Atlanta Restaurant Updates: new places & faces

[micropundit]

A LATE BLOOMER.

The Dogwood tree is the classic southern symbol of the advent of the vernal equinox and the renewal that it brings. DOGWOOD the restaurant, albeit opening in the middle of summer, signals the renewal of a section of Peachtree that is full of potential but has lacked a sophisticated destination dining spot (especially since MICK’S and PLEASANT PEASANT have closed).

DOGWOOD, whose Buckhead trained owners opened it " to bring the warmth of Southern hospitality to the intricacies of big city dining to Atlanta’s most famous street”, debuted downtown in the tony Reynolds condominiums at 565 Peachtree Street last month. And if my first impressions are any guide, its sophistication will allow it to flourish even in the midst of the current economic drought.

Chef Shane Touhy (no relation to Michael) and business partner Scott Black are two Georgia boys who met while working at Buckhead’s BLUERIDGE GRILL and its famed sibling, BONES. Their accumulated experience is amply demonstrated in DOGWOOD’s design; menu and service.

The sleek interior design is composed of soft neutral tones accented with comfortable furnishings and striking art that allows the guests and their comfort to be the focus and not the décor.

The menu at the Friends and Family event featured value priced dishes composed of simple ingredients, sourced from the South and prepared with some deft touches like the panko coated fried Georgia trout. The star of the menu, however, is the grits bar; a unique take on southern tapas: ramekins of excellent stone ground grits with a rotating assortment of toppings such as low country shrimp; ham and pimento cheese; and fried oyster with a spicy hollandaise sauce. Talk about putting some South in your mouth!

The grits bar is available at dinner or at the bar and, as Chef Shane assured me, on the soon to be lunch menu as well. (Expect soup flights -zucchini and watercress, Vidalia onion and white cheddar; and BLT shrimp salad sandwiches)

The affable Chef Shane is as serious about the service at DOGWOOD as he is about the cuisine. Our server, a veteran of BLUERIDGE GRILL, reflected that in his work all evening. DOGWOOD epitomizes a New South hospitality that says fine dining need not always be stuffy or expensive but it must always be enjoyable.

NEWS and NOTES From my keyboard to your screen).

Buckhead. HOLEMAN and FINCH has been honored as Atlanta Magazine’s 2008 restaurant of the year.

GENKI NOODLES and SUSHI, at 3188 Roswell Road, has closed:” temporally for renovations”.

Downtown. COOPER BLUE JAZZ BAR, a 4,500 square foot multi-purpose facility, with a full kitchen and tiered seating is scheduled to open in Underground Atlanta by the end of 2008.

The Georgia Dome has hired a new executive chef, Frank Abbinanti-a former executive chef at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to thoroughly revamp the menus in the Club and Suite levels. Look for local foods plus some “wow items”.

Old Fourth Ward (O4W). JUICEEZ & ETC, a juice bar with a limited menu, is slated to open this summer at 20 Jackson Street.

Virginia Highland. The original owners of SALA, the Fifth Group, have repurchased it and are planning to reopen under a new name and different concept. There is no time line as of now.

Question of the Week: What highly regarded chef is rumored to be top toque at the MUSS & TURNER’s folk’s proposed Buckhead project?

Thank you for stopping by and remember that an ounce of apology is worth a pound of loneliness.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW- What Midtown hot spot is rumored to be slated for a change in concept soon?-is THE GLOBE.

[pourquoi pas]

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW-  What Midtown hot spot is rumored to be slated for a change in concept soon?-is THE GLOBE.

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...another independent swallowed up by a group...Atlanta needs to get back on track and chill with the monopolies that water down the dining experience.

[micropundit]

AND A TIP OF THE TOQUE TO.

The two new faces that should add some promise for the future of our dining scene ,Kevin Maxey and Giuseppe Napoli, whose arrival should ease some the angst caused by the recent departures of several of Atlanta’s top chefs.

Chef Kevin Maxey, slated as the opening chef at CRAFT Atlanta, comes with a gilded resume that includes stints at the famed GRAMERCY TAVERN and CRAFT New York as well as being the opening chef at CRAFT Dallas. Sources in Dallas’s dining community lauded his tenure and commented that he had begun the farm to table movement there. With all of the hoopla surrounding the Atlanta store, expect big things from our new friend from Texas.

