Inspired Elegance » Neighborhood http://theastoriacondos.com Historic Peachtree Battle Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 It Takes Two to Tango… http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/05/it-takes-two-to-tango%e2%80%a6/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/05/it-takes-two-to-tango%e2%80%a6/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:34 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=1647 Tango in the Park, that is! Every Saturday in May and June, for just $10 per person, you and a friend can take the ZERO to TANGO class in Piedmont Park, as part of the Green Market.

The class is held in the Piedmont Park Community Center from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and is followed by a half hour of practice to show off what you learned.

If you’re a newcomer – don’t worry! In this Tango class you can work at your own level and still have loads of fun with your partner!

Guys – you can make it an unforgettable first date with that special someone you’ve been trying to woo. Or if you’re a seasoned married couple you can put some spice back into your weekend with this legendary dancing style. Wikipedia even suggests that Tango makes people feel more relaxed, sexier, and less depressed.

So what are you waiting for? Dance on down to the park and get your Tango on!

]]> http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/05/it-takes-two-to-tango%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Support Your Health and the Local Economy – Green Market at Piedmont Park http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/05/green-market-at-piedmont-park/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/05/green-market-at-piedmont-park/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 17:46:35 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=1551 Eat fresh and healthy! Piedmont Park is once again hosting the Green Market, a local farmer’s market serving Midtown every Saturday morning from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Green Market opens on May 5 and runs through December 8, and can be found a Piedmont Park’s 12th Street entrance gate.

Voted one of the top five farmer’s markets in Atlanta, shoppers have direct access to local farmers and merchants because of the great partnership between the City of Atlanta Parks, Recreation and Bureau of Cultural Affairs, and Piedmont Park Conservancy’s Program.

You can find out what’s fresh at the market by signing up for the Green Market weekly newsletter here.

Why Shop at the Green Market

Freshest Food. Farmers pick the produce the day before market to offer optimum freshness.

Eat in Season. The best health gurus always say to eat in season. At the Green Market you will learn the harvest seasons along with new recipes and cooking tips to cook in season as well.

Support. Shopping local always helps to stimulate the local economy.

Value. Lower prices on local foods and a truly local, naturally grown selection add value to your family’s mealtimes.

Let us know your favorite local foods and fresh recipes by commenting below or sharing on our Facebook page!

 

]]> http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/05/green-market-at-piedmont-park/feed/ 0 Weekend Egg-citement http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/04/weekend-egg-citement/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/04/weekend-egg-citement/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:09:03 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=1433 It’s time to gather family and friends and celebrate. Here’s a sampling of some of the many Easter brunch and lunch offerings around Buckhead and Midtown on Sunday:
Enjoy Park Tavern’s specially created Easter brunch menu while dining on the patio and enjoying a spectacular view of Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline.
ONE will open at 11 a.m. Easter Sunday and will serve brunch until 3 p.m. Can’t make it for brunch? The celebration will continue through dinner starting at 5:30 p.m.
An Easter fondue lunch gets even sweeter than a basket of candy when a portion of the proceeds is donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Chef Adrian Villarreal will be serving a delicious brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fresh ingredients, seasonal flavors, palatable pours and thirst quenching brews all fuse together to create an unique culinary experience in an cordial setting. Locally grown ingredients are a staple at Tap, making it a truly local experience.

 

]]> http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/04/weekend-egg-citement/feed/ 0 Hoppin’ Happenings http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/03/hoppin%e2%80%99-happenings/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/03/hoppin%e2%80%99-happenings/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:01:02 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=1347 Spring may still be just around the corner, but the sunny, breezy weather and fun, outdoor activities are already here! Here’s just a glimpse of some of the great get-out-there activities going on this week around Atlanta:

Thursday, March 15

Park After Dark

Greystone in Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta
7-11 p.m.

Park After Dark is an annual benefit that brings together young professionals for an exciting evening of live entertainment, great food, drinks, and an amazing auction in Atlanta’s largest green space. Entertainment will be provided by Soul Track Mind. All funds raised will directly benefit the ongoing maintenance and security of historic Piedmont Park.

Saturday, March 17

16th Annual Downtown Dash For Diabetes

Hurt Park, 25 Courtland Ave. NE at Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta (across from Georgia State University)

9 a.m.

