The Recap of Days 1 and 2
It all started when honoree Dr Deborah Cooley and husband Henry Jr., checked into the Presidential Suite at Loews Atlanta Hotel. Next came Infiniti with their brand new 2012 QX56. Then there was lunch ay Eleven with WXIA 11-Alive News anchor Brenda Wood, who Dr. Cooley ALWAYS wanted to meet. Day two began with yoga at Exhale Spa, before meeting at “Cupcake Wars” winner–The Blue Eyed Daisey in the community of Serenbe, where our honoree enjoyed lunch with The Hil on the Hill before being whisked off to The Spa at Serenbe. Dinner at The Spence–a new hot spot from celebrity chef Richard Blais was followed by the world stage premiere of the 1967 film classic, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. Now, let’s talk about day three!
The Start of Day 3
While the living the life of a travel writer may seem glamorous, it’s work, as Dr Cooley realized when I asked her to be up, dressed and down in the lobby at Loews by 8am on Saturday morning. But bright eyed and bushy tailed, she and Mr Henry were in the whip sitting pretty, at the intersection of 11th and Peachtree, by 9, bless their hearts—as the southerners say! lol
We headed north on Peachtree, through midtown, then Buckhed and into the Brookhaven section of the city for a wholesome morning at the Brookhaven Farmers Market, where the Cooley’s gave a recap of the previous night’s festivities.
There at the market, Seth, from Dillwood Farms–one of the many organic farmers present, gave us a heads the rundown. He talks about tomatoes and the other fresh picked (as in the day before), vine ripened veggies for sale he brings each week.
The run down includes Georgia farmers, local bakers such as the works of renowned baker–Jonathan St Hilaire of Bakeshop, whose bread is served in tons of local restaurants and even sold locally in Atlanta at Trader Joe’s. Each week there’s also a guest chef from a local restaurant for a live cooking demonstrations, with recipes for the takeaway.
To get attendees revved up and ready, staff members circulate with complimentary tastings such as fresh lump crab salad…
From the Brookhaven Farmers Market the Cooley’s were off to meet renowned Atlanta trainer to the stars—Antoine Tate, of Mass Appeal Pro Training By Antoine. I arrived just in time to break up all of the lollygagging going on as Tate and Cooley talked each other to death while they were supposed to be working out! And poor Mr Henry sat through it all, just as happy as he could be! lol
Below, Tate poses with the Cooley’s for all to see that he practices what he teaches. His background delves into both human physiology and nutrition, meaning his knowledge extends far beyond the simplicity of pressuring clients to lift heavy weights to become more muscular. For a personal consultation, look him up on Facebook under Antoine Tate, or Mass Appeal Pro Training by Antoine.
Now, in all fairness to Dr Cooley, the “lollygagging” is Antoine’s way of gathering information and sharing instruction during the initial visit, which he was clear to point out–would be more of a consultation. In that case, I c guess if was out lips that had worked up an appetite! So to lunch we go!!!
Up until that day, we must have been the only people in town to have not experienced a taste of the dynamic duo–Richard N. Wadlington Jr., and his compadre in crime in the kitchen, Jorge I. Pacheco, of Park’s Edge. To the dynamic duo team–for their gracious hospitality, the scrumptious burger that had heads turning, the mimosas, the salads and our waffle…“Let’s toast it up!”
Because Park’s Edge was so slammed during out Saturday brunch, I had the perfect reason to return earlier this week to catch Chef Jorge in action. And right before my very eyes, he grilled peaches (yes, I said peaches) in Georgia to create the perfect summer salad!
In a short video at the cozy home he and his lovely wife Jean, Sommerville spoke fondly of our unsung hero as well as few up and coming musical escapades where you can find him and other greats…
Sponsored by Wade Ford, a local car dealership owned by Steve Ewing, the two (Ewing and Sommerville) received the Cooley Clan as though they are the royalty they truly are, including prime box seats steps from the stage, food and beverages included!
The Cooley’s are pictured here with Wade Ford owner, Steve Ewing…
The “Grown andSaxy” event was definitely for the grown, the sexy and whoever else felt as though they fit in. Best of all, all were welcome to join in the fun, which is what happens when grown folk come out to play!
For my first and very special special honoree in The Celebrity Series, what is normally Traveling In My World, became me “Traveling In the World of Dr Deborah Cooley!” And rightfully so, in exchange for the great work she does within the Dekalb County Schools and beyond.
Throughout our time together, Dr. Cooley was ALWAYS received as kind hearted, courteous and loving. Although her self esteem is in no way deficient, she humbly accepts all accolades and then proceeds to make everyone in her presence feel equally as special. It is therefor easy to understand how such a warm, educated professional can be an effective teacher/leader. But best of all, her goal is never to keep it to herself–the mark of a giver. And we all know that the more you give, the more you receive!
Thank you to everyone who made this first episode of The Celebrity Series possible including Loews Atlanta Hotel and Eleven’s chef Shayne Vaughn; Infiniti Cars; The Spence; The Hil on the Hill and The Spa at Serenbe; Brookhaven Farmers Market; Mass Appeal Pro Training by Antoine; Park’s Edge, Joey Sommerville and Wade Ford’s Steve Ewing, in addition to the many amazing people who saw my vision and helped to assemble all of the pieces.
If you enjoyed this first episode of the project I vow to continue, please become a regular here at http://www.travelinginmyworld.com, where once a month (I’m shooting for the first Sunday), a new episode of The Celebrity Series will debut. AND HELP ME TO BUILD IT UP BY TELLING A FRIEND!
Until we meet again, goodnight from Atlanta and remember to be inspired and make a difference!
Posted on August 10, 2012
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