#britain baker

[cwprnest]

Roundup: Screw Your Resolutions!

By: Britain Baker

A New Year’s resolution is best described as a commitment that a person makes to accomplish one or more personal goals, projects, or to reform a bad habit. In theory, New Year’s resolutions are great, but let’s be honest. Whether it’s to eat healthier, lose weight, or quit smoking, most of our resolutions have about a two-week lifespan until everything falls apart. Then sooner than we know it everything goes back to normal. Our advice? Do yourself a favor and quit while you’re ahead. After all, today is national “screw your resolutions day,” so what better excuse to throw out the salad and dig in to a well-deserved, mouthwatering, calorie-packed delight. As always, CWPR is here to help. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite guilty pleasures from all over the city that will leave you saying “Resolution? What resolution?” Enjoy!

 D.B.A. Barbecue: Bacon Pudding Bacon. Pudding… what’s not to love about that combo? It’s a taste bud’s dream; Sweet, salty, and highly addicting. One bite and you’ll be 5 bowls in before you know it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!   

Bone Lick BBQ: Gospel Brunch Who says BBQ and breakfast don’t go together? Not Bone Lick BBQ. Sometimes, it’s just not enough to wait until the clock hits PM to chow down on some delicious, smoked piggy goodness. Thank heavens for Bone Lick’s Gospel Brunch, now available every Sunday from 11AM - 4PM. After you pay your respects to the man upstairs, head on over for some upbeat, hand clappin', honky-tonkin' Gospel jams and keep the party going with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys with all the fixins.  

Cypress Street Pint and Plate: Sublime Burger  A take on the Luther Burger, made famous by singer/producer Luther Vandross, the name says it all when it comes to Cypress’ Sublime Burger. A delicious beef patty topped with a mound of caramelized onions, slice of cheese and (our favorite) bacon between two perfectly crisped glazed Sublime doughnuts. You may be wondering, “Is this real life?” The answer is yes. Yes it is.   

Diesel Filling Station: Death Muffin Don’t let the name scare you. Diesel’s popular brunch item, The Death Muffin, won’t actually kill you, but it will make you feel as if you’ve died and gone to heaven.  Crisp bacon and pork sausage are housed in a woven bacon blanket and covered with maple syrup, grilled, smoked and then sliced atop an English muffin smothered in jam and completed with a poached egg. Best way to start your day? We think so.  

Winter Beer Carnival: After devouring all those bacon-filled delights, you’ll have to wash it down with something, and what better to do so with than beer? Once you’ve sampled over 100 brews from around the country, give one of several games a whirl. After all, games take up energy… so technically, you’ll be exercising and burning off a calorie or two following your calorie explosion, so everybody wins.

Let the glutton begin!

[cwprnest]

Fat Bird Finds: A Guide to The Best Gifts for Everyone on your List.

By: Britain Baker

Now that we’ve given thanks, it’s on to the next holiday. Christmahannukwanzaka, that is. Meaning, it’s time we start thinking about what really matters during this special time of year—presents. Just kidding, but let’s face it. At some point, you’re bound to end up in the mall, fighting crowds and waiting in insanely long lines with the hope of finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Let’s be honest. Holiday shopping is stressful. If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up staring at some random scarf, or maybe a wine cork, pondering whether or not it’s the right choice until you eventually decide to move on thinking there’s something better out there you have yet to find.  But fear not, fellow shop-a-phobes! CWPR has come to the rescue. Our team has filtered through the mall madness to bring you some options that will please even the pickiest of gift recipients. So, take a breath, relax and let us do the shopping. ‘Tis the season for giving, after all. 

