Bake Sale: 5 Spots to Score Chocolate Chip Cookies in Atlanta

by Phebe WahlMay 3, 2015

In honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie day on May 15th, we wanted to serve up some sweet spots in Atlanta where you can score the best of the batch. Whether you like your chocolate chip cookies crispy or soft, Atlanta offers an array of award-winning choices sure to please even the most discerning cookie connoisseur. Go ahead, try them all. It’s all part of the job, right mom?

The Cookie Studio
The Cookie Studio is often lauded for the “best cookies in Atlanta,” and their choclate chip is no exception. They offer an assortment of cookie and sweet treats including gluten-free options and coffees. While the price ($2 a cookie) might seem steep given the size, a percentage of each sale goes to the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children so it is satisfing on many levels.

Address: 30 Pharr Rd.
Phone: 404-373-8527
Online: thecookiestudio.net

Muss and Turners
Who knew this popular brunch and burger spot also boasted a bakery with out-of-this-world cookies? Their mammoth chocolate chip cookie is packed with generous chocolate chunks. It is certainly big enough for wee ones to share—so mom can score a bite too, woohoo!

Address: 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna
Phone: 770-434-1114
Online: mussandturners.com

Café Lapin
The chocolate chip cookies at this popular BYOB ladies-who-lunch spot are not to be missed. Hearalded as a “masterpiece” by Two time James Beard award winner Shirley O. Corriher, they are a little crispy & chewy, very thin, with the perfect amount of chips. You can taste the real butter and sugar, and know these are the real deal.

Address: 2341 Peachtree Rd.
Phone: 404-812-9171
Online: facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Lapin

BrickTop’s
Like an upscale Houston’s this place is a good spot for “family date night” if you are feeling fancy. With complimentary valet and a full menu to please the whole gang, be sure to save room for dessert. They serve up their chocolate cookie warm in a skillet, with a scoop of ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce. If that ain’t enough to get them to finish their vegetables then nothing will!

Address: 3280 Peachtree Rd.
Phone: 404-841-2212
Online: bricktops.com

Ali’s Cookies
This cookie shop serves up an array of flavors (red velvet cookie, pecan praline, Georgia peach, white chocolate macadamia nut, double chocolate, german chocolate), but the classic chocolate chip is the real winner. They also sell custom cookie cakes for special occasions, or even by the slice if you just need your fix. How sweet is that?

Address: 4511 Olde Perimeter Way
Phone: 770-350-2547
Online: shipacookie.com

Who do you think makes the best chocolate cookies in Atlanta? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Barbara O., Sasha R., Heidi P., and Carrie M. via Yelp, and Cafe Lapin via Facebook

A Magical Day in Menlo Park

by rtmelodysorensenOctober 21, 2014

Nestled between Redwood City and Palo Alto, Menlo Park is a treasure of a small town that has the sort of unexpected delights usually found in bigger cities. If you’re looking to escape the monotony of strip malls, outlets, and freeways, stop by and spend a day amongst idyllic tree lined streets that are currently bursting with gorgeous fall foliage.

Photo courtesy of Left Bank

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Left Bank
As soon as you enter the Left Bank you’ll feel like you’re in a beautiful brasserie in France. Everything from the decor to the soup du jour is so perfectly Parisian, we think this is an ideal place to go with the family for a special occasion dinner or a celebratory brunch. And they recently expanded their outdoor seating, so as to offer plenty of California sunshine with their delicious French-inspired menu.

635 Santa Cruz Ave.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-473-6543
Online: leftbank.com

Café Borrone
Whether you’re bringing an entire girl scout troop, or only eating with one child, Barrone is a perfect spot to go with kids. Not only is the staff very welcoming of children, but their menu is so expansive it’s guaranteed to have something to offer for everyone in your party. Their drink menu is also surprising, (the Aperol Spritz caught our eye)—so it’s also a lovely place for a low-key date night out, even if the kiddos tag along.

635 Santa Cruz Ave.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-473-6543
Online: cafeborrone.com

Market Bar
The owners of Borrone recently opened up Market Bar, which is just a tad bit more formal than Borrone, but equally as welcoming to children. We think it’s a great place to take little kids and big when they’ve had a particularly hard day, as their mind-blowing dessert menu will immediately take away troubles, no matter how big or small.

1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, Ca
650-600-8095

Stacks
If the kids wake up demanding pancakes, we suggest you head to Stacks. Serving an “All American Breakfast and Lunch” seven days a week, menu highlights include a Vegetarian Frittata, Banana Macadamia Nut & Coconut Pancakes, and Mighty Meat Crepes.

