As a recent addition to the Smyrna community, I am excited to introduce myself to you. My name is Dr. Brandon Villar, and I am a DMD at Smyrna Family Dentistry. My wife and I are proud to have purchased the practice in February 2022, shortly after we tied the knot in January.
It is an absolute honor to be the new owners of a longstanding practice that has been serving the Smyrna community for over 68 years. We take great pride in seeing five generations of patients and hope to continue the tradition of excellence in familyfriendly dentistry.
My wife, Morgan, is currently pursuing her Masters of Divinity at Emory, and we are looking forward to starting a family soon. We are currently proud parents to five dogs, each with their own unique personality.
I invite you to come and experience our exceptional dental care at Smyrna Family Dentistry. You can check out our patient reviews to see what others have to say about us. It would be an honor to have you as a patient and to serve you and your family’s dental needs.
Thank you for considering Smyrna Family Dentistry, and we hope to see you soon.
Best regards,
DR. BRANDON VILLAR DMDDear readers,
I am thrilled to step into the role of Editor at Smyrna Vinings City Lifestyle, and it is with great excitement that I introduce myself to you. My name is Stacey Scott, and I am honored to join this amazing publication and serve as your new editor.
As a longtime resident of Smyrna, I have developed a deep affection for this wonderful city and its vibrant community. I am a proud parent of two amazing sons, Charlie and Henry, who bring joy and inspiration to my life every day. You might find me actively involved in volunteering at their schools, cherishing the connections and relationships I’ve built with fellow parents, teachers and the incredible young minds that will shape our future.
I am equally dedicated to giving back to our community. As a board member of Support Smyrna, I have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable spirit and togetherness that make this community truly special.
I bring my passion for storytelling and community involvement to my role as editor. My goal is to capture the essence of Smyrna Vinings and share the stories that truly matter to all of us. I am committed to showcasing the inspiring individuals, the captivating events, and the incredible businesses that make our community thrive.
I would like to express my gratitude to former editor, Sarah Cole, for her contributions and dedication to Smyrna Vinings City Lifestyle. I am excited to build upon the foundation she laid and continue to provide you with engaging, informative, and uplifting content. I wish Sarah all the best as she embarks on her new chapter with her husband in Mississippi.
And now, I invite you to dive into our Summer Fun issue and let your sense of adventure guide you through the opportunities that await. Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience of Smyrna Vinings this Summer! Happy reading and have a fantastic Summer!
Warmest regards,
STACEY SCOTT, EDITOR @SMYRNAVININGSCITYLIFESTYLECorrection: There was an error in our June issue in the profile for Thomas Mercer, Owner of Restoration Tree Care. It should be noted that Thomas earned his 4-year degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Business Management from Samford University in Alabama.
July 2023
PUBLISHER
Burke Scott | burke.scott@citylifestyle.com
EDITORS
Sarah Cole | sarah.cole@citylifestyle.com
Stacey Scott | stacey.scott@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Lawery | clawery@mac.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Cole, Stacey Scott, Kandis Boone, Reagan Zottnick, Chelsea Young, Sonia Paryani, Mary W. Moore
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chris Lawery, Janie Jones, Seth Akin, Brandon Tacket
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Smyrna based charcuterie and grazing business, ready to make your Mother’s Day, graduation, summer parties or just a night in, more memorable. Options range from individual serving sizes up to grazing stations for 200. 770-696-7612
Dog Training & Behavior Services
Puppy Training (sit, down, stay)
Obedience (loose-leash work, impulse control, recall)
Services (reactivity, resource guarding, separation anxiety)
| Positive-Reinforcement No Fear, Force or Pain - EVER
We at Mezza Luna believe an intimate atmosphere in the right location, personal and attentive service, and great company is what separates a delicious dinner from an unforgettable experience. Our handmade dishes accompanied with exclusively selected Italian wines and amazing staff represent the core of Italian culture.
