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Eater
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
A Candlelit Butcher Shop Is Hosting Atlanta's Most Intimate Meal
Henna Bakshi is the Regional Editor, South at Eater and an award-winning food and wine journalist with a WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Level 3 degree. She oversees coverage in Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, the Carolinas, and Nashville. Welcome to another installment of Scene Report in Atlanta, a new column in which Eater captures the vibe of a notable Atlanta restaurant at a specific moment in time. What is usually a bustling, sun-lit cafe and butchery, with people lining up for its famous breakfast sandwich on brioche, transforms into a candlelit oasis with four seats lining the bar. Afterhours at 8:30 p.m., Kinship Butcher and Sundry co-owner Rachel Pack greets you at the door, while her husband, Myles Moody, is a buzzing shadow with pots and pans behind the meat counter. The produce light is on with fairytale eggplants and peppers on display, the cheese case beckons, and folded napkins and freshly polished wine glasses wait dramatically at the handmade bar. And that's how dinner begins. The produce section at Kinship is dimly lit during dinner. Andy Leverett Starting in September, Kinship in Virginia-Highlands will debut a 12-course tasting menu, seating just four guests per night, two weekends a month. Priced at $325, the hyper-intimate dinner showcases local ingredients and wine pairings from chef Myles Moody (formerly of Eleven Madison Park, Aska, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns) and sommelier Rachel Pack (also formerly of Aska, where the couple met). Eater got an exclusive first look at dinner. Here's what to expect. The food Most ingredients rely on what's fresh and new, but here, dishes embrace aging and fermentation. Aged and preserved fruits appear on both plate and in glass, balancing summer garden brightness with the depth of time. The first course, aptly named the Garden, is a refreshing herb bundle steeped in a chilled, foaming cucumber drink alongside a lettuce, cheese, and preserved chamomile tartelet. (The ethos is immediately very EMP and Noma.) The second is a fermented green tomato with capered coriander seeds — a revelation that coriander seeds can be salted and pickled like capers, offering tiny bursts of acid and spice. Royal red shrimp and sungold tomatoes served on Carolina Gold rice, with fermented strawberries and bay laurel. Dave Crawford Pack shows the diners a large bowl of dried spicebush, a shrub in the laurel family, that Moody has foraged locally. It has a pink peppercorn flavor, which Moody finely grates atop a croustade pastry shell filled with potato and gold koji whey. The ingredients and techniques may sound complicated, but the flavors combine effortlessly, punching at acid, deep umami, and preserved fruit and spice. One of the best dishes is one made with sungold tomatoes (skins and flesh prepared in different drying and aging techniques) and royal red shrimp served on Carolina Gold rice, with fermented strawberries and bay laurel — something you might find at Atelier Crenn in San Francisco. It is plated in a vintage swirling orange glass bowl to match the sungolds. A bowl of dried spicebush. Henna Bakshi Chef Myles Moody grates spicebush on a croustade course. Andy Leverett You can tell Moody is playing. There are courses of monkfish, quail served with grilled cream and a special lemon-pepper wet quail wing, and of course, a butcher one does not make without serving your best cut of beef. The one here is dry-aged for 40 days, served with fairytale eggplants and preserved roselle (hibiscus). The meaty beef with the sweet and tangy roselle is a true crescendo. Insider tip: Ask what leather britches are. Rachel Pack pours Champagne Piollot for the first few courses Andy Leverett The drinks Pack runs the wine and non-alcoholic pairings and does so brilliantly. The first few courses are served with biodynamic Champagne Piollot, followed by a sherry-like treasure from Spain (2021 Raul Moreno 'Destellos'), beautiful reds, and capped with a sweet ratafia from Vilmart et Cie. The non-alcoholic wines are well-sought, ranging from a gruner weiss from Austria, a floral sparkling tea from Copenhagen, and a pre-mixed cocktail called 'for bitter or for worse' from Rose City Fizz — the last is a brilliant pairing with the beef and roselle course, matching the hibiscus notes to a T. The drinks are served in Zalto glassware — one of the finest wine glasses from Austria that makes you feel like you're drinking out of thin air. Additionally, the plateware and silverware are French antiques the couple has collected over their travels. Pack's attention to detail on service, from front-of-house greetings, warm and cold towels, dish presentation, and pickup, down to the thoughtfulness of handmade menu sleeves, is like watching a ballerina perform — it's choreographed, yet natural. Insider tip: Ask Pack about the wine and its producers in detail. She's an encyclopedia. Then grab a bottle to bring home. An herb bundle is steeped in a chilled cucumber concoction for the first course. Andy Leverett Grab wine and cheese to bring home after dinner. Andy Leverett Prepare for A long dinner. Mine lasted