Atlanta Restaurant Updates: new places & faces

[micropundit]

The GLOBE,75 Fifth Street in Technology Square,will offer free movies in the restaurant's courtyard on Wednesday evenings begining next week. The flicks start at 9:00pm;in case of inclement weather,the action moves indoors.Looks like the spirit of COMMUNE lives on.

In today's (June 23)AJC former food writer John Kessler writes about Daniel Porubiansky and his largely unnoticed but substantial presence on a

Atlanta's fine dining scene over the last 20 years.Danny,a 40 year old Atlanta native,has worked under Guenter Seeger,both at the Ritz-Carlton and at SEEGERS; at BACCHANALIA ;and with Bruno Menard,the recently departed top toque at the Ritz.He is currently serving as the head chef at the DINING ROOM until a new chef is named. But he is also a candidate,in fact ,he will be the first one to appear before the panal that will select the heir to the throne of one of the nation's most honored fine dining establishments. After reading about chef Daniel,I am convinced that even if he does not get this post,he will be a star-a 5 star in fact-somewhere,soon.It should be interesting to watch where he does land.

Oscar Morales,the owner of the Southside super star,OSCAR'S has pulled out of his downtown venture,LUXE.According to the July issue of Atlanta magazine,he and the other partners were "going in different directions".The website indicates that LUXE is only open for dinner now and seems to be operating more as a club. Hmm?

Karen Smiley,owner/operater of Castleberry Hill cool spot,SLICE'S,is planning to open a bar on the same steet as her hip pizza place called SMILEY'S.This area -on the southwestern edge of downtown-continues to garner the arts and boho crowd.

[micropundit]

The Here to Serve Restaurants crowd will be serving up 2 new concepts to Atlanta foodies and their friends:

OLA,a taqueria,tapas and wine bar will be opening soon at thecurrent hot spot in the ATRL,14th@Peach.

STRIP, a steak and sushi operation whose motto is Meat - Drink - Eat, will debut this fall in the Atlantic Station 's District-the public square.

Speaking of public squares,JAKE's ,intown's coolest ice cream /sandwich stop,has moved from its original location in the old Fourth Ward to downtown Decatur.Adding even more panache to one of the hippest 'hoods in the metro area.

In other news and notes:

Jay Swift,long time top toque at SOUTH CITY KITCHEN and most recently chef and partner at SMOKEJACK,an outside the Perimeter(OTP) BBQ joint, has assumed the head chef position at RAINWATER. Not to fret,the two restos share owners and as a result chef Jay will go from a 6,900 sq ft BBQ joint to the 22,000 sq ft premier restaurant/event space OTP.

Hilton Jacobs and Lucy Alverez,co-owner's of the now defunct Virgina -Highlands pioneer MAMBO,have opened MOJITO in the Wyndham Hotel in Midtown.

Buckhead fave,NAVA,will sport a new patio bar-an outdoor lounge designed by Neill/Carter architects.

ZOCALA,the Mexican cuisine restos,will be opening their third location in Grant Park.The will also celebrate their 10th anniversery this July 4th.

Hope everyone has a safe and festive Holiday.

Edited July 1, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

In a move that closes one door and opens another(in the same neighborhood),Chef Shaun Doty is leaving the Midtown restaurant he founded-MIDCITY CUISINE-to become executive chef and director of catering for TABLE 1280,the High Museum's new restaurant located at 1280 Peachtree street.

A graduate of Johnson & Wales, Chef Doty worked under Chef Guenter Seeger for two years and became the executive chef and owner of Mumbo Jumbo in Downtown Atlanta, while also pursuing stints at various restaurants around the world, before opening MidCity Cuisine in April 2003.

According to the Friday,July 8 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution,Doty signed a deal with Manhatten -based Restaurant Associates who will manage the operations.They also provide their services to such venues as NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.TABLE 1280 is scheduled to open September 13th.

In other news of note from Midtown,the Four Seasons Hotel's PARK 75 LOUNGE & TERRACE reopened last evening after a swank renovation.Billing itself as "Midtown's Living Room", the plush and intimate spot hosted a serious party that was SRO with the ATL's foodies and fashionistas.Next up a renovation for the main restaurant?

TROIS,Bob Amick's 13,000 sq ft opus magnum across the street from PARK 75,will have 3 architects/designers,including a renowned London firm.It is scheduled to open April 2006.The hits just keep on coming.

And on another note ,next on the 14th @Peach corridor,OLA,a Here to Serve Restaurant taqueria,will replace PERI PERI next month.

Shifting from the Midtown scene,Doc Lawrence,a noted wine and dining writer,stated in his column for a local monthly magazine that Mavin Woods,the host and star of Turner South's cooking show Home Plate,will open an Atlanta restaurant this Spring.Woods, who operates a North Miami restaurant ,M WOODS,has a resume that includes top rated places in London,New York and Charlston,South Carolina.Sounds like a winner to me.

Until the next time,be good.

Edited July 9, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

Atlanta's music mogul,Jermaine Dupri,has expanded his empire to include the culinary arts by opening CAFE DUPRI at 3135 Piedmont avenue in the Buckhead section of Atlanta.The 22 hour-a-day cafe's menu features healthy cuisine and desserts.

The cafe is the mogul’s latest addition to his growing business portfolio, which includes the So So Def Record label, a film division, the 3 Vodka liquor brand (which is distilled from Soy) and other ventures,including a planned 50 room hotel here in Atlanta.

JASON'S DELI, a Houston based franchise,will occupy the seemingly well placed but often vacated 10th street location in Post Parkside's apartment complex.It will be the third ATL location for the eatery that promises no trans fats on their sandwiches,wings and soup menu.

NEW FACES:

Danial Zoby is now executive chef at CITY GRILL, the long time downtown dining spot,after 2 years as sous chef.Chef Danial formely owned SAVEUR in D.C.

Nancy Delgado will be the opening chef at OLA,the replacement for Here to Serve Restaurant's "to be moved to another location" PERI PERI.

