Atlanta

Super Tacos

The storied Buckhead cantina and taqueria made its debut this year closer to downtown on Memorial Drive, in the spot Six Feet Under made famous. Both locations are relaxed watering holes that ain't afraid to let their hair down. The taco selection is vast and eclectic, running the gamut between the "Super Greek"--a $3.29 offering chocked full of gyro meat--to the more typical "Baja Chicken" at $2.89. According to some, theirs are the best fish tacos this side of San Diego. The newest incarnation offers the rustic vibe of a Florida oyster shack, minus the sand and tourists. If you're not a Florida State football fanatic, my advice is to avoid the Buckead location on Saturdays in autumn. Unless you're a Gator and fancy fisticuffs.

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead

Pizza and Grits

At the bottom of that greenish condo pyramid (aka Terminus) in Buckhead comes Brick Tops, a classy take on upscale pizzerias. I randomly ended up there when the wait for the Flying Biscuit was ridiculous. It was a fateful turn of events. The Brick Tops folks--donning white waiter coats and oozing professionalism--know their way around an egg casserole. At $12, the dish was small but unexpectedly pizza-ish, likely charred in the same famous ovens. The grits were among the best I've had, creamy without being soupy, perfectly buttered. The waffles were thick and delicious with a slight crunch. I wasn’t drinking, but the man in his Oxford shirt and boat shoes adored his Bloody Bull, a bloody Mary fused with beef bullion. Whatever floats your boat.

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead

Buckhead Never Felt So Beachy

A $6 Dos Equis Amber, the size of a football, wetting your hand on a temperate Friday night, a breeze wafting in between the just-built condo towers, a wave of models--if they aren't, they damn well should be--swimming more than walking onto the vast patio, squirming even this early with life, with happy-hour bacchanalia, while over the Bose boxes Bradley what's-his-face from Sublime chimes old-school Santeria, a song that pulls you back to a lost Spring Break, to recklessness, to freedom, and the complimentary chips haven't even arrived yet.

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead

Perfectly Crafty

The newest fine-dining experience to hit Atlanta is no flash in the trendy pan. Tom Colicchio may be known to many as "that judge from Top Chef," but around here, he's brought a fantastic new addition to our city's gourmet repertoire. Craft Atlanta is first-rate, from top to bottom. Craft brings their American "Thanksgiving-style" dining to local foodies: pick a dish from each section of the menu and share amongst yourselves. For starters, try the fettuccini with duck confit and egg, the light-as-air parmesan gnocchi or the endive salad with bacon and gorgonzola. In the entree category, the Wagyu skirt steak is simply stellar, the scallops are luscious and the braised short rib is super-tempting. Sides round out the menu: picks range from roasted brussel sprouts and fingerling potatoes to divine mushrooms and spaghetti squash with currant. Finishing touches? If you have food to take home, you'll get a clever coat-check tag so you can pick up your goodie bag at the hostess stand as you leave, and your server brings little bags of granola, complete with a Craft sticker seal, just in case you need a treat for the next day's breakfast. Attention to detail, from start to finish.

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead

Aric C. Cosmetics

Lipsticks, blushes and brushes--oh, my! Makeup guru Aric Castleberry works his magic on the female faces of Atlanta (and beyond) from his post at Tootsie's in the Around Lenox Shopping Center. Known for his eye for detail, ability to read his clients' tastes and put them immediately at ease, Aric has prettified everyone from brides to local girls and socialites, out-of-town shoppers to starlets on movie sets. Aric C. Cosmetics recently introduced its own custom line of makeup and brushes, Blueprint 4 Beauty, so you can have his tools for your very own use; the number-based system matches brushes and product so you can't go wrong! Visit him at Tootsie's by appointment for consultations and makeovers, special occasions or just a beautiful treat when you're in the mood!

