March 2010

Capers Restaurant 

A  Successful Transition from Small & Quaint to Wide Open  &  Sophisticated 

Several months ago, when I heard that Capers on Main in Kennesaw was going to move from its quaint but crowed location on Main Street in Kennesaw to a strip center on Barrett, I was initially saddened.  

Upon my arrival, it looked like just any other restaurant in a shoppong center, but once, I entered into their new location in the Publix Shopping Center on Barrett and Old 41, all my worries were gone. Knowing Stephen and Veronica Dudley, I should never have worried.  They have taken a typical shopping center location and turned it into a bright, wide-open, sophisticated and beautiful new restaurant.

Yes, the small quaint and eclectic feeling of the old location is gone but in its place is a goregeous new restaurant that has a kitchen 3-4 times larger than the old location, thus allowing Stephen to expand his offerings greatly. This is truly, West Cobb’s most beautiful white table cloth restaurant, but don’t be scared off by the looks for the prices are reasonable and half orders are available on many of the entrees. Click to Read More

Another Kennesaw Favorite Reopens in New Digs

Kennesaw’s  Whistle Stop Cafe has reopened once again. You may  remember it caught on fire some several months ago. It’s new diggs are right along Barrett Parkway, at the corner of Barrett and 41. This is located in the large strip mall where Floor and Decor is located. Click to Read More

Everyone Loves A  Good Wing Joint

 Good Wings are something that I am always looking for. The Original West Cobb Wings and More serves really good wings  and is located at 688 Whitlock Avenue beside the BP station and across the street from Bennett Chiropractic.  The restaurant features wings, sandwiches and salads.  I asked what was the speciality, and it came as no surprise that it was the wings.  They had plenty of flavors to choose from, but I stuck with hot.  I am weak when it comes to enduring spicy pain, but these wings were reasonably hot without killing my taste buds.  They were served with a generous portion of french fried potatoes and blue cheese dressing.  Click to Read More

Calling All Backyard BBQ Chefs

The Rotary Club of North Cobb and the City of Acworth will host the 1st Annual Smoke on the Lake  Backyard BBQ Festival at Cauble Park on Lake Acworth on Saturday, May 8, 2010  Applications are now being accepted for Backyard BBQ teams to compete in the fun filled event. The competiton is limited to teams and individuals who have never won at a sanctioned BBQ event. All proceeds raised will go to charities supported by North Cobb Rotary. The cost to enter a BBQ team is a $200 contribution to North Cobb Rotary. Read More

Want to Eat Lots of Free BBQ – Then Become a Judge at the Smoke on the Lake Backyard BBQ Festival in Acworth

Our judges will by a combination of KCBA certified judges, celebrity judges and just people who really enjoy good BBQ. All judges will be required to attend a judges seminar on Saturday morning.  The judges seminar will be lead by none other than Sam Huff, founder and Dean of the “soon to be famous” Pork U training classes held in Sam’s backyard in West Cobb for backyard BBQ chefs. Click Here to Read More

It’s Worth the Drive to East Cobb for Free Tail (Lobster Tails, that is)

Every Thursday (after 4 p.m.), Houlihan’s in East Cobb will give diners a complimentary cold-water lobster tail with every 9 oz. Prime Top Sirloin, 8 oz. Filet Mignon or 12 oz. New York Strip steak. There is no expiration date – they just told me they will keep the deal “while supplies last.” Houlihan’s is located in East Cobb  1401 Johnson Ferry Rd., 770-977-9324

Yes, there is always something going on the historic Marietta Square on Friday and  Saturdays. In February it is  Martini & Music, Beer, Wine & Champagne Tastings, Classes & Trips, Friday Night Wine & Dine Events. Ghost Tours, Pub Crawls, Plays, Art and Live entertainment. Reservations required for some events. Read More

Home Businesses –  West Cobb’s  Jan Murphy – Down Sized and Rising  – She Now Bakes Delicious Gourmet Breads  

Last month, I introduced you to the Luce’s who make delicious gourmet dog  treats and this month, I going to introduce you to Jan Murphy. Jan left the work of mortgage banking and enjoys running her own small gourmet bread business. Yes, she was downszed but now her breads are rising and she is enjoying every minute of it.  Click to Read More 

 

These Deals are Worth the Drive

Enjoy a 3 Course Dinner at any 25 of Buckheads finest restaurants for just $25. It’s about time. Several restaurants in Buckhead are coming together for the first annual Buckhead Restaurant Week. Beginning on Saturday, March 6 and running through Sunday, March 14, the nine-day promotion will highlight some of the best restaurants in Buckhead. All restaurants are offering a prix-fixe, three-course menu consisting of an appetizer, a main course and dessert for $25 per person excluding alcohol, tax and gratuity. Click to see a complete list of  participating restaurants

West Cobb Diner 

A  Star is Born –  This new restaurant is located at 3451 Barrett Parkway which on the corner of Barrett Parkway and Dallas Highway behind Walgreens in the former Atlanta Bread Company location. It’s already always crowded and alive with the hum of a successful well oiled machine after just six weeks. The first thing you think of is they must be doing something right and yes, they are doing lots of things right.  The restaurant features home cooking along with menu specialties.  Our group had meatloaf with collards and mashed potatoes, the sirloin and asparagus plate and a fried chicken salad.  The portions were large and the price reasonable at around $10 per plate.  We took our time ordering as we studied the day’s vegetables which were listed on a dry erase board in the middle of the room. Update – They have just opened a patio for outdoor dining weathr permitting.  Read More

WC Home – ReDesign on A Dime – A Super Kitchen Makeover

I was called into a new client’s house to help them pull their kitchen together.  As I walked into the kitchen I saw that they had already made some improvements.  I saw granite counter tops and up to date tile flooring.  The homeowner had painted the kitchen cupboards to update them.   He had also installed a new look of a beautiful wood flooring on their 9 foot ceiling. I saw the back splash area had dated wallpaper that was being peeled off because my client’s did not like the wallpaper any more.  The chandelier was hung to high above the table; the window was taped off because they altered the window.  This window was special because you could look out and see the sun porch.  The window did not have any window treatments at all.  The window treatment would add color to this quiet kitchen that had very little color and it would help define the decorating style.  Read More

The MaxSave Card A New Way to Save

 The MaxSave Card is a  revolutionary new discount card with a consumer loyalty flavor that capitalizes on the speed and convenience of the Internet. Max has just been launched in East Cobb and is now being launched in West Cobb by West Cobb Magazine. Among the West Cobb restaurnants accepting thre Max Card are Keegan’s Public House, Kuppy’s Cofee in Kennesaw, Johnny’s Pizza on Dallas Highway, Cobb Parkway and Ridenour, Whitlocks Grill on Whitlock, theAustralian Bakery on the Marietta Square and the Big Shanty Smoke House.  Click here to see the newest list by category of Max savings at over 100 local businesses in East and West Cobb. 

  5 Steps to Tasting Wine Like a Pro – To some, tasting means taking a sip and swallowing immediately.That isn’t tasting. To really understand wine, learn to taste deliberately. Wine is a playground for all 5 of our senses, our memory and our minds. Our enjoyment & understanding of wine improves dramatically if we observe, smell, taste, feel, analyze and remember more carefully. So what does it mean to taste like a pro? Read More

 

February 2010

West Cobb Diner – A  Star is Born – This new restaurant is located at 3451 Barrett Parkway which on the corner of Barrett Parkway and Dallas Highway behind Walgreens in the former Atlanta Bread Company location. It’s already always crowded and alive with the hum of a successful well oiled machine after just six weeks. The first thing you think of is they must be doing something right and yes, they are doing lots of things right.  The restaurant features home cooking along with menu specialties.  Our group had meatloaf with collards and mashed potatoes, the sirloin and asparagus plate and a fried chicken salad.  The portions were large and the price reasonable at around $10 per plate.  We took our time ordering as we studied the day’s vegetables which were listed on a dry erase board in the middle of the room. Read More

  The MaxSave Card A New Way to Save – The MaxSave Card is a  revolutionary new discount card with a consumer loyalty flavor that capitalizes on the speed and convenience of the Internet. Max has just been launched in East Cobb and is now being launched in West Cobb by West Cobb Magazine. Among the West Cobb restaurnants accepting thre Max Card are Keegan’s Public House, Kuppy’s Cofee in Kennesaw, Johnny’s Pizza on Dallas Highway, Cobb Parkway and Ridenour, Whitlocks Grill on Whitlock, theAustralian Bakery on the Marietta Square and the Big Shanty Smoke House.  Click here to see the newest list by category of Max savings at over 100 local businesses in East and West Cobb. 

  5 Steps to Tasting Wine Like a Pro – To some, tasting means taking a sip and swallowing immediately.That isn’t tasting. To really understand wine, learn to taste deliberately. Wine is a playground for all 5 of our senses, our memory and our minds. Our enjoyment & understanding of wine improves dramatically if we observe, smell, taste, feel, analyze and remember more carefully. So what does it mean to taste like a pro? Read More

 

Search for a “Real Sandwich – If you ask me what’s my favorite thing for lunch, I’ll quickly answer a sandwich. I grew up in New York City and have always enjoyed a “Real Sandwich”.  You may think that I am only referring to deli sandwiches, but when I grew up you could get a “Real Sandwich” at a deli, coffee shop or sandwich shop and even a great many restaurants and drug stores. Then came the birth of fast food in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and with the birth of the Big Mac, Subway, etc. the “Real Sandwich” was soon something relegated to Deli’s and lunch boxes.  Read More

 

 What’s Happening at the Strand in 2010  –  The Earl Smith Strand celebrated its first birthday in January of 2010, and is offering a spectacular offering of live theater, concerts, and more in the New Year!  The award-winning Atlanta Lyric Theatre, The Strand’s resident musical theater company, is midway through its 30th season, and will be presenting four musicals in the first half of 2010, including All Night Strut (Feb. 19 – Mar. 7), Little Shop of Horrors (April 16 – May 2), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (June 11-27), and Hairspray! (July 23 – August 8). Tickets range from $32 to $38.Read More

Yes, there is always something going on the historic Marietta Square on Friday and  Saturdays. In February it is  Martini & Music, Beer, Wine & Champagne Tastings, Classes & Trips, Friday Night Wine & Dine Events. Ghost Tours, Pub Crawls, Plays, Art and Live entertainment. Reservations required for some events.  Read More

 The Museums on the historic Marietta Square –  Located just 26 minutes from downtown Atlanta in the heart of Cobb County, the museums of the Marietta Square offer the perfect treat for families looking for an economical staycation or college student jonesing for something different to do on a Saturday afternoon. Read More

 

 

 

Let the “Hurricane” teach you to play the  Guitar Online – How many times did you ever say, “I always  take up a musical instrument, but I could never find the time!” It was always a matter of scheduling a suitable time with the teacher. Then there was the possibility of something suddenly standing in the way such as traffic delays, bad weather, business or doctor appointments that couldn’t wait, not to mention family emergencies. Of course, the teacher’s time would usually have to be reserved by paying in advance, usually by the month. If you didn’t, or couldn’t show up without proper notice, the opportunity for a music lesson, the money, and the time slot was lost.  The list of excuses for not practicing or missing a music lesson is endless, not to mention somewhat unbelievable. You can be assured that I heard them all. I once made a list of them and lost count at a hundred and one. Read More

 Cobb Arts Calendar-  February – March 6 – Includes Ballet, Concerts, Children’s Theater, Classic Films, Symphony, Opera, Musicals, Dramas and much more  Read More

 

 

 

A West Cobb Couple’s Business is Going to the Dogs  –In this time when more people are scrambling to find work or create a niche home-based business, this West Cobb couple’s business has literally gone to the dogs.  For Jeff and Amy Luce it’s all about making dog treats that are wholesome enough that they can be said to be “Human tested and dog approved.”  With this being said local dogs find the Bark & Beg treats so tasty that they refuse to share with their owners. Read More

