Time to Get Social

While you're curious, take a look at my blog post for Everywhere, the social media company I am interning for this summer. There are also other great posts from my coworkers about getting involved in social media.

Ria's Bluebird

Looking for a different place to brunch at than the usual Belly General Store or Rise 'n' Dine (although I do love both of those places), I decided to check out Ria's Bluebird. I had heard the name and seen it on lists here and there, but I really didn't know anything about it. I looked up their menu online and decided that I must try the pancakes that were dubbed the "world's best" by the New York Times. I was ready to go there just by the look of the rustic website, let alone the menu.

Driving up to the hole in the wall joint that is located in Grant Park right across the street from Oakland Cemetery, I was relieved to see that Ria's Bluebird was like no other place I had been to in Atlanta thus far in my 3 years being here: it was genuinely an old place that wasn't made to look old and rustic and industrial like so many restaurants are today in Atlanta.

Coffee bar/cashier/bar dining

Having got there at 1:30, there was no wait as I'm sure there is much of the morning. A tip for those of you going to try it: if you do have to wait, they make you stand outside, or so the signs say. After being seating I ordered a cappuccino. As the foam went down some and I could actually get to the coffee, I realized that I was drinking the best coffee I had ever had.

Trying to be a little bit on the healthy side I ordered the oatmeal with bananas added. And I split a short-shack with the caramelized bananas. Yes I know, not so healthy, but at least I shared! If the NY Times named them the "world's best pancakes", I had no choice but to get them. 

Oatmeal with sliced banana

As if you need to be told

The oatmeal, made from their homemade granola, was delicious. It was full of nuts, dried fruit, and my added banana. Just that bowl alone was more than I could eat in one sitting, let alone adding the pancakes to that it. I intended to take about half of the oatmeal home with me but then left it at the cashier's counter. I was more than disappointed when I realized this about an hour later. (Is that not the worst feeling?)

The pancakes. They were amazing. Perfectly fluffy and sweet like you want them. Then you add the bananas. The caramelized bananas really put the cakes over the edge. I wish I had been able to more than the few bites I was able to stuff down. I will definitely be back for more, and you should absolutely go to try to them. In all honestly, I think that the environment of the restaurant had a lot to do with how good the pancakes were. When you go you'll understand.

I look forward to many more meals at Ria's and to trying their sister restaurant, Sauced.

Screen on the Green at Piedmont Park

This past Thursday I went to Screen on the Green to see Sixteen Candles with a friend. It being one of my very favorite movies, I had to go. Of course, the movie was entertaining as it always is, but the crowd that was in attendance was even more entertaining, and I only saw the people that were sitting around me. I imagine that if I walked around, I would have been even more entertained. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and look forward to attending more, if it is continued. There was a shooting towards the end of the movie, or at least a helicopter was flying around with about 20 minutes left of the movie. Luckily I don't think I was anywhere near the incident. But, I guess even in the beauty of Piedmont Park that makes you forget that you're in an as urban as a city as you can get in the south, it's still the Atlanta that is laden with crime.

The early crowd

The early crowd on the hill

Delicious picnic provided by Saba

Our view

The famous Jake Ryan. Loved hearing cheering when we first saw him.

A clip to leave you with...

Richard Blais

Just hanging out with my Top Chef All-Star friend Richard Blais at the Peachtree Corners Festival in Norcross, GA. It was a great topping to the Krispy Kreme milkshake I had at FLIP Burger the night before.

The Shadowboxers

In the Stefon (SNL) voice: If you're looking for something good to listen to, look no further: Atlanta's most talented band is The Shadowboxers. You'll find great tunes, amazing harmonies, catchy pop-rock, lots of Jewy-ness, and, maybe the best part, the between-songs banter. (For those of who have no idea who Stefon is, do yourself a favor and watch this: http://www.hulu.com/watch/200104/saturday-night-live-weekend-update-stefon)

But seriously, these 5 guys can sing and harmonize like no other group out there right now. I wish I had enough musical knowledge to be able to explain to you in how many ways The Shadowboxers are greater than almost everything being released today, but alas, I do not. Just take my word for it. Not only will their songs make you move, but you will not be able to get their catchy tunes out of your head for days (in a good way).

Today, they released their first EP (cover above) that's streaming now on their website (www.theshadowboxers.com). See for yourself how amazing these guys are and then tell everyone you know. I promise you won't be disappointed. After you're stunned, go buy some tickets to their shows with the Indigo Girls at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens July 8-9 or one of their many other shows around the country this summer (http://www.theshadowboxers.com/#!dates).

Here's a sneak peek of what you'll find: