• 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile' screens at Atlanta Film Festival

    ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile’ screens at Atlanta Film Festival

    2 Min Read

    The Netflix movie “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” screened on Sunday, April 7 at the 2019 Atlanta Film Festival.
    The movie, which stars Zac Efron as Ted Bundy, depicts the serial killer’s pathological liar-lover persona in full spectrum.
    Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger was on hand as hundreds of people stood in line at the Plaza Theatre for more than an hour to see the screening.
    Despite it’s title, “Extremely Wicked” resisted what was expected to be a dark narrative for much of the movie. Only in the last 10 minutes did the film show a true-to-life glimpse of the horrors that Bundy, perfected executed by Efron, did to his female victims.
    Berlinger drew into his deep experience with true crime documentaries to weave a compelling plot that shows Bundy they way he viewed himself rather than from the lens of the media. Berling did a masterful job with “Exremely Wicked,” which is expected to be a Netflix blockbuster.

    The Atlanta Film Festival: What to do this week

    The 43rd annual Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) continues through April 14. in Midtown. The event features 11 days of movie happenings, film screenings, educational workshops and more.

    If you’re a movie buff, you’ll love the talent and filmmaker appearances as well as the special music, food, and art-focused presentations. But there are also FREE things to do.

    ‘Speed Of Life’ Director: ‘Most Of The Things I Make Are Personal’

    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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  • new Whole Foods opens in Midtown Atlanta

    New Whole Foods Opens In Midtown Atlanta (PICS)

    3 Min Read

    Hundreds of people stood out in the rain early Friday, April 5, 2019 for the grand opening of the new Whole Foods in Midtown Atlanta. The new three-level “flagship” location is located at the corner of 14th Street and West Peachtree. The store is set to open on April 5.

    The new store opened on the ground level of the new “Icon” apartment building, which reaches 39 floors. The 70,000-square foot structure has been beset by delays but is ready to debut.

    Attn Shoppers: New Whole Foods in Midtown Atlanta is open

    Shoppers were gifted with an “I’m just an Icon living” handbag as they entered the store.

    A DJ played a mix of dance songs and hip-hop as customers were treated to free pastries, croissants and coffee before the shopping began.

    The new Whole Foods in Midtown Atlanta is the largest in the Southeast, according to store execs. What makes this project even more special is that it has a microbrewery, cooking school, a pub and rooftop patio bar.

    Other amenities at the new Whole Foods include:

    • 3 levels of parking for easy access in and out of the structure
    • Capital Commons, a full-service Allegro coffee and espresso bar
    • 14th Street Bar, which serves wine, local beer and seasonal fare
    • Canopy Court, a rooftop terrace featuring skyline views, stadium seating and games

    This is what the new Whole Foods looks like:

    new Whole Foods opens in Midtown Atlanta

     

    The store will also feature artisan bakery goods from Atlanta’s Root Baking Company, Heavenly Cakes by Pharez and other local companies. Specialties foods like macaron ice cream sandwiches, pastéis de nata and edible cookie dough will also be on hand.

    Whole Foods in Midtown Atlanta at 14th & Spring St.

    A Farm Burger is said to be bringing its grass-fed beef patties inside the Whole Foods as a flagship restaurant at 22 14th Street. The addition of the eatery is seen as a risk when you consider the plight of Roast, the adjacent restaurant to Whole Foods on Ponce.


    On August 23, 2017, the Federal Trade Commission approved the merger between Amazon and Whole Foods. Competitors have been waiting to see how Amazon will incorporate Whole Foods into its portfolio.

    Where is the new Whole Foods in Midtown Atlanta located?

    The new Whole Foods is located at 22 14th Street NW AtlantaGA 30309. Here is a map so that you can find it.

    Where to park at Whole Foods in Midtown

    Whole Foods has two levels of parking in the Icon Building. All you need is to grab your parking ticket and take it to the Whole Foods cashier. 

    They will stamp your ticket and you’ll get two hours of parking for free.

    Also, Whole Foods is hiring

    Join the staff at the new Whole Foods Apply today!

    Largest Whole Foods In Southeast Opens In Midtown Atlanta

     

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  • 'Speed Of Life' Director: 'Most Of The Things I Make Are Personal'

    ‘Speed Of Life’ Director: ‘Most Of The Things I Make Are Personal’

    2 Min Read
    The Atlanta Film Festival has kicked off this weekend at various venues around Midtown and tens of thousands of filmmakers, actors, producers and movie buffs have converged on the city.
    One of the more anticipated films is “Speed of Life,” which was directed by filmmaker Liz Manashil.
    “Speed of Life” stars Allison Tolman, Ann Dowd and Jeff Perry in a movie that takes place in the immediate aftermath of rocker David Bowie’s death.