 

  The MaxSave Card A New Way to Save – Max is a new discount card with a consumer loyalty flavor that capitalizes on the speed and convenience of  a New Way to Save the Internet. Max isnow being launched in West Cobb by West Cobb Magazine. Among the West Cobb restaurnants accepting thre Max Card are Keegan’s Public House, Johnny’s Pizza on Dallas Highway, Cobb Parkway and Ridenour, Whitlocks Grill and the Big Shanty Smoke House. Read More

Featured Restaurants

 Whitlock’s Grill (formerly Chicago’s) – Marietta. New Name, New Owners, but same great food and a little better.  This  long time Whitlock Avenue favorite has recently been purchased and changed its name. On Wednesday night, we went to Whitlock’s for our 20ty anniversary.  I am always, a little but caustious about places that have been sold and the new owners say that it is still the same old thing. Well, rest assure that this is not the case with Chicago, The experience was fantastic in every way from the food to the service. The restaurant still has the same wonderful clubby look of Chicago with its dark woods and leather booths. The bar is one of the prettiest areas of the restaurant and the food is still some of the best in West Cobb. Read More

 Siam Square Thai Restaurant – A Terrific Little Thia Gem in East  Cobb  

My first visit to Siam Square Thai Restaurant was back in the fall of 08 for a friend’s birthday. Our group of 6 visited on a Saturday. What immediately struck me about the restaurant was how beautifully decorated it was, almost begging you to forget it is in a strip mall. I love the stained concrete floors . They really add a nice touch. Candle lit tables make for a romantic evening at Siam Square, but it also works for groups too. Read MORE

Antonino’s Italian Grotto – Cartersville – Recently, when I was having lunch with my friend Michelle, she recommended that we try a small Italian restaurant in Cartersville called Antonino’s. She said while different, that she feels Antonino’s can hold its own against any area Italian restaurant including Fusso’s.  If you don’t read one more word, I’ll tell you this is one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve eaten in anywhere in the Atlanta area and it is a great value. Well worth the drive to Cartersville. Read More

Dave Poe’s BBQ – Marietta – If you have never heard of Dave Poe’s  BBQ and are wondering what’s the story about this new place worry no more. Dave Poe’s BBQ is the former West Cobb location of Sam & Dave’s BBQ2.  About a year ago, Sam Huff and Dave Poe, the owners of Sam & Dave’s BBQ1 and  Sam & Dave’s BBQ2 decided to split up. Sam took the East Cobb BBQ1 and Dave took the West Cobb location on Whitlock Avenue.  The place looks about the same as does the menu except for a few new sides. You will even find the original bench from their BBQ1 location still siting out in front. Read More    

Waterstone Grill – Acworth – Downtown Acworth has been going through a renovation over the last couple years. Several notable restaurants are located there, including Henry’s, The Old Mill, Fusco’s Via Rome, and my most recent discovery the Waterstone Grill.  Read More

 

Keegan’s – Kennesaw  – I ran into Will Underwood at Cuppy’s Coffee last Thursday. He informed me that he’d be playing guitar with Joe at Keegan’s, and invited me to come visit. When I got there, I met Mike and Patrick Ford, the brothers who own and run Keegan’s.They have done this place up right. The pub was everything a neighborhood pub used to be, and more. No overkill with fancy decorations. No girlification. A place with a Larry Bird jersey and a few flat screens on the wall. The dark worn wood. Read More

Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Kennesaw – Although Ruth’s Chris had humble beginnings, the cooking styles, recipes and overall hospitality and top-notch service are still evident when visiting Ruth’s Chris Steak House. I felt that immediately when walking in the door of their new location in the new Embassy Suites on Chastain in Kennesaw. Originating in New Orleans, many menu items have a Cajun-style influence to them – shrimp cocktail with Creole remoulade or bread pudding with whiskey sauce. The New Orleans influence is even more evident in the lunch menu with items like French Quarter Steak Skewers and Chicken La Louisianne. Read More 

 

The WC Home

 Redesign on a Dime – Starting this month, Jan Britt, an interior designer and home furnishings writer will begin monthly articles on step by step room transformations of West Cobb homes. She will show you how do it without spending a fortune and yet still buy quality furniture and accessories.  This month, Jan started with a living room that had not been updated in years. Her client wanted to give her living room a facelift. She was aware that the room had to be updated and redone. After talking to her I found out she did not want to spend a lot of money to redesign a room that she does not use that often. That information makes a difference when you are purchasing furniture. I had many other questions to make sure I was creating the room she wanted. First I had to identify the room’s assets and problems. 

To learn how this room changed to its new and updated  “look” for only about $4,300 Cick to Read More

 

 

 

Your Dream Kitchen on a Budget – ARE you wishing for a new kitchen and realizing that it is not coming with a new home? Like most of us the decision to upgrade/remodel and wait out the housing crisis is looking good! Did you know that you can enjoy the beauty of new cabinets and appliances and be ready when the market rebounds without breaking the bank or pricing your existing home out of the market? Read More

 

 

 Real Estate – What’s Happening in Cobb? It has been really difficult to avoid all of the press regarding real estate over the past couple of years.  We hear the bad, the ugly and even occasionally, the good.  Much of what we see is based on national statistics and trends and really does not mean much to us here.  Read More

Search for a “Real Sandwich”

If you ask me what’s my favorite thing for lunch, I’ll quickly answer a sandwich. I grew up in New York City and have always enjoyed a “Real Sandwich”  You may think that I am only referring to deli sandwiches, but when I grew up you could get a “Real Sandwich” at a deli, coffee shop or sandwich shop and even a great many restaurants and drug stores. Then came the birth of fast food in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and with the birth of the Big Mac, Subway, etc. the “Real Sandwich” was soon something relegated to Deli’s and lunch boxes.  Read More

   

A Marietta Cottage

This charming cottage owned by Ann and Jack Gronewald was one of the stars of the 2008 Marietta Christmas Pilgrimage Tour Read

Featured Restaurants

 Whitlock’s Grill (formerly Chicago’s) – Marietta. New Name, New Owners, but same great food and a little better.  This  long time Whitlock Avenue favorite has recently been purchased and changed its name. On Wednesday night, we went to Whitlock’s for our 20ty anniversary.  I am always, a little but caustious about places that have been sold and the new owners say that it is still the same old thing. Well, rest assure that this is not the case with Chicago, The experience was fantastic in every way from the food to the service. The restaurant still has the same wonderful clubby look of Chicago with its dark woods and leather booths. The bar is one of the prettiest areas of the restaurant and the food is still some of the best in West Cobb. Read More

Antonino’s Italian Grotto – Cartersville –  Recently, when I was having lunch with my friend Michelle, she recommended that we try a small Italian restaurant in Cartersville called Antonino’s. She said while different, that she feels Antonino’s can hold its own against any area Italian restaurant including Fusso’s.  If you don’t read one more word, I’ll tell you this is one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve eaten in anywhere in the Atlanta area and it is a great value. Well worth the drive to Cartersville. Read More

   

 

 

 

Marietta Revisited – For the Marietta History Buff – Did you know that the bronze statue of former U.S. Sen. Alexander Stephens Clay originally stood on the east side of Marietta Square as opposed to its present west side location? Did you know that the site of the Walker School at Cobb Parkway and Allgood Road used to be an oat field?   In the new book, “Marietta Revisited,” the city of Marietta’s forgotten history is revealed in a combination of historic and modern photographs. Marietta Daily Journal editorial page editor and columnist Joe Kirby, and former Journal photography chief Damien A. Guarnieri, are co-authors of the 96-page book that is published by Arcadia Publishing. Read More

 

Dave Poe’s BBQ – Marietta – If you have never heard of Dave Poe’s  BBQ and are wondering what’s the story about this new place worry no more. Dave Poe’s BBQ is the former West Cobb location of Sam & Dave’s BBQ2.  About a year ago, Sam Huff and Dave Poe, the owners of Sam & Dave’s BBQ1 and  Sam & Dave’s BBQ2 decided to split up. Sam took the East Cobb BBQ1 and Dave took the West Cobb location on Whitlock Avenue.  The place looks about the same as does the menu except for a few new sides. You will even find the original bench from their BBQ1 location still siting out in front. Read More       Waterstone Grill – Acworth – Downtown Acworth has been going through a renovation over the last couple years. Several notable restaurants are located there, including Henry’s, The Old Mill, Fusco’s Via Rome, and my most recent discovery the Waterstone Grill.  Read More    Keegan’s Public House – Kennesaw  – I ran into Will Underwood at Cuppy’s Coffee last Thursday. He informed me that he’d be playing guitar with Joe at Keegan’s, and invited me to come visit. When I got there, I met Mike and Patrick Ford, the brothers who own and run Keegan’s.They have done this place up right. The pub was everything a neighborhood pub used to be, and more. No overkill with fancy decorations. No girlification. A place with a Larry Bird jersey and a few flat screens on the wall. The dark worn wood. Read More  Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Kennesaw – Although Ruth’s Chris had humble beginnings, the cooking styles, recipes and overall hospitality and top-notch service are still evident when visiting Ruth’s Chris Steak House. I felt that immediately when walking in the door of their new location in the new Embassy Suites on Chastain in Kennesaw. Originating in New Orleans, many menu items have a Cajun-style influence to them – shrimp cocktail with Creole remoulade or bread pudding with whiskey sauce. The New Orleans influence is even more evident in the lunch menu with items like French Quarter Steak Skewers and Chicken La Louisianne. Read More

Food & Wine – 4 Great Marietta Bakeries    As the holidays approach, it is time to let that diet slide and enjoy the tastes of the season.  And, we think if you’re going to do it, do it in style!  Forget those store-bought cookies or frozen cakes; there are several great pastry shops in Marietta creating crave-worthy delicacies every day!   Gabriel’s Dessert’s – Marietta  – the well-known “bake shop” owned by Johnnie Gabriel has become something of a Marietta institution.  Johnnie, who is oft-touted as the cousin of Paula Deen, is equally famous as far as Marietta is concerned.  Happily settled in a new, larger location, Gabriel’s fluctuates between steadily busy and jam-packed throughout the day in both their restaurant and the bakery up front. Read More  Sugar Cakes – on the Marietta Square is owned by Ted Apron, a pastry chef who first earned his reputation in Atlanta at a 5-Star Buckhead hotel.  Apron states that his goal for the shop is to “bring a Midtown atmosphere to Marietta, and to bring the newest trends in pastries to the Square.”  Read More Douceur de France – Marietta –  Douceur de France (meaning “sweets of France”) is a pastry shop and café owned by Chef Luc Beaudet.  A native of the Poitou region in the West of France, Beaudet has earned a reputation in the area for baking the most authentic French pastries in town.  During our visit to the shop, everything from the ambiance to every scrumptious bite of our pastry (and the French being spoken behind the counter!) was quite reminiscent of time spent in France.  Chef Beaudet shares, “We keep everything simple and French.  You won’t find carrot cake or red velvet cake in our case, because they aren’t traditionally French desserts.”  Read More   Miss Mamie’s Cupcakes & Such – Marietta – One of the hottest new food trends sweeping the country are Cup Cake Bakeries and Marietta has had its own since last summer. Mamie’s Cupcakes is the newest of Marietta’s bakeries and is located on the Roswell Street side of the historic Marietta Square. Miss Mamie’s Cupcakes and Such was originaly opended as the Cup Cake Charm Bakery and owned by Cindy Johnson, but she sold it to Mamie Doyle earlier this summer. The sign still says Cupcake Charm, until the new one is approved by the City of Marietta. This small cupcake bakery is located across the street from the Cobb County Courthouse. Read More    A Taste of Europe at Patak Meats – A haven for meat aficionados, Patak Meats, located in Austell, just a short drive from West Cobb, brings a taste of Europe to North Metro Atlanta. Open since 1981, Patak has a strong following of regulars who frequent the shop for its large selection of fresh European meats, from Italian sausage to Canadian bacon, in addition to specialty cheeses, chocolates and other ethnic foods. Read More   Dream Kitchens Don’t Need to Cost an Arm & a Leg  Read More         Real Estate What’s Happening in Cobb? It has been really difficult to avoid all of the press regarding real estate over the past couple of years.  We hear the bad, the ugly and even occasionally, the good.  Much of what we see is based on national statistics and trends and really does not mean much to us here.  Read More Watch the Vino Vixens Watch their latest video as they make Holiday Cranberry Sauce as they enjoy their vino. The Vino Vixen’s are so outrageous , that you can’t help but love them, Click to watch video   Click to Get Holiday Recipes

