Atlanta Restaurant Updates: new places & faces

[micropundit]

Fans of Midtown favorite TAMARIND will be sadden by the news that it will be forcaed to close/move because of the construction of the 14th street bridge.The older of Atlanta's power dining couple',Charlie and Nan Niyomkol,great Thai restaurants must give way to progress.Current plans are to relocate but no date and time has been firmly established.However the Georgia Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin work this summer.

Brookhaven residents and other fans of HAVEN,the 2 year old neighborhood hot spot, will soon have another restaurant in the mix.The owners of HAVEN are planning a summer opening for their latest venture:MIX.Look for an even bigger helping of urban chic in the neo- Buckhead hood.

SAMPAN CAFE,the hip,fast casual spot of the upscale Westside restaurant SAMPAN is now open.The prices are right and it has a witty ,whimsical decor.SAMPAN opens April 21 st.

On a personal note,run-do not walk-to ANN'S SNACK BAR.The eastside home of the "Ghetto Burger"is a culinary experience you have got to have,at least once.After reading about it in ATLANTA MAGAZINE and CREATIVE LOAFINgG for years ,I finally took the plunge.WOW: if it takes two hands to eat a whopper,then it will two people to eat a GB.Half of the fun is watching(and waiting) the process.Everything but the kitchen sink goes on this leviathan. But the wait is worth it! I will spare you the further details except that the address is:

1615 Memorial Drive (I-20 @ Memorial) and the number is 404.687.9207.

[micropundit]

Congratulations are in order for Joel Antunes and Susan Puckett.They are 2005 James Beard nominees: Mr. Antunes for the American Express Best of the Southeast chef and Ms. Puckett ,of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution,for best Newspaper section.The winners will be announced April,29,2005 in New York at the annual awards gala.

[Collins]

Kudos to Joel Antunes...he's a tremendously talented chef and it's good to see his work being appreciated.

[micropundit]

The latest incarnation of the SIENA, BACAR,BAZZAAR location-at the Fox theater- seems set to open this Spring.Constanza Astarita aand Mario Maccarone,the co-owners of BARONDA,a pizza hot spot located one block from the Fox,are slated to open a new restaurant,ENOCATA CARBONARIA,in May.The menu will feature grilled meats and fish with an exstensive wine list.

The Atlanta based Raving Brands restaurant portfolio -MOE'S SOUTHWEST GRILL,MAMA FU'S ASIAN HOUSE-has just added two more restaurants in the Atlanta market.DOC GREEN'S GOURMET SALADS joins the growing restaurant row along in town Ponce de Leon avenue and PJ's COFFEE and WINE BAR in Marietta will serve high end coffees and affordable wines,domestic and imported,as well as cheeses,sandwiches and desserts.Look for these brands to arrive in a neighborhood close to you soon.

TWO URBAN LICKS,the latest of restaurant guru Bob Amick's creations,has not only captured the attention-and wallets-of the locals but it now has the nation's as well.The April edition of eGullet writer and author John Mariani'son-line news letter features the Atlanta hot spot.As if it could get any more popular.

[micropundit]

Chef Kevin Rathbun To Open Krog Bar

atlanta(04/15/2005) - ATLANTA, GA - Restaurateur Kevin Rathbun, owner of the award winning restaurant Rathbun's, and wife Melissa Rathbun & partners Kirk Parks and Cliff Bramble, are opening a new exciting Mediterranean Wine Bar called "KROG BAR" in Inman Park.

KROG BAR will be located in Inman Park at the same complex that Rathbun's is located in called the Stove Works at 112 Krog Street. It will feature Mediterranean-inspired cold "small plates", International wines as well as gelatos and coffee. KROG BAR will be open Monday through Saturday evenings.

The Johnson Studio, who created Rathbun's stunning dining room, is designing an old world look for KROG BAR. KROG BAR will have 40 seats, five tables, a walk-up bar and a patio with five tables overlooking KROG STREET in Inman Park.

Rathbun says, "Krog Bar will offer locals the opportunity to get a small bite, have a great glass of wine and mingle with their friends in the neighborhood". Surrounded by Inman Park, Decatur, Virginia Highland, Cabbage Town and the new growing Downtown area, Krog BAR is the perfect upscale bar setting for this changing warehouse area. KROG BAR will be open in July of 2005.