Craig Richards will be the new chef at LA TAVOLA TRATTORIA in August. Craig comes to Atlanta from Lidia’s in Pittsburgh

Ford Fry(what a great name for a chef),executive chef for EATZI'S Dunwoody location has been named as the corporate chef to assist the Dallas based chain in it's planned 30 unit national expansion.Atlanta ,by the way,is the only city with 2 EATZI's,an upsale deli /foodmarket / catering concept that averages ,according to the company,$13 million dollars a unit.

Untill next time,be good.(and if you can't,be careful)

Edited July 14, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

Today's topic friends is:The "new kids" on the block.

The Atlanta restaurant scene ,such as it has been,was almost the exclusive province of Pano Karatassos'Buckhead Life Group.Now, the best new and exciting restaurants(and drawing national attention) are coming from two veterans with differing approaches but very similar results.

Bob Amick and Tom Catherall are fast becoming the trendsetters and the faces of Atlanta's dining scene.One,Bob,an entrepreneur,has created an international buzz with TWO URBAN LICKS,the intown restaurant with"daring decor,fiery cuisine...and wine by the barrel."the other,Tom,a certified master chef with a country club pedigree,has recieved standing room only success with SHOUT,"a culinary multiplex...(with)food(that is)..a global grab bag of fun..the restaurant of the future.."

While Pano has not developed a restaurant since 2001,the new kids have dropped TWIST(the Buckhead see and be seen bar/sushi spot/diner)and,ONE MIDTOWN KITCHEN (with the recent addition of Richard Blais,soon to become the ATL's WD-50/MOTO).And wait there is more.This fall Tom debuts in Atlantic Station-Atlanta's new chic Chicago on the Chattahochee urban oasis)with STRIP STEAK and SUSHI and Bill brings us PIEBAR,a clever fast casual pizzia concept with wine bar and tapas overtones.

And in 2006,Bill will unveil,the much anticipated TROIS, "our version of a modern French Brasserie..that will be a little more refined than (the) last two projects."With a spectacular location overlooking the proposed Atlanta Symphony Center and three-insert joke here-architectual firms,as well as 13,00 square feet to work with,it should be worth the wait.

With these two hard at work bring new and innovative concepts and chefs to the scene,the next few years are going to be very exciting for Atalnta and food lovers everywhere.

News and notes:

POP,located in dynamic downtown Decatur next to WATERSHED,is drawing rave reviews for its cool,casual decor and food.

FOODS 101,whose owners also operate SOTO in Vinings and another food 101 in Sandy Springs,will open in the old INDIGO/HORIZON location in Morningside.

BONEHEAD'S,another Raving Brands concept-MOE's,MAMA FU's-will open its first two locations in Woodstock,Georgia and in the old JIM WHITE'S HALF SHELL in the Peachtree Batlle shopping center.

Be Good....

News Flash:

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle,Bob Amick will be opening 2 restaurants at Symphony Tower.TAP,a bistro,will open 6 months after TROIS on the corner of 14th@Peach.

PIEBAR's chefs are:Melissa Fedorko, Gregory Vivier, Gerald Alexander, Executive Pasty Chef Jennifer Etchison, and Assistant Pastry Chef Emily Greer.

Edited July 22, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

The word for today is: PIEBAR.Bob Amick's 21st century take on a pizza joint has caused a great disturbance in Atlanta's culinary/trendsetting *force*.Set in a former bank branch built in 1962 as a modernist expression ,PIEBAR has been renovated into a ultra contemporary see and be seen place with a menu that includes escargot as a topping as well as duck, figs, shrimp and grits, and a breakfast pie.

In addition,there are a variety of side dishes (priced $4-12) and three prices for

antipasto depending on number of ingredients. Wines are either $5/$7 (white

or red.) "You're looking at north of $20/person checks in a fun

atmosphere that takes advantage of the building's particular challenges. "

There is also a great deal of excitement about the recent announcement that Wolfgang Puck will oversee the catering operation of the Georgia Aquarium. Wolfgang Puck Catering (WPC) will operate exclusive special event catering services at the Aquarium, allowing visitors to enjoy customized menus and professional event staff paired with the extraordinary setting.Large viewing windows into the Aquarium’s aquatic habitats are found in the 16,400 sq. ft. Aquarium ballroom, which anchors the Aquarium event space. The ballroom can service 1,100 for a seated dinner and up to 1,800 for a reception. More intimate spaces are available for private gatherings, and the entire Aquarium accommodates up to 10,000 for larger events. WPC will maintain a full-service catering operation, including a kosher kitchen on site.

Chuck Banicki, formerly General Manager of the American Museum of Natural History for Restaurant Associates, will oversee the 250-seat Café Aquaria, located on the Aquarium’s atrium level. According to Banicki, Café Aquaria will have a selection of “Best in Class” café stations featuring local and national favorites and appealing to a broad range of tastes.

The Aquarium ,which is being billed as the largest in America,will feature, among other

things,the only 2 Whale sharks-nature's largest fish-in North America,is scheduled to open November 23rd.

More Amick news on TAP:Bob has signed a lease to get the

5,000-square-foot space on the ground floor of the Symphony Tower

building being constructed on the corner of 14th and Peachtree streets.(He already is constructing TROIS,a 13,000 sq ft space at the buildings rear-quess he will get them coming and going).

Amick and business partner Todd Rushing intend to create a pub-like

neighborhood restaurant, tentatively called TAP. It will include a

1,600-square-feet patio adjacent to the sidewalk on Peachtree.

TAP will be among Amick's more casual eateries, with an average check price

of $20, compared with check averages in the upper $30s at both ONE and TWO.

'till the next time,take care.

[micropundit]

The question of the day is: What is more important in Atlanta's marketplace ,good food or good design?

In my opinion,Since 1996 Atlanta's ascent to the upper ranks of America's culinary capitals has been sparked by a combination of great chefs-Guenter Seeger,Anne Quattrano and Joel Antunes ,et. al. -and their well designed, attractive restaurants.