    ‘Speed of Life’ debuts at Atlanta Film Festival

    Manashil, whose first feature film, “Bread and Butter,” uses “Speed of Life” to explore how a legendary musician’s demise affects everyday life of a handful of characters.
    AtlantaFi.com got to interview Manashil as part of the Atlanta Film Festival. Here’s what she had to say:
    1. What inspired you to get into filmmaking?
    I wanted to be an actress for quite some time but had an epiphany while watching a film called “Stolen Kisses” in high school. I love the creative control that comes with writing/directing and I love the ability I have to work out my own anxieties with the films that I make. Most of the things that I make are personal and somewhat autobiographical. 
    2. For people who are not familiar with David Bowie, what are you hoping this film conveys about him?
    The film is inspired by Bowie but not about him. The main thing we want to convey is that his impact on this world was so dramatic that it felt like the universe broke when he died. There were a lot of jokes about how the fabric of the universe ripped when Bowie died, this film riffs off that idea. 
    3. Do you have any other films/film ideas in the works?
    “Speed of Life” is my second feature and I am attached to direct a third feature, “Lady Parts,” this summer and am in development on my fourth feature, “Sex and Jesus,” as well. I recently made a short film about the film festival process that I’ll be releasing online soon.
    Liz Manashil, director of "Bread and Butter" and "Speed of Life"
    Courtesy of Liz Manashil

    If you can make the Atlanta Film Festival, go see “Speed of Life”!

    Check out our other Atlanta Film Festival content:

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  • The Select Restaurant Opens In Sandy Springs

    The Select Restaurant Opening In Late April In Sandy Springs

    3 Min Read

    A new Atlanta restaurant is set to open its doors in late April 2019. The Select, a restaurant and bar from the team behind Paces and Vine, is located in the City Springs development in the city’s downtown.

    The minds behind The Select are Dave Green and David Lester, best known for their Vinings’ restaurant Paces & Vine.

    New Atlanta restaurant opening in City Springs: The Select

    The Select is a 1920s-inspired restaurant and bar that gets its name from aris’ famed Le Select. The restaurant will feature light and contemporary fare in a relaxed atmosphere.

    The kitchen will be run by Executive Chef Matt Rainey, a Georgia native who most recently helmed the eats at Rococo Steak and Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant in Tampa, Florida.

    What’s on the menu at The Select?

    The restaurant will feature daily dinner and late-night small plates inspired by American and European cuisine, alongside seasonal craft cocktails, local beer on draft.

    The wine program will feature around 60 bottles and more than 30 options of wine by the glass.

    Here are some of the menu items at The Select

    Where is The Select located?

    The Select is located at 6405 Blue Stone Rd Suite 200, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 in in the new City Springs mixed-used development . Here is a map to help you find it.


    The Select is located in the new City Springs development with 1000 parking spaces above and below ground. Parking is free for 2 hours, and we can validate your ticket if  longe

    The Select will operate during the following hours:

    • Dinner: Mon. – Sun., 5-10pm
    • Fri. and Sat. Late Night Bar & Small Plates: 10pm-2am
    • Sat. & Sun. Brunch: 10am-3pm

    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: 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.

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

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  • 5 Free Things To Do At The Atlanta Film Festival

    5 Free Things To Do At The Atlanta Film Festival

    3 Min Read

    The 43rd annual Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) kick offs Thursday, April 4, 2019 in Midtown. The event will feature 11 days of movie happenings, film screenings, educational workshops and more.

    If you’re a movie buff, you’ll love the talent and filmmaker appearances as well as the special music, food, and art-focused presentations. But there are also FREE things to do.

    Check out the ATLFF full schedule here

    5 free things to do at the Atlanta Film Festival 

    The 2019 fest is expected to attract more than 30,000 attendees to more than 150 events from Thursday, April 4 – Sunday, April 14, 2019. Of these happenings, ATLFF is excited to announce five can’t-miss events taking place throughout the festival that are free and open to the public.

    ATLFF Screenplay Competition: Script Read

    When: Friday, April 5, 2019, 4:00 PM

    Where: Hilan Theatre, 798 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306

    What: Join us for a script read of selections from each of the three 2019 Atlanta Film Festival Feature Screenplay Competition winners, featuring local SAG-AFTRA actors.

    Free admission with advance RSVP at https://www.atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule-2019.

    ACVB Presents: ‘Music Voyager’

    When: Monday, April 8, 2019, 6:00 PM

    Where: Plaza Theatre Main, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

    What: Come to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for the world premieres of “Music Voyager” episodes 5 & 6 that feature yours truly—the Atlanta Film Festival—as well as the Plaza Theatre, Dad’s Garage, Paris on Ponce, Karen Anderson & Tiny Doors, Atlanta United and more!

    Free admission with advance RSVP at https://www.atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule-2019.

