micropundit

Broke bread with the industry bigfoot last week at POZOLE in Virginia Highlands to catch up on the latest in the dining scene. The “nuevo latino y tequila bar” is only 7 months old but is rounding out as a great little neighborhood spot- a place to hit after work for a drink / bite with friends or by yourself. The restaurant is the brainchild of Jeffery Hill(WISTERA) and Joey Masi, former opening chef at ONE MIDTOWN KITCHEN. Among the items I tried and found to be spot on were the short ribs braised with mole, the lobster tacos and Hank’s rum ice cream.( A word about HANK’S: the Grant Park ice cream shop is the best in town,run , do not walk and get the Butter Pecan.) Service at POZOLE was friendly and prompt, so the next time you are in the ‘hood , check them out. Let’s see what is on my foodar this week. First, there was a great response to the fundraiser for the wife of Daniel Porubiansky(SEEGER’S), who has been diagnosed with bone cancer. Over $ 150,000 was raised to help meet the family’s medical expenses. Donations can still be made by calling Frances Quatrano at 404-365-0410, extension 22. Thanks to all of you that showed some love. Second, congratulations are in order for John Kessler, food writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He received an award from the Food Writers Association of America for his series on food in Alabama. Eddie Valente, long time Buckhead Lifer, has joined THE GRAPE as VP of operations. And last but not least, BACCHANALIA and THE DINING ROOM at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead were named as two of the top 50 restaurants in America by Gourmet magazine. I know how some people feel about the accuracy/ validity of these best of lists but hey, it is kind of fun when some of your favorites make the list, isn’t it? Question of the Week: What two Midtown based restaurant groups are joining forces to open a new concept at the never opened WATERHOUSE site at 942 Peachtree Street? NEWS and NOTES: Buckhead. CITY DINER on Piedmont Circle has closed. THE COTTAGE, an Ethiopian restaurant on Piedmont Avenue, has closed. Inman Park. Got a press release from Kevin Rathbun announcing the opening of KEVIN RATHBUN STEAK, in “late spring 2007.” The 180 seat steakhouse, located at 154 Krog Street , is down the street from his other two restaurants at 112 Krog Street. It will feature an open kitchen, a bar, 2 private dining rooms,and a hard wood ceiling, all designed by Bill Johnson. Old Fourth Ward. ROMAN LILLY CAFÉ is calling it quits this month after 10 years at 668 Highland Avenue. The Bohemian spot known for dishes like it’s chicken and biscuits may spring up in another location . I will keep you posted. Thanks for spending some of your time checking us out and remember, happiness is a choice that sometimes requires a little effort. PS. I will try to get some Bar B Que info soon.

Well the suspense is literally building around TROIS, the restaurant that is being counted on to raise the bar for Midtown ,as well as Atlanta, concerning fine dining. As of this weekend ,work on the restaurants 3 levels is picking up steam(although were I a betting man, I would not count on an early October opening.) But the anticipation grows in the city of highways and hip hop: last week the Wall Street Journal placed it on its national hot openings list and one of the ATL’s newest high end glossy magazines September addition carried an in- depth interview with Chef Jeremy Lieb. The interview should wet more than a few appetites regarding the food, menu and the look of Bob Amick’s latest and perhaps greatest creation. According to the article, Chef Jeremy, an alumnus of such luminaries as France’s COTE D’OR; the late MASIONETTE; and, DANIEL has been working on the French brasserie-style menu since July and he promises to not only feature simple dishes that use only the freshest ingredients but to it change daily. Some of the creations featured in the article include snapper with crispy potato shell; flounder Parisian; and my favorite (from the super pictures), duck with clementines. In addition to creating and executing the menus, he will also have to administer 4-that’s right four, kitchens as well as a large staff. That includes the exclusive bar and lounge on the first level, the main kitchen on the second level and the private dining on the third .The large staff sounds as if service will be a premium at TROIS as well. The look of TROIS has been created by Atlanta uber interior designer John Oetgen, who specializes in creating luxe environments and North Carolina architect Kenneth Hobgood, who has been highly praised for his facility with glass and steel, his signature materials.According to Bob Amick..”TROIS is going to be very modern and sophisticated but approachable" Get this: “the restaurant’s design… includes expansive glass walls, a dramatic staircase connecting upstairs bar and the main dining room, pinpoint lighting, suspended artwork, and both aluminum and travertine floors “(!). It sounds to me like the ATL is getting a new design standard bearer in the heart of Midtown that will have the food and service to match. Question of the week: What growing Midtown based restaurant group is looking hard for a sous chef for their Midtown flagship? NEWS and NOTES: Downtown. Look for MAMA ROSA’S PIZZA and GRILL in the old Micky D’s location on the corner of Central Avenue and MLK Jr. Castleberry Hill is getting hipper by the day. Check out THE COFFEE LOFT at 322 Peter’s Street opening soon. LOTTAFRUTTA, a gourmet fruit house and market serving fresh fruit, sandwiches and ice cream smoothies will open soon at 590-A Auburn Avenue. Midtown. TAMARIND has a new home. In November TAMARIND SPICE MARKET will open in Colony Square, with a Bill Johnson design and valet parking, in the OLA, PERI PERI/ THAT’S A BURGER spot at 14th and Peach. In the same complex, THAI CHILLI has closed. MEDITERRANEAN GRILL, a long time Decatur fave, has opened a branch at 985 Monroe. North Decatur. ST. CHARLES DELI on Briarcliff Road has closed. Thank you for peeking in and remember patience is the companion of wisdom.

