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.
-
Former TV producer and entrepreneur Pinky Cole continues to grow her food and drink empire around Atlanta. The Slutty Vegan owner opened a bar concept on Friday, February 26, 2021 inside Ponce City Market.
First announced in November, Bar Vegan features “bar theater” likely quite different from anything Atlanta’s bar scene has at the moment.
‘When I visited in late February, I had Bar Vegan’s rum punch, which packs a powerful punch.
The uber-popular Slutty Vegan, Cole’s first foray into the plant-based vegan restaurant business, opened in early 2019 in Atlanta’s Westview neighborhood to critical acclaim.
Bar Vegan Opens In Midtown Atlanta’s Ponce City Market
The new imprint, called Bar Vegan, is housed in the space that was formerly the Mercury Bar.
As for food, Bar Vegan has a limited menu provided by Dinkies, an imprint that specializes in vegan phillys and tater tots.
The Ponce City Market location of Cole’s latest food business is part of a massive expansion that the former TV producer-turned-restaurateur has put in place over the next 24 months.
Cole has said that her business took off when she was brainstorming things to eat in her Atlanta kitchen.
“We know that sex sells. I started thinking of some crazy names to add to my menu,” she told XO Necole. “I went inside my kitchen and started cooking. I started putting together recipes and literally, everything was history from there.”
The entrepreneur says a strong belief in what she was doing was what kept her going in the early days.
“I went from having four people patronizing my business a week to having a 150 to now 600 people a day outside the door standing to patronize my business.”
Pinky said,”It’s just a blessing. It literally started out as just an idea with no business plan. It was a vision that came to life.”
She accomplished businesswoman hopes the same for Bar Vegan.
Here’s a promo for Bar Vegan from its Instagram page:
View this post on InstagramWhere Is Bar Vegan Located?
Bar Vegan is located inside Ponce City Market at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Cole opened a Slutty Vegan restaurant in Jonesboro south of the city earlier this year. with the plant-based cuisine enjoying unprecedented popularity, Cole is planning on expanding to Birmingham, Alabama and as many as 13 locations as well.
How Many Slutty Vegan Restaurant Locations Are There In Atlanta?
Soon, Slutty Vegan will have four Atlanta restaurant locations up or in the makings. They are located in the following areas:
- Westview: 1542 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
- Edgewood: 482 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Jonesboro: 164 N. Mcdonough St. Jonesboro Ga 30236
- Ponce City Market: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA
Atlanta has become known for its black-owned restaurants. If you’re into more pescatarian fare options, the city has that too.
If you’re a health nut and want more local healthy food choices, perhaps you’ll be interested in our Guide to Local Farmers Markets.
We also have special coverage of Black Farmers In Atlanta as well as How To Keto In Atlanta.
More Food Coverage:
-
When you think of Mardi Gras, what comes to mind? Perhaps Cajun dishes, live music, beads and hurricane drinks. Well, Atlanta has all of the above for numerous Mardi Gras-themed events this year.
Of course, the nation’s largest Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans is canceled there year, so that means you’ve got to do it on your own!
Where To Mardi Gras In Atlanta
Take a look at some of the Mardi Gras-themed festivities in Atlanta. Here are some Mardi Gras events and festivities and themes you do NOT want to miss.
The Battery
One of the most exciting celebrations in metro Atlanta is The Battery’s Mardi Gras Live experience with food, drinks, live music and more.
Bon Ton
One of the best Midtown restaurants features numerous Mardi Gras-inspired dishes this time of year. You can dine-in or choose to order takeout.Henri’s Bakery
Every year, Henri’s Bakery gets into the Mardi Gras mood with a festive and delicious king cake. Order here.
Mardi Gras Block Party
Want to party like they do on Bourbon Street? Come to Midtown Atlanta and on a tour of 16+ bars that will turn into New Orleans’ most famous street on Feb. 26 for Fat Tuesday.
You can expect lots of fun, dancing and New Orleans-themed drinks.
Mardi Gras Ball
On Saturday, April 24, come out to Godby Road in Atlanta for a day of food, fun, Live DJ and shopping!
There will be door prizes for those that register on eventbrite, $2 raffle drawings for a flat screen t.v. This event will be kid friendly with a bounce house on premises. We will be having a Crawfish Boil Louisiana Style table set up by our very own co-hostess.