Across the motor court from Chef Kevin, Chef Giuseppe Napoli has taken over as chef de cuisine at NEO at the Mansion on Peachtree. A first generation Italian-American, Chef Giuseppe comes to our fair shores from New York’s acclaimed Italian fine dining spot, DAZIES, where he had served as Executive Chef since 2005. His new menu is superb and once he gets his feet set, look for a bella cucina experience from the tony hotel’s restaurant.

So let’s give a warm ATL welcome to the FNGs.

SOME BETTER NEWS.

Effective Friday, August 8, 2008, the new owners of WOODFIRE GRILL are seasoned restaurant managers Nicolas Quinones and Bernard Moussa, under the name of Five Senses Restaurants. Quinones and Moussa have worked together as manager and assistant manager, respectively, at Midtown's LOCA LUNA for four years

The partners plan to continue WOODFIRE GRILL’s mission of providing Atlantans locally-sourced, sustainable and organic food originally started by its founder and chef, Michael Tuohy. The existing kitchen team will remain; led by Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie, Tuohy’s chef de cuisine for the past two years.

NEWS and NOTES: (From my keyboard to your screen)

Brookhaven. There may be a MURPHY’S in the Brookhaven: Town project slated to come on line in 2009.

Buckhead. The developers of the Terminus project have announced the signing of 2 upscale restaurants for the under construction Terminus 200 office tower. CANTINA LAREDO, a gourmet Mexican spot, and III FORKS, a high end steakhouse, both from Dallas based Consolidated Restaurant Operations, are scheduled to open in August 2009.

Downtown. CITY GRILL has promoted Shan Timothy Holler to Executive Chef. Chef Shan received his formal training at the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Minnesota.

Midtown. The former PRINCE OF WALES location on Piedmont Avenue at 14th Street is scheduled to reopen this fall as LIFT RESTAURANT.

West Midtown. ABATTOIR, Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison’s proposed “meat-centric” restaurant in the under construction White Provisions development will open in November and is designed by Dominick Coyne, who did all of their previous stores.

Serenbe. Nick Melvin is replacing Nicholas Bour as executive chef at the FARMHOUSE AT SERENBE. Melvin comes to Serenbe from Concentrics Restaurants, where he worked as sous chef for some of their stores, including MURPHY’S, ROOM and TAP. The New Orleans born chef starts August 28th.

Question of the Week: What local Italian chain has been forced to close half of its restaurants?

Thanks for stopping by and remember that what you keep to yourself you lose, but what you give away, you keep forever.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW- What highly regarded chef is rumored to be top toque at the MUSS & TURNER’s folk’s proposed Buckhead project?-is Chris Hall, former top toque at The SUN DIAL and before that, at Philadelphia’s famed LE BEC-FIN.

[pksiv]

Midtown. The former PRINCE OF WALES location on Piedmont Avenue at 14th Street is scheduled to reopen this fall as LIFT RESTAURANT.

Does anyone know any details about this place ?

[micropundit]

ATLANTA’S WIZARDS OF AHHHS.

Two of the major components of the dynamic engine that is Atlanta’s dining scene, Bob Amick and Todd Rushing, whose energy and ingenuity have brought national acclaim to our fair shores, are now extending their magic to a hotel project in a major dining market that may become the template for even bigger and better things down the road.

The Wit Hotel project in downtown Chicago will feature an Americana restaurant, serving the country's best traditional cuisine, on the first floor; a fine dining restaurant offering authentic Italian fare on the hotel's second floor, while a chic lounge and eatery will be situated on the 27th floor rooftop.

The 3 restaurants are scheduled to open in May 2009 and the deal also includes managing the banquet facilities and room service. The Johnson Studio designed the three restaurants.

Sources tell me that Concentrics is considering potential hotel deals in Baltimore; Durham,North Carolina; and Philidelphia that, like theWit, are management contracts ie, the guys are not using their money.

However, the best news is that there are 2 Atlanta projects on the drawing board for 2009 ; one of which could bring fourth an Italian concept in the West Midtown area.

NEWS and NOTES: ( From my keyboard to your screen)

Buckhead. Pano Karatassos has announced three big news items: Number one is the relocation of his flagship restaurant,PANO’S and PAUL’S, to a unnamed location on West Paces Ferry Road(rumor has it the under construction St. Regis Hotel). where it will bear a new name(PANO’S ?); sport a brand new upscale design; and, feature a new chef(Pano jr?) .

Current PANO’S and PAUL’s top toque, Gary Donlick, will head up PANO’S GRAND CAFÉ, the “comfort French” store opening in December at 3344 Peachtree Street.

