Night and Day

 At the NPRDucati party on Saturday I met a man with whom I shared a friend. We were talking about the way we danced at shows with her. We involuntarily started dancing like her, and we danced wildly for a few moments... until a lovely awkward moment when a passerby caught us rocking to imaginary music. I love shit like that :)  Athens has so many people with whom I share a kindred spirit. I am excited to find others between here and the far coast.

 Last night I sound myself in downtown after the dinner rush and before the zombies arrive to party. It had rained all day and downtown was fresh and clean.  I could even smell the fresh air from the trees on Clayton. I will be sad to see them go. I needed to grab some food before heading back to campus to study. My go-to for healthy food on the go, Barbaritos was closed. Pita pit was closed... Downtown was mostly deserted, so I really couldnt blame them for closing early.  I had settled on eating another protein bar when I happened by NONA and saw a young man (dressed like he just got off work from said restaurant) smoking a cigarette and otherwise looking handsome. Knowing that cooks generally know how to eat, I asked him for direction to his healthy food choice. Patrick pointed me to Speakeasy one doorway down on Broad.

 Speakeasy is great for a date night or a small gathering of close friends. However, it gets really loud, so I prefer other restaurants for 4 or more people. The food encourages sharing, with mostly tapa style food. You would think that this wouldnt be enough food, but I've never left Speakeasy hungry. Try the coconut shrimp and the fried asparagus.... and the fondue. Oh the fondue, definitly the chocolate fondue. Last night I got the veggie plate to go. The collards and blackeyed peas were delicious. They even threw in some really good cornbread for me :)

 Tomorrow night (Wednesday at 7pm) is Rabbitbox, storytelling for adults. If you havent given it a chance, you should try it this month. I heard last month they had over 200 people show up to listen. This month's show is at Sandy Creek Nature Center. The theme of this one, "Out On A Limb" hints at some interesting stories already. I will see you there.

Lastly, this weekend Canopy Studio has a show. They teach "flying aireal dance trapeze" students :)  I'm really looking forward to it!

Talk to you soon
~Amanda Terranova

Useful info:
Address for Rabbitbox location this month: Sandy Creek
400 Bob Holeman Rd, Athens, GA 30607

my mild obsession with Catch-22 and WWP

It only took 10k miles!!! 

 Whelp, my license plate fell off today. The metal plate literally tore off the screws. I guess it got whacked with one too many gravel rocks. I'll try to snag a picture in the daylight hours and add it. I'm starting to see the benefits of riding with a friend...ly person ;) If I didn't have someone behind me, my plate would be on a lone backroad. (Thanks again Handsome!) It was beautiful riding weather, so a friend and I rode out through southern Oconee County, past the Iron Horse, visited Elder Mill Bridge, then back to Athens the long way. I'm so glad its spring!

 I was introduced to Catch-22 Gastropub last week. Then I ate there three days in a row. The weather was cold and nasty; And their tomato basil soup hits every perfect spot for that weather. A waitress suggested I try a little goat cheese on top and I'm looking forward to trying it. They had a huge selection of beer, with lots of seasonal rotations. I obviously recommend the soup and grilled cheese. But if you like spicy food- please get the Braised Beef Ramen Noodles and throw in all the hot sauce. (A challenge for you: I finished the whole bowl. All of it.)

 I get to announce that I will be raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project on my ride to California. Both of my parents were in the military, and many of my friends currently serve or have served. I asked some of them to recommend charities to me, and of those WWP the one that I felt does the most good.  The Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans with visible, mental and emotional wounds. They equip veterans with tools needed to transition back to civilian life. The Project helps veterans with physical injuries resume active lifestyles. They grant financial assistance, and arrange job opportunities. I am really
looking forward to this partnership.

My niece came over and insisted
insisted on putting her boots
next to mine.

 I am starting to plan a kick off party for the fundraiser the night before we leave. A lot more details to follow.

~Amanda Terranova

PS Thank you to whomever left the radiant flowers on my front step. Why no note...?

