Drinks

Starr Hill Brewery first launched in Charlottesville, Virginia, fifteen years ago, and after winning hearts and minds throughout the Mid-Atlantic, its beer is headed west with launch events starting next week through April.

Aria’s general manager and wine director of six years, Andres Loaiza is the type of somm who puts you at ease. A gracious character with a wine-is-fun-let’s-try-this-bottle attitude, the man is an excellent guide for the uncertain. And for that reason, I sat down with Loaiza to learn a few tricks of his trade on how to choose wine with confidence.

What, exactly, is in a cocktail name? Bartenders can be both inspired to name their drinks, and flummoxed by the pressure of capturing its spirit. Names can either entice or detract guests from ordering, so the decision usually comes with considerable thought. I spoke with two barkeeps about their process.

Cocktail guru Paul Calvert is a man on the move. He was recently named Beverage Director at Victory Sandwich Bar—the Inman Park location as well as the forthcoming Victory in Decatur. Calvert made waves with the Sound Table’s bar program and went on to spice things up at Pura Vida.

For those of us with less experience or smaller (read: nonexistent) cellars, picking wines for Thanksgiving can present a serious challenge. With so many foods, preferences, potlucks, and people, what’s a host to do? Andrew Harris of Bacchanalia sat down with me to discuss etiquette, pairings, and what he’ll be drinking this Thanksgiving.

People’s Fest, this Saturday’s benefit for City of Refuge at Atlantic Station, combines four elements Atlantans love: live music, local chefs, food trucks and a good cause. Soul infused singers Marc Broussard, Sonia Leigh, Ben Deignan and Jameson Elder will supply the original tunes, The Optimist’s Ford Fry will curate the People’s food truck menu and City of Refuge will introduce Atlantans to its nonprofit supplying food, clothing, shelter and job training to those in need plus COR will be debuting the launch of the People’s Food Truck, a four-wheeled nonprofit fundraiser bringing “feel good food” to Atlanta’s food truck loving population.

Wine can be a simple pleasure on its own, but some bottles can also wear you down. They might need food to balance, say, an intense earthiness or a high alcohol content that practically melts your face off.

For those who celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way, it’s likely that extended family has been in town just long enough to start the onset of cabin fever. No worries—you’ve surely been a good sport, decking the halls and being jolly. Even so, everybody needs a break from the full force of festivities, even those lacking an ounce of bah-humbug. While the below is not a comprehensive round-up of city bars that will open the day after Christmas, this short list gives a few suggestions of where to enjoy a brew or cocktail with or without the in-laws and your favorite second cousin.

Named for the Natchez tribe of Indigenous Americans, Natchez is a perfect destination for foodies, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.