Now the *wow* factor has seemingly become the driver in the increasingly competitive Atlanta market.For example,the successes of ONE MIDTOWN KITCHEN,TWO URBAN LICKS and PIEBAR stem in large part from their unique designs.The food,presented by some really fine chefs,is almost secondary to the "vibe".And most of that "vibe" was provided by Atlanta's Johnson Studio ,who has parlayed the national acclaim received by clients such as BLUEPOINT(1999 Esquire magazine Best New Restaurants listing) and RATHBUNS(2004 Esquire magazine award winner) to establish an international practice.

And more design forward restaurants are on the way,featuring the work of both national and international firms. EMERIL'S ATLANTA brought New York based( and internationally acclaimed )the Rockwell Group to Atlanta for their first major restaurant here.While local food reviewers have not been overwhelmed,EMERIL'S ambience continues to pack 'em in.The GLOBE, the Technology Square hotspot,has

only been open 6 weeks and it has already been cited by the local daily for"its intriguing architecture" and awarded a 3 star review.And it appears more gastronomical glamor is on the way.TABLE 1280,the Woodruff Arts Center's restaurant and tapas lounge opening September,13,was designed by Renzio Piano and a leading Boston firm.Atlanta's ROSA MEXICANO,located in Atlantic Station,will be designed by the Rockwell Group.Added to the list is TROIS,Bob Amick's take on a french bistro,which will feature a London design firm's work.

It all sounds rather exciting but what do think? What will attract your dining dollars,good food/good design?

NEWS and NOTES:

OSCAR'S,the restaurant that focused attention on the southside dining scene, has closed.

The EAST ANDREW'S CAFE's chef Nico Romo and partners will launch THE MILTON HOUSE,a 200 seat "Southern restaurant,in Crabapple -a North Atlanta suburb-this October.

Chefs fromBLUEPOINT,SOTTO SOTTO,BABETTE'S CAFE and others will be featured on This is Atlanta Cooking,which airs on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. on WPBA .

Well that is all from me for now.Hope to hear from you .

[micropundit]

This Sunday's(8-7-05) section A piece on the Georgia Aquarium ,slated to open November 23,seems certain to raise the activity level of downtown Atlanta and by extension, its' restaurants.

One of the highlights of the feature was the mention of Wolfgang Puck's role as chief of catering.That alone will make the GA the *it* place for all of the major soirees,once the exclusive province of the Buckhead section of town.

Along those lines,comes the rumor that BED(Beverage,Entertainment and Dining),a sexy,sophisticated operation with outposts in Miami Beach and Manhatten will locate a branch at the Glenn hotel ,scheduled to open in downtown Atlanta this December.Their resaurants feature a gourmet French inspired menu,creative cocktails, exotic setting with panoramic views-yes,beds are a prominent design element-and ultra premium champagnes.Add in a "refreshing brunch concept"and this sounds as if it should be a hit with the global Schrager-chic crowd.

NEWS and NOTES:

Gourmet magazine's September issue features several ATL restaurants in their "Where to Eat Now in America" section. They inclued WOODFIRE GRILL,ENO and ONE MIDTOWN KITCHEN.Kudos to those fine establishments.

SEASONS 52,a new healthy,fine dining concept out of the Darden company.will open 2 units in Atlanta this Spring.One in Buckhead plaza and one at Perimeter Center.

Finally,the vacant space in Midtown that was formerly SALT appears to have attracted a new tenant.Look for AVRA,a Greek tavern to open there this winter.

Have a great week people.

[micropundit]

The September issue of Food &Wine magazine proclaims the influence of Asian food on America's culinary culture: Asian is in.

From cosmetics to cookware ,asian influences have become a driver for the creation of new ways for Americans to enjoy their lives.Changing demographics are but one of the many reasons that foodies and others are flocking to Thai,Vietnamese,Indian as well as Chinese restaurants in steadily increasiing numbers.And it appears that this trend is alive and well here in Atlanta.

Among the restaurants Food & Wine focused on were Atlanta's CON VIETNAMESE GRILL.Owners-and siblings-Duc and Hieu Tran's modestly priced Buford Highway

eatery was cited as one of the best new asian restaurants in America.It was joined by another local newcomer SAMPAN.SOTO,the Buckhead sushi lovers paradise, and its chef owner was placed on the list of America's best sushi restaurants,a list that included NOBU,MORIMOTO and the $350 a head MASA.

Kudos go out to these restaurants and their owners and staff for their hard work and effort.

NEWS and NOTES

In keeping with the focus on asian theme:

Signs point to a Japanese restaurant,MATSURI, soon occupying the former YOUNGBLOOD'S R&B CAFE space on Ponce de Leon.

MU LAN,the Midtown upscale Chinese restaurant,is opening a branch in Southwest Atlanta at 1195 Fairburn Road.

In other hot happenings,POOLSIDE ON PEACHTREE,the new outdoor bar at NAVA,opens September 17th.

Atlantic Station's hot new hotel/condo tower,Twelve@Atlantic Station,will debut it's restaurant, TABLE 12,this Winter.

I would like to thank all of you who have e-mailed me for your support and appreciation.Keep those card and letters coming.Until the next time.. .

[Gifted Gourmet]

I would like to thank all of you who have e-mailed me for your support and appreciation.Keep those card and letters coming.Until the next time.. .

←

and I would like to offer my thanks for Micropundit's tenacity and fortitude in tracking down "leads" on all of the newest, and even future, dining places opening here in Atlanta! This city is simply bursting with new culinary endeavors and we who live here are the recipients of the talent coming in and already residing here.

Micropundit has absolutely "nailed" a topic which he accurately updates and monitors daily! Bravo! Keep on doing what you do for us!

[micropundit]

Atlanta real estate development and hospitality industry circles are a buzz with the rumors of the arrival of two hotel industry giants to our fair shores.The Kimpton group ,whom the LA Times has called"arguably the formost boutique hotel developer in the US,is looking for Atlanta locations as well as Starwood hotel 's couture St. Regis division.What have these hotels got to do with the Atlanta dining scene? Well.based on history-the hotel operater's and ours-a great deal.

