ATL Food Chatter: May 29, 2009
These may or may not be the best of times and/or the worst of times to open a restaurant in Atlanta, but there continues to be a parade of new projects added to our culinary landscape. Here are three restaurants taking decidedly different approaches to winning the approval of the dining public:
As of today, Rolling Bones (377 Edgewood Ave., 404-222-2324) is now under the direction of Todd Richards, who also serves as the corporate chef for One Flew South, the fine dining restaurant in Hartsfield airport. Rolling Bones will remain a barbecue joint, though it will offer a drastically different product under Richards’ direction. As of June 8, the whole new menu will include smoked duck in the meat mix, sides such as potato salad dotted with Alan Benton’s bacon, and red velvet cupcakes. In July, look for a new neon sign and a liquor license.
30 Tables, the most recent Concentrics endeavor, takes over a seemingly cursed location inside the Glenn Hotel and right-sizes it into an intimate one level space that offers a true dining spot, as opposed to its previous nightclub atmosphere. The energy level of the previous occupants has been dialed back to a softer, more sophisticated level. Its American bistro comfort food menu should attract not only hotel guests but also diners looking to grab a bite or a drink downtown.
On Monday, June 8, RA Sushi bar and restaurant is slated to open in the 1010 condominiums on Peachtree Street. The 7,000 square foot, bi-level space is an upscale casual spot that hopes to whip up new dramatic intensity to the hot dining scene bubbling up on and around Crescent Avenue. Beyond sushi, the menu offers teriyaki and noodle dishes paired with various proteins. This RA is one of twenty-three locations from a restaurant company based in Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s their largest venue to date and features a private dining room and a mezzanine level—two firsts for the concept. The design elements also include a slick indoor–outdoor bar and collapsing windows that open up the interior to the street. The RA folks are clearly looking to attract whose wanting to get their party on in Midtown.
NEWS and NOTES:
Alpharetta. Look for Cha Cha Bongo Cuban Grill to open their second location featuring authentic Cuban cuisine in a fast casual atmosphere this summer on Winward Parkway.
Buckhead. According to Buckhead Life Restaurant Group spokesperson, Jennifer Boozer, Pano’s at the St. Regis is not on hold and they “are moving forward as planned”.
Doraville. John Kessler has some very good things to say about Shoya Japanese Restaurant, a new izakaya located at 6035 Peachtree Road.
Midtown. Midtown Mediterranean Cafe, featuring 24 hour service; a perpetual breakfast menu, a hookah lounge and Middle Eastern menu, has opened at 912 10th street in the former Jock’s and Jill’s location.
Roswell. Coldbrew’s Sports Bar & Grill, featuring 17 chilled beer taps and a Cajun influenced menu, has opened at 880 Holcomb Bridge Road.
Virginia Highland. La Tavola Trattoria is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special menu running from Friday, June 17 until Saturday, June 27.
Question of the Week: What owner-operator who formerly owned some of Atlanta’s classics of the 70s and 80s is rumored to opening a new bar concept in the White Provisions development?
PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW—What intown sweets suite is rumored to be for sale?—is Chocolate Pink Cafe
