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Zakia, a Lebanese restaurant, recently opened its doors in Buckhead. If you want to try some authentic dishes drenched in the flavors of the Mediterranean, Zakia is your place to dine.
Everything from the light, airy kitchen down to the drinks on the menu is influenced by Lebanese culture. The eatery is one of the very best Mediterranean restaurants in Atlanta.
Where To Eat Lebanese Food In Atlanta: Zakia
The eatery is a modern concept that emphasizes family, including the restaurant’s name: Zakia is inspired by the grandmother of Jonathan and Ryan Akly, the eatery’s owners.
Situated in Buckhead, Zakia boasts a 6,000-square-foot space that seats more than 200 guests in the dining room, bar/lounge, and private dining areas. There’s also a second-floor private room that accommodates up to 60 people.
Zakia will be open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
What is On Zakia’s Menu?
Zakia’s menu leans heavily on family recipes that the Akly brothers enjoyed while growing up. It also features a mix of classic and modern Lebanese and Middle Eastern mezze along with chargrilled meats and seafood as well as other healthy food.
Helming the kitchen is Executive Chef Ian Winslade, who will be accompanied by the Akly brothers and their fresh blend of Lebanese cuisine. Look for such standout dishes as:
- Stuffed Grape Leaves
- Grilled Quail
- Fried Kibbeh
- Labneh and a selection of kabobs
Where Is Zakia Located In Buckhead?
Zakia is located at at the Modera Prominence at 3699 Lenox Rd NE Ste 3, Atlanta, GA 30305. Here’s a map to help yo ufind it.
As for Zakia’s beverage program, guests can enjoy Lebanese Middle Eastern cocktails, traditional arak service, and a curated wine list. There’s also Arabic coffee to top off your meal.
Final Word
“I am really excited to dive back into the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean that I experienced early in my career and expand upon that while bringing out the deep, rich Lebanese culture and drawing inspiration from meals the Aklys’ grandmother made for them growing up that have been passed down from generation to generation,” Winslade said in a written statement.
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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A new film with the working title Holiday Road is currently holding casting calls in Atlanta, Georgia. The feature-length movie stars Mark Wahlberg and MIchelle Monaghan and has been filming in Atlanta for several weeks.
The production is one of many local productions hiring a bunch of actors and extras to appear in upcoming scenes. Keep reading to see the casting call details.
Holiday Road Casting Call In Atlanta
Work Date: Mon 12/12
(approx 7:00am start time and must be available the entire day- a normal film day goes for about 12 hrs)
Filming location: Georgia Tech
Types needed: REAL EXPERIENCE TRACK and FIELD
college age Students (18 and over)
– Pole Vaulters
– Hammer Throwers
– Discus Throwers
– High Jumpers
– Long Jumpers
– Hurdlers
– Sprinters
– Long Distance Runners
PAY RATES:
$125 with OT after 8 hrs
Covid Test Pay: $50 (we pay you )
HOW TO SUBMIT:
Email: extras@tscasting.com
Subject Line: TRACK SCENE
In the body of the email , include, in a list format:
First and Last Name
Phone Number
Email address
AGE
Height/Weight
Clothing Sizes
City/State where you live
AND
List your TRACK and FIELD experience in the above categories
(basically, which ones you are skilled at!)
List if you have/own the equipment (especially for Pole Vaulting, etc..)
PHOTOS TO ATTACH:
Attach to the email the following photos (no hats, sunglasses or other people in your photos):
– 1 Head Shot (a good clear photo of you from the chest up)
– 1 Full Length Photo (so we can see your physique)
– Include any other photos you would like to send, especially if it’s of you in action in any of the above cateogories!What Is Holiday Road About?
Holiday Road is about a father who has to run from trouble over the holidays with his family in tow when sinister people from his past catch up to him.
Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.More AFrom AtlantaFi.com: -
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young recently got into it with a sports reporter during an interview due to his absence from the team bench lately.
The encounter comes amid a rough patch for the Hawks after they’ve not been able to close out some recent games, although they were able to beat the Denver Nuggets.