Our culinary team creates weekly featured items such as off menu dessert, pasta, fish and meat dishes.
Authentic and freshly cooked Italian meals with the freshest ingredients, accompanied by high quality imported Italian wines.
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @SmyrnaViningsCityLifestyle Locally
“Highly recommend. Michael was so easy to work with and walked us through every step of the project from beginning to end.”
Members of Bob Steele Salon's leadership team attended the second year of Qnity's The Fill Conference, where they were able to soak up knowledge and experience lightbulb moments. The team also accepted an Impact Award for Execution, and are so excited to bring all of their knowledge back to their teams and continue to grow and make the community SoChic!
Enjoy this special offer from Sachs Luxury Transports on MondayWednesday mid-week bookings! Receive 6 hours for the price of 4. Take advantage of this special offer for date nights, sports events, concerts, real estate closings, and more! Terms & conditions apply. Scan
Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmembers, and City Officials joined Smyrna community members at The Reed House Event Garden on May 11th for the ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Smyrna Parks and Recreation. Attendees enjoyed live music by violinist Alice Hong and refreshments provided by The Vineyard Wine Market.
ONLY OPEN Friday and Saturday 10AM - 6PM
Summit's Edge Counseling welcomes their new summer intern, Katie Sorenson. Katie begins taking appointments and seeing clients the week of June 12th on a pay-what-you-can rate with a minimum of $50.
Scan to read more.
We're excited to announce that Burger Crush has just opened at 871 Concord Rd SE in Smyrna! Jack Huffey (formerly of Jack’s New Yorker) is serving up delicious burgers, fries and shakes that are sure to satisfy your burger craving.
Photography: Smyrna Beer Market by the Stout Brothers
These two Luxury homes were recently completed by Dogwood Family Homes and are ready for new owners! Situated at 985 & 979 Church Street, this highly sought-after loca tion is within walking distance to the downtown Smyrna Market Village shops, restaurants, parks and more! Both homes are filled with luxuri ous features and thoughtful design throughout, making this home the epitome of luxury living. To schedule a viewing call Kelly Chancy at (404) 964-2060 with Keller Williams Realty Buckhead (404) 604-3800.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings
16
Summer is a season of boundless possibilities, inviting us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the thrill of new experiences. Whether you're seeking tranquility, adrenaline, or a combination of both, don't let this season slip away without seizing the opportunity for fun and exploration!
FORSYTH PARK INN: Savannah is an easy drive for a quick getaway. Spend a weekend at the Forsyth Park Inn and explore most anything in this historic city. 102 W Hall Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
TIMBERLINE GLAMPING CO. AT LAKE LANIER: If your idea of camping is less "roughing it," and more "the great outdoors meets indulgent comfort," then glamping (glamourous camping) may be for you! 7800 Allyn Lane Memorial Way, Cumming, Georgia 30041
SKYDIVE GEORGIA: If you're seeking an adrenaline rush and thrilling experience that will take you to new heights, look no further than skydiving! 493 Airport Road, Cedartown, Georgia 30125
IFLY - ATLANTA: Not quite ready to jump out of a plane but want to feel the experience of skydiving? Check out iFly Atlanta right in Smyrna! 2778 Cobb Parkway Atlanta, Georgia 30339
CLIMB WORKS SMOKY MOUNTAINS: Zip lining in the Tennessee mountains is an exhilarating combination of speed and amazing views. CLIMB works Smoky Mountains Zipline is a real fan favorite. 155 Branam Hollow Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
When it comes to transforming the look and feel of your home or office, few things can have a more significant impact than a fresh coat of paint. Whether you’re looking to update the style, create a new ambiance, or simply freshen worn-out walls, a professional painter can breathe new life into your interior. Hiring a painter, such as Juanito’s Painting (678-480-8100), is a wise choice for anyone seeking high-quality results and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your project is in capable hands.
