Our First Progressive Dinner Bicycle Tour

Even though we planned the event, I must admit, I had no idea our culinary partners were going to impress as they did!  We literally had to tell everyone to STOP eating everything on their plate, because there was so much more to come.  We started at Livingston ~ for a little fresh fruit, cheese and a champagne toast on the front terrace overlooking Peachtree and Ponce.

Once on our bikes, we rolled 4 blocks north to Fresh to Order where we had delicious salad, soup and a mini-panini.  Our guests were amazed at this great find.  The Fresh to Order sign DOES NOT tell the whole story of this amazing gourmet eatery!

The group was already enjoying the culinary experience ~ but they could not have imagined what was still in store!

From 8th and Peachtree, we headed south towards “Downtown”.  Yes, Downtown.  For those you who haven’t been downtown lately — you really need to come down and check it out!  It’s a great place AGAIN!

We made our way to Max Lager’s Grill and Brewery. We enjoyed great beer, delicious crab cakes and pizza on the roof-top deck!  Very cool spot if you are looking a place for a private event.

By this time, we really needed a little exercise.  Nothing too strenuous, but a pleasant ride downhill on Baker Street towards Centennial Olympic Park would do nicely.  Our guests commented on how impressed they were with the positive changes throughout the downtown area.  There was plenty going on at the park.  Lots of families picnicking, kids playing, children (and a few adults) frolicking in the dancing fountain!

As we headed to our next dining experience, we stopped for a quick history lesson at the front doors of the Georgia Pacific Building.  Did you know that was the site of the Loews Grand?  Yes, the very spot where “Gone With the Wind” premiered in 1939.  This intersection holds many stories; the start of  a great empire (the Coca-Cola story);  the tragic fire of the Winecoff Hotel in 1946 claiming the lives of 119 people, which at the time was the largest number of deaths worldwide in a hotel fire; the Carnegie Library where Margaret Mitchel spent years researching the Civil War to ensure her novel portrayed an accurate account of the Civil War.  Although our guests have lived here for many years, they all felt like “tourists” in another city for the 10 minutes we shared a small bit of Atlanta’s rich history.

But once we were back on the bikes… everyone seemed happy to start thinking about their next meal!  Ray’s in the City!  YESSS!

The experience at Ray’s was pretty unbelievable.  Swordfish, Seared Tuna and Catfish served with 4 family style side dishes.  PLUS, a dessert sampling of Bread Pudding, Chocolate Cake and Key Lime Pie.  All the time we received VIP treatment in the private Wine Room.  I know it’s all hard to believe, but we have proof…

The evening was amazing!  We are looking forward to doing this all the way through October.  Hope you can join us sometime soon!

Eat well and ride a bike often!!