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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We told you that Rreal Tacos was expanding in metro Atlanta. Now, the authentic tacos spot has opened in Chamblee.
The new restaurant marks the third metro-area Rreal Tacos spot for co-owners Damian Otero and Miguel Hernandez.
Update: Rreal Tacos opening Buckhead location.
Rreal Tacos Expands With Chamblee Restaurant
“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,” explains Otero 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.”
What’s On The Menu At Rreal Tacos?
Like the other Rreal Tacos eateries, this one has a variety of tacos you’d find in a major Mexican city. You’ll love the following menu items:
- Al Pastor Taco: Seasoned Pork slowly cooked in a spinning trompo
- Grilled Chicken Taco: Adobo Grilled Chicken
- Asada Taco: Flank steak marinated & seasoned w/ salt + pepper.
- Grilled Fish, Shrimp, Beef Barbacoa and more.
One reviewer says this about the menu: “Excellent margaritas, chips and queso/salsa were great, and the variety of tacos was incredible.”
Where is Rreal Tacos In Chamblee Located?
Rreal Tacos in Chamblee is located at 5070 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Mixologists and beverage directors Arturo Salgado and Jesus Perez curate Rreal Taco’s extensive list of libations including 24 creative cocktails, more than 200 different tequilas, and 100 mezcals. The extensive margarita collection is among the best in the city and includes the Malverde, fresco cucumber, spicy pineapple margarita, mezcalita, and Hennessy margarita.
“We have a very high standard and believe our dishes surpass others because of our unwavering commitment to using the freshest cuts of meat and cooking with ingredients sourced only from Mexico,” says Otero.
More: Make your own tacos with this easy recipe
Atlanta has one of the most diverse dining scenes in America, from the Hot Chicken craze that’s going on right now. to the chicken and waffles trend.
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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If you’re just about ready for a weekend trip, you’re not alone. Travel experts expect record numbers to fly in 2023.
The truth is that it’s easy to leave behind the things we need when planning to go out of town. It seems no matter how much preparation you put into it, you always forget something for your trip.
It can get expensive if you choose to buy items when you arrive at your destination, so that’s why you should try to remember what to bring. Here are some items you’ll need:
Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bucket Bag, Black, One Size – $44
AmazonBasics Cabana Stripe Beach Towel – Pack of 2, Navy Blue – $18
GEARWEAR Running Belt Phone Holder Runner Waist Band – $16
First Aid Only FAO-442 All-Purpose First Aid Kit, 299 Pieces – $16
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.
To 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 interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
- How not to get kicked off a Delta flight
- How to get a cheap flight out of Hartsfield Airport
- Delta is hiring 1,000 flight attendants
Up Next: Atlanta Travel Guide
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If you’ve been to the pump lately, you know that prices are cheaper than they’ve been in more than a year’s time. You may be interested to know which state has the cheapest gas and where to find it.This State Has The Cheapest Gas In America
According to AAA, Texas has the cheapest gas prices in the United States. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3, according to the latest gas price data. In Georgia, the AAA data shows the average price for regular is about $2.77 a gallon.State Regular Mid-Grade Premium Diesel Texas $2.621 $2.995 $3.333 $4.057 Oklahoma $2.644 $2.962 $3.206 $3.860 Arkansas $2.699 $3.077 $3.401 $4.250 Missouri $2.714 $3.012 $3.343 $4.261 Mississippi $2.748 $3.144 $3.487 $4.369 Wisconsin $2.759 $3.172 $3.619 $4.116 Georgia $2.770 $3.170 $3.535 $4.608 Louisiana $2.768 $3.150 $3.517 $4.281 Alabama $2.814 $3.207 $3.589 $4.521 3 Ways To Save Money On Gas
If you’re wondering what it takes to save money on gas, here are three suggestions you can put to good use.Use a Gas App
There are several apps on Android and in the Apple Store. Here are the best apps to use:Pay With Cash
You might not know it, but it’s cheaper to buy gasoline when you pay with cash. When you use a credit card, you will be hit with a credit surcharge. Many gas station operators tack on a fee to process your credit card, which is why the fuel costs will be higher. To get a gas station’s advertised price, pay for gas with cash money!Join A Rewards Program
Another say to save on gas money is to join the rewards program of a gas station near you. Some of the top gas station reward programs include BP, RaceTrac and Shell, which gives you points you can redeem for things like food and gas.Last Words
Some people are convinced that they have to spend more money on premium fuel because their car runs better on it, but that’s not the case for most vehicles! How can you find out for sure? Pull out the owner’s manual. If it says that premium gasoline is recommended, then by all means please use that. The truth is that cheap gas may work find for your vehicle. The type of gas you use will affect your engine’s performance and fuel economy, so always follow what’s written in your car’s manual. Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:More Articles Like This From AtlantaFi.com: -
If you’re shopping for a home in Atlanta, one of the questions you need to think about is how much house you can afford.
The question is one that needs to be weighed seriously because all you have to do is visit the steps of the Fulton, DeKalb or Cobb County courthouse to see foreclosure auctions in action.