As with any project, you will want to hire a professional who has positive reviews and a portfolio showcasing their previous work. You’ll also want to ensure that the painter you hire is licensed and insured. It may be beneficial to obtain a detailed cost estimate and a written contract that outlines the scope of work, materials to be used, project timeline and payment terms to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings.
The decision to hire a professional interior painter comes with many advantages. Their expertise, attention to detail, and access to quality materials save you the hassle and stress of attempting a complex project on your own. And, their experience and proficiency allows them to complete the job efficiently, saving you time and effort. It also ensures a high-quality result, maximizes the value of your investment, and allows you to enjoy a beautifully transformed space that reflects your personal style and preference.
Situated just a short distance from Taylor-Brawner Park on Atlanta Road, you’ll find the historic Reed House in Smyrna. This remarkable two-story residence, designed by renowned architect Leila Ross Wilburn, combines elements of Queen Anne and Arts & Crafts architecture. Boasting over 4,500 square feet, it was one of the largest homes in Smyrna when constructed. Built in 1910, the house occupies a beautifully landscaped 3.6-acre property. With its array of distinctive features, such as a slate roof, an expansive 50’ by 15’ front porch, a striking porte-cochere (drive-under carriage gate), leaded glass windows,
oak-paneled interior walls, window seats, and multiple fireplaces, the Reed House exudes timeless elegance. Within the house, you’ll find a spacious, modernized warming kitchen and an area perfect for hosting various events, from birthday parties and fundraisers to weddings. Additionally, the upstairs rooms offer extra event space or can serve as dressing rooms. This versatile property provides an ideal setting for a wide range of gatherings.
Originally constructed for local businessman Benjamin F. Walker, the house later became the property of Benjamin Franklin Reed, partner of Mr. Walker
and father of Raymond Reed. In 1965, Raymond and his wife Mary acquired the house, where they raised their family for nearly five decades. Sadly, Raymond Reed passed away in September 2014. In 2015, the City of Smyrna purchased the house and meticulously restored it to serve as a special events center.
A recent addition to the property is the breathtaking Event Garden. This enchanting outdoor area showcases a lush lawn and an abundance of beautiful flowers, providing a picturesque backdrop for any occasion. With its convenient location near downtown Smyrna, the Reed House is a remarkable venue that blends history, elegance, and natural beauty.
For information on renting the Reed House, please call Theresa Galletta at (678) 631-5545 or email BrawnerHall@SmyrnaGA.gov
“Located right in the heart of Smyrna, the Reed House is a historic gem, perfect for hosting unforgettable indoor and outdoor events.”
Dr. Aja Nichols established Lifestyle Dentistry in 2016, where she embarked on the idea to practice dentistry a little differently than it has been done traditionally. She is continuously creating a spa-like atmosphere and a team who consistently delivers five-star experiences.
“We educate and empower patients to understand and take charge of their oral health. We pride ourselves in doing the right things, at the right time, for the right reasons.”
• Replace your AC filter every 1-3 months. Call ELM HVAC (404-7172963) to schedule your annual maintenance so you don’t lose your cool.
• Check your indoor and outdoor plumbing and water heater for any leaks, rust, or corrosion. Inspect and clean your sprinkler heads too. Find a plumbing issue? Contact the pros at Trinity Plumbing (770-480-7687) for a video pipe inspection!
• Problems caused by clogged or broken gutters are expensive to fix, but easy to prevent. Call in the professionals at Elevation Gutters & Roofing (470-536-0591)!
• Nothing beats outdoor entertaining in the summer. Make sure your yard is ready for entertaining by hiring a professional landscaper to create a stunning outdoor oasis! Lopez Brothers Landscaping (678830-6765) can provide you with expert assistance.
We encourage you to reach out to these amazing businesses who put great pride and care into everything they do so your home and our community can be the best it can be!
Take care of your home with help from local professionals!
