• New Restaurant Alert: Velvet Taco Opens In Buckhead

    New Restaurant Alert: Velvet Taco Opens In Buckhead

    3 Min Read
    Theres a new taco joint in town: Velvet Taco opened its doors on Monday, Sept. 9 in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood.
    Velvet Taco offers funky tacos from an all-day menu that featuring creative, playful dishes accented with mult-regional and mult-cultural influences.

    New Atlanta restaurant: Velvet Taco

    Velvet Taco prides itself on being a “funky fast-casual” restaurant, which means that its lineage is more international than just plain Tex-Mex.

    “It’s our mission to deliver a fresh take on the ubiquitous taco” says Clay Dover, Chief Executive Officer. “We’re very excited to bring our unique and quirky takes to Atlanta and can’t wait to welcome the community to dine with us soon.”

    The new Atlanta restaurant will be 2,500-square-feet and set just a short walk away from the heart of Buckhead’s shopping district.

    What’s on the menu at Velvet Taco?

    Velvet Taco offers more than 20 taco varieties that capture the creativity and innovation of the inner-city taquerias of yesteryear along with modern sensibilities. Their will be some great desserts as well.
    Whatever you order, including slow-roasted rotisserie chicken to housemade pickles, will be prepared from scratch by chefs.
    Here is what some of Velvet Taco’s mouth-watering tacos and drinks look like:

    Where is Velvet Taco located in Atlanta?

    Velvet Taco is located at 77 Paces Ferry Pl NW Atlanta, GA 30305. This is at Buckhead Market Place where Whole Food is and across from The St. Regis on West Paces Ferry. Here is a map to Buckhead Market Place to help you find it.

    Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.

    Fast-casual is also 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: 10+ essential soul food spots in Atlanta

    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’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.

    Check out some of AtlantaFi.com’s best Atlanta restaurant stories

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  • 'Black Lightning' Casting In Atlanta For Crime Scene

    ‘Black Lightning’ Casting In Atlanta For Crime Scene

    2 Min Read

    Actors looking to share the screen with a superhero may want to get in on this casting call for “Black Lightning.” The CW hit is looking to cast actors to film scenes in Atlanta.

    In the TV series, Cress Williams stars as Jefferson Pierce, a father trying to keep his daughter out of the street life. He dons his suit and penchant for justice and re-emerges as vigilante Black Lightning.

    Peep the casting call below:

    Black Lightning Casting Call

    (Read Carefully Please) Looking for extras to work a CRIME SCENE shoot on Black Lighting NEXT YEAR; Shooting interiors and exteriors outside our stages in Decatur, Ga.
    Expecting a late morning/afternoon calltime, but there is no official call as of yet, so must have full availability for the day – Working 8-10hrs.
    *
    SHOOT DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4, 2019
    *

    Currently booking for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 4th on our stages in Decatur,GA
    *
    Calltime: 6:30pm; plan to be on set a minimum 6-7hours
    *
    [PERDI] Male/Female, African-American, Ages 18-55; Looking for Natural types (dreads, beard
    *
    [META] Male/Female; Open Ethnicity; ages 18-35; All shapes, sizes, types; Everyday people; okay with light running
    *
    If available email recent photos, include LEGAL name, age, phone, height, weight, all clothing sizes, (including shoes) to: BLACKLIGHTNINGEXTRAS@gmail.com
    .
    SUBJECT: “Wed-Perdi”
    SUBJECT: “Wed-Meta”
    .
    Rate $75/8; OT after 8hrs
    .
    *IF YOU HAVE AN OUT-OF-STATE NUMBER, BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR CITY OF RESIDENCE TO BE CONSIDERED*

    Atlanta has become a movie mecca in recent years and Georgia has been a favorite location for TV productions since the state instituted generous tax breaks for film companies that agree to shoot locally. Projects from CBS, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the metro area in 2018-19 and the foreseeable future.

    With more than 700 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
    There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.

    Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls

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  • Black Restaurant Week: Atlanta Dates, Time, Info

    Black Restaurant Week 2019: Atlanta Dates, Time, Info

    1 Min Read

    Black Restaurant Week comes to Atlanta Sept. 1 -15 to celebrate the diverse culinary excellence of chefs of color. Here’s what’s cooking in the kitchen.