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Shopping • Central Buckhead

Exotica/Other Countries' Food

Amidst the abundance of Atlanta staples located on the ever-popular Piedmont Road--from Waffle House to Taco Mac--lies a little taste of the exotic. Yes, believe it or not, despite our quite noticeably landlocked location, we can still enjoy a vast array of fruits from the Mediterranean. Kyma, Atlanta's resident Greek hot spot, debunks high school mythology stories of excess. Elegantly modern and never overdone, this award-winning dining experience is an ode not only to Grecian decor, but to rich, flavorful haute cuisine. Inside, candlelit dinners are arranged under a constellation canopy, while outside, the covered patio (warm weather permitting) is the perfect place for tapas and cocktails. Ask any patron the proper way to order, and they'll mention the Meze "Appetizer" Dinner--offering a bottomless basket of grilled pita bread, ready to dip into a number of unique spreads. Top it off with your choice of five appetizers from a seemingly never-ending list of Greek fare you won’t see or taste anywhere else. Variety is the theme, and there's enough food to whet the palate of any Greek god . And, of course, it's both Zeus and Zagat approved.

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead

For Art's Sake

Every illustrator, designer, and painter within the perimeter and beyond knows that Binders is the one-stop go-to spot for all their creative needs. A visual cloud nine, if you will. Now, Atlanta has her fair share of art stores ready to inspire and cater to the willing consumer. Binders, in particular, has established renown as both a forum for custom framing as well as a painter's paradise. And they have a paintbrush for everything. Literally. Color is available in abundance. Be it the bottled version of your traditional C, M, Y, or K, mustard, aubergine, or even puce--you're bound to find the ideal shade to satisfy your current Picasso phase. Easels are just around the corner, and pick up a palette on your way to check out. So step down into the basement studio and follow the recognizable street signs to your desired destination. Canvases, paper, and frames are only the beginning.

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Shopping • Central Buckhead

Good: What You'd Expect

Welcome to the hood, Trader Joe's! The newest addition to Buckhead is a most welcome fueling point. Smartly appointed in all its eco-friendly fabulousness, the tasty treats and great prices you expect from the chain are out in full force. Lots of parking, multiple entry and exit points, a great "sample" bar with tastes of everything from cheeses to desserts, there's something for everyone. The prepared and ready-to-cook section boasts yummies from three-cheese pizzas to wraps, dips, a slew of meats and more, and the freezer aisles are stocked with all your favorites, from pot stickers to fresh-frozen tilapia and tuna. Check out the selection of Asian sauces, TJ brand soups, snack bars and nuts... you're bound to leave with at least one full bag and not too big a dint in your wallet!

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Supermarkets • Central Buckhead

What A Deal!

Listen up Atlanta 'cause I'm only gonna say this once. Buckhead Fork & Screen (formerly Buckhead Backlot) is showing movies for $5. No, they aren't the crappy movies that have been out in the theaters for months. No, that price isn't for matinees only. And finally, no, you do not have to join some ridiculous movie-goers club and add another piece of plastic to your keychain in order to get the discount. All day Monday through Thursday and before 4:00 PM Friday through Sunday (and holidays), $5 scores you a plush seat at the most recent box office hit. What makes the deal even sweeter, though, is that, as the name implies, Fork & Screen offers table service. That's right: you can order a burger and a beer while you take in the show. To be fair, the food isn't stellar and service can be a little spotty. Plus, for the easily distracted, having servers pop in and out of important scenes can be a bit off-putting. But hey, you can sit on your lazy ass, not missing a minute of the flick, while someone else fetches your box of Milk Duds, bucket of popcorn and pitcher of Sweetwater 420. For only $5 admission, that's pretty hard to beat.

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Movie Theaters • Central Buckhead

Be A Rebel, Shake Things Up!

Looking for a different kind of gift? Need party favors for a child's birthday or a wedding shower? Want to send something to a friend out of state who just had a baby? Cookie Creations is just the thing! This clever little shop bakes up all kinds of tasty treats daily, from mini cookies packaged in cute jars or sweetly wrapped boxes, to customized "people" cookies and big cookie cakes. They'll wrap up a dozen or more in a flower bouquet for Mother's Day or package up a bunch in their unique "corset" design for your best friend's lingerie shower. Next time you want to veer from the registry or surprise someone with something unexpected, give them a call or stop by to pick out the perfect yummy present!

