Posts Tagged ‘Atlanta’

ATL Eats: @866Kitchen Whips Up Creole Cuisines For ATLiens!

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012

There’s a fantastic new eatery in the heart of east Atlanta that I have to put you all onto. 866 Creole Kitchen featuring Quim’s Lounge, located at 886 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Atlanta, GA, is a creole inspired establishment minutes from such prestigious colleges like Morehouse and Spellman.

866 Creole Kitchen specializes in southern cuisines with a New Orleans/Louisianan flare. From Crawfish Étouffée, to a variety of family recipes passed down from generation to generation. If rich favorable cuisines, with a an amazing spice is what you crave, then this place is definitely your spot.

Per 866 Creole Facebook page:

Creole cooking is city cooking: refined, delicate and luxurious, developed and originally prepared by servants. There is greater emphasis on cream, butter, seafood (though not shellfish), tomatoes, herbs, and garlic, and less use of cayenne pepper and file powder than in Cajun cooking, resulting in rich sauces, elegant pureed bisques, and time-intensive soups, brunch dishes, and desserts.

 

Doesn’t that look good.

Yum..

There’s far more menu items to enjoy. Make it your business to stop by and check out this black owned business sooner than later.

www.886creolekitchen.com

twitter @886kitchen

fb/886CreoleKitchen

Popularity: 1% [?]

Plug Into The Scene: @Ludacris #LudaDaWeekend Schedule 2012!

Monday, August 20th, 2012

Atlanta’s self-proclaimed “entrepanegro,” Ludacris kicks off the 7th Annual Luda Day Weekend with an impressive line-up For the past 6 years, I have been consistently bringing you all a birds-eye view into exclusive events. From the private VIP celebrity dinner, to the ultra lavish pool party, Luda, Ebony Son Management, and his DTP team have proven year after year that, not only do the know how to party, but they also know how to push the envelope each and every year keeping L.D.W. fresh and new.

In addition to the above mentioned causes, LudaDay Weekend has also partnered with the local organization,  Charles McCree Presents: Project Walk A Mile In My Shoes, to collect donations of new and slightly used shoes and sneakers to be collected at the Ludacris (Team Luda) vs. Kevin Hart (Team Hart) Celebrity Basketball Game on Sunday, September 2nd, at Morehouse Forbes Arena. The collected shoes will be donated to the following Atlanta-based organizations; Hosea Feed The Hungry, ENBA CAMP & YouthTakeBack, and My Sister’s House women’s shelter for abused women. Since its inception in 2008, Project Walk A Mile in My Shoes has collected over 7,000 pairs of shoes for several organizations including The Boys & Girls Club, It’s Cool To Be Smart, My Sister’s House and Hosea Feed the Hungry . For more information on Project Walk A Mile In My Shoes visit http://projectwalkamileinmyshoes.tumblr.com

Thanks to Branded PR for sending me over the schedule of events. As always I plan to be out and about to bring you all the imagery, and file an official report here on BET of all the happenings. Take sometime to plot your Labor Day weekend with the schedule I have for you below. Major shouts to the amazing people at Zaxby’s 2080 Lower Roswell Road. I hear they’re will be a whole lot of Zaxby’s eating going on.

The 7th Annual LudaDay Weekend Event Schedul:

Thursday, August 30th | Welcome to Atlanta Dinner | Private Location

Friday, August 31st | Luda Salutes the DJ & Media Appreciation | Private Location

Saturday, September 1st | Luda & Friends College Campus Takeover | 2PM-6PM| Clark Atlanta University Universaity Student Center Fair Street Atlanta, GA 30314

Special Thank you to Zaxby’s (75N Exit 263) for sponsoring the CAU Block Party & Pool Party

LudaDay Party | 3PM-Until | Frank Ski’s 2110 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA

Sunday, September 2nd | Ludacris (Team Luda) vs. Kevin Hart (Team Hart) Celebrity Basketball Game | Tip-off at 4PM| Morehouse College Forbes Arena 833 Fair St. Atlanta, GA 30314

Monday, September 3rd | Splash Waterfalls 2012 The World Famous Private Mansion Pool Party | Private Location

Join the conversation on Twitter by following @RealDTPRecords & @Ludacris using the hashtag #LudaDayWeekend

If you’ve never been you need to get on it. Luda Day Weekend is where its at.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Honorable Mention: @JarvisTheArtist Goes From A Boy To Man w/ New Promo Shots + Asks The Ladies To “Make A Little Room”

Sunday, July 15th, 2012

For years everybody in ATL has become all too familiar with recording artist Jarvis. From Jive to So So Def to DTP, the R&B crooner has most certainly tried his hand at various styles of music, but never really touched his own personal style. His once trademarked braids, which used the make the ladies swoon, became a novelty. And his attire, though appropriate street-wear, never really jelled with his soulful and oftentimes female aimed lyrics.

