Visitors will be able to sample more than 100 beers, food, games, activities and music from local djs. The event has sold out the past two years drawing thousands of carnival-goers. At Atlantic Station, the event will held a giant tent on 20^th Street at Fowler.

Tickets are on sale now at ticketalternative.com or by calling (877) 725-8849. General admission tickets are $40 in advance and $50 day of the event. VIP tickets are $60 and grant patrons exclusive access to the best craft brews available, private bathrooms and early entry to the event beginning at 2 p.m.  If you’re not a drinker, there’s a “designated driver” ticket for $20 in advance or $30 at the door, which offers unlimited games.

Organizers are encouraging visitors to take MARTA to the Arts Center Station, then ride the shuttle to Atlantic Station. There will be parking in the parking deck as well. For more information about the Winter Beer Carnival, visit www.winterbeercarnival.com.

By Collin Kelley

While it may seem that restaurants are constantly closing in Atlanta, there are always new ones ready to open and become the next dining destination.

Over the next few months, some of Atlanta’s most notable chefs and restaurant groups will be opening new outposts. We round up what’s coming soon and what’s recently opened to tempt your tastebuds.

Coming Soon

Yard House
The California-based Yard House will open its first Atlanta location at Atlantic Station in April with a large selection of draft beers, American fare and classic-rock wafting from the sound system.

Watershed
When Watershed announced it was closing in Decatur after 13 years, there was an outcry from longtime patrons who were concerned it would rise again. Fear not, because the new incarnation of Watershed will open this Spring at The Brookwood condo building on Peachtree Street. Owners Ross Jones, Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers and Chef Joe Truex said the new, 175-seat space will offer private dining space, a patio and plenty of parking to realize their dream of growing the business with private dining, a patio and a wealth of parking. And, yes, Fried Chicken Night is still on the menu.

The Optimist
Fans of JCT. Kitchen are optimistic about Ford Fry’s new restaurant in West Midtown on Howell Mill Road, which is slated to open this Spring. The menu will focus on sustainable seafood prepared in a wood-burning oven. Adjacent to the new restaurant, Fry will also be opening Oyster Bar at The Optimist, a more casual “fish camp” style venue, featuring an outdoor patio, live music and an oyster bar.

Pano’s
The saga of Pano Karatassos’ – half of the famed Pano’s & Paul’s – new restaurant and lounge may finally have a resolution as it was announced that it will now open later this year in the 103 West building in Buckhead.

The Spence
Bob Amick, Todd Rushing and Richard Blais have teamed up to open The Spence at Technology Square on 5th Street in Midtown (the former home of The Globe and short-lived WaterHaven). Expected to open in March, the menu will feature family friendly items like cheeseburgers, steak and pasta.

East Paces Tavern
East Paces Tavern, featuring Mexican and Southern California cuisine, is taking over the former Abbadabbas shoe store on East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead. An opening date had not been announced at press time.

F&B
Fans of French American Brassiere (FAB) in Downtown will have a new destination this spring when F&B opens on the ground floor of the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Buckhead.

Lure
Fifth Group Restaurants is planning to open seafood restaurant Lure in April inside the old Vickery’s space on Crescent Avenue in Midtown.

Now Open

Red
Located inside Philips Arena, this restaurant was expected to open this month and be open before, during and after ticketed events at the Downtown venue. The menu includes contemporary American fare like crab cakes, burgers and wings. The big draw will be the tiered seating with views to the Philips Arena floor. philipsarena.com

Modern
This new contemporary American restaurant was expected to open this mnth in the old Copeland’s spot at 3365 Piedmont Road. modernbuckhead.com

The Pullman
Serving up a classic American menu, The Pullman opened in January at 1992 Hosea Wiliams Drive in Kirkwood. thepullmanatl.com

STK
If you’re hankering for a hunk of meat, STK is now open at the 12th & Midtown development. The hip space features high quality steaks and seafood along with innovative and exciting side dishes, appetizers, desserts and cocktails. togrp.com

Alma Cocina
The latest restaurant from Fifth Group Restaurants opened in December in downtown’s One Ninety One Peachtree Tower. The contemporary Mexican menu is prepared by Executive Chef Chad Clevenger. fifthgroup.com

Barcelona
If you can’t get to Spain, just head to Inman Park and check out the newly-opened Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar on North Highland Avenue. The menu features large and small plates of tapas. barcelonawinebar.com

Cardamom Hill
The popularity of Asha Gomez’s popular Spice Route underground supper club meant it was time to open a restaurant, and Cardamom Hill is already pleasing critics and diners alike with its Indian cuisine. cadamomhill.net