For years,fine dining in Atlanta was the Ritz Carlton.And even today because of the economics of fine dining,fine dining is largely confined to upscale hotels with the capacity to operate what amounts to a loss leader.The restaurant becomes an ammenity for their high income cliental and an special occasion spot for locals.Examples include,CITYZEN in the Mandarin Oriental in D.C and the new NOBU at the Cresent Court in Dallas.

In the near future-the next 5 years-Atlanta will see the field of fine dining options expanding considerably.The Kimpton group has 39 properties in cities such as San Francisco,their headquarters, and is noted for their high style and flair as well as restaurants such as THE FIFTH FLOOR.ST Regis Hotels and Residences,which has only nine proprties in the entire world is noted for restaurants such as ADNY in their New York property,The Essex House.Folks,these are some serious players and they are coming to a location near you.Soon.

The Kimpton folks,according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle,are looking for several Atlanta locations,starting with Midtown as well as downtown and Buckhead.

St Regis,according to a telephone conversaion,will be in Atlanta by 2007.The current rumors have a 196 key property-150 rooms and 46 condos-on West Paces Ferry road in Buckhead.This all means that everyone here-operaters as well as customers- is going to have to kick it up several notches!

NEWS and NOTES:

ONE KITCHEN MIDTOWN will be reviewed by the local paper of general circulation this Thursday.Word is that Richard Blais's influence has been very well recieved by the critics.

TAURUS,Gary Mennie's meat palace will open,according to their web site,August 29.

VERVE,a coverted nightclub at 511 Peachtree -NODO- will open next month.

Have a good one people.

[micropundit]

Today's theme is :The Intown Resurgence and how its changing Atlanta's dining scene.

Atlanta,the City of Peaches and Dreams,is experiencing a resurgence of interest and investment in its' Center City.New places to live,work and eat are springing up seemingly overnight from Buckhead to Bankhead and if some of the rumors are true,the dining scene will have several new and exciting players.It appears that the fusion of the Old South and the DirtySouth is creating a new energy that is driving an already dynamic market to new levels.

Case in point: Atlantic Station(AS),a multi-billion dollar intown development filled chic condos,gleaming high rises and panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline.. This massive brownfield redevelopment project,scheduled to open this fall, on Midtown Atlanta's western border has already generated national acclaim for its envoirnmental leadership and has surprised many local observers with its ability to attract major upscale retailers intown.But what has really raised some eyebrows has been the overwhelming demand for housing in Atlantic Station, a demand that has to date attracted several high profile restaurant operaters such as New York fave ROSA MEXICANO.

Now comes rumors that Atlantic Station has attracted two of the hottest LA hotspots.Think an Asian TWO URBAN LICKS and an Italian JOELS! A sidebar to this is that these restaurants/bars/lounges may be designed by "LA's crown prince of design",Dodd Mithchell.That could mean that AS would have restaurants by New York's leading restaurant architect, David Rockwell(ROSA MEXICANO);Atlanta's finest,Bill Johnson(STRIP STEAK and SUSHI) ;and LA's finest.Not bad for not Buckhead.

NEWS and NOTES:

The Fifth Group,SOUTH CITY KITCHEN,FOOD STUDIO et al, will open ECCO,a casual European influenced restaurant,this Spring at 40 7th Street in Midtown.

Castleberry Hill's main watering hole cum community meeting place,SLICE,will open another location on Howell Mill Road this winter.

Jason Brooks,most recently head chef at 5 SEASONS BREWERY, has joined SEEGER'S as sous chef.

Sous Vide,a cooking method first used to vacum pack food,is becoming the latest rage in couture cooking circles. Chefs Ferran Adria and Wylie Dufresne are some of the biggest proponents of this technique,whose explanation goes way above my pay grade.I just hope that Bob Amick buys a thermal circulater and microvac for TROIS.

Have a good one people.

Edited August 19, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

Today's theme is why Atlanta's dining scene will improve and soon.

This topic presented itself while I was observing an on -line discussion being conducted by a local food blog on the current state of affairs here.The general conclusion was that the Atlanta scene had a lot of good restaurants but fewer quality ones than some of the cities commenly associated with fine dining.Various reasons were advanced for this state of affairs,including a lack of quality ethnic restaurants, to sly digs at the number of fad seekers among the local dining public.

Well, here is what I think: Because of the coming increases in cultural and entertainment tourism-and I include sports under entertainment- the local scene will soon be forced to deal with a new and ,in many instances, more sophisticated customer and thus the bar so to speak will be raised considerably.A couple of examples of this trend would be the addition of Boston College and the University of Miami to Atlantic Coast Conference(ACC) where Georgia Tech is member. The various games,tournaments and conferences that well heeled fans and faculty from these sophisticated cities will attend here should invoke comparisons that will incite competition between and among local eateries.

The expansion of the High Museum is another factor in the equation.In 2006 and continuing until 2009,the High will stage exhibits from the celebrated Louvre.This will certainly attract not only national attention but will bring a steady stream of French tourists as well,including some watchful museum officials. Talk about raising the bar.

Suffice to say , based on these and other factors, I believe that things will get better on the local dining scence with a little help from some new friends.It should be fun.

NEWS and NOTES:

COOKS WAREHOUSE and SHERLOCK WINES will open their second joint location this Fall at 180 W. Ponce de Leon in downtown Decatur.This foodie fave will have all of the implements,wine and food , as well as the noted cooking classes conducted by top of the line toques.

Bob Amick has done it again.First,he has hired Todd Immal,late of the dearly departed OSCAR'S,to be opening chef at LUMA,his posh Winter Park ,Florida restaurant.Next, Carmen Capello,whose reume includes LA BEC FIN and the Ritz Carlton Atlanta ,is now executive sous chef at TWO URBAN LICKS.Mr. Amick does not rest on his past laurals.

THE WATERHOUSE RESTAURANT,with a sibling in downtwn Cleveland,will open next month at 942 Peachtree street in Midtown. Early reviews in Clevlend have been favorable and focused on their wine list,decor and price points.