[micropundit]

Now comes word from the "street" that beloved/badboy chef Richard Blais has replaced Joey Masi at ONE:MIDTOWN KITCHEN.It looks as if Bob Amick and company are keeping their growing empire on the cutting edge.

Greg Hemdon,former owner/chef of one time Virgina-Highland hotspot,TIBURON GRILL,has become the executive chef at AGAVE.AGAVE , a long time fixture in the hip intown dining scene,features an eclectic southwest themed menu and a serious tequila bar.

Rap mogul and hometown guy ,Jermaine Dupre,has opened DUPRE'S CAFE on peidmont Road in Buckhead.The restaurant is currently featuring food fron GOLDBERG'S DELI.(Maybe a certain Ms. Jackson can be seen at this spot?)

[micropundit]

The latest from .Constanza Astarita aand Mario Maccarone,the co-owners of BARONDA,a pizza hot spot located one block from the Fox,are slated to open a new restaurant,ENOCATA CARBONARIA,in May.The menu will feature grilled meats and fish with an exstensive wine list.

The Atlanta based Raving Brands restaurant portfolio -MOE'S SOUTHWEST GRILL,MAMA FU'S ASIAN HOUSE-has just added two more restaurants in the Atlanta market.DOC GREEN'S GOURMET SALADS joins the growing restaurant row along in town Ponce de Leon avenue and PJ's COFFEE and WINE BAR in Marietta will serve high end coffees and affordable wines,domestic and imported,as well as cheeses,sandwiches and desserts.Look for these brands to arrive in a neighborhood close to you soon.

TWO URBAN LICKS,the latest of restaurant guru Bob Amick's creations,has not only captured the attention-and wallets-of the locals but it now has the nation's as well.The April edition of eGullet writer and author John Mariani'son-line news letter features the Atlanta hot spot.As if it could get any more popular.

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Correction to an earlier post.

Edited April 21, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

Further evidence of Atlanta's growing food/fun reputation:Conde Nast has named TWO:URBAN LICKS as one of the 80(?) hottest restaurants in the world.A local club ,Compound,was also named one of the 35(?) hottest clubs in the world.

ENO,one of Atlanta's first wine bars cum restaurants,has hired Atlanta native,Milton"M C"Farris as Executive chef.Chef Farris has hung his toque at JO JO;PANO and PAUL and, prior to returning home,owned his own restaurant in Florida.

JAVAOLOGY.A new intown coffee house is being hilighted by the local media as not only being popular spot to sit and sip but is adding an "edge" to the city's revitalization.Housed in a 2 story building that sat vacent for years,the high end cafe is a dream come true for two young entreprenuerial couples.Undaunted by the location at the corner of Edgewood avenue and Boulevard-Old Fourth Ward,a community located east of downtown btween it and Inman park;an initially tepid response from the lending community and their lack of experience,the owners-The Walkers-Willis and Sonia,and theTuckers-Morgan and Jennifer- are now credited with sparking the name"The Edge" for an area now attracting other investers in new businesses.Sounds as if things are now starting to perculate for this spot.

[micropundit]

In what appears to be a weird kind of math,Richard Blais has gone from TWO: URBAN LICKS to ONE:MIDTOWN KITCHEN while ONE's head Chef,Joey Masi,is doing the the opening menu for PIEBAR(is the number going to be 314159..

In other news,Govantez Lowndes,erstwhile owner of the late ,lamented COMMUNE is back.According to a local monthly newsmag,He will open GLOBE this summer in Midtown's Technology Square.Executive chef Joshua Perkins,formally of BRASSERIE LE COZE,will be the opening chef.

In another interesting turn of events,SALT,one of last summer's hot spots,has been bought by SPICE.Bruce Patterson ,owner of SPICE, is expanding his empire by going across the street.Word is that the new restaurant will be a steak house.

The front space at WOODFIRE GRILL is being converted to the CAFE at WOODFIRE.Look for small plaes and lower price points.

Last, CELEBERITY CAFE at 903 Peachtree will soon become GOLDEN STAR CAFE and Bakery.

[micropundit]

Congratulations to Joel Antunes,2005 American Express best chef: Southeast.