The Lawrence
The owners of Top Flr and The Sound Table have opened their latest concept, The Lawrence, at 905 Juniper in Midtown. The menu features bites, small and large plates with items like Duck Tongue Camitas, Trigger Fish, Roasted Monkfish, Beef Calotte and more. thelawrenceatlanta.com

White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails
Alan LeBlanc, owner of Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery, was expected to have this new contemporary Southern dining restaurant open by the time our February issue hit the streets. The eatery is in the former All Star Café Space on Peachtree Street in Downtown. whiteoakkitchen.com

Olde Towne Tavern & Grille
The former Saskatoon space at 360 Pharr in Buckhead is now part of the local Olde Towne chain, serving up pizza, burgers and beer. ottavern.com

What’s new for 2012? To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Scouts a new cookie called Savannah Smiles (it’s lemon-flavored) has been added to the line-up to honor founder Juliette Gordon Low, who started the first troop in the port city.

If you don’t have cash, that may not be a problem. Many Girl Scouts will be armed with mobile credit card readers so you can get your Thin Mint and Tagalongs without hunting down an ATM. There’s also the Cookie Locator App for the Android and iPhone to find out where the treats are being sold.

Boxes of cookies are $3.50 each. You know you want a box – or five.

By Gigi Stewart

A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. For some, that means considering a gluten-free lifestyle. You may have even asked yourself if you need to go gluten-free. To help answer that question, here’s a little Gluten Free 101 for the uninitiated.

Let’s begin by understanding what gluten is. This is the protein portion of certain grains like wheat, barley and rye. In baking, gluten provides elasticity needed to lend structure and texture to foods like breads and cakes. Without it, baked goods fall flat and lack tenderness. Pastries and pastas are obvious sources of gluten, but gluten can show up in unsuspecting places from canned soups to medicines to soy sauce. Because gluten shows up in countless processed foods, following a gluten-free diet can be a challenge. So, why would anyone want to go gluten-free?

Truth is, most do not, but for some a gluten-free lifestyle is necessary. Individuals diagnosed with Celiac disease (CD) must adhere to a gluten-free diet for life. It is their only treatment option. Celiac disease is a genetic disorder of the immune system affecting the small intestine lining. When individuals with CD consume gluten, their body responds by attacking the small finger-like projections inside the small intestine. This causes poor nutrient absorption and a variety of other health issues. More than 300 symptoms are associated with CD, making it difficult to diagnose. In fact, some individuals endure years of misdiagnosis before discovering the reason for their poor health is gluten.

More than twp million people in the US have CD and even more suffer from Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Others in need of avoiding gluten are those with a wheat allergy. These individuals, along with the gluten sensitive, do not experience damage to their small intestine; however, they must also adhere to a strict gluten free diet.

For most (like me!), removing gluten from the diet is a medical necessity; however that’s not always the case. Some choose to omit gluten from their diet for other reasons. Some reasons may be…

• A spouse or child who must live gluten-free. Family support is important when someone is diagnosed with CD or Gluten Sensitivity.
• Other food allergies or intolerance. Wheat is one of the top eight food allergens in the US, 1 in 133 individuals have CD, and over half of the US population is suspected of being gluten sensitive.
• Digestive issues like stomach upset, gas and bloating. Gluten is difficult to digest.
• Diabetes. Ggluten elevates blood sugar levels.
• Health issues that cause an inflammatory response. Gluten causes inflammation.
• A desire to lose weight. Gluten-filled wheat flour that is refined has virtually no nutritional value and adds “empty” calories to the diet.

Whatever the reason, if you’re considering going gluten-free in 2012, here’s a brief overview of my “7 Steps to Success” to get you off to a great start!

1. Rock a positive attitude: A gluten-free diet does not mean restriction; it means liberation! Liberate your health to feel better, have more energy, and be the best you can be.

2. Purge your pantry: It’s a great time to do this anyway, right after the holidays. Out with the old (gluten) and in with the new, healthier (gluten-free) foods.

3. Learn how to read labels: Hidden gluten lurks in places you’d never suspect, sometimes using an alias.

4. Grocery shop gluten-free: Don’t fall into the trap of buying pre-packaged, over-priced gluten-free foods that aren’t very tasty. Discover the best products for your new gluten-free life.

5. Expand your palate: Try some foods you haven’t tried before like quinoa, teff, or amaranth. You’ll find new, exciting, gluten-free foods at every turn!