Finally, if you are looking for great service as well as selection in your wine purchases,check out Kenneth Green 's BARRLEMAN WINE and CHEESE BY ENO.This Midtown shop is connected to and affiliated with ENO restaurant both physically and commercially.If they don't have it ,trust me,they will get it for you.

Have a great weekend people!

[micropundit]

Today,August 29, is the opening date for Atlanta's latest uptown

style restaurant,TAURUS and based upon my pre-opening visit, CANOE's former

skipper,who worked at both SPAGO and SEEGER's before opening CANOE in 1995, is sailing into the upper strata of Atlanta's restaurants.A quick first impression: Award winning chef Gary Mennie's" new American restaurant with a

chophouse focus" looks and feels like a sleek,smooth and sophisticated dining

experience.

Located on the third floor of a tony lifestyle center at 25th&Peach,the cusp of the Midtown Buckhead border,TAURUS blends all of the elements of a first class Atlanta dining destination,design,a well constructed , meatcentric menu(no entree over $24);and,a serious location ,in dramatic fashion.Starting with a post modern porte cochere that leads into an elevator lobby graced with a twenty foot tall light sculpture,you are then taken on a ride to a subtle, subdued circular room trimmed in rich garnet and ebony tones with taupe accents.The room's energy is focused around the"Bulls Ring",a raised platform with a series of sexy banquets set in the middle of the room.There is also a discrete and compact chef's table and a chic glass enclosed private dining room with a velvet roped entrance as well.What stood out in my mind ,visually speaking,was the balcony that surrounds the main dining area.It provides outstanding views of the downtown/midtown skyline,especially the Southern expanse.With its curtains and seating ,I am so there for a relaxing Sunday brunch.The attractive and attentive wait staff appeared to be ready for the pre- opening night crush.

The pre -opening food highlighted Chef Gary's vaunted cuisine

well(did not do the desserts but must give a shout out to pastry chef ,Chris

Hagearty).Some of the more intriguing items included the "china style" roasted

duck;prime steak tartare;the oak roared lamb leg and,the hot smoked salmon

steak.The large and diverse crowd ,filled with industry insiders,was impressed

with the food and decor.If restaurants like TWO URBAN LICKS frame" hot" for

ATL dining,and those like THE GLOBE frame" cool", then TAURUS will help frame

"uptown sophistication" here in Chicago on the Chattahoochee.

NEWS and NOTES:

A partnership between Metrotainment,a local restaurant and catering firm-GARRISON'S,JOE'S on JUNIPER,et al,and Sports 790 the Zone ,will bring a 20,000 sq ft sports themed entertainment /restaurant venue to Legacy Propert Group.s restaurant row soon. The downtown venue will join 3 other restaurants in the well designed site that was the headquarters for Adidas during the 1996 Olympics and is one block from the Georgia Aquarium(GA).

Industry insiders say that a local restaurant company is interested in taking 9,000 sq ft in the soon to be completed Southern Company headquarters building at 30 Allen Blvd for a white table cloth resto. The downtown site is,one block from the Georia Aquarium ,slated to open November 23 .

Finally,in news not related to proximity to the GA; attention all you big 'ballers out there ,word on the street is that hip -hop mogul Jay-Z is looking for an ATL location for his multi-million dollar sports bar,THE 40/40 CLUB.The Chelsa hotspot ,where Derek Jeter and other boldface names are regulars,has already inked a $4 million deal for an Atlantic City location.

I'm out people.Be safe.

Edited August 29, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[micropundit]

This week's tragedy in the Gulf coast puts life in another perspective. Every day challenges are mundane when compared to the misery projected through our television screens. I am gratified by the response that the people of our nation have demonstated,particularly the restaurant/food service industry.All across the country restaurant owners and operaters are pitching in by having fundraising events.Thanks to you all.

NEWS and NOTES:

Bob Amick,Atlanta's premier restaurant developer, has been hired by the Novare Group,Atlanta's premier urban condo developer, to devlope a 5,000 sq ft restaurant at their latest concept,Twelve@ Atlantic Station.The Twelve brand is a condo/hotel concept that combines a 101 room boutique hotel with 300 condos in a high rise building.Condo residents get hotel service for meals,cleaning and concierge support;hotel quests get a 750 sq ft loft room with all of the latest information technology. The restaurant and bar will serve hotel guests, condo residents as well as foodies who want the Amick experience. As reported earlier,the proposed name for the spot is TABLE 12.

Atlanta's premier restaurant architect,Bill Johnson, first New York restaurant project,BARBOUNIA, opens this fall at 250 Park Avenue south.BARBOUNIA,a"Mediterranean Ouzeria",features an open kitchen, energetic bar, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that will offer a convivial environment that will draw people in for varied dining experiences. The wine list offer selections from all across the Mediterranean as well as a large selection of

ouzos and grappas.

Alain Bedard has returned to head up the kichen at Buckhead's CARBO'S CAFE.Chef Alain returns to the spot he occupied from 1988-1999 at the swank saloon cum restaurant after having owned restaurants in Aspen and San Diego.

GOLDBERG'S BAGEL and DELI COMPANY will open a new operation in Midtown's Colony Square.They will move in the old RUEBEN'S DELI site this fall.

Have a safe and peaceful holiday people.

[micropundit]

The star(s) has fallen on Atlanta.The city that has been described as "North of the South and South of the North..." has its first 5 star restaurant awarded by the Atlanta Journal -Constitution(AJC).

The back story is that up until 2 months ago the highest rating that the dining critics at the AJC could award was 4 stars.There were only 3 restaurants at that level:SEEGER'S,BACCHANALIA and THE DINING ROOM at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead.

Well things have changed and 5 stars is now the highest rating and OUINONES at BACCHANALIA,which AJC critic ,Meridith Ford,described as "a lavish,Southern-tinged gem.." has been awarded the first 5 star salute by the newspaper of general circulation.She focused her praise on the ambiance,service and the skills of the 25 year old chef de cuisine,Drew Belline and noted the difference between it and the other fine dining restaurants in town.

