Southern Belle in ATL: Embracing ATL one cocktail at a time!

Sorry for the delay, folks! I’ve been SUPER busy exploring Atlanta and hosting some fabulous friends!

A few weekends back I thought it was necessary for ATL to get another taste of good ol’ Clinton, South Carolina, so Miss EmyKate came for a visit! She even brought along Hannah, a fellow South Carolinian (and a Gamecock fan).

First stop on our list was El Taco (http://www.eltaco-atlanta.com/) in Virginia Highlands, which is quickly becoming one of my fave spots in Atlanta! I suggest trying the fried chicken taco—you can’t go wrong with that!

On Saturday, we made our way to the Promised Land—aka a strip mall with a TJ Maxx, DSW, Nordstrom Rack, etc. Most of my friends will tell you that I struggle finding my way around Atlanta, but I have no problem navigating myself to any TJ Maxx within a 10-mile radius.

With some shopping under our belt, we headed to a new little hotspot, Aspen Bartini! (http://www.aspenbartini.com/)

Not only is this place so cozy you actually feel like you’re in Aspen, they have killer cocktails (at amazing prices) and the help isn’t bad either! ;)

Thanks for being a wonderful host, Michelle!

I munched on the Angus Sliders and enjoyed a classic mojito! Yum!

To cure our post-Saturday night blues, I took Emy and Hannah to Joy Café (http://www.joycafeatl.com/) —a quaint restaurant Taylor and I discovered my first month in Atlanta. Plus we saw Tony Gonzales there, so I knew we needed to go back!

Although there were no celeb sightings this trip, I was more than pleased with my gravy biscuits, and we got to try the most delicious cupcakes I’ve ever tasted, ON THE HOUSE!

The following week, I was in for a major treat, my very first NBA game. As previously mentioned, I am working hard to become a devout Atlanta sports fan so I decided to cheer on the Hawks as they dominated the Memphis Grizzlies.

Everyone knows that last week was Valentine’s Day, and despite the anti-Vday feelings from some people, I jump at the chance to celebrate any holiday!

After exchanging gifts, (I got a purse I picked out myself…and Taylor got that Upton jersey he’s been dying for), we headed to Decatur and the Iberian Pig (http://www.theiberianpigatl.com/index) for a delicious tapas dinner!

We started with a Valdeon—a delicious bleu cheese made with goat’s and cow’s milk. Our server told us this cheese won Best Bleu Cheese in the world—not sure how accurate that is, but it was tasty!

We chose three small plates—eggplant fries, manchego mac ‘n’ cheese and lamb ribs—all great choices!

And for dessert, espresso crème brulee!

With my post-holiday blues setting in, I decided a homemade brunch was just what I needed. Since moving to Atlanta and starting my full-time job, I am trying to cook more, for my bank account’s sake and just for experience!

I have tried numerous Pinterest-inspired recipes, but this one might just be the best!

Breakfast pizza—crescent roll dough, eggs, sausage and cheese—AH-mazing, and SO easy! Check out the full recipe here à http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/breakfast-pizza-10000000522124/

This past Saturday was an eventful night, as we attended a law school auction—we’re so grown up! We had a great time reliving our youth and celebrating grown-up perks like open bars! ;)