Well I guess I must follow every other media and put out a Fall preview ,so here is the Micropundit Fall Food Favorites (aka the new places that should brighten up the Atlanta food scene). Gastroprenurs from LA to Dallas are coming to our fair shores to join the local honcho’s ever growing roster of restos.From sushi to sandwiches ,pasta to pastry and several points in between, the dining options here in the ATL are going to get bigger and better starting this Fall. And with the opening of the Louvre exhibit at the High Museum, the recent birth of a baby Panda at Zoo Atlanta, there will be some folks in town who will checking out new places and faces. Let’s start in Atlantic Station: DOLCE Enoteca e Ristorante , Italian fine dining with designer flair ,will open this fall courtesy of the Dolce Group, a star studded restaurant development group out of the City of Angels. Also on their menu for Atlanta are GIESHA HOUSE and TEN PIN ALLEY. GIESHA HOUSE is a Japanese concept set in Tokyo 2050 that has been wildly successful with the LA jet set crowd. TEN PIN ALLEY is a new concept that combines bowling and bar scenes in one location. The three siblings will all be located in close proximity to one another so look for”... amazing food and friendly, approachable service in a collection of imaginative, fun and unique environments.” Downtown, Jeff Safaris, one of the creators of Compound .the internationally renowned West midtown super club, is opening THRIVE at 101 Marietta Street. THRIVE will serve three meals-breakfast, lunch and dinner- in a “chameleon like atmosphere...that will change from a business lunch to a hip scene in the evenings.” The 6,000 square foot venue will be across the street from BED and the Glenn Hotel and it also features a Bill Johnson design. Back in Midtown, the boys from Big D are bringing STEEL to the ATL. Opening a little later than this fall, the Dallas based upscale restaurant will serve sushi, feature an award winning wine list and Indochine cuisine all in a Bill Johnson designed space located in the newly opened Plaza midtown condos. In Inman Park, SHAUN’s EDGWOOD SOCIAL CLUB, will open to great anticipation this fall, under the helm of the Super chef Shaun Doty, at 1025 Edgewood Avenue. It is beginning to look as if Inman Park is the next epicenter of neighborhood dining with the winter arrival of Kevin Rathbun’s new steak house and Bob Amick’s et al planned 2007 project across from FRITTI/SOTTO SOTTO. Well these are a few of the ones to watch for this fall. What…you say I have forgotten one? Let me see, well there is OH, you mean the little project that Bob Amick is putting together –TROIS, (?) Well that is going to be the subject of a whole feature. Soon. Question of the week: What was the only Atlanta restaurant that was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal’s fall guide that featured restaurants from around the globe? NEWS and NOTES: Buckhead. RESTAURANT EUGENE head honcho Linton Hopkins was selected to represent Atlanta in an upcoming Iron Chef America competition. He beat out some of the top chefs in town to earn the trip to the big time. Long time dining and bar fave CARBO’S CAFÉ has closed. Man does that place hold some memories. Rumors are floating about concerning Chef Taka, formerly of TAKA’S SUSHI. He may be returning with a brand new location. Stay tuned. Downtown. THE SUNDIAL restaurant at the top of the Westin Peachtree has a new chef,Christian Messier,formerly sous chef at The Phoenician in Scottsdale Arizona. Midtown. TAMARIND has closed due to the construction on the 14thh Street bridge. No further details at this time but as soon as I know , you will know. Former EATZI’S executive chef and general manager,Ford Fry is rumored to be opening a restaurant at the old SAMPAN location. Thanks for stopping by and on this anniversery of one of the most tragic events in our history ,let’s remember that grief teaches lessons that joy can never know.

I had to post because of the item below,next week will be the regular good stuff. Please respond to this urgent request, it is for a good cause: On September 10th at the RITZ CARLTON Buckhead, a fund raiser will be held for the wife of Daniel Porubiansky, sous chef at SEEGERS, who has bone cancer. For further details, please call 404-365-0410 extension 22. Bienvenidos a NO MAS! This new Castleberry Hill cantina located at 180 Walker Street has the ambience; cuisine and location to become a premier dining spot in Atlanta. The menu includes over 36 tequilas; a Mexican –inspired menu; and art and furnishings as well. And all of the glasses, tables and art are for sale. I had the crab cake appetizer and it was fresh, well made and well worth the price. Entrees are between $ 7.95 and $19.95; desserts are in the $4.95 to $6.95 and there is a children’s menu with prices ranging from $3.25 to$ 4.25. The layout includes a spacious patio; a marble topped bar; and, a second level overlooking the main dining area. With a location just blocks from the Georgia Dome, Phillips Arena and the Georgia Aquarium, NO MAS! Should become a fan favorite soon. Question of the Week : What former ITP hotshot is now top toque at a Marietta fine dining resto? NEWS and NOTES: Downtown. JOLE,an African restaurant,run by Sylvia Wade,a native of Senegal, will open at 82 Peachtree Street this fall. Midtown. TOSCANO and SONS,an Italian grocery and restaurant will open this fall at 1000 Marietta Boluvard in the new Brickworks development. Thanks for tuning in and remember, little drops of water wear down big stones.

The wobble in the rotation of the earth that ensued when Chef Guenter Seeger announced his imminent departure from our fair city has abated. I think. The latest, according to the paper of general circulation: “As it stands, as long as he is serving 35 seats a night, he can remain open, if it drops below 35, the doors will close.” Stay tuned.en b Has the bloom faded from the Rosa? Had dinner recently at ROSA MEXICANO and it was SRO on a Sunday afternoon ,except on the patio. And that is where we ended up.Service was tentative but it picked up a bit as the meal wound down.I had the snapper and somewhat like Maxwell house coffee,it was good till the last bite. It was not cooked all the way through.But what was most impressive was the scene on Atlantic Station’s Central plaza. All of the restos facing the plaza were full and there were people;children,teens ;and, seniors, just enjoying themselves.The Kodak moment came when three little tykes,black ,white and brown were dancing together in an impromptu ring around the rosie.Made my day and made the meal experience better as well.ROSA MEXICANO is still the place to be in Atlantic Station in my book. Question of the week: What newbie intown hotspot in the Glen Iris neighborhood hosted the Georgia Department of Transportation board dinner last week? NEWS and NOTES: Alpharetta. Jay Pollock, formerly of Vinings Inn, the River Room & Killer Creek ,has opened MILTON’S, featuring contemporary American comfort food, at 780 Mayfield Road. Downtown.Look for THE STANDARD at 327 Memorial Drive to open on October 1. The owner,Tracey Growley(MOE’S and JOE’S,BRAKE PAD),the STANDARD will serve ‘pub grub”. Lithonia.GOLDEN KRUST CARIBEAN BAKERY and GRILL. A 107 unit New York based Jamaican restaurant chain, has opened its fourth Atlanta location at 7245 Rockbridge Road. Midtown.Look for FUNE SUSHI BAR at 860 Peachtree Street to open this fall.The inlux of Asian cuisine into Midtown continues. Another hotel/condo project was announced last week.This one brings the Kimpton brand to the ATL with a 7500 square foot signiture restaurant to open at 866 West Peachtree Street by 2009. Well folks thanks again for dropping in.We will be on a much needed Labor Day vacation next week ,as I hope you will be. See you the following week and remember,happiness isn’t just something that you experience,it’s something you remember as well.

