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Woodstock has a
‘summit’ of its own
By Shari Rathman
 If
you’re interested in sampling one of the largest collection of beers
in the U.S., which by the way is 850 beers, simply head to Woodstock
at 2990 Eagle Drive.
There you’ll find Summits Wayside Tavern which opened
May 27.
The owner of Summits, Andy Klubock, has a real
passion for his business with his focus being on food. “Food items
have a story behind them … a romance behind them,” he said. When
possible he sources local farmer and bakeries. “We make our own
blue cheese dressing and it takes 48 hours to make it. We only use
brown rice with saffron.” said Klubock. “We make everything from
scratch, even our corn beef.” He is passionate about his food and
about education. He said “I am not a sports bar.”
 Klubok
moved to Georgia from Massachusetts to attend Emory University where
he majored in history and political science. He worked at Taco Mac
to help pay his way through college and never left the business.
When he went out on his own in 1989, he opened Summits in Sandy
Springs, Snellville and Cumming. He recently closed the Sandy
Springs site and opened the Woodstock location. “Woodstock is a
great area where people will appreciate our food,” he said.
 Klubock’s
unique restaurants have reached “the summit,” being written up in 70
publications including USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and
Playboy. His intensiveness is apparent when you walk in the door
with the flags on the ceiling representing, as he said, “choices and
the beers are from all over the world.” One wall is covered with a
map of the world created by John Dunn, who is known for his artwork
at Rio Bravo restaurants across the U.S.
Klubock offers monthly “Summits University” classes
which is an opportunity to learn about and sample numerous beers.
Summits has a 15-year-old newsletter that goes out to 20,000
subscribers. In addition to his regular menu, he has a specialty
menu that comes out six times per year.
And for those who prefer something other than beer
Summits features a full bar that includes a selection of 101 Vodkas
and 21 wines by the glass.
For more information visit
www.summits-online.com.
Vino 100 – it’s all in the name
Boutique store offers large selection
of wines
By Shari Rathman
 After
visiting Summit Wayside Tavern with their selection of 800 beers,
less than 1.5 miles away is Vino 100, a great stop for wine lovers.
Vino 100 is located at Eagle Drive and Bells Ferry Road intersection
in the Streetside at Towne Lake Shopping Center at 6424 Bells Ferry
Rd., Woodstock.
Vino 100 opened last year. The boutique wine store
offers 100 wines under $25 as well as a selection of higher priced
wines. Vino 100 primarily offers wines not found anywhere else. They
also have wine related gifts, chocolates, and a variety of cigars in
climate-controlled cases.
They offer a trademarked Wine Barometer, which is a
graphic description of the wines. The barometer has visual gauges
that will indicate if the wine is from fruity to dry and indicates
the wine’s body from light to full bodied.
Owner Pat Tom is particularly happy with the fact the
customer purchases are logged electronically. So if they come back
and can’t remember a wine they purchased, it can be tracked. “It is
a great way to keep track of the wines you liked or didn’t like.”
said Tom.
Vino 100 has wine tasting on Saturday afternoons from
4-7 p.m. for $5. Mary Roddy and Jackie Knight pour the wines and
educate the customers about the selections. The third Saturday of
each month focuses on some organic wines and health.
Tom is very involved in helping out charitable events
from leukemia and cancer to The Humane Society. The functions are
held in his store and he provides the wines. The store also can be
used for private functions.
For more information visit their website at
www.vino100woodstock.com.
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