Peter Dale

Atlanta’s art and culinary stars unite for our 38th Rising...

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:54:35 -0400

Atlanta’s art and culinary stars unite for our 38th Rising Stars…
Great food, craft drinks, fine art, good friends-one night only!

Featuring our own Rising Star, Chef Peter Dale, who will be cooking his award-winning dish Grilled Australian Lamb Chop with Lamb Kefte, Tabbouleh, Feta and Pecan Muhummara

2012 Atlanta Rising Stars Revue and Tasting Gala
Wednesday, June 13
at The Goat Farm Arts Center
1200 Foster Street
Atlanta , GA 30318
5:45pm – 9:30pm

VIP Reception at 5:45pm with Champagne and Petrossian Caviar
Awards Ceremony at 6:30pm
Tasting Gala to follow

Purchase tickets here
General admission - $85
VIP - $125

Dinner + Movie Menu: May 20

Sun, 20 May 2012 16:11:49 -0400

Appetizer to share:
spring salad arugula, local strawberries, feta, pecans, rhubarb, sherry vinaigrette
or
hummus sumac, warm flatbread or
stuffed medjool dates celery, manchego cheese, smoked paprika

Entrée:
roasted Spring Mountain chicken breast wilted kale salad, parmesan, pecans, radishes, lemon vinaigrette, tomato jam
or
pan roasted Sturgeon (Cohutta, GA) orzo salad with fava beans and artichokes, roasted tomato aioli, scallion-radish-preserved lemon salsa, fennel fronds

Dessert:
flourless chocolate torte espresso and almond semifreddo, blackberry
or
honey cake vanilla mascarpone cream, local strawberries

2012 Tour de Farm Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, May 26 -...

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:22:32 -0400

2012 Tour de Farm
Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday, May 26 - Monday, May 28
$175 per person
sponsored by P.L.A.C.E.

It is time again for Athens Tour de Farm!
P.L.A.C.E. will once again be hosting the 2012 Tour de Farm, a 3-day bicycle tour that seeks to reconnect the community to their local food sources in and around Athens, Georgia. See a clip here of CNN’s coverage of the 2010 Tour.

Tour de Farm is a bike tour of sustainable agriculture in and around Athens-Clarke County. The tour will visit a total of 8 farms, covering a distance of 100 miles over 3 days, broken into 10-15 mile sections between each farm visit. Each farm will represent a unique aspect of local sustainable agriculture, offering a great learning experience for the local cyclist and environmentalist. We will visit about 2-3 farms per day, stopping for a tour, and a snack or meal, and then camping out for 2 nights. Please be forewarned showers are not guaranteed.

Riders will depart Saturday morning and return Monday late afternoon, with all meals being provided in between, except breakfast Saturday and dinner Monday. Guest chefs will prepare the dinners each night, while breakfast and lunch each day will be comparatively simple, but hearty. Snacks during the ride will also be provided. Keeping true to the event’s mission, as much of the food as possible will be locally sourced and/or organic.

P.L.A.C.E. will provide 2 vans, to carry all the food and gear, and will have a mechanic and ride leaders accompanying the group. So each participant will not be required to carry anything more than what they need between farms, usually just water. Riders will be responsible for supplying their own tents and sleeping bags, which will then be transported by van to each of the overnight destinations.

The $175 fee covers all your meals, the vans to transport gear and food, a t-shirt, and compensation for the farmer’s time and space, with all proceeds being donated to P.L.A.C.E.

To register, email athenstourdefarm@gmail.com and send payments (check or money order, please do not send cash) made out to P.L.A.C.E. to the P.O. Box provided. Space is limited, so spots will fill on a first come, first served basis.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Erin at athenstourdefarm@gmail.com.

Let’s put an end to placeless, faceless food!

Dinner+Movie May 13

Sun, 13 May 2012 17:29:13 -0400

Appetizer to share:
spring salad arugula, local strawberries, feta, pecans, rhubarb, , sherry vinaigrette
or
hummus sumac, warm flatbread or
stuffed medjool dates celery, manchego cheese, smoked paprika

Entrée:
roasted Ashley Farms chicken breast wilted kale salad, parmesan, pecans, radishes, lemon vinaigrette, tomato jam
or
grilled beef hanger steak warm fingerling potato salad with sorrel-buttermilk dressing, roasted tomato, arugula, radishes, peppadew pepper-cornichon relish

Dessert:
yogurt panna cotta strawberries, rhubarb
or
chocolate mousse mint cream, strawberries

{$29 per person}

With our new t-shirts you can show your love for The National...

