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When it comes to casual eateries, the Peach State has a reputation when it comes to downhome Southern food.
TOP Data, a market research firm, just announced its list of the 50 most popular casual dining restaurants.
Here Are The Top Casual Restaurants In Georgia
In Georgia, TOP gave us their top five list.
1. Waffle House
View this post on Instagram2. Chili’s Grill & Bar
View this post on Instagram3. Cracker Barrel
View this post on Instagram4. IHOP
View this post on Instagram5. Olive Garden
View this post on InstagramFinal Word
Casual is good but “fast-casual” is the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 20+ Essential Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
- Where to eat in Atlanta
- The best Cajun-style restaurants in Atlanta
- Best date night restaurants you have to try right now
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If you enjoy an elegant, soulful dinner with a twist, you’ll love Oreatha’s at the Point.
The founder of Midtown’s Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours recently opened her second restaurant in the city. Restaurateur and Executive Chef Deborah VanTrece helms Oreatha’s at the Point, which is named after her mother. Real estate investor Shea Embry is also a partner in the business.
Oreatha’s at the Point began serving customers on March 31, 2022 in Cascade Heights. The eatery adds to the growing stable of restaurants opening on Atlanta’s Southside (under I-20) and may be the most anticipated.
Chef Deborah VanTrece Opens Oreatha’s At The Point
The theme of the new Atlanta restaurant is centered around a mother’s love, something VanTrece knows about very well.
Here’s what it says on the eatery’s website: “From the care that goes into the selection of the ingredients to the thoughtful preparations, this is food that nourishes the body and nurtures the soul. It comforts and reassures us. While Oreatha’s is named after VanTrece’s own mother, the restaurant is really a celebration of hard-working moms everywhere. The dishes are all inspired by different regions of the world, but all of them share one secret ingredient… a mother’s love.”
What’s On The Menu At Oreatha’s At The Point?
While the eatery hasn’t opened just yet, a preview from Oreatha’s at the Point’s Instagram shows Moroccan chicken tagine with vegetable saffron rice pilaf in all its glory.
Another menu item the restaurant is teasing is a turkey burger on a brioche bun complete with fresh herbs, over a bed of spring mix & tomato, topped with cranberry mostarda.
Check out Oreatha’s menu here.
When Is Oreatha’s Open?
As of now, Oreatha’s is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ( Brunch) and 5 to 10 p.m. (Dinner)
- Sunday 11 to 6 (All day brunch)
The restaurant is currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Where Is Oreatha’s at The Point Located?
Oreatha’s at the Point is located at 2287 Cascade Rd, Unit C, Atlanta, GA. 30311. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Chef VanTrece’s take on global cuisine will no doubt be a hit in Cascade Heights. The eatery will add to the great black-owned restaurants you need to know about in the city.
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For some fresh produce, you should consider going to the Fresh MARTA Market at various stations around Atlanta.
Since mid-April, the Fresh MARTA Market has been open and serving customers.
The farm stand is up and running at five MARTA stations: Bankhead, West End, Five Points, College Park, and H.E. Holmes MARTA Stations.
When Are Fresh MARTA Markets Open In Atlanta?
Fresh MARTA Markets are open from Tuesday to Friday at a different station each day.
Market Open day End Date West End Tuesdays Dec 6 (closed Nov 22) HE Holmes Wednesdays Dec 7 (closed Nov 23) Bankhead Wednesdays Dec 7 (closed Nov 23) College Park Thursdays Dec 8 (closed Nov 24) Doraville Fridays Dec 9 (closed Nov 25) Five Points Fridays Dec 9 (closed Nov 25) Kensington Coming this summer Dec 9 (closed Nov 25) The market is a partnership between the following entities:
- Community Farmers Markets
- Organix Matters
- Atlanta Community Food Bank,
- Open Hand
- Wholesome Wave Georgia
If you’re a health nut and want more local healthy food choices, perhaps you’ll be interested in our Guide to Local Farmers Markets.
We also have special coverage of Black Farmers In Atlanta as well as How To Keto In Atlanta.
