Spring into the Arts
This system-wide, six-week celebration of visual, performing and literary arts continues with free events, workshops, exhibits and performances by Nashville Ballet, jazz percussionist Dann Sherrill, Norwegian classical guitar virtuoso Randall Avers, local novelist Tony Earley, Dollywood’s Imagination Playhouse, award-winning cartoonist Tim Oliphant, artist/educators from Frist Center for the Visual Arts and Watkins College of Art and Design, and much more. Visit www.library.nashville.org or call 862-5800 for a complete program listing.
Chinese Paper Arts by Jomya Lei
Los Angeles native Jomya Lei began studying Chinese paper arts at the age of five, after her mother taught her how to make a paper crane. Teaching herself simple one-sheet paper crafts from books, and learning folding techniques from her paternal grandfather, Lei quickly graduated to more advanced pieces and methods like modular paper-folding, cardmaking, word- or figure-cutting and Chinese knot craft with silk threads, taught by her Californian teacher, Katie Chen. A high-school student now relocated to Nashville, Lei exhibits her recent work April 1-30 at Green Hills Library, 3701 Benham Ave., 862-5863.
Chinese Brush Painting
Dr. Guanping Zheng is an accomplished painter whose works have been exhibited and collected in China and the U.S. An associate professor of digital imaging and animation at Middle Tennessee State University, Zheng also teaches Chinese arts at Chinese schools in Nashville and study abroad programs. An exhibit of his Chinese brush paintings using traditional and modern techniques, as well as works by his students, will be exhibited April 1-30 at Green Hills Library, 3701 Benham Ave., 862-5863.
Dance from Chinese Poetry
Jen-Jen Lin, founder and director of the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN), is the former artistic director of the Lan-Yang Chinese Folklore Performing Dance Company, a group that toured internationally with its repertoire of traditional Chinese dances. Lin will give a talk on Dance Theater from Chinese Poetry, the upcoming CAAN theater production presented at Vanderbilt University that features dances choreographed by Lin inspired by modern Chinese poems, at an artists’ reception April 10 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Green Hills Library, 3701 Benham Ave., 862-5863.
The New Yorker to Nashville
Tony Earley might live in East Nashville, but the whole world took notice after he was named one of the “twenty best young fiction writers in America” by The New Yorker and one of the “Best of Young American Novelists” by Granta. Currently the Samuel Milton Fleming Chair of English at Vanderbilt, Earley is best known for his stunning debut novel, Jim the Boy (2002). He has also written a collection of short stories, Here We Are in Paradise: Stories and a collection of personal essays, Somehow Form a Family: Stories That Are Mostly True. His stories have also appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's, Esquire, and Best American Short Stories, and have been widely anthologized. Earley discusses the literary life on April 19 at 6:30 p.m., part of the Third Thursday Speaker Series at East Branch Library, 206 Gallatin Road, 862-5860.
Latin Jazz with Dann Sherrill
Afro-Cuban music, with its roots in Spain and West Africa, has influenced many world music styles including salsa, tango and jazz.
Learn about the different Cuban musical styles and how they’ve influenced much of modern American music at this concert featuring Dann Sherrill, a Nashville-based percussionist who has performed with many music greats including Steve Winwood, Engelbert Humperdinck, Mel Tillis, Armando Perazza of Santana, Mose Allison and Arturo Sandoval. Co-sponsored by Nashville Jazz Workshop, Frist Center for the Visual Arts and Nashville Public Library. April 22 at 3 p.m. in the auditorium at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5800.
Poets in the Round
In celebration of National Poetry Month, join local poets Alvin Knox, DeAnna Vaughn, Peggy Smith Duke and Tom Kimmel as they read from their work and answer questions in a discussion moderated by novelist River Jordan. April 15 at 2:30 p.m. in the West Reading Room at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5853.
Herb Happy
Toni Foglesong of the Herb Society of Nashville presents tips for growing and using culinary and decorative herbs at this special gardening talk, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Bellevue Branch Library, 650 Colice Jeanne Rd., 862-5854. The first 30 participants will receive a free herb plant to take home.
Waneta Strickert, Tennessee Master Gardener and award-winning member of the Herb Society of America, shares her ideas for using herbs in landscapes and establishing a new herb garden at this spring workshop, part of the Inglewood Gardening Series. April 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Inglewood Branch Library, 4312 Gallatin Rd., 862-5866.