More links:
Catch-22 Gastropub
Wounded Warrior Project

Festival and Fun Run

Slingshot Festival  returns to Athens this weekend. The second year of the festival brings us music, comedy, art, and even a hackathon. A wristband ($20/$25) will get you admission to nearly every music venue in Athens (Little Kings, New Earth, Max Canada, 40 Watt, Caledonia, Green Room, and on.. and on) During the festival, Cine and Morton Theater will have art and tech exhibits, and comedians. Also of note, Creature Comforts, the much anticipated downtown brewery, finally opened to the public with a Slingshot event last night. 

GA Botanical Gardens is hosting a 5k to raise funds for the Small Dreams Foundation. The program raises awareness and encourages people towards sustainability and be aware of global and environmental consequences of actions.  And since this aligns with my personal beliefs, I thought I'd throw it at you. 

 Lastly, I want to share a family event. Saturday morning the UGA Percussion Ensemble is hosting an event for kids age 4 to 12. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Center, the "Club Concert" is designed to teach kids about making music. I'm going to make, er... ask my sister to take her kids ;)

Though this is a very busy weekend for me, I will carve out some time to visit Morton for a few speakers, Hendershotts for Cicada Rhythm. I really wanted to congratulate Adam and Katie at Creature Comforts, but I will have to do that another time. I may try to get off work on Saturday to enjoy the sunshine and blooming gardens at GA Bot Garden or take my nieces and nephews to the club concert.

Oh! Before I forget! If you dont have plans tonight-- St. Paul and the Broken Bones is playing tonight at the Theatre and I HIGHLY recommend you make an effort to see them.  

Enjoy your weekend and let me know in the comments below of upcoming events!

~Amanda Terranova

More information: 

Slingshot Festival calendar of events

Creature Comforts Event

GA Botanical Garden Events 

About the Small Dreams Foundation

UGA Percussion Club Concert Event

If you use google calendars, add my Athens Culture Calendar! 

Donderos Kitchen at Georgia Botanical Gardens

Dondero's Kitchen

 The State of Georgia Botanical Gardens is a special place.  No matter the weather, the cafe in the greenhouse is a warm, sunshiny place to daydream, or pass a lunch hour leisurely. Most of the year, short walks will take you around fragrant, bright, buzzing gardens, full of curious life, much of it native plants.

Downstairs in the greenhouse

 Walking into the greenhouse, you see a small cafe with coffee and sandwiches. The cafe is an outpost of Dondero's Kitchen. Of the limited delicious options, I recommend the pimento cheese and kale salad. You can also order hot hea and coffee. The cafe is the perfect for both solo or date lunches, regardless if you're meeting your sister, coworker, or lover to meet for a midday siesta. The greenhouse bubbles with life. The walk downstairs will take you past fountains, the heavenly smelling blooming orchids and other interesting flora.

 If you have a curious  personality, make sure you visit the gift shop and inquire about upcoming classes. And look around cause the shop has some cool stuff. Last time I browsed, I picked up several fascinating books. Something for my library and a few to help fill my nieces' and nephews' inquisitive minds. Maybe next time I will splurge on some locally made jewelry or a new plant!
~AT


More information:
State of Georgia Botanical Gardens
Directions to greenhouse/cafe/gift shop

As always, please comment below or contact me with suggestions!

The Melting Point

   Today I'm giving you the scoop on the Melting Point, one of my favorite music venues in Athens. I love all things OLD. This building itself was built in the 1850's as a blacksmith's foundry, and part of the original building remains today. The interior of this venue is quite stunning. The exposed brick and the layout makes the venue an intimate atmosphere for both entertainer and.... erm, entertained ;)

   I heard through the grapevine that new owners took over in January 2014. Luckily, they kept some of the staff. MP's sound guy often get compliments from band members. And I really like the regular bartenders (Ask for Fernando; he is everything a good bartender should be, and Debbie is awesome as well!).

   There is live music most every night at Melting Point, and often the cover is $5 or free. Of course, check their website for costs and showbills. Frequent bookings that I recommend:
         -Rabbitbox, storytelling for adults
         -The Hoot, Americana style music
         -Fester Haygood's Confessionals, a musical organizer who usually puts on a good show and not all are at MP.
         -Terrapin Tuesdays

   Browsing the (new) menu they serve salads, burgers, sandwiches and seafood. Also new, a build your own fry basket with lots of tasty options!  Honestly, I personally preferred their older menu style, which changed periodically, but offered more healthy options. In my opinion, the new owner's menu is a bit heavy on the fried food.

