Sunday, December 02, 2007
Quick, In the Know
Spreading the holiday cheer
I’d love to say the holidays drum
up visions of sugarplum fairies dancing around my head...
STATS
CREDIT: Courtesy of STATSBy Caren West
While I’d love to say the holidays drum up visions of sugarplum fairies dancing around my head and that, each Christmas, I look forward to the annual Jingle Bells sing-along-athon with my family, that’s far from the truth. Far like“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.”
Sure, I could whine and blame my psychosis with the holidays on the fact my mother knocked down our Christmas tree every year, but I actually thought it was pretty funny and considered it an annual tradition before my parents got divorced. I could also point fingers at my father for threatening to leave my brother and me in the Bronx if we were bad during our annual holiday trip to New York, but I knew he would never really leave us. If he did, I was confident I would find my way to Manhattan, where all the action was anyway.
Without one identifiable reason, each year, the holidays are always nothing but stress-tastic for me. With the impending doom of trying to once again achieve a Hallmark holiday, I have decided do whatever it takes to bust through the stress. My plan of attack? Focus on positive things. You know, like presents (giving and receiving), food, parties and libations, find ways to distract myself, and use any and all tactics to pure avoid uncomfortable moments.
The stress, along with my mother, arrived just in time for Thanksgiving, and my mission began. I was on the hunt for happy, so I headed to Il Localino in Inman Park. If you’re in the mood for being welcomed like family, this cozy neighborhood trattoria is the spot. The food, some of the best Italian fare in Atlanta, is only matched by the unique experience. There’s something to be said for dining in a restaurant full of people wearing kitschy hats as Abba’s “Dancing Queen” blares over the stereo. My mother sported a Viking hat, my friend a Panama Jack straw hat, and I went for a sailor look.
I learned at an early age that watching sports is an ideal way to spend time with the family. If a conversation gets heated or Uncle Stewie hits his Budweiser limit for the day, simply pretend to be completely entrenched in the game. I suggest checking out the newly opened sports-themed restaurant STATS for practice. Another culinary gem from Concentrics Hospitality, the spacious multilevel joint has 70 high-def TVs, five bars, “beer tables” where you can actually pour your own beer, and, on select game days and during special remote broadcasts, Atlanta’s own Sports Radio 790 The Zone will be broadcasting live. Distraction and avoidance central. Bonus: The food, American-comfort food with a twist, is remarkably delicious. Try the Stacked Spicy Grilled Cheese Wedge and Tomato Bisque Dip.
If you need an excuse to hit the sauce, head to Ecco in Midtown to try mix-master Seth Schiendeldecker’s signature concoction, “Long Live The Queen” before its too late. Schiendeldecker was recently named Atlanta’s Most Inspired Bartender of 2007 by Bombay Sapphire gin thanks to his creation, which will be available for a limited time and features elderflower syrup, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, peach bitters, mint leaves and Bombay Sapphire gin. Just don’t try to say “Schiendeldecker” three times in a row fast after trying one of these bad boys.
Shopping is also a prime opportunity to dream, distract and get a little exercise. Angela Page, an acclaimed Atlanta-based interior designer, just opened Le Creatif Designs in the Old Fourth Ward. The 2000-square-foot design gallery features a collection of modern furniture, lightening and plenty of gifts for the home during the holidays. My pick: Paddywax handpoured and delightfully scented candles. Gretchen Hollingsworth and David Duncan, the duo behind the artisan candle company, live right here in Atlanta.
If you simply need a good laugh to take your mind off of holiday to-dos , head to Spinner.com and check out its Outrageous Riders to find out what celebs demand before they hit the stage. Also, take a look at Spinner’s picks for the 20 Worst Band Photos. Happy holiday stress-busting! SP
When not attending Atlanta’s hottest parties, tracking down celebs or shopping for shoes, Caren West runs her own PR firm. E-mail her at carenwest@sundaypaper.com.