Virtuoso Showcase Concert Series: Randall Avers
Randall Avers is a classical guitar virtuoso and eight-time international music competition prize winner. Starting on guitar at age six, Avers studied at prominent music schools in the U. S., France and Norway including the Oberlin Conservatory, the University of Arizona, the Conservatoire Nationale Superiere de Musique et de Danse in Paris, and the Norges Musikkhøgskole. Now living in Norway and teaching at the Bergen Kulturskole, he appears regularly at festivals and concert series in North America and Europe, and is performing faculty at the Classical Minds Festival in Houston and the Bergen International Guitar Festival in Norway. He gives the final performance in the 2006-2007 Virtuoso Showcase Concert Series, April 10 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5753.
Kids/Teens/Family
Cartooning with Mr. Ollie
Award-winning cartoonist Tim Oliphant will teach budding artists how to draw their own cartoons using a few basic shapes and simple techniques in this one-hour workshop for teens and adults. April 14 at 11:00 a.m. & 1:15 p.m. at Goodlettsville Branch Library, 106 Old Brick Church Pike, 862-5862.
Career in Toons
Award-winning artist and National Cartoonists Society member Tim Oliphant discusses the many marketable cartoon styles and how to develop a career as a cartoonist at this one-hour workshop for teens and adults. April 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Goodlettsville Branch Library, 106 Old Brick Church Pike, 862-5862.
Teen Songwriters’ Concert
Hear them now before they hit the big time! Contestants in the Nashville Public Library Teen Songwriting Contest perform in a special spring concert headlined by hit songwriters Steve Dean and Thom Shepherd and local teen singer/songwriter Taylor Braun. April 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5800.
Citywide Teen Poetry Fest
Teens can perform up to three original poems at an open-mic coffeehouse-style “poetry slam” at the downtown Main Library. Share your creative work, win door prizes and impress your friends! All poems must be suitable for public performance. April 22 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5800.
Frist Art Trunk Program: Mexico and Modern Printmaking
This series of art history/discovery programs for grades 7-12 begins with a free tour or free tickets to “Mexico and Modern Printmaking,” currently showing at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Kids can design and create their own prints at follow-up sessions that cover printmaking techniques and an overview of the history of Mexican printmaking. Registration is suggested.
Mondays, April 16, 23 & 30 at 2:30 p.m. at Goodlettsville Branch Library, 106 Old Brick Church Pike, 862-5862. Frist tour: April 9 at 2:30 p.m. at Frist Center for the Visual Arts, 919 Broadway.
Also: Wednesdays, April 11, 18 and 25 (no tour; free tickets to the exhibit will be provided) at 4:00 p.m. at Southeast Branch Library, 2325 Hickory Highlands Dr., 862-5871.
Frist Center Art Trunk Program: Matisse, Picasso and the School of Paris
This series of art history/discovery programs designed for school-age children introduces “Matisse, Picasso and the School of Paris,” currently showing at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Sessions include art activities involving drawing, painting and collage, and the program ends with a tour of the exhibit. Registration is suggested.
Thursdays, April 5, 12 and 19 (Frist tour: April 21) at 6:30 p.m. at Inglewood Branch Library, 4312 Gallatin Road, 862-5866.
Thursdays, April 19, 26 and May 3 (Frist tour: May 10) at 4:30 p.m. at Edmondson Pike Branch Library, 5501 Edmondson Pk., 880-3957.
Frist Family Night with Shaun Giles
Shaun Giles of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts presents a two-part family program discussing “Matisse, Picasso, and School of Paris,” the current exhibit at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Families will make an art-related craft with materials provided, and take a free tour of the exhibit. Tuesday, April 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Thompson Lane Branch Library, 380 Thompson Ln.; Thursday, April 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Frist Center for the Visual Arts, 919 Broadway. Families must attend the first session to go on the tour. Reservations are suggested; call 862-5873.
Hansel and Gretel
The classic Brothers Grimm tale is told with the library’s charming Peeko Puppets in this production also featuring Danke, a handmade wooden marionette gifted to the library by the Magdeburg Puppet Theater of Germany. Fridays and Saturdays, April 27-May 26 at 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. in the Children’s Theater at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5800.
