Food

One of my sweetest holiday memories growing up was spending hours in the kitchen baking treats for friends and family. My all-time favorite? Cannoli cookies. Maybe it’s my New Jersey upbringing, but the sweet chocolate and mellow ricotta perfectly paired with an orange zest just screams Christmas.

During the holidays, sometimes it’s easy to get swept up in all the mundane tasks that need to get done instead of enjoying what the season is all about. With family coming to town, cleaning the house and all of the other million little things that you need to do, it might seem impossible to make those memories that will really last.

Hosting during the holidays can be stressful, allowing no time to relish in the celebration. This year, sit back, relax and let someone else do the work.

A magical time of year for all, the holidays are where we set aside our differences and focus on what’s truly important: eating. That’s why we’ve gathered some great gift ideas to delight your foodie friends.

Buon giorno, Atlanta! Know someone spending these winter days dreaming of sipping wine on the coast of a sunny Italian town? Gift them the taste of Italy this holiday season with Italian goodies from some favorite spots around town.

A Tom & Jerry is an early 1800s Christmas cocktail tradition referencing two characters in a London holiday play, who were not a cat and mouse.

During the holiday season, I love to shop small. It provides the opportunity to make an impact while supporting local Atlanta businesses.

I love cooking, but also know it can be really stressful around the holidays. The stuffing needs to be seasoned perfectly and the turkey must have a crisp skin and moist center. But it’s perfectly acceptable to save your sanity by buying some items premade including:

Turkey. It can be the bane of any Thanksgiving host’s existence. Still frozen, too dry, over-cooked (aka burnt) – the pressure is on to wear that chef’s hat and cook the perfect turkey.

Whether you’re sipping to celebrate the holiday season or to drown out another one of your aunt’s political tirades, do it with a festive drink in hand. My favorite? Tyler Florence’s Cranberry Champagne Cocktail.

Making plans to get out of the house after Thanksgiving and kick off the next holiday season? Fan-favorite pop-up Miracle on Monroe returns on Friday, Nov. 23. Atlanta’s favorite kitschy Christmas bar will also take over Inman Park’s The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café at PARISH.

I’ve found a new place to indulge my carnivore cravings. Arnette’s Chop Shop has opened in Apple Valley Brookhaven, a new loft-style development. The menu of the restaurant, from Michael Arnette, the owner of Haven, includes appetizers like shrimp cocktail and oysters, with entrees that include prime steaks, pork, chicken and seafood dishes.

You’ve got some hungry guests coming for Thanksgiving, which means you need to find a tasty turkey. Here’s what you should consider:

We loved everything about Flower Child – the food, decor and service. We even liked the music and the parking spot for yoga mats. But let’s focus on the food, because that’s why we’re already planning our return.

You’ll find the Cane River tucked away in the heart of Louisiana’s pecan country.

Crunchy, creamy, chocolaty, nougaty or even sour – what’s your favorite Halloween candy? We want to know.

I felt guilty at first. Was it even Thanksgiving if I didn’t spend days planning and cooking the dinner? Years ago, I was a young time-challenged working mother when I first picked up that phone and called Murphy’s to order a Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve never looked back.

My son and I tried the two Chick-fil-A Mealtime Kits now available for testing in Atlanta. Both the chicken Parmesan and chicken enchiladas far exceeded our expectations.

Pull up a chair to Sunday supper at the charming Inn at Serenbe, with some of the South’s favorite culinary and beverage talent during the 9^th Annual Southern Chefs Potluck from 3-6PM on Sunday, Sept. 16.

Love the local farmer’s market but hate getting up early to snag the best produce? Sleep in and get farm-fresh, local goods delivered directly to your door with Fresh Harvest.

I attended an event at No Mas Cantina and fell in love with it. In addition to the 350-seat restaurant with a huge garden area, it’s got acres of shopping space. You can enjoy a classic Mexican meal then shop your way around Mexico. The Hacienda Artisan Market has items from over 500 artisans, including jewelry, bags and home goods.

Remember when your parents said, “Don’t play with your food”? Well toss that saying aside at Sue’s Tech Kitchen, an interactive experience popping up at Emory Point Sept. 14-16. From 3D-printed s’mores and edible chemistry experiments to candy dropping drones and robots, this STEM-fueled adventure will delight your mind … and taste buds!

As we wrap up the season, I’m going to miss the simplicity and deliciousness of summer produce. It’s hard to believe, but I didn’t always enjoy fresh tomatoes. They say your tastebuds change every seven years. Thank goodness, because now I get it.

I’m checking my weather app and counting down the days – National Eat Outside Day is approaching and to say I’m looking forward to it would be an understatement.

People were going back for seconds and thirds at a lunch I attended at Hopstix, eagerly loading plates with the delicious sushi, chicken and beer skewers, and Asian salads. Indonesian-born Andy Tan combined his two passions – food and brewing beer – into this Asian fusion brewpub. Hopstix brews about a half dozen beers onsite.

Nowadays, it seems every day is a national holiday. Whether it’s National Wiggle Your Toes Day on the 6th or National Tell a Joke Day on the 16th, there’s a lot to celebrate throughout the month of August.

How I love guacamole, especially when it’s made fresh at the table, as it was for us on a visit to Babalu Tapas & Tacos. Is there anything better than this creamy avocado-based dip with crunchy tortilla chips?

Hattie B’s flew its Nashville coop and landed in Atlanta. The beloved hot chicken joint recently opened in the old Little Five Points Laundry off Moreland Avenue, and has had customers lining up ever since.

Mission + Market’s brunch service has been open for a few weeks and it has already received praise from Atlanta foodies and landed a spot on Eater’s Hottest Brunches in Atlanta list.

Irby’s Tavern pays tribute to the founder of Buckhead. Henry Irby hung a buck’s head in his tavern, which was just down the street from this new upscale sports bar.