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Atlanta, Georgia figures to once again loom large when it comes to real estate for the new year.
The metro area is once again one of the top housing markets in the United States, according to new figures from the National Association of Realtors.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist and senior vice president of research, forecasts that Atlanta will be the nation’s top real estate market to watch in 2023 and beyond, an NAR news release says.
- Yun predicts that 4.78 million existing homes will be sold across America in 2023, with prices stabilizing.
- Home sales will drop by 6.8% compared to 2022.
- The median home price will hit $385,800, which constitutes a 0.3% hike compared to 2022.
Top 10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2023
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia
Raleigh, North Carolina
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas-Missouri
Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, South Carolina
Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina
Huntsville, Alabama
Jacksonville, Florida
San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas
Knoxville, Tennessee
Because of affordability issues, the Atlanta metro area is far down the list for 2023, says a recent Realtor.com report, as midsize markets with adequate housing rise to the top.
As home sales declined in the second half of 2022 with the rising of interest rates, real estate experts are hopeful that the new year brings home shoppers back to the market.
Are Home Sales Going To Rise?
The top markets are expected to see home sales increase 5.2% year-over-year in 2022. Additionally, average home prices in the top 10 markets are expected to jump 7.3% while the rest of the nation will only see a 5% bump.
How To Afford A Home Right Now
With so much economic pressure on Americans, it’s understandable that many would be concerned about affording a home right now. But the key is that you can get in the home you want and need for the most part.
One thing you’ll have to do is get pre-approved by a lender of your choice, who will consider the income you take in annually as well as your debt and credit.
You can gauge how much you can comfortably spend on a new mortgage in a really simple way. See our home affordability calculator.
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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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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. -
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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Metro Atlanta’s first Whataburger opened in Kennesaw, Georgia on Monday, November 28, 2022. The restaurant is widely considered one of the best places to get a burger.
The eatery will begin serving customers through the drive-thru initially. In-store dining will come later.
What Is WhataBurger’s History?
Whataburger’s history begins with businessman Harmon Dobson, who was born in Oklahoma and raised on his family’s Arkansas farm.
After a military career, Dobson moved to Texas and co-founded the first Whataburger with entrepreneur Paul Burton. Their goal was to make a burger so big that you’d have to hold it with two hands and essentially proclaim “What a burger!” They succeeded.
The duo opened the first Whataburger in August 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The eatery soon took off from there.
Where Is Whataburger’s In Kennesaw Located?
Whataburger’s first Atlanta-area location is 705 Town Park Lane NW, Kennesaw, Ga. 30144. Here’s a map to help you find it.
The eatery posted on its website some time ago that “Atlantans will finally have the chance to sink their teeth into Whataburger’s big flavors and fresh ingredients served up with hometown hospitality.”Whataburger’s parent company plans a major expansion in the Peach State, with several eateries due to open in the Atlanta area in the coming months.
While this will be the company’s first location in the Atlanta area, it’s far from the last.
What’s On Whataburger’s Menu?
Photo credit: Whataburger.com Many people may think that Whataburger only serves burgers, but that’s not the case. You can also order:
- Breakfast like the Bacon Breakfast Bowl or Sausage Breakfast Bowl
- Sandwiches like a Patty Melt or Honey BBQ Chicken Strip
- Desserts like a Hot Apple Pie, Brownie, Cookies and More
- Salads like a Cobb Salad, Garden Salad and more.
- Sides like French Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Onion Rings, Apple Slices and more.
Where Will Whataburger Open Next In Metro Atlanta?
Here are the other metro Atlanta Whataburger locations due to open soon:
Whataburger plans to open its first Atlanta area restaurants in these locations:
2022
- 705 Town Park Lane NW, Kennesaw, Ga. 30144
- 9766 GA-92, Woodstock, Ga. 30188 (Now Open)
2023
- 503 Lakeland Plaza, Cumming, Ga. 30040
- SEQ Buford Dr and Exchange Dr, Buford, Ga. 30519
- 3321 Lexington Rd, Athens, Ga. 30605
- 3201 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, Ga. 30606
- 100 Pottery Rd, Commerce, Ga. 30529
- 15 Wallace Blvd, Dawnsonville, Ga. 30534
Final Word
Whataburger is among many food franchises that are exploring expansion in metro Atlanta’s restaurant scene.
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Nobu Hotel has opened its doors in Atlanta, Georgia. The long-awaited opening comes more than three years after the famed hotel’s entry into the Atlanta market was first announced with none other than Hollywood actor Robert De Niro.
Located in Buckhead, Nobu Hotel offers 152 rooms and suites anchored by a plush restaurant that specializes in Japanese cuisine, bar and lounge complete with rooftop swimming pool.
When Did Nobu Hotel Open In Atlanta?
