We all know what the 4th of July Holiday means around the country: fireworks, carnivals, beach getaways, hotter weather and of course, stick-to-your-ribs barbecue. Living in the South offers us a plethora of options to satisfy that meaty, smoky craving. Although Atlanta doesn’t necessarily have a “signature” BBQ style or cut or sauce, our transient city certainly needs to be put on the map for barbecue good eats.

My all-time favorite ‘que spot in Atlanta is the infamous Fox Brothers off Dekalb Ave. While “Texas” in founding, Fox Brothers collects influences from all around the South to give guests a true taste of what Atlanta BBQ has to offer. The atmosphere is a small shack with just enough tables to get the lines long for waits. Never fear, it’s worth it, so just order a beer at the bar and wait it out. For appetizers, the stuffed jalapeno poppers are to die for - who can complain about peppers stuffed with BBQ pork, then fried? All meats are delicious, from brisket to pulled pork but especially their Texas-sized short rib - only served on certain days of the week (pictured below). Finally, be sure to order a side of jalapeno corn bread with honey butter, a sweet and spicy treat to take a break from meat overload. If you haven’t been, what are you still doing reading this?

Another classic my crew has been going to for years: Fat Matt’s Rib Shackoff Piedmont Road near Lindbergh. More of a fast order establishment than a sit down like Fox Bros, Fat Matt’s is the perfect place for a quick lunch, dinner after Sweetwater or takeout. My favorites are the rib sandwich, BBQ chicken, rum baked beans and delicious Brunswick stew. Plus, live music nightly and cheap beer keep the atmosphere lively.

Finally, leaving this with a relative new-comer on the scene, Community Q BBQ, near Emory off Clairmont Road. Decorated with pigs and animals everywhere, this joint has the feel of a local, roadside shack but with a larger sit down area. Order at the counter and find your seat amongst the checker-clothed tables, only to receive a full tray of food. Portions are not shy here, so order wisely or be prepared for a meat hangover. The combo plate is the way to go - my one meal here consisted of deliriously good pulled pork, brisket (one of the best I’ve had in Atlanta), mac-n-cheese, collards and toast, easily enough for 2 or 3 meals of leftovers. Their motto “a cut above the rest” certainly holds true in my experience.

Of course, I’m sure we all have our local favorites, so please chime in with your other hot spots! And here’s to a long 3-day weekend enjoying all the BBQ and fireworks we can handle. Have a great holiday!

While many of us ITP-ers often scoff at anything “suburban” outside of the Perimeter or Atlanta proper, I’ve come to learn that indeed there is life outside of 285. In my next few posts, I hope to uncover the mystery behind a few OTP hotspots that may give us a city folks a reason to venture out.

Working in the Roswell/Alpharetta area for 3 years has taught me a thing or two about lunch spots. Being the foodie I am, my list of almost 50 restaurants to try in the 10-mile vicinity has expanded each year. Most notably, here are a few gems that I’ve found over the years thanks to some daring and hungry co-workers.

If you’re in the mood for authentic Latin cuisine and something spicy, head to the quaint area of historic downtown Roswell to sample Street Food INC, a perfect example of why OTP should be a stop on Atlanta’s food map. The establishment prides itself on bringing Latin American street food to its customers in a more casual restaurant setting. The menu varies from small, snack-y type plates to tacos and full entrees - perfect for any appetite. Highlights that I’ve enjoyed include sweet potato tamales, pork tacos to die for (of course, served on homemade corn torillas) and the bacon-wrapped Sonoran hot dog. Don’t forget an infused water, horchata or their countless margaritas and cocktails to wash it all down. Overall, a fantastic place for lunch, happy hours and even special birthday celebrations for favorite ITP-ers.

For those who crave all that is BBQ, it’s a toss up for me between Smokejack in Alpharetta and Swallow at the Hollow in Roswell. Both offer all around, stick to your bones barbeque in atmospheres great for drinking a beer slowly on a Friday afternoon. A few standout dishes take the cake at these joints. At Smokejack, their fried pickles are some of the best I’ve ever had. Plus, who can’t love a restaurant that has a “Que”-bano sandwich with enough fresh pulled pork to slap yo mamma? At Swallow, it may sound strange but you need to try their vegetarian sandwich. Imagine smoked portobello mushrooms with all the juices and flavors from their grill plus fried green tomatoes and smoked gouda on top of Texas toast. Hello, heaven.