Other Things To Do In Atlanta
Atlanta has other things to do in the city that you may enjoy. Do you like food? We’re 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: 20+ Essential Soul Food Restaurants 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.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
-
One thing we know for sure: The COVID pandemic has not stopped Atlanta’s restaurant scene at all. The Woodall, an “approachable luxury experience,” has opened up in northwest Atlanta.
The Woodall is brought to us by John Metz, Executive Chef , CEO and co-founder of Sterling Hospitality. The eatery opened on Atlanta’s west side on Feb. 8, 2021.
The Woodall Opens In Atlanta
The restaurant is billed as an “upscale gathering place” that serves contemporary, globally inspired takes on classic dishes & drink.
The Woodall is currently open for dinner and will expand its hours in the weeks ahead.
“I’m so excited to welcome our friends and neighbors to the Woodall,” says Metz. “I love this community, and I want to contribute something fresh, exciting and modern. The Woodall is an upscale gathering place that reflects the unique and energetic character of this neighborhood with a globally inspired take on contemporary favorites.”
Here’s What’s On The Menu At The Woodall
The Woodall has serving several delicious dishes right now. Here is the Seasonal Menu from The Woodall.
PAPPARDELLE
Fresh Egg Pappardelle, Wild Mushroom, Zucchini, Blistered Grape Tomato, EVOO, Parmigiano
SEARED TRIGGER
Basmati Fried Rice, Spinach, Lemongrass, Sauce Hong Kong
FARFALLE
Beef Tenderloin, Spinach, Dorati Tomato, Mushroom, Demi Reduction
*STEAK FRITES
Marinated Prime NY STRIP, Tiny Green Bean, Steak Frites, Cognac Peppercorn Gravy
VEGETABLE LASAGNA
Roasted Butternut Squash, Tuscan Kale, Pomodoro, Sauce Mornay
*CENTER CUT FILET
Grilled, Yukon Gold Whipped Potato, Dorati Tomato, Sautéed Garlicked Spinach, Demi Cognac Pan Sauce
*SEA SCALLOPS
Perfectly Seared, Potato Puree, Roasted Fennel, Butternut Squash & Green Pea Hash, Brown Butter Pan Sauce, Tomato Oil
CHICKEN PAILLARD
Prestige Farms Chicken, Glazed Heirloom Carrots, Fingerling Potato, Green Beans, Chicken Glacé
See the complete menu at The Woodhall here.
Where Is The Woodall Located In Atlanta?
The Woodall is located at 2260 Marietta Blvd NW Suite 101, Atlanta, GA 30318 in the Moores Mill mixed-use development. Here is a map to help you find it.
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.
Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.
If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
Kinship Butchery and Sundry is set to open in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highlands neighborhood in March 2021.
The new Atlanta restaurant will specialize in locally sourced meat, poultry and sustainable organic foods. Customers will also be able to order sandwiches, produce and other goods you’d find in a market.
Kinship Butchery and Sundry To Open In Atlanta’s Virginia-Highlands Neighborhood
Kinship Butchery and Sundry is coming to us by way of co-owners Rachel Pack and Myles Moody.
Pack has worked in various disciplines in the food industry, including as cook, writer and sommelier, to name a few. Most recently she served as General Manager in addition to Beverage Director at Aska in NYC.
Moody is an Atlanta native who has studied under some of the city’s greatest chefs, including James Beard Award-winning chef, Linton Hopkins.
Moody is returning to Atlanta after a stint in New York City, where he worked in the kitchen under Chef Dan Barber at Blue Hill (1-Michelin Star), Blue Hill at Stone Barns (2-Michelin Stars), Eleven Madison Park (3-Michelin Stars) and other notable eateries.
Together Moody and Pack are offering Kinship as a marketplace where customers can get food, drink and other provisions for their kitchen.
Where Is Kinship Butchery And Sundry Located?
Kinship is located at 1019 Virginia Avenue, Atlanta, Ga. 30306. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.
If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
If you’re looking for some masks in Atlanta, you probably already know that supplies can be fluid. No matter if you want to buy surgical masks, N95 or KN95 masks, they can be found on the internet.
In this article, we’ll share some places where you can find masks online as well as local places where you can purchase masks to protect you against COVID-19.
As the pandemic continues to rage, the importance of wearing a mask has only grown. The result has been that store shelves have seldom been able to keep a steady surplus of masks. If you don’t want to make your own, what kind of mask should you buy?
What Kind Of Mask Should I Buy?