[micropundit]

With the awarding of the 2005 Best Chef : Southwest to Joel Antunes,Atlanta restauranturs have garnered the award 3 times in the last 9 years( Seeger in 1996 and Anne Quattrano/Cliff Harrison in 2003).A fact that has gone largely unreported in the Atlanta food media.With the omnipresent boosterism that permeates the city I find this just a little curious.

Got a chance to get a preview of two restaurants that are located across from one another physically but are worlds apart in cuisine and approach.

SAMPAN,located in the former COMMUNE space at the Westside on Howell Mill road, is an upscale ,intimate spot serving primarily Chinese cuisine.Dim sum replaces appetizers on a compact menu that features entree items such as,Lobster Tempurawith creamy black bean sauce;Hakka style stir fried shrimp and scallops in bird nest;and Orange Roughy steamed in lemongrass and papaya.The private dining room should prove to be a draw.

The QUINNONES ROOM,the latest offering from the afor-mention dynamic duo of BACCANALIA, is slated to open this month.It to is in the Westside market and shares a zen-like greenspace with SAMPAN.I was lucky enough to get a guided tour by Chef Cliff and I tried to get a reservation on the spot.The artful and posh space should become a must do for gourmands both here and across the country.I kid you not.

[micropundit]

Toque Turnovers

Charles Schawb,the opening chef,has left the kitchen at highly regarded newcomer GRACE 17.20.Co-owner,Barbara D. James will assume his duties.

The long time fixture as the head chef at the 4 -star NIKOLAI'S ROOF,Johannes Klapdohr,has gone south.He is now at the 5-star resort ,THE LODGE at SEA ISLAND.

Martin Alba,a 14 year veteran of the Bold American Food Company,has replaced Chip Ulbrich at Westside fave,THE FOOD STUDIO.

Finally,Patty Roth,the opening chef at downtown's LUXE, has landed at the soon to be opened ECLIPSE DI SOL,after brief stints at ALON'S and other places.Located in the chic boutique hotel,the Highland Inn,this will be the latest from the folks that created the popular Midtown dine and dance spot,ECLIPSE De LUNA.

Edited May 9, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[therese]

Toque Turnovers

Finally,Patty Roth,the opening chef at downtown's LUXE, has landed at the soon to be opened ECLIPSE DI SOL,after brief stints at ALON'S and other places.Located in the chic boutique hotel,the Highland Inn,this will be the latest from the folks that created the popular Midtown dine and dance spot,ECIPSE De LUNA.

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The Highland Inn is a chic boutique hotel? Boy, they must have done some major renovation recently.

The restaurant's presumably going into the adjacent slot occupied until recently by Rue de Paris/Muse Cafe. A great location, particularly the terrace out front, which now features lots and lots of sun motifs. Let's hope the food's better than the previous occupants. Not a difficult feat to pull off.

[edit to add link to The Highland Inn; actually a very convenient location that's otherwise poorly served by lodging of any sort, but not exactly upmarket]

Edited May 9, 2005 by therese (log)

[micropundit]

Pano Karatassos ,founder and CEO of the Buckhead Life Group,has been named as a recipient of the coveted Silver Spoon award by FOOD ARTS magazine.The award is given in recogniton of outstanding achievment in the field of food and the culinary arts.His charitable activities were cited as being among the nation's most outstanding. Congratulations to Mr. Karatassos are in order.

Former FUSEBOX -the short lived restauant that brought glam and fusion cusine to Atlanta in 1999-chef Troy Thompson is drawing rave reviews at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey.

MUSS and TURNER'S,an upscale deli/bakery.located in the outside the perimeter neighborhood of Smyna is generating a strong buzz with it's sandwiches,decor and menu.

[micropundit]

Some random Friday musings:

TWELVE@ATLANTIC STATION,an under construction condo/hotel/restaurant development located in the former steel mill site off of the Downtown Connector,is,according to a local foodie blog,advising potential buyers that it.."will feature a restaurant by one of Atlanta's most innovative restauranteurs that is sure to become the place to see and be seen..featuring a wood burning pizza oven,a lively bar scene and outdoor dining".Inquiring minds want to know w/not this another Bob Amick creation ,since rival Tom Catherall already has signed on to do STRIP,a steak and shushi concept in Atlantic Stations District-the town square.

Richard Ullio,creator of intown hotspots SOTTO SOTTO and FRITTI,is planning a third restaurant that will feature crudos.No word on when or where.

