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Thank you to everyone who came to our second Dinner Club. It was so amazing and everyone loved it!

Wanted to share probably my favorite review I’ve gotten yet (thank you Sydney!):

Groups of six each met up at tables at The National, Osteria Olio, The Place, and more. It was a great chance to meet some you reading my newsletters each week.

If you have no idea what the event I’m talking about is:

We pair tables of 6 strangers together at a great local restaurant as a way to meet new people in the city specifically tailored to your vibe.

How it works:

  • Take a short personality quiz

  • Get matched with 5 compatible guests

  • We pick the restaurant, handle the details, and provide conversation starters

You just show up.

NEXT DATE: Tuesday, March 17th at 7:00 PM

If you've been craving conversations with substance (the kind that remind you why community matters) then this is for you. If you want to reserve your limited spot (or read about it more), just click below:

Any questions? Just hit reply. See you there.

In today’s Scoop:

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🔥 This Chef Cooked for Jean-Georges. Now He's Cooking for Athens.

Chef Mackinson Dorsainvil built his career in New York's best kitchens: The Mark Hotel, Craft under Tom Colicchio, The Whitby. Now he runs Sak Pase Cuisine, fusing Haitian and Asian flavors into catering and events that tell a story on every plate. Bold spices, bright acidity, 20+ years of technique.

Planning a dinner party, private event, or just want something unforgettable catered? This is your guy.

Your first chance to try it: he'll be vending at the Saturdaze Shop & Dine Market at Tanger Outlets Commerce, April 11th, 12-6pm.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

⚖️ Edrick Faust Sentenced to Life for 2001 Murder of Tara Baker

The Gist: Edrick Faust was sentenced today to two consecutive life terms plus 45 years for the murder of UGA law student Tara Baker. A Clarke County jury found him guilty on all 12 counts, including murder, rape, arson, and aggravated sodomy. The case went cold for over two decades before DNA technology led to his arrest in 2024.

Why It Matters: This brings a long-awaited measure of justice for a crime that shook the Athens community 25 years ago.

Read more here.

🏟️ UGA Dedicates New $59.8M Track & Field Complex

The Gist: UGA formally dedicated its new 37-acre Track & Field Complex on South Milledge Avenue yesterday. The facility features a nine-lane 400-meter track, specialized throwing areas, indoor warm-up lanes, and a total capacity of over 4,000. It was funded entirely through private donations.

Why It Matters: Athens is now a premier track destination. The complex will host the 2026 GHSA State Championships and the 2027 SEC Outdoor Championships, bringing significant foot traffic and revenue to local businesses.

Read more here.

🏀 UGA Women's Basketball Upsets #5 Vanderbilt

The Gist: The Georgia Bulldogs women's basketball team pulled off an upset over the No. 5-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores at Stegeman Coliseum on Sunday, Feb. 15. The win is a signature moment for the program this season.

Why It Matters: A top-5 upset at home is the kind of thing that puts a program on the national radar, and it's a great reason to start paying attention to women's hoops in Athens.

Read more here.

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CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCOOP

Athens Scoop is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (all done by me). Your contributions go toward keeping the Scoop going so we can keep sharing news, have more fun, and build more of the community.

I appreciate any and all support! - Andrew

🩰 Winning: The Champion Within | Morton Theatre | Athens | 02/21–02/22 | More A beloved annual dance showcase celebrating perseverance and excellence across five genres.

🔭 Journey Through the Stars: Expedition Moon | Sandy Creek Nature Center | Athens | 02/21 | More Family-friendly planetarium session exploring the moon. 10 a.m.

💎 Planet Earth Rocks & Crystals Warehouse Sale | Planet Earth Rocks | Athens | 02/19–02/21 | More Browse over 6,000 square feet of crystals and specimens.

🤠 Bailey Zimmerman: Different Night Same Rodeo Tour | Akins Ford Arena | Athens | 02/21 | More Multi-platinum country with special guests Blake Whiten and Hudson Westbrook.

🎸 Laundry Day | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 02/20 | More Indie energy with a groove-forward live set at Athens' most iconic venue.

🎵 Mo Lowda & The Humble | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 02/21 | More Philly-bred indie rock with psychedelic textures and tight songwriting.

🩷 Megan Moroney: Cloud 9 Surprise Event | Akins Ford Arena | Athens | 02/23 | More UGA alum celebrates her new album release with a $9 ticketed event. Tickets at the box office, 9 a.m. day-of. Limit 2.

💥 STOMP | Classic Center Theatre | Athens | 02/25 | More The explosive percussion phenomenon returns. High energy, no dialogue needed.

🎤 The Runarounds | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 02/25 | More High-octane indie pop with crowd-pleasing hooks and rooftop bar access.

🎶 Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy play R.E.M.'s Life's Rich Pageant | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 02/26 | More The Oscar-nominated actor performs the classic R.E.M. album front to back. In Athens. At the 40 Watt. You don't skip this one.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.

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