1. FOR MY BITCHES: Because birds of a feather flock together, I have a crew of crazy bitches (most in PR like me or media folks) that I consider my besties.  Since I like to share my favorite things with the people I love, I would get them hooked on Honesty Jewelry so they can share in my addiction. 2. FOR MY BROS: I have some great guys that not only put up with my shenanigans, but continue to come to my rescue over and over again when I lose my keys, my iPhone, my motorcycle jacket, my sanity…. You get the picture. To say thank you for judging me privately, I would get them a bottle of Jameson Whiskey wrapped in this Sammy Scrunched Scarf that I discovered during an event we did for Club Monaco.  3. FOR MY MAN: He’s got a thing for watches, which makes shopping easy. I’ve had my eye on this G-Timeless Collection Watch at Gucci that I will clearly sport as well. The couple that shares watches together stays together, right? 4 & 5. FOR MY BIG DOG: In addition to getting Bloo, my 100 lb. Golden Retriever (a.k.a. The Beast), the biggest bone I can find, this Kennel One Vodka Plush Toy and Ruffio & Julieta Cuban Cigar combo from Dixie Dog Pet Accessories (all profits go to charity) is sure to impress all the bitches at the dog park. 6. FOR MY LITTLE DOG: For my 7 lb. Chihuahua Morgan, who told The Pet Psychic (Long story, don’t judge.) that she would like some sort of car seat so she can better see out the window, I would get her the Snoozer Black Luxury Lookout Dog Car Seat.   7. YOU’RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME: Hmmm, what to buy for my boss?  Oh wait. That’s me. Other than giving me the gift of making miracles happen every day for our clients, I would say that this Queen of Fucking Everything Mug would certainly put a smile on my face. 8. ME, ME, ME: Since jetting off to Turks & Caicos isn’t an option at the moment, I would love to take a mini-break at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation. This Rejuvenate Package should do the trick. 

1. THE BW: One of my best friends of all time is my college roommate. And while our style throughout undergrad mirrored each other, his career has taken him in a more conservative direction. That being said a few beers in and the old Brett will emerge, which is why NIXON's 'The Rubber Player' is the perfect gift.  It says "Hey, I take myself seriously, but I've also got a bedazzled side too." The subtle rubber gray band is offset by the blue hands and bling just waiting to break loose. 2. THAT ASS: I would love to say that it is none of your business, but an intelligent guy knows that way to your significant others heart is by dropping the kind of gifts that make her friends jealous. I've had some fantastic success with Tory Burch handbags, so if forced to pick a gift online (I need to see gifts for this person... er, in person) this would be a go-to resource.  What's more... shopping online is not the place to get crazy.  Simple and classic is the safest bet.  In this particular case I chose a black Michelle Tote from Ms. Burch. And if that doesn't work you can always go with that black G-Bus she can't live without. 3. THE MAN: Since I don't have a boss per se... I would say the best thing you can give me is a full plate of hard work, with a side of undying loyalty. Either that or a giant foam hand, so they can always make sure to give credit where credit is due, during internal meetings. YEAH!!! 4. BLOOBERRY: What do you get for a 100lb Golden Retriever that would have no problem chewing off the back bumper of a 1972 VW Beetle?  A bone that's bigger than is head. The Jones Jumbo Whole Beef Femur Dog Treat is the most obscene of all the 'big boned' dog treats out there. Inman Park Pet Works normally has them, if not they can set you up with something comparable. 5. THE MAN PART 2: I am one of those people that buys things as I need them or get that "can't live without it" feelin'. Lately, I have been on a hellbent mission to improve my life.  Call it an 'over-the-hill' panic thing... 40 something will do crazy things to you. Anywhoo... the new Evernote Smart Notebook by Moleskine struck me as an essential tool for getting my shit together. Melding all the style of Moleskin, with the organization of Evernote it utilizes the apps Page Camera feature to capture pages of your notebook with your iPhone/iPad.  From there the whole thing becomes searchable, making it easy to keep your life organized.

