Love Songs and Aphrodisiacs Valentine's Menu at Briza

Briza is tempting lovebirds with a specially-crafted, seven course prix fixe menu that is inspired by some of Executive Chef Janine Falvo’s favorite love songs – complete with bubbly and cocktail pairings, if you’re looking to take things to the next level, so to speak.

And no romantic evening is complete without long-time favorite, “Let’s Get it On” … but we’re turning up the heat with the plated version: salted smoked chocolate and burnt marshmallow, paired with housemade cream soda. 

The entire menu is laden with aphrodisiacs for you and yours to enjoy … you’re welcome.

That’s just a nibble to tempt you with the festive menu (found in full on the Briza website).  The Valentine’s Day themed menu is available February 11 - 14 in addition to the regular Briza menu.

“Love Songs and Aphrodisiacs” Tasting menu: $69 per person
Cocktail and Bubbles pairing: $39 per person (optional)

Call 678-412-2402 or visit www.brizarestaurant.com to make reservations.

Looking to make it an extended, romantic celebration?  Neighboring Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel is offering this ‘sweet’ deal:

“The Discover Romance Package,” available February 9 – February 15 and includes:

• Overnight accommodations in a deluxe guest room

• Chilled bottle of champagne

• Sweet Treat: i.e., cupcakes, locally crafted chocolates

• Breakfast for two at Briza

• Late Check Out if available

**Minimum one night stay required

Midtown Review: Briza

Last night I ventured over to Briza, a new restaurant in Midtown that I have been wanting to try for a while. Now I'll be honest, I am normally not the "fancy schmancy" diner. But every once in a while, I like to treat myself  (and my mom in this case) and try out a delicately prepared meal that is well worth every penny. Briza will now be my go-to place for these exquisite meals. We tasted a bunch of their fabulous dishes and even though all of them were mouth-watering delicious (see pictures below), I specifically fell in love with one. Before I spill the beans on which dish it was, I'll give you a little background story.... I hate fish.
 I never have really enjoyed eating any fish dish. Maybe I am just not a fan or maybe I have never been anywhere where it has been prepared to perfection, but when I look at a menu at a restaurant I can promise you my eyes quickly move over the fish dish and it is never considered. Last night I received the tasting menu and the first thing I said to my mom was "everything looks amazing, except the halibut... guess you will be eating my dish as well as yours on that one." Of course my moms normal response was "just give it a try, you never know." After some amazing starter dishes, the halibut finally came into my presence. The smell of the fresh corn and taragon was first of all overwhelming and already gave me a little "mental" tease of what this dish may taste like. The following events all transpired very quickly because before I knew it there wasn't any halibut left on my plate. What just happened? My mom stared in disbelief as I pretty much inhaled this dish. It was the most crave-able dish that I have had in a long time. Seriously... it was so amazing and cooked to perfection that my mouth is watering right now (at 8:30am) for it. Who knew I would ever be craving halibut, even for breakfast! Embarrassingly, I even waved goodbye to my empty plate (with a sad face) and told it I would be back for more. It was that good. 
The rest of the meal was nothing short of exceptional and exceeded my expectations. 

Cucumber Compressed Melon Salad

Mozzarella egg, heirloom tomatoes, bacon

Alaskan Halibut, corn, chanterelles, tarragon, corn nage

Duck confit roll, foie gras, peach marmalade

Veal sweetbread parmesan, basil, garlic chips

Lamb, grilled ratatouille, olive pistou, red pepper custard

Old fashioned donut, bacon powder, chocolate, coffee ice cream

The actual meal portions are a lot larger so don't be fooled by the pictures. We only tasted these items so the servings were a lot smaller. If you check out Briza (which I highly suggest) please let me know what you think, even though I am sure I already know what you will say!


Briza
866 West Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308

Renaissance Hotels’ Presents Roc Nation’s ‘Rock & Roller’ Hugo At Briza

WHO:                    Hugo

WHAT:                  On Thursday May 19, 2011, Renaissance Hotels will be hosting an exclusive and intimate performance by ‘gangta-rocker’ Hugo, whose debut album Old Tyme Religion was recently released on May 10^th, featuring hit singles “99 Problems” and “Bread & Butter.”  Distinguishing himself in a world filled with hip-hop, Hugo’s new album combines inspiration from his travels all over the world with his admiration for the blues and post-1977 pop sounds. Fresh on the music scene, Hugo’s music breathes an aura of late night heat and mystery combined with provocative lyrics and an unconventional tune  Prior to the release of his album, Hugo’s work has lent him to successful collaborations with the likes of Beyoncé, leading to a deal with JAY Z’s Roc Nation.