My Lucky Day
A clever pig foils the scheming fox that wants to turn him into lunch in this high-spirited musical for preschoolers and school-age children, based on the popular Keiko Kasza book and presented by Dollywood’s Imagination Playhouse. The production features an original song by Dolly Parton. April 6-7 at 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. in the Children’s Theater at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5800.
Additional performances:
Monday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Pruitt Branch Library, 117 Charles E. Davis Blvd., 862-5985, and 3:30 p.m. at Edgehill Branch Library, 1409 12th Ave. S., 862-5861; Tuesday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Bordeaux Branch Library, 4000 Clarksville Pike, 862-5856, and 6:30 p.m. at Edmondson Pike Branch Library, 5501 Edmondson Pk., 880-3957; Wednesday, April 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Madison Branch Library, 610 Gallatin Pike, 862-5868; Thursday, April 5 at 10:00 a.m. at North Branch Library, 1001 Monroe Street, 862-5858 and 2:00 p.m. at Hermitage Branch Library, 3700 James Kay Ln., 880-3951.
Wiley and the Hairy Man
Wiley the young boy-hero must confront the coal-eyed hairy thing in the dark swamps of Alabama in this magical folk tale told with full-scale shadow puppets and live music. April 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the Children’s Theater at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5800.
Aesop’s Fables
This children’s production from Nashville Ballet features four famous fairy tales by the storyteller including The Tortoise and the Hare and The Ants and the Grasshopper. Children can join the dancers on stage after the performance to learn some steps. April 14 at 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. in the auditorium at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5800.
Scenes and Songs
Scenes from Wishing Chair Productions’ best-loved marionette shows will be presented at this special “snippets” show featuring puppetry and juggling. April 20 at 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30 in the Children’s Theater at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5800.
Polynesian Dance with the Global Education Center
Learn exotic moves with Polynesian dancers from the Global Education Center in this special interactive family dance performance.
April 17 at 6:00 p.m. at Thompson Lane Branch Library, 380 Thompson Ln., 862-5873.
Nashville Ballet Storytime
Join the White Swan as the Nashville Ballet presents a special interactive storytime based on the famous ballet Swan Lake. Children will learn the story and join the fun with movement, mime and music.
Wednesday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Bellevue Branch Library, 650 Colice Jeanne Rd. 862-5854; Thursday, April 5 at
10:30 a.m. at Edgehill Branch Library, 1409 12th Ave. S., 862-5861; Monday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Hadley Park Branch Library, 1039 28th Avenue N., 862-5865; Wednesday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. at Hermitage Branch Library, 3700 James Kay Ln., 880-3951, and 10:30 a.m. at Goodlettsville Branch Library, 106 Old Brick Church Pike, 862-5862; Thursday, April 12 at 4:00 p.m. at Watkins Park Branch Library, 612 17th Ave. N., 862-5872; Saturday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m. at East Branch Library, 206 Gallatin Rd., 862-5860; Tuesday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Bordeaux Branch Library, 4000 Clarksville Pike, 862-5856; Thursday, April 19 at 4:30 p.m. at Donelson Branch Library, 2315 Lebanon Rd., 862-5859; Saturday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Edmondson Pike Branch Library, 5501 Edmondson Pk., 880-3957; Tuesday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m. at North Branch Library, 1001 Monroe Street, 862-5858; Wednesday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. at North Branch Library, 1001 Monroe Street, 862-5858, and 10:30 a.m. at Thompson Lane Branch Library, 380 Thompson Ln., 862-5873; Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Inglewood Branch Library, 4312 Gallatin Road, 862-5866; Saturday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Richland Park Branch Library, 4711 Charlotte Ave., 862-5870; Monday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Looby Branch Library, 2301 Metro Center Blvd., 862-5867.
String Fling
The student winners of the violin and viola competition sponsored by Metro schools string teachers play in a special concert, April 20 at 1:00 p.m. in the Courtyard Gallery of Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5800.
Mixed-Media Painting
Kids can develop their drawing and design skills while creating landscape collage art using oil pastels, pencils, brushes and more in this class taught by an instructor from the Watkins College of Art and Design. Class size is limited and reservations are suggested; call 862-5867. April 10 at 4:00 p.m. at Looby Branch Library, 2301 Metro Center Blvd.