600 Santa Cruz Ave.
Menlo Park Ca
650-838-0066
Online: stacksrestaurant.com

Angelo Mio
When you need a family meal that will absolutely please everyone, go to Angelo Mio. This classic Italian restaurant has a warm inviting ambience. And with classics like Pasta Marina, and specialities like their Chicken Lasagna, Angelo Mio ensures that no one goes hungry, and everyone goes home happy.

820 Santa Cruz Ave.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-323-3665
Online: ristoranteangelomio.com

Photo courtesy of Kepler’s Books

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Kepler’s Books
A Menlo Park institution that was founded in 1955 by peace activist Roy Kepler, Kepler’s has been a beloved and treasured book store on the Peninsula for 57 years. On Saturdays, they often have a family story time so be sure to check their events calendar for starting times.

1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, C
650-324-4321
Online: keplers.com

Photo by Kindsey P. via Yelp

Cheeky Monkey
When grandma and grandpa want to take tiny tots to get a special gift, Cheeky Monkey will deliver. With unique toys from abroad, and classic books that feature San Francisco as the main character, this toy store is a local delight that is also a fun place to take the kiddos when they just need to sit in a display toy car and pretend to go “vroom.”

640 Santa Cruz Ave.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-328-7975
Online: cheekymonkeytoys.com

Willow Market
With seasonal local produce, delicious deli sandwiches, an outrageously large selection of craft beers, and old fashioned sodas, this specialty neighborhood grocery store is a long-time local favorite. Good to know: Every Monday from 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. the best food trucks in the Bay Area set up shop here.

60 Middlefield Rd.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-322-0743
Online: willowsmarket.com

Occasions
If you need a special gift for a baby shower or a little one, we promise you will not leave this adorable personalized gift shop empty handed. With hats, baby clothes, and even ornaments perfect for baby’s first Christmas, this is a go-to stop for anyone looking to give something (or find something sweet for themselves) that is one of a kind.

825 Santa Cruz Ave.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-322-9273
Online: occasionsmp.com

Photo by Menlo K. via Yelp

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Burgess Park
Easily the most popular park in town, Burgess is home to an exceptional pool, tennis courts, a duck pond, a playground, a lovely picnic table area, plus a skateboarding park. Also adjacent to the Arguilla Family Rec Center, this park is considered by many to be the beating heart to most the local children’s social lives.

701 Laurel St.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-330-6600
Online: menlopark.org

Sharon Park
With a pond filled with colorful koi fish and turtles, not to mention a fountain, the littles might forget about the super cool (and completely fenced-in) play structure. A paved, winding path is the perfect place for new bike riders or scooter fanatics.

Sharon Park Dr, & Lassen Dr.
Menlo Park, Ca
Online: menlopark.org

Allied Arts Guild
Beautiful gardens offer a tranquil setting to stroll near downtown Menlo Park. Once you walk past the entrance, you’ll be stunned to discover open artist studios and shops that sell beautiful art, clothing, ceramics, and much more. This is the perfect surprise get-away to take a child or family with an affinity for the arts. Good to know: Docent-led tours of the gardens are available Monday through Saturday.

75 Arbor Rd. at Cambridge Ave.
Menlo Park, Ca
650-322-2405
Online: alliedartsguild.org

Photo courtesy of U-Me

U-Me
A large indoor playing space for children, U-Me has play structures and toys, as well as a daily activity and event calendar to ensure the little ones are always entertained. An adjoining café with a wall-length window gives parents the chance to sit and have a coffee, while keeping a close eye on their kids. The day pass is a bit pricey at $25, but they offer seasonal memberships seem to be a fair deal.

3355 Edison Way
Menlo Park, Ca
650-257-7511
Online: u-meplace.com

Did we leave out your favorite Menlo Park spot? Let us know in the comments!

—Melody Sorensen

5 “Be Mine” Valentine’s Day Cocktails

by scott wardellJanuary 28, 2013

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, let us give you a little advice garnered from our years of experience (ha!). Instead of struggling to book a last-minute restaurant or trying to wedge your way into a crowded bar, make that special someone a deliciously flirty cocktail at home. Here are five possibilities that taste scrumptious and fit the “Be Mine” mood. A.J. Rathbun of Seattle Magazine writes:

Lover’s Moon
One warning with this nutty, lush number: it might make you sing. Which might not be a bad thing on Valentine’s Day, depending on the song. If you can’t find Kahana Royale Macadamia Nut Liqueur, sub in Frangelico, but take it down to an ounce in this recipe from Dark Spirits: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add 1-3/4 ounces bourbon (Woodinville Whiskey’s bourbon is nice), 1-1/2 ounces Kahana Royale Macadamia Nut Liqueur, and 1 ounce heavy cream. Shake well. Add a cherry to a cocktail glass. Strain the mix into the glass. Sure, the cherry will vanish for a minute, but like the moon, it’ll reappear.