This race by the Diabetes Association of Atlanta helps raise funds to help the thousands of metro Atlantans who battle with diabetes on a daily basis. It starts at Hurt Park, travels past the Capitol and goes through Historic Oakland Cemetery. This events will feature music, food, free screenings, and an entire morning of festivities.

Saturday, March 17

Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2012

Peachtree St. at Ralph McGill (proceeds down Peachtree toward Woodruff Park)

Noon

If you’re Irish, or just love a parade, then you don’t want to miss the 2012 Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival! The parade will feature Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed as Grand Marshal; Sen. Johnny Isakson and Rep. John Lewis as Honorary Grand Marshals; Jimmy Deenihan, T.D. as Irish Guest of Honor; and Paul Gleeson, Consul General of Ireland, as Guest of Honor.

 And coming up soon:

April 20-22

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is Atlanta’s annual celebration of the blooming of its native dogwood trees. For three days each spring, the festival fills Midtown Atlanta’s Piedmont Park with live music, arts and crafts, food booths and family-friendly activities. A highlight of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is the U.S. Disc Dog Southern Nationals, a world-class competition starring the top Frisbee dogs in the nation. A juried art competition recognizes artistic achievement in such categories as sculpture, painting, jewelry and photography. Musical entertainment at the festival ranges from bluegrass and country to rock and soul.

 

 

]]> http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/03/hoppin%e2%80%99-happenings/feed/ 0 Dining Spotlight: Restaurant Eugene http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/03/dining-spotlight-restaurant-eugene/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/03/dining-spotlight-restaurant-eugene/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:31:12 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=1227 The chef’s tasting at Restaurant Eugene made a recent 10th-anniversary celebration even more special with adventurous selections and plenty of surprises.

The meat eater of our couple chose the seven-course chef’s tasting, while the veggie lover selected the chef’s special vegetable tasting. The meal started off with hand-crafted cocktails featuring high-end bourbon, pine liquor, and a few other tasty ingredients. The first of many gifts from the kitchen arrived in a those tall shot glass: Prosseco with pureed pear and whipped buttermilk. It was smooth and wonderful and got our appetites going. Next, the chef sent out a spoon of salmon tartar topped with crispy leeks, accompanied by a glass of Sake, and a chocolate cannelle with sturgeon caviar. Brioche from next door H&F Bread Co. was served with salted butter. Heavenly.  The third (yes, third!) gift from the kitchen was a perfectly coddled egg with clotted cream, sorghum, chives, and truffles.

First course of the chef’s tasting: two raw oysters sitting on warm sunchoke with Georgia sturgeon caviar. The veggie first course: a farm egg on chestnuts, chanterelle puree, shitake chips, whipped garlic scape syrup, and nasturtium (it’s a flower, we had to look it up).

Second course of the chef’s tasting: torchon au foie gras with verjus (made from grapes after they have been juiced for wine) sorbet, foie gras powder, chestnut puree, and sweet potato bread. Second course of vegetable tasting: benne flour dumplings with benne tuile, wild mushrooms, heritage peas, baby carrots, and shaved apple.

Third course of the chef’s tasting: smoked snapper and lobster on a curried lobster sauce. Vegetable third course: skillet Belgium endive with curried raisin puree, lettuce cream (very cool), toasted chardoman, and chili ghee.

Fourth course: lacquered duck in an orange coffee reduction and sweet potato dauphine. Veggie fourth course: roasted acorn squash with baby fennel, tomato jam, celeriac puree, pain au levain, and bay leaf ghee.

Fifth course: milk braised rabbit with turnips, baby carrots, melted leeks, and rabbit confit stuffed pasta in a rabbit consommé. Veggies: pickled beets, dragon carrots, nero tondo radish, watermelon radish, sweet potato, onion, sunchokes, and jellied buttermilk.

The cheese course was next, featuring epoisses fondue with peanut brittle, biscotti for dipping and red wine jam (think wine Twizzlers!).

Finally, dessert: Ellijay apple pate with yogurt streusel and mousse, and a fresh pear with sour cherry caramel on a green tea shortcake. For a nostalgic twist, it was topped with with house-made green tea pop rocks, ending the meal with a bang — or at least a pop!

The evening’s culinary journey seemed to mirror the twists and turns and delicious delights of the decade being marked. Life is an adventure — occasionally, a meal should be one too!