The basic functions of a mask are to stop droplets from entering your mouth and nose. But that can be hard to decipher when you’re looking for deals in-store or online.
When shopping for a mask, buy those that have at least two layers of fabric. What you don’t want is a mask that is too large or too small or doesn’t cover your nose and mouth.
For easy adjusting, the masks should loop around the ears or be able to be tied behind the head.
Do Cloth Masks Protect Me Against COVID?
Most health experts say that cloth masks work fine in preventing the spread of droplets from the wearer. According to the CDC, face masks are required in public settings during the pandemic.
Cloth masks also can help reduce the chance that you’ll infect others if you have the virus.
On the other hand, the gold standard for facial protection against COVID are N95 masks, according to health experts.
When shopping for a face mask, here are some do’s and don’ts you want to consider.
Do Don’t Wear Two Masks If Possible Wear Masks That Are Hard To Breathe Through Completely Cover Your Nose & Mouth Wear Masks With Exhalation Values Or Vents Make Sure It Fits Snug With No Gaps Wear Disposable Masks Over And Over Again These stores in your local area have N95 masks in stock as of this writing. The following retail stores don’t carry N95 masks but they do have varieties of surgical and cloth face masks for sale.
Where To Find N95 Masks Online
Unless you are a health professional, you likely won’t be needing to order N95 masks online. But if you’re a private citizen just trying to protect yourself by buying masks approved by either the CDC and the FDA, the internet’s the place.
Let’s look at some N95 masks you can purchase online.
N95MaskCo.com
The N95 mask distributor N95MaskCo.com sells several packs of respirator-level masks. A 5-pack for $49.99 is a top seller.
Bonafidemasks.com
At Bonafidemasks.com, you can buy from the largest authorized distributor of Powecom masks in the United States and Canada.
Amazon
This Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator mask provides a minimum of 95% filtration efficiency of 0.3 micron particles; N95 NIOSH approved (TC# 84A-9042).
Home Depot
Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement store, sells masks online as well as in-store. As an example, they currently have a 10-pack of KN95 masks for $23.
Conclusion
The CDC has advised wearing a cloth face covering for those out in public spaces, like grocery stores and pharmacies, where it could be hard to properly socially distance.
If you’re looking to source face masks, surgical masks, face shields and other PPE, these Georgia distributors have what you need.
BEFORE YOU GO, take a look at all the top deals happening on our Retail Page. Don’t pay full price for things when you can get GREAT VALUE on items for low prices. Don’t want to miss a deal? Sign up for our #ATLHaps list HERE🙂
Looking to shop? Check out the best malls in Atlanta
NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, take a look at all the top deals on our Clothes Page, there are PLENTY of good deals that you don’t want to miss! Subscribe to our #ATLHaps Newsletter HERE and get the deals delivered to your inbox 🙂Along with the wonderful things to eat and do in Atlanta, there are also so awesome places to shop.
In addition to malls, many Atlanta boutiques and consignment shops have daily deals so that you can save money.
Atlanta’s retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
-
If you love soul food, there’s a new Atlanta restaurant you’ve got to try: Peach Cobbler Cafe.
You may have heard of Peach Cobbler Cafe from the super-popular radio commercial, which has been featured heavily on Atlanta’s airwaves.
Peach Cobbler Cafe: Everything You Need To Know
“Experience some of the best Soul Food you have ever tasted in your life, and then top it off with our signature Peach Cobbler, made with the finest peaches from our Peach State, Georgia,” it says on the eatery’s website.
If you’re a fan of downhome cooking and soul food, you’ll love what’s on the menu at Peach Cobbler Cafe. But first, let’s take a look at the restaurant’s origins.
Who Owns Peach Cobbler Cafe?
Atlanta entrepreneur Arle Alston has crafted a delightful soul food experience with authentic menu items inspired by the Southern comfort food we all know and love.
Alson, who also owns VVS, a restaurant in southwest Atlanta and U Bar in East Point, opened Peach Cobbler Cafe in the last week of January 2021.
What’s On The Menu At Peach Cobbler Cafe?
If you want to know what you can order at Peach Cobbler Cafe, just think of some of the old-fashioned dishes your grandmother would make on Sundays. Here’s a partial list of some of Peach Cobbler Cafe’s top dishes from the menu:
- Big Al’s Oxtail Dinner
- Smothered Turkey Wings
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Meat Loaf
- Beef Spare Ribs
- Fried Catfish
- Salmon and more
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”13″ display=”basic_slideshow”]Of course, because of COVID-19, strict health protocols are in place at the eatery and employees are masked up.