1. MY BFFL: True Blood: Eats, Drinks And Bites From Bon Temps. Because my best friend is DEFINITELY a fan of both good food and Trueblood.  2. MY BOYFRIEND: Crosley Ranchero iPod Dock Because my significant other likes tech gadgets with style. 3. BOYFRIEND PART 2: …and as a second runner up, Bacon Salt, because what guy doesn't want to make everything taste like bacon. 4. MY BOSS (FEMALE):  Because my boss super busy and she can keep her life in order, stylishly, with this organizer from Kate Spade. 5. MY BOSS (MALE): Because my other boss is a beer lover and with this kit he can brew his own concoction.  6. MY DOG: Comfy Couch Doggie Bed. Because every doggie deserves a comfy place to watch TV with you.  7. MYSELF: A Fish Eye Camera.  Because I love photography and lomography is a great way to experiment. 

1. FOR MY LADIES: If there’s one thing my best friends and I love more than anything it’s a good ol’ fashioned “wine night.” Nothing beats staying in with the girls and catching up on the latest Gosling movie or Glee episode while sipping on a fat bottle of pinot (preferably, Barefoot). The only problem is that by glass three or four (don’t judge), it’s hard to remember which one belongs to whom, so this chalkboard wine glass is the perfect solution. It can be purchased as is, or for a cheaper alternative, made at home by simply dipping the bottom into a can of chalkboard paint. Everyone writes their name on the bottom with chalk and bada bing, bada boom… problem solved. 2. FOR MY GUY: If I were to ask my boyfriend what he wanted for Christmas, he would reply “nothing,” because he already has everything he needs/wants. If I pushed, he would answer with “socks.” Personally, I’m not a fan of gifting cozy footwear to that special someone, but what do you give to the guy who has everything and wants nothing? Answer: Clothes (of the non-foot variety).  A classic dress shirt is a staple in every guy’s wardrobe and is something he will use often. In my case, I like to stick with quality brands like Vineyard Vines and Ralph Lauren. If my wallet were feeling particularly heavy, I’d go with Brooks Brothers (and maybe throw in a pair of socks on the side just for kicks…). 3. BIG POPPA AND THE BOSS LADY: One thing everyone enjoys is a little booze and a great time. I know I do. And, after a long day in the office dealing with all kinds of shenanigans, the best way for any boss to unwind is to hit the bar (responsibly, of course). If there’s one thing my boss’ love to kick start any occasion, it’s a shot of Jameson. To fancy it up I’d go with this Jameson Gift Basket, complete with everyone’s second most-loved accessory, chocolate. Candy and booze…Can’t beat that! 4. MY LITTLE MAN: When I first got Sprout 12 years ago, I bought him a little stuffed pig. He loved that pig more than anything in the world. So much so, that he beat the stuffing out of it in a matter of days. Each holiday, I like to throwback to his days as a wee-pup by getting him a new and improved stuffed piglet. As he’s gotten older, year after year the piggy lasts a tad bit longer. He’s an elder now, so maybe this year it will make the cut and live. I hope. If not, there’s always next Christmas. 5. FOR YOURS TRULY: While I’m not a fashionista by any means, there’s one designer who continuously makes my little fashion heart flutter; Michael Kors. I’ve admired his watches for years and once I get the courage to walk into a store and drop the big bucks, MK will be my first stop. I love ‘em all, but in particular, the Rose Gold and Horn styles are what I’ve had my eye on most recently.

1. FOR MY BESTIE: A BirchBox gift subscription. I’ve recently jumped on this trend and get so excited each month when it arrives. It’s a gift that keeps on giving! Each month she’ll receive a gorgeous box filled with high-end beauty samples…who wouldn’t love that? 2. FOR MY LOVER: The Jawbone Jambox. Bluetooth wireless speaker you can control from any iPod, iPad, iWhatever. Something he wouldn't buy himself, but would definitely use everyday. 3. FOR MY BOSS: A beer machine, obviously. After a long week, (or day), who wouldn’t want to have a frosty beverage waiting for them in their office? 4. FOR MY DOG: Hampton: 50% Basset, 50% Saint Bernard, 100% awesome. He would look so festive in this Orvis Fleece Vest—we’ll just have to see if it comes in his size…which is always a challenge. 5. POUR MOI: Seeing as I am a wine-aholic, connoisseur of sorts, this Christmas I am asking for The Corkcicle. Perfectly chilled wine, every time. GENIUS.