    Black Restaurant Week has hit several cities across the United States, and now it’s Atlanta’s turn.

    Black Restaurant Week: Everything you need to know

    The two-week event highlights the black culinary industry by using awareness and education events to stimulate growth of African American owned culinary businesses and farms across the United States.

    Here are some of the can’t-miss events of Black Restaurant Week Atlanta:

    Art of Flavor: Atlanta Pop Up Dinner 2019

    September 10 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    Parlor, 249-A Peters Street SW

    Nosh Culinary Showcase 2019

    September 12 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    595 North Event Center, 595 North Avenue NW

    Soundbites Food Truck Park 2019

    September 14 @ 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    Atlanta Food Truck Park, 1850 Howell Mill Rd NW

    Up next: Atlanta Black Chefs Expo

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  • BronzeLens Film Festival Draws Thousands To Atlanta

    BronzeLens Film Festival Draws Thousands To Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Thousands of people flocked to venues around Atlanta, including the Hyatt Hotel downtown, for the Bronzelens Film Festival.

    “Evelyn x Evelyn” directed by Eric Pumphrey was awarded the distinction as Best Short.  Pumphrey received $2,500 from BET Networks Interim Head of Scripted Development Rose Catherine Pinkney.

    Thousands Attend BronzeLens Film Festival In Downtown Atlanta

    On Saturday, Aug. 24, the Bronzelens Awards were hosted by comedian Rodney Perry.

    The BronzeLens Closing Night Feature was the world premiere of director Trey Haley’s romantic comedy, “Always a Bridesmaid,” written by actress Yvette Nicole Brown (Community,” Avengers Endgame), and starring Javicia Leslieand Jordan Calloway.

    Calloway has become a hot commodity on the TV scene, with several agents reaching out to her concerning upcoming projects.

    The storyline focuses on Corina, who is stuck being everyone’s bridesmaid. Deciding to no longer be a lady-in-waiting, she bravely re-enters the dating scene.

    Time will only tell if she will “Always Be A Bridesmaid” or if the love of her life is around the corner. The film will be aired on BET Networks this fall.

    Another film that garnered praise at the festival was “Princess of the Row,” a cautionary tale of how our country doesn’t value veterans and make. Check out the trailer below.

    Atlanta has become a movie mecca in recent years and Georgia has been a favorite location for TV productions since the state instituted generous tax breaks for film companies that agree to shoot locally. Projects from CBS, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the metro area in 2018-19 and the foreseeable future.

    Jordan Calloway’s Always A Bridesmaid

    With more than 700 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
    There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.

    Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls

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  • This Atlanta Restaurant Is Among The Best Kid-Friendly In America

    This Atlanta Restaurant Is Among The Best Kid-Friendly In America

    2 Min Read

    OpenTable just released its list of the 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America for 2019 and one Atlanta restaurant made the list: Old Lady Gang.

    The annual listing shows where families can bring their kids to eat or celebrate their big day. As parents know, kid-friendly restaurants are getting far and few between.

    Old Lady Gang makes list of top kid-friendly restaurants in America

    Old Lady Gang is a restaurant started by celebrity couple Todd Tucker and Kandi Burruss-Tucker. The name of the eatery is from Joyce “Mama Joyce” Jones, Bertha Jones & Nora Wilcox, known as the original OLG.

    The restaurant has been a hit around Atlanta and has grown quickly in only a few years.

    Old Lady Gang has three locations in metro Atlanta: The original one at 177 Peters St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 in Castleberry Hill. Another is inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Another one is at 3650 Marketplace Blvd at Camp Creek in East Point.

    The list from OpenTable features restaurants from 16 states across the country. The way OpenTable compiled the list from more than 12 million verified diner reviews of over 30,000 U.S. restaurants.

    Georgia landed two more restaurants on the list: The Pirates’ House – Savannah, Georgia and Henry’s Louisiana Grill in Acworth.

    Here are states with multiple restaurants that are good for kids:

    • New York and Florida — 7
    • Hawaii — 6
    • California, South Carolina — 4
    • Georgia, Illinois and Washington, D.C. — 3

    Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken a/nd waffles.