Peach Cobbler Cafe is open daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Where Is Peach Cobbler Cafe Located In Atlanta?
Are you looking for Peach Cobbler Cafe in Buckhead? it is located at 2221 Peachtree Rd N.W., Atlanta, Ga 30309. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Peach Cobbler Cafe isn’t the only awesome soul food restaurant making customers happy in Atlanta. Here are some great soul food spots across the city.
Final Word
When it comes to Buckhead restaurants, there are some good ones. The real question is this: What do you like to eat?
If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following. -
in the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important that you remain COVID-safe, even though you’re hungry. Since the health crisis began, Atlanta’s restaurant community has taken numerous steps to obey local mandates as well as stay in business.
One great way Atlanta restaurants have continued to serve the public is by offering ways for you to eat there without coming inside and risking any time of exposure.
We want you to stay safe, but eat well! This article will list Atlanta restaurants that offer curbside pickup.
Here Are The Best Atlanta Restaurants Offering Curbside Pickup
In addition to takeout and delivery, Atlanta restaurants are making changes to ensure your safety, so here are the best local eateries that you can patronize for lunch and dinner.
5Church Atlanta
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 1197 Peachtree St NE #528, Atlanta, GA 30361 | (404) 400-3669
Aria
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery Χ Dine-In √ 674 Myrtle St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 996-6177
Aziza
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 1170 Howel Mill rd Suite P10b, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 968-9437
Aziza opened in Atlanta in late July 2019. The eatery is in the West Midtown corridor of Westside Provisions District.The eatery is the second concept from Oliva Restaurants, which brought us the award-winning Italian market and wine bar Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market.Boiler Seafood & Crab Boil
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery Χ Dine-In √ 2425 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 574-8552
Photo credit: Instagram / @boileratlanta Boiler Seafood & Crab Boil restaurant opened in December 2019 after some delays. The Buckhead restaurant is located in the Lindbergh area near the MARTA Station.
Boiler Seafood offers a Louisiana-style menu with all your Cajun favorites, such as boiled crab and crawfish and seafood.
Bon Ton Atlanta
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 674 Myrtle St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | : (404) 996-6177
Chin Chin 2
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 881-1511
Here’s what one reviewer says about Chin Chin 2: “The menu and service were beyond our expectations. We really loved the environment of this place. Superb place to take the family out for dinner.”Doc Chey’s Noodle House
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In Χ 1424 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 888-0777
Here’s what one reviewer says about Doc Chey’s Noodle House: “Very clean and welcoming place. They offer big portions and for economical rates. I loved the menu very much and the staff were very personal and chatty. Recommended.”Carson Kitchen
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery Χ Dine-In √ 4 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (770) 696-1752
Carson Kitchen opens Feb. 13, 2020 in Alpharetta City Center. The new restaurant concept comes to Georgia thanks to Woodstock-born chef/restaurateur Cory Harwell, partner in the Simon Hospitality Group. Read more.
Clues and Cocktails
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 314 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 390-3285
Photo credit: Google Clues and Cocktails opened in the middle of 2019 in the Sweet Auburn district of Atlanta, Clues and Cocktails is a bar and restaurant themed around an escape room and housed on the first floor of Room Escape at 314 Auburn Avenue NE.
Coalition Food & Beverage
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 50 Canton St Suite 108, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (470) 839-6725
Crab cakes @ Coalition Food & Beverage. Coalition Food and Beverage is spread across 3,331-square-feet of space and seats approximately 150 diners, including a bar, outdoor dining and private dining.
While not as stiff and contemporary-looking as many of the restaurants you’d see in Midtown, Coalition strives for a more urban aesthetic and community feel.
DBA Barbecue
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 1190 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 249-5000
Fox Bros Bar-B-Q
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery Χ Dine-In √ 1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 577-4030
The Deer & The Dove
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery Χ Dine-In √ 155 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030 | (404) 748-4617
The Deer and The Dove opened for business in June 2019 on the Decatur Square. Its sister restaurant, B-Side, is a cool spot to have a drink well. See the details.
Fellaship
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 110 Centennial Olympic Park Dr Suite 102-104, Atlanta, GA 30313
Flower Child
Metro Atlanta Locations:
- 3400 Around Lenox Rd #207, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (678) 668-2271
- 6400 Blue Stone Rd #170, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 | (470) 481-7850
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 
Flower Child opened two metro Atlanta locations — one in Buckhead, the other in Sandy Springs — over the past year.