6. Get that apron on: If you don’t know how to cook, now is the time to learn. This is your most valuable tool when it comes to living gluten-free successfully.

7. Treat yourself to dinner out: Learn to dine out gluten-free. It can be tricky at first, but by asking the right questions, you’ll soon order like a pro.

See how tasty gluten-free can be! Try my…

Low-Fat Gluten-Free Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup white rice flour*

1/4 cup sorghum flour*

1/4 cup potato starch*

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 Tablespoon oil

1/4 cup plain low fat yogurt (substitute coconut milk yogurt for dairy-free)

2 eggs, lightly beaten (substitute equal amount of prepared egg replacer for egg-free)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk (for dairy-free substitute 1/2 Tablespoon white vinegar and enough rice milk to equal 1/2 cup liquid)

*available in special diets section of most grocery stores under brand name “Bob’s Red Mill”

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F and line a 12-section cupcake pan with paper liners.

2. Combine flours and starch, cocoa, soda, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl; whisk to blend.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients; stir to blend.

4. Add the liquid mixture to dry ingredients, stirring just until combined and dry ingredients are moist.

5. Divide batter evenly between sections of prepared pan. Bake 15-17 minutes until tops spring back lightly when touched or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Watch the cupcakes so they do not over bake. Cool completely before frosting/

Creamy Butter Cream Frosting

Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons butter, softened (for dairy-free use Earth Balance buttery spread)

2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 Tablespoons milk (if dairy-free, use rice milk)

For chocolate frosting, add 2 – 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder (2 for lighter chocolate, 4 for very chocolate!) when you add the powdered sugar.

Directions:

1. Place butter in a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (and cocoa, if using); stir (or mix with electric mixer) until smooth.

2. Add remaining sugar and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

3. Add milk, a little at a time, while mixing, until frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Frost cupcakes and store leftovers in refrigerator.

To learn more about Gluten Free Gigi, visit GlutenFreeGigi.com and sign up for her free newsletter at this link. Stewart holds a master’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience with a focus in chronic pain. She has been completely gluten free for more than four years.

By Osayi Endolyn

Not three years have passed since the Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing Company hit Georgia shelves with Fat Tire, its popular amber ale. Hard to believe that what has become a staple for many Atlantans was once a coveted, cult favorite hailing from the West. When the beer with the cute, vintage red bicycle label hit local stores, introductory cases had “Georgia on My Ride” scrolled across the top. Judging by its increasing availability, those red-framed wheels are here to stay.

It’s an everyday beer — easy, drinkable, and lovingly balanced. The hop highs and malty lows get along well with each other to make for an enjoyable experience alone or paired with food. It just feels so nice. But is it just the beer that gives me and so many others that warm, happy feeling? What’s up with that bike?

I admit, when I first saw the label in person, the image tugged on my heartstrings a bit. I have never owned a red bicycle, never grew up wanting one. And yet I felt connected to that imagery, way back in my subconscious. The bike might as well have been a Cabbage Patch Kid; the chord it struck was so right on. New Belgium likes to say that the company was “conceived on the seat of a bike,” which is how one got to be on the label for its most-consumed brew. As a young man, co-founder Jerry Lebesch did a bike tour through Europe in the 1980s and had some inspired beer and conversation along the way. He began homebrewing Fat Tire after his trip, named in honor of his long-distance cycling experience. A few years later, he took his homegrown operation commercial.

On their website, New Belgium says that they lucked into the marketing angle, and even doubted whether it was a good idea to name an ale after a Colorado slang term for mountain bikes. But they stuck with it and it worked. And so I wonder, after all this time, what it is we love more — the beer or the bicycle?

If you are like me, you noticed the grand unveiling of Fat Tire throughout the city with much fanfare. The stocky 22-ounce bottles made an impression, and in an effort to focus new customers’ attention, the brewery withheld other brews for several months. Later, Mothership Wit and 1554 Enlightened Black Ale shared shelf space with the flagship, along with the Ranger IPA and Trippel. But that nostalgic, illustrated bike reins supreme. New Belgium says they think people like the bicycle because it references the simplicity and fun of being outdoors. That’s probably true.

But I also think it goes deeper. Most of us tend to associate bike riding with childhood and most of us tend to think of childhood as an innocent time in our lives (at least on a good day, just work with me here). A time when we were free of major responsibilities, full of wonder and enjoyment. Easy to please. Good-natured. A roaming spirit — or least by my mom’s rules, I could roam to the end of the cul-de-sac.