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Do you have a gift card from Amazon or another retailer and you’re wondering how to use it?
If they’re not expired, gift cards can be used just like cash for purchases. If you have a Visa gift card, you can use it on Amazon to buy the things you need.
In this article, we’re going to go over how to use your Visa gift card on Amazon.
How To Use A Visa Gift Card On Amazon
As you may know, Amazon accepts many gift cards and other pre-paid cards that can be redeemed to purchase items online. In fact, many shoppers prefer gift cards because they have so many uses.
Follow these steps to use your Visa gift card on Amazon (And note: You can use several different cards to add up to a large sum).
- Go to Amazon.com’s Reload Your Balance page
- Enter the amount on your Visa gift card (you’ll have to do this for each subsequent Visa card as well)
- You’ll have to sign in to continue. Once you do that, tap the “Edit” button where it says payment method
- Tap “Add a card”
- Enter your gift card balance and other information
- Select your gift card and tap “Done” button
- It will take you back to the Reload Your Balance page, where you can verify the balance by tapping “Reload”
Once you complete those seven steps, your Visa card will be loaded onto your Amazon account and you can begin using it to buy stuff.
Last Words
Amazon doesn’t take all gift cards. They have to meet the guidelines that they have set out.
Here are two restrictions that apply to Visa, American Express and -MasterCard:
- The gift cards can’t be combined with credit cards on a single purchase
- Amazon also doesn’t use the three-digit CVV code normally found on the back of some cards
BEFORE YOU GO, take a look at all the top deals happening on our Retail Page. Don’t pay full price for things when you can get GREAT VALUE on items for low prices. Don’t want to miss a deal? Sign up for our #ATLHaps list HERE🙂
Looking to shop? Check out the best malls in Atlanta
NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, take a look at all the top deals on our Retail Page, there are PLENTY of good deals that you don’t want to miss! Subscribe to our #ATLHaps Newsletter HERE and get the deals delivered to your inbox 🙂Along with the wonderful things to eat and do in Atlanta, there are also so awesome places to shop.
In addition to malls, many Atlanta boutiques and consignment shops have daily deals so that you can save money.
Atlanta’s retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
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Among the treasures that screened at the Atlanta Film Festival was She Keeps Me, a short directed by Erica Orofino.
The film won Best Canadian Short (2022) at the Pendance film festival in Toronto and is currently making the rounds in the festival circuit.
She Keeps Me Screens At Atlanta Film Festival
She Keeps Me is about a woman, Alessandra (Rachel Daganais), who acts as the caretaker for her sister Lena (Katarina Keca), who struggles with mental illness. While Alessandra tries to be there for her sister, the film captures the nearly helpless position caretakers find themselves in when there’s little to no support.
We were able to talk to Orofino about the film as well as how she started in the business. Below is an edited transcript of our interview.
Where are you originally from and how did you get into filmmaking?I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec but have been living in Toronto, Ontario for 10 years now. I went to film school at York University and started working in production after I graduated. I’ve always known directing is what I wanted to do, though, and I started directing films in 2016.“She Keeps Me” is an awesome short. What motivated you to tackle mental illness as the subject matter?Thank you! I’m really interested in stories about mental illness; it’s something that’s affected me my whole life, as someone who has both lived with it and also been in a caretaker role. I think stories like this bring people together, and make people feel seen.What message do you think a caretaker for someone suffering from mental illness can take from the film?I don’t know if there’s a direct message, I think what the film is saying to caretakers is “I see you, you’re not alone, I know it’s hard, and there is no right or wrong way.”As an art form, what advantages would you say filmmaking has over other forms like music or visual art?Filmmaking engages all the senses! I guess other than taste or smell or touch. But the best films can even make you physically feel things, and engage those senses too.What’s next for you as a director?I have two shorts in post-production right now, and I’m doing lots of music videos, I have another short drama I’m hopefully doing in the fall. So much going on! Lots of good things.(End of interview.)The Atlanta Film Festival was a truly refreshing experience and I highly recommend it. Missed out on the fun see the full recap here.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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Sweetwater 420 Fest returns to Atlanta, Georgia, this weekend. The four-day event will take place Thursday, April 28 through Sunday, May 1, 2022 in Atlanta. The rock festival is already prepping for an awesome weekend of good times, good music and great beer.