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:07:47 -0400

With our new t-shirts you can show your love for The National and our entire family of restaurants everywhere you go!

both designs available in male and female sizes
{medium, large and extra-large}

on the Georgia tee,
select either a hot pink or lime green heart over Athens

$16.00 each
get yours today at The National

The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival is here! Eat. Drink. Enjoy...

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:10:05 -0400

The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival is here!
Eat. Drink. Enjoy all that is Southern with award-winning chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, pitmasters, and beverage innovators. The South has never tasted so good!

Plus, our own James Beard Award Winner Hugh Acheson will be there talking about Food Philanthropy on Sunday, May 13, 11:30-12:15pm

Across the South, culinary leaders are rolling up their sleeves to support their communities. From working to improve the public school lunch system and making farm-fresh foods available and affordable in low-income neighborhoods, to helping preserve Southern foodways and providing funds to support impoverished communities, Southern chefs and winemakers are becoming serious social innovators. During this panel discussion, participants will hear the stories of how two chefs and two winemakers are creating change and their desire for you to join their efforts to make a difference.

And bring your copy of Hugh’s James Beard Award Winning Cookbook A New Turn in the South for a book signing from 12:15-12:45pm

Presented by the Classic City Cooks and Chefs Association and...

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:12:23 -0400

Presented by the Classic City Cooks and Chefs Association and Mills Farm — Home of Red Mule Grits

Sunday, May 6
11 am - 2 pm
at Mills Farm

Enjoy live music, crafts, fellowship and fun!
Brunch will be prepared by seven of Athens top chefs, each dish featuring Mills Farm fresh-ground products.

Tickets are $10.00
Save $2 when you bring a canned food donation for Project Safe

No reservations are needed.
For more information call 706-543-8113 or
email redmulegrits@yahoo.com

Mills Farm
150 Harve Mathis Rd.
Athens, Ga. 30601

A Lunch for Mom The National will be open for a special lunch...

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:13:03 -0400

A Lunch for Mom

The National will be open for a special lunch on Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 13
Three-course Prix-fixe menu only
$29 per person
Seatings at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm

spring salad local lettuces, local strawberries, feta, pecans, Vidalia, rhubarb-sherry vinaigrette

cucumber gazpacho lobster relish

roasted local chicken breast chickpeas and okra with yogurt and harissa, arugula and radishes

Georgia shrimp sauteed with Spanish chorizo, caramelized onion and roasted red pepper broth, local grits with mascarpone and grilled corn

local blueberry shortcake lemon cream

chocolate mousse mint whipped cream and cocoa nibs

Congratulations to 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chefs, including our...

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:43:30 -0400

Congratulations to 2012 Atlanta Rising Star Chefs, including our own Chef Peter Dale and friends Ryan Smith {Empire State South} and Whitney Otawka {Farm255}

“Rising Stars have attributes that make us believe they will be the future leaders of the country’s culinary scene. Put simply, they’re not just surviving the Atlanta restaurant industry, they’re defining it, with exciting cuisine, pours, and culinary concepts.”

Here’s what they had to say about Peter Dale and The National:

Mediterranean flavors may not immediately come to mind when you think of the New South, but Peter Dale is on a mission to change that, and to change what the tiny market of Athens thinks about those flavors altogether. Dale originally worked on Capitol Hill, then started his culinary career as an stage for Hugh Acheson at 5&10. After travelling throughout Europe, he came back to Athens and opened The National with Acheson. But he’s not cooking the tabbouleh and gyros you had on vacation last summer; instead he sources as locally as possible, then uses the Mediterranean as inspiration to create something altogether new. And Dale succeeds tenfold, combining the bold spices of the region into bright, clean flavors. And as The National continues to influence the Athens community, Dale looks to the future of what the town can become.

Dishes that Clinched It:

Grilled Lamb Chop, Lamb Kefte, Spring Tabbouleh,
Feta, and Pecan Muhummara

Orange and Aleppo Marinated Sapelo Island Clams and
Cucumber and Georgia Olive Oil Gazpacho

Want to experience the food of the country’s culinary scene first hand?
Purchase your tickets for the 2012 Rising Stars Revue Gala on Wednesday June 13 at The Goat Farm Atlanta {1200 Foster St, Atlanta, GA 30318}. Each Rising Stars Chef and Pastry Chef will serve one dish paired with beverages from the Rising Star Sommelier and two signature cocktails prepped by the Rising Star Mixologist.