 

 

]]> http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/03/dining-spotlight-restaurant-eugene/feed/ 0 Get Out and Play http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/02/get-out-and-play/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/02/get-out-and-play/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:15:24 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=952 Atlanta’s winters certainly can be unpredictable, but we’ve been so fortunate to have plenty of mild, downright spring-like weather this year. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of the amazing public parks around The Astoria at The Aramore. Parks can be an excellent way to change up your exercise routine. Swapping the treadmill for a scenic jog around a park can breathe some life into that mundane workout. Here are a few picturesque parks nearby:

  • Frankie Allen Park, located off Pharr Road, features multiple tennis courts open for public use. There is plenty of parking, and the park is also on a MARTA bus route. Areas of Frankie Allen Park are pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for a jog.
  • Part of Buckhead’s greenspace initiative, Pinnacle Park sits right on the corner of Lenox and Peachtree roads. It’s located at the entry of Buckhead’s Pinnacle building and has beautiful water features, sculpture and a walking path.
  • Sunnybrook Park is a little patch of peacefulness tucked away from the bustle of the surrounding city. A creek runs through it, and at nearly three acres it provides plenty of space for jogging, a game of Frisbee or just hanging out.

What’s your favorite place to spend time outdoors in Atlanta? Share it here or on our Facebook page!

]]> http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/02/get-out-and-play/feed/ 0 It’s a Dog’s (Social) Life http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/01/it%e2%80%99s-a-dog%e2%80%99s-social-life/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/01/it%e2%80%99s-a-dog%e2%80%99s-social-life/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:11:10 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=938 With so many nearby spots to have a blast with Spot, it’s no surprise that The Astoria at The Aramore is filled with furry family members and their happy humans. In addition to the array of parks and wonderful walking areas everywhere you turn, there’s always a plethora of pet-friendly places to hang out and celebrate.

Here are just a few fun upcoming events for pups and their peeps:

Blue Mark Studios Inc. is offering the Pastries For Your Pooch workshop this Thursday, Jan 26, 7-9:30 p.m. The cost is $25 and participants will prepare yummy dog treats with human-grade foods. With instruction, participants will prepare the batter, roll the dough cut and bake a variety of treats. Not only will you have a really great night out, but your pet will be extra happy to see you when you get home.

Hotel Indigo in Midtown offers Canine Cocktail Hour every Tuesday between 5 and 8 p.m. One dollar from every INDIGO martini sold will go towards supporting the Piedmont Park Dog Park. Canine Cocktail Hour features complimentary treats and a full doggie menu, including sirloin steak and grilled chicken, while humans enjoy cocktails and casual fare from Hotel Indigo’s Golden Bean. (Click here to find more pet-friendly hotels in Georgia.)

The Buckhead Barkus Annual Pet Parade kicks off at noon on Saturday, Feb. 18. Celebrate Mardi Gras with Mood Lounge and help raise money for Safe Haven 4 Pets. Enjoy cocktails and food, courtesy of Mood Lounge, as well as live music. The pet parade begins at 2 p.m., with a block-party celebration to follow until 6 p.m.

 

 

]]> http://theastoriacondos.com/2012/01/it%e2%80%99s-a-dog%e2%80%99s-social-life/feed/ 0 Holiday Shopping Central http://theastoriacondos.com/2011/12/holiday-shopping-central/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2011/12/holiday-shopping-central/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:05:29 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=726 All you need is your list and a Saturday to spend in our neighborhood and you’ll have all your holiday shopping done, done and done! There are so many fabulous shops within just a few blocks, you’ll have no trouble at all finding something perfect for everyone. Plus you’ll avoid the stressful shuffle of driving from one destination to another, letting you keep your seasonal cheer intact.

Here’s a glimpse of the excellent shopping choices you’ll find around The Astoria at The Aramore:

Lenox Square Mall

Phipps Plaza

Barnes & Noble Bookstore

Peachtree Battle Shopping Center/Promenade

You’ll find more great stores at Peachtree Square, Brookwood Place on Peachtree and The Peach Shopping Center. Once you’re ready to pop your long-distance gifts in the mail, the convenient post office on Pharr Road will be ready and waiting. Once you’re done with your elfly duties, reward yourself with a tasty treat at Holeman & Finch, Restaurant Eugene, Starfish Restaurant, Brio Tuscan Grille, Café Intermezzo, Chops Lobster Bar, Fogo de Chão, Zoe’s Kitchen or any of the many other restaurants in the neighborhood.