However fast-forward to today and Jarvis seems to have gotten the memo in a very big way. His new look debuted last night on the worldwide web to a flurry of praise from his female fans. And with a new look — and even better new sound-Jarvis, who hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma seems ready to kick everything into high gear. Including his new single “Make A Little Room”. We here at Gyantunplugged.com, put you onto “Make….” back in May, but we didn’t have the visuals above to accompany the post.

The uptempo track, which has gotten tons of love online from the likes of Bossip, Singersroom, Vibe, BET and more, is the first single from his highly-anticipated new mixtape, “”Heartache” hosted by DJ Scream.

It’s clear his handlers are finally grasping where Jarvis has to be as an artist to truly garner the attention that is long overdue. And what a way to set the standards to the young generation that being clean cut doesn’t mean you have to be corny or uptight. You can still be very fly.

Kudos to Jarvis and team. While I am sure that I am a tad late on the new single, better late than never, right? Now if we only start to give the boy some protein shakes to bulk him up a bit. But one step at a time.

Popularity: 1% [?]

ATL Eats: Zaxbys Promotes New RoadHouse Zalad and Birthday Cake Milkshake For Summer!

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

You guys know Zaxby’s is one of my most favorite places to eat in the city. So when John Silvey from Zaxbys2080, sent me over some new promotional materials on some brand new items I knew i had to put you all onto it. While I am on my health quest for my 33rd birthday, their incredible Roadhouse Zalad is the perfect health choice for me. However those with a sweet tooth is probably going to gravitate to the ultra rich Birthday cake milkshake. And if it’s your birthday you get a milkshake on the house.

Per John,

Gyant,

I have attached the pics for the new promotions and also a description of each. These are both items that our guests have had an out pour of requests to have back! Lee Ann Womack is the celebrity doing our commercials this time around. Both of these are here for a Limited Time Only!


Birthday Cake Milkshake

The creamy flavor of cake batter blended with festive sprinkles into a delicious frozen treat complete with chocolate whipped topping.

At our location ONLY, we are offering a FREE Birthday Cake Milkshake (no substitutions) for anyone who can prove their birthday is in July. Just come in and show your ID on your birthday (no other day allowed) and receive a FREE Birthday Cake Milkshake!

Roadhouse Zalad

The Roadhouse Zalad has slow-roasted flavor with a Southwestern grilled chicken breast, a savory blend of fire-roasted corn, black beans and sweet peppers, crispy potato sticks and cheddar and jack cheeses served on fresh greens and complimented with our signature Roadhouse dressing.

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

ATL Blog: @DJ_Tephlon Drops New Mixtape “The Other Guys 2″ w/ DJ Ace! [Download]

Monday, June 25th, 2012

Budding DJ Superstar, and exclusive DJ to Club Mansion Elan is back with a brand new mixtape. Joining forces with DJ Ace, Tephlon is bringing his impressive DJ skills to today’s hottest songs the only way he can.  FYM, along with MCM and Iamdjace.com present “The Other Guy 2″

I don’t have a tracklisting for you guys this time. But if you wanna checkout yet another hot mixtape from Tephlon check the link below.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/9ltzwh

Popularity: 1% [?]

Former Reality TV Star Blasts “Real Housewives” & “Love & Hip-Hop” For Portraying Atlanta In A Negative Way!

Friday, June 22nd, 2012

As many of you know I do not watch reality TV. What once used to be my most favorite genre of entertainment, I now cringe with embarrassment. From “Dance Moms,” to “Basketball Wives” its all gotten so seedy and depressing to watch grown people acting outlandish — and oftentimes unbelievably immature for the likes of the camera.

However when it comes to Atlanta reality shows, my disgust get increased by about a one-thousand. Being a Atlanta resident for almost 10 years now, the portrayal of Atlantans on ATL reality shows are nowhere near accurate. And knowing that discourages me from giving light, or being in the presence of people on these shows.

But it seems my disgust is shared commonly amongst other ATL residents, particularly one Mrs. Kelly Smith Beaty. The Spellman graduate garnered an amazing look via Huffington Post this week discussing her issues with ATL reality shows — and how their negative portrayal echoes a falsity about this great city.

Though, Beaty never mentions “Love and Hip-Hop ATL” or “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” it’s becomes very clear that she’s aiming her gripe directly at these types of shows.

Per AJC:

“How is it that a city which was once the crowning jewel in the story of black America has allowed itself to be positioned as the melting pot of black affliction? The Atlanta that I knew and grew up in was one of great pride and self-respect. Our achievements were known across the globe, as people from far and wide would often respond, ‘Wow, I hear that black people are really doing their thing down there,’ when I would tell them I’m from Atlanta. Today that assertion is often met with, ‘Yoooo….I hear Atlanta’s got them bangin’ strip clubs.’…Really?!?”

