Author Archives: Elizabeth Allen

Looking Back: The Darlin is Out: Art Basel Miami Beach

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This past December, while you were battling holiday shoppers at Lenox, I was weaving in and out of sideways-walking art gazers, tearing through art fairs like on a scavenger hunt. I tried to experience as much as possible in super quick time so I could bring you this wealth of information:

At Pulse.

DO: Go to Scope, Pulse and Verge art fairs. Plan to spend a minimum of 3 hours at each but there’s enough to keep your interest piqued for longer. Entry is around $20 but worth it if you plan to spend your time there. Art Asia is in Scope – and it is the highlight of great international art.

DON’T: Go to the Red Dot tent to buy “hotel art”. Unless you’re checking out NFN Kalyan. 

DO: Take long breaks between viewings at large art fairs! It’s tiring and your brain/eyes/heart are over stimulated! Stop, go outside and regroup.

Garden lounge at Pulse. A great place for a breather.

DON’T: Wait in lines for the “hot” party. There are too many parties going on to waste your time waiting.

DO: Check out the Wynwood Arts District, but do it at night when everyone is drunk and it’ll feel like a post-apocalyptic war zone (in a GOOD way).

At Wynwood Arts District. Made me think of Sarah!

DON’T: Miss out on all the amazing music that happens during Basel! Big names are often closer than you think but are often overlooked because of subtle promotion or intentional secrecy.

DON’T: Brush off the free, random popup art shows, but know you’ll probably have to pay to get into the good stuff.

DON’T: Enter a large gallery with the “hangries”. I learned that one the hard way. Pack a snack because when you’re on Collins at 10 pm and there’s nothing open but hotel restaurants with $25 dumplings.

At Scope. All glitter everything!

Note: I did not attend the “official” Art Basel Miami at the convention center because I was advised against it.

At Pulse. The stuff dreams are made of.

Did any readers go to Art Basel Miami Beach? What did you do? What did you like?

Love from the road,

Elizabeth

The Darlin’ is Out: Travel Smart Pt 1

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When you travel as much as I do, you learn a thing or two about how to best maximize your time and money. A year ago, I was a traveling mess carrying bulky vintage luggage (without wheels!!) and grossly over packing. Nowadays, it takes me an hour to pack for any trip and I never sweat it!

DO fly with one airline as much as possible, earn miles and get their app if they have one! Delta has a great app (ATL gals & guys) where you can check in, pull up your QR boarding pass and notifies you if your gate changes.

DON’T use flying as an excuse to wear your pjs/ sweats in public. You never know who you’ll run into and better not to look like you’re attending a tragic pajama party.

DO have cash on you! Always! You’re going to want to tip the curbside check-in dudes, housekeeping, etc.

DON’T ever travel with full-size products. Invest in travel size everything—and if you can, keep your travel toiletries always packed so you can just double check you have everything before you hit the road.

DO chitchat with all the security/airport/rental car people! Ask them how their day is! It takes 2 seconds and it goes a long way. These people have the ability to make your trip easier or harder! *This applies more to women but is recommended for everyone.

DON’T fret about forgetting something. Unless your going to the middle of a desert, you’ll probably still be able to get anything and everything you’ll ever need.

DO take advantage of a delay. If you’re flight is delayed more than 30 mins, march over to your nearest Chilis Too and order yourself a drink.

Bon Voyage!

Elizabeth

The Darlin is Out: Tallahassee

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The Darlin is Out: Tallahassee, FL

Perhaps it’s my unfaltering alum pride (go ‘Noles!) or the comfort that I find when escaping to this town, but Tallahassee is practically a second home. I wasn’t always so Tally-saavy, so here are some DO’s and DON’T’s from me to you:

Tallahassee is known for her beautiful canopy roads

DO: Attend First Friday at Railroad Square and arrive hungry. You can eat some of Tallahassee’s finest: Krishna Lunch, Soul Vegetarian, and more all in one place! Also, there is usually some great art and people-watching.

DON’T: Even bother going on the West side of town. Tumbleweeds.

DO: Get a drink at Waterworks. It’s a welcoming spot with great bartenders. Check out Spaceport around back.

DON’T: Go across the street to Filling Station unless you’re making a quick appearance.

DO: Brunch at Sweet Pea Café (on Saturday AND Sunday) and get some delicious vegan eats. For the more decadent, Kool Beans brunch is another highlight.