The heat of Summer is here - take advantage of beautiful sunny days and warmer weather to take care of your home inside and out. We highly recommend local professionals to assist you with summer home maintenance.
This breathtaking Marietta home offers a tranquil oasis of beauty and relaxation. While the inside offers a spacious 6 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, the outdoor space makes this home one-of-a-kind. The 2.5 acres are curated with meticulous attention to detail to create a haven of natural elegance complete with lake access.
From the stone patio, two exquisite pergolas await, offering the perfect spots to unwind and revel in the beauty of the lakefront views. In the heart of this outdoor sanctuary lies a glistening pool, surrounded by natural stone details and a meticulously manicured garden, where you can take a rejuvenating dip or lounge beside its tranquil waters. The poolside
pergola is furnished with a dining table, grill area, and vintage wood-burning stove to keep guests cozy in cooler weather. The pergola nearest the lake is furnished with a picnic table, perfect for refueling on summer evenings after a day enjoying the lake. Just between the lakeside pergola and the water sits a deep fire pit, ideal for s’mores on a starlit night. Each seating area invites you to settle in and bask in the refreshing breeze off the water. Near the water’s edge there is convenient kayak storage to keep your gear organized until it’s time for another adventure. In this haven of natural splendor, time seems to stand still, and worries melt away amidst the tranquil embrace of the outdoors.
“Whether you seek a place for quiet contemplation, leisurely recreation, or simply to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the world around you, this home with its glorious outdoor sanctuary promises an unmatched experience.”
As a biracial private practice owner who passes as white, I have a unique perspective on the importance of serving communities that are often systemically under-served and offering equitable employment to a diverse group of counselors.
Being the child of an immigrant has taught me the importance of understanding and addressing systemic issues that perpetuate inequities particularly in access to mental health services. I’ve also witnessed, first-hand the rare inspiration of those who outrage the system with their success and beating the odds.
It is my mission to make a difference in this field, and leave a legacy of altruism for my children to follow. I recognize that I hold a certain level of privilege that comes with that identity. However, I also know that this privilege does not make me immune to my responsibilities of addressing and dismantling racism and discrimination that people of color face.
It is because of this understanding that I am committed to creating a safe space for individuals from all walks of life to seek the help they need.
One of the considerations I have had to make as a private practice owner is ensuring that my team of counselors reflects the diversity of the clients we serve. It is not enough to simply say that we serve all communities if our team does not have a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. It is my great honor and responsibility to actively seek out and hire counselors who come from different
racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to ensure that we can provide culturally responsive care to all of our clients.
Additionally, I have had to be intentional about the location of my practice. I understand that access to mental health services can be limited for some communities due to systemic issues such as transportation, cost, and location. By choosing to locate my practice in a more diverse and accessible area, I am able to better serve those who may not have had access to care otherwise.
There are also consequences to the choices I have made as a private practice owner. Being intentional about hiring a diverse team and serving marginalized communities may not be as profitable as catering to a more homogenous demographic. However, the satisfaction that comes from knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of those who have historically been underserved is far more important to me than any financial gain.
As a mother, I am also aware of the importance of leaving a legacy of altruism for my children to follow. I want them to understand the importance of using their privilege for good and advocating for those who may not have a voice. By modeling this behavior in my career and daily life, I hope to instill a sense of responsibility and compassion in my children that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
My mission is to serve the beautiful range of this community and offer equitable employment to a diverse group of counselors. I understand the considerations and consequences of this career choice, but the satisfaction that comes from knowing I am making a difference in the lives of those who have been historically underserved far outweighs any financial gain. It is my hope that by leaving a legacy of altruism for my children, I love to know that I am contributing to a brighter future where all individuals have access to the mental health services they need.
Enjoy a selection of refreshing summer cocktail recipes from The Oenophile Institute!
