Fatten Yourself Up

They make no bones about it...eat here often, and you'll be obese. It's shocking, really, how the word "fat" is volleyed about here, given America's reputation as a bovine nation. Fatness is plunked on everything from the salad (yes, singular) to the obnoxious but warm greeting from staff: "Welcome to Fatburrrrrrger!" The smallest burgers (Baby Fats) start at $2.99, so it's possible to get out with a plump wallet to match your ass. Tipping the opposite end of the spectrum is the 24 oz. XXXL burger, a gargantuan slab of oozing juice and "lean" beef. For more self-respecting types, I hear the turkey and veggie burgers aren’t half bad. But, hey, don't we all deserve a little liquefied lard on our cheeks once in a while?

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Restaurants • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Culinary Canopy

I kind of like eating lunch while watching dogs sniff ass. It lends a homey feel to a place, these strange, roving dogs at your knees, friendly little marauders. The Treehouse, as it's affectionately known, is a dog-friendly environ that literally feels like your cousin's house, only with a sprawling deck and lush canopy of Georgia's signature pines. They do pub fare quite well, with fresh-cut fries accompanying most plates. The burgers are top-notch and inventive (the $9 California burger, crowned with guacamole and jalapenos, makes a case for banishing Heinz anything). Be warned that during high-tide (brunch), parking is a battle. And it's hard as hell to find--GPS this place or risk losing yourself amid the beautiful gullies and picturesque homes of Peachtree Hills.

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Nightlife • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Are You Piemonte Experienced?

Ah, Buckhead Life. Home to the rich, the famous, and their emulators. And amidst the Bentley and Mercedes dealerships, couture shops of Lenox and Phipps, and schnazzy office buildings, there is, of course, the never-ending array of upscale restaurants. You know, the ones that require attire beyond the standard Friday night "jeans and a polo." Pricci provides the Italian flare for Buckhead Life in the group of twelve trendy, haute-cuisine restaurants that offer unique dining experiences, where patrons can get an extra 20% off if they have their paws on the coveted card connected to this group. This is your shiny silver ticket (purchased in increments of $25) to quintessential Buckhead extravagance. To taste the full flavor of Pricci without drying your wallet, opt for the Piemonte Experience--your choice of three set courses inspired by Northern Italian cuisine. Odds are the a la carte route will double your bill. With the Piemonte, you get the best of all worlds: Antipasti, Entree, and dessert. Then, you can proudly proclaim: I came. I saw. I ate. And only spent $29.

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Restaurants • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Fine (and Friendly) Lunch

Sometimes the little neighborhood spot is just what you want. A cozy and friendly place for a quick lunch or take-out for the office meeting, and you're all set. The Cafe at Pharr fits the bill. With only about a dozen tables, it's always busy and the staff hums along serving their famous chicken salad and other healthy picks to the Buckhead masses. Two regular soups, including the most-popular chicken noodle, and a daily special, plus deli sandwiches made on your choice of their homemade bread round out the tidy menu. The roast beef is a big hit and the veggie stands out from the typical version thanks to the generous serving of avocado they include. Next time you're in the area, stop by for a little friendliness to go with your lunchtime noshing.

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Coffee • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Hop Secret 393

For beer lovers, there's no better place to pickle your liver than Taco Mac. Thanks to Fred the Beer Guy, the chain's savvy beverage director, each location boasts a freakish selection, from barley-wine to stout and everything in between. Most Atlantans are blissfully aware of this fact and for those of you bobbing your heads, mentally affirming Taco Mac's superlative brew-schlepping status, here's an additional carrot: tonight at 8 pm, at the Lindbergh location, Mac staff is tapping a keg of Sierra Nevada's Hop Secret 393. If you haven't heard of the stuff, it's freaking phenomenal, which is really all you need to know; but for those who need details, here they are: Hop Secret 393 is a glorious creation that was crafted using an experimental, never-been-used hop that is yet to be named. There are only 35 kegs of the stuff in the whole world and, lucky for us, eight of them found their way to Georgia, thanks to Fred, who helped brew and write the recipe for this exceptional ale. Four kegs have already been tapped at Taco Macs around the city. If you've been keeping up, you know what that means: there ain't much left. To get your hands on one, you gotta head to Taco Mac. The remaining three kegs will be tapped at 5 pm at the following Taco Mac locations: Newnan (2/27), Kennesaw (3/2), Crabapple (3/11).

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Restaurants • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Green Machine

If you think green and eat well, then Pizza Fusion is your kind of place. Newly opened on Peachtree Street in the Aramore Building, it brings an environmentally-conscious and super-tasty presence to Buckhead. All materials--from the glass bottles in the bar counter to the pizza delivery boxes--are recycled; foods from the cheese to the pizza crusts come in vegetarian, vegan and soy options in addition to "regular" and carnivore-friendly picks. Salads and apps like breadsticks with an awesome marinara sauce start you off, but you'll be sorry if you don’t try one of their Specialty Pizzas. The Farmer's Market--a smorgasbord of fresh veggies--is super or try the Founder's Pie or Sausage and Tri-color Peppers if meat is your thing. Delivery available within a mile--and they bring your food in a Prius or a SmartCar! That's commitment.