One of many delicious dishes found at Sweet Pea Cafe

DON’T: Go looking for great late-night eats in Tallahassee. It’s a business venture waiting to happen.

DO: Go to anything put on by Team Jaguar! They are like the boy-version of Sorry, Darlin!

DON’T: Waste your time with the boys on campus, hang out with their professors instead.

Do you still visit your college-town and kick it like it’s 2004? Tell us your favorite spots that keep you coming back!

Still a Tallahassee-Lassie,

Elizabeth

Flavor of the Week: Exploring Eastern Tastes in East Atlanta

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Today marks one year since owners Nhan and Jeff opened up the doors to their Vietnamese oasis in a growing area with little culinary options.

So Ba, not to be confused with the Japanese noodle (soba), literally means “number 3” in Vietnamese. The name was chosen to signify Nhan’s third restaurant and also the birth of his third child (according to Jeff). Speaking of threes, So Ba has a $3 special night on Tuesdays.
 

ginger lime margarita (left) and jackfruit martini (right)

 Sarah and I (accompanied by Jeff) begin our So Ba experience with a lychee mango shot. This is followed by my jackfruit martini and Sarah’s ginger lime margarita. My drink has what I’m pretty sure is cayenne pepper on the rim and is sweet and delicious, while Sarah’s is fantastically tangy.

salt and pepper tofu

The feast begins with salt and pepper tofu– lightly fried and perfectly seasoned cubes of tofu accompanied by peppers and onions. YUM. Sarah orders #34: Tom Thit Nuong Cha Gio – charbroiled shrimp, beef, pork and eggroll. And I order the vegan-friendly #36: Pho Xao Chay – sautéed vegetable and tofu with a coconut hoisen sauce. Both are over noodles and include some impressive sauces.  

Tom Thit Nuong Gio

Pho Xao Chay

So Ba’s signature dish is their phở, which I am told is a Vietnamese rice noodle soup that can be ordered several different ways. To my delight, Jeff tells me they offer a special vegetarian pho on Mondays. Jeff’s personal favorite dish is the Com Suon Bo Nuong – or Vietnamese short ribs.

I ask Sarah how she would describe her food and she says, “Delicious. The flavors were simple and went well together… nothing was competing.” I agree. I also like how the food seems authentic, yet accessible to anyone. And I, of course, appreciate so many tasty vegetarian options!

So Ba is so delicious, Sarah put down her iphone down for at least 5 minutes!

As a final offer, we are brought white passion sangrias which are sweet and complex, as well as a great ending to our meal.

With subtle lighting, a casual atmosphere and Phoenix humming in the background – I can’t help but think what a great date spot this would be. Not to mention the extremely palatable prices. You can get a $5 glass of wine and both of our substantial dishes were under $11! The two of us leave full and with doggie bags of leftovers.

Celebrate one year of good eats with So Ba this Sunday, December 19th, starting at 5pm. Or you can enjoy So Ba anytime with our special coupon! Print this out or simply show your server on your smartphone!

And check them out at http://www.soba-eav.com/ !

-Elizabeth

Flavor of the Week: Cranberries, Stuffing and Gravy

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What kind of foodie would I be if I didn’t address the upcoming holiday? Thanksgiving is a time to gather with friends and/or family and celebrate bounty. It’s interesting how in some families, the Thanksgiving menu is sacred– an unchanging pillar of tradition. In my family, especially since my culinary views have shifted drastically over the last few years, I have been able to tweak the menu each year adding the likes of a Celebration Roast (think vegan meat-substitute heaven) and Lunchbox Bunch’s fennel arugula citrus salad to our long-established spread.

My choice this year: Stuffed Hazelnut Cranberry Roast En Croute

My new favorite holiday salad, pairs well with rich food because of it’s astringent properties: Fennel Arugula Citrus Salad

Now this year, I am adding my new go-to dish: curried & whipped sweet potatoes with coconut milk. (Recipe below)

I can certainly say that I am grateful for friends and family that embrace my cooking and the means to make such delicious treats.

Now if I could only avoid Black Friday shopping!

Wherever you are and however you celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving from Sorry, Darlin!

-Elizabeth

Curried & Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk

Prep: 5 min

Cook: 10 min

I adapted recipe from FatFreeVegan.com. You can also whip butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes.