 

Coming Soon

November 2009 Happy Thanksgiving

 East Cobb vs. West Cobb 

Snob Cobb vs. Corn Cobb -Fact vs. Fiction –  Some say East Cobb is more prestigious than West Cobb. One of my good friends jokingly says, Snob Cobb vs. Corn Cobb. The reality of the difference is based on housing costs, schools and proximity to Fulton County, where Atlanta is located. Today, the reality is that alot of factors separating East and West Cobb are changing. Walton High School in East Cobb and Lassiter are still the two highest rated high schools in the county, but  this is changing with 3 new high schools in West Cobb within the past 7 years. The gap is being closed with Harrison and the three new schools improving in both the academic and athletic areas.  Read More

    

 Introducing,  MaxSave Card a New Way to Save

The MaxSave Card is a  revolutionary new discount card with a consumer loyalty flavor that capitalizes on the speed and convenience of the Internet  has just been launched in East Cobb and is now being launched in West Cobb by West Cobb Magazine. Based on the marketing plan developed by Tom Thomas , the Director of MaxSave card Georgia, the program will be rolled out throughout the entire Atlanta metro area over the next 12-18 months. The cards are currently available in 8 states and expanding nationally. The synergies of the MaxSave card and West Cobb Magazine will allow for a number of exciting new programs for West Cobb consumers to save and area business to build customer loyalty. Read More

 Places to Go, Things to Do & More 

Photos with Santa, Town Center at Cobb, Mon to Sat 10:00am – 9:00pm Sun 12:00pm – 6:00pm, Pet Photos with Santa, Sunday,November 22, 6:30pm

 

 

 

 

Christmas Traditions: The Nutcracker,  December 4-6 byThe Georgia Ballet at the Cobb Civic Center, Marietta 

Christmas Traditions: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Fox, November 19-December 6

 

 

Christmas Traditions,  The Pink Pig at Macy’s Lenox Square, Since 1953, the Pink Pig has been delighting generations of Atlantans. Come ride Priscilla the Pink Pig on train tracks through a life-sized storybook featuring Priscilla and her friends. Tickets are available at the Pink Pig kiosk inside Lenox Square. A portion of the ride’s proceeds will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. While you at Lenox Square don’t miss their beautiful Christmas Tree which this year came from Dallas, Georgia and visit their wonderful Santa. $3 per rider (Nov. 7, 2009, to Jan. 3, 2010)        

 Festivals: Stone Mountain Christmas, November 14 – December 30, 2009, Stone Mountain

Snow Days: Snow Mountain, Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winterland with Snow Mountain, Atlanta’s first snow park. Covered with acres of snow including a 400’ tubing hill and a 30,000 square foot play area, this new attraction has plenty for your whole family to do! Read More

WC Top 1o List- Atlanta Steak Houses These beef palaces used to be the domain of Buckhead and Atlanta. The have spread to the outside the perimeter areas (OTP) of  Alpharetta, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs and now West  Cobb.  We’ve had Aspen’s Signature Steaks with locations in the Avenues West Cobb and just this month, Ruth’s Chris Steak House opened in Kennesaw. It is in the new Embassey Suites on Chastain Road near Kennesaw State University. Read  the Top 10 List   Day Trips & Dinner  Paradise in the Clouds and Dinner at the Canyon Grill – We packed up the car and made our way north on I75 towards Chattanooga A pretty drive in itself – but the scenery gets even more spectacular when you head west towards Birmingham. In one and a half hours we were at our destination – Cloudland Canyon State Park.  Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn, Georgia is one of the most scenic parks in the state. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek.   Mountain elevations reach 800-1980 ft. Read More                                              It’s Time for Dinner at Canyon Grill  After an afternoon in the woods and all that fresh air we were hungry so we stopped for dinner at Canyon Grill – just a short drive ½ mile drive from Cloudland on the Scenic Highway.  Canyon Grill is a little gem that sits on top of the mountain. This isn’t just a local joint of unusual quality. Canyon Grill is a top-drawer destination restaurant.deserving coverage in glossy food magazines. Read More    Cavalia Extended to January 3   Over 60,000 Atlantans have marveled to this spectacular, so they have decided to make Atlanta thier holdiay home. Totally amazing  describes Cavalia, the latest Cirque du Soliel like extravaganza to hit Atlanta.  This show was created by the co-creator of Cirque du Soliel.  Cavalia  is a lavish orchestration of multimedia, equestrian and performing arts featuring over 60  acrobats and riders and 60  4 legged performers (horses). If you are looking to see some fantastic this year, it’s well worth the short drive down I75 from Cobb to Atlantic Station. The best way to describe Cavalia is it is way beyond the usual. Just Extended till January 3. Read More

FASHION  Click to hear Santa Baby by Taylor Swift  Santa Baby…I Want It All!!!!!! Brace yourself…Never mind that our  pumpkin has yet to be carved and your Thanksgiving meal seems eons away….The Holidays are upon us. “There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for roasting and caroling out in the snow”.  YIKES!!!!!  Yep. So pull out your Bing Crosby cd’s, pour yourself some eggnog, and before things REALLY get crazy; take stock of your holiday wardrobe.   Make THIS the year you avoid that dreaded annual ritual…You know the one: You’re standing in your closet in your undies and alternately trying on and discarding items- too small, too dated, too old, too young, too sexy, not sexy enough…..and, of course, you’re already 30 minutes late for the evenings soiree! Read More  Meet the Vino Vixens They are just a couple of girls who live and play on Lake Allatoona. Nany and Michelle love to sip a little good vino and then let it inspire them to create some wonderful gourmet dishes. This month, they started out with a few bottles of a Marsala and a little chicken and you guessed it, a wonderful Chicken Marsala was the fruit of their labors. Its isn’t hard to prepare and is sure a wonderful dish for a cool fall evening. Click for the Vixen’s Chicken Marsala recipe  Smith Gilbert Gardens, Kennesaw  This holiday season the Smith Gilbert Gardens has a full schedule of special events including programs on holdiay . Read

Christmas Tree Decorating Contest – Nov 26 – Dec 1, Kennesaw – Whether inspired by custom or competition, the tree forest created by the City of Kennesaw’s Christmas Tree Decorating Contest has become part of the spirit of the season. Each year, businesses, organizations, schools and families from Kennesaw and surrounding areas converge near the Depot in downtown Kennesaw to decorate Christmas trees for all to enjoy. The entry fee is $20 per decorating team (non-refundable). Click here to complete an entry form,   More Information

MARIETTA SQUARE  EVENTS

In November, there are a couple of Ghost Tours, Martinis and Music at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, Weekly wine tastings, a Veterans Day Parade, a Re-Premiere of Gone with the Wind, a Holiday Shopping Open House, the Annual Gobble Jog for Must and Much More.  So, if you’re looking for something to do in November, check out the happenings on the Marietta Square Click here to see a complete list of  what is happening on the Marietta Square in November !!

STRAND HAPPENINGS  – If, you haven’t had the treat of seeing a play, movie or a special event at the newly remodeled re-opened Strand, the last quarter of it’s inaugural year offers offers audiences lots of diverse offerings including: the Atlanta Lyric Theatre’s production of Cinderella, a fashion show featuring female business leaders, and a two-week line up Halloween flicks, a blue festival  and lots of great classic films. Click for the line-up

Let’s Go See a Play

 Schedules for The Strand and Theater in the Square in Marietta, Acworth’s Theatre on Main and the Town Lakes Arts Center in Woodstock.. Click for schedules   

 WC Restaurant Picks

 When you visit a restaurant we reviewed, tell them you read about it in West Cobb Magazine

Let Someone Else Cook the Turkey – If  you looking for somewhere for the just the two of you to go for Thanksgiving Dinner or to take the whole family,here are some closeby suggesitions and a few worth the drive. We picked our list based on the quality of the food, the setting and places that are good for couples and large family groups.  Included on our list are the new Ruth’s Chris in Kennesaw, Rays on the River, Canoe and alot more great places. Make sure that you call for reservations or you might not be eating any turkey at all, Click to read more

JUST Opened

Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Kennesaw

Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Kennesaw – Nearly 45 years ago, Ruth Fertel, a single mother, mortgaged her house and invested her life savings to buy a restaurant named “Chris Steak House.” Shortly after taking ownership, Ruth added her name to the restaurant, becoming Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The Ruth’s Chris empire has expanded to well over 100 restaurants spanning countries several .   Although Ruth’s Chris had humble beginnings, the cooking styles, recipes and overall hospitality and top-notch service are still evident when visiting Ruth’s Chris Steak House. I felt that immediately when walking in the door of their new location in the new Embassy Suites on Chastain in Kennesaw. Originating in New Orleans, many menu items have a Cajun-style influence to them – shrimp cocktail with Creole remoulade or bread pudding with whiskey sauce. The New Orleans influence is even more evident in the lunch menu with items like French Quarter Steak Skewers and Chicken La Louisianne. Read More  

Trattoria La Strada, East Cobb  

When West Cobb Magazine asked me to review Trattoria La Strada  in East Cobb, my first thought was “Wow – I haven’t eaten in there in forever. I wonder if it is still good?” So, I did what I usually do before visiting a restaurant. I went online and checked out their website and get a general idea of what their menu is like and a sense of what I’d like to order.

Upon entering, I was greeted by John Lefkaditis, the current owner, who bought it from the original owners 7 years ago. His warm and friendly demeanor immediately let me know this was a family restaurant that wants to turn every guest into a regular. Read More

Pick of the Week

 Waterstone Grill, Downtown Acworth – Shortly after being seated, Jackie, our server for the evening, suggested we do a tasting of Waterstone’s house wines. I obliged thinking, “how good is house wine?”, especially at only $5 a glass, but I was pleasantly surprised. Of the whites, the Sauvignon Blanc was the best, and of the reds, the Merlot was a clear winner. The brand, called Foxbrook, is one I’ve not heard of and Joanne told me they aren’t available for retail, one of the reasons she chose the brand. Read More

WC Pizza Pick - The Italian Special

 Johnny’s New York Style Pizza on Barrett at Ridenour – Last week, my daughter and I went to visit the newest Johnny’s New York Style Pizza, which sits west of US 41 on the south side of Barrett Parkway at 1615 Ridenour Blvd in Kennesaw. So if you are looking for the loud, hear every cook and server conversation spot, try someplace else. Here, one can actually sit down, eat a pie and watch a game. This is the first Johnny’s in West Cobb to offer delivery. They deliver in the Marietta Country Club and Barrett Parkway areas. Read More

 

Cafe di Paris – A Welcome Refuge from All the Chain Restaurants in East Cobb– Located in a strip mall in East Cobb, Café de Paris is a welcome refuge from the chain restaurants and fast food establishments that are abundant along the Johnson Ferry  Roswell Rd area.    I visited this quaint French restaurant on a Wednesday afternoon for lunch. Tucked away in the corner of the Woodlawn Commons shopping center, Café de Paris is attached to a European style home décor store –C’est Moi, both owned by the same people. Read More

  When you visit a restaurant we reviewd, tell them you read about it in West Cobb Magazine  

 The Home

  Real Estate

What’s Happening in Cobb? It has been really difficult to avoid all of the press regarding real estate over the past couple of years.  We hear the bad, the ugly and even occasionally, the good.  Much of what we see is based on national statistics and trends and really does not mean much to us here.  National sales statistics in September as reported by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR®) showed a strong recovery from August.  The rise in September existing home sales marks the fifth monthly rise in the past six months. Read More