Finally, THE ATLANTA FISH MARKET will become THE CITY FISH MARKET and

become part of the new upscale seafood group that Buckhead Life will expand to Florida and beyond.

Buford Highway. ZUFFY’S PLACE, the successor to the beloved FUZZY’S, a live music bar and restaurant, opens this week at 1860 Corporate Boulevard NE.

Chamblee. CHATEAU DE SAIGON, featuring combined Pho, Mandarin, and

Cantonese elements, has opened at 4300 Buford Highway, suite 218.

Decatur. LEON’S FULL SERVICE, a new gastro pub from the owners of THE BRICK STORE ,will open in December at 131 East Ponce de Leon in the former RUE DE LEON space. The guys enlisted the assistance of the HOLEMAN & FINCH folks in planning the spot.

Downtown (DT). LEGAL SEAFOOD plans to be open for business Wednesday, August 20th. Occupying two levels within the Hilton Garden Inn on Baker Street, this initial entry into the Atlanta market may be the first of many. Other possible locations are in Dunwoody, Buckhead and, possibly, Hartsfield-Jackson.

Inman Park.Kristen Hard, owner of K Chocolates, featured at such trendy boites as BELEZA, is rumored to be opening her own “ chocolate apothecary shop” this fall in the trendy ‘hood.

Midtown. VICKERY’S BAR and GRILL is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Saturday, August 23rd with a neighborhood wide celebration called the Cresent Crawl. Visit www.vickerys.com for details.

Old Fourth Ward (O4W). 4th & SWIFT received a 4 star rating from the AJC’s dining critic.

Virginia Highland. The owners of Fifth Group Restaurants have joined forces with Shaun Doty, owner of SHAUN’S, to create THE ORIGINAL EL TACO in the former SALA space. Opening in mid-October, it will feature recipes for creative Mexican fare that Doty is developing. The Fifth Group Restaurants team is working with William Peace of Peace Design to change the look and feel of the restaurant. Doty will continue as Executive Chef of SHAUN’S while serving as Chef de Cuisine for THE ORIGNAL EL TACO.

Question of the Week: What recently opened Cajun concept is rumored to be looking for a buyer?

Thanks for stopping by and remember that what some people mistake for the high cost of living is really the cost of living high.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW-What locally based Italian chain has closed half of their stores?-is ARTUZZI’S.

[micropundit]

ATL NOT READY FOR DUCASSE.

That was one of the reactions some local chefs and foodinestas had concerning the possibility that a Buckhead Life restaurant would go in the St Regis hotel, opening March 2009 on West Paces Ferry Road.

The news that local legend PANO’S and PAUL’S was closing after thirty years and that a new and improved successor would move into a “premier” location on West Paces Ferry had industry insiders buzzing about a prospective St. Regis location( and PANO’S GRAND CAFÉ opening on Peachtree in December.)

Some questioned Buckhead Life’s capacity to create a 5 star restaurant.One chef- describing Atlanta as lacking excellence at all price points, his hallmark of a true culinary capitol- felt that another 5 star restaurant could not survive in Atlanta’s limited market.

My take: in contrast to the New York and DC properties, which have Alain Ducasse restaurants, the Atlanta operators would opt for a popular local draw that would keep the cash registers ringing like FEARING’S at the Ritz Carlton Dallas. As for Pano; he goes upscale on someone else’s dime.

Though Atlanta may not attract an Alain Ducasse caliber restaurant, two new Buckhead Life restaurants are a major improvement to the dining scene.

NEWS and NOTES From my keyboard to your screen)

Alpharetta. SLICE CAFÉ has opened on Main Street with Charles Delbac, formerly of EMERIL’S, at the helm.

Buckhead. CAFÉ DUPRI, the diner owned and operated by local producer/rapper, Jermine Dupri, has closed.

Stephanie Ruhe, Bar Manager and Mixologist at The Mansion on Peachtree competed in the Atlanta Bombay Sapphire Gin Competition and won in the "best overall drink" category. She will now compete with the best mixologists across the country for a national championship.

Cobb County. THE REAL CHOW BABY has opened its second store in the Galleria, an 8,000 square foot spot that has several spiffy bells and whistles.

Grant Park. Carmen Cappello (SWEET LOWDOWN) is planning to re-open the former LAMPLIGHTER CAFÉ as LAMPLIGHTER this fall serving farm to table fare.

Little 5 Points. SWEET POTATO PIE CAFÉ, a natural soul food spot serving goodies like chicken and sweet potato waffles, has opened inside 4 Corners Market at 1087 Euclid Avenue.