  Parking can be a bit of a hassle sometimes. MP shares parking with The Foundry Inn and Spa, and sometime the hotel guests use up all the available parking before shows start. On busy nights, MP staffs the parking lot, and he will tell you where you can find parking.

  Lastly, I want to highlight The Melting Point's patio. It's built between the private galleria and the main stage and bar. On summer nights when the air gets so heavy it stops circulating, the staff opens the huge doors dividing the stage and patio. Letting the music out into the world, and soft breezes into the stage area, it encourages frolicking and dancing :)  No matter what kind of music is being played, these are my favorite nights at Melting Point.

As always, please leave a comment if I left out anything or you want to share your experience with my readers!

~Amanda Terranova

Useful Links:
Melting Point Website
Melting Point Calendar
Directions

The Grit

 Firstly, The Grit menu is completely vegetarian. And man, they do vegetarian food well. They are nationally recognized for their menu. One of my closest friends, another native Athenian, told me that it opened over TWO DECADES ago!  The Grit is located just outside of downtown on Prince Ave, near Avid Bookshop and Model Citizen.

The place is always busy, but I've never waited longer than twenty minutes for a table, often seated right away, lunch and dinner. The waiters tend towards hipster (its an effing vegetarian restaurant, what do you expect?) but rarely come off as stuffy. They're friendly and helpful. Also, the restaurant closes between 3pm and 5pm...which has been frustrating, but understandable.

Now, the food. When you go, order something off the specials menu. Mostly the specials are sides and soups, with some bean burgers, lasagnas, etc. Veggies are always fresh and one of the waiters told me the bread is made in house. Ask your waiter to point out what is particularly delicious of the specials.

This brings me to my favorite thing on the menu: the Grilled Cheese Smelt, add both spinach and tomato. The bread melts in your mouth and leaves hints of garlic...? Mmm. And get extra of the honey mustard on the side. Yum :) 

The Golden Bowl is very popular. I've ordered it before, (and some of my friends too...) and I've never been that impressed with it. If you are a dessert person, The Grit was voted runner up this year in Flagpole's Favorites for desserts. (btw The Grit also won Best Vegetarian restaurant!)

The Grit has a modest selection of beer and wine.

Disagree with my opinion or want to share your experience?  Please leave a comment below to share with the community.

~Amanda

The Grit Website

Check out The Grit on Facebook

You can buy their cookbook here.

The Tree That Owns Itself

   The white oak owns itself and 8 feet of land in every direction, you can find it at the corner of Finley and Dearing streets. Legend says that the original tree was deeded to itself by a Col. William Jackson in his will. The deed for the property has long since been lost, if it ever existed, and I have been told that Athens Municipality takes care of the tree (Thanks guys! Seriously. I should bake you something.)  In 1946, the original tree became diseased and was replaced by a seedling grown from an acorn off the original tree, and is sometimes referred to as "The Son of the Tree That Owns Itself."

 Pack a picnic (or at least some good cheese, crackers and wine) and go hang out under the tree for an hour or so. Your time will be well spent. Hopefully, the shade of this unique tree will change your perspective a little :)

   I first learned of the Tree That Owns Itself in elementary school. A local teacher wrote a collection of short stories under the same title. I have spent many afternoons under this tree. Its one of my quiet thinking spots. My fascination with this white oak really started to build as a young adult. I was lost. I had just quit college and was in a relationship where I had very few freedoms. At the time I struggled with why I let myself, an intelligent and capable woman, be suffocated by this man and my failures at university. The contrast between myself and the tree captivated me. And to this day, I try to live in a place where I own myself, as this cherished tree does.




Read More on The tree that Owns Itself

The Tree That Owns Itself by Loretta Johnson Hammer

Five Points Bottle Shop (for wine, ask Svetlana find the perfect wine for your picnic. She really knows what she's doing)