Quick Bites: Food News Roundup 11-8

Chris Veal
Photo credit: Jason Locklear
Rooftop bar Whiskey Blue's new Chris Veal mural awaits your Instagrams

Ready your pretzel necklaces, beer lovers. For a second year, Butcher & Brew Fest is back at Alpharetta’s historic downtown district. Hosted by gastropub Butcher & Brew, this Saturday’s (Nov. 10) event runs from 2-6 p.m. with live music, food, games, and of course, beer. 23 craft breweries from Atlanta and around the country will be pouring to benefit the Atlanta Humane Society. (Tickets)

The wait is over for delicious gyros in Midtown. Halal Guys’ second Atlanta location (95 8th. St.) holds its grand opening Friday, Nov. 16. Beginning at 11 a.m., line up for giveaways and live entertainment.

Cheers, Atlanta! More than 40 cities and counties voted to pass the “Brunch Bill.” Senate Bill 17 replaces Sunday alcohol sale start time of 12:30 p.m. with toasts beginning 11 a.m. We’ll be clinking glass at 11 on 11/11.

SweetWater Brewing Company has named a new chef for their new taproom kitchen. Chef Nick Anderson (City Winery) kicks off his first appearance with a special tap opening of this season’s Second Helping IPA on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the brewery. Giving Kitchen founder and inspiration Ryan Hidinger created the Second Helping IPA with help from SweetWater brewers . 100 percent of ticket sales benefit the Giving Kitchen and include a brisket sandwich, pint of your choosing, and a growler to go of Second helping IPA.

Mark your calendars for another holiday bar takeover. Mele Kalikimaka vibes will be flowing as Decatur’s S.O.S. Tiki Bar transforms into full-on Hawaiian Christmas beginning Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m.

Raise a plastic collector’s cup to the Krog Street Market Ticonderoga Club. The guys and gals celebrate their 3rd anniversary with Creature Comforts Brewing Co. beer takeover, a menu of Division wines, and remixes of special cups from some of the bar world’s best who have guest bartended. Cheers, fam!

Miller Union is also celebrating this weekend. Join them Saturday for lunch to celebrate nine wonderful Westside years with specials and a complimentary sparkling cocktail.

Congratulations and thanks for feeding us bacon for a decade! Chef and butcher Rusty Bowers is celebrating 10 years since he began production with Pine Street Market. At the end of this month, he and partners Riverview Farms will open Chop Shop at 1366 Memorial Drive. For updates follow chopshopatl.com.

We’ve got a special screening for oenophiles. Somm 3 chose Atlanta (well, Sandy Springs) for an early screening on Monday, Nov. 19 at Springs Cinema and Taphouse (5920 Roswell Road). A champagne toast begins at 7 p.m., followed by screening and Q&A with Master Sommelier Jay James and Brandon Wise, an artist for the film and the brother of its director.

Fend off winter curves this Saturday when Franklin Citrus Farm returns with Georgia grown satsumas. Chef Julia LeRoy is taking over the restaurant pop-up stand. 

Missing the “I miss Buckhead” mural on Ponce like we are? Check out the new digs at the Buckhead W. Rooftop bar Whiskey Blue has undergone a complete renovation, complete with a 66-foot mural by artist Chris Veal. We can’t wait to see your Instagrams. 

To honor veterans, businesses across Atlanta are offering specials in celebration of Veteran’s Day on Sunday, Nov. 11. Veterans (with military or first responder ID) receive six free wings at Taco Mac with purchase of a beverage. On Monday, Nov. 12,  4 Rivers Smokehouse salutes veterans with a free sandwich (with military or first responder ID). Willy’s Mexican Grill (except airport location) offers 10 percent off during the month of November (with Military ID or uniform).