As summer heat sets in, nothing beats a refreshing cocktail to cool you down and lift your spirits! Enjoy these three delicious summer cocktail recipes from Chelsea Young at The Oenophile Institute, a wonderful Smyrna Vinings resource making wine and beverage education accessible, enjoyable, and available.
PORTO TONICO
A popular drink amongst the Portuguese, Porto Tonicos combine the crisp and fruity qualities of white port with the bitterness of tonic. Both the white port and tonic are personal preference, but Chelsea recommends Kopke Dry White Port and Fever Tree Tonic.
RECIPE
Fill a rocks glass (or wine glass) with ice and add the following:
• 1 ½ oz Kopke Dry White Port
• 3 oz Fever Tree Tonic
• Garnish: Lemon Peel & Mint Sprig
Everyone loves a good wine spritzerso up your game a little and impress your friends. In this recipe you can substitute the rose for white wine or the gin for vodka to make it your own. You can build this in either a tall collins glass or champagne flute.
RECIPE
• 2 oz. Dry Rose Wine (anything from Provence will do)
• ½ oz Hendricks Gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz Simple Syrup (purchase or make your own)
DIRECTIONS
1. Add all ingredients to glass of your choice and then fill with ice.
2. Top with soda water.
3. Garnish with grapefruit and rosemary
For the party host or hostess, a recipe that is sure to please. This recipe can be made in larger batches but as is, serves 6 drinks. The wine selection is the key to a good Sangria. Make sure you pick a dry, full-bodied red wine that doesn’t have too much tannin. Wines like Merlot, Syrah, or Malbec work best.
RECIPE
• 2 peaches – sliced
• 1 orange – sliced
• ¾ cup blueberries
• 1 bottle of Dry, Full-bodied Red Wine
• ½ cup Brandy
• ¼ cup Cointreau
• 2 tablespoons sugar (to your taste)
• Soda Water
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine sliced fruit, wine, liquor, and sugar to a large container and stir well until sugar dissolves.
2. Refrigerate for at least a few hours but overnight is preferable.
3. Serve over ice and top with soda water.
ARTICLE BY SARAH COLE, CHELSEA YOUNG
Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.
• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.
• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.
• Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.
• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur - nished brass for warm fall vibes.”
• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”
• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”
• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”
• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”
A sample of recently sold properties in Smyrna Vinings.
REALTY REPORT PROVIDED
COURTESY OF
CURIOUS WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? Scan this QR code for a FREE home value estimate!
We offer a full line of wellness and apothecary products, as well as crystals. A variety of healing modalities such as Reiki Energy Healing, Healing Massage, Sound Bath Therapy are offered. Also, a variety of self-care services, such as, natural facials, Yoni steams, waxing and body scrubs. We have a full yoga studio that includes various yoga/
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
Sunday Lecture: Battle of Ruff's Mill
SMYRNA LIBRARY MEETING ROOM | 3:00 PM
Join the Friends of the Smyrna Library for the Sunday Lecture, "Battle of Ruff's Mill," from presenter Philip Ivester. Light refreshments will be served.
Marietta's 4th in the Park Festival
GLOVER PARK AND THE MARIETTA SQUARE | 10:00 AM
Celebrate America’s independence from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with an Independence Day parade and celebration on the Square in Marietta. Enjoy free live concerts, an arts and crafts show, food, carnival games, and the City of Marietta fireworks finale.
Silent Saturdays: Silent Disco Party at Live! at the Battery Atlanta
LIVE! AT THE BATTERY ATLANTA | 9:00 PM
Mark your calendars and get ready to grab a pair of headphones and get in the groove! There will be drink specials from our great partners, 2 of your favorite local DJs spinning different music, and plenty of great late night vibes. This is a ticketed event at $10 per person which includes entry as well as your headphones.
City of Smryna July Concert featuring Platinum Band
DOWNTOWN SMYRNA | 7:00 PM
With over 20 years of creating magical memories for hundreds of audiences, Platinum Band Atlanta is laser–focused on an ultimate performance both on and off the stage. Join the City of Smyrna downtown for a great night of dance music featuring Platinum Band from 7-10pm. Admission is free!