Bilingual Story Time: Cuentos Bilingües
This interactive literacy hour features Spanish/English stories, games and songs, led by volunteers from Book ‘Em. April 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Edmondson Pike Branch Library, 5501 Edmondson Pk., 880-3957.
Interpreted Story Hour
The stories and adventures of the Professor, Library Pete, and Mary Mary and the residents of the Puppet House will be interpreted for deaf and hard-of-hearing preschoolers and school-age children at a special story hour, April 17 at 12:15 p.m. in the Children’s Theater at Main Library, 615 Church St., 862-5750.
Recycle Your Reads
Donate gently used books, CDs and DVDs to “Recycle Your Reads,” a special sale to benefit the free programs and events hosted by Friends of the East Branch Library. April 21 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at East Branch Library, 206 Gallatin Rd., 862-5860. Book donations accepted until Apr. 19 at the library. A Friends Book Sale will also be held Apr. 21 from 9:00 a.m.-noon at Southeast Branch Library, 2325 Hickory Highlands Dr., 862-5871.
Financial Planning for the LGBTQ+ community
Financial planning is a great way to start your year on the right foot, but if you’re a part of the queer and childfree, you might need to make a few more adjustments than your hetero friends.
Let’s take a look at some strategies you can use in the new year to get your finances in order in a way that fits your lifestyle.
The Challenges You Might Face
Facing your challenges
Photo by x ) on Unsplash
Depending on where you live, there might be certain legal protections and benefits in place that can help you with financial planning. However, not all states offer those protections, which can do more harm than good and create a few challenges for you as you plan for your financial future.
For example, if you’re not legally married, you aren’t eligible for things like inheritance laws and social security benefits. No matter how long you’ve been with your partner, it’s required by law that you be married to receive those protections. Furthermore, many states have not yet established anti-discrimination laws. This means that, depending on your location, you might not have protection against things like:
- Housing costs
- Access to credit
- Healthcare access
Putting a strong, legal-approached financial plan in place now will not only help to prepare you for the future but will give you a better idea of the challenges you might have to face as you get older. It’s often worthwhile to find a financial advisor who specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. They’ll be able to help you make smart decisions with your money and keep you up-to-date with the laws and protections in your state.
A financial advisor can also help with roadblocks you might face if you’re on a budget and need money quickly. For example, pulling money out of a retirement account early generally isn’t a good idea. If you make early withdrawals, a 10% early distribution tax is added. However, if you have a permanent disability, qualifying medical costs, or need financial assistance with caregiving, you may be able to draw from it early without penalty. A financial advisor can point you in the right direction and protect you from penalties.
Making Investment Purchases
While you may have more disposable income without children to provide for, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do your due diligence when making larger purchases. These larger, investment purchases may not always follow the same trajectory as traditional, heteronormative purchases do — e.g., weddings, big houses, and then family-sized vans. Of course, you can choose to follow this trajectory or stray from this path according to your specific lifestyle. In any case, you want to watch out for discrimination when making any big purchases. Make sure to vet the company you are working with. Look at reviews and ask around in the community. Also, do your research on protections against discrimination.
For example, find out what U.S. laws protect LGBTQIA+ homebuyers. Anti-discrimination laws can only build on federal housing laws, so check your state for extra protections. When buying a car, make sure you don’t fall victim to scammy sales tactics. Even though LGBTQ+ credit discrimination is illegal, there are still systemic issues that cause credit issuers — including car dealerships — to have misconceptions about the community. It’s best to remain vigilant just in case.
For instance, you may have just one income to rely on and are in the market for a used car. When purchasing a used car, ask smart questions to avoid financial mistakes. Consider asking the car salesperson:
- What is the vehicle’s history — including service records, wrecks, or even reported theft of the vehicle?
- Are there any previous or current problems you have noticed with the vehicle?
- What services were done to prepare the car for sale?
- What is included with the car — including any preinstalled upgrades, warranties, or the number of keys on hand?
- What is the policy to return a car after purchase?
These questions may seem invasive, but they are actually investigative and, often, necessary. Avoid covert discrimination in the form of “pulling the wool over your eyes” because you are unfairly perceived as uninformed at the car dealership — come prepared. This goes for any costly purchase, so do your research and prepare for any curveballs that come your way.