about four hours, though with fine-tuning on pacing, it might become shorter. Take stretch breaks by checking out the fresh produce or wines on display. Moody is testing his culinary chops with gusto, though he may have a finer menu by cutting a course or two and letting the heavily orchestrated dishes have breathing room to shine. Chef Myles Moody and Rachel Pack, co-owners of Kinship Butcher and Sundry. Kathryn Ann Waller Go here for A local story. From ingredients to the people behind it. Moody and Pack run one of the best neighborhood butcher and coffee shops in town and now own Under Acre Farm in Ormewood Park in southeast Atlanta, where they'll grow muscadines, herbs, and vegetables. Seeing their fine dining past resurrect in this ode to the South is admirable. And it's all happening in a candle-lit butcher shop. Isn't that worth a visit alone?
Eater
7 days ago
- Business
- Eater
Mellow Mushroom Is Reopening in Decatur Months After Sudden Closure
Henna Bakshi is the Regional Editor, South at Eater and an award-winning food and wine journalist with a WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Level 3 degree. She oversees coverage in Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, the Carolinas, and Nashville. Mellow Mushroom is reopening in Decatur, months after abruptly closing in June. The pizza chain announced the location will reopen this fall on West Ponce de Leon Avenue as a 'company-owned store' with newly refreshed interiors and exteriors, a new to-go window, weekly events, and new bar and patio seating. New menu items will be tested at this location before launching nationwide. 'This location means a lot to Mellow Mushroom,' says Ahsan Jiva, EVP of Strategy at Mellow Mushroom in a statement. 'We're grateful for the opportunity to return with new energy, reconnect and deliver the best-possible guest experience for the neighborhood.' 'This location means a lot to Mellow Mushroom.' — Ahsan Jiva, EVP of Strategy at Mellow Mushroom The revamped Mellow Mushroom will have a redesigned bar, patio seating, and a test kitchen for national menu items. Mellow Mushroom The brand did not provide a reason for closing and reopening, which has happened in the past. It first closed in 2014 when it was located in the Commerce Square shopping center. It reopened and relocated in 2016 to Ponce de Leon Avenue under Harvey Brown's new ownership, replacing the New Orleans SnoBall Cafe. In June, the Mellow Mushroom location announced its closure on Instagram, marking the end of nine years in business, and the post remains active today. For now, it's making a comeback. The company did not provide a reopening date. Mellow Mushroom was founded in Atlanta in 1974 and has over 160 locations nationwide.
Miami Herald
01-08-2025
- Miami Herald
2-year-old dies after 8 hours alone in hot car, VA deputies say. Guardian charged
The caretaker of a 2-year-old found dead after spending hours alone in a hot car has been charged in the toddler's death, Virginia deputies told news outlets. Brian L. Dalton was arrested and charged with abuse and neglect of children and involuntary manslaughter, the Amherst County Sheriff's Office said Aug. 1. Deputies were called just before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, July 31, about an unresponsive 2-year-old at the Chestnut Academy Daycare in Amherst, WSLS reported, citing the sheriff's office. Medics administered first aid to the boy, who wasn't breathing, deputies told the outlet. The child was taken to a hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead, deputies said. Authorities identified him as Hudley Owen Hamlett, WSET reported. McClatchy News reached out to the Amherst County Sheriff's Office for more information Aug. 1 and was awaiting a response. Authorities said the toddler had been left alone in the car for 'over 8 hours.' Temperatures in Amherst reached nearly 90 degrees on Thursday with a low of 73, according to AccuWeather. Investigators learned Dalton, the boy's guardian, forgot to drop him off at day care that morning, WFXR reported. He drove straight to work and unknowingly left the toddler in the backseat, deputies told the station. 'It's just a tragedy that we never, never expect to happen, never should happen, but it's unfortunate that it did,' Sheriff L.J. Ayers said at a news conference streamed by WSET. He added that the boy was in the foster care system. Dalton returned to the day care to pick up the toddler that afternoon and was told the child hadn't been dropped off that day, the station reported, citing authorities. Ayers said the investigation is ongoing, adding that there's no evidence to suggest the incident was intentional. Amherst is about a 120-mile drive west from downtown Richmond. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 37 children die from heatstroke each year, either due to being left alone or becoming trapped in a hot car. Hot car deaths are most common in the summer, but they can happen at any time, according to the administration. The first 'vehicular heatstroke' of the year typically happens in March. 'Leaving a window open is not enough — temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open,' the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, officials said you should make sure the child is responsive and if not, immediately call 911.
