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 A Gals’ & Guys’ Night Out
Our Guide to Reconnecting with Old Friends
by Tamara Holly
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? The holidays are meant to spend time with loved ones, namely family members. But let’s ring in the new year as a time to reconnect with our closest friends, to start our own new post-holiday tradition of relaxing and recharging with those who oftentimes know us best. Behold the ultimate guide to a fun-filled gals’ and guys’ night out.
Ladies First
Cooking Classes
Stirring up a full-course meal in your free time might not sound like much of a social event, but bring along a bottle of wine and a few good friends, and the table takes a delightful turn. Julia Murphy and Amy Lathi, owners of My Girlfriend’s Kitchen in Buckhead, have found a pleasant alternative to slaving over a hot stove, and it’s more fun than you can shake a wooden spoon at. Moving along prep stations in groups of two, you’ll find all the pre-measured ingredients you’ll need, as well as all required utensils and cookware. Carry your creations home in disposable containers and serve immediately or freeze for later use. Hint: Use your own cookware and convince folks at home you’re the ultimate modern-day Betty Crocker. Try your hand at appetizers like cocktail meatballs with zesty orange sauce or chicken satay skewers during a “Happytizer” session. Classes are limited to 12 participants and your group can sign up online. Twelve do-it-yourself entrée meals for four to six people will only set you back about $229, or you can opt for six entrées for $129. If you prefer to save your manicure and let the pros handle it, order ahead and pick up your meals, or have them delivered for a minimal additional charge.
My Girlfriend’s Kitchen
1700 Northside Dr. NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-350-8045
www.mygirlfriendskitchen.com
Chocolate Fondue
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, than chocolate is her beloved confidant. At Dante’s Down the Hatch, you’ll experience chocolate as you never have before with what could easily be the most decadent fondue feast in town. Handpicked seasonal fruits like strawberries, melon, pineapple and banana plus fluffy marshmallows are ripe and ready to be dipped into Dante’s inferno of Swiss honey-based chocolate. No melted chocolate blocks here; rather, you can thank eight hours of onsite hand folding for the luxurious consistency of this chocolate. In fact, so much preparation and special attention is dedicated to Dante’s chocolate fondue that it requires two-day advance booking, takes place on week nights only, with only one event per night, and is personally presented to you by a manager, or even Dante himself. Such exclusivity deserves its own red velvet rope. For guilt-free indulgence, make it a nightcap after a day at Lenox Square. Burn some calories with a day of cardio power shopping at Bloomingdale’s and then jaunt across the street to Dante’s. Don’t forget to check out the live crocodiles in the moat while you’re there.
Dante’s Down the Hatch
3380 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-266-1600
www.dantesdownthehatch.com
Tailored Pampering
The ultimate high-end spa/salon destination, KVG Privé blends a girl’s favorite things (beauty, cocktails, shopping, music) into one sensuous affair. Since January 2006, Kelly Van Gogh, CEO, master colorist, entrepreneur extraordinaire, and her team of beauty experts have been making women “their most beautiful selves.” Taking each client’s personal style, individual look and lifestyle into consideration, the KVG Privé team produces tailored service in an amazingly luxurious setting. Earthy tones, candlelight and sumptuous fabrics create a sophisticated retreat where busy girls can relax in style, enjoy ultra cool world music, and even pick up a new loungewear outfit in the KVG Privé boutique. “The Thursday evening SpaLounge is the perfect way to bring friends together for an evening of beauty, glamour and socializing in an exclusive SpaLounge environment,” Van Gogh said. Mini spa services like a calming “pedissage” can be performed while a master colorist perfects your newly hued locks. Maximize a mint-infused shoulder or neck massage by sipping a syrupy mojito. Get your gang together for a professional prep before hitting the town. Starting at $80 per guest, you can each get a soothing shampoo, blow dry, complimentary cocktail and mini spa service of choice.
KVG Privé
3003 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-816-3636
www.kvginternational.com
Spa Parties
Rather relax at home than schlep out to a spa? Then sit back and let the luxury come to you with an in-home spa event. Spa Parties Atlanta (S.P.A.) offers a “Ladies Night In” special for groups. If the minimum cost of $500 ruffles your feathers, consider the convenience. Specialty facials and peels, and 30-minute massage and reflexology sessions ($10 to $165) are an extravagant way to spend an evening with the girls. You provide the space, and the S.P.A. technicians provide the aromatic candles, lush pillows, soothing sounds and skilled hands, creating a truly unique spa experience in the comfort of your own home. A 20 percent deposit is required and gratuities are appreciated.
S.P.A. (Spa Parties Atlanta)
Vinings area office, mobile spa service
770-433-8142
www.safiyawellness.com
Shopping Spree
How does a shopping event featuring more than 30 designers, a gift bag stuffed with fashion and fitness goodies, free cocktails, and high-end labels up to 75 percent off sound? Too good to be true? False! Shecky’s, the only Web site you’ll need to stay linked to the hottest happenings in town, hosts seasonal shopping extravaganzas from labels like Bill Hallman, Lucid Studio and Kitty Kat Jeans. Your $25 cover grants you access to an overwhelming array of discount duds. With so much ground to cover, you’ll want to sport your comfiest shoes as you shop for your next pair of killer heels.
Shecky’s Girls Night Out
www.sheckys.com
Many a fellow has fantasized about the bottomless glass of beer and now they can live out that dream. Atlanta Brewing Company offers tours of their brewery on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday when patrons can witness the birth of beer — everything from light pale ale to winter brew. On tap for the evening is live entertainment from local bands as you and your boys kick back and reap the bounty of the beer gods. Be sure to designate a driver or make plans to divide the cab fare for the ride home later.
