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10o South (Opened October 1998)

12 Oaks (January 2001) Kosher and barbecue are not the words most people would think would ever be used to describe the same restaurant but Gabe Feldman will be changing people's minds with his 12 Oaks restaurant that opened December 18th at 1451 Scott Boulevard in Decatur. The restaurant is kosher and will serve barbecue and such other southern dishes to go along with its Gone With the Wind name as pulled sandwiches, okra, Brunswick stew and pecan pie. Of course no pork will be served but turkey, beef and brisket will be served. Feldman says he has checked in LA, New York and even as far as Israel and he can find no one who has heard of a restaurant serving the same fare. The restaurant is fully certified by the Atlanta Kashruth (Kosher) Commission. In observance of the Jewish Sabbath the restaurant will be closed from Friday afternoon until after sundown on Saturday In addition to being kosher Feldman, a former physician with the New York Public Health Department and who most recently worked with the American Cancer Society in Atlanta will also offer healthier fare by using whole grains as much as possible, offering plenty of vegetarian dishes and by cutting back on the use of processed sugar, oils and. The exterior will have an ante-bellum look with white columns. Inside the restaurant will have a Civil War/"Gone with the Wind" theme. Feldman says there will be a lot more bright greens and red colors instead of the dull brown and rust colors in some barbecue restaurants. Sandwiches and entrees will be in the $5 to $10 range. Dress is very casual. The restaurant was waiting for their liquor license when this issue of the hud report went to press. The interior will seat approximately 60 inside with seating for an additional 40 to 50 diners when the enclosure of the deck is completed. The restaurant accepts major credit cards and the phone number is 404/377-0120 for more information.

103 West (Opened October 1982)

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (August 2000) Tariq Rathum was at the University of Georgia where he and a roommate passed the time thinking up names and concepts for restaurants. One idea was to have a restaurant with a presidential theme. The thought remained with Tariq over the years and on June 22 he opened 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Steaks & Seafood. The restaurant is located in the former Georgia Grille on the corner of Jones and Abbotts Bridge Roads. A family-oriented casual steakhouse the interior is decorated with old flags and newspaper articles as well as photos of presidents and their career information, creating sort of a learning experience for children. Seating is 85 in the dining room with an additional 15 at the bar. The dining room is non-smoking. Currently only open for dinner seven nights a week the menu consists chicken, steaks, pork and seafood with prices ranging between $4.99 to $16.99. All items are named after a president and some entrees one might find are the Johnson Chicken Almondine, tender boneless chicken breast lightly breaded with an almond crust and served over homemade mashed potatoes; Eisenhower T-bone Steak, a New York strip and filet in one cut, 18 oz., and served with a garden salad, oven fresh bread and baked potato; and Reagan Fresh Catch of the Day, 8 oz. seasoned fresh catch, grilled and topped with a lemon butter white wine sauce and served with vegetables. Also offered are a few pasta dishes, salads, burgers and sandwiches. A full bar is served with a good selection of bottled beers and a variety of wines served either by the glass or bottle. Rathum worked under David Howard, Chicago's Steaks fame, starting out at the Old Alabama location and spending his most recent time at the Whitlock Road location in Marietta. "Business has been nice and steady," said Rathum. "I am confident this restaurant will do well here."

1848 Cafe (January 2001) Patricio and Holly Proano have taken over the former site of the Home Town Grill at 29 South Main Street in Alpharetta and turned it into the 1848 Cafe which takes it's name from the year the two story building was built. This is the couple's first foray into the restaurant business. They chose the restaurant route after being downsized from the corporate world. The upstairs offers fine dining, a wine bar with a selection over 150 wines and features live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights. Only a dinner menu is offered upstairs. The restaurant will hold wine tastings once a month. The cost is $10 person and reservations must be made in advance. The first one, featuring Robert Mondavi wines, takes place January 11. The upstairs can also be rented for parties or corporate functions including breakfast and lunch meetings. Lunch and dinner are offered in the more casual area downstairs which has a dance floor and features live bands, playing rock and dance music Saturday nights. The menu offers a selection of steak, chicken and seafood dishes and since the chef is from Ecuador some dishes will have a South American flavor. Dinner upstairs will run between $20 to $25. Downstairs customers can order from the lunch menu, which includes soups, sandwiches and salads, or the dinner menu. Prices downstairs run from $8 to $25. There is also patio seating for about 25 when the warmer weather returns. The upstairs seats 100 with capacity for another 150 downstairs. The Proano's, who took over in early September, have done some repainting and touch-up work after taking over from the former owners but overall are trying to maintain a rustic feel to the old building. The restaurant has a full bar and all major credit cards are accepted. Since changing hands the restaurant is no longer a part of the Entertainment 2001 discount book. The phone number is 770/751-5958.

1848 House (March 2000) Jonathan R. St. Hilaire has become the new pastry chef at the 1848 House. Hilaire has been previously linked with such prestigious establishments as Bouley Bakery and Eleven Madison Park in New York City.

(October 2000) The 1848 House will get into the Halloween spirit with decorations of spider and cobwebs, gravestones, and owner Bill Dunaway will be around the whole month to tell the haunted tales of ghosts that are rumored to come around at this time of year. A Fall menu has also been introduced and includes pan seared salmon over white speckled grits with Portobello mushrooms and chestnut Roquefort compound butter and cornmeal crusted fried chicken livers with wilted watercress and spicy rhubarb syrup.