??? ← How about Daniel( Boulud )and Gerry(Klaska).

Well, it seems that it ain’t over ‘till it’s over. SEEGER’S will stay open one more week to accommodate all of the last minute people who want to show Chef Seeger some love one more time.Chefs such as Charles Boulud have flown in to dine with Atlanta's greatest chef as he sings his swan song. Whatever the reason,there is no good spin that the city's imagemeisters can put on this. Maybe Chef Seeger's departure will give chefs like Joel an opportunity to take his game up a notch; maybe Anne and Clifford will fill in the 5 star void with QUINONES; or maybe Jeremy Lieb(TROIS) will become the “new” Seeger? Who knows, but the door is wide open for someone to assume the mantle. The industry bigfoot and I broke bread at MATSURI’s SUSHI and STEAK last week. It is located in the old YOUNGBLOOD’S R&B CAFE spot in the Ponce de Leon shopping plaza where Whole Foods is located. It was well appointed; the sushi was fresh and good; and, the prices on the lunch special bento boxes were great. He said that he would definitely return. I concurred and will make it sooner than later. Lunch did not seem to be a big draw - I had received a coupon in the mail- so go now. (If these guys can hang in there for two years, they will make a killing based on all of the residential development in the pipeline.) Question of the week: Who do you think will take on the mantle of Chef Seeger as the other 5 star chef in town? NEWS and NOTES: On Tuesday,August 29th,5 of Atlanta's finest chefs-Shaun Doty,Kevin Rathbun,Geraldo Ramos,Cynthia Long and Gary Klaska-will come together at SPICE for a celebration of Chef Marvin Wood's arrival in our fair city and assumption of the top toque at the Midtown hotspot.A portion of the proceeds will benefit Project Open Hand.For further details ,call 494-875-4242. Buckhead.Jake Rothschild,of JAKE'S ICE CREAM and SORBETS(the original dairy godmother), has closed his Peachtree Hills location.But not to worry,it will re-open later this month as HAUTE CHOCOLAT,"the most exclusive chocolate shop/ dessert in Atlanta...we think the South". Decatur. PALATE, the popular wine bar/art gallery at 321 W. Hill Street, has hired a chef, Francina Sanders, and will now add a dinner menu to its culinary offerings. Downtown. BURGER JOE’S,A local operation with a DC presence, has opened a spot in the food court in SunTrust Plaza. Midtown. Speaking of SEEGER’S, Nicholas Rutherford, former sous chef at SEEGER’s, has taken over the top toque at the QUINONES at BACCHANALIA. Drew Belline, the highly touted opening chef, has moved over to take the reins at FLOATAWAY CAFE. Today’s Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that the longtime San Francisco treat and Beverly Hills see and be seen spot, CRUSTACEAN, a French-Vietnamese seafood restaurant, will be coming to our fair city in the next 18 months. The An family, owners of these stellar attractions, has fallen in love with the ATL and has made it number one on their expansion plans, plans that include D.C, Miami and Tokyo. A 8-10,000 square foot resto in Midtown is the proposed deal.I am already dreaming about their garlic noodles Thanks for dropping by and remember we cannot all play the same instrument but we can all be in the same key.

For Southern "different" try Restaurant Eugene(Buckhead) / Watershed(Decater). For interesting food and atmosphere try Imperial Fez in Buckhead. Downtown ,try Cafe Fleur de Lis for an interesting take on a Parisian setting in the dirty south.That's all I can come up with for now. Hope it gets you started.

NEWS FLASH: Due to the outpouring of requests for seating,SEEGER'S will stay open ONE additional week.(Guess there is nothing like having a NYT piece to drum up customers)

Well the big bombshell last week was the announcement that after 7 years ,SEEGER'S, one of only 13 Mobile 5 star restaurants in America and one of the 2 in Atlanta,was closing Saturday,August 19th.What was even more surprising,at least to me.was the reaction to the news.( Imagine NYC's reaction if JOHN JEAN VONGERICHTEN's closed or Chicago's if CHARLIE TROTTER'S left town)The front page story in the local newspaper of general circulation ,written by John Kessler himself,was accompanied by a blog and the responses there ranged from resignation to relieve.the question was posed to assess an element of JK's story that stated that Bob Amick would buy a significant portion of the ownership of the Buckhead restaurant and keep Chef Seeger and the resto in the city. As I considered the implications of such a move,the thought occurred to me that the bottom line here is that the Atlanta dining scene is at a crossroads and where it goes from here in large measure will be determined how the city responds to the situation:is this a challenge or is it an opportunity? Afterall, this is about one of the most noted chefs in the world; the accolades he has received are not given lightly and are not based upon personality but performance. People at pay grades light years from mine have pontificated about the merits of SEEGER'S;the service;the pricing and chef Seeger's "attitude".All of that aside,the larger issue that the country ,if not the toute monde, will be examining is whether or not Atlanta can/will support dining on the caliber of SEEGER'S? While the DINING ROOM at the Riz Carlton is a Mobile 5 star itself, it has the support (and resources) of the hotel and the parent company.Cited in JK's story was the MASIONETTE,the closed Cincinnati Mobile 5 star which was one of the longest tenured of the classics, as proof of the vulnerabilities of the independent couture restaurants such as SEEGER'S.And maybe this is the case:the days of wine and roses is over for the entire class and not just for our candidate.But IF, and it is a big if, Bob and his people can bring some intellectual as well as financial capital to the table and Chef Seeger agrees,then an opportunity is created. An opportunity to have a win-win-win solution. Well this morning's news confirms that Chef Seeger will be leaving the ATL for another city.The restaurant will close briefly and then reopen under a different name.The staff will stay in place. First Soto, then Richard Blais,now Seeger; just what the hell is going on here? Question of the week: Which of Chef Seeger's former pupils has recently been named top toque at an intown fave? NEWS and NOTES: Speaking of Bob Amick, a big shout out is due him for his work with Boys Speak Out, a local program that helps young men make the transition to adulthood.So it's not always about the benjamins with him. Share our Strength hosts "Taste of the Nation for Kids" on Saturday,August 19. All proceeds go to ending childhood hunger. For more information call 770-436-5151 or go to atlantataste.org Airport. As part of the refurbishing of Hartsfield-Jackson International airport, a PHILLIPS SEAFOOD,the Maryland based east Coast fave,will be located in Concourse D and an ON THE BORDER,will be going into Concourse T. Downtown. NO MAS CANTINA opened August 7th in the hot downtown nabe Castleberry Hill to raves. The recently announced move by the ATL' leading developer to move their headquarters downtown may have a culinary twist.The president of Cousins Properties has hinted in media reports that we can look for a major restaurant-possibly a steakhouse-in the 191 Peachtree building in the near future. On a related note,the developers of the Centennial Park West condominiums are rumored to be in discussions to bring THE PEASANT BISTRO,a sibling to the PLEASANT PEASANT,to the swanky spot next to the Georgia Aquarium. Sandy Springs.Look for a sister location to Midtown's newly minted FRESH TO ORDER to open in our region's newest city this month. Virginia Highlands.Look for another FIGO PASTA,a local fave with 3 other locations, in the old PAD THAI spot this fall. Thanks for checking in and remember anyone can see the difficulties in opportunities but a wise person sees the opportunities in difficulties.