That’s all for now. Happy Shopping!

[cwprnest]

7 Ways to Spice Up Your Holiday Happy Hour

By: Britain Baker

Now that Thanksgiving has officially passed, it’s time to kick it in to high gear for the holiday season. Here at CWPR, we’ve teamed up with friends and some of our favorite Atlantans to bring you a healthy dose of holiday cocktail inspiration. Whether you’re entertaining, relaxing with friends or just trying to make it through dinner with the in-laws, these Atlanta tastemakers have a few recommendations to spice up any occasion. If you’re the type that enjoys cozying up alongside a nice warm fireplace, then Spiked Cider is the way to go. Witty and Pretty blogger, Ashley Hesseltine, gave us her twist on this classic treat. Next time you’re warming up atop that bearskin rug, whip up a glass… or two…

“I (heavily) drink red wine in the winter (pinot noir, malbec, and zinfandel are my grapes of choice). But I have been known to whip up a spiked cider because there's nothing like a warm rum buzz in cold weather. To make in a crock-pot, combine 5 cups apple cider, 2 cups spiced rum, 5-6 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 3-4 orange spice tea bags in the pot, let simmer for a few hours, then serve. Or just scrap all that Martha Stewart jazz and heat up a mug of apple cider and spiced rum (half and half if you're like me) in the microwave. Stick a cinnamon stick in it and you're done. It's the most wonderful time of the year.” 

Not a cider fan? Neither is Mike LaSage of Georgiaville Food Company…

“I have a few things that I love in colder weather. For starters, anything whiskey holds a spot near and dear to my drunken heart. I love a good glass of bourbon on the rocks, for sipping and chatting.  I also love a good Sazerac, a drink that is becoming easier and easier to find around town these days. As far as Holiday Cocktails, [I’m not a fan of ciders, but] who doesn't love some good homemade, heavily spiked, eggnog?“

We agree, Mike. Who doesn’t love a great homemade glass of spiked eggnog? We sure do. And so does Chris Watkins of Eat, Drink, Repeat. Check out his take on this tasty Christmas cocktail:

“My favorite wintertime/holiday cocktail has got to be eggnog and Kahlua. Let's face it: who wants to drink eggnog by its lonesome? It sucks without a little kick. And since the only time you'll ever want to drink eggnog is around the holidays, jazzing up the eggy-concoction with the coffee liqueur is the perfect recipe for instant holiday cheer. Mix 1-2oz of Kahlua with 4oz eggnog in a rocks glass and then sprinkle nutmeg on top. Easy-peasy. Enjoy!” 

Speaking of Eggnog…or rather, delicious energy drinks, Whynatte is whipping up something extra special for the season that will have you feeling, ahem... extra amped for the holidays. According to founder, Jesse Altman, this one is so nice; you’ll drink it way more than twice…  

“Here's what I'm working with this winter...we like to call it the Lightening Bolt and it's honestly the most delicious thing I've ever put in my mouth. Fill a pint glass with ice, and pour in 2 ounces of RumChata (available at any big liquor store), and then add in a full can of Whynatte.  Mix it all up and drink it. It's simple, but totally amazing, and tastes like Christmas incarnate.”

After tossing back a few of those bad boys, you’ll be sufficiently energized and ready to get jiggy with it. Pump up the jams and groove to the beat of DJ Pat O’Brien’s Bourbon Sidecar:

“Wintertime always makes me want to work bourbon in to my drink rotation, and this is a great take on a seasonal favorite. Pour 2 oz bourbon (I prefer Bulleit, but take your pick), 1oz triple sec, and 1/2oz fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with an orange twist and serve. Also great on the rocks.”

