Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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The latest and some say the most exciting chapter in the journey of Luke Skywalker and the Force debuts this week in Atlanta and much of the nation. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” features more than 2 hours of galactic fun.
Atlanta theaters are expecting packed houses to see the movie, which debuts Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. Speaking of ATL, its name appeared in “Star Wars” headlines this weekend for a more secular reason.
Actor John Boyega, who plays a good-hearted Stormtrooper who sides with the Jedi, got stuck in Atlanta during the L.A. premiere of the movie. Boyega tweeted that he couldn’t get out of Atlanta for the Hollywood premiere due to a snow storm that dumped six inches on the area.
Power outages ensued and air traffic suffered mass cancellations because of the weather. But Boyega evidently used The Force — because he got a plane to take him to L.A.
Here are some selected showtimes for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on Thursday, Dec 14 in Atlanta:
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Come experience Comtrast, a new party event featuring the one and only Digital D, an up-and-coming personality in Atlanta’s halftime and experimental bass scene. The Thu, Dec 14, 2017, begins at 9 p.m. and indulges attendees into hip-hop greatness until 1 a.m.
You can get tickets at this EventBrite link, which says “UUEIRD is proud to bring you Contrast, a new party where we can take over the Edgewood Speakeasy, grab some BBQ next door at Bone Lick BBQ, and enjoy some cocktails to the sounds of your favorite local DJs as they step away from their usual styles and dig deep into their music collections to showcase deep cuts, influences on their current sound, and other styles that you rarely hear them play.
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The metropolitan development project de jour is mass transit, especially light rail. Atlanta’s neighbor to the north, Charlotte, North Carolina, wants to continue its self-branding as a Southeastern destination city. To do that, a developer wants to cement its relationship with Atlanta via rail.
Business magnate Johnny Harris spoke to the Charlotte Chamber’s annual meeting this week, touting an “express rail” to ATL, which would bring “massive” economic gains to the region, the Charlotte Observer reported.
Harris’ comments come as the Georgia Department of Transportation has been studying transit between the two cities. G-DOT has been looking into the plan as part of an extension of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor (SEHSR), which is under development from Charlotte to Washington, D.C.
“It is an unbelievable opportunity,” Harris was quoted as saying. “No other geographic area of this country meets the same criteria as Charlotte to Atlanta does.”
The high-speed link is seen as a necessary means to relieve congestion on all the major thoroughfares between ATL and Charlotte.
To learn more about the plan, click here.
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CBS 46 news anchor Sharon Reed has been in Atlanta about two years now, and she’s learning that the South is, well, the South. Reed, who spent time at a Cleveland news station before coming to Georgia, was understandably riled up Tuesday night during election coverage.
She doesn’t have a dog in the fight over whether the ATL will be led by conservative Mary Norwood or Democrat Keisha Lance-Bottoms, but a viewer’s email to her, calling her out of her name, set her off.
The viewer, Kathy Rae, who Reed insisted by identified, wrote: “You need to be fired for the race baiting comment you made tonight … it’s O.K. for blacks to discuss certain subjects but not white.”
Then things really went off the rails, when Rae wrote: “Really?? You are what I call a N***r not a black person. You are a racist N***r. You are what’s wrong with the world.”
Understandably taken aback, Reed replied “Number 1, you mischaracterized what I said … I didn’t say that white people couldn’t talk about race, but contrary, we think that race is an authentic discussion to have. It’s one we’re having tonight because it’s one that you are having at home and it’s one that has clearly entered the Atlanta mayor’s race.”
News anchor Sharon Reed responds on air to a viewer who calls her the N-word. This Atlanta Mayoral race has people fiesty tonight. pic.twitter.com/Vgri3oXnGN
— Billy Michael Honor (@BillyMHonor) December 6, 2017
The incident quickly livened up a rainy Tuesday night around the city and was posted on Reddit within hours of the exchange.
Reed said that the TV station wanted to “keep it real,” but she ended by saying that, “I get it: On December 5, 2017, you think it’s OK to call this journalist a nigger. I don’t, but I could clap back and say a few things to you, but I won’t. I’ll let your words spread for themselves — and that’ll be the last word.”
Reed kept her word and didn’t bring the matter up for the remainder of the newscast, but she clearly wasn’t over it. On Facebook page, she put the comment up as her header, showing the world that hey, she’s over it, but don’t come for her. Ever. Again.
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One of the hottest pastime around Atlanta is the variation of the sip and paint event. An artist gives a crowd of would-be artists a painting prompt or better yet, a live model, and lets them brush away on a canvas while indulging in a libation.