Fancy Free
I originally found this lovely liquid number on genius Seattle-based cocktail writer Paul Clarke’s blog The Cocktail Chronicles (a must for anyone who likes a good cocktail), and it’s a drink for any couple that like to kick up their heels a bit – as it has a bit of a kick itself. Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker halfway with cracked ice. Add 2 ounces bourbon, 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur, and 1 dash each of Angostura bitters and orange bitters (go with Scrappy’s orange bitters here). Stir well and then strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Find out the rest of these tantalizing cocktails over at Seattle Magazine.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

photo credit: Melissa Punch

Date Night: The 12 Best Cookies in San Francisco

by Erin LemJune 12, 2011

7×7 sent out a simple tweet about cookies and things got heated up pretty quickly. The baked-fresh-daily Specialty’s cookie quickly rose to the top as a crowd favorite. Not surprising, since the California chain has six bakeries in the Financial District and a Cookie Radar—making their warm blood-sugar boosters an easy work-day grab for a lot of people. But we’ve found other perfectly crispy, crumbly, gooey delights in the unlikeliest of places too. After sniffing out an array of hot contenders, multiple taste-offs and some extra time on the tread mill, here’s a baker’s dozen of San Francisco cookies worth going the extra mile for.

1) Chocolate coconut from Bun Mee
No, this restaurant isn’t only about banh mi sandwiches. They also make a little delicate sandwich cookie out of chocolate and filled with the perfect dose of sweet coconut cream. For coconut lovers like Sara, resistance is futile. …read more.

2) Peanut brittle from Mr & Mrs. Miscellaneous
This little Dogpatch shop’s handmade peanut brittle is to-die-for on its own. Swirled into fresh cookie dough, it’s deadly enough that it made this year’s Best Of list.…read more.

3) Chocolate fleur de sel from Knead Patisserie
Tucked in the back of Local Mission Eatery, this bakery feels like a secret. Here baker Shauna Des Voignes nestles thick crystals of fleur de sel into these deep dark chocolately cookies, our favorite bite in the shop.…read more.

4) Oatmeal raisin from Delessio
Take in all the mini cupcakes and beautiful cakes for a visual feast, then dive straight into the relatively humble-looking oatmeal raisin cookie. It’s buttery, slightly gooey and cinnamon-laced, as seductive as it gets and anything but pedestrian.

5) Chocolate chip from Tartine Bakery
With a fairy tale crispiness and a light texture, these are not your mother’s chocolate chip cookies. …read more.

6) Chocolate-mint from Batter Bakery
The owner is a former accountant who quit her day job to open this kiosk in the Bank of America plaza. Her chocolate mint cookie is soft, rich and chewy, refined with a light lace of cool mint. …read more.

7) Circus from Goody Goodie
Owner Remi Hayashi thought it was a good idea to put caramel corn and chocolate chips in his circus cookie. We think “good” is an understatement. …read more.

8 ) Caramel praline from Hooker’s Sweet Treats
Hooker’s gets the sweet-salty balance down in most of its sweets, but this handmade caramel-ridden cookie also balances crunchy and soft. One of the cafe’s freshly pulled Sightglass espresso drinks is the perfect compliment. …read more.

9) Cookies and cream from Anthony’s
Anthony Lucas’ Mission shop switches up the cookie roster daily. But his regulars won’t let him take away the cookies-and-cream flavor, specked with semi-pulverized Oreo chunks and perfect with a cold glass of Straus milk. …read more.

10) Gingersnap from Miette
A long-running Big Eat selection, this ginger cookie may look thin and unassuming, but it packs in three types of ginger for a spicy, deep punch that’s unmatched by any other. Get to the Ferry Building now and buy yourself some. …read more.

11) White chocolate macadamia nut from Bumzy’s
A mother and daughter team run this Fillmore street shop, baking cookies by-the-sheet according to a generations-old family recipe. The subtle crunch and extra-sweet kick to their white chocolate macadamia nut is divine. And the recipe is top secret. …read more.

12) Chocolate chip walnut from Mission Beach Cafe
At this popular Mission District brunch destination, pastry chef Alan Carter bakes this classic American treat to the perfect level of crispness, so it’s still a little soft and chewy inside.…read more.

By Carolyn Alburger

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.

ML Interest Tag: macadamia-nut

A Magical Day in Menlo Park

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5 “Be Mine” Valentine’s Day Cocktails

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