Spotted Trotter Chef Kevin Ouzts and Director of Operations Megan Ouzts, courtesy of The Spotted Trotter

Our many Atlanta farmers markets serve as stepping stones for artisan food producers. With the support of Atlanta’s food community, some of these folks have been able to open their own brick-and-mortar locations.

The Spotted Trotter, which refers to itself as a “boutique charcuterie house,” got its start by setting up shop at several local markets and supplying many Atlanta restaurants including Rosebud, HD1 and One Flew South. Now, The Spotted Trotter will open its retail location on Nov. 4 in historic Kirkwood.

Using organic herbs and produce and humanely-raised and hormone-free meats, this shop produces small batches of its products, which incorporate seasonal ingredients. In addition to the menu of fresh sausages, bacon and pancetta, you’ll find an array of specialty items. Think rabbit and fig crepinettes, lamb tongue terrines, chicken and duck liver pate and veal bologna. And now that The Spotted Trotter has obtained its USDA certification, it can ship these delicacies outside of Georgia — just in time for holiday gifts.

4-8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 1610 Hosea L. Williams Drive, Atlanta. 404-254-4958.

In other news:

• As we approach the holidays and our days get busier, picking up an occasional prepared meal may be just what we need to keep our sanity. The new Half Baked casseroles shop stands ready to oblige. Located in Buckhead, the store sells a variety of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts that are oven-ready or frozen for later use. It even has options for the kiddos. You might try the Southern chick-n-biscuit with gravy and buttermilk biscuits or the black bean burrito bake. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.- noon Saturdays. 3185 Roswell Road, Atlanta. 404-228-5836. $-$$$.
• Chef Art Smith, known for his appearances on “Top Chef Masters” and as Oprah’s personal chef, brings his talents to Atlanta with the opening of Southern Art and Bourbon Bar. His new restaurant, located in the former Au Pied du Cochon spot in the Intercontinental Hotel, serves Southern-inspired cuisine and cocktails. You’ll find an artisan ham-and-charcuterie bar, a vintage pie table and a bourbon bar stocked with over 70 selections. 6:30-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 6:30-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 7:30-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 5-11 p.m. Saturdays, 7:30-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Sundays. See website for additional hours for bourbon bar and ham bar. 3315 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. 404-946-9070. $$-$$$$.

Events:

Halloween Party at The Family Dog

Head to The Family Dog, Morningside’s watering hole and eatery, for the 70’s themed “Groovy Ghoulie Halloween Party” complete with DJ and prizes for best costumes. 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. Oct. 29.

Make Ahead Thanksgiving Meal Class at The Cook’s Warehouse:

Learn how to make a delicious Thanksgiving meal with time to spare to enjoy the holiday with this class by public television chef Christy Rost. 7-9 p.m. Nov. 9. $50.