“Painting With A Twist” is one of the best that do it. The BYOB paint and sip art studio is located just behind Houston’s Resaurant in the Brookwood Square shopping center in Buckhead.
To turn into the next Van Gogh, all you have to do is bring your favorite adult beverage and get ready to show your artistic side.
As far as an alcohol policy, PWAT says, “21+ unless otherwise noted as “All Ages”. Guests must be at least 21 years old with proper photo ID to consume alcohol. Due to local laws we are required to carry a liquor license as a “bar” for BYOB. Guests under 21 are welcome for “All Ages” classes.”
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Atlanta’s westside is getting a new Henri’s Bakery & Cafe and that means fresh cakes, muffins and pastries for all.
The eatery, which opened Tuesday, Dec 5 2017, is located at 2310 Coronet Way.
This will be the third Henri’s in metro Atlanta, after locations in Buckhead and Sandy Springs.
To introduce itself to the neighborhood, the new 5,000-square-foot structure will host a holiday party on Saturday, December 9.
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Adventure Around Atlanta
Atlanta is a fun, packed, diverse city that was built around a railroad hub. In has a vibrant night life, restaurant scene and landmark portfolio as good as any 200-year-old city in America. And did we mention the sweet tea and grits?
But don’t take it from us. Let’s go to TripAdvisor and see what the good people who visit – the tourists and layover set – has to say about the City Too Busy To Hate.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown ATL
For years, the Georgia Dome’s bubble top peaked out over the horizon from downtown Atlanta, reminding sports fans that the city was in league with the big cities around the country. Now, the shiny new vessel anchoring the skyline is the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a $1.5 billion commitment to the city’s merchant class as well as its underserved west side.
Come for the Falcons and soccer, stay for the food. And it is affordable, excellent and unprecedented for a professional stadium.
One TripAdvisor reviewer says: “They have done a really good job with this place, superb design and the best concourses and reasonably priced food in NFL. It rivals Cowboys Stadium as the best modern venue. The exterior is a stunning design and so conveniently placed downtown, a worthy addition to the football map and a must see, get there.”
ATLANTA EATS
Rose & Rye restaurant
With a creative menu, an all-woman executive team, and a kick-butt menu, Rose + Rye restaurant and bar is Midtown’s unkept secret. Located at The Castle in Midtown at 87 15th Street NE, the eatery will opened for lunch in November 2017 with plans for weekend brunch in January 2018. Menu favorites, according to a news release from the restaurant, will include: Caesar with smoked yogurt-parm dressing, tile cookie crumble & soft boiled beet soaked egg; Snapper with wheatberries, celery root puree & wild cherry redux, and Glazed Pork Belly with gnocchi & apple slaw.
Best Fried Chicken? Some ATL Gas Stations
You might not of heard of Krispy Krunchy Chicken before but you’ve probably seen it, especially in Atlanta-area gas stations. The chain has been around for 28 years and has virtually taken over the convenience store market in 2,300 locations in 41 states.
It has been voted as the best fried chicken in the United States — and that’s saying something. At intown gas stations such as Chevron on Glenwood Road in Decatur, the Citgo on Cleveland Avenue in southwest Atlanta, this chicken has left an indelible mark on the city. Find a location here.
FAST-CASUAL RESTAURANTS AROUND ATLANTA
Fast-casual is the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience.
Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years. Here are five restaurants that have opened their doors or will do so soon in 2017 (did we miss any that you like? See bottom):
Teriyaki Madness — East Cobb: “Cobb County is a good launch for this area because it’s getting several new restaurants,” co-owner Joe Cleveland, who owns the franchise with his wife Robin, told us.
BullGogi — Decatur: Craving some top-shelf Korean food? You’re in luck. Fast-casual concept eatery BullGogi opened last week in Decatur. The restaurant is located at 2140 N. Decatur Road in the old spot that was Seven Hens, which closed both of its metro Atlanta restaurants last year.
Gusto — Buckhead & Midtown: This fast-casual concept features grilled proteins tricked out with sauces and spices. Gusto has locations in south Buckhead and Midtown Atlanta, both on Peachtree Street.
Salata — Atlantic Station: Dallas-based Henry Investment Group recently announced that the eatery was making a major investment in the area, opening 20 restaurants in the Atlanta market over the next few years.
Roast — Midtown: Roast will be a fast-casual eatery featuring Brazilian cuisine and serve-yourself protein bowls. The restaurant will be inside the expanded Whole Foods store on Ponce De Leon Avenue.
5 FAST-CAZ RESTAURANTS IN METRO ATLANTA
Fast-casual is the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience.
Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years. Here are five restaurants that have opened their doors or will do so soon in 2017 (did we miss any that you like? See bottom):
Teriyaki Madness — East Cobb: “Cobb County is a good launch for this area because it’s getting several new restaurants,” co-owner Joe Cleveland, who owns the franchise with his wife Robin.
BullGogi — Decatur: Craving some top-shelf Korean food? You’re in luck. Fast-casual concept eatery BullGogi opened last week in Decatur. The restaurant is located at 2140 N. Decatur Road in the old spot that was Seven Hens, which closed both of its metro Atlanta restaurants last year.
Gusto — Buckhead & Midtown: This fast-casual concept features grilled proteins tricked out with sauces and spices. Gusto has locations in south Buckhead and Midtown Atlanta, both on Peachtree Street.
Salata — Atlantic Station: Dallas-based Henry Investment Group recently announced that the eatery was making a major investment in the area, opening 20 restaurants in the Atlanta market over the next few years.
Roast — Midtown: Roast will be a fast-casual eatery featuring Brazilian cuisine and serve-yourself protein bowls. The restaurant will be inside the expanded Whole Foods store on Ponce De Leon Avenue.
The fast-casual trend is here to stay in metro Atlanta. Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments?
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Athens-based Your Pie is set to open its newest location Dec. 8 at 275 Memorial Drive SE in the George community in Grant Park. The fast-casual concept offers a menu of customizable brick-oven pizza, salads and other dishes, as well as craft beer, wine and cocktails and gelato.
This will be the second Your Pie location for franchisees and Grant Park residents Morgan and Lisa Maclellan, who have owned Your Pie Perimeter for three years.
Grant Park is getting one of the most popular gourmet pizzerias in town with the debut of Your Pie this week. The eatery is set to open Dec. 8, 2017 at 275 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta.
The eatery is holding a “Dine and Donate” event on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. The event will raise funds for three area elementary schools, Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, Parkside Elementary School, Wesley International Academy.
Up to 200 registered guests will get free pizzas during the event. For more on this event, click here.
The chain was created nearly a decade ago by Chef Drew French, who drew inspiration from the fresh food and cuisine of Ischia, an island near Naples, Italy. The first location was opened in Athens, Georgia in 2008.
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How many times do you get an opportunity to learn the wonders of the kitchen and chow down with some expert chefs? That’s the deal Monday, Dec. 4, 2017 when three culinary pioneers share their wisdom, knowledge and expertise at a culinary event in Atlanta.
Chefs Deborah VanTrece, Jennifer Hill Booker and mixologist Tiffanie Barriere will prepare delicious small plates and talk about what it’s like as African-American women in the culinary business as part of a “Cocktails, Cuisine & Conversation” event.
This event is the last for the trio before they go to the James Beard House in New York.
What: Cocktails, Cuisine & Conversation
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 4
Where: Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, 1133 Huff Road NW, Atlanta
Cost: $125 per person
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The Atlanta Falcons jumped out of the gate in the 2017 football season by winning their first three games. It seemed as though they were ready to avenge the loss of the Super Bowl and take it out on everybody else.
But after that hot start, the Falcons turned in a horrible October, the second month of the season.
Meanwhile, NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints got red-hot.
Come November and a listless loss against the New England Patriots, and people were ready to write off Matt Ryan and the rest of the Dirty Birds.
But the falcons strung together some must-win games, sacking Dallas into submission and surviving the Jets and lambasting the Bucs.
Now, Atlanta is one of the hottest teams in the league.
After losing a low-scoring affair against the Minnesota Vikings, the Birds have four games left — winnable games — that will tell the tale.
This is the Falcons schedule, including two games against NFC South-leading New Orleans.
“Do the Falcons have a tough schedule ahead of them? Sure, but everything is still on the table for them and that’s all you can hope for. It doesn’t matter how you make it into the postseason, just get there,” Matthew Tabeek of AtlantaFalcons.com says.” Would a top seed and home-field advantage be better? Maybe, but as Falcons fans witnessed last year, it isn’t necessary.”
Elliott Harrison of NFL.com says this: “Yet another reason this is a fantastic matchup: The Falcons own the top-ranked third-down offense (48.1 percent conversions), while the Vikings field the league’s best third-down defense, yielding a lowly 28.5 percent conversion rate.”
Week 13 DEC 03 1:00 PM ET VIKINGS
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14 DEC 07 8:25 PM ET SAINTS
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Week 15 DEC 18 8:30 PM ET AT BUCCANEERS
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Week 16 DEC 24 1:00 PM ET AT SAINTS
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Week 17 DEC 31 1:00 PM ET PANTHERS
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