Regardless of your upbringing, New Belgium’s red bicycle taps into a history we all want to have had. We all want to have had the quiet autonomy of wandering on that bike. If you take that undercurrent and add it to the gratifying experience of drinking a nonchalant ale — buying a six-pack that might be shared with friends, family or just sipped solo — you’ve got a pretty intensely packed center of pleasure.

Part of what made Fat Tire so big in Atlanta was its low supply — unavailability increases demand. Most of the beer’s PR had been done years before it got here. But something else in low supply got uncorked at Fat Tire’s 2009 unveiling. New Belgium took that rusty old door to memory lane and busted it wide open. We may not want to relive our childhoods as much as we want to acknowledge they were once there. And just in case you forget, Fat Tire’s got a bright red bike keeping that door ajar.

New Belgium’s Fat Tire can be found just about anywhere in Atlanta.

By Julia Turner

Making an informed decision on what sparkling wine to buy for New Year’s Eve can quickly become a paralyzing one when you walk into the store and see the overwhelming number of options. Not to mention the confusion with labels and naming regulations.

The more you know, the more you realize you still have to learn – what’s the difference between Champagne and Cremant? Are Prosecco and Cava the same, and if they are, how do they compare to Champagne? Even if you are able to sort out all the distinctions, there’s still the actual choosing: what price range are you looking at? What occasion are you planning for? Are you a Champagne fan, or do you usually stay far away?

Fortunately, you don’t have to make these decisions alone. We’ve found five local wine sellers where you can learn which bottle will best fit your occasion. Whether the place is small or large, the wine buyers at these locations are more than happy to help you navigate the tricky path to your ideal bubbly for the holidays.

The Mercantile
Owner Janea Boyles at the Mercantile can help you find quality wine for every day for under $20. For the holidays, Janea has a small, thoughtful selection of sparkling and dessert wines available. The Jacques Pelvas from Provence in southern France, Janea’s bubbly choice, is $14.99. For an elegant wine for holiday meals, she suggests the Valpolicella a feminine and fruity red from Italy. As the holidays approach, she will be adding to her seasonal selections. To stay updated, visit themercantileatl.com. 1660 Dekalb Ave., Suite 150, (404) 378-0096.

Ansley Wine Merchant
Ansley Wine Merchants has been family owned and run for 25 years and has an extensive selection of champagne and other sparkling wines, but they concentrate on growers’ champagne around the holidays. Wine purchaser, Amber Bradshaw is happy to educate buyers on these smaller sellers that provide wines with a more complex taste at a less expensive price. Her top choices for New Years are H. Billiot ($53) and Roger Coulon ($59), and her favorite under $50, Claude Genet ($39.99). For under $20, the store has several Cavas (Spanish sparkling) and Cremants (French sparkling). 1544 Piedmont Road, (404) 876-6790 or ansleywine.com.

Perrine’s Wines
Perrine’s Wines focuses on French wines, but they do offer a selection of bubbly choices from all over the world, and during the holidays, they will be looking into more grower’s champagnes to fill the shelves. For anyone looking to take French and fancy to the extreme this New Year’s, Perrine has Champagne S de Salon Grand cru Le Mesnil 1999, $499.99 on sale for $349.99. On the other end of the price spectrum, she suggests Charles de Fere Cuvee at $10 with fresh and fruity tasting notes. The store offers 10% off 12 bottles and 5% off 6, and they will be offering a few sparkling tastings in the coming weeks. 1168 Howell Mill Road, Suite B, (404) 254 5077 or perrineswines.com.

Wine Shoe
While the Wine Shoe provides two excellent champagne choices—a Jean Pierre Laloelle brut, $50, and Krug’s Brut Grande Cuvee, $185— and will order other varieties on request from customers, their real focus is on European sparklings without the Champagne designation. Owner and wine purchaser, Nova Wiley’s number one selection is their Spanish Cava, Saniger, a $17 brut. For a different and adventurous selection, she recommends the Portuguese Sottel, which is slightly sweeter than an Italian prosecco and has a lighter fizz than sparklings made in the Champagne style. Another choice that’s less tradition is the Italian Brachetto by Giribaldi, a sweet, sparkling red. Wine Shoe provides wine tasting classes year-round, but in December they have special “Bubbly” classes. The classes are $35 per person, but they often have Groupons and discounts running. For more information on dates and times, visit their website, wineshoeatlanta.com. 339 Nelson St., (404) 577-2000.