NEWSFLASH: Acoording to the Atlanta Journal Constitution,SEEGER'S will close Saturday,August 19.

A rare and wondrous opportunity came my way this past week: I got a chance to sit down and chat up the gastronomical guru himself,John Kessler(.For the uninitiated,JK is the former dining critic for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and currently the papers food writer.)We chatted about the state of Atlanta's dining scene and some of his recent articles in the local paper of general circulation. The chat and chew took place at one of Midtown's hotspots and it served as the perfect backdrop for our discussion because of its diverse and trendy cliental;modernist design and ,the outstanding food.Not to mention its location in Midtown's hottest nabe. JK was musing about whether or not the epicenter of Atlanta's dining scene was in fact shifting from Buckhead to Midtown by citing TROIS,with its new, fancy, francophile chef and unique design features-no Johnson Studio - as the prima facia case.Our location was also cited as further evidence of the general ascendancy of Midtown vis a vis Buckhead. And in no way were either of us disparaging the culinary offerings of our city's glamor central, it just seemed that all of the buzz was in our burg's more urban- if not urbane- setting.As i delved deeper into the caliph of the culinary arts argument, it occurred to me that there are some clear lines of demarcation between the two markets that were of interest. Buckhead is the more traditional high end market that has established ,to no small degree ,the ATL's national reputation.The Buckhead Life Group and The Ritz Carlton Buckhead,with its line of 5 star chefs ,has certainly placed Buckhead,and by extension Atlanta,into the rarified air of the Mobil/Triple A ratings. However,the new new thing is the mega sized resto that combine food and entrtainment ie TWO URBAN LICKS,SHOUT and STRIP.JK said that on his most recent trips to NYC,the hot spots were the Meatpacking District's mega restos such as MEGU,MORIMOTO's and BUDDAKAN.(He even allowed that maybe just maybe ,NYC was copying the ATL) Anywho,Midtown has the patent on the mega sizes eatertainment and now with TROIS,is challenging for the glamor spot as well.And with Bob Amick et al dropping new restos like they're hot all over Midtown, the cool index may continue to favor it over its uptown rival.Based on his musings, I would not be surprised if ,sometime in the near future, JK weighs in on this topic with great alacrity.Or not. Question of the Week: What soigné ATL resto made Bon Appetit's 2006 hot list before it opened? NEWS and NOTES: Buckhead. According to JK, the Kinjo brothers new resto in the rapidly developing Terminus project,will be a robata-a traditional Japanese open flame grilling technique- and not another MF SUSHI BAR. Downtown.Look for Starbucks to join the growing list of restos queing up for a Centennial Park location, they have signed a lease in the swank Centennial Park West condos.The owners of the property are pressing Starbucks to .."be on the cutting edge with this location.. ." The resto at the under construction Twelve at Centennial Park Hotel will be named LOBBY STEAKS and SUSHI. BALTIMORE CRAB and SEAFOOD will be expanding to 1,0000 square feet and will now include a 35-40 seating capacity as well as a full bar. Look for CHIX,a gourmet chicken restaurant with a 40-50 seat capacity,to open this fall at 255 Peters Street. Marietta. A newbie: LI'S ASIAN CUISINE,featuring Japanese, Chinese ,Thai and Korean cuisine has opened at 3451 Barrett Pkwy. Midtown. Speaking of TROIS,George Frangos,formerly of the SAVOY and BLUE RIBBON BAKERY in NYC, has been named GM. Join Executive Chef Robert Gerstenecker of PARK 75 at the Atlanta Four Seasons Wed., Aug. 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m for hot cooking tips guaranteed to lower the heat this summer.Call 404/253-3840 STALEY'S GRACE on Crescent Avenue is no more. HOT CHOCOLATE PINK PASTRY CAFE will be open soon at 905 Juniper Street serving elegant desserts , coffee,espresso, croissants and danish. Thanks again for stopping by and remember,we find comfort among those who agree with us and growth from those who don't.

From the Table 1820 website website:

Chef Jeremy Lieb is here from Le Cirque in Vegas to be the opening Chef at Trois. Who knows what happened to the toque originally picked to head Trois? Also rumor has it that Mr . Amick and gang are pursuing a controlling stake in a well known and troubled 5 star Atlanta classic. ← My God ,you people are on it today. Well done sir.Brandon Mcglamery is now top toque at Luma on Park; Todd has returned to Atlanta..."to pursue other interests.."

Re Craftsteak: If you take me there to dinner, micropundit, you can see how rare I like my beef ... Chef Jeremy Lieb from Vegas?? might be "scouting" for a place to open?? ← It would be my pleasure,just let me cash in my trust fund first. And no,Jeremy is not "scouting' for a place to open; he will be top toque at a place soon to open.