Eater
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Major Food Events Around Atlanta This Summer
Henna Bakshi is the Regional Editor, South at Eater and an award-winning food and wine journalist with a WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Level 3 degree. She oversees coverage in Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, the Carolinas, and Nashville. Summer isn't just about peach season (okay, it's a lot about peach season). Food festivals, wine dinners, and farmers' markets are in full swing. Here are restaurant events we're excited about. Buckhead Restaurant Week, July 21-26 Buckhead Restaurant Week is happening now, with the city's restaurants offering prix fixe menus, cocktail specials, and tastings. Major participating restaurants include James Beard finalist Aria, Alma Cocina, Alon's Bakery + Market, Brush Sushi, Carmel, Gypsy Kitchen, Jinya Ramen Bar, Kyma, Madre Selva, Mission + Market, Nan Thai Buckhead, Nobu Atlanta, Pendolino, Pricci, Snap Thai Fish House, St. Regis, the Southern Gentleman, and Zakia, among many more. PeachFest, July 27 For its 11th year, PeachFest returns to Downtown Atlanta on Sunday, July 27. More than 65 chefs and bartenders will sling peach-centric food and drinks, this year teaming up with Pearson Farm's Peach Week. Restaurants include Tio Lucho's, CudaCo. Seafood House (Charleston), etc. (Chicago), Kitty Dare, Southern National, Marcus Bar & Grille, Auburn Angel, Rathbun's, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Table at the Lake, Birdcage, Southern Child, TWO urban licks, Stolen Goods ATL, and many more. Tickets are on sale now and begin at $95. Peach Week Atlanta takes place this week, from July 21 to 26, with peachy dishes featured at more than 20 restaurants around Atlanta. Key menu items include: Cornbread Panzanella at Miller Union Charred Peach Gazpacho at Birdcage Peach and Scallops Risotto at ENZO Steakhouse & Bar Peach and Chinese Mustard Glazed Spare Ribs at Sweet Auburn BBQ Peach and Prosciutto Ice Cream at the Pub @EAV Summer Labneh at Kitty Dare Look for peach-centric drinks and dishes at many Atlanta restaurants during Peach Week this week. PeachFest Panda Fest returns, September 5 to 7 The sold-out Panda Fest returns to Atlanta this September 5 to 7 at Atlantic Station. The mega gathering will include more than 80 Asian food vendors, an outdoor market, K-Pop and Thai dance performances, and a 15-foot inflatable panda. The festival began in New York City and is now growing to multiple cities nationwide. Early Bird tickets go on sale this Friday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, September 11 to 14 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is returning for its 14th year, and tickets are already on sale for the weekend-long events. The talent lineup is jam-packed with top local and regional chefs. This year's festival theme is 'States of Motion,' exploring how food connects people across regions, generations, and cultures. Brooklyn's popular Smorgasburg food festival is looking for vendors Brooklyn's popular open-air food festival, Smorgasburg, has selected Atlanta as its new home. And here's the thing — it's not a one-time event. Beginning this October, this new food festival will run year-round, every Saturday, in South Downtown at 140 Forsyth Street SW. More than 40 food vendors will be featured weekly, including pop-ups, food trucks, bars, and artists. Originating in New York in 2011, the festival is an incubator space for up-and-coming culinary talent. Vendor applications for the festival are open now. Atlanta will be home to Brooklyn's popular Smorgasburg weekly food festival. Ashley Walia 'Smorgasburg has always been about discovering and championing the most exciting emerging culinary voices,' said Gaston Becherano, a former Brooklyn vendor who is now the co-owner and CEO of Smorgasburg, in a statement. 'When we looked at where to expand next, Atlanta stood out immediately — there's a dynamic and thriving pop-up food scene here that's deeply rooted in creativity, community, and cultural pride.' South Atlanta is undergoing major revitalization, with the team behind Sammy's announcing the opening of a barbecue restaurant in the neighborhood next year. 