Good Day Atlanta Viewer Information: December 15, 2020

Dunwoody business owner honored with unique new wine:  Take one look inside Dunwoody’s Vino Venue, and it’s obvious that founder Michael Bryan really loved wine.

"We went on a trip to Napa Valley, and he fell in love.  So, when he came back, he decided that he wanted to change careers and be an educator around wine,” says Michael’s wife, Lelia Bryan.

Michael and Lelia Bryan opened Vino Venue in 2012, create a kind of gathering plane for other wine-lovers; it’s a wine retailer, full-service restaurant, and wine club, along with hosting wine and cooking classes.  But the excitement of a new business was tempered by a shattered medical diagnosis.

"About a month after opening, we found out that Michael had been diagnosed with sarcoma cancer.  Sarcoma is somewhat of a rare cancer,” says Bryan.  “He battled it for five years, through multiple surgeries and chemo, and in 2017 we lost him."

News of Michael Bryan’s passing rippled through the wine community, reaching all the way to the lush vineyards of Italy.  

"We have a very close friend who lives in Italy, in the Umbria area...his name is Lorenzo Polegri, and he and his son are chefs, but they also are winemakers.  So, what we decided to do with Lorenzo is scatter [Michael’s] ashes in one of his newest vineyards, and he dedicated that vineyard to Michael.  It's called Michael's Vineyard."

And now, Vino Venue is unveiling the first vintage made from the grapes literally growing out of Michael’s ashes.  It’s called Pietra Fenice, and all profits will be donated to sarcoma research.  The white wine will be available for order online and to buy in-person at Vino Venue.

For Lelia Bryan, opening the first bottle of Pietra Fenice is an experience she calls “amazing.”  And asked if her husband would have enjoyed the white wine, a smile spreads across her face. 

"I know he would!  I know he would have!"

For more information on Vino Venue and ordering a bottle of Pietra Fenice, click here.

Jelani Remy from Broadway show Ain't Too Proud: The pandemic has affected the entertainment business in different ways, but Broadway seems to be taking a big hit.  Broadway star Jelani Remy talks about how the closure of Broadway has affected him and many others. He also talks about how he is a part of "Home for The Holiday," a free live stream that will benefits Broadway on December 15.  People can donate here.

Chef Michael Silverstein, Releases New Cook Book "New Keto Cooking": Chef Michael Silverstein, who competed on Season 10 or MasterChef, released his new cook book, “New Keto Cooking” on December 8th. After Chef Michael’s personal weight loss journey, losing over 80lbs in one year on the Ketogenic Diet, he was inspired to share his keto recipes with the world. Chef Michael’s cookbook, “New Keto Cooking”, includes delicious, keto-friendly recipes for every occasion and a collection of elevated dishes that shy away from overused Keto staples.  Get your copy here. 

Brian Austin Green on Good Day Atlanta:  Brian Austin Green is gearing up for the new FOX show, "The Masked Dancer." Brian is also working to raise money for local Boys and Girls Clubs this holiday season. He joins us live to talk about the detaiils.  For more information click here.

A Christmas curse threatens to ruin the most wonderful time of the year in the BET film "Holiday Heartbreak." The two stars of the show Lisa Raye McCoy and Comedian Kountry Wayne from South Georgia. For more information click here.

Texas high school opens grocery store for struggling families: It's clear that the pandemic has left many people without jobs. Some families are struggling more now than ever. LindaTutt High School in Sanger Texas launched a grocery store that allows good deeds as payment. V- 103's Christina "Ms. Basketball" Granville gives more details on the awesome idea. You can follow her on social media @Msbasketball1 .