Trae Young And Reporter Get Into it (Video)
Another development that has people talking is a reported incident in which Hawks head coach Nate McMillan told Young to either come off the bench or not play at all.
Young has been nursing a shoulder injury and looked like he was determined to play against the Nuggets. McMillan shot it down, saying that he wanted Young to come off the bench or not to show up. Young chose not to show up at all.
After the media got wind of the story, Young finds himself just trying to put the incident behind him. “I’m just here to play basketball and win a championship and try to do my best,” he told reporters.
Young took umbrage with a reporter questioning his leadership.
See the exchange in this video:
Final Word
The Hawks are in the thick of the Eastern Conference race, but will need a healthy Young to do the job. Looks like they’re also determined to dump John Collins for a final missing piece to a championship run.
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry. -
Isla & Co., an Australian-inspired restaurant, opened its doors in Buckhead on Thursday, December 8, 2022.
The eatery comes from Parched Hospitality Group, which previously opened restaurants in the Northeast. This time, PHG is betting on Aussie fare to lure Atlantans to the table.
Isla & Co. Opens First Of Two Atlanta Locations In Buckhead
The eatery is operated by Parched Hospitality Group, which is in the midst of expanding the Isla brand In Atlanta and other cities. A westside Atlanta location is also in the works, according to PHG Chief Strategy Officer Tom Rowse.
Isla & Co. is open Monday-Sunday and offers brunch, dinner and a 3 to 6 p.m. happy hour.
What’s On The Menu At Isla & Co.?
While Isla’s cuisine is a nod to Down Under, it’s menu is as varied as what you’d except from one of the great American dining capitals, thanks to executive chef Matt Foley, who helmed the kitchen at a Michelin-starred eatery in New York City.Some top menu options include: the Isla Burger, Spicy Shrimp Vodka Rigatoni, Fish and Chips, Braised Lamb Shoulder and a Half Chicken.For dessert items like the Sticky Date Pudding (pictured) satisfy the most ardent sweet tooth.As for the cocktails, expect a creative and flavorful mix like What the Buck,Where Is Isla & Co. Located In Buckhead?
Isla & Co. is located at 56 East Andrews Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. Here is a map to help you find it.
Isla & Co. locations are also in the following cities or will be there soon.
- Dallas, TX
- Brooklyn, NY
- Fairfield, CT
- Midtown, NY
- West Palm Beach (opening soon)
- Miami Beach (opening soon)
Final Word
Make sure you check out Isla & Co. in Buckhead when you’re in the area and in the mood for some Down Under-inspired wonder. While you’re in the vicinity, you may be interested in what our guide on what to see and do in Buckhead.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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The Georgia Bulldogs ran roughshod over the LSU Tigers 50-30 in a battle of heavyweights Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in the SEC Championship Game in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.
Read about Georgia’s 2022 season to the SEC championship.
The Dawgs punted on their first drive, but ran a blocked punt back for a touchdown after catching the Tigers off guard. UGA never looked back after that.
Georgia SEC Champions After Beating LSU, 50-30
The win puts the Dawgs at 13-0 and secures their spot as the #1 seed in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Stetson Bennett waited until the SEC Championship Game to throw for a season-high four touchdown passes as the Dawgs put up 35 points in the first half.
LSU starting quarterback Jayden Daniels didn’t finish the game after he re-injured his leg in the first half. Backup Garrett Nussmeier came out slinging the ball, leading the Tigers (9-4, No. 14 CFP) to three second-half touchdowns.
LSU Coach Brian Kelly said the Tigers couldn’t overcome the early miscues and that the Georgia defense was too much.
““In its totality, you’re talking about five or six plays. Coulda, woulda, shoulda. The better team won. We were not clean enough in some of those areas against the No. 1 team in the country,” Kelly said.
Watch the press conference after the game:
How They Got Here: Georgia
The University of Georgia Bulldogs have not lost a game for the better part of two seasons. Coach Kirby Smart solved the Alabama curse — all the coaching assistants that Tide Coach Nick Saban has had lost to him — before anybody.