…And while we’re on the subject of Bourbon (Street, that is), you don’t have to deal with the chaos surrounding holiday travel in order to enjoy this New Orleans classic. NOLA native, Jacques Couret, has a few tips on how to add a little Cajun flare to your next holiday affair…

“In winter, I want something that warms from the inside. And when I think of Christmas, I think of home. So for me, it’s the classic New Orleans cocktail called the Sazerac. You can get a passable Sazerac at Atlanta bars or restaurants that have good mixologists, but they still taste better to me back home at Napoleon House or at the Sazerac Bar in the old Fairmont Hotel. Incidentally, the drink features bitters invented by Antoine Amedee Peychaud, a 19th century New Orleans pharmacist who coined the term ‘cocktail’. In a 6-ounce cocktail glass, swirl a splash of Herbsainte (or Absinthe) just to coat the inside of the glass. Put a splash of simple syrup, 3 to 5 shakes of Peychaud’s Bitters and 1 to 2 shakes of Angostura Bitters into a shaker with a little ice. Shake well and pour into the Herbsainte coated glass. Twist lemon peel over the cocktail to extract a drop of lemon oil onto the drink, then rub the lemon peel around rim of glass before finally dropping peel into the drink and serving.”

  Let’s get back to the root of what the holidays are all about. Don’t get me wrong, food and drink are a big part of what makes the season special, but so do the people that matter most. And, with New Year’s just around the corner, why not start practice your bottle popping skills with a little champagne (in celebration of the family coming together, of course)? CNN’s Anna Lanfreschi gave us this great trick for jazzing up your bubbly…

“For me, the holidays are about enjoying the festivities with friends and family. That usually involves lots of food and drink, and no adult beverage is more festive than bubbly. It should be no surprise, then, that my favorite holiday drink contains sparkling wine. A couple of years ago, I fell in love with Nigella Lawson’s Poinsettia cocktail (even the name is festive!) and have been serving it at holiday gatherings ever since. Mix 1 bottle (750 mL) Champagne (sub Prosecco or any type of sparkling dry white wine), with½ cup Grand Marnier and 2 cups chilled cranberry juice together in a pitcher. Serve in champagne flute and garnish with fresh cranberries or orange zest. Hope you enjoy!”

…and enjoy we will. Now that you’ve got the tips, it’s time to gather the tools and mix it up Yule-tide style. After all, ‘Tis the season, so drink up and have yourself a Merry little Christmahannukwanzukkah. Cheers!

[cwprnest]

Pin Picks: Fall Recipe Roundup

By: Britain Baker

Lately I’ve been super addicted to Pinterest. Shocking, I know. It’s no wonder I try my hardest to avoid even getting on the site. What with the thousands of delicious food photos, recipes and creative culinary ideas, 10 minutes on Pinterest usually results in spending wasting hours of my day searching for recipes I will most likely never even attempt to make myself (though at the time, I convince myself this isn’t the case). If you’re a Pinner, I’m sure you understand.

Recently, my addiction has become primarily focused on pinning fall recipes that call for warm, cozy autumn ingredients. Pumpkin, cranberries, squash, carrots, apples, pears… you get the idea. There’s something about this time of year that just puts me in a great mood, which is odd, seeing as I’m not a fan of freezing my butt off or being thrown to the ground by a huge gust of wind whenever I walk outside. But dreary weather aside, there’s nothing better than snuggling up next to a warm fire (or in my case, under a heated blanket) and enjoying a comforting autumn meal.

Getting back to the point of this post, I’ve decided to put my addiction to good use while simultaneously helping my fellow Pinners avoid having to spend hours of their day finding the perfect recipes to add to their fall boards. I’ve filtered through the chaos that is my Pinterest feed and dug up the best of the best fall recipes below. And, for those of you brave enough to attempt to recreate them at home, snap a pic and hashtag #CWPRChefs… you might just see your pin on our CWPR fall board!  