West Midtown. POLLO BRASSA, a Peruvian chicken spot, will open this fall in the Howell Mill Village.

Mark Nanna, who worked alongside him at HOME, has been tapped by Richard Blais to be the top toque at FLIP Atlanta, scheduled to open this fall.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What hotshot local firm is designing AJA, Here to Serve Restaurant’s highly anticipated Asian resto?

Thanks for stopping by and remember that what is now proven was once only imagined. Have a great holiday. I will return after the holiday.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW- What recently opened Cajun concept is rumored to be looking for a buyer?-is DEPEAUX.

[matthewj]

Nothing for nothing, Atlanta had 5-star dinning at every level. from Seegers, Joel, to Soto. It is not a surprise that they are all in NYC, now. Atlanta actually had a disproportionate amount of Michelin quality chefs.

The market just does not want fine dinning. Even the Ritz Carlton Dining Room Buckhead is gasping for air. Pano knows how to give the clientele what they want whatever that maybe. Atlanta wants five star dinning on a quarter of the budget. The St Regis would be smart to instill buckhead life into their concept, it will pull a profit.

[pourquoi pas]

Atlanta wants five star dinning on a quarter of the budget. The St Regis would be smart to instill buckhead life into their concept, it will pull a profit.

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You and I have talked about this at great length and we both agree that the statement is true. But please, do not encourage this type of behavior. Atlanta is a slow moving market but based on the model of Chicago, it could succeed. You just have to keep cramming fine dining down the throat of the population and train your clintele. You think Chicago could have handled Gras, Achatz, or Cantu 10 years ago. Absolutley not in the midwest. But Trotter and Tramonto sustained and eventually broke the camel's back. Screw the hotels, that's what they there for. Let a fine dining restaurant put the strain on there budget, a million dollar 1st floor condo will cover the truffles.

[Doodad]

Thanks for giving Slice a shout. It is a nice addition to the area and has a great feel in that old house. Good food and the price is decent.

BTW, they just fired the chef and the sous Peter Servold is at the helm for now. I know him, his brother and Dad from their wine store. Good people.

Edited August 29, 2008 by Doodad (log)

[Jakea222]

This is a hard area for fine dining chefs as I have found out. I came from the CIA and NYC working in South Florida and some very upscale places and I am here to tell you i would never open fine stuff here. People here are way too simple. Complex foods are not ordered, they would rather have meat and potatoes. So putting spins on things is a tough things unless you can fry it!

But this "society" was a help to me on my Summer Peach Salad and I twisted it and it is working for another month anyway! - thanks to all who gave input

[micropundit]

PISCINE ON THE PARK.

Beantown born LEGAL SEAFOOD opened their first Atlanta store last week and if first impressions are lasting, the multi-storied spot docked in front of the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park should attract tourists, conventioneers and locals with their lobster centric and fresh menu.

LEGAL SEAFOOD is a deep, broad restaurant with high-backed booths, deep colors, and polished wood floors. The tables are set with good napery, stemware, and silverware, the wine list is very strong on every count, and service was amiable throughout the evening, well attuned to the pacing of the kitchen.During my visits the decibel level in the upper room never rose above the conversational level. This is a restaurant for people who want to dine, not be part of a scene.

The downstairs OYSTER BAR appears to have already established it self as a watering hole for hotel guests and local office workers. It features a street level cocktail lounge, state of the art Wine Bar and freshly shucked shellfish. So as the economy and other factors permit, I expect that Atlanta’s dining scene will have more opportunities to have fresh fish dishes in an atmosphere (and price point) between OCEANAIRE and McCORMICK and SCHMICK’S.

NEWS and NOTES: (From my keyboard to your screen).

Buckhead. John McGarry, who started his Atlanta career at PRIME, has returned to become top toque at the Lennox mall based steakhouse.

Marietta. BRAZIL’S CENTRAL STEAKHOUSE has opened in the Powers Ferry Plaza and will operate 7 days a week.

Midtown. The Fifth Group has signed a management contract to operate, but not own, THE GLOBE. Expect major changes around the first of the year.

Reynoldstown. DEPOT, the award winning renovation of a former train station, has a new menu that makes their patio dining and drink scene even more alluring.

Roswell. VIII FIFTY on Holcomb Bridge Road has closed.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What popular restaurant that recently declared Chapter 11 may emerge from it and return to its original owner?