“Staging Pros”  Pilot Episode

Jan Britt, a local interior designer, who has written for West Cobb Magazine, for the past 2 ½ years was selected by Comcast/Zeel TV to host a new tv show called Staging Pros. The show is a reality show where a home for sale is selected and Jan and her team will go in an identify what needs to be done to get the home read to sell.  Click to Read More

 

Food & Wine

 Sushi 101 –  Sushi keeps growing in popularity everyday and today even some of my friends that thought that raw fish is for bait now are eating and enjoying Sushi. If you are a Sushi beginner, its language can be overwhelming to you, so we’ve tried to put together a quick guide to sushi including the various types and what are the  various types of rolls and the English names for the types of fish in them. Read More

A Taste of Europe at Patak Meats – Austell – Austel – A haven for meat aficionados, Patak Meats, located in Austell, just a short drive from West Cobb, brings a taste of Europe to North Metro Atlanta. Open since 1981, Patak has a strong following of regulars who frequent the shop for its large selection of fresh European meats, from Italian sausage to Canadian bacon, in addition to specialty cheeses, chocolates and other ethnic foods. Read More

  Chareau Elan – It is probably the most recognized wine in Georgia.  While winemaking is certainly not Chateau Elan’s “bread and butter,” the resort provides an exceptional food and wine experience that can be combined with other sensory pleasures including spa treatments and night time golf!   Chateau Elan provides an enriching and relaxing weekend get-a-way and it is only about an hour’s drive from most of us here in the Metro Atlanta area. Read More

drink it your way – Coca-Cola Freestyle –  If you are looking for something fun to do with the family or if you’r just a soft drink nut like me, you’ve go to see the newest soft drink dispenser from Coca-Cola, the Coca-Cola Freestyle. The are in test throughout Atlanta and  there is one right in the middle of West Cobb at the Burger King at Dallas Highway and Barret Parkway.  Chose from over 100+ diffenent variations of your favorite Coca-Cola brands. For a complete list of brands, locations and more picktures, Click Here

 people to know

Roger “Hurricane” Wilson – Kennesaw’s Traveling Blue’s Man –   There’s a certain hesitancy that any individual takes 

on when booking new entertainment.  There are pages full of bands and acts who can strum a few chords, play the intro to “Freebird,” and treat you like a steppingstone they are using until they “hit it big.”  There’s no more fearful time in a pub owner or recreation director’s life than when they are watching that night’s opening act set up, wondering if this will be the night the house empties when the band starts to falter. Enter Roger “Hurricane” Wilson from Kennesaw, Georgia.  With a solid resume, a polished skill set, and the manners and demeanor of a southern gentleman, he’s what’s right with the music business these days. Read More

Malika Harricharan – Kennesaw’s Own Slumdog  Turned Restaurant Blogger – With the popularity of the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire, Indian culture has begun to slightly seep into American culture. The story of Jamal who comes from the slums in India and works his way up to being a millionaire is an uplifting and positive story. Kennesaw resident and professional restaurant blogger, Malika Harricharan was born in Mumbai, India. She has had quite a journey from her humble beginnings in India to where she is today. Read More

 Our 10 Favorite Free Things to Do in Cobb

The Ghosts of Atlanta –   Here’s a short run-down of some of the best know believed-to-be-haunted spots in metro Atlanta:

•   Kennesaw Mountain: Confederate soldiers killed there supposedly roaming the battlefield.
• The Kennesaw House on the Marietta Square is said to have lots of ghosts of dead Confederate soldiers from when it was a hospital during the Civil War.
• Oakland Cemetery: Haunted spirits of the Civil War soldiers buried here are said to roam the yard.
• Antebellum Plantation and the cemetery on Main Street at Stone Mountain Park.
• The Fox Theatre may have some ghosts lurking about, including the face of a Confederate soldier.
• The Masquerade: Some say a vampire lives there. The club is a former mill where numerous tragic accidents and deaths occurred. Not to mention the constant rumor its being condemned.
• Anthony’s Restaurant in Buckhead: It’s been reported that a woman named Annie Barnett (who died in childbirth in the house) haunting its halls.
• The Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum (in downtown Fayetteville) supposedly has a resident ghost, as well as ties to Doc Holliday and Margaret Mitchell.

To have community happenings posted,  just email us info on your school or non-profit events at info@westcobbmagazine.com 

        

Click to send a friend a free dogital subscription to WC by Email

 

 

 

October 2009 fall hapenings & halloween

Click to Subscribe to West Cobb Magazine by Email

Advertising Information for  Special Fall Rates

    places to go, things to do & more

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever been to Scary-etta?

Most of us have spent an afternoon enjoying the sights of downtown Marietta, but have you ever been to Scary-etta? Well, it’s not really a place … it’s more like a state of mind!  Scary-etta is a 90 minute, fully-narrated trolley tour through the haunts and history of  Marietta. Read  

 

Oct. 24 & 25; Sat. Oct. 31 – Atlanta’s favorite fun family Halloween festival returns to daytime good times on October 24, 25 and 31! Explore magical paths, sample sweet treats, meet whimsical characters and more. Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out just a few highlights of Zoo Atlanta’s signature seasonal celebration! Read More 

 

 

 A Wild Halloween Celebration in Kennesaw

Party like an animal for Halloween at the Southern Museum in Kennesaw   October 31, 1-5pm at the Southern Museum in downtown Kennesaw. Let the kids take part in hands-on activities and make-and-take crafts are sure to bring out the wild thing in you. Only after you journey to the land of the wild things will you gain entrance to our festivities. Remember to wear your costume or pajamas! This event is FREE with Museum admission. Bring in your ticket stub from the Where the Wild Things Are movie (in theaters October 16) to receive discounted admission! Read More                                                    

Trick or Treat at the Mall

Simon Kidgits Club “Boo Bash”, October 31, 2009 at  Town Center at Cobb in Kennesaw.     The annual Simon Kidgits Club “Boo Bash” take place from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. near the new children’s play area. Enjoy trick-or-treating, activity booths, costume parade, and candy galore!  Radio Disney will also host a costume contest in Center Court. 

THE MARIETTA BUSINESS EXPO- NOVEMBER 4

Everyone is welcome to the Marietta Business Expo, sponsored by the Marietta Business Association and the Atherton Place, at the Cobb Civic Center. It has been rescheduled to November 4 from 2-8pm. Attendees will get a glimpse inside the Past, Present and Future of business in Marietta, from founding and historic businesses through modern day ventures to companies on the cutting edge and well-positioned for the future. Read More

Acworth Downtown Classic Car Cruise Night, October 31, 2009, 4-10pm         Over  300 cars are expected for this fun car show and  a Halloween Special cruise night. From Model T Fords to Lamborghinis and everything in between, bring out your own piece of history for hundreds to see.

 

featured restaurant picks

Waterstone Grill, Downtown Acworth – Shortly after being seated, Jackie, our server for the evening, suggested we do a tasting of Waterstone’s house wines. I obliged thinking, “how good is house wine?”, especially at only $5 a glass, but I was pleasantly surprised. Of the whites, the Sauvignon Blanc was the best, and of the reds, the Merlot was a clear winner. The brand, called Foxbrook, is one I’ve not heard of and Joanne told me they aren’t available for retail, one of the reasons she chose the brand. Read More

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza’s Newest Location at Ridenour  on Barrett  – Last week, my daughter and I went to visit another of Mike Ford’s eateries, Johnny’s New York Style Pizza, which sits west of US 41 on the south side of Barrett Parkway at 1615 Ridenour Blvd in Kennesaw.  Mike and his partners had wowed us with Johnny’s next door neighbor, Keegan’s, a few weeks ago. They did a good job this time, as well.  The dining room is wide open, with the kitchen all the way to the back, which is very different from most Johnny’s locations. So if you are looking for the loud, hear every cook and server conversation spot, try someplace else. Here, one can actually sit down, eat a pie and watch a game.  Johnny’s  is  now are offering delivery in a limited area near the restaurant(Barrett Parkway and Marietta Country Club areas). So call to see if they deliver to you. Read More

The Old Mill, Acworth – Now, this wonderfully restored building produces some of the finest Southern and comfort food around. The staff, under managing partner (and Acworth Mayor at the time of this post) Tommy Allegood, and well-known Chef Larry Epps, works like a machine with a heart as they quickly attend to the needs and desires of their visitors. Read More

 Tandoor – An Authentic Indian Place in the Middle of East Cobb  This place is literally a hole-in-a-wall. It’s in a strip mall. It’s cafeteria style. There’s no waiter service. You go up the counter and place your order. What it lacks in ambiance and decor, it makes it up big time in food. This is the best Indian/Pakistani food in the city. I was totally impressed by the taste, quality, and value of food. Read More

Cafe Q Sichuan Cuisine – An Authentic,  Fantastic & Inexpensive Sichuan Treat –  This Chinese family owned and operated authentic Sichuan joint has only been open barely two weeks yet they seem to already attract a bevy of Chinese customers. The chef came to Alpharetta by way of Mississippi where he used to own a Chinese restaurant for years. After 8 years here, he decided to open an authentic Chinese restaurant specializing in Sichuan cuisine. Read More

DiGusto Italian Grill, Kennesaw – Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Di Gusto Italian Grille in Kennesaw. Located at 3150 Cobb Parkway NW. A family owned and operated restaurant, Di Gusto offers a family oriented setting with a touch of date-worthy romantic flair. Read More

Soba Bar and Bistro – on East Piedmont in East Cobb  – Soba Bar and Bistro is exactly what East Cobb needed in the exact location it needed it. There are not many non-chain restaurants in East Cobb, and even less with superior decor, food and service. Open for about 2 years, Soba is a freestanding building located off of Piedmont Rd near Roswell Road in the Publix Shopping center just across the street from the YMCA. Soba’s cuisine is Asian – with an offering of sushi, Chinese and Thai. Read More

The Marietta Fish Market, Marietta  – Marietta Fish Market  has brought Gus Tselios and his family of restaurants full circle. With this addition in December 2008, Mr. Tselios has satisfied our need for Southern home cooking, pasta, a good steak, and now a wide variety of fish. The menu at MFM is large enough that finding a dish to fit one’s taste is relatively easy. Read More

Barbeque Street, Kennesaw– Then, suddenly, and with little warning, the Bell’s decided to sell. We were heartsick with fear that our family dinner refuge would no longer be the same. Malcolm, the new owner of Bell’s Barbecue Street (the name Bell’s was dropped as soon as people got used to Barbecue Street), put us at ease, somewhat, when he visited our table one night. There have been a few changes, here and there, but nearly a decade later, we can’t see very many They now also have a second restaurant in Cartersville. Read More

FASHION

Click to hear Santa Baby by Taylor Swift

SANTA BABY……I WANT IT ALL!!!!!!!!! –  Brace yourself…Never mind that our  pumpkin has yet to be carved and your Thanksgiving meal seems eons away….The Holidays are upon us. “There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for roasting and caroling out in the snow”.  YIKES!!!!!  Yep. So pull out your Bing Crosby cd’s, pour yourself some eggnog, and before things REALLY get crazy; take stock of your holiday wardrobe.   Make THIS the year you avoid that dreaded annual ritual…You know the one: You’re standing in your closet in your undies and alternately trying on and discarding items- too small, too dated, too old, too young, too sexy, not sexy enough…..and, of course, you’re already 30 minutes late for the evenings soiree! Read More

 

food & wine

Sushi 101 –  Sushi keeps growing in popularity everyday and today even some of my friends that thought that raw fish is for bait now are eating and enjoying Sushi. If you are a Sushi beginner, its language can be overwhelming to you, so we’ve tried to put together a quick guide to sushi including the various types and what are the  various types of rolls and the English names for the types of fish in them.

