ATL Food Chatter: May 8, 2009
On Sunday, June 7, at 9pm, the Food Network’s Next Food Network Star reality show returns for its fifth season, and one of the ten finalists is Atlanta chef Jamika Pessoa, a 30 year old certified personal chef and culinary entrepreneur.
A 2004 graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta’s International Culinary School, she is the owner of Life of the Party personal chef services. Pessoa, a former corporate marketing executive who began her culinary career at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, has been profiled in several local and national publications for her cooking style, described as “modern and elegant, yet sassy.”
And while Pessoa maintains an impressive clientele list of noted celebrities and professional athletes, she is also a motivational speaker, a nutrition spokesperson, and a culinary instructor at a local university.
We’ll be tuning in to support this budding culinary star as she represents Atlanta on national television next month.
Speaking of the Food Network, Holeman & Finch’s “Down Low Cheeseburger” was recognized in Food Network Magazine’s “50 States, 50 Burgers” feature as the best burger in Georgia. Do you agree?
NEWS and NOTES:
Inman Park. Kevin Rathbun will be celebrating the fifth and third anniversaries, respectively, of Rathbun’s and Kevin Rathbun Steak with a Blues and Barbecue party on Saturday, June 7 at Rathbun’s.
Midtown. RA Sushi, a rapidly growing national chain, is slated to open early June in the 1010 Condominiums.
Metrotainment Cafes, Inc. has appointed Todd Semrau as Managing Partner of Einstein’s. A graduate of Georgia State University, Semrau opened Heaping Bowl and Brew, Eureka, The Automatic and also co-founded Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House.
Roswell. Party Chic, a special events facility and party planning supply store, has started serving lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 953 Canton Road in downtown Roswell.
Southwest Atlanta. The Mustard Seed Inc., an old school barbecue spot, has opened in the Park Plaza shopping center at 826 Westmont Road.
Vinings. Canoe top toque Carvel Grant Gould will be cooking a southern inspired menu entitled “New Southern Traditions” at the James Beard Foundation on Thursday, May 14.
Question of the Week: What popular in town restaurant’s web site was named best of 2009 by an international Internet association?
The answer to last week’s QOTW—What major Atlanta food event is rumored to be changing venues for next year’s event?—is Taste of Atlanta, which will be moving from Atlantic Station to Georgia Tech