Time after time, executive producers from L.A. and New York, where I currently reside- bring their camera crews and A/V techs into our city to create what inevitably amounts to the Jerry Springer equivalent of the franchise’s northern counterparts. A series that historically featured the diamond encrusted lives of wealthy spouses debuted an Atlanta version of the series where the wealth was elusive and spouses were no longer a requirement. More recently, a show about popular entertainers and the women who love them premiered an Atlanta-based installment where the term popular was subjective and women suggested that other women should be put “on the track,” a prostitution reference that is particularly damaging for a city that is already noted for being one of the largest hubs for child sex trafficking in the world. To put it mildly I was offended. To state I plainly, I was aghast.

While I try not to judge people too harshly who watch such shows that reflect such depravity, I think people need to realize that it’s more than entertainment. Contributing to these type of shows — by of viewership- sends a far negative signal to the masses than even the cast-members. Be very careful on what you support.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Plug Into The Scene: Red Restaurant, Along w/ Ciroc Opens At Phillips Arena!

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

I’ve been hearing about Ciroc’s new restaurant and bar area at the Phillips arena. Brand Ambassador Marc Bolden has been hard at work spreading awareness of the relatively new liquor that sweeping the nation. Rumor has it Ciroc is at nearly 2 million bottles sold, which in the game of spirits is VERY good.

While I haven’t yet had the chance to check out the venue, I’m hearing nothing but great things. ATL Bite life’s blog has in fact checked out the new facility and had this to say:

“..This approximately 10,000 sq ft space that seats about 250 people sits between the 203 and 205 section of arena and is probably the sexiest sports lounge you’ve ever been to.  Not only does it boast a full bar sponsored by Ciroc (with bottle service), a reasonably priced premium menu, and group seating that mirrors the sections you’d find at one of Alex Gidewon’s clubs, the view of the court (or whatever event is going on at the time) is still prime.

I had a chance to sample several items.  On the positive side, the Crispy Chicken Cheese Sliders were very Chick Fil A-ish so I was definitely pleased with those.  The Signature Creamy Mac n’ Cheddar Bites, which was basically fried mac & cheese bites, were very tasty.  The Shrimp and Super Lump Crab Cakes were DELICIOUS!!!  However, on the down side, the Margherita Pizza was just okay.  I’ve definitely had better.  The mixed green salad was kinda blah but whatever.  Finally, The Red Pepper Steak Burger might have been okay had it not been damn near RARE (ya’ll know black folks don’t do raw meat!!!).

Right now, RED is only operating before, during, and shortly after ticketed events.  However, I have it on good authority that they will be opening in the not too distant future just like any other full service restaurant for lunch and dinner on non-event days.  Not sure how that will work though.  I don’t know how many people will just want to grab food at Philips Arean on the average day.  But, hey, I was wrong once before.”

The Atlanta Ciroc market is being led by Brand Ambassador, Marc Bolden (Left) who’s working on many great Ciroc themed events in the city of Atlanta this summer, including some HUGE events he’s planning on having at the new CIROC BAR…. Stay tuned to his Twitter for updates and events @CIROCstarATL as he’s always out and about.

Is a partnership between Levy Restaurants, Philips Arena and CÎROC ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA/ DIAGEO. As of now, will be open on game and event days before, during and after events and will be open up till 2am.  There are 3 other Ciroc bar locations throughout the arena also, 2 on the Hawk Walk and one at the Club level entrance.

Nice restaurant area.

Executive VP of The Blue Flame Agency, Dia Simms speaks on the landmark partnership below.

Consumers turn to our brand when they want to elevate their night with friends and family. We enjoy bringing this ideal to life for our fans nationwide and are confident that Ciroc bar at Red is a great example of this experience.

Something tells that this venue is going to the talk of the town as the Summer kicks into high gear.

Popularity: 1% [?]

ATL Blog: @LudacrisFoundation Teams Up w/ Ryan Cameron For “Four Fathers” Contest!

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Shout out to all the fathers handling their business. And double shouts to Ludacris and the Ludacris Foundation. While the public persona of African-American men is oftentimes projected as deadbeat fathers continues, rapper-turned global brand- Ludacris is teaming up with that damn Ryan Cameron to honor the fathers in the game who are taking care of their children and excelling fatherhood.

Per The Ludacris Foundation website:

Enter The Ludacris Foundation’s Four Fathers Contest for a chance to win two tickets to Ryan Cameron’s 10th Annual Father Daughter Dance, “Tails and Tiaras” on June 17th, 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Georgia Aquarium!