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  • Krab Queenz Review: Louisiana Seafood In Midtown Atlanta

    Krab Queenz Review: Restaurant Brings Bayou Cuisine To Midtown Atlanta

    4 Min Read

    One new Atlanta restaurant pulling in some consistent crowds is Krab Queenz Seafood & Daiquiri, which opened in Midtown Atlanta on Friday, August 17, 2019.

    I ventured into the restaurant located in the space formerly occupied by Gladys Knight Chicken & Waffles early in the day to beat the crowds, which form every weekend.

    Krab Queenz Seafood & Daiquiri Review: Inside the Midtown Atlanta Restaurant

    They’ve done a great job with renovating the place, which has an interior full of wooden tables, chairs and decor reminiscent of a college sports bar. But there’s no need to have plush furniture when you’re dealing with juicy crabs and delectable seafood: Things can get quite messy.

    One of the first things you need to know about eating at Krab Queenz ATL is that you have to pay in advance. Not only does this save you time rather than waiting on the server to return with the bill after the meal, but this ensures a measure of quality control for the establishment.

    In other words: Krab Queenz is making sure that everybody’s getting paid and they won’t chance the alternative.

    My server was especially helpful: Advising me on getting the wet fries rather than the dry ones. I asked him what his favorite dish was and he immediately listed several of them that he enjoyed.

    As the name implies, there’s plenty of seafood, the boiled seafood variety as well as fried fare. Waffles and other specialty items are also for sale.
     
    For fries, the restaurant offers three varieties: Original, Cajun and Lemon Pepper. For the latter, you have the option of getting them wet or dry.
     
    You can also pair your seafood with waffles. So, you can get Lobster & Waffles, Gator & Waffles and other combos.
    I tried the Gator Basket, which comes with a side of Cajun Ramoulade sauce and fries. The gator came in huge chunks and was delicious.
     
    Keeping with the Louisiana theme, Krab Queenz offers daiquiris, a New Orleans specialty. In the back of the restaurant, there’s a whole daiquiri bar that serves the frozen drinks.
     
    But here’s the best part: Krab Queenz sells seafood by the pound. If  you want to pick up some crab and bring it to your home for a small food gathering, you can do that.
     
    After a hearty meal, I can see why this place has two other locations (Los Angeles and Houston). The food is the bomb, the staff is flawlessly attentive and Krab Queenz is offering one of the most popular cuisines in America: Louisiana seafood. I’ll be back.

    Where Is Krab Queenz Located In Atlanta?

    Krab Queenz Seafood & Daiquiris is located at 529 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA. 30308. Here’s a map to help you find it.

     
    Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. If you want to know about more Atlanta seafood restaurants, here are the best spots to visit.

    Fast-casual is also 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: 5 essential soul food spots in Atlanta

    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’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.

    Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta

     
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  • Yandy Smith Shares What Inspired Her To Create Yelle Skincare

    Yandy Smith Shares What Inspired Her To Create Yelle Skincare

    2 Min Read

    One thing about Atlanta is that it’s full of celebrities at every turn. Atlantafi.com recently caught up with actress, producer and reality TV star Yandy Smith Harris to learn about Yelle, her skincare line.

    Harris shared what motivated her to get into the beauty and cosmetics industry.

    Yandy Smith Harris: Yelle Skincare Is Dedicated To Melanin-Rich Skin

    “When I started getting on TV that was my first time wearing makeup and my skin really reacted badly to it. I broke out really bad.”

    She said that when she went to Sephora to get everything she needed to clear up her skin, the total bill was more than $600.

    “I realized the average woman would not be able to afford an all-natural plant-based skincare line that would cost $600 a month,” she said.

    “That’s when I decided I wanted to get with a master esthetician and a chemist to create something that was green, that was natural, that was plant-based for the everyday working woman like myself.”

    I wanted to make sure that this product was for people with melanin in their skin.”

    Where Can You Buy Yelle Skincare?

    You can buy Yandy Smith’s skincare products at yelleskincare.com.

    The Atlanta hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 8 million people getting groomed each month. 

    But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done.  Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.