Read More 

 Chareau Elan – It is probably the most recognized wine in Georgia.  While winemaking is certainly not Chateau Elan’s “bread and butter,” the resort provides an exceptional food and wine experience that can be combined with other sensory pleasures including spa treatments and night time golf!   Chateau Elan provides an enriching and relaxing weekend get-a-way and it is only about an hour’s drive from most of us here in the Metro Atlanta area. Read More

Taste of Atlanta 2009: Recap –  With this year’s change of venue, my main concern was parking. But I really didn’t have any problems snatching a free spot on Spring St., about half a block from the back entrance, which was really nice. I noticed a few new things this time and most were an improvement from last year’s event. There was even one restaurant from West Cobb, Gabriel’s Desserts on Whitlock. Read More

drink it your way – Coca-Cola Freestyle –  If you are looking for something fun to do with the family or if you’r just a soft drink nut like me, you’ve go to see the newest soft drink dispenser from Coca-Cola, the Coca-Cola Freestyle. The are in test throughout Atlanta and  there is one right in the middle of West Cobb at the Burger King at Dallas Highway and Barret Parkway.  Chose from over 100+ diffenent variations of your favorite Coca-Cola brands. For a complete list of brands, locations and more picktures, Click Here

Flat Creek Lodge –  Luxurious Hunting, Fishing & Spa Getaway – Nestled among the pines near Swainsboro, Georgia, Flat Creek Lodge welcomes visitors seeking a rustic getaway that never skimps on luxury. Begun as a hunting and fishing resort suitable for the most discerning sportsman or sportswoman, Flat Creek Lodge has grown over a little more than a decade to include a fine dining restaurant, a spa, a Japanese bathhouse and even an artisanal cheese dairy.This beautiful rustic but luxurious resort is only about 200 miles from West Cobb. Just go to Google or Mapquest for directions. Click to read more

Outdoor Dining Worth the Drive –  There isn’t much I love more than spending time outdoors when the weather is so perfect. To that end, here is a list of some restaurants / bars around the Atlanta area with great patios, perfect to enjoy the coming fall evenings. Click to Read More

 

A Taste of Europe at Patak Meats – Austell – Austel – A haven for meat aficionados, Patak Meats, located in Austell, just a short drive from West Cobb, brings a taste of Europe to North Metro Atlanta. Open since 1981, Patak has a strong following of regulars who frequent the shop for its large selection of fresh European meats, from Italian sausage to Canadian bacon, in addition to specialty cheeses, chocolates and other ethnic foods. Read More

 people to know

Roger “Hurricane” Wilson – Kennesaw’s Traveling Blue’s Man –   There’s a certain hesitancy that any individual takes on when booking new entertainment.  There are pages full of bands and acts who can strum a few chords, play the intro to “Freebird,” and treat you like a steppingstone they are using until they “hit it big.”  There’s no more fearful time in a pub owner or recreation director’s life than when they are watching that night’s opening act set up, wondering if this will be the night the house empties when the band starts to falter. Enter Roger “Hurricane” Wilson from Kennesaw, Georgia.  With a solid resume, a polished skill set, and the manners and demeanor of a southern gentleman, he’s what’s right with the music business these days. Read More

Malika Harricharan – Kennesaw’s Own Slumdog  Turned Restaurant Blogger – With the popularity of the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire, Indian culture has begun to slightly seep into American culture. The story of Jamal who comes from the slums in India and works his way up to being a millionaire is an uplifting and positive story. Kennesaw resident and professional restaurant blogger, Malika Harricharan was born in Mumbai, India. She has had quite a journey from her humble beginnings in India to where she is today. Read More

 Our 10 Favorite Free Things to Do in Cobb

 STRAND HAPPENINGS  – If, you haven’t had the treat of seeing a play, movie or a special event at the newly remodeled re-opened Strand, the last quarter of it’s inaugural year offers offers audiences lots of diverse offerings including: the Atlanta Lyric Theatre’s production of Cinderella, a fashion show featuring female business leaders, and a two-week line up Halloween flicks, a blue festival  and lots of great classic films. Click for the line-up

 

 

  Let’s Go See a Play

Schedules for The Strand and Theater in the Square in Marietta, Acworth’s Theatre on Main and the Town Lakes Arts Center in Woodstock.. Click for schedules   

 

 WC Home

 WC Interior Design Columist Jan Britt chosen to host her own TV on Staging  – I feel honored to be chosen to be a host on a new Comcast/Zeel TV  show called Staging Pro’s.  The crew from Zeel TV and I already went to the homeowner’s house a few weeks ago to check it out.  I went through the house and gave Jean the homeowner staging ideas to help sell her and her husband’s house faster.  Because of my experience not only as an interior decorator but also a professional stager I can transform each room of her house into a house that the majority of the Marietta and Atlanta’s population would love.  Staging a house is about illusion and detail while doing it on a budget.  Read More

community happenings

Due West United Methodist Church Holiday Market – Holiday Market, Bake Sale & Silent Auction:  Saturday, November 7 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Admission is FREE!  More than 40 vendors selling unique holiday creations, decorative items, embroidery, creative children’s gifts, original jewelry, crafts, hand painted treasures, gift baskets and more!  A Silent Auction will offer items from local restaurants, get-a-ways, golf packages, sports memorabilia, and many other fabulous gifts!  Due West United Methodist Church, Family Life Center, 3956 Due West Road, Marietta, GA 30064.  For more information, call Karen Coffeen at (770) 590-0982.

       Visit us  soon for new articles are posted each week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click to send a friend a free dogital subscription to WC by Email

   

September 2009 – Destination Marietta

      Updated – October 2, 2009

2nd Annual Destination Marietta Issue 

This second annual Destination Marietta issue features lots of interesting articles about the City of Marietta,  a city rich in history and full of promise for the future.

 The City of Marietta is the county seat of Cobb County.  It’s home to what you’d typically find in small town square. You have your restaurants, bars, antique shops, theaters and boutiques, but hidden behind the night life and downtown exterior of the Marietta Square are a number of attractions that give way to a world of arts and culture. Click for More

 

The West Cobb Business Association presents a Texas Hold’en Tournement on Saturday, October 10

Enjoy an evening of  Food, Fun & Fellowship.  Win great prizes and help fund the college scholorship program of the West Cobb Business Association.

When: October 10, 2009, 5:00 p.m. until . . . we have a winner!

Where:   Rose Cottage on Cherokee Street in Kennesaw

How Much:  $35.00 per player (includes: food, goodie bag & t-shirt)

Click to read more and register to play

 

The North Georgia State Fair is back – September 24-Oct. 4

The North Georgia State Fair is the largest fair in metro Atlanta, attracting nearly 300,000 people.  Featuring free concerts, rides, great fair food, blue ribbon exhibits, farm animals and much more! There is something for everyone at this great old fashioned state fair. More

 

FINAL First Friday Art Walk of this Season
Friday, October 2nd  from 6:00 – 9:00 on The Historic Marietta Square. 

Start your walk at any of our participating venues.  Click here for a listing. The Art Walk Headquarters Tent is located in Artists’ Alley. Read More

 

 

 

 

 

 The museums of the Marietta Square offer the perfect treat for families looking for an economical staycation or college student jonesing for something  different to do on a Saturday afternoon. Read More  

 

 

 

  Take the Trolley to “SCARY-ETTA”

Most of us have spent an afternoon enjoying the sights of downtown Marietta, but have you ever been to Scary-etta? Well, it’s not really a place … it’s more like a state of mind!  Scary-etta is a 90 minute, fully-narrated trolley tour through the haunts and history of rietta. Read  

 

  ARE YOU AN OM  or a Newbie.  Take the Test

WC Dine Out Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marietta’s Theatre in the Square Continues to Please

September  2009 –  Theatre in the Square continues to do it right for theatre goers while moving through its 2009-2010 Season.  Remembering the Theatre’s beginnings in historic downtown Marietta, I am more than pleased that our community continues to foster growth and support of the arts in its revitalized downtown communities. Click to Read More

 

  

things to do & places to go

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Cobb

drink it your way – Coca-Cola Freestyle

 If you are looking for something fun to do with the family or if you’r just a soft drink nut like me, you’ve go to see the newest soft drink dispenser from Coca-Cola, the Coca-Cola Freestyle. There are a number of these space age look soft drink dispensers in test throughout Atlanta and there is one right in the middle of West Cobb at the Burger King at Dallas Highway and Barret Parkway. These shinny silver space age looking touch  screen soft drink vending machines over you the choice of 100+ diffenent variations of your favorite Coca-Cola brands. For a complete list of brands, locations and more picktures, Click Here

 

 

   let’s go see a play

Schedules for The Strand and Theater on the Square in Marietta, Theatre on Main in Acworth and Town Lakes Arts Center in Woodstock.. Click for schedules   

 

 

NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR

September 24, 2009 – October 4, 2009. Jim Miller Park, Marietta, www.northgeorgiastatefair.com 

The largest fair in metro Atlanta, attracting nearly 300,000 people.  Featuring free concerts, blue ribbon exhibits, farm animals and much more!. This Saturday night features a free concert by Chuck Wicks on Saturday, October 3 at 8 p.m. More

 

Free Outdoor Movie – Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs ( PG)                                                                                                                                        October 3, 2009, Movie begins at dark

Location:  Swift-Cantrell Park, 3140 Old 41 Hwy, Kennesaw, GA 30144 Phone:  (770) 422-9714 Admission is Free, Bring the family for a FREE screening of the smash hit Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs “on the green” and under the stars. Bring a blanket, picnic basket and cooler; or enjoy concessions available at the park. No alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed. Arrive early, after 6:00 p.m. for games and activities for the kids.

Jazz Grooves Atlanta Smooth Music Festival, October 3,  3pm-10pm

Location:  Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, Mableton Phone:  (678) 819-3920 Admission:  $28.62-$60.42 In Atlanta, Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre is known for delivering a geat music experience inside a great music venue. We think we have an artist to address all your smooth jazz tastes. From the smooth and silky to the upbeat and funky, the Atlanta Smooth Music Festival covers all the bases. Come on out and experience the greatest “smooth music stimulus” with Boney James and supporting cast of Walter Beasley, Urban Jazz Coalition and Michael Manson. http://www.smoothjazzgrooves.com

 

Atlanta Greek Festival Oct.2 – Oct. 4 

The Atlanta Greek Festival is always one of the premier fall events for great food and entertainment. It is held on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 2500 Clairmont Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30329 (Exit #91 off I-85 – On Clairmont Rd. between Briarcliff Rd. and LaVista Rd.) Read More

 

 

Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS® October 3, 2009 – November 1, 2009  at Six Flags Over Georgia

NEW in 2009 is The Last Ride, a simulated ride to the grave that will give guests the opportunity to experience being buried alive! The Cockney gravediggers will load you into a hot rod hearse, take you on a wild ride to the grave site, then throw you in the hole and shovel dirt until you hear nothing but silence. Then the bugs and creeps attack to an unnerving crescendo and just when you think all is lost, the lid flies open to a well welcomed breath of fresh air!The Last Ride will feature unique scents, such as roses, exhaust and mold!  Plus, a special in–ride camera system will display guests’ reactions live to those waiting in line!  Additional fee required to experience this attraction. www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia

featured dine out picks

 Johnny’s New York Style Pizza’s Newest Location at Ridenour  on Barrett Parkway 

Last week, my daughter and I went to visit another of Mike Ford’s eateries, Johnny’s New York Style Pizza, which sits west of US 41 on the south side of Barrett Parkway at 1615 Ridenour Blvd in Kennesaw.  Mike and his partners had wowed us with Johnny’s next door neighbor, Keegan’s, a few weeks ago. They did a good job this time, as well.  The dining room is wide open, with the kitchen all the way to the back, which is very different from most Johnny’s locations. So if you are looking for the loud, hear every cook and server conversation spot, try someplace else. Here, one can actually sit down, eat a pie and watch a game. Read More