Thank you for stopping by and remember that talent may develop in solitude but character is developed in society.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW- What hotshot local firm is designing AJA, Here to Serve Restaurant’s highly anticipated Asian resto?-is ai3, they also designed FLIP, Richard Blais’s burger bar.

[greg_in_atl]

Thanks for giving Slice a shout.  It is a nice addition to the area and has a great feel in that old house.  Good food and the price is decent.

BTW, they just fired the chef and the sous Peter Servold is at the helm for now.  I know him, his brother and Dad from their wine store.  Good people.

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I had another fine lunch at Slice today -- I think it's a great addition to the Alpharetta neighborhood.

[racheld]

West Midtown. ABATTOIR, Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison’s proposed “meat-centric”  restaurant in the under construction White Provisions development will open in November and is designed by Dominick Coyne, who did all of their previous stores.

Are they serious? Outside first listing in the yellow pages, WHY?

[therese]

West Midtown. ABATTOIR, Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison’s proposed “meat-centric”   restaurant in the under construction White Provisions development will open in November and is designed by Dominick Coyne, who did all of their previous stores.

Are they serious? Outside first listing in the yellow pages, WHY?

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Yes, I gather they're serious, and I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one to have this reaction, as I posted back when I first heard about it, in May:

"And am I the only one who finds this a really, really horrendous name for a restaurant? Will I be expected to slaughter and butcher my own meat? Will the process be part of the dinner's entertainment? Are the guests potentially subject to similar treatment?

Maybe there aren't that many people who would have such a visceral (pun intended) reaction to this name. It's French, and maybe that's good enough."

[AtlBen76]

...

"And am I the only one who finds this a really, really horrendous name for a restaurant? Will I be expected to slaughter and butcher my own meat? Will the process be part of the dinner's entertainment? Are the guests potentially subject to similar treatment?

...

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If you consider the fact that the White Provisions complex originally served as a slaughterhouse and meat packing facility from 1910 to 1935, the name "Abattoir" is rather apropos.

More information on the building's history can be found here:

http://www.artery.org/WhiteProvisionCo.htm

[therese]

If you consider the fact that the White Provisions complex originally served as a slaughterhouse and meat packing facility from 1910 to 1935, the name "Abattoir" is rather apropos.

More information on the building's history can be found here:

http://www.artery.org/WhiteProvisionCo.htm

←

A propos is not the same as appetizing. The history of the building (with which I was already familiar) is interesting, but the name is just too evocative of blood and guts for me. And I'm pretty tolerant when it comes to blood and guts, having grown up on a farm and knowing exactly what goes into the slaugher and butchery of my food.

Maybe they could open a bar called "Assommoir"

[micropundit]

BUCKHEAD BOUND.

With all of the rumors swirling around town about which of the proposed big name restaurants will or will not open and the specter of overbuilding that clouds the commercial real estate picture, especially in Buckhead, I was curious to hear Ryan Turner talk about he and his partners’ new Buckhead project.

The co-founder of MUSS and TURNER’S, the suburban self described deli/gastro pub/wine bar, has become a star player in Atlanta’s dining scene with his energy, creativity and, most of all, passion. Like his culinary idol, Danny Meyers, he is all about creating a consistent rewarding experience for his customers and puts a great deal of energy into that philosophy. And so far it has paid off big time, in Smyrna.

He is excited about the project slated to open in the tony Piazza on Paces-home to JOEL- in spring 2009. The concept: “a neighborhood joint that won’t be anything like MUSS and TURNER’S.”

Chris Hall, currently Chef de Cuisine at 4th & SWIFT, will be the top toque. And they have hired the new go-to team for restaurant architecture, ai3, to design the space. Sounds like the guys have a plan and I look forward to seeing it happen.

NEWS and NOTES: ( From my keyboard to your screen)

Alpharetta. PISCES JAZZ and SEAFOOD, which just opened last December, has closed.

Buckhead. As many had predicted, Richard Blais has resigned from his position at HOME,He termed his resignation [as] “a very positive decision, as my focus needs to be directed towards FLIP, as well as future Trail Blais (his culinary company) projects, of which there are many.”

Decatur. THE GRANGE PUBLIC HOUSE , self described as “a little piece of Dublin in Decatur”, opened September 6th at 426 West Ponce de Leon Avenue.

Downtown. In a recent column , Meridith Ford, the Atlanta Journal Constitution food critic, addressed the rumors surrounding whether or not BLT STEAK will open in The W Atlanta downtown. She quoted their New York PR firm as saying that the project is proceeding as planned.PS. Congratulations are in order for Ms Ford, she is getting married this month.