Congratulations to Anne Quatrano and Cliff Harrison,the James Beard award-winning chef-ownera of BACCHANALIA on the creation of this outstandind dining experience that is named for,James Quinones, their former general manager at FLOATAWAY CAFE ,who was killed in an automobile related accident in 2004.You have set a new standard for Atlanta.

NEWS and NOTES:

Just a couple of months ago,Eric Damidot, the newish executive chef of THE ATLANTA GRILL at the Ritz Carlton Atlanta was invited to cook at the James Beard House.Chef Damidot,a native of Bandol,France,is the former sous chef at L'ORANGERIA,the LA 5-star French bistro.

For Atlantans who like to get their Ethopian on,there is a new spot in town.COTTAGE has opened at 1841 Piedmont road(next to FAT MATT'S).

TOSSED,a New York based upscale salad restaurant,is looking to establish 3 restaurants in Atalnta by the end of 2006. According to the Atlanta business Chronicle,other cities under consideration for outposts are DC and Dallas .

[micropundit]

A growing national trend is slowly finding its way to Atlanta and it promises to signifigantly affect the local dining scene.The trend of building structures with multiple uses such as residential,retail and/or commercial has a long history in cities with dense urban cores.A example is New York's Time Warner Center with Time Warner's headquarters;a huge Whole Foods supermarket;a 5-star Mandarin Oriental hotel with a residential component and of course the restaurants.Destination dining is personified here.PER SE;MASA;and the soon to be opened Charlie Trotter seafood spot all combine to attract not only office workers,tourists and shoppers but people who come from outside New York just to dine at the Columbus Circle location. And soon Atlanta may see a similar phenomena.

The theory behind this type of development,commenly called mixed use development or MXDs for short,is grounded in economics.While costly to construct and difficult to finance,MXDs have been shown to generate a higher rate of return that single use structures in many instances-especially in dense urban envoirnments where land costs are high. Now comes Atlanta's resurgent urbanism and there seems to be an appetite for the types of development that offers the opportunity to live ,work and play-especially if food is involved.

The recent press accounts of the Bob Amick,Novare Group partnership underscores the point. Bob has agreed to develop a restaurant concept for the Novare Group's Twelve Hotel and Condo residence product.The concept will be called LOBBY,will be introduced at the Twelve@Atlantic Station and then at the Twelve@ Centennial Park as well as an addtional Atlanta site as well other projects outside the city.Given the popularity of Amick's previous offerings,ONE MIDTOWN KITCHEN,TWOURBAN LICKS and PIEBAR,the LOBBY bar and restaurant will attract not only guests and residents but foodies as well.

And more similar concepts may be on the way with the recent annoucements of a W Hotel and Residence project in downtown Atlanta as well as a Mansion on Peactree hotel and residential project in Buckhead that features Dallas's Rosewood Properties flagship brand.Stay tuned ,there are more to come.

NEWS and NOTES:

Chris Kinjo,of MF SUSHI,will appear on Alton Brown's Good Eats,Thursday ,September 22.He will demonstrate sushi rolling techniques.

EMERIL'S Atlanta has been honored by Wine Spectator magazine with its"Best

Award of Excellence",the highest honor bestowed by the prestigous magazine.Only 86 restaurants in the world hold this distinction.

And speaking of MXDs,JEFF'S NEW YORK DELI,has opened in downtown Atlanta's 123 Luckie Street condominums' retail space.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend people.

[micropundit]

And the beat geos on. This past week saw major announcements from around the country regarding new massive urban developments anchored by upscale retail,hotels and restaurants.Cities such as Las Vegas,Dallas and Los Angeles are creating international buzz with their multi-billion dollar urban developments headlined by world class architects and restauranteurs.Names such as Joel Roberchon;Tom Colicchio and restaurant operators like the N9ne group are being featured prominently in marketing campaigns designed to lure customers/residents.All of which got me to thinking: What "names" have not yet graced our fair shores here in Atlanta? Here are a couple that came to mind:

SMITH & WOOLENSKY-New York based steakhouse noted for upscale atmoshere and extensive wine list.

NOBU-Mr. DiNiro's favorite sushi stop has an international reputation.

Il MULINO-NYC's favorite italian restaurant has recently spread its wings to Tokyo,Dallas and Vegas.

With regard to the top toques: The ATL has not yet received any love from its homeboy,Todd English(Smyrna) or Thomas Keller or Kevin Rathbun's buddy ,Bobby Flay.

Stay tuned though,with the plans currently on the drawing board some of these faces and places may be coming to your favorite city soon.

NEWS and NOTES:

Last week's inaugural edition of the Wall Street Journal's weekend edition featured several Atlanta restaurants as cutting edge hotspots-PIEBAR,ONE MIDTOWN KITCHEN-and chef Richard Blais as a culinary innovator.

Bob Amick's empire has now expanded to the sunshine state.LUMA on PARK opened in Winter Park ,Florida-"Orlando's Virgina Highlands" Monday.

Gwinnet County diners should be able to enjoy eating at a "posh" steakhouse in their neighborhood soon.There is talk of converting the now closed Gwinnet Cinema into upscale steak restaurant to open early 2006.

Word on the street is that Nancy Delgado Miller is no longer with OLA.

Untill the next time,thanks for checking on me.

[micropundit]

BULLETIN:

Had an opportunity to dine at SAMPAN last evening and see their newly opened bar ,SUSIE WONG'S.Wow.For people who are into upscale asian fare and ambience,this is the place.

The Westside Marketplace is fast becoming the ATL's meatpacking district with respect to the new restaurant additions. SAMPAN's prices have been reduced and the addition of SUSIE's bar scene ,with its unsurpassed vistas of the center city's skyline, create a serious compliment to the crowds at FIGO ,TAQUERIA DE SOL;the shopping and ,of course the allure of BACCHANALIA and QUINONES.

Check it out.