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Shopping • Central Buckhead

Foreigners in Footwear

"Walking the red carpet{" has a whole new meaning in Buckhead these days! The chicest shoe store in town is Victoria's Red Carpet. Owner Victoria Paton Pascual has brought a gorgeous, carefully-selected splash of her native Spain to our fair city. She only stocks a few shoes in each size and all are handmade by Spanish designers. Rounding out her handpicked selections are custom jewelry and beautiful clutches you won't easily find stateside. The sleek red of her store from the carefully placed shelves to the countertop accents--beckons you to get your shop on. And with shoe prices averaging right at $200, she manages to keep you in style without breaking the bank. Next time you need that perfectly unique heel or conversation-starting necklace, pay her a visit. Everyone will rave over your one-of-a-kind treasure!

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Shopping • Central Buckhead

Not Just Ribs Anymore

Looking for just the right place to nosh after an afternoon of shopping? Need a convenient place to take a client to lunch if you work in Buckhead? Then Prime is the perfect choice! One of my favorite restaurants in the Here To Serve group, their sushi is great and other dishes measure up just as well. You can grab a seat at the bar and watch the sushi chefs make their magic--I recommend the Langosta roll if you like lobster and enjoy sushi of various flavors. The chef is happy to oblige diners of various tastes and levels of sophistication. For starters the arugula salad and crabcakes are good picks and for entrees (lunch or dinner) go with the steak frites or sea bass. They also have a separate dining room that's perfect for small parties. The wine list is thorough and well-selected, like all of Tom Catherall's restaurants, and rounds out the Prime experience. Enjoy!

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead

Buckhead Classic

You want old school decor, a great martini and the perfect steak? Sure you do, so go to Hal’s. A taste of Buckhead that can’t be rivaled, the food is outstanding, the service is spot-on and the people-watching is unrivaled. The dining room is great for business dinners and cozy twosomes; the bar scene is a spectator sport any night of the week. First, try the lobster bisque, the appetizer sampler with crab claws or the mussels lebeaux. Next, while the fish is always excellent, you’re missing out if you don’t try the filet and frequent specials include the bone-in version (ribeye also available!). All sides are big enough to share, and their various takes on potatoes/hash browns will suit all tastes! You’ll leave full and happy--with a refresher course on old Buckhead dining life.

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead

Too Exciting; Can't Go On

Shopping is fun! And some places make it even more so. When I need some great jewelry (at even more "fun" prices) or a cute bag or top, this is one of my go-to spots. Also well-stocked with a clever array of gifts for the home--from short cookbooks and cocktail napkins to serving trays and pretty picture frames--all of their metro area locations offer up great choices for you and your friends. The Peachtree Battle location is more clothing-focused, the Highlands store balances clothes and gifts, and the suburban outlets fall somewhere in between. Take a peek and get festive!

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Shopping • Central Buckhead

Meat Your Match

Like a rabid dog, you gnaw upon a succulent pork rib. From across the crowded and clamorous dining room you grunt and motion at a humiliatingly clad “gaucho” to quick-step your way with the plump sausages, juicy tidbits of bacon-wrapped sirloin, and charred chicken drumettes. Such is the experience of dining at Fogo de Chão, the meat-centric chain that paved the way for the rest of Atlanta’s churrascarias. And what an experience Fogo is. For about $50 a pop, you can really get your protein on, chowing down on all manner of tender and juicy dead animal. You can also enjoy the expansive and unique salad bar, which offers a delicious assortment of fruits, vegetables and, aw… who am I kidding? You came for the meat! That never-ending stream of meat that starts when you flip your “bring-on-the-beef” disc to “go” and doesn’t end until the buttons on your britches begin snapping open or until you’ve reached the uncomfortable stage on the filled-belly spectrum. Just be sure to flip your meat disc back over to “stop” when you’ve had enough or the overly-zealous gauchos will bombard you in parade-like fashion until the thought of even one more morsel of meat turns your stomach.

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead

Crowning Glory

Like any good Leo, I'm vain about my mane. And I've had the same hairdresser since I was 15. What can I say? When you find what works, stick with it! Carl's talented, just obsessive enough about his work, and listens well. Salon Carcica is the place to go if you want a great cut, perfect color and people you'll soon consider friends. My shoes and hair are my calling cards, and Carl has never steered me wrong. His partner, Cindy, is equally good. If you care about your locks and want to find a place you can call home, pay them a visit. As Carl always says, "If you aren't getting compliments on your hair, then I'm not doing my job." What more could a girl want?