Starting Fresh Financial Habits in the New Year
No matter the challenges you face — either legally or personally — one of the best ways to boost your financial wellness in the new year is to create healthier habits. Create a budget for yourself that allows you to live the lifestyle you want while preparing for the future. Maybe you’re thinking about having children someday and want to start saving now. Maybe you know that parenthood isn’t for you but you want a comfortable retirement. Some of the best ways to save, even when you’re on a tight budget, include:
- Cutting down on excessive expenses
- Finding a side gig
- Asking for a raise at work
- Chipping away at debt
- Eating at home more often
- Adjusting your paycheck withholdings.
It’s never too soon to start planning and preparing for the future — whether you live alone, with roommates, with a partner, or with a spouse. Keep these tips in mind to overcome financial hurdles and make the most of your financial vision, this year and beyond.
Slane Irish Whiskey bottles
Whiskey has been hitting the shelves left and right lately taking up aisles and aisles. All good things if you ask me. I took a quick trip out to Atlanta for a review of Slane Irish Whiskey. I know what you’re thinking. Atlanta and Irish Whiskey? I was waiting for the connection but there wasn’t one, except for the people I met but let’s start from the beginning, shall we?
Visiting a Garden That Gives Back to the Community
The garden at A Sip of Paradise
Photo courtesy of A Sip of Paradise
The first thing on the list is to visit a place called A Sip of Paradise. This non-profit garden space caters to bartenders and people in the hospitality industry. It’s a place where everyone can gather for specific events, help maintain the garden, borrow from the garden, and create a sense of community. It’s a safe space where you can recharge the body, mind, and soul through gardening and health and wellness programs and so much more.
As the day unfolded, we learned how the garden space was created, why it was created, and how it thrives. Anyone in the hospitality industry can tell you that it is sometimes grueling hard work. It takes a toll on the body, mind, and at times, the spirit. Walking among the various plants and flowers, you get a sense of grounding. You take care of and nurture these plants so they will grow and thrive in the sultry weather. You leave your troubles behind as your focus turns to the garden, the people, and the stories they share.
As luck would have it, it poured down rain and we couldn’t go out and weed the garden. Then the rain stopped. Then it started again. Then finally, it stopped. During the rain, we huddled together under pop-up tents and shared stories and cocktails. We learned the stories of a few members and we learned how they give back to the community that has helped them along the way.
This. This is the connection. Slane Irish Whiskey (and company) is long rooted in community, music, sustainability, and a yearning for leaving the world a better place than they found it. Cliche, I know. But the work that A Sip of Paradise does on a daily basis is the same work Slane Distillery is doing. Building a legacy.
These people are more than mere bartenders, mixologists, and drink slingers. There were trailblazers and celebrities in their own right. They were are giving back. They were are making a difference. All the while making amazing cocktails.
A Sip of Paradise’s principles are easy. Come together as a community. Partake in the care of the garden space, take what you need, and give what you can.
Inside the Epicurean Hotel Atlanta
Epicurean Hotel Atlanta
Photo courtesy of Epicurean Hotel Atlanta, Autograph Collection by Marriott
I was staying in the heart of Midtown Atlanta at the Epicurean Hotel. This isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill hotel–it’s a food-themed boutique hotel. Instead of checking in at the front desk or speaking with a concierge person, you actually check in at the host desk inside the first-floor restaurant called Reverence. Upon checking in, you’re offered your choice of a complimentary beer or glass of wine. (impressed already).
Each floor is food themed. I happened to be staying on the Pinot Noir floor. Fitting I know. I have the sense that it didn’t matter what floor I was on! The room was great and wouldn’t you know, there was a bar with snacks. Not one of those tiny little minibars, but a full-on wall dedicated to all things booze. There were shelves with wine on them, spirits, and snacks. Some were complimentary so as I sipped my complimentary wine, I had some snacks as I relaxed and pretended to get some work done before meeting the group downstairs.
Reverence is the main restaurant where you not only dine and drink, but this is where I checked into my hotel. It’s an open kitchen concept with plenty of seating in and around the kitchen. Elegantly designed and decorated to make you feel right at home.
If you want a bit more casual, you can head to Aerial Kitchen and Bar situated next to the swimming pool and cabanas. Seating is like sitting in your familiar backyard and hanging out with friends. The open concept means you’re sitting outside enjoying the weather.
