This Weekend

SEC football begins this weekend, and many people will be kicking off this Labor Day by tail-gaiting. For Mid-Southerners who will be in town this weekend, however, a range of opportunities will be available to celebrate the end of summer. Here are a few of our picks:

• Zoo Brew: Macy's Zoo Brew presents the annual one-of-a-kind beer tasting paired with live music and delicious food. Participants can choose from nearly 100 brews from all over the world or relax in the VIP Lounge. Guests should be 21 and up and may purchase tickets here. Tickets are $35 for members or $40 for nonmembers. Those who wish to gain access to the VIP Lounge may purchase tickets for $55 for members and $60 for nonmembers. The event will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sponsors include Macy's, Mahaffey Tent and Party Rental, Gossett Fiat and Southwestern Beverage Distributing.

• Cochon 555- Pre-Prohibition Rooftop Soiree Presented by Duncan-Williams:
To truly celebrate National Bourbon Month, be sure to check out the Pre-Prohibition Rooftop Soiree at the Peabody Hotel August 31st. Cocktails and appetizers will be served along with a special musical performance. Local and national mixologists are teaming up with students of L'Ecole Culinary to make this night fun and tasty. Guests should be 21 and up and can purchase tickets here. Tickets are $50 and doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, call 678.PIG.LUVN. Don't miss the inaugural event!

• Heritage BBQ Competition Day: After recovering from Friday's Rooftop Party, head downtown for the main event showcasing some of the country's best chefs. Attend events throughout the day, or just come ready to taste some BBQ! The competition will be located between The Columns and Felicia Suzanne's. Ticket options vary, but range from $125 to $200 for the BBQ competition tasting only. More information and tickets can be found here.

• Delta Fair & Music Festival: The 2012 Delta Fair music line-up ranges from Chris Cagle to 3OH!3 and A Flock of Seagulls. The fair will also include an appearance from "Beck," Avan Jogia, from Nickelodeon's TV show Victorious. The family affair also offers cooking contests and cooking demonstrations. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth at the gate. For more information visit deltafest.com. The Delta Fair will run from August 31- September 9 at the Agricenter. 

Read Before You Watch

As an avid reader, I find that half of the thrill or reading is researching new authors before they appear on the NY Times bestseller list. Being able to recommend a book to a friend or realizing that one of your favorite books will be adapted into a movie are some of the little pleasures in life. So, we’ve scoured the Web for exclusive information about up and coming films. Which will be better− the film or the book? You be the judge.

• The Great Gatsby- The classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald will be released this Christmas. You may recognize the book from your high school days, as the book has been part of U.S. curriculum for quite some time. The novel, recognized by the Modern Library as the second best English-language novel of the 20th Century, was not an instant success at the time of its release in 1925. Fitzgerald gives a fictional depiction of the “Jazz Age,” a time with which he was all too familiar. With its dramatic tale of obsession and tragedy, the novel illustrates the lavish Roaring Twenties through complex characters and a mystifying plot. Reread The Great Gatsby before it hits theaters with a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire.

• The Glass Castle- The most successful memoir to be featured on the NY Times bestseller list, The Glass Castle remained more than 250 weeks on the chart. Published in 2005, the memoir tells Jeannette Wall’s perception of her “deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant” family. Walls bares her soul as she describes her journey from the American Southwest to an apartment on Park Avenue. Leaving nothing undisclosed, the author recounts her convoluted relationship with her parents and siblings that she eventually rose above through a career in journalism. Lionsgate purchased rights to the film and is reportedly in talks with Jennifer Lawrence to play the lead.

• Serena- Ron Rash’s most prominent work, Serena tells the story of newlyweds George and Serena Pemberton’s intense and passionate relationship. The pair moves to North Carolina to build a timber empire as the Great Depression engulfs the United States. The plot follows the ambitious pair through their sometimes murderous exploits while family secrets threaten to destroy them. The film, set to be released in 2013, will feature Jennifer Lawrence as Serena and Bradley Cooper as George.
       

Celebrating in Style: A guide to British drinking

I took this photo of the Thames and Parliament in June while in London.

The Olympics are in full-swing and Americans certainly have something to celebrate. Having won 63 medals to date, the U.S. athletes have proven their worth in the London Olympics. Although the events may be across the pond, Americans can still celebrate in style with traditional English drinks. Whether you’re hosting a large event or leisurely watching the games from home, the Brits have a drink for you.

Pimm’s: 

First and foremost, in my opinion, is Britain’s national drink. Known as Pimm’s, the classic drink is sold in liquor form or ready-to-drink cans mixed with lemonade. The spicy and citrus flavor of Pimm’s is traditionally mixed with lemonade, mint, cucumber, orange and strawberries to create the unique and refreshing taste. Perfect for outdoor events or barbecues, the drink will keep you and your guests cooled off as you celebrate the history of this nearly 200-year-old delight.

Tea:

Introduced by the Portuguese, tea did not become a pastime for all Brits until the 19th century. Since then, the British have incorporated the drink into their culture whether it be in the form of afternoon tea or high tea.

So, what’s the difference? Afternoon tea historically began as a pre-dinner meal. Scones, sandwiches and pastries accompanied the drink. Today, afternoon tea has become a bit of a delicacy and a must when visiting the country. High tea, on the other hand, signified what we know as dinner or supper. When high tea was popular, most Brits ate their largest meal around midday and a lighter meal, high tea, in the evening.

Regardless of what you call it, tea is a great compliment to watching an equestrian or synchronized swimming competition.

Ale:

Choosing the perfect brew is a daunting task when in London. The first alcoholic beverage to be produced in England, the drink is as commonplace as sweet tea in the South. The options are endless, though no apparent “favorite” can be noted. It seems that Brits, much like Americans, have differences in opinion when it comes to this beloved beverage. One fact is undeniable, however, a soccer game is not complete without friends and refreshing ale.

Cider:

Often overlooked as a traditionally English drink, cider’s origins in the UK date back to 1066, according to some accounts. Because of the low-tax, a recent article shows that cider sales are dramatically increasing, especially among young people. The definition of cider in the UK varies a bit, ranging from alcoholic to non-alcoholic. For all you trend-setters, trade in traditional lager for what many consider a lighter and sweeter summer drink.