    The Florida State University College Of Motion Picture Arts Presents: Selected Keylight Films

    When: Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 6:00 PM

    Where: Plaza Theatre Main, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

    What: The FSU College of Motion Pictures Arts presents a showcase of eight short student films followed by a panel discussion with representatives from the College. Ranked by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top 25 film schools in the country, FSU College of Motion Picture Arts produces student films that regularly win prestigious awards like the Student Emmys and Oscars. Join us for an evening of cinematic entertainment as we showcase this year’s selected Keylight Films.

    Free admission with advance RSVP at https://www.atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule-2019.

    SOUND+VISION

    When: Thursday, April 11, 2019, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

    Where: Eastside Trail // Atlanta BeltLine & Historic Fourth Ward Park

    What: After a year hiatus, SOUND+VISION — ATLFF’s signature mid-week event—returns! Join us on the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine and Historic Fourth Ward Park for a night of live music, daring virtual reality films, unforgettable art installations, rockin’ music videos and Atlanta’s best food trucks! Previously held at Atlanta landmarks like The Goat Farm and Ponce City Market, this event is a true festival highlight!

    Previous performers include Big Freedia, Tank and the Bangas, HelloOcho, Kodie Shane, Lonnie Holley, Gringo Star, Biters, Jungol.

    Free admission. No RSVP necessary.

    Presentation of HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8 Premiere

    When: Sunday, April 14, 2019, 9:00 PM

    Where: Plaza Theatre Main, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

    What: HBO is partnering with ATLFF to give guests a chance to see the final season premiere on the big screen at The Plaza!

    Free admission with advance RSVP at https://www.atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule-2019

    Read more from AtlantaFi.com:

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  • What is the AAF League Strategy For The Future?

    What is the AAF League Strategy For The Future?

    3 Min Read

    The newly christened AAF debuted in February to much fanfare, but uncertainty about the future remains.

    A new report from the SportingNews says that the American Football Alliance is suspending operations.

    What does the future hold for the AAF & Atlanta Legends?

    The Atlanta Legends, who play at Georgia State Stadium, continue to pull in a modest crowd but have struggled on the field.

    The Legends have a 2-6 record and have been eliminated from postseason contention.

    But it’s not just the Legends, the league is struggling for an identity.

    Is the AAF a development league for the NFL or a competitor? It’s hard to tell. There is much speculation that the AAF may not even finish the season.

    But that’s not the concern of everybody.  Steve Spurrier, head coach of the Orlando Apollos, told the Orlando Sentinel that he is confident the league will finish strong.

    “I think we’re definitely good to finish out this year,” Spurrier, whose Apollos are a league-leading 7-1, recently, told the Orlando Sentinel. “But after that, who knows? We’re not thinking about anything but trying to win a championship. That was our goal and we’re sticking to it.”

    Majority investor Tom Dundon, who put $250 million into the league, reportedly is not bullish about the league’s survival.

    “It’s pretty fluid. It’s day to day, I would say,” Dundon told SportsBusiness Daily days ago.

    Spurrier said the league began with a clear focus, but things have definitely shifted a bit.

    ““The Alliance was started under the pretense of signing players who aren’t in the NFL and giving them a chance to play in our league,” Spurrier was quoted as saying. “And if they play well enough in our league, then maybe they’ll get the opportunity to play in the NFL. That was the original plan, but obviously the plan has changed.”

    Then again, all of the talk about the AAF’s future could just be tough talk by Dondon to get a better deal from the NFL players union, which wants better protections for athletes on the field.

    “If the players union is not going to give us young players, we can’t be a development league,” Dundon, who in February pledged to incrementally invest $250 million into the AAF, told USA Today. “We are looking at our options, one of which is discontinuing the league.”

    Here are highlights from the Atlanta Legends vs. Birmingham Iron

    Read more: See the Atlanta Falcons 2019 opponents

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  •  Lapeer Seafood Market Opens In Alpharetta

     Lapeer Seafood Market Opens In Alpharetta

    3 Min Read
    North Fulton has a new seafood restaurant! Lapeer Seafood Market is now serving in Alpharetta. The new Atlanta area restaurant opened its doors on Monday, April 1.
    With Lapeer Seafood Market’s entry into the local dining scene as a new Atlanta restaurant bodes well not only for the metro area, but for our stomachs!

    New Atlanta restaurant: Lapeer Seafood Market

    Lapeer comes from Co-owner Louis Soon and Culinary Director Andy Long of Maven Restaurant Group, the team behind acclaimed Alpharetta spots South Main Kitchen and Butcher & Brew.
    Executive Chef Blake Hartley, Sous Chef at South Main Kitchen, will be behind the reins. Cody Brown, of South Main Kitchen, will run the cocktail program and mezcal bar. Elise Vitale, Pastry Chef at Butcher & Brew and South Main Kitchen, will be over desserts.