Join me at Briza for live music with Hugo starting at 10… plus Executive Chef Janine Falvo is offering a $40 tasting menu starting at 8! Guests can reserve their spot between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. for the special tasting menu and "HUGOtini" cocktail by calling 678-412-2402.  Briza is also giving away a $50 gift certificate to the person who posts the best picture from the event on their Facebook page.

WHEN:                  DATE: Thursday, May 19, 2011

                                TIME: 8 PM – 10 PM  Dinner Special  

                                       10 PM  - 11 PM  Performance

                                       Reservations required for dinner

                               

WHERE                 Briza

                             Located adjacent to the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel

                                866 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

                             Phone: 678 214-2402

                             www.renaissanceatlantamidtown.com

(via Melissa Libby PR)

Midtown Restaurants Offer Brunch Buffets and Special Menus for Mother’s Day

Old picture of my mom and I at Auburn, Love her so much :)

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY WITH DELICIOUS MEALS THAT WILL MAKE MOM SMILE

The Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel is celebrating moms with a Mother’s Day Pancake Play Date in the Briza kitchen this Mother’s Day.  This special event gives children the chance to don a chef’s hat, grab a whisk and get their hands dirty making a custom creation on the griddle for mom.  Briza Executive Chef Janine Falvo and her team will help the kids master their technique, and a bounty of both healthy and indulgent ingredients will be on-hand to inspire creativity.  Children will get the chance to make and decorate buttermilk and red velvet heart-shaped pancakes just for mom.  This special event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is priced at $45 for adults and $25 for children ages 13 and under.  This includes an inspired three-course brunch menu, as well as an opportunity for Moms to relax as their kids create their own culinary masterpieces.  Reservations can be made by 678-412-2402.  Briza is located at 866 West Peachtree Street, NW. www.brizarestaurant.com (via Melissa Libby PR)

JCT. Kitchen and Bar salutes moms with its Sunday Supper for $36 per person from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mother’s Day.  Owner and Executive Chef Ford Fry’s special menu starts with a selection of warm biscuits, house made jams, deviled eggs and country ham.  The next course features the “farm stand” salad and is followed by the “meat & three” portion of the menu where guests can select one meat entrée and three savory sides.  The meal ends on a sweet note with a slice of JCT.’s GA Strawberry Cake.  JCT. Kitchen & Bar is located at 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18; 404-355-2252.  www.jctkitchen.com. (via Melissa Libby PR)

Both locations of South City Kitchen are celebrating Mother’s Day with a brunch menu full of Southern favorites.  The three-course meal is priced at $25 for adults and $12.50 for children under the age of 12 (plus tax and gratuity).  South City Kitchen Vinings is located at 1675 Cumberland Parkway (770-435-0700) and South City Kitchen Midtown (404-873-7358) is located at 1144 Crescent Avenue.  Mother’s Day brunch is available at both locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  www.fifthgroup.com (via Melissa Libby PR)

Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food is making Mother’s Day really special this year with the Plato de Madre ($27.95), a delicious dish that includes a mesquite grilled medallion of salmon served over tequila cream sauce alongside crab-stuffed shrimp and Uncle Julio’s homemade rice.  This mouthwatering meal is available on Mother’s Day only.  Uncle Julio’s has two Atlanta-area locations.  Buckhead: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767.  Sandy Springs: 1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100; 678-736-8260.  For more information, visit www.unclejulios.com. (via Melissa Libby PR)


Straits Restaurant - From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. enjoy the Mother's Day Special Sunday Brunch for only $24.99. Your mom can dine on Straits Imperial Scramble, Shrimp, Chicken and Steak. Don't forget the Southern Style Cheesy Grits.
793 Juniper Street Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.877.1283


Dogwood Restaurant - Thank your mom for always being there with The Dogwood Logan Grits Bar, which includes: Pulled Pork BBQ & Sweet Pepper Chow Chow, Pimento Cheese and Beer Battered Fish & Malt Vinegar Gastrique. The Buttered Royal Red Shrimp is a great entree to show her that you love her.
565 Peachtree Street Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.835.1410


La Tavola - Mother's Day Brunch from 10am - 3pm - see menu here.


Ecco - Mother's Day Brunch 11am-2pm. - see menu here

Mary Mac's Tea Room - Come join us at Mary Mac's this Mother's Day. Click here to see our special Mother's Day menu, and our Mary Mac's Tea Room Cookbook makes a great gift". Make your reservations now by calling (404) 876-1800.