This past week we here in the ATL were inundated with remembrances of Olympics past. Specifically,the Centennial Olympic games that propelled the city to the international spotlight for several years were recounted in great detail in the press and with countless celebrations.When all of the new buildings and attractions that have come on line since 1996 are totaled up,it has been an impressive run.All of the hoopla reminded me of how far the city has come in terms of culture, commerce and cuisine. And it made me wonder where we are going to go from here.Are we a feast for the palate as well as the eye? We are seeing an influx of big name chefs/restaurants charging into our sylvan city giving us some culinary cache. Not on the order of say,Las Vegas ,which has proven that people will travel far and spend big for a great meal.Without regard to price.Other cities are following a similar blueprint for their economic development,see inter alia Dallas.There is some good news for the home team on the this account: CRAFTSTEAK,the latest from NYC's uber chef Tom Colicchio, is now confirmed for an Atlanta location(thank you Gifted Gourmet).However, there are some missing pieces that ,IMO,should be filled in-preferably by locals- in order for our town to not only stay in the game but to be a Top 5 contender. Number one would be a great 4 star Asian restaurant on the order of NOBU. Second,a destination tapas bar , in Downtown, on the order of DC's MINI BAR.Third, a cutting edge resto specializing in "molecular gastronomy", a la Chi-town's ALINEA.( We will miss Richard Blais)This is by no means an exhaustive listing,if anyone has any thoughts on this topic,please share.The doors to the church are open. Question of the week: Who is Jeremy Lieb and what is he doing in our town? NEWS and NOTES: Buckhead. Tammy Harris,former pastry chef at JOEL'S, has now assumed a similar position at ARIA. The rich just keep getting richer. Drew Van Leuvan,former top toque at SPICE and the dearly departed IRIS,is now at WOODFIRE GRILL.He is slated to be sous chef in the very near future.Congrats! Decatur. OZ PIZZA's location at 309 E. College Street has closed. Downtown. According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle,two new resto's will help turn the corner of Peachtree and Andrew Young International Blvd into our version of Times Square. FIRE of BRASIL,a 200 seat churrascia, and JALEPENO CHARLEY'S, a 150 seat Latin-Mexican fusion spot, will be located at 218 Peachtree this fall as part of a mixed use development being proposed by some local developers. A 120 key boutique hotel and a martini bar are also part of their plans for the former Planet hollywood site. THRIVE is the name that is being bandied about for the proposed restaurant-bar-lounge to be located in Centennial Tower's ground floor,across the street from BED. Bill Johnson is the designer for the spot being brought to us by the crew that created the popular Compound nightclub in West Midtown. Virginia Highlands. Bob Amick and his TWO URBAN LICKS chef,Scott Serpas, are planning a new concept to come out of the ground by Winter of 2007. Will keep an eye on this because these guys have mad skills, so who knows what they will come up with? Until next week my friends and remember one of life's great challenges is to know when to apply wisdom like a tourniquet or a suppository.

Atlanta Magazine's August issue features the "Best new restaurants in Atlanta" and based on their selections, Midtown is indeed the epicenter of the San Francisco of the South's culinary community.Over half of the selections were based in the middle of Atlanta's center city.The emphasis appeared to be on a combination of mise en scène ,service and cuisine,with simple being the dominant theme for all of the elements.Congratulations go out to the gang at THE GLOBE, named by the magazine as its Restaurant of the Year! My take on the the article is that the local marketplace is catching up with the national trends in terms of having a good geographical spread of restaurants that are accessible to residents,visitors and gastronauts alike and have good food at good price points.Here are the winners:EAST PEARL;ENOTECA CARBONARI;FEAST;KROG BAR;LOBBY at TWELVE;NAM CHUN HONG;PAUL'S;PIEBAR;PURE TAQUERIA;QUINONES at BACCHANALIA;REPAST;ROSA MEXICANO;SHORTY'S;TABLE 1280;TAURUS;and,TOMO Speaking of gastronauts,I imagine that there is more than a little trepidation creeping in to their souls because of last weeks report in the newspaper of general circulation concerning SEEGER'S tax issues.Don't have the skinny yet but a quarter of a million dollar tax lien is no joke. Is it the economy-gas is now precious commodity- or are there other forces at work here? Stay tuned for details. I have it on good authority that a to be announced downtown Allen plaza project will feature a "super high end restaurant".I have my suspicions but I want to cross check everything before going on the record. But this going to be a biggie!And ,if my suspicions are correct,the resto will bring a new design team to our shores to compare with our own stellar crew. Question of the week: What ATL James Beard award winner and local fave scored their second New York Times piece in the last sixty days last week? NEWS and NOTES : Alpharetta. Rumor has it that Chad Scott is leaving/ has left CAFE MONACO. Buckhead. TAKA SUSHI will be without its owner and top toque for an undisclosed period of time. Taka-san left a cryptic message in his monthly newsletter top the effect that he had to leave town and travel to an undisclosed location for unspecified reasons. I guess that clears that up. Downtown.MICK's at Underground Atlanta has closed. This was one of the original tenants in the redeveloped Underground. This is not good: Underground ,the location,is reverting to a eyesore in the city. On a more positive note,due to the success of their two ATL locations-including the downton flagship,GLADYS KNIGHT and RON WINNAN'S CHICKEN & WAFFLES will open a Las Vegas location this fall. Midtown.Look for Plaza Midtown's restaurant roster to get a bit bigger. MARLOW'S TAVERN,sibling of AQUA BLUE and HI-LIFE, will open its third Chicago style bar location in the trendy condo complex next Spring. Attention Piedmont Park visitors,QUATRO, an Italian bistro, has opened next WILLEY'S at 12th and Piedmont .The bill of fare will include gourmet pizza,pannini's and beverages. Big ups to the folks at ECCO, they received a 4 star review from the food critic at the news paper of general circulation after being opened for less than 6 months. Get ready to be slammed. On Wednesday,July 26,SPICE will host a Chef's Tasting Auction from 6-8pm.The event will benefit for the Black Women's Film Preservation Project.There will be prizes,including a meal prepared by Chef Marvin Woods. Thanks for tuning in and remember, we all live under the same sky,but we all don't have the same horizon.