Vinings Jubilee Farmers Market
VININGS JUBILEE, NEW PACES FERRY RD. AND PACES FERRY RD. ATLANTA, GA 30339 | 2:30 PM
Gather in Vinings every Thursday from 2:30-6 p.m. and shop local goods from over 30 vendors. The market is located in the parking lot at the intersection of New Paces Ferry Rd. and Paces Ferry Rd.
Summer Reading Challenge Finale
COMMUNITY CENTER, MAGNOLIA ROOM | 10:00 AM
Celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge Finale with Ken Scott. Ken Scott's summer magic show is fun for the whole family. This interactive magic and storytelling show will feature Croco the puppet. This is a DO NOT miss event to wrap up an exciting summer of community togetherness!
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings
- Romans 1:16
One of our church members, Jennie Leigh, shared this story with me a few years ago. She volunteers time in a local ministry called The Giving Garden. For a while, her job was to care for the ministry’s chickens. One day she noticed her favorite hen was languishing. The little hen’s problem was that it was broody. A hen becomes broody when her mothering desire drives her to give herself completely to hatching her eggs and sits on them for an extended period of time, often consuming less food and water. Without the intervention of someone like Jennie, this condition can eventually threaten the hen’s life. That was what was happening to Jennie’s favorite chicken, leading Jennie to respond. Jennie removed her little friend from the nest to give her time to get her strength back and heal. But that isn’t the whole story. When she went to rescue the hen, she discovered that the egg the hen was trying to hatch wasn’t even a real egg at all. It was a little plastic egg that never would have hatched no matter how long she stayed with it.
God’s Word teaches us that because we are all born sinners, we are so much like Jennie’s little hen. We make our way through life attempting to be good
people, doing the right thing, but if left to ourselves we languish pursuing endeavors that will never be fruitful. All of our efforts are as ineffective as Jennie’s broody hen attempting to hatch a lifeless, plastic egg. Our only hope is for a Savior to do for us what Jennie did for her feathery friend and rescue us from this futility. That is exactly what Jesus does for us when we put our trust in Him. He rescues us from fruitless endeavors and fills our lives with hope and fruitful purpose. This is why, as Christians, we are not ashamed of the gospel, “for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”
Jeff Pennington Senior Pastor
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
Enjoy a recipe for a scrumptious and easy summer salad with local Georgia ingredients!
Savor the flavors of summer with this exquisite Summer Peach and Tomato Salad by Sonia Paryani from Paryani Foods! Paryani Foods offers specialty foods with a focus on clean and simple natural ingredients and allergen-free options. This recipe is packed with clean, simple, natural ingredients, and can easily be modified for any allergens. It’s also a true celebration of the bountiful summer harvest of Georgia peaches and tomatoes! As the warm sun shines, the local farms offer up the juiciest, most succulent peaches and heirloom tomatoes, making this recipe an absolute must-have for your summer table.
Serves: 8 servings (serving size: 1 cup) Preparation Time: 15 minutes (+30 minutes chilling time)
INGREDIENTS:
• ½ cup thinly vertically sliced red onion
• 1 pound ripe peaches, pitted and cut into wedges
• 1 pound heirloom beefsteak tomatoes, cut into thick wedges and heirloom cherry or pear tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or fresh-tasting vinegar of your choice
• 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
• 4 tablespoons small basil leaves or torn basil
01. In a large bowl, combine the sliced red onion, peaches, beefsteak tomatoes, and cherry or pear tomatoes.
02. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03. Pour the dressing over the peach and tomato mixture. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients.
04. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and basil leaves over the salad. Give it a final gentle toss.
05. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and for a refreshing taste. Enjoy!
ARTICLE BY SARAH COLE, SONIA PARYANI