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed
  • sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • light regular coconut milk, as needed (about 1/4 cup)
  • garam marsala, your favorite curry and cinnamon to taste

Place the sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are fork tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Drain the sweet potatoes and season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Add in the curry powder, garam marsala and cinnamon and mix with a wire whisk to soften the potatoes. Begin adding the coconut milk slowly, a little at a time, whisking as you go. Whip until the sweet potatoes are smooth and creamy. Taste for seasoning adjustments. Serves 2

Flavor of the Week: Customized Kicks for a Cause!

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Have you been dying to own a pair of your very own TOMS Shoes? Or just add to your collection? Sorry, Darlin gal, Elizabeth, is a Retail Coordinator for TOMS and she has been planning an awesome Style Your Sole party at Nordstrom Perimeter Mall on Saturday September 25th 1-4 pm.

Here’s the scoop: Saturday, you purchase a pair of TOMS shoes from Nordstrom Perimeter Mall (starting at $44!) and then you head over to the artists where they can CUSTOMIZE YOUR SHOES at no extra cost!!!

All custom TOMS artwork will be done by talented artists: Cora Seymour and Jonny Warren. 

Unicorns? You got it. Puppies riding unicorns? Sure. One-of-a-kind delicious art from our featured artists?  Done and done.

 **designs from a previous event, check out the artists’ work for inspiration**

And remember, with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair to a child in need. One for One.

Support TOMS, local artists, and Darlin Elizabeth.

See y’all there!

Flavor of the Week: A Taste of Dalí Magic

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Where in Atlanta can you go to see nudes, religious iconography, nods to geometry and security sporting whimsical mustaches all in one place? The Dalí: The Late Work exhibit at the High Museum of Art, of course!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of strolling through one of my favorite places in Atlanta: The High. I had been excited since I first saw the signs around town that a Dalí exhibit would be at the High from August to January.

I purchased my $15 student ticket and $5 audio tour (I recommend this if you’re not taking a docent tour) and made my way to the elevator. When entering, we opted to view the exhibit backwards. Why not? I was happy to revisit several familiar pieces that I had seen years ago at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The walls were speckled with quotes from artists and celebrities sharing how they had been influenced by Dalí. And it seemed this exhibit attracted all types. Young and old, hipsters and gypsies, babes and creeps– the rooms of art were buzzing with people.

The exhibit covers several media types including videos and photography by Philippe Halsman in collaboration with Dalí. I personally enjoyed the portraits, which had a realistic, yet an unsettling feeling to them.

Other highlights:
Christ of Saint John of the Cross
Madonna of Port Light
Santiago El Grande
The Transparent Simulacrum of the Feigned Image
Mao Marilyn
In Voluptate Mors (has great commentary on the audio guide)
And so much more…

PS – Through Aug. 31, adults will only pay half-price ($9) to see exhibits at the High on Tuesdays, all day. From Sept. 7 through Oct. 29, half-price tickets will be available for lunchtime visitors between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Discounted tickets are available to walk-up visitors, although $9 tickets for Thursday evenings (4-8 p.m.) are available online or to walk-up visitors. If you go often, a student year-long pass is only $35!

Take your friend, your mom, your date, your boss—whoever! Trust me, you’ll love it.

Elizabeth

Flavor of the Week: King of Pops

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Steven Carse is a smart man. What’s better than a mobile business filled with simple, delicious and universally-liked treats? King of Pops has earned itself a lot of attention around Atlanta; and with mentions on likes of Scout Mob, Daily Candy and Creative Loafing, someone knows what their doing!

The man with the plan, Steven Carse

I went to the cart to taste for myself what the buzz was about. As I approached the stand and introduced myself I soon noticed the line forming behind me, people coming back for seconds.

Forced with a difficult decision, I chose Strawberry Lemonade (feeling fruity) and my popsicle companion, Darius, chose Banana Pudding (good choice, right?). We ate them quickly as the afternoon heat also consumed our pops.

The verdict? Frozen perfection. The Strawberry Lemonade was the exact sweet/tart juiciness that I was craving. The Banana Pudding was decadent.

Strawberry Lemonade vs Banana Pudding

I had one question for Steven: What’s your favorite flavor?  “Blackberry Mojito… and also Pineapple Ginger.” We’ll take it.

Please treat yourself to one of these tasty and locally-crafted treats – they are well worth $2.50.

Boys like them too

You can find King of Pops at the corner of North Ave & North Highland (look for the colorful mural and Buddy’s station) from 3:00 to 7:30 on weekdays and noon to 7:30 on weekends. The pops can also be found at The Irwin Street Market – 660 Irwin Street.