A little birdie high up in the local restaurant scene has shared that the Buckhead Life Group is very interested in the soon to- be -announced 3488 Peachtree tower.The project is a 46 story office and residential development located in the Tower Place district across from the Hotel Intercontinental Buckhead.The preliminary design is spectacular!

[micropundit]

Monday May 23rd marked the return Govantez Lowndes's smooth touch to the Atlanta dining scene.THE GLOBE,a cafe,restaurant and bar,opened at 75 Fifth Street in Midtown's Technology Square.It is a suave,smooth and sleek feel that is complimented by a simple staight forward menu as well as an artfully crafted offering of wines,beer,teas and coffees.Service is a focus. An al fresco component will be added next week.I really liked the cloth covered cairs-very,very comfortable.

Look for a branch of The Fifth Group's SOUTH CITY KITCHEN to open in Vinings this fall.The Johnson Studio will be the architect for the project.

Speaking of the Fifth Group,their Virginia-Highland latin fusion hot spot,SALA,has a new chef.Graham Duncun,former executive chef for the PLEASANT PEASANT,is the new top toque.

[yourmyboyblue]

you must have a bug in the ear of every cook, waiter, and restaraunteur in town!! living and working in atl, i really enjoy your posts keep it up!

[micropundit]

[

Today's -5/25/05-announcement of a proposed 47 story Buckhead high-rise has a foodie angle.3488 Peachtree,as the developers,Regent Partnes have dubbed their latest project,will include ,in addition to offices,hotel rooms and condos priced from $550,00 to $4,000,000 , the first restaurant from the Buckhead Life Group since 2001.

"..the new flagship Pano's",as Mr. Karatassos called it, be sited at street level facing Peachtree Road. The rendering in today's Atlanta Journal Constitution depicts a grand circular expanse with ample outdoor seating.Rumors have been floating for years as to what the next project of the nationally renowned BLG would be,especially in light of Mr. Karatassos's age.It appears that whether this restaurant is named for him or his son,Pano I(eye).,it will indeed be a landmark project. 3488 Peachtree is scheduled to begin construction this fall with a completion date of 2007.

Edited May 25, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

THELMA'S is back! The much beloved and much traveled Thelma Gandy(and family) have taken their famous fried chicken to Auburn avenue in downtown Atlanta.A long time fave of the downtown lunch bunch,THELMA'S has been moved around more than a Bobby Fischer rook but it now appears that they have found a new home at 320 Auburn avenue.

We know now when;all that is left is where? REDBOWL,the latest from the brothers Kinjo-NAM,MF SUSHI,is scheduled to open in April 2006.It will feature the "street food" of Vietnam:small plates,soups and sandwiches.The redbowls will indicate hot and spicy dishes,everything else will be in white bowls.

The early buzz on the tenure of Richard Blais at ONE:MIDTOWN KITCHEN is favorable.Local foodies are raving about the short ribs with corn puree and the pineapple cake with olive and black pepper ice cream.

PARK 75 LOUNGE at FOUR SEASONS ATLANTA is getting a summer make over.This July the lounge will sport both new colors and new menu items.

Leave your Christmas/New Years eve dining plans open.The GLENN HOTEL,Atlanta's newest boutique hotel,is slated to open this December and will feature a 3 leveled dining and lounge experince,including a roof top bar designed by-who else-The Johnson Studio.Their press release states that international and national restaurant and club operaters are vying for this spot located next to CNN Center.

[micropundit]

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Here is the opening menu at the long awaited/anticipated Quinones Room.

What do you think;wiould you try it?

Quinones at Bacchanalia

June 1, 2005

Spring Onion Custard with Petrossian Osetra Caviar

St. Urbans-Hof, Ockfener Bockstein, Riesling Kabinett 2004, Saar

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Gulf Black Grouper Crudo with Young Fennel & Preserved Lemon

Saint-Peyre, Picpoul-de-Pinet 2004, Coteaux du Languedoc

or

Foie Gras Terrine, Georgia Peach Chutney & Summerland Farm Spearmint

Domaine du Tariquet, Gros Manseng 2003, Côtes De Gascogne

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Chilled Lobster with Avocado, Grapefruit & Lobster Vinaigrette

Work Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc 2003, Napa Valley

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Green Garlic Ravioli with Morel Mushrooms

