This weekend’s Atlanta Food & Wine Festival attendees already have something to look forward to next week when their triglycerides levels once again begin to to tumble toward Earth. Sotto Sotto and Fritti chef-owner Riccardo Ullio is set to debut Escorpion, a brand new Mexican tequila bar and cantina at 800 Peachtree Street in the space formerly occupied by Eno and later, The 5th Street Cafe owned by Atlanta Hawk Zaza Pachulia. The short-lived 5th Street Cafe opened exactly a year ago this month.
Ullio has hired executive chef Edgar Cruz (formerly of Fifth Group Restaurants and Restaurant Eugene) to helm the regionally inspired eatery. Sous chef Maria Palma, an Acapulco native, meanwhile, will add “a larder of family recipes, including red and green moles and tamales handed down for generations” to the menu, including her family favorites, barbecued goat with bacon-laced pinto beans, traditional tacos and guacamole made to order.
Overseeing the tequila supply is former Flat Iron Lounge bartender Adam Fox and Gilbert Marquez, a Native American from the Yaqui tribe who we hear specializes in agave-accented cocktails. One concoction the pair will be offering? The Santa Ana Fruit Cart, a vitamin C-enriched take on the classic Side Car cocktail featuring blanco tequila, pineapple cordial, cucumber, lime and other fresh fruits.
Ullio disciples, Midtown neighbors and Fox Theatre goers seeking a fun pre-show or post-show bite can look for an Escorpion soft opening the week of May 23.
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