Here’s How Much House You Can Afford In Atlanta (Calculator)
People buy more house than they need for several reasons:
- Bad advice from Realtors
- Keeping up with the Joneses
- Resale purposes
Let’s talk about each of these a little bit before we move into what homes cost in Atlanta:
Bad advice from Realtors
Real estate agents play a vital role in the homebuying process, but you have to know when they’re in and out of their lane.
A Realtor has no business telling you how much house you can afford. That’s what a lender is for. A Realtor should only advise you on what type of home you want.
Still, many people listen to Realtors who are out to make a buck. Some of them will tell you that you can afford the home by this strategy and that strategy, but the truth is, it may be a bad deal.
Keeping up the Joneses
This is the worse reason to buy a big house: To keep up with your neighbors, friends or other family members.
If you are vain enough to buy a huge home because of someone else’s situation, then you’re the type that will end up with bad credit because you’re paying too much for your home, car and appliances.
Resale Purposes
Some potential home shoppers want to buy a home because they think that appreciation is going to let them double or triple their money (again, bad advice).
That’s not the reason you should buy a home. You should purchase a home because you like it, the way it looks, feels and speaks to your sensibilities.
The resale market is too unpredictable to base such a big purchase on, especially if you’re not a seasoned investor.
So, how much home can you afford? Here’s how to find out:
Multiply Your Annual Income
To find out how much home you can afford, you would multiply your annual income by two or three.
Let’s say you make: $50,000 a year. That means you could afford a home that costs anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000.
Of course, this will be affected by two things:
- Interest rate: The percentage that is paid by borrowers for the money that they borrow.
- Credit score: A three-digit number that indicates to banks and other lenders how likely you are to repay debt.
Here Are 5 Ways To Determine How Much Home You Can Afford
Answer these questions:
- 1. How much is your annual income?
- 2. How much is your downpayment?
- 3. What ZIP code do you want to live in?
- 4. How much are your monthly expenses (food, clothing, mortgage, etc)?
- 5. What is your credit score?
Here’s a mortgage calculator to help you:
How Can I Calculate How Much Home I Can Afford?
Other Factors That Determine How Much Home You Can Afford
Another factor that will indicate how much house you can afford is your expense-to-income ratio.
Front-End Ratio
This is how much your monthly expenses are vs. how much income you bring in. Banks like this number, commonly called a “front-end ratio,” to be between 28 and 30%.
Your mortgage lender will look for your mortgage payment and PMI (private mortgage insurance) to all be around 28% of your income.
Debt-To-Income Ratio
You’ll also need to have a relatively low debt-to-income ratio to get the home you want. This means that the amount of debt you’ve borrowed and paying back is not gobbling up most of your income.
Banks like your debt-to-income ratio to be around 36% typically.
Are You A Veteran?
If you have served your country, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans and grants to help you buy, refinance or renovate your home.
For ex-military and their surviving spouses, the VA guarantees part of the loan, meaning they will cover a portion of the loan if you default. Learn more here.
30-Year-Loan Or 15-Year Fixed?
If you have a choice, you may be wondering which is better: A 30-year mortgage or a 15-year mortgage?
The truth is that both have their advantages. A 30-year mortgage would typically mean a lower monthly bill because the payments are spread out over more years.
The bad part is that you’ll pay a lot more in interest over those years.
For a 15-year fixed, the interest rate is lower and you’ll pay off the principal faster.
The bottom line is if you can afford to do a 15-year mortgage, you should!
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If you’re trying to get in shape for the new year, you’ve got a new venue to work out in. Life Time Buckhead recently opened in Phipps Plaza.
The athletic club’s opening, which took place on December 8, 2022, marks the company’s seventh metro Atlanta location and adds to the plethora of cool things to do in Buckhead.
Life Time Buckhead: What You Need To Know Before You Go
Life Time Buckhead at Phipps Plaza features Atlanta’s first rooftop beach club along with many health and wellness amenities.
The new Life Time gym is spread across five floors and 127,000-square-foot at the iconic Atlanta property located at Peachtree and Lenox roads.
Included on the site is the athletic club’s Life Time Work premium co-working experience.
Here are some highlights of the athletic club according to a Life Time news release:
- Life Time Large Group Classes offer more than 145 workouts weekly in dedicated studios in barre, cycle, group fitness, Pilates and yoga, while the best coaches lead Life Time’s Signature Group Training programs.
- Dynamic Personal Trainers helps members through one-on-one sessions designed to meet individual goals and objectives on the spacious 23,000-square-foot workout floor.
- LT Recovery is a dedicated space for athletic performance and recovery featuring metabolic assessments, nutrition coaching, sports and athletic recovery treatments and chiropractic care.
- LifeSpa offers full-service salon and spa services, including hair, nail, esthetician and massage services.
- LifeCafe and LifeCafe Poolside, wholesome, real-food cafes providing indoor and outdoor dining.
- Kids Academy has toddler and infant areas and three studios for programming, including a Kids Gym, an Activity/Movement Studio and an Art/Language Studio for kids up to age 11.
- ARORA is a community within Life Time designed for older adults who want to stay healthy and social.
Last Word
Life Time Buckhead operates on the following hours:
- 4 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Memberships for individuals, couples and families are available. One day memberships are also available.
If you like going to Buckhead to shop, then you’ll love going there to eat, party and have fun. Atlanta’s most wealthiest area is known for swanky events and activities so there’s plenty to get into.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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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.