Nobu Hotel opened on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. The hotel has been taking reservations since August, but now you can actually stay there and make a reservation for the famous restaurant. The eatery comes from the mind of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who has made a name for himself for his fusion Japanese and Latin American cuisine.
What’s on The Nobu Restaurant Menu?
Diners at Nobu’s restaurant can expect such signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna and Yellowtail Sashimi. The beverage program also features creative and bold cocktails. Here is Nubo’s Cold Dinner Menu:
Who Owns Nobu Restaurant?
Now an acclaimed, Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur, Matsuhisa is determined to add Atlanta to his stable of upscale restaurants.
Matsuhisa said that it was his mother that inspired him to venture into the culinary arts.
“Watching my mother and grandmother inspired me to cook, but my brother helped me discover sushi. He took me to a sushi restaurant in Saitama, where I am originally from,” he told Country and Townhouse magazine. “We sat at the counter and watched the chefs make it – it was an incredible experience. I didn’t know what any of the names meant, but after one bite, I knew I wanted to be a sushi chef.”
He started off with his restaurant restaurant in Beverly Hills, California in 1987. From there, his creative mix of Japanese and Peruvian ingredients grew into a success. He joined forces with De Niro in 1994 and his restaurants went global.
Where Is Nobu Hotel Located In Atlanta?
Nobu Hotel is located at 3520 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, which is in Buckhead. Here’s a map to help you find it.
How Many Nobu Locations Are There?
As of this writing, there are xxx Nobu locations worldwide, with hotels in the following cities:
- Barcelona
- Chicago
- Las Vegas
- Ibiza Bay
- London (Portman Square and Shoreditch)
- Los Cabos
- Malibu
- Manila
- Marbella
- Miami Beach
- Palo Alto
- Santorini
- Warsaw
Aside from Atlanta, additional Nobu locations set to open include Atlantic City, Bangkok, Barbuda, Danang, Al Khobar, Hamburg, Madrid, Marrakech, New Orleans, Orlando, Punta Canta, Roma, San Sebastian, São Paulo, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Tulum
Final Word
When it comes to visiting some of Atlanta’s best restaurants and places of business, Buckhead is a fun place to go. Read our guide on what to see and do in Buckhead.
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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Lovers of vino, rejoice! The Ashford is set to debut its inaugural wine dinner series on the second Tuesday of each month in Dunwoody.
The Ashford Wine Series Kicks Off This Week
The wine series will showcase Chef-Owner Randy Lewis and GM-Sommelier Daniel Campbell’s collaborative culinary offerings as well as some of the most celebrated wine regions across the world.
Along with expertly prepared dishes paired with unique wine varieties, guests can expect an educational experience as well as they’ll be told about each region and dish as they enjoy it.
varietals and labels of the region amid the quiet sophistication of this quaint neighborhood dining room in Brookhaven.
When Does The Ashford Wine Series Begin?
The Ashford wine series begins on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. The first stop on the culinary and wine tour will be Spain.
“Five hand-selected and distinctly Spanish varietals will accompany a four-course dinner inspired by the beautiful culture, flavors, and produce of Spain,” according to a news release. There will also be an informal reception of chilled Cava and passed tapas before guests move to a warm and comfortable dining room and the coursed dinner.
Tickets for the event will include reception, dinner, and wine pairings. Tax and gratuity not included. Reservations are limited and can be purchased via resy.com.
When Does The Next Wine Series Take Place?
The next two wine series at The Ashford take place on the following dates:
- On Tuesday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m., when the wine region of Burgundy, France, will be explored.
- On Tuesday, January 10 at 6:30 p.m. when a deep dive of the Sonoma County region of California’s wine country will take place.
Click here to read The Ashford Menu.
Final Word
The Ashford is one of Atlanta’s most upscale dining establishments.
When it comes to upscale dining, Atlanta stands out among the Southeast. Only here can diners enjoy impeccable dinners featuring the best of Georgia-sourced foods, spices and seasonings.
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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Atlanta restaurant Rreal Tacos plans to expand across metro Atlanta in the coming months. The eatery has some aggressive expansion plans that it will put into action over the next several months.
Rreal Tacos To Expand Across Metro Atlanta
In addition to Rreal Tacos’ locations at Midtown at 100 6th St. NE and West Midtown at 1000 Northside Dr. NW, the eatery recently announced that it will open in the following metro Atlanta locations:
- Chamblee
- Sandy Springs
- Buckhead
- Decatur
- Gwinnett County
“In Atlanta if you want real, authentic Mexico City tacos, you go to Buford Highway, but it’s not a date night kind of place,” Damian Otero, who co-owns Real Tacos with Miguel Hernandez, says in a news release. “Conversely, if you want something upscale with great drinks, it’s a mammoth restaurant with ‘Americanized’ food. We have created a niche intersecting the two.”
