While We Were Away…

…in the Peach Punch, we checked out the local dining and shopping scene in the 100 degree stagnant heat.  I had some of the best Italian pizza ever on Thursday night at the rustic Fritti (part of the U Restaurants group owned by Chef Riccardo Ullio). Even we chose to sit indoors in the crowded super popular restaurant, the temperatures were high probably because of the giant 1000°F wood burning oven about 15 feet away.  I indulged in arugula salad, my go-to pre-pizza so I don’t feel as guilty, then the Margarita. Let me tell you, the crust on this pie is as light as air, thin as what we all want to be, and tasty, flavorful and delightful.  I parted ways about half-way through the whole pie only because I didn’t want to be as decadent and gluttonous as I knew I could be.  Besides, it was only Thursday night.  So the pizza is so damn good because it is authentic Neopolitan Pizza as certified by the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association.  

Of course we had to finish off the night with frozen yogurt and since the Highlands is so young, vibrant, busy, packed as it should be (let me reiterate young: young couples, young post-grads, young kids…) after searching for a less crowded parking lot, we settled on Yoforia, the self-serve fro-yo joint that allows you to choose your poison and pile it on. It’s only when you get to the weigh in check out that you realize your stomach will be bigger because of your eyes. But I loved that place because it’s nice to be in charge of your own dessert destiny.  I had a dark chocolate vanilla twist with bananas (BORING) while my co-diners made all types of creative containers, filled with sweet toppings.

the light fixture in Ona

The next day we visited our friends Jenny and Sarah Bronczek who proudly own and run Ona Atlanta, which is found in the Shops Around Lenox.  Two well-known malls in Atlanta sit across from each other: Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, the latter a smaller more high end luxury boutique center housing Gucci, Tiffany, Elie Tahari, Valentino, Versace, and the like) and the former much grander in scale with more offerings. It’s similar to our Tysons Galleria and Tysons Corner Center. The Shops around Lenox have a Crate & Barrel, Lululemon and many more, set in an outdoor shopping center.

Ona Atlanta

little nibbles in Ona

Bo the Ona mascot checks the ladies out

Ona is filled with feminine touches. The sisters began the specialty boutique as a way to pay homage to some of their favorite things: candles and bath and body gifts, but realized that everyone in their lives were hosting life changing events. They were getting invited to bridal and baby showers, engagement parties, housewarming functions, you name it, it was “that time of our lives” as they say.  So, why not make it easy for everyone else who is faced with the same daily invitations?  The one room store has walls of shelves and tables stacking multiple unique ways to say I love you, You are special, Thank you, Congratulations, Thinking of you, Good luck, and Just because.  The aura is welcoming, the lighting fascinating (ask Jenny to tell you about the Italian fixture which the girls put together piece by piece themselves) and the inventory endless.  Ona which translates to “she” in Polish the Bronczek’s family’s heritage, appeals to all five senses, so be prepared to smell, touch, see, listen, and taste (they have these amazing delectable chocolates!).

gifts for babies

Post-Ona visit we went to lunch at Twist in Phipps Plaza, the massive restaurant where you can get pretty much anything from sushi to salads and sandwiches, to meaty main courses.  Twist has a few bars, which makes it an ideal background for the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and while our meal was good, if you are looking for a quiet more intimate setting, I advise you to go elsewhere. The atmosphere is loud and open, thus shouting across the table becomes the norm (maybe that’s why it’s a good venue for RHWoA).

The next day we ventured to Atlantic Station, a town center which had its bi-yearly boutique sale going on.  Here, about 20 stores packed into a warehouse set up to dispose of their end of season inventory at unbelievable prices. No guys, there is nothing for you unless you really want to please your girlfriend, wife, sister, daughter, mother, aunt… or you personally dress in young women’s apparel, jewelry, shoes, and accessories.  Shoppers, expect to spend plenty of time sifting through racks and tables to get the best deals. I got a vintage gold bag from Access Glam and a few tops from Meringue Boutique.

Meringue Boutique

Meringue Boutique

Then we left to head to the charity event which was being held in the parking lot in front of Meringue (1393 North Highland Ave NE).  It was my first time in the store which was the type of place where I could spend a lot money.  It’s totally “my style”, you know your own style.  Casual, colorful, with lots of scarves and jewelry, clutches, bags, boots, jeans, tops, blazers.  The fall stuff is coming soon, so check back here on the Punch as well the Meringue Clothing and Boutique Facebook pages.

Meringue Boutique

Meringue Boutique

We didn’t melt, we raised money and awareness for a great cause, met some wonderful people, shopped, dined, drank and were reunited with old friends.  However, the next time we are in Peach Punch town, we will make sure it’s fall or winter.

Meringue Boutique Photos and Ona Atlanta Photos