East Point.GIOVANNA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN , a casual fine dining spot, has opened at 1375 Virginia Avenue.

Inman Park. KROG BAR is celebrating its 3rd Birthday with a big party October 18th. Visit www.rathbunrestaurant.com for details.

Vinings. SWEET POCKETS, the cupcake shop in Irwin Street Market, recently opened a second location at 4338 Paces Ferry Road

West Midtown. The much delayed 5 SEASONS WESTSIDE BREWPUB is on track for an opening early next year. The 17,000-square-foot restaurant and brewery in the Brickworks at Midtown West will be the largest brewpub in the Southeast, covering three floors, with three separate bars, private event facilities, and indoor and outdoor seating for 400. David Larkworthy will serve as Executive Chef and continue the farm-to-table concept

Qestion of the Week : What former chef at an intown French restaurant is now top toque at a suburban American bistro?

Thank you for stopping by and remember that what happens to a person is less significant than what happens within them.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW- What popular restaurant that recently declared Chapter 11 may emerge from it and return to its original owner?- is CRESENT MOON.

Edited September 8, 2008 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

CULINARY CULTURE REVOLUTION.

The impact of the 2008 Olympics continues to resonate throughout the world as we were exposed to a vivid slice of Chinese culture that will spur new interest in its various forms. Here in Atlanta, I have found a growing excitement about some of our current Chinese restaurants and those on the horizon.

First, the return of Frank Ma with FRANK MA SOUTH has soup dumpling fans a twitter. Now comes news that AJA, Here to Serve’s Buckhead Asian creation, will prominently feature dumplings and dim sum on their menu.And the first family of Asian fine dining, the Hsus,( HSU’S, PACIFIC RIM and SILK) have a new upscale restaurant called AZN (pronounced Asian) that will premier spring 2009 in Naples,Florida but will hit our shores in 2010.

Now add the rumor that chef Chris Yeo(STRAITS) is putting one of his SINO concepts here and Atlanta’s Chinese dining scene begins to have some depth and sophistication. Discussions of Chinese food will no longer be limited to Buford Highway haunts or take out places with fortune cookies in every order. As more of our new residents and visitors come with sophisticated palates, our growing culinary culture will offer them more Chinese options.

NEWS and NOTES: (From my keyboard to your screen )

Folks, the Atlanta Community Food Bank is having problems keeping up with the increasing demand for their services. Please contact them at www.acfb.org to see how you or your organization can assist them in these challenging times. Thanks.

Buckhead. GLOBAL DINER is the name of the 2 level “high energy” restaurant at the W Hotel Buckhead developed by Culinary Concepts, Jean Georges Vongerichten’s company.

Downtown (DT). WISHBONE CHICKEN, WAFFLE HOUSE and RITA’S ICE will open in Underground Atlanta this November.

On another DT dining scene note, the downtown marketing group, Central Atlanta Progress, is reporting that 30 new restaurants have opened downtown in 2008.

Little 5 Points. PORTER HOUSE BEER BAR, featuring 120 brands of bottled beer and 27 on tap, has opened at 1156 Euclid Avenue.

Midtown. LA PIETRA CUCINA, a progressive Italian restaurant featuring noted Executive Chef Bruce Logue (VIVACE ,BABBO) , is currently operating a 50 seat “trattoria” Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner until mid October at 1545 Peachtree Street, (MID CITY CUISINE). When they have their full seating capacity of 175, they will serve dinner and brunch on Sundays with an expanded menu of ingredient driven Italian cooking.

Poncy Highland. PURA VIDA owner and top toque,Hector Santiago, plans to open BODEGA GASTONOMICA, a 12 seat chef’s table and wine cellar in PV’s basement that will serve 9 courses of small plates on Thursday,Friday and Saturday, this fall.

Roswell.SE’VAUGE, the Cajun –Creole spot at 10800 Alpharetta Highway has closed.

Question of the Week: What local intown restaurant group has commissioned a private label of wines from California that will be served exclusively at their restaurants starting October 8th?

Thanks for stopping by and remember that what you do today is important because you are exchanging a day in your life to accomplish it.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW- What former chef at an intown French restaurant is now top toque at a suburban American bistro?- is Kaighn Raymond formerly at FAB, now at THE RIVER ROOM.

Edited September 15, 2008 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

ONE FLEW SOUTH.

In the wake of all of the recent chef departures from Atlanta comes the news that some top toques from the 5 diamond restaurant in a plush Louisville Kentucky hotel have landed at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to open an upscale restaurant in the International Concourse this fall.

