ATL Food Chatter: February 1, 2010
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We know at least one Atlanta restaurateur feeling optimistic about the future: Entrepreneur/actor Mitchell Anderson—owner and head chef of Midtown’s soup and sandwich spot MetroFresh—is planning to open three “gourmet boutique sandwich shops” called MitchWich over the next 18 months in various Atlanta neighborhoods.
MitchWich will feature a 1,000-1,500 square-foot floor plan with a “warmer and woodsier feel” than MetroFresh but with a slightly different design for each location. Anderson has worked with a brand development firm over several months to develop the concept that will continue his food philosophy without duplicating the style of Metro Fresh. It will serve a breakfast and lunch menu focusing on sandwiches made with quality, organic ingredients, along with some soups and salads crafted by Anderson and his executive chef, Byran Kraatz.
Initially, Anderson is looking at neighborhoods such as the Fairlie Poplar district, Westside and Decatur because of their proximity to MetroFresh. Over the next three years, Anderson then plans to expand into metro Atlanta markets that ideally offer both local community and business customer bases. He says that the first ten stores will be company-owned but will consider franchising the concept after that goal is reached.
NEWS AND NOTES:
Gayot.com, the international dining and travel guide, has published its 2010 Restaurant Issue, on which Atlanta received a good amount of love:
Restaurant Eugene was the only Atlanta restaurant named in the 2010 Top Forty Restaurants in the US.
Paces 88 was named one The Top Ten New restaurants.
Flip Burger Boutique was named as one of the Forty Best Cheap Eats.
Kevin Rathbun Steak was named one of The Top Ten Steakhouses.
Kevin Gillespie was named one of The Top Five Rising Chefs.
Buckhead. Tomorrow’s News Today reports that The Taco Stand has closed after nine years.
Downtown. What Now Atlanta is reporting that several of Underground Atlanta’s Kenny’s Alley spots are changing their concepts to attract more Georgia State students.
Midtown. Avra Greek Tavern has closed.
Morningside. Rosebud will host the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Supper Club on Tuesday, February 9.
Palmetto. Kessler points out that The Hil was named one of the Top 10 Best New Romantic Getaways in the February issue of Bon Appetit.
Westside. Flip Burger Boutique received some serious publicity on the Serious Eats’ Hamburger Today blog last week.
West Egg Cafe has moved into its new location, paces away in the White Provision building. The restaurant plans to start dinner service soon.
Question of the Week: What intown former wine bar and restaurant is rumored to have a new name, a new chef and a new menu?
PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW—What former Buckhead hotspot is rumored to be converting to an “upscale, local gastropub” this spring?—is Carbo’s Cafe, which is being taken over by Gardner Dominick, who owns two bars in Athens, Georgia.