(Click on the image to get the recipe--photos are in particular order)

1. Butternut Squash and Crispy Sage Pizza

2. Fall Beer Cheese Soup

3. Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

4. Old Fashioned Apple Pie

5. Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes

5. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Check out the all of these recipes and more on the Caren West PR Pinterest page

[cwprnest]

Meet Chef Shane McIntosh of Ocean Catering Company

By Britain Baker

According to the Culinary Institute of America, “A chef can’t hide behind the kitchen door.” Well, we couldn’t agree more. Ocean Catering Company is the most recent addition to the Caren West PR client roster and at the forefront of this amazing company, is an energetic, rock and roll chef, whose personality is far too grand to keep cooped up in the kitchen. Introducing: Shane McIntosh, executive chef and owner of Ocean Catering Company in Atlanta, Georgia.

Executive chef, Shane McIntosh, fell in love with the art of cooking at a young age. After discovering his passion for French Cuisine, he eventually gained the precision and discipline to complement his natural cooking abilities. Once called the Julia Child with tattoos, this exuberant, all-arounder pulls all of his influences together in the kitchen, creating his own style of robust flavors.

There is more to Shane McIntosh than just his kitchen skills, however. At heart, Shane is a proud Southerner who appreciates good food and family. Named after his eldest son, Angus Ocean McIntosh, Shane launched Ocean Catering Company in 2002 with the help of his wife, Sage Stewart. With the success of the company, it didn’t take long for Shane to establish himself as one of the premier caterers in the Southeast.

For nearly a decade, Ocean Catering Company has been customizing delicious, innovative cuisine for private parties, corporate functions, wedding receptions and other social gatherings. Their diverse collection of menus features fresh, seasonal ingredients, designed to cater to a wide range of palates. The kitchen, led by executive chef, Shane McIntosh, can do it all; from traditional Southern to classic French and even Vegan, there are no limitations when it comes to delicious dishes.

Whatever the event, Shane’s your guy; he can always be found outside the kitchen, usually with a wide grin on his face, making sure all the guests are savoring every bite.

For more information on Ocean Catering Company, visit them online and stay connected with them on Twitter and Facebook.

[cwprnest]

The Walking Dead Returns to Diesel Filling Station

By: Britain Baker

Has your craving for brains been eating at you all summer? Well, the wait is over as the Season 3 premiere of AMC’s The Walking Dead is just on the horizon and, of course, Diesel Filling Station is once again prepared to defend the streets of Virginia-Highland from the undead. Known for hosting lively viewing parties during every episode of the popular AMC series filmed in Georgia, Diesel will be taking it to the next level for Season 3, kicking off Sunday, October 14th at 9 p.m.

To ensure the survival and future of Atlanta, Diesel will be recreating the show’s original prison guard tower in its parking lot, complete with an arsenal of weapons for those ready to join the fight. Zombie hunting is not for the faint of heart, however, and only the best of the best can make the cut.

To guarantee that only the most loyal zombie fans are recruited for the Season 3 finale party, Diesel will be passing out Zombie Hunting Permits (pictured above) prior to the premiere event. Permits will be stamped once at each of Diesel’s Season 3 viewing parties and after 10 stamps, the permit will act as your golden ticket to the finale party. As an added bonus, Diesel's weekly Nerd-Core Trivia will be zombie-themed throughout the month of October, in honor of the Season 3 premiere.

Fans are asked to bring in canned food items for the Atlanta Community Food Bank in efforts to help stockpile the compound and ensure Atlanta’s high survival rate once the zombie apocalypse hits. In exchange, Diesel will provide one raffle ticket per canned item of food donated. Raffle items include zombie survival items as well as The Walking Dead memorabilia, comics and more.  An official Diesel viewing party shirt will be available for purchase with proceeds also benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The show begins at 9 p.m., but be sure to get there early if you want to secure your spot among the living. 