    What’s on the menu at Lapeer Seafood Market?

     Lapeer Seafood Market Opens In Alpharetta

    Lapeer Seafood Market restaurant and bar will serve fresh coastal cuisine. The restaurant will specialize in hyper-seasonal seafood menu of dayboat fish, a raw bar, family-style plates, daily specials.
    Other dishes include East Coast and Gulf oysters, wild-caught fish and shrimp from along the Gulf of Mexico, crabmeat from Bayou la Batre and tuna from Louisiana. Produce will be Georgia-sourced.

    Where is Lapeer Seafood Market located in Alpharetta?

    Lapeer Seafood Market is located in Alpharetta City Centre at 12 North Broad Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009. Here is a map to help you find it.

    When it comes to restaurants, Atlanta is quickly gaining ground on some of the dining capitals around the United States.

    The culinary excellence of Southern food is only part of the reason why Atlanta restaurants are having a moment. New entries into the restaurant entry, including steakhouses, seafood and fast-casual, represent a growing segment of the new Atlanta restaurants.

    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: 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.

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

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  • Emory ASA Presents Afropolitan In Atlanta

    Emory ASA Presents Afropolitan In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Emory University’s African Students Association presents its annual benefit gala, Taste of Africa at Fox Theater from on Friday the 5th of April, 2019.

    The show themed ‘AFROPOLITAN’ begins at 6.30pm and shall be hosted by Nigerian comedian, Aphrican Ace.

    Things to do this weekend: Afropolitan in Atlanta

    Come experience mouth-watering African cuisine as well as spoken word, musical and dance performances from Abyssinian Experience, Zuri, AUC Vybz, Persuasion and more.

    Fashion exhibitions from Adedammy Designs and Love, D.Jenee

    Shuttles will run from Woodruff Circle to the Fox Theatre and back.

    Taste of Africa is sponsored by Emory University’s African Studies, African-American Studies, French and Sociology Departments as well as the Emory Alumni Association, Emory Dining, RACE and Residence Life.

    What’s the dress code?

    Dress to impress.

    Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

    You must purchase your ticket with a name that corresponds with a form of identification you will show at the event. There are no minimum age requirements.

    What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

    There will be shuttles from Emory University to the Fox Theatre and back. If you choose to drive, you will need to pay at least $10 for parking at the venue.

    What’s the refund policy?

    All ticket sales are final.

    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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  • Hugo's Oyster Bar's Crawfish Boil In Roswell Set For April 13

    Hugo’s Oyster Bar’s Crawfish Boil In Roswell Set For April 13

    2 Min Read

    Do you love seafood? Then you don’t want to miss Hugo’s Oyster Bar’s annual Crawfish Boil coming up.

    The crawfish boil is set for Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 12 to 5 p.m. Hugo’s annual live crawfish boil will have crawfish by the pound and delicious side items for the whole family.

    Hugo’s Crawfish Boil set for April 13

    There’s also going to be live music. The Catfish Hill Roberts and Bottom Band will perform for the masses.

    Hugo’s is a favorite place for North Fulton residents. The restaurant offers a daily happy hour Monday through Friday. If you come between 3 to 6:30 p.m., you can get a great appetizer, cocktail, beer and wine special.

    Where is Hugo’s Oyster Bar located?

    Hugo’s Oyster Bar is located at 10360 Alpharetta Street, Roswell, Ga. 30075. The phone number is (770) 993-5922. Here’s a map so that you can find it.


    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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  • Leikeli47 Is Coming To Atlanta To Perform

    Leikeli47 Is Performing In Atlanta This Week

    2 Min Read

    Rapper and songtress Leikeli47 is slated to perform in Atlanta on Thursday, April 4, 2019. The Brooklyn artist is bringing her effortless genre-switching style to the city as part of “The Acrylic Tour With Yung Baby Tate.”

    If you don’t know much about Leikeli47’s music, after this show, you will.

    Leikeli47 brings The Acrylic Tour to Atlanta

    She jumped on the scene in a big way in 2017 with the release of  “Wash & Set, the first project in a planned trilogy of musical expressions centered on love, strength and respect. 47 followed that up with the bang-heavy  “Acrylic,” which takes listeners into her hard-scrabble NYC world while revealing few personal clues about the woman under the ski mask.

    Now Leikeli47 wants to turn Atlanta on to what many around the world already know: 47 is dope.

    Leikeli47 will perform in The Loft at Center Stage on April 4. Here’s how to get tickets.

    Here is Leikeli47’s “Top Down,” which was featured in an episode of Issa Raye’s “Insecure.”

     

    Tickets are also available online via Freshtix.com or without ticket fees in person at the Center Stage Box Office, M-F, 11-6. Online sales end at 6pm on day of show.

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