PLUS King of Pops will be peddling their goods all night long at our upcoming party HOT & STICKY!

This THURSDAY JULY 8th at Eastside Lounge!! Come try them yourself with Sorry, Darlin!!

-Elizabeth

Flavor of the Week: Village Pizza Co.

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People tend to get defensive, even territorial when it comes to pizza joints. I get that. So I’m here not to try to convert the nonbelievers – but all I know is, since moving to Atlanta, Village Pizza Co. has been the best I’ve had.

Village Pizza Co.

Maybe it’s the warm, cozy atmosphere. Maybe it’s the kitschy neighborhood. I’m sure it’s got a lot to do with the fact that they have a badass Village Vegan Deluxe pie made with Daiya cheese and soy meats!

Elizabeth's pick, Veggie Supreme with Daiya vegan cheese

In order to remain unbiased, I brought along fellow Darlins, Taradactyl and Gina Marie to give me their evenhanded opinions on Village’s other delicious options.

Darlins sitting with manager, Glenn Williams

My greek side salad was the prefect beginning to my feast. I ordered a “small” Veggie Supreme (spinach, eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, summer squash, zucchini, broccoli, roma tomatoes and garlic) with vegan cheese. It was just what I wanted – gooey “cheese” with lots of veggies!

GinaMarie ordered “The Godfather” (capicola ham, pepperoni, bacon, red bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese.) She took one bite, turned to me and said, “I wish you ate meat”. 

Gina Marie with her "Godfather"

Taradactyl ordered a single (huge) slice of the Village Special: currently the “Latina Crust”, which is a whole wheat crust made from cornmeal, cornflour and infused with jalapeño and cilantro (yum). It’s crunchy texture paired well with it’s cheesy, veggie topping.

Taradactyl and her "Latina Crust" slice

For the sake of research, we had to sample from the beautiful case of gelatos and sorbettos. Pictured (clockwise) is mixed berry, pistachio and triple dark chocolate. What an ending!

Gelato!

So, do yourself a favor and go to Sorry, Darlin’s pick for Flavor of the Week. You wont regret it.

Cheesy. In more ways than one.

Village Pizza Co.

186 Carroll St SE Atlanta, GA // (404) 586-0040
Open Daily 11am-11pm

iPHONE-ERS! If you don’t already have the app Scout Mob, get it right now! You save 50% off your bill (what?!) at Village Pizza through 08/27/10!

-Elizabeth 

PS-  The coupon from the previous Sorry, Darlin Flavor of the Week for Healthful Essence is still available!! And good through 7/7/10!

Sorry Darlin’s Flavor of the Week: Healthful Essence Caribbean Vegetarian Restaurant

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Please note: This blog was written while consuming leftover Healthful Essence collard greens and rice with peas.

Located near the West End Mall (just a 12 minute ride from Atlantic Station), Healthful Essence provides a unique and delicious culinary experience. They have a hot bar of delicious vegan Caribbean-inspired dishes. Everything from “unfish” in brown sauce to curried vegetables to rice with peas. You can get a large plate of 4 items for just $10 – and it’s enough for 2 meals.  There’s also a raw menu of delicious uncooked concoctions from pizza made with a flax seed crust to cashew quiche to red cabbage salad.

A delicious assortment of collard greens, "unfish" with brown sauce, rice and peas.

Vegetable lasagna, curried "goat", rice and peas. Mmmmmm.

Just this weekend, I took my fellow Darlins to taste for themselves what Healthful Essence is all about. We met owners, Princess Dixon and Kwadwo Kaphera, who will gladly allow you to sample what is on the hot bar before you make your decision.

You must get the “curried ungoat” and a young coconut (they cut the coconut open and you can drink fresh coconut water with a straw!!) Plus, they have Wi-Fi so you can take your work there with you while you eat!

An outside view of Healthful Essence!

Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you will love Healthful Essence. This spot is Sorry, Darlin approved! Plus, you can get 10% off Healthful Essence for the next month with this super exclusive Darlin’ approved COUPON!!

Hours:

Mon 2pm-8pm

Tues-Thurs 11am-8pm

Fri-Sat 12pm-8pm

Sunday 12pm-6pm

875 York Avenue Atlanta, GA 30310

www.healthfullessence.com

- Elizabeth