Good Day Atlanta viewer information: March 14, 2023
ATLANTA - Persian New Year at Yalda:
Chef and restaurant owner Ash Famili has been part of Atlanta’s food scene for a decade. But with his latest venture, Famili is getting personal, sharing the food and cultural traditions of his childhood.
Ash Famili opened Yalda in Sandy Springs this past December, creating a menu and atmosphere inspired by his years growing up in Iran.
Named for the ancient December festival celebrating the longest night of the year (Famili says Yalda translates to "rebirth of the sun"), Yalda centers on Persian cuisine and Middle Eastern flavors culled from his own family recipes. That means visitors will find a selection of kabobs cooked on an open-flame grill, wraps, and mezze (small plates) including falafel, lamb loghmeh, and grilled chicken wings. Oh, and wait until you see the "sweets" menu; desserts including baklava, chocolate lava cake, and pomegranate cheesecake are just three of the options!
Yalda is located at 6500 Aria Boulevard, Suite 500, in Sandy Springs; regular hours are 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. nightly for dine-in (with takeout available from noon to 8 p.m. daily). For a look at the menu and more information on visiting the restaurant, click here. By the way, a second location is planned for Westside Atlanta on Howell Mill Road.
Although the restaurant is named for a festival celebrated in December, this month seemed an especially appropriate time to make a visit to Yalda. Why? Because this year’s Nowruz (often called the Persian New Year) is coming up next week. So, we spent the morning with Ash Famili and the team at Yalda, learning more about the restaurant and the culture that inspired it.
Relationship coach Dr. Stacii Jae Johnson helps couples 'Put a Ring On It'
Now in its fourth season, 'Put a Ring On It' has Dr. Stacii Jae Johnson helping Atlanta couples choose if it's time to move on or time to get serious about their relationship. Johnson sits down with Alyse Eady to talk about the show and signs you should look out for.
Stacii Jae Johnson talks season 4 of "Put a Ring On It": Will Packer's "Put a Ring on It" follows three couples in long-term relationships who work with a relationship counselor, go on dates with other people, and otherwise test their relationships to determine whether the relationship is not going anywhere and it is time to calls it quits and move on, or lock it up tight and take it to the next level. Dr. Stacii is the relationship expert and the real heart of the show. Dr. Stacii actually began her career as a film and television actress (Peaches in "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate," Sherri in "How To Be A Player," episodes of "ER," "Fresh Prince of Bel Air," "Martin"), but for the past 10 years has devoted herself to relationship counseling and is passionate about helping people find and maintain healthy romantic relationships. "Put a Ring On It" airs Friday, March 17.
'Black Table Talk' helping Gwinnett County students find balance
Middle school and high school can be so tough and the added pressures of social media, relationships, and work make it amplified. To help students and the community find ways of coping, Shiloh High School's cheer program is hosting a panel discussion on balance. Cheer Coach Dionyal Spencer talked with Alyse Eady about the event.
Shiloh High School Cheer Program presents "The Black Table Talk" panel discussion on finding balance: The event is a fundraiser to bring the student body and community together to discuss and ask questions about the importance of coping with mental health by providing methods that will help students learn how to balance life's challenges (ex: relationships, school, dysfunctional families, work, social media). Crystal Renee’ Hayslett (Tyler Perry’s "Zatima" and "Sista’s" Fatima), Gail Bean ("Snowfall’s" Wanda), social media influencer Venna Excel, Black Hiking Club founder Tracy Stephens, sports therapist BJ Armstead, and Dr. Lisa Herbert were the first to reach out and agree to participate as panelists. The panel is Wednesday, March 15th at 6 p.m. in the Shiloh High School Theatre. Get tickets here.
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern prepares for big St. Patrick's Day celebration
All of HOBNOB's metro Atlanta locations are going green with a huge party on St. Patrick's Day filled with food and drink specials. Executive Chef Rohmario Nugent and Training and Hospitality Manager Kimberly Thornburg joined Natalie McCann to share some of their menu staples worth digging into.
Hobnob’s St. Patrick’s Day event: Hobnob is a "spirited" place, featuring one of the largest collections of bourbon and whiskey in the Southeast. They have locations in Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Alpharetta and Atlantic Station. The restaurant has been named one of the Best Burgers in Atlanta in 2019 by the readers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution! This weekend they will have their Indoor & Outdoor Party from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.. There will be a DJ from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. The team at Hobnob says it's best to arrive between 6 and 7p.m. For ticket information click here.
Actor Shane Johnson previews 'Power Book II: Ghost's' explosive third season
'Power Book II: Ghost' is back with a season full of flashier, sexier, and even juicier storylines. Actor Shane Johnson plays Cooper, the villain everyone loves to hate, and he talks with Sharon Lawson about the upcoming season and his character.
Power Book II: Ghost" actor Shane Johnson talks the new season: Johnson discusses his iconic role as everyone’s favorite "villain." Fresh off an early season 4 renewal, "Power Book II: Ghost" is finally back from season 3 with an explosive new trailer that previews a level-up for Tariq and shows Monet at a crossroads. Season 3 promises to be even "flashier, sexier, and juicier" than anything we’ve seen. Catch it on Starz this Friday. Watch the trailer here.
Mani Mills talks the latest in entertainment news: Many of your favorite music artist are going on tour this year, and Mani Millss has all the details.