Soba Bar and Bistro – on East Piedmont in East Cobb

September 25 – Soba Bar and Bistro is exactly what East Cobb needed in the exact location it needed it. There are not many non-chain restaurants in East Cobb, and even less with superior decor, food and service. Open for about 2 years, Soba is a freestanding building located off of Piedmont Rd near Roswell Road in the Publix Shopping center just across the street from the YMCA. Soba’s cuisine is Asian – with an offering of sushi, Chinese and Thai. Read More

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – Great BBQ Worth the Drive

Sometimes, it’s good to go to a place where everyone’s been but you. That way, most inconsistencies have been worked out. My second trip to FBB was this Saturday for a family lunch.  Adoration came in the form of the special of the day: Beef Ribs. This scary, intimidating, monstrous dish looked depressing — it was covered in black crust. But it was the softest crust, more of a coloring than crust, really. First bite and it was barbecue heaven for me. It was oh so tender, moist, and very, very flavorful. It was so good by itself but a few douses of the sweetish barbecue sauce made it ever more wonderful. A winner!  Click to Read More

John  Bickford Visit’s The Marietta Fish Market  – The Menu’s Big Enough to Fit Everyone’s Taste

Marietta Fish Market has brought Gus Tselios and his family of restaurants full circle. With this addition in December 2008, Mr. Tselios has satisfied our need for Southern home cooking, pasta, a good steak, and now a wide variety of fish. The menu at MFM is large enough that finding a dish to fit one’s taste is relatively easy. Read More

 Yakitori Jinbei on Cobb Parkway in Smyrna

Aside from sushi, a favorite childhood food in the family is ramen — either the Chinese or the Japanese variety. Chinese ramen made with thick, flat egg noodles, clear chicken stock, chicken chunks, scallions, and hard-boiled egg is always a simple, easy snack that’s as good as any comfort food. As I grew older, my preference has leaned more towards the Japanese version. Maybe it’s my love affair with pork. Or my fascination with everything Japanese which started when I was 14, my first of many trips to Tokyo where I tasted the very best ramen (and sushi). Since then, Japanese ramen is something I eat regularly, whether in hot or cold weather. Read More

Weekend Getaways

Flat Creek Lodge – A Luxurious Hunting, Fishing & Spa Getaway

Nestled among the pines near Swainsboro, Georgia, Flat Creek Lodge welcomes visitors seeking a rustic getaway that never skimps on luxury. Begun as a hunting and fishing resort suitable for the most discerning sportsman or sportswoman, Flat Creek Lodge has grown over a little more than a decade to include a fine dining restaurant, a spa, a Japanese bathhouse and even an artisanal cheese dairy.This beautiful rustic but luxurious resort is only about 200 miles from West Cobb. Just go to Google or Mapquest for directions. Click to read more

A Wine Done Weekend in Clayton, Georgia

 

Ready for a weekend getaway but don’t want to drive too far?  The grape growers in Georgia are harvesting what will be the 2009 vintage.  The weather is cooling off, it is almost time for the fall colors and Clayton is only 2 hours away.  What is there to do in Clayton?  A bunch!  (Note the “grape humor”)  If you are looking for a romantic getaway or just a fun and enriching experience with friends, read on about the three  vineyards we visited Persimmon Creek Vineyards, Tiger Mountain Vineyards and The Beechwood Inn.  Click to Read More

fashion

TAKING IT TO THE STREET –FROM RUNWAY TO REALITY

In the blockbuster hit, “The Devil Wears Prada”, there is one particularly memorable dialogue between Miranda Priestley (Meryl Streep) and Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway). In this scene,  Andy is sniggling over Miranda’s intense efforts in choosing between two seemingly identical belts. If you are like Miranda and having trouble deciding what to buy for the fall, let  WC Fashion Columnist, Elaine Stowers help you as she presents the Click to Read 2009 Fall Fashion Trends

 

WC home

WC Interior Design Columist Jan Britt chosen to host her own TV on Staging

Imagine, My Own TV Show

I feel honored to be chosen to be a host on a new Comcast/Zeel TV  show called Staging Pro’s.  The crew from Zeel TV and I already went to the homeowner’s house a few weeks ago to check it out.  I went through the house and gave Jean the homeowner staging ideas to help sell her and her husband’s house faster.  Because of my experience not only as an interior decorator but also a professional stager I can transform each room of her house into a house that the majority of the Marietta and Atlanta’s population would love.  Staging a house is about illusion and detail while doing it on a budget.  Read More

    community happenings

schools & non-profits

Frey Elementary Holds First Annual Trail Day

Acworth, GA – Frey Elementary School hosted the first annual Trail Day on Saturday August, 15 from 10:30 – 11:30 to commemorate the Outdoor Education Center. The Frey trail features several outdoor educational classrooms where students and teachers can go to learn about nature and science. More than 100 students and family members brought their walking shoes and pets for this fun family event. Click to Read More

Please submit all releases and event announcement about schools, churchs and non-profits to info@wesstcobbmagazine.com

 

people to know

Wanda DeVaughn, Psychotherapist, Clinical Social Worker & Yoga Teacher – Replace the outdated image of working with a psychotherapist while lying on a couch with a new one of holding a yoga pose and breathing deeply while receiving therapy and guidance.   Click to Read More

 

 

Troy Shelly – The Last Working Farmer in West Cobb – In just a matter of decades everything changed. The large number of family farms that were once located in Marietta have now gone. Click to Read More

 

 

Lend a Helping Hand

Help, the Must Pantry is Almost Bare

September  2009– I am sure you;ve all heard of MUST Ministries of Cobb and Cherokee counties and all the good work they do. They need your help.  faith-based organization that serves people in need in Cobb and Cherokee counties. Due to the economic conditions and our high unemployment rates, Must is in desperate need of food to replenish its food pantries. Click to Read More

 Dine Out

 There isn’t much I love more than spending time outdoors when the weather is so perfect. To that end, here is a list of some restaurants / bars around the Atlanta area with great patios, perfect to enjoy the coming fall evenings. Click to Read More

Try Something New – A CHINESE OR KOREAN BBQ

Chloe Morris, our newest guest food critic offers some great choices if you are looking for something different. Choloe who was raised n Atlanta and knows the Buford Highway area like the back of her hand gives you some tips on where to go for great Chineese BBQ ( also includes Peking Duck) and for Korean  BBQ. These are all authentic places where you see mostly Asians.  Chinese BBQ (duck and slabs of pork hanging on glass displays), here are two of Chloe’s favorites:  Ming’s BBQ  in Duluth  Click to Read and  V1 BBQ –  Click to Read  Korean BBQ is delicious and is cooked right in front of you. Here are two of Chloe’s favorites, both of which are in Duluth which is home to over 100,ooo Korean-Americans. Honey Pig Click to Read or Myung Ga Won  Click to Read 

  from our guest restaurant bloggers

Malika Harricharan – Atlanta Restaurant Blog

Marietta Fish Market , Henry’s Louisana Grill – Acworth

John Bickford – From My Table

Keegan’s Public House- Kennesaw , Fusco’s Via Roma – Acworth,   

 The Old Mill – Acworth , Barbecue Street , Big Shanty Smoke House ,

  Okinawa in Cartersville , Wes-Man’s in White, Georgia

Chloe Morris – from Chow Down Atlanta

King & I in Buckhead, Mary Mac’s Tea Room

 

food & wine

A Taste of Europe at Patak Meats  –  A haven for meat aficionados, Patak Meats, located in Austell, just a short drive from West Cobb, brings a taste of Europe to North Metro Atlanta. Open since 1981, Patakhas a strongfollowing of regulars who frequent the shop for its large selection of fresh European meats, from Italian sausage to Canadian bacon, in addition to specialty cheeses, chocolates and other ethnic foods.  Click to Read More

real estate

Are We There Yet?” – If you have children and you took a trip this summer then you probably heard the question “are we there yet?” on a regular basis on your drive.  We hear these words in real estate quite often these days as well.  “There” in real estate refers to a recovery in the market, and like on the family trip the best answer is simply “not yet” .Click to Read More

vacations & styacations

STAYCATIONS  WITHOUT EVEN LEAVING COBB – Things to do and places to go in Cobb. Best of all most of them are right in our back yard and are Free. Click Here

BEACHES – Saint Simons Island—Crown Jewel of the Golden Isles –  The fall is the perfect time for an escape to a coastcal getaway, now that the crowds are gone and you can enjoy and beauty and the peace of a ocean.  Are you longing for a coastal getaway? Then look no farther than Georgia’s Golden Isles—specifically, that  semi-tropical haven made just for escaping, Saint Simons Island! Click to Read More

 spiritual messages

ATTITUDE  by Kit Cummings – Attitude: “The way that you see life right now—your relationship with the present moment.” If you watch carefully, you’ll see all kinds of attitudes as you go through your day. Different people, in different places, seeing life from a completely different point of view. I am fascinated with the study of attitude. It makes so much difference when you begin to realize that we all have a choice as to how we view and respond to life as it happens. Click to Read More

FAITHFULNESS  by Marlon Longacre – “If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 2 Tim 2:13 9NIV)  Faithfulness is not a quality that is valued in our society today.   That is why it is so hard to find faithful people. People, who can be counted on, people who are consistent and dependable.  Before my father passed away my parents had been married for 36 years.  Both my parents retired after working 30 years for the same employer.  My father retired from International Harvester and my mother retired from the United State Post Office.   My mother is still a member of Mt. Holly United Methodist Church where they met and were married.  My parent’s faithfulness to the Lord, to each other, to their family, to their work and community was a shining  ample to me. – Click to Read More

health & fitness 

SETTING S.M.A.R.T. GOALS You’ve made the decision!  You are going to improve your health by becoming more physically fit. Great! Where do you begin?  To be successful you need to have a plan.  My late maternal grandfather taught me, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”  Your goals make up your master plan.  Begin by developing your plan of action, i.e. setting S.M.A.R.T. goals:  Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time relevant. Click to Read More

 

careers

Your Job Search – The Top 10 Ways to Manage Your Career Most people in the last decade have experienced either a layoff or termination in their lives or the lives of somebody they know. While many of these people affected have experienced outplacement-consulting services, some have not and they may be in for a rude awakening. Corporations totday, no longer “take care of you”. Managing your career in these times require you to have a game plan and an understanding of yourself and human behavior. Click to Read More

VISIT SOON FOR NEW ARTICLES AND RESTAURANT REVIEWS  ARE POSTED WEEKLY

FORWARD A  LINK TO WEST COBB MAGAZINE TO YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS  www.westcobbmagazine.com

 

August 2009

 

Publishers Corner           September 2009

  LABOR DAY WEEKEND – THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO 

ART IN THE PARK ON THE MARIETTA SQUARE

September 5-7  on the Square in Historic Marietta  – This  3-day fine art festival located in historic downtown Marietta     Click for More  Art in the Park     Venue Map

 

 

 

 

 

 

 CLOSE BY STAYCATIONS FOR THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Things to do and places to go in Cobb over the Labor Day weekend. Best of all most of them are right in our back yard and are Free.  Click Here  

OLD FASHIONED FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

                                                                                                      

Make plans to experience the Love the Lake Festival on September 5-6, 2009 Labor Day Weekend at Cauble Park on beautiful Lake Acworth.   This is a real old fashioned festival with something for everyone including  a parade, an arts and crafts fair, great festival food like  polish sausages, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, smoothies, barbeque, cotton candy, sno-cones, funnel cakes, candy apples, and more.  Enjoy your festival treats in the shade at one of the various covered eating areas throughout the park.No  old fashioned festival is complete without entertainment and they have two stages featuring a wide variety of entertainment. Admission- Free , Saturday September 5 -10am-6pm and Sunday, September 6 – 12pm-6pm  Click to Read More

 It’s a Busy Labor Day Weekend on the Marietta Square

 Friday evening kicks off with the “First Friday on the Square & Art Walk 2009” and the “Scary-etta Trolley Ghost Tour”.  Participating shops and galleries are open late and offer in-store events and so much more. Art Walk Maps available at the Marietta Welcome Center & participating shops.  Get your map stamped at Art Walk locations along the way and earn a free gift bag at the last stop.