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Shopping • Central Buckhead

ShopSCAD

I'm a bit partial to shopSCAD because I don’t love giving boring gifts on special occasions—I would much rather shop for a gift that is out of the ordinary, and commemorates the event (birthday, wedding, breakup, whatever) appropriately. I also like shopping here because nine times out of ten I find something fantastic for myself as well. The artwork in this hybrid gallery/boutique is reasonably priced for the level of craftsmanship that goes into the work. The staff does an excellent job of rotating intriguing artists and group shows through the retail rooms and upstairs gallery space. Once upon a time, this unique shopping spot was known as the school's Savannah Gallery, but I am quite thankful that they turned it into a shop, because hey, some of us are consumer whores. Here you can find one-of-a-kind fashion, quirky tees, paintings, photos, mixed media pieces, house wares, pieces from Working Class Studio (SCAD's textile-making group) and gorgeous jewelry—both conceptual and incredibly wearable. So if you relish the opportunity to say, "Yeah, it's actually a one-off-a-kind artisan piece," when someone begins gushing over your accessory/artwork/whatever, stop by shopSCAD.

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Shopping • Central Buckhead

Thank You For Smoking

It’s odd to think that Atlanta is rapidly approaching smoke-free status, with only select places allowing smokers a small outdoor area, or license to light up after a certain time of night. Not being a smoker myself, I’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to hang out in a haze of secondhand smoke, which is kind of nice. My lungs were in a very happy place until my friends suggested we go to a hookah lounge to hang out on Thursday night. Since this was an interesting departure from downing overpriced drinks in Midtown, (and the recent departure of Buckhead club life has left few options) the group was more than game. The staff and the environment at Divan Restaurant & Lounge are incredibly relaxed, the sexed-up cocktails match the Middle Eastern music playing, but the best part (and feature attraction) is sharing a giant hookah with your party. Apple/vanilla was my favorite, but everyone else was raving over the strawberry/rose, and if neither of those sounds good, you can pick your own flavor combinations from a long list in the menu. Guests are invited to pull up red and purple cushions, take a few tokes, soak up the low-lit ambiance of the hazy smoke-filled house and feel like for maybe 1 minute that smoking is kind of cool. That is, unless you decide to “just say no.”

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Nightlife , Restaurants • Central Buckhead

Sushi Bar Yu-Ka

Across the street from the buffet-happy sushi place RuSan’s is a much calmer little sushi bar, tucked in a corner strip mall on Piedmont Avenue, called Sushi Bar Yu-Ka. It’s quite the contrast to the electric neon, music pumping of RuSan’s, with a light, soothing décor. Heading the kitchen is Chef Sato Takayuki, who has 30 years of experience as a sushi chef make for a fresh and authentic meal. Buckhead lunchers pile into the restaurant—look around, and the traditional ‘bento box’ is the most popular option. Aside from sushi, they also serve up a variety of Japanese favorites like tempura and teriyaki dishes. My bento box disappeared in approximately 14 minutes—the fresh ingredients and variety of flavors were well worth the $10—and more importantly, Yu-Ka filled a missing place in my formerly bento boxless Atlanta dining out repertoire.

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead

Souper Jenny

Soup paradise is in Buckhead. Though we are out of ‘traditional’ (steaming hot chicken noodle) soup season, there are reasons aplenty to check out Souper Jenny. Aside from a plethora of rotating summer soup varieties (like strawberry, cucumber and gazpacho), Jenny also has grilled cheese and BYOS (build your own s’more) on Thursday nights, and brunch on Sundays. There’s likely a line out the door at peak lunch hour, but the wait just means you have time to decide on your selection. Though you can order a la carte, opt for the $10 special—soup, sandwich or salad, cookie, piece of fruit and drink, for the full Super Jenny experience. Jenny and crew are a lively bunch as they dole out ladlefuls of liquid goodness and occasionally burst into songbird-like melodies, and resist as you might, they will put you in a good mood. If you feel confident enough for DIY soup, you can even learn by taking a cooking class with Jenny herself. Take heed that its location means that it has a strong following of Buckheadites sporting Louis Vuitton bags and fresh manicures. But soup shall unite us all.

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Restaurants • Central Buckhead