Located in the middle of all the hustle and bustle that is 14th and Peachtree, TAP is one of my many faves in the Midtown area. I hadn't visited in a while and was pleased as peach when I heard Chef David Connolly was introducing a new Fall menu. Among many highlights I can recall after that culinary extravaganza - if you an find a nook along the staircase, go for it!, make room for some of their special beverages, and do not overlook the chicken wings with street corn or the roasted mushrooms as too simple - they will rock your taste buds! 

Every year that Diner en Blanc has been hosted in Atlanta, I have wanted to participate and missed it for one reason or the other. I learned of the event as it was hosted across the world and couldn't wait for it to make an appearance in my city. Somehow, the dates never aligned. Bt this year, my last year here, looks like the Universe heard me out! I was invited to be a media member and enjoyed front row seats to all the organization and participation of an event of this magnitude. Diner en Blanc Atlanta 2015 was a blast! Firstly, the amount of secrecy involved is amazing, and sure enough nobody blabbed. Secondly, the fact that they shut down Peachtree Street by the Fox Theater was unbelievable. Lucky for me, my vantage position at Cafe Mims in the Georgian Terrace Hotel was perfect as I watched the event unfold. I arrived early as sound checks were completed so I got a glimpse of the live entertainment in store. Then the white waves started rolling in. It was beautiful to see groups of people walk in and set up their tables - each one more beautiful than the other. And just the sheer level of creativity. Nobody was winning any prices for best dressed but folks were so into it - kudos for going all in! The entire block was filled with participants setting up as the evening's entertainment began with a French band. The lead singer was female and boy did she set the tone for a Parisian evening! She was followed by a violinist that killed it! I have no other words to describe his talent. Consider yourself lucky if you catch his performance. And then of course, the DJ took the night away. The official event start was announced by everyone twirling their white dinner napkins in the air. Then white balloons were handed out and eventually even sparklers for everyone to hold high at the same time. We sipped on Apothic wines as we watched the evening fade into night. Peachtree street looked beautiful amidst all the revelry and I was glad I was able to participate this year. Photos do not do justice to actually being present at the event but hope you can get an idea form the few shots I was able to take before the night lights made images blurry. I highly recommend participating in the event and am certainly going to try to do so in the next city I move to!

The recently held Kosher Food and Wine festival was fantastic. For a debut event, they certainly went all out. Held at the finals Georgia Freight Depot, the whole venue was turned into one massive party with food and drink vendors lining multiple rooms. Experiencing the range and richness of kosher food was the aim of the festival and they delivered. It was interesting to see a variety of different cuisines represented as well. From appetizers and pre-packaged goods, to entree dishes and accompaniments as well as desserts and other sweet options, the space was brimming with local community members supporting the efforts of Chabad of Georgia raising funds for Jewish outreach and education. Guests had their pick of wines and other beverages while visiting the different vendors and their offerings. A classy affair and well-organized. Unfortunately the pictures on my phone turned out blurry due to the dim lighting but I have these from the organizers that do some justice, thanks Barabara Moret. Mark you calendars for next year's event and watch out - this is going to grow bigger every year!

The Historic Hotels of America is a national trust for building preservation with several hundreds of member properties across the country. At a recent meet and greet event I learned that many happen to be in Georgia, where I live, and had no clue of! Six to be exact - I have visited the King and Prince and the Georgian Terrace but that's about it. I have also stayed at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville NC. I doubt if I have actually stayed in any historic hotels in other cities and states at all. Amazed to learn so much about the history of these buildings that are now hotels and inns. Quick info - The National Trust has 27 historic sites across the US. Be sure to check those out. Also, you can purchase historic properties if that is of interest to you. And the link is here. Check out their member directory online and maybe you can stay at historic hotel the next time you travel! Make sure you sign up for their newsletter for special offers and deals.