Saturday starts off with the weekly Marietta Farmers Market on the Square and is also the beginning of the 23^rd Annual Art in the Park Festival that runs through Monday. Click to Read More About Labor Day Weekend on the  Square

 WORTH THE DRIVE FOR GREAT VALUES AT GREAT PLACES

 Click Here   f0r  a complete lists of restaurants and their special $25 menus.

                 

 DINE OUT  

 HOW ABOUT A CHINESE OR KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT

Chloe Morris, our newest guest food critic offers some great choices if you are looking for something different. Choloe who was raised in Atlanta and knows the Buford Highway area like the back of her hand gives you some tips on where to go for great Chineese BBQ ( also includes Peking Duck) and for Korean  BBQ. These are all authentic places where you see mostly Asians.

Chinese BBQ (duck and slabs of pork hanging on glass displays), here are two of Chloe’s favorites: 

Ming’s BBQ  in Duluth  Click to Read

V1 BBQ – Click to Read  Click to Read

 

 

 

                                                                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Korean BBQ  is delicious and is cooked right in front of youl Here are two of Chloe’s favorites, both of which are in Duluth which is home to over 100,ooo Korean-Americans. 

Honey Pig Click to Read 

Myung Ga Won  Click to Read

    DINING ALFRESCO STYLE 

 

 

 

 

 

There isn’t much I love more than spending time outdoors when the weather is so perfect. To that end, here is a list of some restaurants / bars around the Atlanta area with great patios, perfect to enjoy the coming fall evenings. Click to Read More

Recent Reviews by Malika Harricharan

 Marietta Fish Market  had a highly anticipated opening in Marietta in December 08. Started by the folks who brought you the Marietta Diner, there are obvious similarities between the two, most notably the enormous dessert portions. Seeing the throngs of diners since it opened, I thought I’d let them die down and work out any kinks before I visited the Marietta Fish Market. Click to Read More     

Henry’s Louisana Grill – Acworth Ooh La La! That’s all you need to know about Henry’s Louisiana Grill. No, seriously that’s the name of the dish you need to order when you visit Henry’s Louisiana Grill. It’s been tempting me back there for years now. Think fried shrimp, oysters and crawfish, mixed together with tasso(ham) and spinach in spicy cream sauce all over angel hair pasta. It was even named one of the 50 dishes worth driving for by the AJC. Click to Read More                                                                

  Recent Reviews by John Bickford        

Keegan’s Public House- Kennesaw They havedone this place up right. The pub was everythinga neighborhood pub used to be, and more. No overkill with fancy decorations. No girlification. A place witha Larry Bird jersey and a few flat screens on the wall. The dark worn wood. The comfortable bar, a handful of tables and regular patrons. Booths align the wall that separates the bar from the second dining room. More                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Fusco’s Via Roma – Acworth – In the midst of historic Main Street Acworth sits Fusco’s via Roma, an authentic Italian restaurant that adds a decidedly romantic curve to this traditional southern railroad town. While in the dining room, the sound of the train going by does not conjure up thoughts of an Atlanta railyard, rather those of traveling through Tuscany, Sicily or the Italian Alps. A quick glance around confirms those daydreams, and I refuse to look to the front door, for fear the bubble will burst.                                                                                                                               

 The Old Mill – Acworth  The mill itself was built in 1870 by John Cowan, funded by his share of gold brought back from the Last Chance Gulch discovery in Montana. Over time, the mill went from producing“Lynette Flour” to textiles and tapestries. The mill ceased operation after a suspicious fire in 1992. Now, this wonderfully restored building produces some of the finest Southern and comfort food around.                           

 Di Gusto Italian Grille in Kennesaw is located at 3150 Cobb Parkway NW. A family owned and operated restaurant, Di Gusto offers a family oriented setting with a touchof date-worthy romantic flair. While owner Carlos McCoy handled the kitchen and staff, his wife and partner Rosaria PecoraroMcCoy keeps the recipes to her liking. 

Barbecue Street and Big Shanty Smoke House   are consistantly good barbeque places for dine- in or for takeout.

Restaurants Worth the Drive  Recently Reviewed include Wes-Man’s in White, Georgia, a great meat and veggie hole in the wall,  Okinawa in Cartersville (Owned by Eddie Yap who owns Sushi Zen/Thai Basil in Acworth) and   Spice Market in the W Atlanta Hotel in Midtown Atlanta 

A Recent Review by Chloe Morris, Our Asian Cuisine Specialist

King & I in Buckhead on Piedmont is one of Atlanta’s oldest Thai restaurants and still of the my favorites. This is another place I grew up eating at. There were only a handful of Thai restaurants then and this and Thai of Norcross were among the first successful ones.  King & I isn’t necessarily the most authentic Thai in the city. But the food (quality and taste) has been consistently superior that you can pinpoint their dishes with your eyes closed. Service is consistently excellent as well. Click to Read More

                                                   

WC Dine Out Guide

 Click to Read

 

 

FOOD & WINE

 The Georgia Wine Highway Part I – Dahlonega

 The Dahlonega area is the Heartbeat of Georgia’s Wine Country –  Georgia has wine country?  I can hear the snickering now.  It’s hot and humid here.  We just grow muscadines, right?  This may be the “Peach State” but Georgia is becomingnationally recognized for its fine wines.  I don’t mean “moonshine” or “white lightning” or just muscadineseither.  Some very interestingvarietals find themselves right at home and flourishing in our red clay, known to winemakers as “terra rossa.”   Georgia is havingsuccess with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Sangiovesse, Tannat, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Touriga, Marsanne, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat to name a few.  Being a wine lover and educator, I was skeptical so I set out to explore these wines of Georgia and see for myself.  What a wonderful surprise was in store for me. Click to Read More  Come Back on September 8 for Part II- A Visit to  Georgia Wineries with Overnight Accomodations 

A Taste of Europe at Patak Meats 

A haven for meat aficionados, Patak Meats, located in Austell, just a short drive from West Cobb, brings a taste of Europe to North Metro Atlanta. Open since 1981, Patakhas a strongfollowing of regulars who frequent the shop for its large selection of fresh European meats, from Italian sausage to Canadian bacon, in addition to specialty cheeses, chocolates and other ethnic foods.  Click to Read More

  

 Let’s Go See A Play 

Schedules for The Strand and Theater on the Square in Marietta, Theatre on Main in Acworth and Town Lakes Arts Center in Woodstock.. Click here for schedules

Remembering Les Paul by Roger “Hurricane” Wilson

We are all saddened by the loss of the legendary Les Paul. He completely changed the world of music with his creation of sound-on-sound recording, as well as the invention of the solid body electric guitar. Many know that he crossed numerous boundaries by winning multiple awards for his achievements, as well as inductions to various halls of fame. Many obituaries, tributes, and eulogies are being written about Les Paul. When I was in the broadcast news business, one of my bosses told me, “If you are going to write something, tell me something I don’t know!” Well here goes! It is true that for me, being friends with a guy like Les Paul would never be an unwanted attribute, but in my case, it was truly unexpected. I’d like to share with all my friends how I got to know Les in 2003 and my relationship over the past 6 years with one of my true hero’s of music and life. Click to Read More

 WC LIFESTYLES 

FASHION

Elaine Stowers, WC’s  Women’s Fashion Columnist and professional wardrobe consultant shares the differences between being comfortable in work and casual clothes and being just plain sloppy. To learn more about Elaines Do’s and Don’t for being comfortable,not sloppy,  read her humorous but bluntly true article.  Click to Read More

HEALTH & FITNESS 

SETTING S.M.A.R.T. GOALS  You’ve made the decision!  You are going to improve your health by becoming more physically fit. Great! Where do you begin?  To be successful you need to have a plan.  My late maternal grandfather taught me, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”  Your goals make up your master plan.  Begin by developing your plan of action, i.e. setting S.M.A.R.T. goals:  Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time relevant. Click to Read More 

HEALTH & BEAUTY

A Laser Transformation  –Would you consider a magnifyingmirror to be a friend? How about first thingin the morning?  If you’re one of the many, many people who hesitate to see your skin up close and personal, you might be glad to know about an uncomplicated method to improve your skin’s appearance. Enhanced skin rejvenation using laser technology can transform your appearance.  Click to Read More  

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 REAL ESTATE 

SOME GOOD NEWS AT LAST – Consider this for a normal day:  you get up in the morning and  turn on the  news— nothing but depressing  and ridiculous information, right?  Then you get in your car and turn on talk radio—more of the same. If you are like me and spend much of the day in the car, you get a really big dose of blame, criticism and generally irritatingstuff.  The day ends witha nice dinner withyour family—finally a little peace and quiet.  To end the evening you watch a little CSI and Law and Order.  Click to Read More 

CAREERS

Your Job Search – The Top 10 Ways to Manage Your Career   Most people in the last decade have experienced either a layoff or termination in their lives or the lives of somebody they know. While many of these people affected have experienced outplacement-consulting services, some have not and they may be in for a rude awakening. Corporations totday, no longer “take care of you”. Managing your career in these times require you to have a game plan and an understanding of yourself and human behavior.  Click to Read More 

SPIRITUAL MESSAGES

ATTITUDE  by Kit Cummings – Attitude: “The way that you see life right now—your relationship with the present moment.” If you watch carefully, you’ll see all kinds of attitudes as you go through your day. Different people, in different places, seeing life from a completely different point of view. I am fascinated with the study of attitude. It makes so much difference when you begin to realize that we all have a choice as to how we view and respond to life as it happens. Click to Read More

 FAITHFULNESS  by Marlon Longacre –   “If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 2 Tim 2:13 9NIV)  Faithfulness is not a quality that is valued in our society today.   That is why it is so hard to find faithful people. People, who can be counted on, people who are consistent and dependable.  Before my father passed away my parents had been married for 36 years.  Both my parents retired after working 30 years for the same employer.  My father retired from International Harvester and my mother retired from the United State Post Office.   My mother is still a member of Mt. Holly United Methodist Church where they met and were married.  My parent’s faithfulness to the Lord, to each other, to their family, to their work and community was a shining  ample to me. – Click to Read More 

TRAVEL AND STAYCATION IDEAS

 Saint Simons Island—Crown Jewel of the Golden Isles –  Has summer wanderlust cast its spell over you and your family? Are you longingfor a coastal getaway? Then look no farther than Georgia’s Golden Isles—specifically, that  semi-tropical haven made just for escaping, Saint Simons Island! Click to Read More    

 LEND A HELPING HAND

 Boys & Girls Clubs of Cobb –  OUR PLACE – There is  a place in Cobb County where kids and teens can go after school that is safe, positive and where they can meet friends – a place where all children are welcomed with open arms. Imagine a place where a child from disadvantaged circumstances can find opportunity around every corner and a promise they will be given every chance to succeed. That place is Boys & Girls Clubs.  Click to Read More   

 

  DESTINATION KENNESAW

From history to parks this Northeast Cobb city is an exciting place to live  and Family Circle Magazine named it one of the best places for families to live. Click to Read More

 

 

 

 The Southern Museum –Kennesaw                                                  

There’s a place in the heart of downtown Kennesaw where 19^thcentury history is brought back to life. And it only takes about 40 paces inside     this historical attraction for visitors to be immersed into the history and culture that shaped Kennesaw, and other Georgia towns, into the places they are today.  This historical gem known as The Southern Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the men, women and children of the 1800s. Sepia. Click to Read More