Georgia Organics, a non profit group that promotes ,among other things ,environmentally sound farming,has produced a stunning 64 page guide that identifies the farms,markets and restaurants that feature sustainably grown local products.The 2006-7 Local Food Guide is a comprehensive listing of Georgia's vast array of resources that are available to those who are concerned about the production and consumption of healthy and locally produced food. Georgia Organics is an Atlanta based membership organization that provides educational services to farmers concerning organic and sustainable farming;connects Georgians to organic farms,farmers and local markets;partners with communities to promote local food systems; and, and promotes policies and practices that improve stainable and organic farming in Georgia.Members receive newsletters,monthly on-line updates,and receive discounts,invitations and tours to events and conferences. Their first annual guide is a well designed piece that demonstrates how sophisticated and dedicated the organization is.The on line version is chock a block with detailed information in an easy to read format.I was pleasantly surprised at the depth and breadth of the movement here in Georgia, a movement that is very strong nationally and growing. Support is coming from everyone from citizens to big name chefs such as Michael Touhy; farmers' cooperatives and an assortment of state and local governmental agencies.You can check out the Guide is at www.georgiaorganics.org. Read it and eat. Question of the week: What former top toque at an hot intown spot and a number 2 at THE 2005 hotspot is now doing a radio show? NEWS and NOTES : Buckhead.Local foodies are buzzing about the opening of IBIZA,a taps bar named after a Spanish owned island in the Mediterranean Sea, owned an operated by the dynamic duo of Rafih and Rita Benjelloun(IMPERIAL FEZ) at 2285 Peachtree Road. In the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 2005 annual ranking of restaurants,CHOPS was number one with $ 12.5 million in sales. In fact,seven of the top ten restaurants were located in Buckhead. Downtown. The recently announced $100+ million renovation at the Marriot Maquis hotel also included a tasty morsel for ATL visitors and residents: All 5 of the hotels are being moved and renovated but look for the opening of PULSE,a spectacular new restaurant in the lobby of the Mobil 3 star hotel ,soon. Karim Sharif is the new general manager at BED. Midtown. The erst while Georgia Tech fave THE SOMBER REPTILE has closed. North Druid Hills.Aloha to WAIKIKIE HAWAIIAN BARBEQUE,located at 2160 Briarcliff Road. It is the first location of the chain outside of California. Oakhurst. This rapidly gentrifying nabe is being enhanced with yet another resto,STEINBECK'S OYSTER BAR.It is located at 659 Eastlake Drive and serves ,well,oysters, among other things. Thanks for stopping by and remember, a smile is a medium of exchange that is always worth more than face value.

Well boys and girls ,it's time for the annual mid-year report card. The current State of the Plate here in the ATL is pretty good all things considered.The growth of neighborhood based,chef driven restaurants has been oustanding and a number of big name ,out of town operators have landed on our fair shores with more to come.And the national press has been very kind to us,witness Anne Quatrano's big fat wet kiss in last Wednesday's New York Times.So here goes my take on the ATL's 2006 dining scene to date: GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Not all was rosy however.We are losing Richard Blais to south Florida(. But we are gaining Marvin Woods from the same locale.) SOTO is gone. There is only one BRIDGETOWN GRILL left and SAMPAN ,a great chinese spot in the old COMMUNE location, is no more.Ditto,IRIS and LUXE and OSCAR'S.But some newbies have arrived that should more than make up for the losses. MEMORABLE Among the more memorable additions are:BALTIMORE CRAB and SEAFOOD(checked it out and it's very,very good) BED,ECCO,ENOCATA CARBARI,REPAST,ROSA MEXICANO,SPOON, STRIP STEAK and SUSHI and THE PECAN. ON THE HORIZON Here are just a few names coming on line this year that will draw attention ,in fact I am seeing at least one getting national attention. Can you say Best Restaurants of 2007? TROIS,the crown jewel of the expanding Amick et al empire.Will it be open in time for the grand opening of the Louvre exhibit at the High and will it wow all of the high brow visitors,some of whom might have some experience with French haute cuisine? SHAUN'S,Mr. Doty goes to Inman Park. Is the magic still there;will Inman Park replace Virgina Highlands as the cool neighborhood? Stay tuned for this one 'cause a lot of eyes and mouths will be following Chef Shaun. RATHBUN's STEAK HOUSE.while still in the planning stage with no official date,the news that kevin is adding to his nationally noted portfolio with an upscale steakhouse has local foodies hearts aflutter. FAB ,aka THE FRENCH AMERICAN BRASSERIE,nee BRASSERIE LE COZE, has opened the downtown fine dining flood gates. Watch for some serious announcements in the coming months of some el primo restos locating in downtown. FAB debuts this fall. GEISHA HOUSE,and it's siblings DOLCA ENOCATA and KINGPIN are set to rock Atlantic Station this fall. In doing my research-yes ,I actually try to find out about the things I write about thankyouverymuch- it has come tomy attention via the LA Times that GEISHA HOUSE is a big deal there so IJS,watch out for this one. STUDIO 281,the Castleberry Hill nabe is fast becoming a see and be seen scene for more than arts types and the growing culinary focus is part and parcel of that phenomenon.This is one of the newbies that will set the standard for the area. SPICE, now under uber chef Marvin Woods, will seek to regain the flavor that once made it the hottest spot in Midtown. Question of the week: What chef has been selected to represent our fair city in the World Meeting of Food Communities in Turin, October2006? NEWS and NOTES: Alpharetta. Nicholas Bour ,formerly of MID CITY CUISINE and IRIS, will be the opening chef at MA MERE,an upscale seafood restaurant to be located at 9700 Medlock Bridge Road this fall. Buckhead. Brian Murray,has been hired as chef de cuisine at EMERIL'S Atlanta,according to the local paper of general circulation.Chef Brian comes to us from EMERIL'S Miami Beach were he was executive sous chef.The same article noted that Kleber Cozer,former general manager at MARK's MIZNER PARK in Boca Raton,will become the GM for EMERIL's Atlanta as well. Hmmm.. sounds like a shake up to me. Downtown.THE SUNDIAL RESTAURANT has a new top toque,Christian Messier,who comes to us from The Renaissance Grand in St Louis.Chef Chris began his career at Country Club of the South,so welcome back. Folks,I want to assure you that 'm not crazy, I am just a genuis with a slightly different perspective. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself.CIAO

In my never ending quest to explore Atlanta's growing list of chic ,chef driven ,neighborhood restaurants, this past week I experienced, THE PECAN, College Park's newest fine dining restaurant. Located in the former OSCAR'S location,THE PECAN is the brainchild of Chef Tony Morrow who, "..after a distinguished career in the armed services, took his MBA and years of business experience and left a promising career in corporate America to pursue his true passion in life… preparing food for his family and friends". His career includes,among other things, graduating at the top of a prestigious culinary school and training at several Buckhead Life Restaurants, My lunch was an order of blackened shrimp pasta with a side of asparagus that was plated elegantly,served promptly and had me arguing for an extra helping in order to determine if I really,really liked it.The lunch crowd had the place almost packed but the noise level permitted conversational privacy. The decor has been softened a bit from the OSCAR'S days but retains its cool urban vibe.The menu reflects an uptown Charlston twist on Southern cuisine with a moderate set of price points for both lunch and dinner.Chef Tony made the rounds during the meal and seemed to have a firm grasp of what his cliental wanted and judging by their reaction to him,they were very happy with what they were getting. I will return. Well as our lovely Gifted Gourmet has reported,Richard Blais is leaving our fair shores.Barton G., the Miami-based international events design, production and management company that also owns and operates BARTON G. THE RESTAURANT, one of South Beach’s most celebrated restaurants, has named Richard Blais culinary creative director, effective July 24. Now didn't we all see this coming after RB was passed over for the top toque at TROIS? After all, this was the flagship-$ 5 million to date- of the Amick empire and they went with someone outside the organization. With his national profile ,RB can have his pick of rewarding opportunities and so I quess this came along at the right time. He has been quoted as saying that he will continue doing work here so who knows,maybe there is a little BARTON G in the ATL's future? Best wishes RB,we will miss you. Allready rumors are flying about RB's replacement;one name I've heard is Drew Van Leuvan, former top toque at SPICE. Question of the week:Will the noted record mogul.song writer and producer who vowed to bring a NOBU to Atlanta be able to return any time soon from his " Arabian adventure" ? NEWS and NOTES : Ansley Park.TIERRA,the pan latin hotspot, will close for vacation July 1 to July 11. Owners Ticha and Dan Kinsky will take off for Panama this year to explore new culinary ideas. Buckhead. PRICCI'S executive chef Piero Premolia, a Milan native, has become the first Atlanta chef to win "recognition of excellence" from the 53-year-old organization Accademia Italiana della Cucina. The group is dedicated to preserving authentic Italian cuisine. As a reward, PRICCI will be listed in the Accademia's annual restaurant guide. TAURUS is offering patio massages. Each Thursday, beginning at 5:30 p.m., anyone sipping on the patio gets a quick rubdown, courtesy of a pro from Spa Sydell.A view,a drink and a massage,life is good. Amy Miller, formerly of the DIXIE TAVERN, is opening LOTUS LOUNGE this summer. The multi-level “ultra lounge” will feature a main level open to all guests as well as two themed floors that require memberships with levels ranging from $250 to $2500.(!) The lower level will feature a 15-foot revolving lotus flower. The menu will include tapas, dim sum and sushi. Lotus will be at 565 Main Street in the new Lindbergh City Center. Downtown. Look for LUCKIE FOOD LOUNGE, "Atlanta's newest modern -day American eatery" at 375 Luckie Street, across from the Georgia Aquarium,to open soon. It looks like it is going to be an exciting part of the growing dining and entertainment presence in the Centennial Park/ Allen Plaza nabe. Inman Park. The ATL'S seventh THE GRAPE location will open at 300 N.Highland Ave. Midtown. SBYDEE (pronounced sa-by-dee) means “doing just fine” in Thai it’s also the name of a new Thai restaurant, opening today in the space formerly occupied by Cha Gio on 10th Street. Poncy Highlands. CRU URBAN LOUNGE,an intimate wine bar,featuring fine wines,premium liquor,cold sake,international beers and light cuisine,will open in the Ponce Springs Lofts at 620 Glen Iris Drive this month. Have a great holiday people and don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Atlanta Journal Constitution food columnist and former dining critic John Kessler had a week long series on Japanese food and its impact on American culture last week and it was phenomenal.Sushi USA was a tour of the nation's homes,restaurants and supermarkets ,from Plano,Texas to New York City that artfully framed the issue of what we like about the cuisine and why.As an added bonus,the AJC included several mutimedia presentations of the tour that I found to be fascinating.My fave was JK's experience at MASE for the $ 500 omakase.Rich. Another facet of the series that merits attention is the focus on sushi.Local guys,MF SUSHI,were profiled in both a print and multimedia format that captured their laser like focus on the quality of their product and their absolute zeal to please the customer.When I spoke to JK -to compliment him on the series-he mentioned that Kinjo brothers Buckhead spot was going to different from MF SUSHI and very exciting.there you have it folks,from JK's lips to your ears.He also allowed that he had heard that a certain former ATL sushi super star might not stay in the Big Apple and might return to the Big Peach. If you you are interested in reading a well written,well thought out and photographed piece of food journalism,check this series out. Go to the AJC flash page ,scroll down to the story line and click.You will be able to to acces the entire series,including the mutimedia presentation, and there is a blog where you can share your experiences and comments as well.I smell a James Beard award here. Question of the week:Speaking of sushi, what ATL superstar record producer is planning to bring a NOBU franchise here in the near future? BTW,their initials are not JD NEWS and NOTES: Alpharetta: My good friend ,the industry bigfoot,sez that a FIVE GUYS BURGERS, a DC based chain that is very popular there, is planning to place one their stores here. Other proposed locations include Buckhead and Caroline Street intown. Buckhead: Wine guru Greg Koetting,formerly of WOODFIRE GRILL, has surfaced at PAUL'S as their go to guy for the good stuff. Downtown:The industry bigfoot also sez that Castleberry Hill,located southwest of the CBD but immediately adjacent to, is now the hot new 'hood. Formerly known for its cutting edge galleries and lofts,it is now gaining a culinary presence to match .New additions will include: MBAR,STUDIO 281 and CAFE NOIR AND SUGAR LOUNGE, who will join the all ready announced(in this column no less) NO MAS CANTINA-a 350 seater ,WASABI SUSHI and SAKE LOUNGE and OWC(Old Wooden Crate) et al. Duluth:Look for ROBERTO'S WORLD TAPAS at 9700 Medlock Bridge Road,Suite 100.They say that the will serve.."fine food,fun and fancy drinking from all over the world". Midtown: For the 11th consecutive year BACCANALIA was rated the restaurant in the ATL by the ZAGAT survey.QUINNONES,the younger sibling, was rated number 2 in the food rating category. A tip of the toque to Clifford and Anne. Thanks for stopping by and remember,as Ann Landers used to say, "Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them."