At the 3,500-square-foot Sandy Springs location, the Atlanta restaurant has an airy, open atmosphere where up to 78 diners can experience an open air vibe centered on decorative tile and brightly colored brick.
Outside they can enjoy a patio that seats an additional 82 people in a 1,300 additional square foot space.
Flower Child is located in City Springs, the multi-use project in the heart of downtown Sandy Springs. Flower Child serves clean, made-from-scratch items such as salads, plates, wraps and bowls based upon seasonal vegetables and fruits, whole grains and lean proteins.
Malaya Restaurant
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In Χ 857 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 609-9991
Here’s what one reviewer says about Malaya Restaurant: “Chinese food… very delicious. Don’t fret if it’s busy, it is worth the wait. The staff was very helpful and observant. It has a great interior. Feels similar to a restaurant in New York I loved.”
Murphy’s Restaurant
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 997 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 872-0904
Recess
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 240 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 524-9224
Serpas
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 659 Auburn Ave NE #501, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 688-0040
South City Kitchen Midtown
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery Χ Dine-In √ 1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 873-7358
Soul Vegetarian 2
652 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 875-0145
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In Χ Tacos & Tequilas
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In √ 650 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (678) 705-5955
4279 Roswell Rd NE #103, Atlanta, GA 30342 | : (404) 705-8225
This Is It! BBQ & Seafood
Curbside Pickup √ No-Contact Delivery √ Dine-In Χ - 3523 Camp Creek Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30344
- 3620 Camp Creek Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30331
- 6045 Old National Hwy, College Park, GA 30349
- 2776 Cumberland Blvd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
- 4065 Memorial Dr, Decatur, GA 30032
- 1497 Mt Zion Rd, Morrow, GA 30260
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.
-
It’s official: Atlanta, Georgia, will be the host city of the NBA All Star game on March 7, 2021. The NBA players union agreed to the date, making it a reality.
The event will be Atlanta’s first major sports event since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
More than a week ago, senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, tweeted that the NBA and The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) were in talks to still have an All-Star game.
When Will The 2021 NBA All-Star Game Be?
The players and the league had to get on the same page regarding a date and city that was mutually acceptable to both parties. As a result, they settled on the NBA All-Star game date of Sunday, March 7, 2021 in downtown Atlanta’s Philips Arena.
Back when it was still just an idea, NBA insiders opined that a city that was also a strong TV broadcasting mecca made sense.
“One site under discussion is Atlanta, home of Turner Sports. That idea includes providing support for HBCU’s and COVID-19 relief,” Wojnarowski tweeted.
The overall plan would incorporate several other pieces to support other Atlanta institutions that are suffering due to COVID-19.
“That idea includes providing support for HBCU’s and COVID-19 relief,” Woj said. Although other cities are thought to be in consideration, the longtime sports journalist only alluded to Georgia’s largest city.Atlanta, home of the league’s Hawks, has suffered like most sports cities as fan attendance has dramatically fallen and some venues have been repurposed to deal with hospital overflow.Any All Star game held in Atlanta would have to adhere to strict COVID protocols. One advantage the city has is that it is the home of Turner Sports, which has the primary TV contract with the league.
The NBA originally announced that there would postpone the All Star game for 2021:
“Public health conditions prevented the Pacers, the NBA All-Star Host Committee and the NBA from appropriately planning and executing fan-focused All-Star activities in Indianapolis that were envisioned for this February,” a league statement on Nov. 25 read, while announcing that Indianapolis would instead host the 2024 All-Star Game.
Then there are the logistical concerns posed by having such a large sporting event in the city, although Atlanta successfully hosted the SEC Championship a few months earlier.
When Is The Last Time Atlanta Hosted The NBA All-Star Game?
Only two times in the past 40+ years has the NBA All-Star Game been played in Atlanta. The first occurrence came in 1978 at The Omni coliseum. Years later, the game returned in 2003 at Philips Arena.
If the big game does return to the city, it would be held at State Farm Arena, which has been used a polling precinct most recently.
Back in 2003, the NBA’s biggest stars (Kobe, Lebron, Allen Iverson, etc.) converged on downtown Atlanta to have one of the largest and most congested events the city has ever had.
