ATL Food Chatter: June 14, 2010
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While other cities have one major Restaurant Week event annually that encompasses the whole of its dining community, Atlanta—true to its fractured nature—has seen Restaurant Weeks showcasing different several neighborhoods (including Buckhead, Midtown, and Inman Park) in the last two years. But the granddaddy of local culinary booster efforts is Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week.
At an event in the Hilton Garden Inn last week, nonprofit Central Atlanta Progress announced plans to make its annual dining bonanza more inclusive. “This year will feature restaurants ranging from traditional steakhouses and sea food restaurants to Irish pubs and Mexican cantinas, ensuring that there will be something for every palate,” said Wilma Sothern, CAP’s Vice President of Marketing.
Downtown’s 2010 Restaurant Week will technically cover two weeks, from July 26 through August and will feature three course meals for just $25 or $35 (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity, of course) from a list of participants that includes Atlanta Grill at the Ritz-Carlton Downtown, BLT Steak, FAB, Il Mulino, Ruth’s Chris Steak and Social Restaurant and Bar.
Among the culinary treats unveiled at the event was a signature cocktail, the Barcardi-sponsored “Torched Cherry Blossom,” created by Eric Simpkins of the W Downtown Atlanta’s Drinkshop. It will be available at all of the participating restaurants.
Peruse the menus and start making reservations!
NEWS AND NOTES:
Chocolate! 2010, the annual fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), is being held this year on Thursday, June 17 at Villa Christina in Dunwoody from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door; VIP tickets available for $125.
Slow Foods Atlanta is hosting its fourth annual Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social fundraiser on Saturday, June 19, from 12:30 pm until 2pm, at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta chapter of Slow Foods International and the Peachtree road Farmers Market.
Holeman & Finch Public House and Fontaine’s Oyster House were selected by Esquire magazine as being among the Best Bars in America 2010.
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Buckhead. The City Club of Buckhead has appointed Darryl Evans—about whom John Kessler wrote in this year’s Oxford American Food Issue—as executive chef.
Downtown. Besha Rodell was the first to report that the name for Centennial Park’s new burger joint looks to be Googie Burger (named after the style of architecture).
The Sweet Auburn Bistro has closed for “renovations.”
Golden Buddha has closed.
Construction work on Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint at 180 Peachtree is slated to start this week and the estimated completion date for the $2 million project is November.
Duluth. Sia’s has closed.
Dunwoody. The Atlanta Business Chronicle is reporting that Georgia’s first Red Mango franchise will open in the Dunwoody hall shopping center.
East Atlanta. Vino Libro has closed
Marietta. Look for Otter’s Chicken Tenders—a Tennessee-based, family-friendly chain—to open their first Georgia location this fall in the Avenue West Cobb.
Question of the Week: What mobile operation is providing the latest in frozen treats at local farmers markets (that can also be shipped to your home)?
PS – The answer to last week’s QOTW—What top Atlanta chef will lead a gastro trek to Peru this fall?—is Hector Santiago of Pura Vida. (Commenter Steve named that one right away last week.)