Keep reading to find out some of the details of one of the best festivals in Atlanta.
Where Will Sweetwater 420 Fest Take Place This Year?
Sweetwater 420 Fest will take place at Centennial Olympic Park across four stages. There will be an artists market, food village and more great stuff on tap.
Sweetwater 420 Fest 2022: Everything You Need To Know
Thousands of music fans are expected to converge upon downtown Atlanta for this monster music event. You don’t want to miss it. There will be food, music and much more.
SweetWater 420 Fest 5k Road Race
There will also be a race! Register for the April 30 420 Fest 5K – a Peachtree Road Race qualifier – at www.sweetwater420fest.com.
Who’s Performing At Sweetwater 420 Fest This Year?
The Sweetwater 420 2022 music lineup includes nearly scords acts including:
- Empire Strikes Brass
- Oteil & Friends
- Tauking McGee
- The String Cheese Incident
- The Stews
- Taylor Scott Band
- Little Stranger
- Badfish
- Too Many Zooz
- Queen Is Doomed
- Neighbor
- Pressing String
- Tropidelic
- Town Mountain
- Bird Dog Jubilee
What Time Does The Gates Open?
Thursday, April 28
Gates open: 12:30 PM | Box Office Hours: 12:30 PM – 9:45 PMFriday, April 29
Gates open: 11:30 AM | Box Office Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:45 PMSaturday, April 30
Gates open: 11:30 AM | Box Office Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Sunday, May 1 11:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Gates open: 11:30 AM | Box Office Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:45 PMHow To Get Tickets
Buy available tickets for Sweetwater 420 Fest from the official ticket site HERE.
There are no paper tickets to the festival. Your wristband is your ticket.
Final Word
This event is just one among many Atlanta happenings going on weekly in the city. Fortunately for us, there’s plenty to do on a weekly basis.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Two Atlanta-area startups are in the running to compete at the Founders of Color Showcase, the initiative recently disclosed.
In the latest round, 16 startups made it to the semifinals in the third annual showcase, according to an announcement from Next Wave Impact, a global impact investor syndicate.
2 Atlanta-Area Startups Make It To Founders Of Color Showcase Semifinals
The two Atlanta-area startups that have advanced are:
- Optimal Technology Corporation | Founder & CEO Reginald Parker | Austell, GA
- UnDelay | Founder & CEO Safir Monroe | Atlanta, GA
Up to seven semifinalists will advance to compete at the Showcase on May 16, 2022, in Atlantic City, N.J. and via a livestream from 4 to 6 p.m. ET.
Here are the 2022 Founders of Color Showcase semifinalists:
What Is The Founders Of Color Showcase?
The Founders of Color )FOC) Showcase is a group of investors, VC partners and angel groups who are committed to empowering minority-led startups still in the early seed stages.
The FOC is led by Alicia Robb, an entrepreneur and investor who founded the group.
During the event, the founders will get access to a key investors, funds and angel groups that are accelerating capital opportunities for high-impact minority-founded startups.
Co-hosts of the third annual Founders of Color Showcase include:
Showcase sponsors include:
- Ascent CFO Solutions
- Clean Energy Credit Union
- Signature Windows
- Queen City Angels
- Sarah Murray
- Blaudow Family Foundation
- She Invests!
Final Word
Atlanta’s tech industry is being led by several high-profile black-owned change makers from different backgrounds.
These companies want to make a difference, but they need your help.
Here’s How You Can Support Atlanta’s Black Businesses.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Despite the rising costs of food and other necessities right now, Georgia remains one of the cheapest states to live in.
Data from the the Council for Community & Economic Research (C2ER) shows that the Peach State is the top five when it comes to cost of living expenses.