Finally, two Mediterranean standbys to add to your list. First, Cafe Efendi in Alpharetta takes eclectic, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to the next level. All the dishes I’ve had there have been tasty - from the gyros to falafel to hummus and of course, my favorite, fried eggplant starter. Plus, they do have a lunch buffet if you’re in the sampling mood and are opening up a bigger location soon. My other more fast-food style favorite is Jerusalem Bakery off Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. Don’t let the name or strip mall location fool you - this spot not only has a fully stocked store of imported goods onsite but may also have the best gyro, hummus and falafel in town. What I like about Jerusalem Bakery is that you can custom order your sandwich (extra spicy? pickled veggies?) with fresh pita - this will definitely last you through dinner. Don’t forget to sample their baklava as a sweet treat to top off your meal.

More OTP highlights to come as the exploration continues but never fear, we’re coming to everyone’s neck of the woods soon enough.

Do you know what every state has in common? Yes, destinations that many of us treasure with all of our hearts: vineyards. There’s your trivia tip of the month. Indeed, even our very own Georgia has some wineries that are worth the distance to drive and explore.

A few years ago, I surprised a favorite wine-o of mine for her birthday by taking her to Chateau Elan. Located about 40 minutes north of Atlanta up 85, this sprawling premise hosts many events throughout the year - weddings, girls weekends, spa day, etc. Luckily, they also make their own wine onsite. We went for their day tasting and tour, which lasted around one hour or so. While the tour guide was a bit “ecclectic,” it was overall a great experience learning about the local Georgia grapes (think Muscadine, so sweeter whites and roses are your best bet) and of course, sipping them too!

More recently, a group of us made the trek up north along 400 to visit the North Georgia wineries. Located way beyond the outlet malls amongst slopping hills, there are at least a dozen hidden vineyards perfect for any wine connoisseur. Why not make an afternoon of wine hopping, like you’re in Napa or Sonoma? As we were joined by friends of the canine variety, we stopped at Three Sisters for their tasting and afternoon dedicated to dogs, called Vine Dog Day (complete with dog costume contests and free treats for the little ones). While the tasting room is rather small, our group sampled first - then bought bottles of our favorites to sip on the patio. The nearby lake and open fields provided scenery that was appreciated by all, especially the pups! All in all, a great way to spend any weekend day in the sunny hills of North Georgia.

Of course, North Georgia provides multiple other wineries beyond Three Sisters that are worth the trip. Not sure which one to try? Festivals and “wine crawls” run throughout the year - visit the official Georgia Wine Country website for more details.

Here’s to supporting Georgia’s local establishments - surprising one local at a time!

Living in Midtown, I’ve come to appreciate how wonderful it is to be close to the Highlands. With enough walkable restaurants, coffee shops, bars and quaint houses, there’s nothing like a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood or yes, an all-inclusive night on the town!

Two of my new favorite places are not only owned by brilliant chef/restaurateur Ron Eyester but they’re right across the street! Down by another favorite Alon’s, Rosebud has won me and my friends over with its comfort food classics. Think finger-licking good, homestyle food in a comfortable atmosphere - perfect for a family get together or friends reunion. Even better, the restaurant makes sure to take into account local, seasonal ingredients - in the two times I’ve been there in the past month, the menu has changed each time.

My favorites? I admit that I’ve only been there for brunch but believe me, I could probably go back to see if I can get every dish on the menu. The standouts were by far the turkey-arugula-pesto egg scramble, “stuffed” pancakes with savory sausage and eggs and an appetizer called “these fries are ridiculous,” which is a plethora of fresh fries covered in bone marrow (whoa there), jalapenos, fried egg, bacon and probably more that I’ve forgetting. Definitely a worth addition to the neighborhood!

If you head to Rosebud for dinner and need a few (or multiple) drinks plus late night noshing, Ron opened up a watering hole right across the street called The Family Dog. Talk about somewhere to call your version of cheers. All seating is “family” style (even if you’re eating there), so get to know your neighbors. You may be brought free drinks from Ron himself if said neighbors have birthdays! A very rustic, brick-filled interior bar lights up the room while the kitchen window at the front keeps the smells of grub wafting (hello, duck quesadilla). Plus, who can complain about their wide selection of craft beers and wine to die for? Live music plays on and off during days of the week and weekends - so be prepared to wait for a seat or settle for standing room.

Just a few more reasons to visit one of Atlanta’s favorite local spots, the Highlands!