{Read more about all of the winners here}

UGA goats in The Washington Post

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:14:00 -0400

UGA goats in The Washington Post:

Have you seen the goats on the UGA campus? No, not down on South Milledge but right in the middle of campus (Baxter Street near the Hull Street parking deck). The goats are helping to restore native plants to the Tanyard Creek area by eating invasive plants. Our good friend, Dr. Eric MacDonald makes a cameo. Click for video.

Join us for good food, good people, good music, all to benefit a...

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:38:28 -0400

Join us for good food, good people, good music, all to benefit a good cause. All proceeds go to Wholesome Wave Georgia and the Athens Farmers Market SNAP doubling program.

Saturday, April 28
1 - 4pm
Farm 255 Courtyard
255 W. Washington St.

(shhh… don’t tell, but we may party with a celebrity chef or two!)

https://www.facebook.com/events/357852554253846/

with Five Points Bottle Shop and Artisan VinesWednesday, May...

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:06:54 -0400

with Five Points Bottle Shop and Artisan Vines
Wednesday, May 2
6:30 pm
$65 per person
reservations: 706-549-3450 or thenationalrestaurant@gmail.com

If you think Portuguese wine is limited to port, it’s time to think again.
Join us for a rare opportunity to meet winemakers, owners and representatives of 4 wineries from different parts of Portugal.

1.
Monte da RavasQueira, Viognier/Arinto/Chardonnay, 2010
caldo verde (kale soup) with bacalao (salt cod) fritter

2.
Vale D’Algares “Guarda Rios” rosé, Touriga Nacional/Syrah, 2010
ragout of octopus, liguiça pork sausage, giant white beans and ramps, toast

3.
Sanguinhal, Touriga Nacional, 2008
roasted heritage breed pork tenderloin, marinated clams with red pepper and paprika, braised baby potatoes in ham broth

4.
Quinta Nova Colheita, Touriga Nacional/Toutiga Franca/Tinta Roriz/Tinto Cao, 2010
Portuguese and Spanish cheeses with accompaniments

5.
Quinta Nova CLA Special Reserva Ruby Porto
Portuguese custard tarts, one traditional, one chocolate filled, cinnamon, strawberries

Dine out to help support AthFest Educates!Tuesday, April 17Join...

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:23:30 -0400

Dine out to help support AthFest Educates!
Tuesday, April 17
Join us for Dinner and a Movie this Tuesday night to participate

For one night, participating restaurants and bars will donate part of their gross sales to AthFest Educates!, to benefit children in Athens-Clarke County and surrounding schools. Who knows? Your contribution may even help launch the career of Athens’ next big music star!!

Participating Restaurants and Bars
Locos Grill & Pub (Harris St. Location)
George’s Lowcountry Table
East West Bistro
Last Resort Grill
DePalmas Italian Cafe (all 3 locations)
Fuzzy’s Tacos
The National / Cine Dinner & a Movie
Square One Fish Co.
Trappeze Pub
Highwire Lounge
Yoforia (both locations)
Keba (Eastside)
Trappeze Pub
Highwire Lounge
The Manhattan Cafe
Little Kings
Sideways
Silver Dollar

Dinner+Movie April 15

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:27:17 -0400

Appetizer to share:
waldorf salad local spinach, apple, celery, golden raisins, walnuts, creamy dressing
or
hummus sumac, warm flatbread
or
patatas bravas home fries with spicy-tomato sauce and aioli

Entrée:
pan roasted Pacific kingklip orzo salad with fava beans, roasted tomatoes and rock shrimp, wilted local swiss chard, Greek yogurt with cucumber
or
crispy Heritage Farms pork shoulder red & white rice, sugar snap peas, avocado crema, hearts of palm, piquillo, Vidalia, cilantro

Dessert:
carrot cake blueberry, candied carrot
or
strawberry shortcake vanilla cream, local strawberries

On Saturday April 28, take some time to soak up a little Athens...

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:50:12 -0400

On Saturday April 28,
take some time to soak up a little Athens culture
and give back to the community while you’re at it

8:00 am
Visit the Athens Farmers Market at Bishop Park to see what amazing produce is being grown just within 100 miles of our town. Don’t forget a bag to gather up your haul!

10:00 am
Take a peak into the city’s historic homes {and kitchens} at the 2012 Athens Tour of Kitchens, benefiting the Georgia Children’s Chorus. Plus, Chef Peter Dale offers a cooking demo during the tour that will help you cook up your Market bounty

2:00 pm
Head to Farm 255 for the 2nd Annual Good Food Block Party, benefiting Wholesome Wave and the Athens Farmers Market Snap Doubling Program. Enjoy snacks from The National, along with Five and Ten, The Last Resort Grill, Heirloom Cafe & Fresh Market, and King of Pops.