Wondering how Georgia stacks up against other U.S. cities? Here’s the data:
States With The Lowest Annual Average Cost of Living
Rank State Index Grocery Housing Utilities Transportation Health Misc. 1 Mississippi 83.3 92.2 66.3 90.4 86.7 94.7 90.9 2 Kansas 86.5 91.7 72.6 100.2 97.3 100.4 88.4 3 Alabama 87.9 98.2 70.1 100.7 92.7 91.2 94.3 4 Oklahoma 87.9 94.5 74.7 95.1 94.8 94.5 92.6 5 Georgia 88.8 95.9 74.4 90.5 92.6 96.7 97.1 6 Tennessee 89.0 94.7 79.3 92.5 88.8 91.2 94.2 7 Missouri 89.8 95.0 80.3 95.4 92.4 94.6 93.3 8 Iowa 89.9 98.4 76.0 94.9 97.7 99.9 94.2 9 West Virginia 90.5 96.5 78.6 89.4 92.2 88.1 99.7 10 Indiana 90.6 92.7 78.3 99.0 98.3 94.6 96.8 Thinking Of Moving To Georgia?
One of the most attractive places to live in Georgia is the Atlanta-area. The region boasts some of the best weather, a vibrant economy and plenty of things to do.
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a house or an apartment in Georgia and the Atlanta area.
Look for apartments that don’t do credit checks on potential tenants. That way, it’s easier to find a place.
You’re also going to want to entice the landlord by offering to pay more upfront or even every month.
After you’ve gotten a place to live, you’ll want to get a job (if you don’t already have one). With most people, they have a job, but want a better one.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
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If you’re looking for something fun to do in Buckhead on a Sunday, there’s only one choice when it comes to great food, upscale atmosphere and outdoor dining. Gypsy Kitchen has a new Sunday series strictly for the food and drink crowd.
Gypsy Kitchen has long been one of Buckhead’s coolest restaurants, now with the warmer weather, the eatery kicked off its Sunday series in April.
Gypsy Kitchen Kicks Off Under the Mediterranean Sun
The restaurant’s theme for the event is “Under the Mediterranean Sun,” which features a celebration of Moroccan-inspired foods and beverages.
When Does Under the Mediterranean Sun Begin?
Under the Mediterranean Sun will begin each Sunday at 12 noon. At 4:30 p.m., you’ll be treated to live music from a flamenco guitarist.
Where Is Gypsy Kitchen Located?
Gypsy Kitchen ATL is located at 3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. Here’s a map to help you find it.
What Else Is There To Do On A Sunday In Atlanta?
Glad you asked! Atlanta has a bevy of fun events, parties and cool things to get into on Sundays.
See our full list of Sunday activities here.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has done away with its mask mandate, following trends around the nation as COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to plummet.
Delta was one of the strictest airlines when it came to health protocols at the height of the pandemic, even reserving an open-middle seat policy.
Delta Says Masks Are Now Optional On Its Flights
Customers and employees alike are free to continue to wear masks, which offer protection against aerosols, the company said.
Delta warned that although it’s policy is in line with White House recommendations, many other businesses around the airport may be slow to get on the same page.
“Given the unexpected nature of this announcement, please be aware that customers, airline employees and federal agency employees, such as TSA, may be receiving this information at different times,” the airline said in an announcement on its website. Y”ou may experience inconsistent enforcement during the next 24 hours as this news is more broadly communicated – remember to show understanding and patience with others who may not be aware enforcement is no longer required. Communications to customers and in-airport signage and announcements will be updated to share that masking is now optional – this may take a short period of time.”
Do I Still Need To Wear A Mask When Out In Atlanta, Georgia?
The CDC along with the City of Atlanta have released guidance advocating that masks no longer have to be worn indoors as well as outdoors in crowded areas.
The CDC also said that masks are now optional on public transportation, which spurred Delta to make its announcement.
Gov. Brian Kemp passed laws that ban a mask mandate, so the local restrictions are limited in how far they apply.
Earlier in the year, the CDC caused controversy when it came out with the following guidance:
Final Word
You no longer have to pack your masks when taking a flight on Delta. Keep in mind that when you’re traveling abroad, mask mandates may still be in effect.
Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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