I may be a foodie in every sense of the term - small portions with high quality ingredients you can’t pronounce that work in harmony with each other. But I can’t lie - sometimes, the urge to pig out on portions larger than life can’t be resisted. I’ve compiled some of my favorite spots and dishes that may make your cholesterol raise just by looking but believe me, are worth every bite!

The Vortex, one of the first places I ever visited in Atlanta, has proved itself to be the inner fat kid’s paradise. With colossal burgers, jumbo portions of greasy sides, enough craft beer to quench all thirsts and yes, a staff with attitudes to match, this establishment brings bar food to a level you never thought possible. My favorite guilty pleasures here? Tots nachos are a must have - these loaded tater tots with the Vortex’s own homemade chili and all ingredients under the sun topped by endless cheese are a meal in their own right. But it’s also worth saving room for their epic burgers that come in a variety of celebrity-poking, clever named combinations (the best in my opinion are the Blue ‘Shroom, Hell Burger and Texas Melt). If you’re feeling up for it, try one of their many burger challenges - the most notorious of them the Triple Coronary Bypass, multiple layers of meat and cheese with grilled cheese as the bread. Fried zucchini are also some of the best that I’ve had and certainly worth the up-charge. Also, the newest addition to the menu couldn’t be more typical: “Hotlanta” sandwich with fried chicken smothered in Hotlanta Hot Sauce, covered in peaches and yes, found between two waffles. Hello, sinfully delicious.

Another famous burger standby, Ann’s Snack Shop, puts fresh burgers and fries on the map in Atlanta in large quantities. The owner Ms. Ann only has 8 seats at her counter but believe me, you should stand the long wait for what comes out of that kitchen. Once you beat the crowds (she’ll let you know if you’re being too pushy), she makes all of her burgers and fries from scratch right in front of you, so bring a drool bucket. Try the “Ghetto” or “Hood” burgers if you’re super hungry but the regular was enough for me with the nearly pound of fries your meal comes with.

I couldn’t do a post like this in Atlanta without mentioning Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles. The name says it all in the heartiness and soulfulness of Gladys’ offerings, always worth the extra post-meal bulge. You can’t miss the Midnight Train, a malted waffle surrounded by 4 fried chicken wings that are truly slap-yo-mamma good. There’s something about breakfast/dinner, sweet/savory combined that makes any hungry fat kid smile. Plus, who’s to say you can’t put syrup on your wings too? Of course, Chicken and Waffles aren’t the only thing that are worth your trip downtown. Try any of the homemade sides, Southern classics like Shrimp (or Fish) and Grits, Smothered Chicken and sweet potato cheesecake that’ll finish any gluttonous meal on the right foot.

Finally, a recent discovery for me personally, Highland Bakery has become one of my favorite breakfast places in Atlanta. And portions are basically out the window with everything you get - so more bang for your buck. My all-time favorite dish is the Peanut Butter French Toast, oversized pieces of bread stuff and smothered in peanut butter, banana and homemade syrup. I’ve to this day never finished the plate, even on my hungriest of days, and usually take home at least 2 meals worth of leftovers. Another star on the menu is their cilantro corn pancakes, layered with beans, cheese, fried eggs and sour cream - this is anyone’s hangover cure. Finally, the Shrimp and Grits with their homemade jalapeno focaccia seems to be an endless supply but its flavor makes it too irresistable to stop.

To all you inner fat kids out there: I hear your hunger and hope that I’ll see you stuffing your face at these places soon. You only live once - you can always nap later.

With tough economic times during a recession, shrinking wallet sizes obviously have an impact on our everyday lives and behavior. For many, that translates into less discretionary income to spend on those “expendable” things we hate to give up - concert tickets, movies, shopping trips, vacations, nights on the town and my personal weak point, dining out.

Luckily, one piece of advice for you who are watching your budget. Atlanta’s fully stocked dining scene offers more value-driven options than you can imagine. I’ve discovered, thanks to my favorite dining buddies I might note, that many of these establishments are the off the beaten path, more ethnic cuisine focused jems. Here’s my best of that will be sure to leave extra room (and no hunger) in your budget.

