bar to open, and the danger in that for any restaurant or bar is the amount of expectation that builds up. So far, Wrecking Bar delivers on all fronts, and I plan to spread the word. Cheers!

The Wrecking Bar's patio area

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert and The Wrecking Bar Brewpub

Enjoy this view of Atlanta from a hotel rooftop bar

Atlanta is HOT in summer, even at night. Hot, humid, muggy, moist — however you want to say it, you get the idea. Luckily enough for night owls, the city offers more than a handful of entertaining rooftop bars! Atlanta has a beautiful skyline, and in summer, at least, it can perhaps be best appreciated on the top of a tall building with a mojito in hand. The breeze blows in your hair, convivial chatter surrounds you and everyone is aglow in that mid-summer, late-afternoon sun. Nice, right? Here’s where you can capture this experience in Atlanta:

1. Glenn Hotel’s Sky Lounge

Apparently, the Glenn Hotel’s rooftop bar is what first started the rooftop bar trend in Atlanta. Even one visit will show you why. The view is gorgeous, the seating area is plush and the crowd is posh. Dress to impress and to be prepared to pay too much for drinks (they’re tasty, though!).But, there’s nothing like a genuine rooftop bar in summer, and Glenn Hotel’s Sky Lounge delivers on all fronts.

2. Whiskey Blue (Buckhead)

If you want a trendy scene, then you’ve found it at Whiskey Blue. Throngs of people want to get into the cabanas each and every weekend, so book early! Probably the trendiest rooftop bar in Atlanta.

3. Fado Irish Pub (Buckhead)

The rooftop bar here is a welcome retreat from what is usually a seriously over-packed downstairs bar. Enjoy small plates and drink specialties while you ogle at the Buckhead skyline.

4. STATS

Yep, it’s a sports bar, but you don’t have to be a serious sports junkie to have a memorable time here. First, STATS is one of the country’s very first places to offer customers their own self-serve taps at the tables. There are five bars to choose from, and the rooftop patio is a lovely space to enjoy your cold beer or mixed drink. It’s a more laid-back scene than some other rooftop bars. Definitely worth checking out.

5. W Atlanta – Downtown

Rooftop bar not enough for you? How about taking a dip in the rooftop pool? It’s only opened on weekends, but how cool is that?!

Photos: apple.white2010