KENNESAW PEOPLE TO KNOW

Cris Eaton-Welsh & Steve  Welsh –   Cris Eaton-Welsh  has lived in Kennesaw for the last 22 years, and as a homeowner and a small business owner in Kennesaw, she understands the concerns of balance as a resident and entrepreneur. Cris, her husband Steve and daughters Isabelle and Shelby, currently reside in Legacy Park. She graduated from KennesawState University with a BBAin Accountingand then enrolled at Life University where she earned her Doctorate in Chiropractic care. Following graduation, Cris joined her Father’s Chiropractic business in downtown Kennesaw– Eaton Chiropractic, and recently acquired the family business following her Father’s retirement. Click here to Read More

 Jim Doney, a  TV Pioneer –  Now Living in Kennesaw&  Still Traveling  the Adventure Road – Current Kennesaw resident JimDoney had a longand illustrious television career. Over the years, he worked with such well known TV pioneers as Ed Sullivan, Steve Allen, Art Linkletter &  Jack Lord, to name a few. Doneyis retired and living in Kennesaw. Click to Read More

The Smith-Gilbert Garden – Kennesaw’s Secret Garden

The Smith – Gilbert Garden, formerly the Smith-Gilbert Arboretum is owned by the city of Kennesaw. This secret garden is not grand or forbidding, but approachable and well loved. If you live in the area, you have found a fertile resource. The core of the 13 acre estate features a Greek revival facade plantation from the mid-18th Century. Early settlers built this 4,500 acre cotton plantation, which was a working farm well into the 20th century. Click to Read More

Swift Cantrell Dog Park: Fun for the Whole Family

Parks are meant to be places where the whole family can play, relax and enjoy being outdoors. Since many people have at least one member of the family who is of the furry, four-legged variety, the new Swift Cantrell Dog Park is just what the city of Kennesaw needed.    Click to Read More

 Kennesaw, So What’s Next

Yes, Kennesawhas got a lot goingon, withall the special events,  the farmer’s market and everythingelse it certainly isn’t letting the grass grow under its feet. When you add that to historicpreservation efforts and the conservation and everythingelse beingdone to keep its legacy aliveyou know the work just never ends. It’s not just keeping Kennesaw goingin the present or makingsure its past never dies that matters though. It’s also important to ensure Kennesaw’s future, to make sure it is still going strongin the coming years. Make no mistake that is no easy task. Click to Read More

A Loving Goodbye

 At  Georgia’s only pet funeral home, Dream Land Pet Memorial Center in Kennesaw, honors that bond by providinga dignified, lovingway to say goodbye.  The way people view pet cremation is changing. In the past, people buried in their beloved animals in the back yard or simply left them with their vets to handle. But these days, for many people, pets are more like family members. Click to Read More     

 

 DIGITAL PRINTING – It Looks Great and Offers Great Savings

 The way we get our information has rapidly changed in the last ten years. From online news sources and blogs, to 24-hour news channels and Twitter, the public is hit withinformation, digitally, day and night.  As a result, the way we share information has also evolved. Late last month. Kodak announced the retirement of Kodachrome, its oldest film stock, citing the decline in customer demand in the digital age…….. Click to Read More  

The WC Home 

  STAGING TO SELL A HOME

 This monthWest Cobb based interior designer Jan Britt talks about how she is helping to develop a TV show for Comcastabout Staging Home to Sell.  Jan states that the way you live in your home and the way you sell your home are two different things. Staging is the process you can do to get a house ready to sell.   Click to Read More   

 

 Historic West Cobb Homes 

 The historic Acworth home of Abby and Boyd Parks. Originally built in the 1850s the Parks home is one of the finest examples of a restored historic home in all of Acworth. Click to read more    

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                      

 Coming September – Destination Marietta Square 

 ADVERTISING INFORMATION  

 

July 2009 Destination Acworth

The WC Dine Out Guide covers over 300 restaurants throughout West Cobb in Acworth, Kennesaw and Marietta. Each listing is linked to the restaurants own website, so that you can look at the menus  and other information about each restaurant.       Click Here  

Dining Worth the Drive – Starting this week, West Cobb Magazine.com will present 2-3 reviews each week by Acworth resident ad well know Atlanta Restaurant Critic and Blogger, John Bickford . The reviews will be both of  Restaurants Worth the Drive  (both Inside the Perimeter and Outside the Perimeter) and some Right in Our Backyard. This week, his first visit was to OKINAWA, a new Sushi & Steak Hibachi Restaurant in Carterville owned by Eddie Yap, who owns long time West Cobb favorite, Sushi Zen/Thai Basil on Cobb Parkway.   John’s  second pick was The Spice Market in midtown Atlanta in the W Atlanta Hotel. This new restaurant is owned by one of New Yorks best know chefs and has the former Chef of BluePointe and Shout running its kitchen.   Click to Go to Restaurants Worth the Drive 

The WC Entertainment Guide gives you up to date information about area theaters including; Acworth ’s Theatre on Main, Marietta’s Strand and Theatre on the Square and the Town Lake Arts Center. Click Here      WC Things to Do Calendar  Click Here  

 

Right In Our Backyard – Henry’s Where the Acworth Dining Scene Started – Click to Read More About Henry’s and Their New Saturday Morning Big Bayou Breakfast

DESTINATION ACWORTH  –  Acworth, the Northern most city in Cobb county  is the center of a thriving, vibrant community and as the “Lake City” has a quality of life seldom available in the world today. Acworth offers that unique combination of a hometown community with a true  downtown Main Street and a progressive  outlook: looking forward to the challenges presented by new growth, yet proud to preserve the history of its orgin.  Click to Read More

  Let’s Go Shopping  –   After a delicious lunch on Main Street, be sure to treat yourself to a walk down Main Street in Historic Acworth and explore the many quaint and unique shops that line this historic street.  If you have not shopped in downtown Acworth before, you are certainly in for a treat. The stores  are  definitely  a step out of the “Big Box” stores  at the mall or The Avenues … and a far cry from Wally World. There is a little something for everyone  Click to Read More

 

 DINING IN ACWORTH  When you come to Acworth, Georgia, come hungry! The sheer  variety and quality of  Acworth’s dining options will make your mouth water! “Foodies” will have a field day in downtown Acworth, exploring the ambience-rich coffee shops and cafes, and the many full-service restaurants that feature traditional, Southern family fare to upscale Cajun, Italian, Mexican/Cuban, Japanese, Chinese, American and global cuisine.   To learn more about the wonderful independent restaurants in Acworth’s historic downtown just click on the  WC Dine Out Guide – downtown Acworth.   Of course, Acworth has all of the familiar national chain restaurants as well. For a complete listing of all restaurants in Acworth.  Click here for a complete list of Acworth restaurants 

This month, WC visits the historic Acworth home of Abby and Boyd Parks. Originally built in the 1850s the Parks home is one of the finest examples of a restored historic home in all of Acworth.        Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

The Arts in Acworth Do you know what I am finding out?  The Historic Downtown District of Acworth is one of the best kept secrets in Metro Atlanta. I know this because I have been meeting with many marketing folks these days while trying to talk my way into low cost advertising for the Theatre On Main. When these sophisticated, savvy sales people come into theHistoric Downtown District and see what you have right here they are taken back by the friendliness, ambiance, good food and things they didn’t expect. Thanks to Mayor Tommy Allegood and a core group of people, here’s what they didn’t expect:  Click to Read More

 

WC Home & Garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

KENNESAWS’S SECRET GARDEN  – The Smith-Gilbert Garden, formerly the Smith-Gilbert Arboretum is owned by the city of Kennesaw. This secret garden is not grand or forbidding, but approachable and well loved. If you live in the area, you have found a fertile resource. The core of the     13 acre estate features a Greek revival facade plantation from the mid-18th Century. Early settlers built this 4,500 acre cotton plantation, which was a working farm well into the 20th century.

 

Jan Britt, a West Cobb Interior Designer and HGTV  personality, shares how to create the “WoW Look” with “No Sewing” Window Treatments with paying a “WoW Price”  Click Here to Read More

 

 

 

                               

Sue Hilton, a long time West Cobb Realtor tells you  HOW TO  BUY A FORCLOSURE

Noah Torch, a Kennesaw based Mortgage Broker talks about Today’s Changing Mortgage Market Click to Read More

 

 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLAYSET  Click Here to Read More

 

 

 

 

WC Lifestyles

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fripp Island- South Carolina’s Unspoiled Beach Resort Today Fripp Island is still beautiful and is lush with tropical foliage, indigenous palmettos and pines. Miles of saltwater creeks, canals and the Atlantic Ocean surround this still uncrowded family resort. Located just minutes from Historic Beaufort, Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort is now being discovered by families, golfers, tennis players and anyone who loves the beach and nature.  The fact that Fripp Island is one of the most affordable resorts makes it even more attractive. Plus, no other ocean resort is any closer to get to from West Cobb than Fripp Island.                              Click to Read More   

Close By Staycations – With all the economic challenges that we face today, more and more families are looking to find things to do close to home. Begining in July, WC will feature Staycation ideas close to home for the entire family. This month, we are concentrating on Staycations close to home in Cobb. Click Here to Read About Cobb’s Great Staycation Ideas

 

 

 

HOST YOUR OWN WINE TASTING  There is just something about holding a glass of wine in your hand.  Sipping Champagne makes us feel festive and even stand up a little taller.   Enjoying a glass of wine and nibbling on cheese seems not just civilized but sophisticated.  Wine even has it’s own language that is not described as flowery but, in fact, sensual.  “A big muscular style with mocha and cocoa notes embedded in fleshy, ripe fruit with well integrated acidity and a long, firm finish.”  Oh yeah, give me a glass of that!  Click to Read More

 

  

DRESS LIKE A MILLION BUCKS EVERY DAY ON EVERY BUDGET How would you like to wake up every day knowing your closet contained a wardrobe that suited your lifestyle and was flattering to you in every way?  Click Here to Read More ………

 

 

 

 DON’T PUT YOUR EGGS ALL IN ONE  BASKET  – Diversifying your investment portfolio is one of the key ways you can handle market volatility.  Click to Read More

 

 

 

                                                 

 

 

 

The Extension Opens the Barbara J. Crafton Center for Women  On the first day of May, seven women came to The Extension seeking help, and for the first time in our history we said, “Come in; we have a place for you.” It was the culmination of literally years of toil and uncertainty, of asking then asking for more, of praying for wisdom and praying for strength, of tremendous effort followed by even greater reward. That reward is hope for homeless, addicted women in our community. Click Here to Read More ……….

 

 

 

Let Laser Transform Your Face Would you consider a magnifying  mirror to be a friend? How about first thing in the morning?  If you’re one of the many, many people who hesitate to see your skin up close and personal, you might be glad to know about an uncomplicated method to improve your skin’s appearance. Enhanced skin rejuvenation using laser technology can transform your appearance.  Click Here to Read More 

 

 GET OFF THE FENCE, THE POT OF GOLD IS REAL!  If you are talking about health and fitness with the Pot of Gold being a healthier lifestyle then it’s true!  What would that mean to you?  What will it take to get you off the proverbial fence and get you to start exercising?  If I told you that you could lose weight, gain energy, look better, feel younger, and improve your overall health would that help?  Does that sound like too much work, overwhelming, or too good to be true?  Well, it’s not!  Click to Read More

 

  

WC People to Know ALEN STENSLAND – The Bleacher Creature and JOE M. TURNER – A Magical Metamorphosis 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Rev. Marlon Longacre of Northstar Church in Kennesaw talks about those “HuH?” Moments when faith is trusting God when it doesn’t make sense.    Click Here to Read More

 

 

 

 

 

 Digital Printing Trends   The way we get our information has rapidly changed in the last ten years. From online news sources and blogs, to 24-hour news channels and Twitter, the public is hit with information, digitally, day and night.  As a result, the way we share information has also evolved. Late last month. Kodak announced the retirement of Kodachrome, its oldest film stock, citing the decline in customer demand in the digital age…….. Click to Read More 

 

 Destination Kennesaw – August

 

 

Advertise in West Cobb Magazine from as little as $100 a month. For further information, contact Mike Straus at 404-694-2208 or mike@westcobbmagazine.com