As the gentrification of Atlanta's intown continues ,the discussion around the social,political and cultural implications of the changes it has brought continues to heat up.It seems if there is a news story every day that centers around the size of houses that are being built on lots that had smaller scaled homes on them;intra- community disputs regarding retail projects/the lack there of;and, prehaps the most common, how the latest development will affect the "quality of life' within the respective community. It has been my experience that one outcome that has ,by and large flown under the radar, is the appearence of small,chef-driven restaurants geared to the neighborhood that they are located in.Restaurants such as FRITTI and FLOATAWAY CAFE that were the pioneers of the trend here in Atlanta are now being joined by a number of spots that have chefs who have made their bones in several high profile establishments. They have now opened their own shops but without all of the pomp and circumstance(or the overhead).What does remain and in fact shines through is their skill and devotion to to the craft and their neighborhood's quality of life improves significantly with each edition. One such restaurant is REPAST. My first visit to small chic bistro in the Glen Iris corridor, that is shaping up to be a major intown market, blew me away. After seeing them on the Food Network's Opening Soon and reading the local media reviews , I had a certain level of expectation built up but I was totally unprepared for the depth and breadth of the experience. REPAST'S menu is quintessentially modern American, starting with the idea that good food begins with good ingredients that are cooked with skill and aplomp and then served with effiency and energy. My dining campanions and I,one of whom is a big time chef, all agreed that from the apps to the deserts,the service;the wine and the ambiance,REPAST is a class act. I was even impressed by the valets.So to chef Joe Truex and his team-a shout out to Seth the GM for his deft touch-, major kudos and continued success. REPAST is a substantial asset to intown Atlanta and the entire region's dining scene. Question of the week: What Midtown hotspot will be undergoing a major change in their kitchen soon? NEWS and NOTES: Downtown. Construction has started on a 21,000 square foot sports dining complex on Marietta Street.Local sports radio station 790 the Zone,is developing the facility that includes a 15,000 square foot restaurant and a sports bar with a roof top deck. All of this is located within walking distance from the Georgia Dome and Phillips Arena. East Atlanta.The co-owners of CATINA La CASITA.a fairly new East Atlanta watering hole,are planning on opening two more eateries in the'hood: HONEY'S KITCHEN, a breakfast and lunch spot at the corner of Glenwood and Flatshoals; and,LATITUDE 33,a steak and seafood resto on Glenwood in the former GOODNEWS CAFE location. Virgina Highlands. For all of you chocaholics out there, internationally noted TEUSCHER of Switzerland,has landed in the ATL at 393 N. Highland. Until next week my peeps.Remember to tune in at the same time and at the same place.

Attention,Atlantans/Georgians or folks within a reasonable drive: I have the perfect Father's Day gift for your favorite Dad. You do know it is this weekend,right? The gift is a slot-out of only 6-at the Four Seasons Atlanta'sTastes & Techniques with Executive Chef Robert Gerstenecker of PARK 75.The once a month sessions are on a Tuesday from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm. From my personal experience, they are fun,educational and ,best of all,the food is outstanding.Chef Robert and his team,including uber pastry chef Dave Jefferies, take the participants on an culinary journey inside of a Mobile 4 star kitchen without intimidation or stuffiness. Last evening your intrepid scribe-that would be me- got hands on experience making pasta dough for an unbelievable ricotta ravioli.I also had a ring side seat as we made a seared ahi with carrot dressing summer salad that would make you assault a maternal family member.Last but by no means least,we were given instructions on how to prepare a peaches and cream creme brulee by pastry chef Dave Jeffries made with fresh Georgia peaches.As I stuffed the last spoonful into my mouth ,I could almost hear Ray Charles in the background. All of this was accomplished while consuming a variety of wines selected by the staff.And as an extra added treat,you get a gift bag filled with goodies ranging from gourmet salt to a $25 gift certificate for dinner at PARK 75. My classmates were a diverse and energetic group ,several of whom had attended the last class. Chef Robert's easy going manner made us forget that we were sitting in the nerve center of a highly kinetic operation that swirled around us as we worked,learned and ate.Next month's class will focus on Bar-be-que.So contact PARK 75 at the Four Seasons ,the telephone number is 404-253-3840,ASAP and give dear ol' Dad a gift that will keep on giving.Operators are standing by.

Breaking news out of Brookhaven: Carmen Capello, executive chef of M!X has departed as of COB June 5th.The former sous chef at TWO URBAN LICKS had somewhat of a short run. Matt Swickerath will replace him for now.With this guy's mad skills, we hope to see him in action in somebody's kitchen soon. With all of the exciting newbies coming on line, it is easy to forget the restaurants that have stood the test of time and continue to thrill us.As luck would have it,I had a chance to revisit some of my old favorites last week and from all appearances, they are still going strong. Had lunch at NAN and was once again transported by the ambiance, food and service. The soaring space with the golden columns evokes the mystery of the Orient –note to self, must go to Orient soon. And the peanut dipping sauce- with apologies to the folks at DREAMLAND BAR-BE-QUE- .. ain’t nothing like it nowhere” Service was attentive without being obtrusive; the meal was well paced. As I looked around the room, It seemed that a lot of locals as well as visitors enjoy the experience of NAN as well.Saw some of the High Museum's head honchos with some French officials discussing the upcoming Atlanta Louvre exhibit. Continuing my Asian theme, I also lunched at MF SUSHI later in the week. Crowded as well. Had the lunch special B: 6 pieces of sushi with tuna roll. Ex-ce-llent. If their Buckhead project is half as good, it will be a smash hit. Question of the week: Where will the first of the “new” FLYING BISCUITS be located in the metro area? Hint: in a former location of a slowing fading-if not extinct- breakfast food chain east of the city limits NEWS and NOTES: Brookhaven. Look for an ATKINS PARK at 1410 Dresden Dr.. It will be modeled after the original Va-Hi location. Buckhead. The Sheraton Buckhead on Lennox Road is also slated to be converted to a W-is the ATL hip enough for 4? A hot NYC restaurant design firm has been hired to do the interiors so be on the lookout for even more hip restos to come. Remember, you heard it first here. Downtown. Yves Smake has been appointed as the top toque at THE ATLANTA GRILL at the Ritz Carlton Atlanta. Yves returns to Atlanta-he was at Chateau Elan- from the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. Look for an emphasis on French technique on the new menu.I guess this means that they are not taking the development of The Ellis Hotel across the street lightly. To Mr. Smakee, we say welcome back. CTY GRILL has a new executive chef as well: Brent Highsmith has been promoted from sous chef. To Mr. Highsmith, we say congratulations. South Fulton County. Tony Seichrist, formerly of Athens, Georgia’s highly acclaimed FIVE and TEN, has been named top toque at the newly opened THE FARMHOUSE at THE INN, in Serenbe, the new urbanist community located 30 miles south of Atlanta. The menu will change daily based on the availability of product from local farmers/ the organic garden on site. Sounds like a winner, will have to check it out.I wonder if Delta flys there? Until next week ,hold it down church. (Use of this blog has been approved for all carbon based lifeforms.)

[] And a tip of the toque to you my friend.You are correct sir-with the possible exception of Herr Seeger.Did you see the piece in Sunday's NYT magazine on the "super agent" to the super chiefs?