On my radar // The Optimist fish camp and oyster bar

Have you tried The Optimist? This place somehow pulls off high-end restaurant, meets surf-shack, meets industrial kitchen, meets local hotspot and does it all while serving delicious beach-food classics with a sophisticated flare. Nestled in the lively Westside district of Midtown, The Optimist is sure to be a new favorite. I had the fried oysters with celery root remoulade and frothy she-crab soup with shrimp toast.
It was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! With their incredible food and gorgeous interior, The Optimist is a must-try.

[All photos from The Optimist website and facebook]

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currently loving :: the bar cart

I've taken up an admiration for bar carts. I personally am a 'glass of wine with dinner, cocktail out with friends' kind of girl but lately, I'm loving the idea of a beautifully stocked bar cart at home. There's something to be said for being able to whip up a dirty martini on a whim or a pina colada in a pinch. Which style is your favorite? one: rustic and ready . two: d.i.y chic . three: funky and fun or four: sophisticatedly unique?

check out more of my favorite bar carts here.

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three lovely things

1 // Spending a beautiful weekend in Birmingham with Max was such a treat! We hadn't seen each-other in three weeks so having a weekend together was much needed and it's been so rainy in Atlanta lately that I'd forgotten how wonderful a sunshine-filled day really is. Max and I had such a great time exploring Birmingham. We slept in, tried a new breakfast spot, stopped by railroad park to check out the open house for the new Birmingham Barons stadium, and even checked out the views of the city from 56 feet up at Vulcan (pictured above). It was a perfect little Saturday.

2 // While in Birmingham we also tried a new restaurant, El Barrio. We've been wanting to try this spot for a while but with waits up to an hour we chickened out every time. This weekend we decided to head there for an early dinner and after only a 15 minute wait, boy was it worth it! This place is urban eclectic with a fun vibe that draws you in immediately. Their mezcal margarita (monte alban, corralejo, lime & agave nectar) had me hooked and the queso fundido (tequila and goat cheese cheese dip) and verduras taco (avacodo, charred corn, jicama, pic de gallo, pepitas, & house made sour cream) sealed the deal. I was IN LOVE. El barrio just may be my new favorite Birmingham hot-spot. If you haven't been yet, you are missing out my friend. A big thanks to my girlfriend Maggie for convincing us to give it a try.

3 // The Cathedral Antiques Show and Tour of Homes, which has been said to be one of the best home tours in Atlanta, kicks off this weekend. The project is sponsored by the Cathedral of St. Philip and raises money for Atlanta-area non-profits. This years show will benefit Refugee Family Services by supporting the efforts of refugee women and children to achieve self-sufficiency by providing education and economic support. The Inspiration House Premiere Party is being held this Saturday, January 26th and the Tour of Homes is Sunday, January 27th from 11-5. A few other event highlights include the 42nd Annual Antiques Show, Antiques Treasure Hunt, First Place Passion Home Tour, lectures, book signings, and more! Don't miss out - find out more information here.

Happy Monday! May your week be filled with lots of lovely things.

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