Fish Tales & Our Hot List!

The original intent was to tell you about a few of the places on our Hot List, but something unexpected came up, or should I say out? Can you believe that this fish was in the backyard lake? And that's no fish tale! Here's the best part....Robert threw it back in for YOU to catch!

So as I was saying, our Hot List - tried and true, or kewl and new - here are some of them. Before we start, you may notice that many of these are in our very own Marietta Square - and that is not a mistake. Both of us firmly believe in supporting local business by frequenting them, in addition to spreading the word to our friends and family.

• Alchemy - all time favorite shop on the Marietta Square. Laura has a keen eye for fashion which is reflected in her wide selection of jewelry. This isn't your mass produced gold and diamond stuff that you'll find on every corner at your local mall. It is eclectic, one of a kind in many instances, direct from the designer jewelry. Laura is one of the friendliest people that we have ever met, and we are lucky to call her our friend. Robert especially likes the fact that she offers a 'Wish List' service that allows him to never go wrong at any given holiday. She's also got a complete line of greeting cards, and other giftables so this is truly a one-stop-shop for you gentlemen! If you decide to stop by, let her know that Sheri & Robert sent you!
  
• Hair by the Square - Deborah, owner and stylist, at Hair by the Square is an expert in her field. She has a fabulous ability to listen to her customers and give them exactly what they are looking for. I get many compliments on my hair and always send them straight to Deborah! And if you are looking for Aquage products, she is one of the few in the Atlanta area that carries a full line.
  
• Willie Rae's - Our original favorite on the square, this funky, artsy atmosphere boasts fabulous cuisine, of which our very favorite is fish tacos. The staff is great, especially Michael - our favorite waiter, that always has a hug for me whenever we visit. This is truly a must visit establishment next time you are in town!
  
• L.Michelle - This botique brings you the latest fashions found in some of the hippest magazines around, in addition to Oprah's favorites! My favorite thing at this shop is the shoes! OMG! You cannot find cuter shoes for better price anywhere! I promise! I just got two pairs of great shoes on sale (60% off) for $36 total! The next time you see my houndtooth pumps, you'll know just where I got them.
• Doodlebugs - This shop could be described as groovy, hip and chic! They carry one of my favorite product lines, Quotable - which makes perfect gifts for just about anyone on your list. You'll find everything from baby gifts, to Webkinz, to college paraphelia, to gifts for your honey, Momma or best girlfriend! Oh, and they also have my favorite newpaper publication skirt!
• La Famiglia Ristorante - authentic Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere! The menu has funny 'stuff' written by the proprieters themselves, the house Chianti is marvelous and the food, yummy!
  
• Church St. Station - this re-purposed 'filling station' catches everyone's eye as they drive down Church St with the whimsical lawn art adorning the front of the building. They carry a couple of great lines of jelly and BBQ sauces that are simply delicious! Our very favorite is the jalepeno pepper jelly. Pair this with Wheat Thins and cream cheese - divine! This one flies off the shelf quickly - so it's always worth a check in to see if they've got it in stock. There are great wood working pieces, paintings and country arts, but the most interesting to me is the potography by Alan Casey. My friend Donna & I had a chance to meet him the other day, and learned that he is a purist, using only film cameras, unless of course anyone would like to buy a new digital camera outfit for him;-). The thing that makes this special is that his photographs are un-retouched. Wow!
• Harry's - also known as Whole Foods, is a virtual paradise for Robert as he peruses the aisles for inspiration. It is great to watch the excitement in his eyes as he finds the perfect ingredients to whip up a fantastic meal for two, or fifty.
  

Some of our newest favorites - just discovered (by us that is...) are

• Kiosco - One of our friends John recommended this restaurant and we sure are glad that he did. The Columbian cuisine is authentic, and muy sabroso! Naturally with Robert being a chef we sample appetizers, entree, sangria and desert, all of which were delicious! It was so good that my friend Denice and I went there a couple of weekends ago for lunch. This definitely goes on our list of restaurants to frequent on a regular basis. (less cooking for me!)
  
• Three Bears Cafe - Laura was right! She told both of us to check this one out, as there is a suprise in the back and boy was she spot on! From the front it looks like just another cafe on the square, but wait until you venture inside. There is a full 'club' complete with a second HUGE bar, stage, dance floor and balcony with additional booths and seating. We had dinner there the night before Valentine's Day as Robert would be working long hours the next day. The menu has healthy choices, with no beef, pork or fried foods served. How do they do it?! I don't know, but the food is wonderful and very flavorful. Ahem, and don't you know we had appetizers, entree, drinks and desert. Roll me on out with a smile on my face knowing that everything, well except maybe the tequilla, was good for me. On second thought - it was Patron - that's good for me, right?! My friend Donna & I went there for lunch yesterday, and it was truly yummy. Then last night we dropped by to check out the 'night life' and it is very kewl! We will be back and this may indeed be one of our new favorite watering holes since Crystal's isn't open anymore.
  
• King's Row Antiques & Gifts - How many times have I walked past this shop? I'm embarassed to think how many, but grateful that I finally 'saw the light'! With the shop owners Susie and Greg making everyone who comes through the door feel right at home, how could you help but to love this place? With everything from elegant antiques & tole painting to great gift items, I am hooked. A full line of nightlights, magnets and dry erase boards is available with paintings by famous artists- one of my favorite being Michael Goddard. Another must have for all of your wonderful sisters out there, are the magnets, cards and notepads by Curly Girl Design. They will hit a chord on the harp you call life, and make you chuckle too! The one other line that I want you to check out is the fusion art glass by Peggy Karr. I think you're gonna love this place!
• Go Fish on the Square - Not in the fountain silly! While there aren't any big bass like Robert's above, there are lots of great catches, ahem... finds. The owner of this small chain of shops was visiting Peru several years ago and was taken by the beautiful and unique goods that were being hand-made by indigenous people of that area. The rest is history - a fabulous retailer selling unique clothing jewelry and accessories that benefits not only our very own Marietta Square, but those talented third world artisans - who just need a helping hand.
  

Whew! That's alot of favorites, huh? We have more such as Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Bass Pro, Best Buy, Home Depot, Anne Taylor Loft, Wolfe Camera, Borders, Costco, Scalini's, Orient Express, Marietta Diner - but alas don't have time to tell you all about them now.

So, if you're in Atlanta or Marietta - check out these local business and I promise you will be glad that you did!