Fall is arriving! (Slowly but surely...)

This morning, fall was finally in the air. An almost brisk 70 degrees rustled the treetops and gave my dogs and me an extra perk in our steps (or perhaps it was all the squirrels rejoicing in the cooler weather as well). Regardless, I had a huge smile on my face during my walk this morning. I simply adore this time of year.

I was reminded about the season change yesterday, actually, when I saw an advertisement for Decatur’s Concerts on the Square. Decatur has these free, outdoor concerts every spring and fall, and this year they’ll be taking place on September 10, 17 and 24 on Decatur Square. They’re free! Such a lovely way to spend an evening with friends and family. My family will be in town for the concert on the 24th, and they’re in luck; there will be fireworks! The Fourth of July fireworks display had to be cancelled due to rain, so we’ll all get to enjoy them on the last night of their stay. And, Cindy Lou Harrington is performing — I hadn’t heard of her before now, but she’s great.

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Be safe. Cab it!

I was in the ladies room at Mac McGee’s in downtown Decatur the other night, and I saw an advertisement for a new company called poundtaxi.com. The idea was simple and brilliant: dial #taxi from your cell phone and get connected to the closest taxi to you. As it turned out, some friends and I did indeed need a taxi that night, so I figured we’d give it a try. So dial I did. The first time I called I got disconnected. But, the second time, I got through to a Yellow Cab, and it arrived at the bar within five minutes. Success!

In the past, I have never been this lucky. I’ve called a cab company only to wait and wait and wait some more before calling them back and then waiting some more…cabs are often really hard to get, especially on weekends. And, I’m never entirely sure what cab service to call – I just want to hail the closest one. Poundtaxi makes this all a lot easier.

I’m a huge supporter of bars and restaurants advertising easy public transportation options for people at their establishments. The easier it is to find a cab, the less likely patrons are going to risk driving home themselves. Lives will be saved. I like the fact that poundtaxi.com doesn’t use scare campaigns to get their message across; as they note on their website, “…people are going to drink, we just want them to have fun and make smart decisions that won’t hurt anyone.”

Here’s to both responsible drinking and responsible behavior in general! Take a cab.

Photo: Fly Navy

Gorgeous Avondale Estates Near Decature, GA

Have you heard? If you are a beer lover and live in or around Atlanta (or plan to visit this spring), you’ll be happy to know that a brand new craft beer brewery is opening near Avondale Estates! It’s called Wild Heaven Craft Beers, and they’re apparently slated to open in late spring.

There are two beers listed on the web site so far, and both are getting rave reviews. They’re both definitely on the stronger side, at over 8% ABV.

I’m looking forward to taking tours of the brewery when it opens and to (hopefully!) beer and food pairing nights. Nowadays, many breweries are doing this – throwing dinner parties in which the food is carefully selected to complement the beer tastings. Lots of fun!

Atlanta currently only has a handful of microbreweries (Terrapin, Five Seasons and Sweetwater, and Terrapin is actually in Athens).  So, this brewery will be highly welcomed! We’re still way behind the brewery scenes of Portland and even San Diego, but it’s a start. Cheers to Atlanta’s fifth microbrewery opening – it will greatly improve the city’s beer scene!

Atlanta Brewing Company

Photos: schrierc, Jenny Bengen (Avondale Esates photo)

Ready for Some Valentine's Day Dessert?

Atlantans! Valentine’s Day is only a month away – do you have your plans squared away yet? How about dessert and drinks? This idea is more budget-friendly, and it’s still possible to completely wow your date (what lady doesn’t love dessert?)

If you live in or around Atlanta, take a peek at the choices below and start planning your special evening. This city has a plethora of choices in this category, but these three are at the top of my list.

1. The Chocolate Bar (Decatur)

The Chocolate Bar in downtown Decatur serves up delectable dessert martinis and a host of amazing cakes and sweets. The signature drink is aptly named The Chocolate Bar, which is heavenly, thought the Tiramisu is amazing as well. Wines and champagnes are offered as well. Split a small or large dessert plate with a loved one and go home full, sugared up and happy! The Chocolate Bar is a very small place, and no reservations are accepted. Get there super early to avoid disappointment.

2. Cafe Intermezzo (Buckhead and Ashford-Dunwoody)

This place happens to be one of the very first places this blogger ate at in Atlanta. Divine desserts and alcoholic coffee drinks that will absolutely knock your socks off. There’s a full menu as well. Prices are a touch on the high side, but the decadence is worth it. Cafe Intermezzo does take reservations, so if you haven’t made them for Valentine’s Day yet, do so soon!

3.  Palate Cafe Wine Bar (Oakhurst)

After 3.5 years in Atlanta, Palate remains one of my absolute favorite places. The chocolate bread pudding melts in your mouth, it’s the best I’ve had anywhere. The dessert drinks are made very well — not too strong with a lot of flavor. There’s an extensive wine list, of course, and take advantage of the appetizer menu. The bruschetta is fabulous!

Photo: clevercupcakes