I don't know about you, but when the zombie apocalypse hits, the only place I trust to protect me from the undead is Diesel.

For more information, visit Diesel online and stay connected through Twitter and Facebook.

[cwprnest]

CWPR Discovers New Music Genre: DUTCHstep

By Caren West

The CWPR crew has finally recovered from the CounterPoint Music and Arts Festival that took place over the last weekend of September.  It was three days of blissful madness where our crew of seven stayed in an RV on a 350-acre farm just outside of Atlanta in order to handle the public relations and media operations for the inaugural event that drew more than 20,000 music fans and 90+ artists from around the globe. Most importantly, we survived RV living on little to no sleep and had a blast doing it.  For anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look of what REALLY happens when the last act has played, our PR duties have come to a close (well, for the night at least, maybe) and it's time to crack a well-deserved beer after 8 months of hard work....this is it.  

Oh, and please remember the next time your getting your festival on and decide to do something like call your mom to play the kazoo over the phone at the crack of dawn, have a dance party to Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe"  in an RV, or create a new music genre called "Dutchstep"....the Internet is forever. 

[cwprnest]

PART 2: The Man Behind the Music: Meet Alan Sher of Terminal West

By: Britain Baker

Alan Sher always knew he would start his own company, but little did he know that his entrepreneurial path would lead him to creating one of Atlanta’s hottest new music venues, Terminal West. When he’s not booking bands, you can find Alan boarding on both land and water; escaping to Colorado to snowboard during the winter and the lake to wakeboard in the summer. We’ve already introduced you to Alan’s business partner, Robert Shaw, but like they say, it takes two to tango. It’s time to get to know the other half of the dynamic duo behind Terminal West. 

Favorite local haunt?

“Iberian Pig, Muss and Turners, Graveyard Tavern and Ria’s Bluebird Café. Can you tell I’m a foodie?”

Favorite Atlanta neighborhood?

“The Westside!”

Favorite place to take out-of-towners?

“To a show at any of the rad music venues in town, or to [East Atlanta Village] to wander around and see what happens. If I’m not working, I’m usually at a show… either the Masquerade, Earl, Tabernacle, etc…”

What are you passionate about personally?

Music (who would have thought), Family, Technology, outdoors, animals, traveling. 

Describe Atlanta in one sentence:

“A pleasant overload of arts, music, and good people.”

…we couldn’t have said it any better, but don’t forget about the amazing food too!

The obvious question, favorite singer/band/musician?  

“Don’t have a favorite. I go all over the place with genres, from indie to hip-hop, EDM, bluegrass, or folk… I love it all. I couldn’t possibly name a favorite, but as far as bands that some folks may still be sleeping on.... Rubblebucket, The Revivalists, The Mad Violinist, Symphony Crack, Man Man, Zoogma, Mansions on the Moon, SBTRKT, Neon Indian, Tycho, The Antlers, Father John Misty, Cherub, Divine Fits, [the list] goes on forever…”

What inspired Terminal West?

“Lots of long hours throwing pop up shows, [our] love and passion for live music and the power it has to bring people together.  I’m sure Robert touched on this.”

The meaning behind the name?

“We’re on the [train] tracks and that’s pretty cool.”

Favorite thing about working in Atlanta’s Westside?  

“New spots every week, it’s growing so fast.  To me it’s the new, hip place in Atlanta.”

Favorite artist featured at Terminal West so far?

“Probably Washed Out, Man Man, Rubblebucket”

What can we expect from Terminal West in the future?

“A wide variety of artists and genres.”

Anything else you feel your followers would find interesting?

“I didn’t know I had followers… ? I’m South African…”

…such a Jokester, Alan.  

For a full list of upcoming shows at Terminal West, click here.

To read part one of this Q&A, featuring Alan’s business partner, Robert Shaw, click here.