Those who have yet to venture to Buford Highway are missing a serious opportunity for delicious meals at unbelievably low prices. Two of my favorites showcase dim sum, the Chinese brunch tradition of seemingly never-ending carts of food served by the plate. Yes, many of your servers may not understand English perfectly but the experience of smelling the grub on the carts as they pass by and picking as many as you chose (or can finish) is unbeatable. I can honestly say I’ve never paid more than $12-$15 on a dim sum adventure here in Atlanta, perfect for groups. Oriental Pearl is a haven for families around the area and sure to be packed on Sunday for brunch. I’ve particularly enjoyed their seafood dishes, especially shrimp dumplings and soups. Canton House, a long-standing favorite, offers a more intimate setting with some of the most delicious pork buns and Chinese-style broccoli I’ve had. All in all, you can’t lose with these two establishments.

A little bit closer to the city but still on the Buford stretch of ethnic paradise, you can find some of Atlanta’s best Bangladeshi and Indian food at Panahar. The wait staff was in fantastic spirits over the course of our meal and loved throwing us for a loop with experimenting with different dishes. I was obsessed with the curry and tandoori dishes, plus got my garlic naan and condiment fix - all big and cheap enough to share and try multiple. Plus, unless rules have changed, the restaurant is ”bring your own” alcohol for a small cork charge. Another money saver if you’re in the area, Panahar features an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet Tuesday through Sunday, a great idea for a low-key brunch on the weekend.

My love of Latin food is exemplified in everything that is Havana Restaurant (technically the old sandwich shop but renamed when the old location burned down). This Cuban fast casual restaurant features all of my favorites: jumbo sized Cuban sandwiches, arroz con pollo, tamales, black bean soup and yes, probably the best plantains I’ve had in the city. An incredible amount of food for a under $10 can’t be beat.

Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Clairmont/Briarcliff neighborhood has a number of Ethiopian restaurants that will fit any budget for money and taste purposes. The cuisine is packed with flavor and punch - served with no utensils with a spongy, wheat-like bread called injera that’s used as utensils (only ask for a fork if you dare!) to scoop up loads of salads, vegetarian condiments and beef/chicken/fish tibs (or curries and stews). Desta off Briarcliff has been one of the top ones that I’ve visited for everything from appetizers to main meals to desserts with a friendly staff who aims to educate clientele.

Overall, why avoid dining out when you can find places such as these where flavorful food is served in endless quantities at a fraction of the price? Hope to see you out and about finding your own budget-friendly treasures!

As Jonathan reiterates, it’s that wonderful time of year where the Spring weather reminds us exactly why we chose to live in Atlanta. The air is fresh, humidity is low and the sun is (finally) shining - of course, if you decide to forgo the pollen count.

I’ve decided to spend some time writing up this month’s top outdoor festivals to check out. What better excuse than to spend an April weekend in the open air?

Fri, 4/15 - Sun, 4/17: Dogwood Festival (http://www.dogwood.org/) takes place at Piedmont Park and is definitely the spring kick off in the area. Visitors can enjoy local arts and craft stands, food carts, live music and plenty of drink options with no admission. For those venturing to spend a little extra dough, the festival also offers an international wine tasting and other special entertainment events. I hear there’s even a disc tournament for everyone who has dogs. All in all, a great idea for a leisurely stroll with your friends, family or even by yourself to get some fresh air.

Fri, 4/15 - Sun, 4/17: Sweetwater 420 Fest (http://www.sweetwater420fest.com/) is one of those events that everyone must go to at least once (or multiple years in a row) when living in Atlanta. Our favorite local brewery puts on a weekend long festival full of live music and beer drinking around the notorious holiday in Candler Park. Admission is free unless you’re going to drink, which requires $5 for a wrist-band (plus, the cost of however many Sweetwater IPA, Blue and Georgia Browns you plan to consume). As with most of these festivals, delicious grub stands and artsy booths are available for browsing all day long. Plus, MARTA is just a short walk away, so no issue on trying to find parking in the area. Bring a blanket and pretend to be a “hippie” for a day - at least from Sweetwater’s perspective.

Sat, 4/30 - Sun 5/01: Inman Park Festival (http://inmanparkfestival.org) is a unique festival in one of Atlanta’s fastest growing neighborhoods. In addition to the usual browsing amongst vendors, attendees can view a dance festival, parades and even historic homes in the area. It’s a great idea for those who are unfamiliar with Inman Park or are just history buffs at heart! With the many Inman Park restaurants close by and open for business while the festival runs, I’d recommend snacking on a funnel cake but dining elsewhere if you can hold off your hunger.

Remember that Cinco de Mayo (and the ever-famous Cinco de Spiral) is just around the corner, so keep it on your calendar. In the meantime, Happy April to all!