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Restaurants • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

In the Mood for Nails

Every girl needs her favorite nail salon, and Glamour Nails is tops in Buckhead. From friendly staff to spa chairs that always work, a huge array of pretty polishes to efficient but never brusque service, this is a spot worth your time and money. John runs a lovely salon, and you're in good hands with all of his staff. They take appointments but also happily cater to walk-ins, and they're open till 6 pm on Sundays. Also on the "menu" are waxing services for reasonable prices and good package deals and gift certificates for those hard-to-please somebodies or nail junkies.

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Shopping • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

The Gifts That Keep on Giving

Newly opened in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, Savor Specialty Foods is a treat for all your gourmet senses! You can find yummy sandwiches for a quick lunchtime treat, and--even better--great finds for your next cocktail party or evening get-together or hostess gift-giving needs. The selection of artisanal cheeses is delectable, and the spreads and condiments are unparalleled in the neighborhood. Also handily stocked are clever bar and serving accessories that are perfect for gift-giving, plus a staff that has a wide array of basket ideas ready to create for your event needs. Stop in for lunch, samples, gifts and more!

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Shopping • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Finest Fabric in Town

So your living room has cathedral ceilings and the standard 84-inch curtain panels just aren't going to cut it. Time to whip out the sewing skills and head over to Hancock Fabrics. Sure, they don't have the obscene size of Joann Fabrics, but they can compete at the same level of greatness. From off-the-roll silk and suede to custom-ordered tapestries, you'll have more than your choice. Can't decide between cranberry or crimson dupioni? All visual vixens will be happy to know that you can grab a free swatch and compare colors and textures against your furniture at home. But wait... there's more. Custom-order fabrics and fabric books can be rented at your leisure before you take the plunge and make the commitment to purchase the 20+ yards you'll need. Add a plethora of trimmings, knick-knacks, and even an end table into the equation and you've just outfitted your entire living room. Nicely done. The price is right. The fabrics are lush. And after all, you're the one who has to look at those curtains day in and out. You may as well like them.

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Shopping • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Magical Mexican Stuff

Tucked away in the popular Peachtree Battle shopping center is a wonderful treasure that I just discovered. Jalisco's Mexican Restaurant is great food and fast service, especially during the lunch rush hour, which in Atlanta, is often unheard of. It gets really busy, busy really fast but they didn't compromise on quickly seating, taking orders and getting you in and out the door. The place is small, although bigger than it looks from the outside. However the complimentary chips and salsa are the best that I've tasted in a very long time. Warm tortilla chips with spicy, spicy homemade salsa greets you when you are seated. My friend Margo, who is as finicky as they come when it comes to eating, loves eating here. And now, so do I.

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Restaurants • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Create A Touching Memory

Jalisco has been a Buckhead staple since 1978. Several generations of local kids like me grew up eating their fabulous cheese dip; our parents enjoyed the cold beer (or wine, but no margaritas here, as Jalisco doesn't stock a full bar). Nestled in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, this is the spot for an easy and tasty Mexican meal any night of the week, particularly if you have kids. Be prepared to lounge outside if it’s crowded, which it is frequently, but know it's worth the wait: service is quick and friendly, and everything from the enchiladas to the combo plates are great, with even better prices. You can get your margaritas another night!

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Restaurants • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Climb it, Don't Cut It

Who doesn't love tree houses? Even better, this one's made for grown ups! One of my favorite patios in town is nestled neatly into the Peachtree Hills neighborhood and offers a perfect respite from the chaotic Buckhead surroundings. The menu is a unique combination of bar food classic (good mozzarella sticks) and fancier neighborhood restaurant picks (the homemade pizzas are great, as are the variety of salads with all kinds of tasty toppings). A recent addition? They are now open for lunch during the week, and provide local to-go orders (lunch hours only) to the AT&T building, Peachtree Battle shops and ADAC. Next time you're in the mood for dinner in nice weather, or if you're local and want something tasty for lunch, visit your local TreeHouse.

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Nightlife • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Well! Maybe I Will!

Sometimes knowing you’ve got something fancy on under your work clothes is just the thing to get you through the day. Where to find such pretties? Oh! Fine Lingerie, my friends. Nestled enticingly into the corner spot in the tiny Peachtree Hills shopping center, this is the place to find everything from gorgeous (and matching, if you’re so inclined) bras and panties to vintage robes. Shopping there is a bit like being in your own beautiful boudoir, with experts at hand to help your selections and prettily appointed dressing rooms to do your trying on. Next time you’re in the mood to treat yourself to a special something, pay a visit. Whether it’s a pick just for your own enjoyment or something meant to be shared, I bet you’ll find just the thing!