The UGA season started with a resounding 49-3 disposing of the Oregon Ducks in the Chick-fil-A Classic in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, site of the SEC Championship.
Their closest game of the season was Week 4. The Georgia Bulldogs came from behind to beat the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 in Athens. Even though the Dawgs won, the team dropped to No. 2 in the latest AP poll. Alabama was named No. 1.
Since then, big wins over the Vols and Ole Miss put the Dawgs in the driver’s seat. Many pundits said even with a loss to LSU, the Bulldogs would make the College Football Playoff. That conversation is irrelevant after the Dawgs dominated the Tigers in downtown Atlanta.
Read our guide on how Georgia won the SEC in 2022.
How They Got Here: LSU
LSU is bowl-eligible after two subpar years. The Tigers had a lot to prove this year with first-year coach Brian Kelly at the helm.
An opening loss to Florida State, where the Tigers missed the tying extra point and played a game filled with mistakes, including two muffed points, had many writing off the Bayou Bengals.
But the increased confidence of Arizona State transfer signal caller Jayden Daniels has allowed the Tigers to return to form rather quickly.
Methodical wins over Ole Miss, Florida and a dramatic one-point victory against Alabama in overtime served notice that the Tigers were back in a big way.
A bad loss to Texas A&M dashed their hopes for a College Football Playoff berth, but the Tigers have a lot of optimism about next season.
Final Word
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry. -
Business / Restaurants2 Min Read
Atlanta-based Krystal is back again with a new commercial about its Side Chik chicken sandwich.
After enlisting Atlanta rap royalty 2Chainz in one commercial and adding the talents of social media influencer Brittany Renner, Krystal has upped the ante this time by featuring TV host and radio personality Charlamagne Tha God.
Charlamagne’s ad spot was produced by Krystal’s own in-house Creative Marketing Director Ajona “Jax” Camile and debuts on December 5.
Watch the commercial here:
All About Krystal’s Side Chik Sandwiches
Krystal’s chicken sandwiches all are stacked with premium, white meat and come in three versions:
- BBQ Bacon Cheese with crispy smoked bacon and tangy BBQ
- Pimento Cheese
- Classic featuring a slather of Duke’s Mayo and pickle.
As far is breakfast is concerned, the Side Chik is available in Classic and Pimento Cheese on a biscuit.
Final Word
f you want to check out some other restaurants in Atlanta with kickin’ chicken sandwiches, these are hard to beat. But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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More details have come to light about movie mogul Tyler Perry’s construction of his mega mansion outside Atlanta.
The property, which is located in Douglas County, Georgia encompasses more than 800 acres, making it one of the largest pieces of in-tact land available in all of metro Atlanta.
Tyler Perry’s New Mansion: Here’s What We Know
The Madea actor bought the acreage back in 2013 with plans to build on it at some point. I guess the time is now. The massive estate is currently under construction.
According to TMZ, Perry is investing a lot of planning into the property because he wants his young son to appreciate nature as well as animals, which the property will have plenty of.
This is the second Atlanta-area mansion Perry has lived in, if you remember Avec Chateau, which is located on Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.
As you know by now, Perry is a billionaire. Most of his worth comes from the content he’s created over the years, particularly his movies. With the ascension of Tyler Perry Studios, Perry now reportedly generates a quarter of his worth from that property.
Here Is The Latest Picture Of The Tyler Perry Mansion
As you can see, landscaping is
Where Is Tyler Perry’s Mansion Located?
The palatial estate encompasses hundreds of acres surrounding a mansion located in Douglas County, which is about 20 minutes outside Atlanta.Some of the amenities that have been revealed to be in the mansion so far are:- Lap pool
- Helipad for a helicopter
- Jet runway
- Organic farm with horses
How Big Is Tyler Perry’s New Mansion And What’s It Worth?
According to media reports, Perry’s new mansion encompasses 40,000 square feet of space and is valued at $100 million. According to Douglas County real estate records, Perry was able to purchase the property in liquidation after plans for a subdivision feel through.