Forgot to add GRAND LUX CAFE to my wish list yesterday.The CHEESECAKE FACTORY'S upscale sibling would make a nice addtion to our suddenly tourist-centric city as well as provide the legions of CCF fans with even larger outlet for their passion.

[micropundit]

Our long nightmare is over-the Ritz Carlton Buckhead has found its new chef.

Ladies and gentlemen,boys and girls,please put your hands together and join me in

welcoming Arnaud Berthelier to our fair city.

Chef Berthelier comes to us from the Ritz Carlton Sharm El Sheikh,an Egyptian resort.He started his career at LE LOUIS XV in Monte Carlo under famed chef Alain

Ducasse and has worked in London and prior to his posting in Egypt,he was top toque at THE DINING ROOM ,Ritz Carlton Naples.

I am looking forward to see how he handles the pressure of maintaining THE DINING ROOM's 5-star,5 diamond status as well as the increased local competition.

Again,welcome chef Berthelier and best wishes.

Edited September 29, 2005 by micropundit (log)

[Gifted Gourmet]

more on Arnaud Berthelier

"When you want to be coddled—and swaddled—in sensual enticements, this is the place," said the Naples Daily News of The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, on Florida’s central coast. "The food is pretty as a picture and delicious." The Monita Extra agreed: its reviewer gave The Dining Room four stars, declaring every dish "a work of art." For connoisseurs of fine French fare touched with the flavors and textures of American regional cuisine, such assessments hardly come as a surprise: after all, the culinarian in charge of the stoves here is Arnaud Berthelier, a French-bred tip-top toque with a truly tasty résumé and a particular way with French sauces and Florida-born food. No wonder the place has won two AAA Five-Diamond awards, two Mobil Four-Star awards, and a top food rating for Central Florida from Zagat since he took over the stoves some two and a half years ago

[micropundit]

Had an opportunity to re-visit one of the city of Peaches and Dreams' oldest and most popular restaurants this week.And MURPHY's,the Virgina -Highland's hotspot,has lost none of its magic after 25 years.With their popular weekend brunch,eclectic wine bar,tempting dessert case and solid service,MURPHY's has not only survived but prospered in a city where restaurants come and go in the blink of an eye.It also has had several of the top chefs in town such as Michael Tuoy(WOODFIRE GRILL),Garry Klaskala(ARIA) and Shaun Doty(TABLE 1280) grace it's kitchen.

In celebration of its' silver anniversary,the restaurant is releasing a cookbook and having a diner to honor owner Tom Murphy. The proceeds of the dinner ,October 26 from 7-10pm,will benefit Share our Strength.A tip of the toque to the fine folks at MURPHY'S and here's wishing them 25 more.

NEWS and NOTES:

Coming soon;THE LOOP,an upscale pizza and gourmet burger and salad restaurant located at 2145 Peachtree Road. This is the 4th Atlanta location for the Jacksonville ,Florida company.

ATKIN'S PARK,with locations in Virgina-Highlands and Smyrna,will open its third location in Cummings,Georgia in early 2006.

One of the pioneers of the revitalization of East Atlanta Village,HEAPING BOWL and BREW, has closed.

Have a good one people and be good.

[micropundit]

The Atlanta Journal Constitution's dining critic,Meridith Ford(MF),presented her "top 50 places to eat "yesterday in the paper's "Fall Dining Guide" and aside from some unusual ommissions,BLUEPOINTE,CHOPS SIA'S,and additions,FIVE and TEN-which is in Athens,Georgia,it was quite an interesting journey into Atlanta's dining scene.First,it appears that ,at least from her perspective,smaller and lighter are in with respect to design,GLOBE,menu,PURA VIDA, and size,QUINONES.Second,service/the lack thereof,is a deal breaker.There were several comments throughout the reviews that pin-pointed that as an issue,especially for the higher rated restaurants.Last,her choice for "restaurant of the year" -PURA VIDA-was proceeded by a rambling disclaimer suggesting,among other things,that the choice was not based on it being the best or brightest but on its personality.Hmm.Well,needless to say,there have been some *discussions* around the choice on local blogs and such. My two cents? It might have helped if she had established what her criteria were BEFORE she sprang her selection on us. IMJS

There were some other interesting tidbits that caught my eye in the 29 page pull out:MF likes the Kinjo brothers-MF SUSHI and NAM and Anne Ouatrano/Cliff Harrison.The Buckhead Life Group,not so much.Buckhead is no longer the center of Atlanta's dining universe;Decater is"the area's newly crowned hotspot for neighborhood dining".And SEEGER'S is undergoing a renovation and that the "new"SEEGER'S ,according to the man himself, will "redefine dining standards in the city"(!)

Ms. Ford also added a listing of new and unreviewed restaurants,ie.PIEBAR.

But her comments clearly indicated she has already made intial visits to some of the spots.She wrapped her up her take on Hotlanta's dining scene with a feature titled "Still to Come" that set the stage for those of us looking eagerly to some of the 2006 openings.(It was not comprehensive.)I will share my thoughts on this topic in the near term.

NEWS and NOTES:

IRIS,the long standing fine dining oasis of East Atlanta, is closing as of October 17. Like the true champions that they are,they are going out in style with a farewell weekend special: October 14-16.

Speaking of 2006 arrivals,Atlanta's latest socialite bible,Paper City,reports that John Otegen,Atlanta's uber interior designer, has been hired as part of the design team for TROIS(hope that some of the local foodie sites/magazines learn to spell this:it is NOT Trios),Bob Amick's luxe French brasserie.

What famous French chef is hearing the siren call of Las Vegas-and major dollars-to pack up and leave our shores and set up shop in the desert?He is saying not yet,so far.

John Kessler reports that today is Julie Mcbee's last day at the AJC.She wrote the Turning Tables column and others for the food section for years.She is reportedly writing a book.I will miss her voice.

Have a great weekend , I will see you next week.

[micropundit]

Lovely Atlanta is feeling the heat of next week's grand opening of Atlantic Station(AS),the long awaited 138 acre in-town live ,work and play community.