Yering Station, Pinot Noir 2001, Yarra Valley

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Pan Roasted Squab with Potato Risotto & 50 Year Balsamico

Rosso di Montalcino, Valdicava 2002, Tuscany

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Local Magda Summer Squash with Crispy Squash Blossom & Fromagerie Belle Chevre

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Lemon Balm Milk with Local Strawberries

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Local Cling Peach Tart Tatin

Chateau de Fesles, ‘F’ de Fesles 1998, Bonnezeaux

Ninety-Five Dollars

One Hundred and Fifty-Five Dollars with Wine Pairings

[Gifted Gourmet]

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Here is the opening menu at the long awaited/anticipated Quinones Room.

What do you think; would you try it?

Ninety-Five Dollars

One Hundred and Fifty-Five Dollars with Wine Pairings

←

I daresay that I would most definitely be among the first 5 reservations with just such a menu!

Ready to sign up ....

[karma police]

Yeah count me in for the dinner at Quinone's room....

Any word on what is happening at the Dining Room once Chef Menard leaves?

[micropundit]

The stars-culinarily speaking-are falling on Atlanta:

On Friday,June 17,MID CITY CUISINE'S Shaun Doty will celebrate Miami's hottest chefs here in Atlanta. The chefs from CASA TUA,HOTEL VICTOR and THE MARLIN will heat up the local scene with their Florida flair.

Rachel Ray,the Food Network's roaming reporter of all that is trendy,was in the ATL recently filming for her new show ,Rachel's Tasty Travels,set to premier this fall. The local restaurants featured include JOEL and TWO:URBAN LICKS.They are tentatively scheduled for the show's sixth episode.

In other news, rumors are swirling as to who is going to be the designer for PANO's proposed 14,000 sq ft flagship restaurant in Buckhead. So far there is no word as to whether/not the Johnson Studio will be involved or will Atlanta's Master P seek the likes of uber designers Tony Chi or Adam Tihany to craft his Le CIRQUE.Stay tuned for the scoop.

[micropundit]

The Atlanta Ritz Carlton has named Bill Lipscmb,a physics major in college and a graduate of the Lenotre Culinary School in France,as the chain's first Dessert Sommelier.He is responsible for making dessert an important part of any meal experience at the Ritz. Now patrons can truely say,how sweet it is.

THE ABBY,a more than 25 year tradition in Atlanta, has closed.The Midtown restaurant was one of the few restaurants to be housed in a former church and was the site for proms,anniversarys,special occasions as well as a tourist hot spot.

SUSY WONG,the former ONYX BAR -COMMUNE'S bar, is scheduled to open this August.The views from its vantage point are outstanding and the new asian theme promises to add to the allure.

A point to ponder:Bruno Menard's departure from the Ritz Carlton Buckhead's 5 star,5 diamond THE DINING ROOM breaks a mini trend that has added luster to the Atlanta dining scene for the past 10 years.Unlike Guenter Seeger and Joel Antunes before him,he is not setting up shop in Atlanta but returning to Tokyo.Makes me wonder what would have happened if he had followed precedent and opened his own shop here. With his skills ,Atlanta could have had an even better array of culinary offerings. I guess we will just have to see if the Ritz follows their tradition and selects another star to helm tthe legendary room.

[micropundit]

A trend seems to be forming here in the ATL:small,intimate bars/lounges are being created by some featured restaurants as an adjunct to a main,often higher priced sibling.CAFE WOODFIRE(WOODFIRE GRILL),KROG BAR(RATHBUN'S)and, to a different degree,QUINONES(BACANNALIA,are part of this growing and significant movement. Now comes CAFE BAR CENTRALE,the soon to be opened adjunct to the Howell Mill location of FIGO PASTA.The location ,in the tres hot Westside District,should make this one to watch.

IN other news,WOODFIRE GRILL will celebrate its third anniversary Agust 18 with a 4 star studded affair.Celebrity chefs Mike Miller(COYOTE CAFE),Scott Peacock(WATERSHED) and ,Chris Hastings(HOT AND HOT FISH CLUB) will help Chef Michael to celebrate the occasion.

Internationally acclaimed chefs Rafih and Ritat Benjellour will host a dinner honoring Slow Food USA July 18 at their restaurant IMPERIAL FEZ.