ATL Food Chatter: February 16, 2010
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A recent AJC story about the economy’s effect on Atlanta’s hotel industry stated that work had stopped on Pano’s, the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s luxe project at the posh St. Regis hotel. A call to the Buckhead Life folks not only refuted that item but uncovered news about some of the plans for two of their other restaurants.
Jennifer Boozer, director of marketing for Buckhead Life, stated that, while a firm date has not yet been set for the opening of Pano’s, the successor to longtime Atlanta landmark Pano’s and Paul’s, the project is still slated to become the company’s flagship in 2010. In the meantime, the Atlanta Fish Market is getting what Jennifer called “a refresh,” and 103 West is adding some new features due to increased demand for wedding-related functions.
Boozer said that someone who eats at the Atlanta Fish Market after the renovations will not be shocked at the differences—the work is designed to subtly address wear-and-tear on the restaurant after fifteen years. The architect on the Atlanta Fish Market project is Peter Zakas of Zakas Space, a local firm who worked on the original project The renovations are expected to be completed in April.
103 West’s renovation will be designed by The Johnson Studio, which also orchestrated the 2001 renovation of the special events venue. A new downstairs lounge featuring a bar, new furnishings and a new color palate will be installed to accomodate request from patrons who hold events such as bridal showers and dinners there. Ms. Boozer notes that she is very interested in the timeline for this project because she is holding her wedding reception there in November.
NEWS AND NOTES:
The following metro Atlanta restaurants received AAA Four Diamond ratings for 2010: Aria, Atlanta Grill at the Ritz-Carlton Downtown, Bacchanalia, BluePointe, Canoe, Joel, La Grotta Ravinia Ristorante Italiano, La Grotta Ristorante Italiano, Nan Thai Fine Dining, Nikolai’s Roof, and Park 75 at the Four Seasons. We have no five-star winners this year.
Buckhead. The What Now Atlanta blog reports that AD Allushi has left his post as general manager of the W Buckhead to open a restaurant-nightclub with Atlanta Hawks player Zaza Pachulia called Buckhead Bottle Bar. The space is a tricky one on East Paces Ferry Road that has been home to Che, Blais, Paul Luna’s Cafe Mystique and Peachtree Cafe.
Downtown. What Now Atlanta also reports that Pemberton Cafe will replace Fair Coast Café at Pemberton Plaza this spring.
Dunwoody. Sage Woodfire Tavern is opening a second location in Park Place this spring.
Douglasville. Iron Horse BBQ, featuring a homemade sauce for their ribs, has opened a second location at 7436 Douglas Boulevard.
Midtown. As first reported here all the way last May, STK—the glam New York steakhouse that has outposts in Beverly Hills and Miami—has announced an Atlanta location in the 12th & Midtown development in December 2010.
The website for Empire State South—Hugh Acheson’s riff on a meat-and-three that is among the most anticipated restaurants of 2010—states that the restaurant’s opening has been pushed back to June. (It was originally set for April.)
McDonough. Kessler notes that Harold’s Barbecue is opening a second location at 2054 Highway 42 N this month.
Question of the Week: What intown neighborhood is getting a Popsicle shop this spring?
PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW—What type of restaurant is rumored to be going into the former The Taco Stand location?—is a seafood spot from the Tin Lizzy’s team, according to local real estate sources.
