Looking For Ludacris, Chewing On Steak

Story by A. Scott Walton

A pack of politicians, a rogue’s gallery of local writers, a bunch of lifestyle bloggers and a bevy of beauties braved a record number of lightning strikes Thursday night to attend the Atlanta Press Club’s soiree at the rap star Ludacris’s Midtown restaurant, Straits.
Due to the inclement weather, perhaps, the chart-topping artist disappointed attendees with his failure to appear. But his mother, Roberta Shields, offered assurance that the festivity will be bolder and brighter May 22, when Straits celebrates its first anniversary with an “Opening Doors” theme party.
Shields said the first birthday bash’s guests of honor _ besides her son _ would be Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and the actress/teen pregnancy prevention activist Jane Fonda.
Though her son, the “Traffic” co-star, was a no-show, Shields insisted his thumbprints were all over the restaurant featured lavishly in the May issue of Food & Wine magazine.

Ludacris, in nappier times...


“My son’s a stickler for detail, and always has been,” Shields (below, left)said. “He does things his own way. I remember way back when he was five and I used to try and fail to dress him up in Garanimals. He had big problems with that.”
In the man of the hours’ absence, self-promotional efforts held sway.

Carol Causeetsko-McCollum (a New York-Atlanta commuter, top left) was there touting her “The Return of the Lady” project, accompanied by a model wearing a printed tank-top that read, This Is NOT A Wife-Beater.






















Lin Canino, (below left)a transplant from Little Rock who’s somewhat chummy with the infamous Gennifer Flowers, showed up to flaunt her low-key jewelry line.
And fine arts advocate Jen Farris was there scouting out subjects for her podcasts.

Photos by: JimiFlix Photography

WE ONLY READ IT FOR THE ARTICLES! (Part 7): Thumb (or click) through the most recent issue of Playboy and you’ll learn who the Bunny mag tags as Atlanta’s chicest steak house. It’s Kevin Rathbun Steak (duh!) where, Playboy writes, “tables 101 or 401 offer the best view of the stylish folk at the other tables.“
The May '09 Playboy "cover girl", Lisa Rinna









"COLLECTION" NOTICE: By the looks of the stretch limo dominating the invitation to the "Who's Who in Atlanta" gala and tribute to Bishop Eddie Long May 30 at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, no expense will be spared to celebrate the local "cash money" crowd. The $75 price for entry includes a copy of the legendary book of names. But a prime viewing spot for red carpet arrivals somewhere along Peachtree Street could prove just as priceless.


The Eddie Long "Tribute" Invitation