Happy shopping!

 

 

 

]]> http://theastoriacondos.com/2011/12/holiday-shopping-central/feed/ 0 In the Middle of It All http://theastoriacondos.com/2011/11/in-the-middle-of-it-all/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2011/11/in-the-middle-of-it-all/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:41:16 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=402 Most people are limited to living in just one neighborhood, but here residents live in Historic Peachtree Battle, which is beautifully between two of the hottest, most happening districts in Atlanta: Buckhead and Midtown. That translates to twice the options in nightlife, cultural arts, food, shops, and much more. Just a few steps takes you from the world-class shopping of Buckhead (coined the “Beverly Hills of the East”) to the culinary showcase that is Midtown, to the array of museums, theaters and entertainment venues that line the streets of both.

Here’s just a glimpse of what they have to offer:

Buckhead

  • More than 1,400 retail units that make more than $1 billion a year in sales and draw visitors from miles away.
  • Rated by the Robb Report one of the nation’s top 10 affluent communities with “some of the most beautiful mansions, best shopping and finest restaurants in the southeastern United States.”
  • The “Emerging Trends in Real Estate” report compared the area’s vibrant residential-commercial mix and 24-hour flavor to San Francisco, New York, and Boston.
  • A wealth of top hotels including the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead Atlanta, The Mansion on Peachtree, the Westin Buckhead Atlanta, and the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta.

Find out more about what there is to see and do in Buckhead today here.

Midtown

  • The Midtown Mile shopping district spans 14 consecutive blocks on Peachtree Street between the Fox Theatre and the Woodruff Arts Center.
  • The largest concentration of cultural venues in the Southeastern region, attracting more than 6 million visitors annually.
  • More than 100 restaurants serving everything from haute Italian cuisine to upscale Southern classics.
  • Plenty of greenspace, including the 180-acre Piedmont Park, The Atlanta Botanical Garden, and many small parks and tree-lined streets.
  • One of Atlanta’s most prestigious business districts, with more than 24 million square feet of office space and 86,000 employees of companies from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups.
  • Four MARTA rail stations, a network of sidewalks, and direct connections to the interstate system for easy transportation around the metro area.

Find out more about what there is to see and do in Midtown today here.

Credits: www.Buckhead,  and Midtownatl.com.

 

]]> http://theastoriacondos.com/2011/11/in-the-middle-of-it-all/feed/ 0 Why High-Rise Living Works http://theastoriacondos.com/2011/10/why-high-rise-living-works/ http://theastoriacondos.com/2011/10/why-high-rise-living-works/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:45:19 +0000 The Astoria Condos http://theastoriacondos.com/?p=45 High-rise living used to be an indicator of a certain social standing, but today it has little to do with status and everything to do with building the lifestyle that works best for you.

 Here are a few of the advantages of high-rise living:

You’ll save on your utility bills. Not only are the costs simply lower to maintain your condo (no more energy-sucking attic or basement space), often the amount for the heating/air system, cable TV, and the Internet are packaged in the overall monthly bill for your unit.

Access to amazing amenities. Most high-rise buildings have their own state-of-the-art fitness centers, business centers, secure parking, swimming pools, and Jacuzzis, among others. Thanks to the current state of the economy, there is much competition for most-luxury-for-your-money amenities, such as saunas, massage parlors, conference space, grocery services, and discounts to local retail and dining.

Maintenance-free living. No more getting stressed about how to handle pests or which day the garbage man comes. High-rise buildings have exterior maintenance and lush, well-designed landscaping that is maintained by the building. No more lawnmowers and leaf blowers taking up your Saturday afternoons!

Social events and a sense of community. Many high-rise HOAs are now getting social, coordinating happy hours, holiday gatherings, and seasonal events, offering a chance to get to know your neighbors in a relaxed setting. Residents enjoy the sense of community offered with this lifestyle.

Shopping, restaurants and more steps from your door. With all the choices in dining and shopping just an elevator ride and a short walk away, you may find yourself going days, or even weeks, without getting behind the wheel of your car. (Bonus gas savings!)

What else do you like about high-rise, urban living? Share your thoughts by commenting below or posting on our Facebook page or on Twitter!

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