Atlanta Brewing Company
1219 Williams St.
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-881-0300
www.atlantabrewing.com
18 Holes and a Pint
Make a day and a night of it with a golfing trip to Château Élan. The Woodlands, perhaps the most scenic course of the estate, stretches 6,735 yards and is a par-72. Serene lakes dot the hilly, natural landscape, providing a relaxing weekend getaway. “You’re in the middle of the woods with nothing around but nature,” explained Larry Mayran, corporate director of communications at Château Élan. “There are no distractions of city noise. You’re in your own little world playing golf.” Mayran believes a leisurely day of golfing is conducive to reestablishing relationships and celebrating good-natured camaraderie. Two- and three-bedroom villas accommodating groups of three to six are a sober choice for those planning to close the day with a visit to neighboring Paddy’s Irish Pub. True to the resort’s zeal for authenticity and excellence, Paddy’s may be the most genuine pub experience this side of the Emerald Isles. Commissioned in Dublin in 1997, the entire establishment was disassembled, moved to Château Élan, and reassembled in whole. Traditional Irish food, spirits and music complete the Paddy’s experience, and a pint or two of Guinness makes Wednesday night’s open mic a memorable event.
Château Élan
100 Rue Charlemagne
Braselton, GA 30517
678-425-0900
www.chateauelan.com
Cigar Bars
Do we really have to say it? These places are smokin’ — well, it’s true for at least one room in each of these hotspots. With 300 by-the-bottle wine choices and more than 40 cigar selections, Dailey’s Downstairs beckons sophisticated Rat Pack wannabes and provides an atmosphere that is at once classy and comfortable. Upstairs you’ll find fine dining, but downstairs you’ll find decadence. Enjoy live music seven nights a week from jazz, reggae and swing bands. Sure, you could have the guys over to smoke and drink in your own basement, but Dailey’s masculine leather couches and exposed brick make this a much more appealing option. If you’d rather stay closer to home, head to Rainwater’s lounge, aptly called “The Smoking Room,” where you can sample cigars right out of the humidor and Executive Chef Jay Swift’s “luxurious comfort food” right off the grill, without having to leave your seat. King of the castle, indeed.
Dailey’s
17 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-681-3303
www.daileysrestaurant.com
Rainwater
11655 Haynes Bridge Road
Alpharetta, GA 30004
770-777-0033
www.rainwaterrestaurant.com
Strikes and Spares
Gone are the days of matching polyester bowling league shirts and unflattering florescent lighting. At 300 Atlanta, bowling is at last en vogue. Touting itself as the ultimate indoor playground, 300 Atlanta brings bowling and billiards together in an unexpectedly posh setting. A hi-tech sound system blasts contemporary music, and sporting events are shown on multiple large screens. A chic bar with modern décor, pendant lights and plentiful seating calls for the retirement of the unadorned label “bowling alley.” The full bar is at your service throughout the venue, as your orders for the latest trendy libations, classic martinis and cold beer are delivered to you laneside. A surprisingly decent menu serves up burgers, tasty pizzas and more. 300 Atlanta is an upscale way to enjoy a night with the boys, no matter how large your group. Reservations can be made for numerous lanes, private rooms or the entire site. “When it comes down to it, boys will be boys, and we all want bragging rights,” said Bruce Jones, sales manager. “It’s all about good old-fashioned competition.”
300 Atlanta
2175 Savoy Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30341
770-451-8605
www.300atlanta.com
Turns Around the Track
Get your motor running and head out to Road Atlanta’s 700-acre auto park. Enjoy the festivities from the sidelines during one of Road Atlanta’s exhilarating spectator events like the Petit Le Mans or the Superbike Showdown. If you feel the need for speed, consider taking your own turn behind the driver’s seat with The Panoz Racing School. Under safe, professional instruction in a V-8 powered learning lab, students learn the rules of the road before experiencing the thrill of racing firsthand on a certified Road Atlanta track. And if you can’t seem to shake your adrenaline bug, consider a serious course of study. Road Atlanta offers all the training and licensing you’ll need to become a professional racecar driver.
Road Atlanta
5300 Winder Hwy.
Braselton, GA 30517
770-967-6143
www.roadatlanta.com
Speed Racer
Famed racecar driver Mario Andretti and family offer you the gift of speed on a safe indoor track. Powered by Honda and reaching a speed of 38 mph (which is surprisingly much faster than you might imagine), your innovative kart will allow you to measure your speed and time with that of every other kart on the track. The Oval Course allows drivers to sprint for smooth distances, while the Road Course has tight corners, twists and turns. Cap off the night at the gaming center where you can revisit classic arcade games or interact with the latest technological toys. q
Andretti Indoor Karting
11000 Alpharetta Hwy.
Roswell, GA 30076
770-992-5688
www.andrettikarting.com
Coed Connections
A classier version of dinner and a movie, Fernbank’s Martinis & IMAX invites friends, singles and couples to mix and mingle beneath towering dinosaur skeletons. The live, romantic music and melodic vocals sound absolutely magnificent as they fill the spacious hall where guests nibble on caprese salads and gourmet pizzas. Specialty martinis and larger-than-life films are the main attraction. There’s no cover charge between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., after which it’s $5. Movie tickets are $10.
Martinis & IMAX
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
404-929-6400
www.fernbank.edu/museum
Let the talents of international artists, both musical and visual, entertain you as you get your culture fix in a most enjoyable way. Feast your eyes on breathtaking art exhibits with smooth jazz styling as your soundtrack. Tickets are $15 for individuals, or $10 per person for groups of 10 or more. Friday Jazz happens the third Friday of each month, giving you something to look forward to next time around.
Friday Jazz at the High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-733-4550
www.high.org
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