ONE FLEW SOUTH, an 80 seat spot whose menu features local fare and ingredients, is the brainchild of the top two chefs at the Seelbach Hilton's Oakroom restaurant and the hotel's director of restaurants. Director of Restaurants Jerry Slater, Chef de cuisine Duane Nutter and Executive chef Todd Richards resigned from their positions in July to start on their dream restaurant.

According to Slater,’ it’ll have a nice bar, a sushi bar and some communal tables [and] behind the bar will be all premium selections and a small boutique wine list.’

Chef Todd, whose resume includes sous chef, Ritz Carlton Atlanta, culinary instructor for Atlanta Area Technical College, chef de cuisine at Spice Restaurant, Villa Christina and Blue Ribbon Grill, was an Iron Chef America contestant and has cooked at the James Beard Foundation. He has already been spotted cooking at several local charitable functions so I guess he has flown south (again).

NEWS and NOTES: (From my keyboard to your screen)

Buckhead. THE CLUBHOUSE, a celebrity backed American bistro at Lennox Mall, has closed. Rumors are floating around that an upscale Cheesecake Factory company concept is being considered by mall management as a replacement.

KYMA has been named one of America’s best seafood restaurants by Forbes magazine.

College Park. ACADEMY GRILL on Virginia Avenue has closed.

Decatur. GREENE’S FINE FOODS, featuring gourmet sandwiches, candy and gifts, has opened at 141 East Trinity Place (the old post office) in downtown Decatur.

Roswell. DIESEL PIZZA PUB, serving thin crust pizzas, salads, paninis and more, has opened at 994 Alpharetta Street in downtown Roswell.

Questionof the Week: What Atlanta branch of a national sports bar chain was one of only two to remain open in the wake of the parent companies Chapter 11 filing?

Thanks for stopping by and remember to make the most of the best and the least of the worst.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW-What local intown restaurant group has commissioned a private label of wines from California that will be served exclusively at their restaurants starting October 6th?-is the Fifth Group. Two new private label wines - a Chardonnay from the Central Coast and a Syrah from Santa Barbara County - will be served at all of the restaurant company’s concepts come October 6, 2008.

[Reignking]

It would have to be Jock's & Jill's?

[SalMonela]

It would have to be Jock's & Jill's?

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Actually, it's Fox Sports Grill. Atlanta is supposedly their top revenue producing location (a rather sad state of affairs).

[micropundit]

FALL PREVIEWS.

Well summer is officially over and with the temperatures (as well as gas supplies) dropping, here are a few anticipated restaurant openings to brighten up your outlook:

AJA. Here to Serve’s ode to modern Asian cuisine, featuring soup dumplings and dim sum, is slated to open in November at 3500 Lennox Road.

BODEGA GASTRONOMIC. Chef Hector Santiago’s latin fine dining small plate/tapas spot in the basement of PURA VIDE is slated to open in November at 656 N. Highland Avenue.

CRAFT. This highly anticipated New York import focusing on upscale American cuisine has “sometime before Christmas” at 3376 Peachtree Road at The Mansion on Peachtree.

FLIP. Richard Blais’ West Midtown gastromolecular burger bar should open late October at 1587 Howell Mill Road.

IL MULINO. This New York based high end, old school Italian spot should be brighten downtown’s dining scene by late November at 191 Peachtree Street.

LA PIETRA CUCINA. While technically open now, the full menu and restaurant space won’t be available untill late October at 1545 Peachtree Street but it’s Italian cuisine is already drawing positive reviews from local media.

MARKET. Jean Georges Vongerichten’s 2nd Atlanta spot, located at the W Hotel Buckhead Atlanta should open mid November at 3373 Peachtree Road.

ONE FLEW SOUTH. Frequent flyers and others will enjoy the contempory Southern cuisine in the International Terminal at Harstfield-Jackson, scheduled to take off in October.

SERPAS. Scott Serpas’ ( TWO URBAN LICKS) first solo venture,serving American bistro fare, should open late October in The Studioplex at 659 Auburn Avenue.

THE ORIGINAL TACO. The Fifth Group ( SOUTH CITY KITCHEN,ECCO) and chef Shaun Doty (SHAUN’S) hooked up for this casual Mexican spot at 1186 N. Highland scheduled to open late November.

NEWS and NOTES : (From my keyboard to your screen)

Atlantic Station. Taste of Atlanta 2008 will be held Saturday ,October 11th through Sunday ,October 12th at Atlantic Station. For details,visit: www.tasteofatlanta.net

Buckhead. Opening chef Tony Sechrist has left HOLEMAN & FINCH.