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Shopping • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Freshly Squeezed

Ah, spring. You know what that means . . . afternoons in the park, more daylight hours, the itch to play hooky--and weddings and gift-giving galore! That's right, it's almost time to find perfect picks for Mother's Day, Father's Day and all those weddings and engagement parties (not to mention the new babies, graduations and other occasions) you find yourself saddled with. Where to find the right gift for everyone on your list? Limetree! With multiple locations around the city, and the new Li'l Squeeze for children opened next door to each store, this boutique hits the spot. From monogrammed cutting boards and tumblers, adorable baby clothes and "big sister or brother" presents, to clever stationery and bar tools, check it out when you want to find something original, fun and stylish for the every and any person you need to fete.

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Shopping • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

South, Meet Southwest

I love a good lobster enchilada. A good tomatillo sauce. A perfectly-made margarita. And a gem of a place to find all of the above is tucked neatly away just off Peachtree Road in the Peachtree Hills neighborhood. Georgia Grille is one of those cozy spots with hands-on service, Southwestern cuisine that's as real as it gets in this part of the country, and a welcoming vibe that makes you glad you came any day of the week. Try the corn chowder or the shrimp enchilada, and make sure to check out the artwork that pays special homage to Georgia O'Keefe.

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Restaurants • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Treat Your Doggie Right

Ok, I admit it. My dog thinks he's a person and it's completely my fault. He's just so ridiculously cute (and knows it) that it's impossible not to treat him like a baby. If you too have this problem, then there's only one solution: Doggi Boutique! What else can you do with the four pound ball of love in your life than dress him in the snazziest sweaters and tote him around in a chic bag? From cool leashes and collars to the newest in clothes and dog beds, this is the place to go for all your pampered pooch's needs. After all, are you really going to pretend that your small, special-breed, meant-to-be-spoiled dog is an average mutt? I didn't think so.

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Pet Shops • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Swell Shopping

Remember the good ol’days when a Slinky could occupy your interest for hours and the Magnadoodle man was giving you the next big ideas in facial and head hair fads. These somber days, Tivo, Xbox and PS3s are on top of the world, and we forget the simple pleasures of the Crazy Cat Lady Action Figure, Tiddly Winks, your very own Jesus Bobblehead. The nostalgia of your youth (and your parents’ too) lives on in all its kitschy glory within Richard’s Variety. Even if you only stop by to pick up a politically incorrect greeting card or the perfect fish-shaped kitchen mold for your mother’s renowned salmon mousse, it’s hard not to smile at the little things that, one time, long ago, brought us wonder and enchantment (and which we now call “vintage”).

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Shopping • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Italian Eats!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Buckhead, there lies a small treasure that has been open less than a year, but is bringing a bit of Italy to this upscale area. Il Bacio, in the newly renovated shopping center on Piedmont Road and services the locals and keeps the executives at the AT&T building across the street rubbing their bellies. With an extensive menu, Il Bacio offers wonderful foccacia bread sandwiches, salads and delicious brick oven pizzas. The space is small, but quaint and on warm days there is a patio for additional seating. The price is moderate, with a meal costing from $10-15. If you decide to get the homemade gelato, add another $3. Ok, yeah go ahead and add it anyway because it is to die for! Or you could get full from sampling the different flavors, Tiramisu, Mint, Coconut, Peanut Butter, Cookies and Cream just to name a few. Il Bacio is definitely a taste of Italy.

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Restaurants • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

SIP

After a month of weaning myself off Starbucks, (yes I know that is sacrilege but those baristas were burning a hole in my pocketbook) I found the flyest, sexiest, untapped coffee shop. Just opened, SIP is kind to my pockets, it’s sleek and modern, and, did I mention it’s kind to my pockets? Amidst the new Lindbergh Plaza on Piedmont, SIP offers free Wi-Fi, which for me is a must. Sitting back next to the train station, my new favorite coffee shop is in good company with Lotus nightclub, My Panini and Hot Stix.

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Coffee • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills

Eating Good in the Real Neighborhood

Ok, a major splurge but you ought to do this once and a while. Work later, invest more wisely, pick up some shifts, wear ratty clothes around your rich uncle—but for goodness sake, have a good meal now and then. And here is one of the best and most charming places; you will be slain. Linton Hopkins is no avant-garde chef, yet he is in-step with what is considered a cuisine revolution; i.e., the “Slow Food” movement. Restaurant Eugene serves New Southern cuisine. It is Georgia-by-way-of-Provence; i.e. classic cooking where time-honored French techniques are applied to Georgia product. He is not doing coy things with microfoams or deconstructed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Hopkins is our neo-traditionalist; call it soul food with a price tag. He serves good beer, great cheese, and the best-quality meats and veggies from local farmers, artisans, and distributors. He’s become the darling of the well-heeled, older set but the younger chefs and Atlanta’s foodie community have great respect for him too. Order the Sweetgrass Dairy cheese plates or the entrée of late-Summer vegetables. I don’t think that I have ever tasted such a collection of humble flavors that transcended the ordinary; plump mushrooms, impossibly creamy stone-ground grits, crisp green beans, acorn and butternut squash, and fire-roasted corn all came together perfectly; a word I seldom use. Just go, will ya?

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Restaurants • Garden Hills / Peachtree Heights / Peachtree Hills