Everywhere I go I am hearing Farm to table, praise to local business owners and new fabulous products popping up in local neighborhoods. I am a huge fan of local businesses and want to share a few of my favorite townies with  you!

-EAT-

Farm Burger- Trendy burger shops are popping up all over town but Farm Burger is the only one in town with 100% grass-fed beef. Their cows are raised regionally and never fed hormones, antibiotics or grain. The vegetables and other menu items are grown locally.   I proclaim Farm Burger has the best burger in town! They now have two locations, Decatur and Buckhead. I am partial to the Decatur location because it is the original and I think the food just tastes better!

Empire State South- The Dawgs fans in Atlanta are familiar with Five & Ten and The National in Athens and have been quick to take to Chef Hugh Acheson’s newest creation. Empire State South is a modern twist on southern cuisine. All ingredients are sourced from regional farms. Must try items: Jars of pork rillette, trout mousse, pickles, pimento cheese & bacon marmalade and boiled peanut hummus are the best starter on the menu! As an entrée I would recommend ESS Goat Cheese Pecan Ravioli or the Riverview Farms Pork Loin. After you have eaten till your heart’s content work off a few calories playing a game of bocci ball.

Miller Union- A local resident in the up and coming westside of Atlanta, Miller Union truly has built its business on the relationship between farmer and chef.  The menu changes weekly and is based on the weekly harvest. Start your experience with creamy grits fritters with country ham & thomasville tomme or sorghum glazed pork belly, smoked cabbage, kumquat & pickled beet.  For your main dish try country captain chicken, peanuts, toasted coconut, green tomato chutney or vermilion snapper, carrot, sunchoke, country ham & arugula pistou. Don’t leave without trying chocolate-coconut macaroon torte, spiced rum ice cream.

-DRINK-

Victory H2O- Water has never made me feel so great! Victory H2O is the brain child of a pro athlete trainer who lives right here in Atlanta. I had the privilege of meeting the owner and learn the amazing benefits of drinking this enhanced electrolyte water. Great to get you through work outs and help your body recover!

Sinless Cocktails- If you follow my blog, facebook or twitter page you have heard me mention Sinless Cocktails a few times. Not only are the Sinless peeps great friends of mine but I absolutely love the low-calorie factor with big calorie taste. Sinless is now available in strawberry and regular margarita mix and sour mix.  Sinless is available at most local bars including all Tin Lizzy’s, Buckhead Saloon and East Andrews as well as most package stores.

Kill Cliff- Tagged as the worlds only anti-inflammatory supporting drink, Kill Cliff was created right here in Atlanta by some good ole Georgia boys. Created as a recovery drink to help athletes perform better and recover faster, Kill Cliff has taken over gyms all over the country. It has also found a home at local bars and is being used as a fix to the nasty hang over. You can now purchase Kill Cliff at Kroger or on their website and get free shipping.

Whynatte- Why have a Starbucks when you could have a Whynatte Latte to get your day rolling! It is a great tasting, 100 calorie alternative to the fancy over priced coffee shop drinks. Founded by two local brothers, Whynatte has made it’s mark in Atlanta and beyond. Next time you are out on the town try a fire in the whole or a mother fluffer- I will let you figure out what those are on your own

-SHOP-

Raw Denim- Skip bloomies or neimans and get your next pair of designer jeans from Raw Denim, a locally owned boutique. This country/rockstar chic boutique is owned by one of my good friends and offers the best selection of designer jeans in Atlanta and quite a few must have dresses and accessories!

Shaye Blue- I love nothing more than to see a young fashionista make it as a local designer. Shaye Blue has set the standard for local designs and definitely is high on my list of fav townies that are making it big. Shaye Blue is a great go to for sun dresses and trendy casual! Shay Blue is available at many local boutiques and online!

-ENTERTAIN-

Hal’s Kitchen- If you are looking for a fun date night or night out with the girls you must check out Hal’s Kitchen in Sandy Springs. Hal’s Kitchen was started by two local chefs who are so talented in the kitchen and provide a fun interactive cooking experience. Each night is a different gourmet menu!

Laughing Skull Lounge- Need a good laugh to forget about the work week blues? Laughing Skull Lounge is the perfect excuse for a funny night on the town. Each week they have a different line up of comedians and if you want to try your luck at comedy check out open mic nights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

*All pictures sourced from the websites of Whynatte’s, Miller Union, Shaye Blue, Farm Burger, Sinless Cocktails and Laughing Skull