April 9, 2012 Appetizer to share:waldorf salad local spinach,...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:05:34 -0400

April 9, 2012

Entrée:
grilled beef bavette steak baby potatoes roasted in duck fat, oyster and king trumpet mushrooms, Vidalia soubise, roasted tomato vinaigrette
or
roasted Ashley Farms chicken breast wilted kale salad, parmesan, pecans, radishes, lemon vinaigrette, tomato jam

Dessert:
yogurt panna cotta blueberries, mint
or
chocolate torte strawberries, vanilla whipped cream

EcoFocus Film Festival Closing Reception decorated by Swoon /...

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:38:04 -0400

EcoFocus Film Festival Closing Reception
decorated by Swoon / catered by The National

We had such a great time throwing this party for EcoFocus last Saturday with our new friends at Swoon Events! Those ladies really captured the versatility of the CineLab space we so often use for special events and catering.

CineLab Basics
private, soundproof, versatile space
capacity for up to 150 people {seating for 80}
full audio/visual capabilities

To plan a special event with us, email at thenationalrestaurant@gmail.com

photos by Emily Hall

Slow Food Prix-Fixe Dinnerbenefitting Slow Food AthensWednesday,...

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:04:26 -0400

Slow Food Prix-Fixe Dinner
benefitting Slow Food Athens
Wednesday, April 4
5-6 pm dinner reservations
screening of Grow! at 7:30pm
$25 dinner/$10 movie

To start:
warm Luna bread with Georgia olive oil

Appetizer:
local beets, carrots and arugula, goat cheese, pecans, chervil, balsamic
or
Woodland Gardens little gem lettuces, dandelion greens, crispy Vidalias, peanuts, smoked paprika buttermilk dressing

Entree:
half young chicken (White Oak Pastures, Early County, GA) wilted local lacinato kale with pecans, radishes, grana padano, lemon vinaigrette, savory tomato jam
or
sauteed Georgia royal red shrimp Woodland Gardens tatsoi, NC ramps, chili, sherry, over toasted Luna bread

Dessert:
local egg flan with whipped cream and FL kumquats
or
Sweetgrass Dairy Green Hill cheese with UGA honey and toasts

The 14th Annual Athens Tour of Kitchensbenefiting the Georgia...

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:38:58 -0400

The 14th Annual Athens Tour of Kitchens
benefiting the Georgia Children’s Chorus
Saturday, April 28
10am - 2pm
tickets $20 in advance/$25 day of

Kitchens enjoy the spotlight as you take a peek inside nine Athens homes in The Hill and Oak Grove neighborhoods with styles ranging from historic to modern interiors, art and architecture.

On the way, stop in for a cooking demonstration by Chef Peter Dale at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm at the home of renowned photographer Jim Fiscus.

The 100-voice Georgia Children’s Choir in-residence at the University of Georgia, led by Artistic Director Carol Reeves, will also perform at 11am at The Hill with a preview of songs from their upcoming spring concert.

To purchase advance tickets, visit georgiachildrenschorus.org or Athens Interiors Market, House to House Consignment, Appointments at Five and Heery’s Too, or Sunshine Village Gallery. Tickets are also available day of on the tour.

Plus, for $5 a ticket, enter the raffle to win a commissioned piece by Athens artist Jamie Calkin, known for his colorful, playful interpretation of iconic buildings around town done in ink and water color.

And don’t forget to purchase your copy of Cooking up a Song!, a collection of over 500 recipes contributed by GCC families and board members. It’s just another great way to support your Georgia Children’s Choir.

April 1, 2012 Appetizer to share:spring salad little gem...

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:16:46 -0400

April 1, 2012

Appetizer to share:
spring salad little gem lettuces, frisee, asparagus, peas, green beans, marinated onion, bacon, feta, dijon vinaigrette
or
hummus sumac, warm flatbread
or
stuffed medjool dates celery, manchego cheese, smoked paprika

Entrée:
sauteed laughing bird shrimp fava beans, ramps, black trumpet mushrooms, sherry, chili, pan con tomate, toast, arugula
or
grilled beef bavette steak (Painted Hills, OR) roasted baby potatoes, king trumpet mushrooms, Vidalia soubise, roasted tomato vinaigrette

Dessert
pineapple cake vanilla ice cream, passion fruit
or
chocolate brownie strawberries, vanilla ice cream