Georgians for Pastured Poultry (GPP), an alliance that is promoting the use of high-welfare, pasture raised poultry in Georgia, has created Pastured Poultry Week to take place Monday, June 11 through Sunday, June 17, 2012.

As part of this annual event, Atlanta restaurants will help spread the word about the many virtues of pastured poultry – its superior taste, the natural life of the chickens, and the positive impact on both human health and the health of the environment – by serving it on their menus every day during this designated week. Additionally, chef demonstrations at local farmers markets throughout the spring and summer will educate consumers on ways to prepare pastured poultry in order to continue raising awareness.

Participating restaurants include:

ATLANTA -- RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is kicking off the warm weather months with a cocktail and entrée combo that tastes like a big bite of summer. Inspired by backyard picnics and lazy day lounging, the Watermelon Kiwi Shrimp and Melon-Kiwi-Tini is the perfect summer refresher. The June pairing is available at RA Sushi in Midtown from June 1-30, 2012.

The Watermelon Kiwi Shrimp is almost too pretty to eat….well, almost. It’s a light, colorful dish made with layers of watermelon, kiwi, orange slices, and lychee, topped with shrimp. Beat the summer heat with the Melon-Kiwi-Tini. Monin Watermelon, Svedka Citron, Shochu, and a splash of citrus soda are muddled together and then served with a garnish of watermelon and kiwi slices. The June pairing is available for $18.

RA Sushi will host its eighth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser Sunday, May 27, through Saturday, June 2, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases since it opened 50 years ago.

The Midtown restaurant and bar will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude to help support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. Since its inception, Nicky’s Week has raised more than $943,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and RA Sushi hopes to surpass the $1 million mark this year. 

The special Nicky’s Week menu includes: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori, Garlic Citrus Yellowtail Tapas, plus a variety of select beverages.