College Park. OUR PLACE BAKERY CAFÉ, a family owned and run bakery with a private dining room and wine cellar, has opened at 3387 Main Street.

Decatur. CAPOZZI’S RISTORONTI and PIZZIA has opened on Clairmont Road.

Downtown. BISTRO 191, a mahogany walled café, and THE BEAN COUNTER COFFEE BAR have opened at the 191 Peachtree office tower courtesy of John Metz Jr and his partners at Sterling Spoon Management ( AQUA BLUE,Hi-LIFE,MARLOWE’S TAVERN)

Glenwood Park. Lance Gummere , former sous chef at SHAUN’s, has replaced Daniel Atwood as top toque at THE SHED at GLENWOOD.

West Midtown. Congratulations are in order for Anne Quatrano for her selection as the 2008 Golden Wisk awardee from Women Chefs and Restauranteurs(WCR) this month.

Question of the Week: What dispute between landlord and tenant that threatened the future of one of Atlanta’s most noted restaurant groups has been amiably resolved?

Thanks for stopping by and remember to live your days so that your nights are not full of regrets.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW- What Atlanta branch of a national sports bar chain was one of only two to remain open in the wake of the parent companies Chapter 11 filing?-is FOX SPORTS GRILL.

[pourquoi pas]

the Globe closing October 10th.

[TheFoodTutor]

The dispute between Sembler and 5 Seasons Brewing has been resolved.

[micropundit]

AN URBACEOUS FLAVOR.

At the request of The Trend Spotter himself, Jonathan Lerner, I recently attended the unveiling of a new non-dairy frozen dessert created by a local naturopath, at the Irwin Street Market and was wowed by both the product and the other dining options at the in town spot.

Nestled between the Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park neighborhoods at 660 Irwin Street, Irwin Street Market is a mixed use urban market with a delightful collection of vendors. Among them is Flower Bar, with custom bouquets named after cocktails; JAKE’S Ice Cream with a retail shop; CAFÉ 660, a white table cloth restaurant; DELECTABLES, the former downtown fave; and SWEET POCKETS, the cupcake spot.

JAKE’S is where you will find Nicecream, an organic frozen dessert , made with coconut oil instead of dairy, featuring flavors such as tropical vanilla bean; passion fruit( my fave) and double cappuccino.

Irwin Street market offers free wireless access and invites folks to drop by and just hang out. And for an even more urbane touch, the Museum of Contemporary Handcrafted Art is opening next month and will curate a series of programs featuring local artists. The Irwin Street Market: a cool addition to the dining scene.

NEWS and NOTES: (From my keyboard to your screen)

Alpharetta. STEAK & STONE, serving Portuguese cuisine as well as steaks, has opened at11105 States Bridge Road.

Buckhead. The Streets of Buckhead, the $1.5 billion upscale mixed use development, has added LE COLONIAL, a French –Vietnamese restaurant that captures the atmosphere of French colonial Asia of the 1920’s, to its restaurant roster. LE COLONIAL has locations in New York, Chicago and San Francisco.

The top toque at AJA, Here to Serve’s pan Asian restaurant will not be Dale Tardes but a chef that Tom Catherall discovered on a recent trip to Thailand.

Candler Park. THE MERCANTILE, the gourmet and specialty food shop, is now open at 1660 Dekalb Avenue.

Decatur. WATERSHED will celebrate its 10th anniversary on October 27th with a benefit dinner for Plymouth Harbor, a resource center for seniors and their caregivers. Visit www.watershedrestaurant.com for details.

Little 5 Points. BASIL LEAVES, a Thai spot, will open next month at 1138 Euclid Avenue.

Midtown. On Friday, October 10th, THE GLOBE will close. The former Atlanta Magazine Restaurant of the Year has fallen on hard times of late but the new management, The Fifth Group, plans an as yet to be named venture in the spot in early 2009 but there is no word yet on the fate of noted chef Joshua Perkins.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who won the annual Best Dessert Atlanta competition this year?

Thanks for stopping by and remember that people are more easily led than driven.

PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW- What dispute between landlord and tenant that threatened the future of one of Atlanta’s most noted restaurant groups has been amiably resolved?- is 5 SEASONS BREWING COMPANY and Sembler, the owners of the Prado Shopping Plaza who had been in dispute regarding parking issues while the redevelopment was proceeding.