Savor Athens like The Whigs
Where to eat, dance, shop in The Classic City
accessAtlanta
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Given the size of the college town, the Athens that The Whigs know may not be that much different from the Athens that the other 175,000 or so citizens enjoy.
Or vary that much from one band member to another, for that matter.
Big Hassle Publicity
Parker Gispert (from left), Tim Deaux and Julian Dorio know where to shop, dine, drink and dance in Athens.
Band of Horses and The Whigs 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30 and 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 at the Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. Sold out. 404-524-7354; www.variety-playhouse.com
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But with the rock trio opening a sold-out, two-night stand — starting Tuesday, Dec. 30 at the Variety Playhouse — we thought it was still worth having Parker Gispert, Julian Dorio and Tim Deaux lead us on an oral tour of the place they rest their guitars.
Here it is:
For a big meal it’s usually …
“One of my favorite places, Last Resort Grill. I’m not usually a dessert person but their cake and cheesecake selection is what I’m pumped about.” (Tim)
“The National. … At lunch they have a pretty amazing ham and cheese sandwich. It’s much fancier and tastier than it sounds.” (Julian)
“Taqueria La Parillia. The veggie quesadilla. I end up eating there four times a week when I’m home.” (Parker)
And for a drink afterward …
“I really enjoy a drink at The Manhattan [Café]. It’s a small, quiet bar with a relaxing, mellow atmosphere.” (Tim)
“Walkers Coffee [Shop] & Pub. It’s open all night. I might sound like I’m biased because I was a bartender there for about a year. But that’s really where I go.” (Julian)
“For a Red Bull and Jack [Daniels] I hit Manhattan Café.” (Parker)
To dance that meal off …
“My friend Alfredo DJs at a place called 283 [Bar]. It’s a good place to go to boogie. To get down!” (Tim)
“If Alfredo is DJing that’s where we’re dancing. He can mix and mash just about anything — from an ’80s old hit, to a modern hit song, to a classic rock song, to a new indie rock band we all like.” (Julian)
“Easy — That’s the 40 Watt [Club].” (Parker)
The go-to place for party wear …
“Minx. That place has got some great, old, funky used clothing and just sort of like novelty, cool furniture. … I actually bought a pair of leather boots there that I really love. They were nice and broken in. And probably about $30.” (Tim)
“Dynamite’s a great second-hand store with great vintage clothes — and new stuff too. That’s a staple.” (Julian)
“I like to go to Gig Worn and I also like Minx. Oh, Tim said that too? Hey, small town.” (Parker)
And if shopping for others …
“This is going to sound really cheap and terrible, but I have found some pretty amazing gifts at Potter’s House [thrift store].” (Tim)
“Shopping for others in Athens, you know, is not like Atlanta — massive shopping city! But I guess a good Athens gem is another clothing store: Minx. Good second-hand clothing.” (Julian)
“I go to Schoolkids Records. I went a couple of days ago, actually, and got a Woody Guthrie collection and a Loretta Lynn collection; for myself though. But I’ll probably get some similar items for my friends from there. I’ve been delaying my Christmas shopping.” (Parker)
A guy’s night out is typically spent at …
“The Manhattan. Yes, I’m reusing my answer.” (Tim)
“I guess at 40 Watt. We go there all the time.” (Julian)
“Wild Wing Cafe!” (Parker)
But when it’s date night …
“Date night! Date night! Let’s seeeee … the last date I went on was actually a pretty cool deal. The National shares the block with Ciné — a great independent movie theater. And they have a plan where it’s dinner for two and movie tickets. Good meal, cool artsy film, a lady friend makes for a good night.” (Tim)
“I’m single so I should have a good answer for this — but I probably don’t. … Oh yeah, there’s a restaurant called Five and Ten that I like for that. It’s great. It’s impressive. And I love the food.” (Julian)
“On date night it’s usually The National, right next door to Ciné. Oh, Tim gave you that one too? Like I said, not a very big city.” (Parker)