Here are some metrics we have learned about the property:
- 40,000 square-foot home
- 2,100 acres
- 8 bedrooms
- 12 bathrooms
Under Construction: Tyler Perry’s New Mansion (Pics)


Final Word
When it is built, Perry’s new mansion will be the most expensive in the Atlanta-area.
Like a good movie, the mansion is taking several years because Perry wants it done right. No doubt when the project is complete, pictures of the finished mansion will circulate on social media.
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Move over, Netflix and BET. Madea’s coming to Amazon Studios. Or at least, her creator, Tyler Perry is. The Atlanta-based filmmaker recently inked a four-picture agreement with the powerful company’s streaming and film production arm.
That means that in addition to holding casting calls, he’ll soon be hiring at his movie studio for Amazon Prime shows and movies.
“I’m excited and grateful to start working with Amazon Studios to bring movies to Prime Video,” said in a statement. “Jennifer Salke [Head of Amazon Studios] and the entire team have welcomed me with open arms. I’m looking forward to continuing telling unique stories and bringing my next projects to the global audiences that they reach.”
“Tyler Perry is undeniably one of the most prolific creators of our time. He is a true multihyphenate who has defined his own incredible brand of storytelling and inspired people all over the world with his series and films,” Amazon Studios head Salke was quoted as saying. “We are excited to collaborate with Tyler and his teams to bring even more of his fantastic signature films to our global audiences.”
Perry hopes to capitalize on his success with Netflix, where he brought A Fall From Grace and A Jazzman’s Blues to the streaming platform.
It’s been nothing short of a meteoric rise for Perry, who was born into poverty in New Orleans.
As a struggling playwright, Perry says he had to make his own path to stardom.
“You got to understand, I had no mentors,” Perry told Forbes. “My father doesn’t know anything about business, and my uncles and mother, they know nothing about this. I didn’t go to business school. Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned in progress.”
Perry says he was told that the audience he was catering to wouldn’t be able to support full-feature films.
From Chitlin Circuit To Media Mogul
“ ‘Black people who go to church don’t go to the movies,’ ” Perry told Forbes that he was told back then. “I came from a place where Black people had already embraced me and loved me. I was completely happy there, and still am.”
Perry joins an exclusive list when it comes to being one of the richest businessmen in the state. Here is Georgia’s billionaires club.Read more: Best work from home jobs in Atlanta, Georgia
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The coolest gadgets not only help you solve a problem or add convenience, but they come at an affordable price.
If you love innovative technology, there are some really cool gadgets currently on the market.
Best Gadgets For This Holiday
Some high-tech companies are making some really fun things these days and you should know about it. Let’s go over some of the best must-have gadgets:
Voice Activated LED Mask
One of the hottest gadgets of the season, this voice-activated LED mask is great for showing true expression while staying safe.
Formé Shoe Shaper
This shoe shaper safely stretches shoes up to a half a size. This is a great item for women who have fallen in love with a pair of shoes, but they’re sized differently.
Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 700, With Alexa
Upright GO 2 NEW Posture Trainer and Corrector With App
Wi-Fi LED Smart Light Bulb
Vector Robot by Anki, A Home Robot Who Hangs Out & Helps Out, With Amazon Alexa Built-In
What Are The Coolest Gadgets Right Now?
Technology is making life much more convenient for us in a lot of ways. But the coolest gadgets are the things we don’t actually need.
Technology continues to advance, which means that you can find some futuristic consumer products easier than ever.
If you’re looking for a computer for 2021, check out these cool laptops.
Personal finance is something they should learn in grammar school, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Want to save money, check out this links:
More From Atlantafi.com:
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Great products that exfoliate and moisturize your face are hard to come by these days. What can you use on your face for a smooth complexion?
There are some great skincare products on the market right now.
What Are The Best Products To Use On Your Face Daily?
To help you make a decision, we’ve added reviews of all these skin care products listed. Take a look at these top-rated face creams:
1. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, 0.5-oz. – $53.80
Here’s what one Amazon reviewer says about Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: “Estee Lauder is a proven winner for skin care. This product is a good example of what daily use over years can achieve – smooth and clear skin without crows feet or dark shadows. I use this morning and evening with fantastic results.”
2. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel 60 Count BOX – $140
Here’s what one Amazon reviewer says about Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: “I can honestly state that this product is the best product for my skin that I have ever used. I will not be without it. Yes, it is pricey, but worth every cent. After a few uses my skin looks younger and smoother. I get more compliments on my skin. A number of years ago I had a chemical peel on my face – with beautiful results. Now I get the same results with the Alpha Beta Peel without the pain and expense. I love this product and am never without it.”
Here’s what a reviewer says about Burt’s Bees: “Love these. Not great for removing a whole face full of makeup but good to get off the residual… I usually shower at night and wash my face and I use these in the morning to refresh, then I use the same wipe again to wash the makeup off my hands after applying.”4. Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood for All Skin Types, 1.26 Ounce
Here’s what one Amazon reviewer says about Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm: “This was my first time using a cleansing balm. The smell is amazing while leaving my dry skin baby soft with the first use! I will never be without this product!”
5. Talika Lash Conditioning Cleanser – $27
6. Light Face Moisturizer with SPF 25 by Olay Regenerist Whip – $28.36
7. L’Oreal Paris Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum Skin Care I Revitalift Derm Intensives – $21.93
Here’s what one reviewer says about this L’Oreal product: “I’m a fair skinned young at heart woman in my early 50s. You know those unisightly, definitely in-freckle blotches can come up? This product erases them. I have found my new holy Grail and couldn’t be happier – after just a week. I’m already ordering a new bottle to have on hand. I do use it on my décolletage and hands as well. Thank you, L’Oréal!”
8. Reform Skincare Retinol 1% Crème – $59.99
9. Resurface by Shani Darden Retinol Reform Peel,1 oz (30ml) – $74.97
Here’s what one reviewer says about Shani Darden Retinol: “I started using this product mid-February and have significantly reduced my scarring in 10-weeks. During this time I used one full bottle and have just purchased my second. The price is steep, but I can’t find an alternative. The hope is to fade the remaining dark spots.”
10. Sublimage La Creme Yeux Ultimate Regeneration Eye Cream – Travel Size – $60
Here’s what one reviewer says about Sublimage La Crème Ultimate Skin: “This a.m., after 3 months of fighting puffiness and fine lines on my left eye, it now matches my right eye. I am quite amazed. Given I never tried Chanel & did not know the active ingredient of vanilla extract but recognized Squalane, which is at the top off the List, I am very pleased! Will buy after deluxe sample is gone. Costly, but works which is a lot better than trying hundreds of dollars of products that don’t work.”
These products have got a lot of people that care about their skin care routine excited. So that’s why we’ve listed these particular products.
We pride ourselves on finding items that you can use at a cost that works. Hopefully, the price points are affordable for your budget.
What Are The Best Skin Care Products Under $20?
You can also find plenty of products that are really cheap, but quality. Here are the best skin care products under $20:
- sublimage La Creme ultimate skin regeneration TEXURE Fine travel size 5ml/0.17oz — $15.99
- New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body – 8.8 oz – $14.95
- Mario Badescu Facial Spray Duov- $14
- TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face, Topical Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitami – $19.99
- Aztec Secret – Indian Healing Clay 1 lb – Deep Pore Cleansing Facial & Body Mask – $9,99
- Vitamin C Serum Face and Skin Rejuvenation with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E – $15.97
If you’re a savvy shopper, you should be able to find an item that works for you, especially with the input from reviewers who have tried the particular skin care products.
The most popular skin products for healthy pores include moisturizers, cleansers, anti-aging treatments, exfoliators and more.
Final Word
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to take care of your skin. A good skincare regimen is a must if you want a smooth complexion.
Smooth skin for many of us is not something we’re born it: You have to work for it. That’s why the best skin care products are those that can help us get a smooth complexion.
There are quite a few skin care products that can lead to healthy pores. Conditioners, cleansers, skin regeneration creams and botanical oils are all popular right now.
No matter which product you use, make sure you read the label to make sure it doesn’t contain an ingredient that doesn’t agree with you or that you’re allergic to.
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