Contest Rules:

* Fathers and daughters will create a video 60 seconds (or less) on the following question: “How has having your
daughter changed your life?”
* Upload the video for your contest entry to the Ludacris Foundation Facebook page.
* Deadline for posting the video to the Twitter and Facebook pages is May 10th.
* All Facebook fans of The Ludacris Foundation will also be able to “like” the videos and comment on the postings. The top 10 fathers with the most “likes”/votes on their video will be entered for a chance to win.
* Judging will be held by The Ludacris Foundation team and voting from Twitter followers and Facebook friends.
* Four winning fathers will be chosen and announced on May 16th.

Contest Eligibility:

* Fathers must have daughters 2 years old or older
* Fathers must reside in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area
* Fathers must submit and star in the video with their daughter
* Fathers will accept responsibility for providing daughters with “dress up” attire and escorting them to the dance
* By entering this contest, you agree to participate in this promotion including, but not limited to uploading the
video to Facebook, Twitter and The Ludacris Foundation website
* If selected, you also agree to participate in any photo opportunities, interviews and press related to this event

[Find out Contests Prizes Here]

Popularity: 1% [?]

Plug Into The Scene: @Itsgabrielleu, @EgyptSaidSo, @Terrencej, @IamSteveHarvey Talk #ThinkLikeAMan!

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

When word spread that Steve Harvey’s New York Time’s Best Seller “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,” was being made into a movie it was immediately off-putting. Not that I have anything against the comedian-turned-relationship-guru, I just found his whole brand to be reminiscent of Bill Cosby’s often times contradictory ways.

While the 70-80′s comedian was projecting a “safe” brand filled with matrimony, blah blah blah, other comedians were coming forward to say that Mr. Cosby was quite the opposite of his personal persona. Fast-forward to 2012, and I kind of have the same spidey-sense as it relates to Mr. Harvey. And with that I intially wasn’t buying any advice being offered to ladies on the stress of figuring out the opposite sex, or the concept of “Think.”

However, after garnering an advanced screening of “Think Like A Man,” I have to say that my opinion on the concept of “Think..” is shifting. “Think Like A Man” is an ensemble cast of today’s most prominent black actors. From Gabrielle Union to Micheal Ealy, the well rounded cast was sheer perfection.

Synopsis:

Four men find their love lives shaken up after the women they’re pursuing buy Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Think Like a Man and start taking his advice to heart.

When the men realize they’ve been betrayed by a fellow man, they get together to use the book’s insider information to turn the tables on the women to teach them a lesson.

With Rob Hardy and Will Packer at the helm, “Think Like A Man” is a universal story that is relatable in every walk of life. The search for one’s significant other can be an exhausting search. And this highly anticipated film doesn’t disappoint as it explores love, relationships, dating and finding your “happily ever after.”

Checkout stars from the upcoming film, which hits theaters tomorrow (4/20), on the Atlanta red carpet.Trust me when I say you want to see this film. It’s gets a solid A+.

Props to Saptosa Foster and Phillip Hudson of 135th Street Agency.

And major shouts to the Gyantunplugged cameraman George Sharkness III.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Style Watch: Stylist To The Stars @4KwameWaters, 2012 Is Looking Better Than Ever!

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Fashion styling in Atlanta is as ubiquitous as entertainers. Many claim the title but very few can back it up with any sort of real talent. However one of Atlanta’s rising stars remains immune to all the posers by securing his talent and skill in the business to do some truly fantastic work.

With clients like Lisa Raye, Kandi, Perri “Pebbles” Reid, Macy’s, Bravo, Rachel Roy, Latoya Luckett(Destiny’s Child), Tiny, En Vogue, Essence Magazine, Heed Magazine, JET Magazine,Men’s Book, Hype Hair, Jezebel Magazine, Black Sophisticates Magazine, Rolling Out Magazine, Def Jam, Bad Boy Records, Tru Entertainment, Rebel Star Media, and Warner Bro’s Records, Kwame’s exclusive list keeps him a step above the rest. And now he’s got a new TV show on the horizon, the native New Yorker, by way of Manhattan is about to kick 2012 into high-gear.

Jennifer Brett of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a story last week on her AJC blog:

In case you missed it, the features Kandi as she uses her expertise and those of her “Kandi Factory” team in Atlanta to develop musical talent of a protégés with absolutely no musical experience and gives them the opportunity to shine.

I am so excited that Bravo has given me the opportunity to give ordinary people who love to sing the chance to become up-and-coming stars. Because of the success of the show I’ve decided to open up a full-time artist development facility in my hometown of Atlanta. It’s going to be a great summer! [Source]

With so much on the horizon for the extremely gifted, and humble, fashion-forward stylist to the stars, I find it only fitting to feature him as Gyantunplugged.com’s first “Style Watch” of 2012.

Find Out More On Kwame Waters on his [website]. And be sure to lookout for “The Kandi Factory” filming around ATL this Summer.

Popularity: 2% [?]