Here is some footage of the NBA All-Star game held in Atlanta in 2003:
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. -
Baseball legend Hank Aaron passed away the morning of Thursday, January 22, 2021. He was 86 years old.
A private funeral will be held at Friendship Baptist Church Wednesday at 1 p.m. Local TV stations will stream the memorial service.
Aaron, one of the most iconic players in Major League Baseball history, started his career in the Negro Leagues before making his Major League team, the Milwaukee Braves.
Hank Aaron, Baseball Legend, Dead At 86
The 23-year-old was a force of nature. Shy and reserved from a small town, Aaron didn’t give interviews in the early years of his career.
In 1958, he took the Braves one game short of a championship. By that time, Aaron’s confidence was brimming.
“I felt extremely proud that I knew all the pitches like the back of my hand, and so I thought any time that I wanted to when I walked up to the plate that I could hit the ball as hard as I wanted to or could hit it out of the ballpark,” he once said.
Playing for nearly two decades, Aaron would rewrite the history books to become one of the most prolific hitters of all time.
The night he broke the homerun record in Atlanta-Fulton Stadium — smashing his 715th — remains one of the most electric feats in all of sports.
His record as the homerun king continues to stand in the MLB pantheon. His offensive prowess is unparalleled. Aaron holds many offensive records. He is one of only two players to hit 30 or more home runs in a season at least 15 times.
Despite Success, Hank Aaron Suffered Years Of Abuse
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Aaron always engendered himself to regular folks and never hobnobbed with the elite.
But despite his success, Aaron said he spent years suffering racially motivated death threats and ridicule from opposing fans and people intent at hating him.
Aaron said the years of abuse took a toll on him.
“I never thought that playing baseball would bring out so many negative and bigoted thoughts in people’s minds. I thought that they would be behind me 100%, but that was not the case,” he said.
Even on the fateful night he broke Babe Ruth’s homerun record, indicative of the racial climate at the time, his bodyguards had instructed the ushers to turn to face the crowd rather than the field during his record-breaking feat.
He spent his latter years as a vice president of the Atlanta Braves, his hometown team.
Funeral arrangements have been confirmed. He was to be laid to rest in a private ceremony on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 in a humble Baptist church.
Around Atlanta, the state and baseball world, condolences poured in for Aaron, a true son of the South.
“This is a considerable loss for the entire city of Atlanta,” Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said in a statement. “While the world knew him as ‘Hammering Hank Aaron’ because of his incredible, record-setting baseball career, he was a cornerstone of our village, graciously and freely joining Mrs. Aaron in giving their presence and resources toward making our city a better place. As an adopted son of Atlanta, Mr. Aaron was part of the fabric that helped place Atlanta on the world stage. Our gratitude, thoughts and prayers are with the Aaron family.”
The Atlanta Braves also released a statement, commenting on the gentle nature that Aaron always displayed.
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our beloved Hank,” Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk said. “He was a beacon for our organization first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts. His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature. Henry Louis Aaron wasn’t just our icon, but one across Major League Baseball and around the world. His success on the diamond was matched only by his business accomplishments off the field and capped by his extraordinary philanthropic efforts.
Read More on Atlantafi.com’s Sports Page:
-
Another premium Mexican eatery has opened in Buckhead. In early January 2021, Botica opened inside the space formerly occupied by the Watershed.
The eatery, which was set to open in November 2020, is the handiwork of Chef immo Alboumeh, whose extensive culinary experience is informed from his time spent in f Lebanon, Italy and Spain.
Mexican And Spain Eatery Botica Opens In Atlanta
“Chef Mimmo Alboumeh, who grew up in Lebanon, Italy and Spain, began his culinary career in Mexican restaurants more than 20 years ago, bringing with him the cultural influence and cooking of his upbringing,” it says on Botica’s website. “The Botica menu is inspired by street style tacos and Chef Mimmo’s unique brand of hybrid cuisine.”
What’s On Botica’s Menu?
Photo credit: Botica You may be wondering what’s on Botica’s menu. The Atlanta restaurant features in-house smoked meats, homemade dressings, salsas, sauces and a made-from-scratch menu.
The eatery also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm, with Mimmo’s signature savory dishes and bottomless Mimosas.
Where Is Botica Located?
Botica is located in the Brookwood Hills neighborhood of Atlanta, just south of Buckhead. Here is a map of the eatery to help you find it at 1820 Peachtree Road, NW, Unit 3 Atlanta, GA 30309.
Botica is one of the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and there are plenty others. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
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.