'Atlanta is such a food-loving city, and the experience Smorgasburg will bring to South Downtown is going to be unlike anything else that exists here in Atlanta,' said April Stammel of South Downtown in a statement. Wine Dinners Atlanta restaurants are buzzing with special dinners. Here are some worth checking out. July 23 , at 6:30 p.m.: a tasting tour of France's Loire Valley through a five-course food and wine pairing menu. French Wines of the Loire Valley at the Ashford on Wednesday,, at 6:30 p.m.: a tasting tour of France's Loire Valley through a five-course food and wine pairing menu. August 7 at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.: Yours truly is pairing wines with a six-course dinner menu at Lazy Betty in Midtown. Tickets can be found under the Experiences section Wine Dinner with Eater's Henna Bakshi at Michelin-starred Lazy Betty on Thursday,at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.: Yours truly is pairing wines with a six-course dinner menu at Lazy Betty in Midtown. Tickets can be found under the Experiences section here August 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.: a five-course dinner of Atlanta's iconic dishes, including Salmon Chips, inspired by Two Urban Licks; a Bec Bagel, inspired by Emerald City Bagel; Chicken Wings, inspired by Magic City; Squid Ink Pasta, inspired by BoccaLupo; a Catfish Po' Boy, inspired by Bankhead Seafood; and five wine pairings. Tickets are $85 per person and can be purchased Atlanta Food Staples Wine Dinner at the Epicurean on Thursday,from 7 to 9 p.m.: a five-course dinner of Atlanta's iconic dishes, including Salmon Chips, inspired by Two Urban Licks; a Bec Bagel, inspired by Emerald City Bagel; Chicken Wings, inspired by Magic City; Squid Ink Pasta, inspired by BoccaLupo; a Catfish Po' Boy, inspired by Bankhead Seafood; and five wine pairings. Tickets are $85 per person and can be purchased here Eater Atlanta All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Diageo India and WSET Launch Landmark Initiative powered by Diageo Bar Academy to Empower Women in the Bar Industry
MUMBAI, India, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move set to redefine inclusivity and professional growth in the Indian beverage industry, Diageo India, in collaboration with the globally renowned Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and powered by the Diageo Bar Academy, has launched exclusive WSET Level 1 Spirits training sessions for women bartenders and junior professionals across the country. This first-of-its-kind initiative underscores Diageo India's ongoing commitment to fostering gender diversity, skill development, and leadership opportunities within the bar and beverage space. In its inaugural phase, the programme will certify over 80 women, equipping them with globally recognised credentials in spirits. The sessions are curated as part of Our Hive — Diageo India's platform to empower women in hospitality — and aim to not only elevate technical knowledge, but also drive long-term career progression through mentorship, education, and inclusive community building. "This collaboration reflects our long-standing commitment to inclusion, capability-building, and progress," said Anchal Kaushal, Vice President – Customer Marketing, Diageo India."With WSET's world-class certification and the Diageo Bar Academy's legacy of training excellence, we're not just upskilling—we're opening doors to leadership, confidence, and opportunity. This is how we build a workforce that reflects the diversity and dynamism our industry needs." With this launch, Diageo India continues to invest in building a more inclusive, skilled, and progressive future for the bar industry in India. About Diageo India Diageo India is among India's leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as United Spirits Limited (USL). Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev with 35 facilities across India. It manufactures, sells and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell's No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving a positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, championing Grain to Glass sustainability, responsible consumption and nurturing the alcobev ecosystem, to contribute to India's growth agenda. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