Mac’s Beer and Wine
Located in Midtown, Mac’s offers a wide selection of champagnes and sparkling wines from all over the world. With prices ranging from $4.99 to $500, you can go as upscale or low scale as you’d like. Dom Perignon, well-known and popular, is available for $140, but for something more affordable with the same Champagne seal, try the store selections like Nicholas Feuillatte at $30. Another top pick made in the champagne style is Gruett’s dry rose for $14. 21 Peachtree Place, (404) 872-4897 or macsbeerandwine.com.

Green’s Beverages
This Atlanta staple has a formidable spread of choices for your New Year’s gathering, whether it’s a small party or large party. Green’s will be featuring Piper Sonoma, a California sparkling, this holiday season. Usually selling for around $15, Green’s will offer the label for $10 with a 15% case discount. If you’re still looking to stick with classic champagne, Green’s has them starting at $26.98. For a nice and economical choice, wine purchaser Len Iris suggests Perrier Jouet at $29.99. 737 Ponce de Leon Ave., (404) 872-1109 or greensbeverages.com.

Editor’s Note: Over the summer, SCAD INtown Takeover member Osayi Endolyn started this occasional column, then left for nine weeks in France. Who could blame her? She’s back in the city and will soon join INtown as a writing intern.

By Osayi Endolyn

This past summer, I spent nine weeks in the south of France. I spent nine gorgeous, sun-filled weeks in Lacoste, a tiny corner of Provence. There, I was greeted by a medieval hilltop village overlooking lavender fields, lush vineyards and winding narrow roads. Somewhere, there must be an official list of things that doting, French-loving Americans are supposed to do when traveling to this acclaimed part of the world. My guess is the list includes getting fat from eating egregious servings of baguettes with equal parts unsalted butter, taking part in the belief that croissants are a distinct food group and perfecting the daytime buzz. All the locals I met were hardworking individuals. But if you read between the lines, I found it was socially acceptable to drink anytime as long as you had your morning coffee.

Because it was summertime, rosé ran like water — at two euros per glass or 10 euros for a carafe, any beer lover would have temporarily fallen for the coral-colored beverage culled from the land below. Emphasis on temporarily. Now, nothing was wrong with the wine. The rosés I had did just what they were supposed to do — chipper and young, they flirted with the palette, bouncing from tangy to sweet. And yet, as human beings are wont to do, I found myself searching for greener grass. One evening at the local bar, I scanned the brew options. They were slim: Heineken or Kronenbourg. Pale lager or pale lager.

I got by. My grandmother has a name for people who leave home looking for what they left behind: stupid. I knew better than to go to Provence looking for a major craft beer scene. I didn’t expect it, and I wasn’t disappointed when it was indeed absent. That didn’t help my homesickness, however. I didn’t know you could miss a beer. My heart went out for St. Bernardus Abt 12. I really missed it. I longed for it.

The irony of yearning to return to the states from France to order a Belgium-made beer is not lost on me. But since when did cravings have anything to do with logic?

I missed the experience of the St. Bernardus Abt 12. The way the bartender looks at you when you order it, a not-so-subtle nod of approval. The look is a mutual understanding — you’ve evolved past the infantile interpretation that all dark beers are bitter and stormy. You know that the rich, shadowy brown has an unexpected sweet aroma hinting at the spicy notes that will soon follow. Rushes of figs, raisins and molasses, tumble forth one after the other, but somehow all at once. And then it lingers. Slight caramel, more spice. Full, but not heavy. Effortless, and yet incredibly complex. And there was none to be had in Lacoste or anywhere near it.

So, as they say, I did as the Romans do. I ordered demi-pêche, Kronenbourg with a shot of peach-flavored sweetener. When I tired of that, I tried the French brew with sirop de citron, essentially French lemonade and lager. And I drank a lot of rosé. Wonderful treats to sip underneath satin skies, in one of the most visually stunning places in the world.

And when I touched down in Atlanta, I found myself a seat where I could get a glass of that St. Bernardus Abt 12. A skinny man in thick-framed glasses slid it over to me. The white, frothy head gave me beer freckles, what I like to call those sparks of carbonation jumping towards your cheeks before the first sip. Everything played out just the way it was supposed to. I had my favorite beer. And I was home.

The glass of St. Bernardus Abt 12 pictured here hails from Octane on the Westside, however you can find it throughout  Atlanta.

The annual event featured a sit-down breakfast including pancakes, eggs and chicken sausage, and a visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus, who arrived on top of a fire truck to greet the eager children with their Christmas wish lists. Tickets were $20 per person and all proceeds from the ticket sales were donated directly to the fire stations.

For more information, visit www.homegrownrestaurants.com .