If you’re not quite ready for dining, you can head over to The Office Bar and cocktails. Don’t worry, if you do end up getting hungry, you can order from the eclectic menu.
Perhaps the shining jewel of the hotel would be the cooking theater. The Epicurean Theatre is built for demonstrations, teachings, or any group event where you can learn various cooking techniques.
There’s a Sky Terrance where you can take in the views of Atlanta’s skyline or just lounge around on the large lawn space taking a break from work, or perhaps you’re working remotely. It’s a perfect setting to do that.
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Cooking Demonstrations with Whiskey Pairings
Chef preparing for his cooking demonstration at the Epicurean Theatre
Photo credit of Joe Eats World
Most of the amazing people we met in the garden were attending the dinner along with a few local writers, bloggers, and fellow lovers of food. One of the Slane Irish Whiskey Ambassadors was there to give us a bit more history on Slane Distillery.
Slane Irish Whiskey is triple distilled and triple casked using virgin barrels, seasoned barrels, and sherry. Slane works on sustainability, renewable energy, and a lower carbon footprint. Toss in the whiskey, music, and oh, a rebuilt Irish Castle and you get some pretty amazing history. The castle is used for tours, weddings, and music venues. Some of the biggest names in music have either visited or played at the castle.
Our dinner was a paring of three different expressions of Slane’s whiskey. Dinner was a four-course experience where we feasted on chilled half-shell oysters, hot and sour pork belly bao buns, scallops n grits, and orange-cured summer peaches. We finished off the evening with another Slane Irish Whiskey coffee old fashioned. Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to sleep that night but curiously, it wasn’t a problem.
Having Brunch Before Heading to the Airport
The James Room entrance
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
The next day we set out for The James Room. Their website opens with We’re a Vibe and I have to agree. We were told about The James Room but upon arriving and walking through the glass doors, you’re taken aback because we were supposed to have cocktails and brunch with Tiffanie Barriere. Instead what I walked into was a coffee and pastry shop with a few tables to either side of me and a coffee counter directly ahead. Intriguing.
As we were talking, one of our new friends came walking through one of the side doors and asked us to follow her. Blown away doesn’t even begin to describe what happened next. You know that point in Wizard of Oz when Dorothy walks around her house after the tornado and it’s filmed in Black and White and then she opens the door and walks outside into technicolor? That’s literally what happened to me. As the door opened, another world opened up.
The room was dimly lit in a perfect way, to my left was a very long wrap-around bar and behind (or in front, depending on how you’re standing) were various seating booths with velvet and leather seats. Words of welcome and greetings came from all around as we reunited with more of our friends from the garden.
As we were waiting for brunch, we stood around with cocktails of course, and chatted about the previous day's events when we were almost rained out of gardening! Once brunch was out of the way, it was time to get busy, we were there for an Irish coffee workshop after all. Obviously, we were going to be using Slane Whiskey as the main ingredient. We received a demo of how the Irish coffee is built and then we were on our own to recreate said coffee. We all did pretty well if you ask me but then again, it was 10:30 in the morning and we were already on cocktail two or three and we were flying out in a few hours.
It was a whirlwind event. In less than 24 hours, I met some of the most amazing humans, had some amazing cocktails made from Slane Irish Whiskey of course, ate some absolutely delicious food, and at noon I was on my way back to the airport. My only regret is that the events didn’t last longer. It was definitely not enough time to explore and experience the wonders that Atlanta’s food scene and cocktail scenes have to offer. Especially that hotel. My God, that hotel.
One More Whiskey Tasting After I Return to Chicago
Irish Coffee using Slane Irish Whiskey
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
Fast forward a few weeks later as I’m back home in Chicago, I get invited to a dinner and whiskey tasting for Slane. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make the dinner but I did get a chance to hang out a The Kerryman and experience blending my own whiskey and tasting even more Slane Irish Whiskey concoctions. We laughed about the rainstorm in Atlanta and talked about how amazing the people were, how good the food was, and how we went through A LOT of whiskey. One of the reps from a GlenDronach Scotch and Cheese pairing event I attended was there and we talked about how amazing everything there was.
If you’re a whiskey fan, you should do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle or 2 of Slane’s. They’re making some pretty good stuff. Even though they’re a young-ish company, they have some great things on the horizon.
This post was originally published on Joe Eats World