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  • CatNipz Podcast Brings The Claws To Atlanta

    So Atlanta: How This Dynamic Duo Speaks To Millennial Women Through CatNipz Podcast

    3 Min Read

    Cat got their tongue? Not ever. Not Alexis, Williams and Cyd Raine. The two women run Catnipz Podcast, a digital radio show that shares the point of view of millennial women all across the U.S.

    But there’s more: Catnipz happens to be one of the best Atlanta podcasts out there. And we’re not saying that just because we’re cat people (aren’t we all?).

    AtlantaFi.com got the chance to talk to the creators of the Catnipz Podcast about the show, what motivates them and what’s next.

    Catnipz Podcast: These 2 Atlanta women show their tales (tails?)

    As we mentioned at the outset, the Catnipz Podcast stars a dynamic duo: Alexis, a 31-year-old entrepreneur and marketing specialist from St. Louis, Missouri, and Cyd Raine, a master’s candidate studying behavior analysis.

    Cyd, an Atlanta native, recently relocated to Los Angeles and works as a behavior interventionist.

    Alexis also owns and operates a hair salon in the heart of Atlanta.

    Now let’s get into the Catnipz Podcast and what it’s about:

    What inspired you to create the Catnipz Podcast?

    We started the Catnipz Podcast with our love for nonconventional thinking and cats inspired us to create the Catnipz. We felt that women of our caliber deserved a conversation space to freely think and grow. 

    Indeed, the podcast delves into serious topics facing women today, but breaks them down in a playful and culturally accessible way.

    Here’s how they describe it:

    We got into podcasting as an outlet for personal therapy and to provide a voice for the underrepresented women of color.

    “It’s an opportunity to share our experiences online.”

    Most of the content for the show stems from real life adventures, conversations, and life lessons. 

    What is the Catnipz Podcast about?

    The Catnipz is about all things millennial renaissance cat ladies love.

    We wanted to change the narrative around what a cat lady is and does. The show is … a magazine concept / newsroom podcast, covering relevant pop culture topics, beauty & fashion, our version of love and relationships, with a special blend of self care and narcissistic advice.

    Exactly. No matter if you’re a catlady or catman, the show is a hilarious take on how two Atlanta-centric women see the world today.

    Want to listen to the Catnipz Podcast? Check it out on iTunes.


    Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

    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-Area Teen Wins Google Doodle Contest

    Atlanta-Area Teen Wins Google Doodle Contest

    2 Min Read
    Google just announced the winner of its national Doodle 4 Google competition and we’ve got a local champ.
    Arantza Pena Popo, a senior from Arabia Mountain High School in DeKalb County, won the national competition, Google announced.

    Lithonia teen wins national Google Doodle contest

    Earlier this summer, the Lithonia teen advanced to the online voting stage where she competed with artists around the country.
    Arantza’s doodle is titled “Once You Get It, Give It Back.”
    original story:

    How to help Arantza win Doogle 4 Google contest

    All you have to do is vote here.

    Online voting began June 3 and will end June 7. From there five National Finalists will be selected. They will be announced by Google later in the month.
    One of them will be chosen to have their doodle featured on the Google homepage for a day.
    The National Winner also gets a $30,000 college scholarship and their school gets a $50,000 tech package towards the establishment or improvement of a computer lab or technology program.
    To see a full list of state winners and to vote online, visit http://www.google.com/doodle4google/vote.html

    Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

    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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  • El Super Pan Hosts Placita Friday at Ponce City Market

    El Super Pan Hosts Placita Friday at Ponce City Market

    1 Min Read

    El Super Pan – Ponce City Market is getting into a festive mood this week with Placita Friday.

    Come to the restaurant at 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE to join in on the festivities.

    Placita Friday at El Super Pan in Midtown Atlanta

    Upcoming Dates

    So what is Placita Friday all about? It means that during the dates listed below, El Super Pan will be hosting La Placita at their Ponce City Market location.

    This event is open to the public and features festive music provided by a DJ, dancing and fabuloso food and drink specials. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend!

    • Friday, August 9

    • Friday, August 30

    • Friday, September 27

    • Friday, October 25

    • Friday, November 22

    • Friday, December 20

    Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
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