The owners have leaned into making authentic Mexican street food with Rreal Tacos, sourcing their taco ingredients from various regions of Mexico using fresh — never frozen — meat marinated for over 12 hours for dishes such as asada from northeastern Monterrey, birria barbacoa from Guadalajara, or taco al pastor, one of Mexico City’s signature tacos.
Where Is Rreal Tacos Located In Atlanta?
Rreal Tacos currently has two locations — 100 6th St NE #110, Atlanta, GA 30308 and 1000 Northside Dr NW STE 600, Atlanta, GA 30318.
It’s third location will be opening in the coming months in Chamblee at 5070 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30341. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
More: Make your own tacos with this easy recipe
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Authenticity is the word of the day in Atlanta’s dining scene. The concept encompasses not only the ingredients, but who’s helming the kitchen and the service provided as well.
Check out these 20+ essential soul food spots 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.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
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Chick-fil-A is currently testing bone-in chicken wings in metro Atlanta in a trial that began Oct. 31. Aside from having a secret menu, the popular Atlanta-based chain is cooking up a contender in Atlanta’s chicken wing wars.
The restaurant has reportedly been interesting in serving chicken wings on a trial basis for some time now. With the new chicken wing trial, which runs until Feb. 11, Chick-fil-A hopes to have indisputable proof on whether they need to get into the business.Where To Find Chick-fil-A Wings In Atlanta
Finding the items won’t be as easy as you’d think. Traditional Chick-fil-A locations won’t have the chicken wings on their menus. You’ll have to visit the company’s new brand Outfox Wings, which comes out of the Little Blue Menu, a “ghost kitchen” concept we reported on last year.
Little Blue Menu is a separate brand from the traditional Chick-fil-A offerings we know and love. The two outfits have totally different menus.
What Chick-Fil-A Location Has Chicken Wings?
Truett’s Chick-fil-A located at 3649 Hwy 138 SE, Stockbridge, GA 30281 is the only location selling the chicken wings, Chick-fil-A said. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Chick-fil-A is an Atlanta institution, but it’s not the only one. Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new? -
Wolf Pack, a new Paramount+ movie, is currently hiring people for some reshoots in Atlanta, Georgia. The film is a spinoff of the popular Teen Wolf TV series and is being produced by the same showrunner, Jeff Davis.Do you have what it takes to play a role? Keep reading to find out how to apply.Wolf Pack Casting Call Details
Here is the latest casting call for the show.
“WOLF PACK” // HOSPITAL STAFF, VISITORS, PATIENTS // FILMS 11/1 (TESTS 10/31) // Sub Request // 18 – 100 YRSWolf Pack is in need of hospital staff (doctors, nurses, orderlies), patients, and visitors.HOSPITAL STAFF (DOCTORS, NURSES, ORDERLIES, JANITORS)RATE : $140/12COVID BUMP : $30AGE : 18 – 65GENDER : ALLETHNICITY : ALLSCHEDULE:10/31 (MON) – COVID TEST11/1 (TUE) – FILMINGFILMING & FITTING & COVID TESTING LOCATION: IN/AROUND ATLANTA & SURROUNDING AREASHOSPITAL PATIENTS & VISITORSRATE : $140/12COVID BUMP : $30AGE : 18 – 100GENDER : ALLETHNICITY : ALLSCHEDULE:10/31 (MON) – COVID TEST11/1 (TUE) – FILMINGFILMING & FITTING & COVID TESTING LOCATION: IN/AROUND ATLANTA & SURROUNDING AREASAPPLY HERE —> https://castingtaylormade.com/…/wolfpack-ep108-111…What Is The Plot For Wolf Pack?
Wolf Pack is about a teenage boy named Everett and a girl named Blake who are never the same after being caught in a California wildfire. While there, they encounter a terrifying supernatural creature.Based on Edo Van Belkom’s Wolf Pack book series, the teen boy and girl are injured by the creature. According to a summary of the series from Paramount Plus, “Wounded in the chaos of its attack, the teens are inexplicably drawn to each other and to two others (Luna and Harlan) who were adopted sixteen years earlier by a park ranger after another mysterious wildfire. As the full moon rises, all four teens come together to unravel the secret that connects them – the bite and blood of a werewolf.”Who Has Been Cast In Wolf Pack?
Some of the actors we know who have been cast in Wolf Pack are:- Armani Jackson (Everett)
- Bella Shepard (Blake)
- Chloe Rose Robertson (Luna)
- Tyler Lawrence Gray (Harlan)
When Will Wolf Pack Stream On TV?
Wolf Pack will stream on Paramount+. It is set to premiere later this year.With more than 1,000 movie and TV projects produced in Georgia just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the Peach State.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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