Why? Because ,among other things,the west side project, built on the site of a former steel mill, promises to deliver a whole new set of living,working and dining options in an urban and urbane envoirnment previously unseen in Atlanta.

For example,"The District",AS's commercial and retail hub will be laid out in a pedestrian friendly grid that accomadates both vehicles and pedestrians and allows them access to the shops,businesses and residences that are skillfully woven around a town square.As far as the retail mix,there is a upscale grocery store,a stand alone department store and a 16 screen movie theater.No,I kid you not; this is actually happening in Center City Atlanta,the nation's poster child for sprawl.

Among the restaurants announced to date are: COPELAND'S CHEESECAKE, a New Orleans based concept offering cajun food and .. cheesecakes;CLADDAGHS IRISH PUB;FOX SPORTS GRILL,Fox's answer to ESPN GRILL;ROSA MEXICANO,a New York fave;and STRIP STEAK & SUSHI,from the local group that created TWIST and SHOUT.A local foodie web site has posted a soon to be announced deal that will bring 3 hot concepts to AS from LA that include,GEISHA HOUSE, an Asian themed club/restaurant famed for its celebrity owners;DOLCHE,its Italian high end sibling ;and,KINGPIN, a bowling/bar/restaurant concept that is sweeping the country. Stay tuned, it looks as if Atlantic Station is going to be where foodies go to meet and eat.

NEWS and NOTES:

Speaking of Atlantic Station,David Marni,formerly of VINE,a Virgina Highlands hot spot,is heading up the dining portion of FOX SPORTS GRILL.Which opened on October 8th.

Get your cheese steak on at the Four Seasons hotel on Saturday,October 15th. The head chef from Philadelphia's Four Seasons will offer the City of brotherly love's seminal treat at a benefit dinner. Contact the Four Seasons for details.

The old TORTILLIA'S on Ponce de Leon will become a J. CHRISTOPHER'S,a local breakfast food orientated restaurant.A Decatur location is also in the works.

Chef Drew Van Leuvan,co-founder and head chef, has left Midtown's TOAST and according to this mornings Atlanta Journal-Constitution,will become the new head chef at SPICE. Former head chef,Paul Albrect one of the pioneers of fine dining in Atlanta,who resigned Wednesday,is quoted as saying that he is staying in Atlanta where he will announce a new restaurant project next week. Stay tuned.

A tip from a savy intowner and avid development blogger says that the Cabbagetown/Grant Park dining scene has expanded with the additions of VILLAGE PIZZA,from RIA'S BLUEBIRD CAFE owner Ria Pell,and STONE SOUP.

Have a good one people.See you in a few.

[micropundit]

I visited Atlantic Station twice this week and got sneek peaks at some of the restaurants,bistros,cafes and stores.In a word:wow! First some context. Atlanta is the template for malls and sprawl; if you do not have a car you are basically SOL in terms of dining beyond fastfood/delivery.So while it is not Georgetown ,it is the first Georgia urban experience to have boutiques and boites ,of quality and all in one location. And if you live within the confines of Atlantic Station,you can walk to shop,eat drink and meet.Here is what I have seen so far.

TAHITIAN NONI CAFE.An international company that bases it's food ,beverages and related products on the properties of the Tahitian noni berry.The cafe will serve healthy fare based on the berry and other foods with an eye towards your well being.It is small but well designed space located down the block from the movie theatr.

COPELAND'S CHEESECAKE BISTRO. The New Orleans operation's ATL operation looks good. The exterior has a Burbon Street flair and inside it looks like a very modern bistro.It is located on the restaurant row facing the central park.

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN. Located across from COPELAND'S,the 4th operation of this chain in Atlanta has a nice patio and a new(to Atlanta) Frank Loyd Wright interior.

The sites for ROSA MEXICANO and STRIP face one another on the central park and are dramatic.STRIP will be a two story affair with a second story balcony sure to be a crowd favorite.And the posters for DOLCHE'S,the LA Ital fave and GESHIA HOUSE 's locations on 19th Street ,down the street from the theater ,are already up.

So that is what I've seen so far.And because I care about you so,so much,I will return as often as it takes to report back to you what is the dealio on all of the hot spots.

NEWS and NOTES :

Some of the news floating around the Big Peach this week;

Word on the street is that RICESTIX,the Sandy Springd based Vietnamese eatery will soon close its doors after less than a year in business.

Look for a different concept at the TIAJUANA GARAGE slot next to FRONTPAGE NEWS in Little Five Points.Word is that the new focus will tapas.Good thing no one else is doing tapas around town.

Ich bin der Konig! That 's what it appears Guenter Seeger is saying to his erstwhile rivals with the new and improved Seegers that re-opened last Friday. Early reports are extemely favorable,with particular emphasis on the increased service delivery.With the award of 5 stars to QUINONES,the rumors of a Buckhead SPAGO and the reported 5 star St Regis hotel and residences that will have 2 restuarants, looks as if GS is getting out ahead of the competition.

Well it looks as if Atlanta's storied run of having at least one entry in John Mariani's annual Best New Restaurant list published by Esquire magazine has ended.. The November issue lists this years award winners and alas and alack the ATL was nowhere to be seen.But what 'till next year.(but not like the Braves' annual cry) But a feature in Houston's leading alt wekly strongly suggests that airfare paid for by Houston's Vistors and Convention Bureau;a comped room at a posh hotel ;and FREE meals at the 4 restaurants visited MAY have influenced the fact that 2 Houston restos made the list.

Ed Seiber,the architect responsible for such local faves as RESTAURANT EUGENE and SPICE, mentioned that he is working on a project with Richard Ullio(SOTTO SOTTO and FRITTI) in a recent interview with a local alt weekly.

Let's welcome Sandra Eckstein to our fair city.Sandra is the new beat writer for the AJC's Turning tables column and as such will be reporting "dining news around the Metro area". Her first report carried several interesting morsels including that Jonathan St.Hilaire,formally of WOODFIRE GRILL and SPICE,has joined Bob Amick's crew as executive pastry chef.

Until next time,be good people.