Pick your music carefully

I happened in a place with an open mic night the other day. There was a guy, with a guitar, playing American Pie.

Why?

Either mix it up, pick a song that presents a challenge, or - and this is a zinger - play something original. Otherwise I just don't get it.

Sweetwater Creek Park

Easter Sunday at Sweetwater Creek Park, for an easy hike along the river trail.

See pictures of our walk, and a word of advice: if you go and then want to eat in Lithia Springs, just head straight to Tiffany's Diner. There is nothing else.

Followed by pizza and Gigi D'Alessio

Saturday I attended my first ever baby shower. Interestingly: it was a women-only event. It included food cake and opening presents, and generally speaking is pretty much how I would imagine a DAR meeting.

This, followed by beers at Gordon Biersch - I recommend their Czech Pilsner and then a Pisano taking Joe and me to a rather crazy pizzeria in which you stand watch over long tables and benches, wait for somebody to get up and then POUNCE on to the available spot. Your pizza will be served within minutes and I highly recommend the salamino piccante.

I went somewhere but I can't tell you where

And a Happy Easter.

First of all I want to thank the Korean American Coalition for welcoming me to their drinks, despite most of them knowing Ocean and that we're related. And it was my introduction to East Andrews Bar & Cafe'. It's like a Manor of bars, one building with multiple different bars and restaurants within it. And the bartender was kind enough to put some flair into our boring beer in a bottle orders, which don't afford much space for bottle-spinning-catching-behind-the-back acrobatics.

We then obtained the code and headed to the Speakeasy. Because if you are going to have a door you may as well make it fun: the entrance is via phone booth. One of those British red ones which aren't that common any more even around London. Enter, dial the secret code, and the back of the booth opens to let you in to... Prohibition.

We were welcomed by a colourfully besuited maitre who told us about their drinks and cigar bar, found seats at a table for the ladies (he even included me in the "ladies category") and at the bar for the men. Cigars, torta caprese and - wait for it - Old Fashioneds at the ready. Wonderful place, panelled ceiling, dark wood bar, bartenders in shirtsleeves and vests, with hair slicked back. And at the end of the night they will shake your hand and tell you it's been a pleasure.

And did I mention they serve Old Fashioneds?!

Next plan: Bourbon Tour anyone??

Atlanta Appreciation Moment

Woodruff Arts Centre, Promenade Two, Atlantic Station - in the morning. Beautiful.

Who are you calling Snooki?

My father is spending a week in Atlantic City.

I am wearing blue nail polish.

Who wins the I Am Snooki wars?

The beers and tater tots

Were a winning combo, making a great weekend

The SweetWater Brewery is right here in Buckhead, and on Saturday afternoons (as well as some weekday evenings), the brewery opens to the public for what is basically a pub day. $10 gets you a souvenir glass and six beer samples. And when I say sample I mean a 3/4 pint of beer. So in other words: this is a great deal.

There is also a brewery tour, which is less a tour than it is a speech, but is in its way part of local history so worth a listen. But mainly: there is live music, great weather, and did I mention almost 6 pints for $10? Plus we got Leah and Tom and their friends Meredith and Cathy and the beautiful Louis (he's a dog).

Follow Sunday with totchos at The Nook patio by Piedmont Park, and a walk in said park, and this is a good weekend.

Pictures of the weekend.

This, by the way is what death by totchos looks like:

I even got stopped and complimented on my style, while wearing a Scooter t-shirt. Scooter as in the Muppet. Ha!