Abruzzi Ristorante - Opened September 1989

After Dark Cabaret (May 2000) Cumming has a new hot nightspot&emdash;After Dark Cabaret. After Dark is located in Lanier Lodge at 875 Lanier 400 Parkway and is owned by Sal Orlando who used to own an Italian restaurant in Cumming named Orlando's. The lodge sits atop a big hill so the club offers a great view of Lake Lanier. The interior is made up of wood, brass and mirrors and holds 225. Although hotel guests will make up the patronage, locals from the surrounding areas are most welcome and a target age group is 25 and older. Depending on the crowd the music will range from beach and shag to 70's and 80's dance. There is a large dance floor to accommodate anyone who wants to shake their thing. A deejay will spin tunes from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. The outdoor patio will host live jazz music for "Martini Sunsets" from 7 to 10 p.m. nightly and offer a large variety of martinis. There is a menu made up of tapas. Some items include baked brie, teriyaki wings with sesame seeds, mini meatballs over ziti pasta and sirloin skewers. Prices average between $4.95 and $6.95.

Agatha's - A Taste of Mystery (Opened October 1988)

(February 2000) Agatha's opened its latest spoof "Hammyball-Silence of the Hams - Part II" on January 20th. The show runs through April 19th and marks the return of old favorites, Doc Boreloff and his not so able-bodied assistant, Quasi Normal who are brought together to bring the evil human-gourmet, Hammyball Lecher, to justice.

Agave (October 2000) Opened

November 2000) Cabbagetown, Grant Park, Inman Park, these areas are exploding with newly renovated homes and lofts popping up on every street corner. And where there are people there is food, in particular, new restaurants hoping to add to the explosion as well as give their local neighbors something good to eat. Jack Sobel, previously with Tiburon Grille and most recently Director of Operations at Fratelli di Napoli and the Tap Room, opened his contribution to the area, Agave on October 13. Agave, located at 242 Boulevard, in the former Cafe Eureka space, is a tribute to Sobel's southwestern heritage. Named after the blue agave plant, which there happens to be one at the entrance to the restaurant and is the main ingredient in tequila, Agave is a casual eclectic southwestern eatery and tequila bar. "I'm amazed at the success so far," said Sobel "The clientele is incredible and they've welcomed us with open arms. One factor in finding a location for my restaurant was that it was freestanding and this spot happened to be perfect for me." The interior, which was completely gutted and rebuilt from ground up, offers mahogany tables and bar stools with blue and red lighting. There are many paintings by Navajo artist R. C. Gorman and Navajo pottery contributing to the decor. Seating is for 60 inside and an additional 40 in the patio. There is also a loft upstairs for private dining. Dinner-only is served seven nights and brunch on Sunday. Entree prices range between $7.50 and $19. Some ingredients are specially ordered, in particular, the green chiles, which can only be bought in New Mexico and the red chiles, which come from Mexico, to bring authenticity to the southwestern cuisine. The cuisine is called eclectic southwestern allowing the chef to be creative while preparing traditional dishes. For example pork tenderloin, smoked chicken, seared tuna and mountain trout can be found on the menu all prepared with a southwestern flare. Other items that can be found are the guajillo mussels, which are actually Prince Edward Isle mussels, and pasole, a traditional Spanish soup made with pork, hominy, chopped green chiles in a guajillo broth. The full service bar offers Mexican beers, 10 types of margaritas and 20 tequilas as well as an extensive wine list.

Agnes & Muriel's (Opened November 1995)

Aldo's - Johnson Ferry opened February 1995

(February 2001) Masoud Sedghi, who has owned Altobeli's on Haynes Bridge Road for 12 years and Aldo's Italian Restaurant on Roswell Road, will be opening Blue Stone restaurant in May at the intersection of State Bridge and Jones Bridge Roads. The restaurant, which is currently under construction, will offer continental fine dining. Sedghi formerly owned Aldo's Italian Restaurant in Tucker before selling it in August of last year.

AllStar Cafe (Opened August 1997)

Alpha Soda (opened August 1995)

Alpharetta Diner (Opened October 1996)

American Pie (Opened October 1985)

(April 2000) It's springtime and American Pie has owned Sundays in Atlanta for more than a decade and its management must have even a broader smile these days. The city has begin enforcing a 50-50 food-drink ratio for clubs on Sunday nights, effectively forcing places like Cobalt, Tongue & Groove, Liquid, Paradox and The Orchestra Pit to close Sunday nights. American Pie's Sundays have been an Atlanta classic. The party begins early in the afternoon on the deck overlooking Roswell Road just north of I-285 and often continues into the wee hours with one of the city's more eclectic crowd mixes.

AMERICAN PIE, 5840 Roswell Road (404/255-7571)
....Still owns Sunday in Atlanta
(What's Sizzlin' in Atlanta - August 2000 - December 2000)

Andaluz (October 2000) Opened in September 2000

(October 2000) Midtown continues to grow in leaps and bounds with new high-rise condos and restaurants One of those at the forefront of the Midtown explosion is George Rohrig, the man who created Buckhead with such places as The Peachtree Cafe, Otto's, Nickiemoto's, and The Lodge. Now the Buckhead veteran is putting his stamp on the Midtown renaissance. Rohrig has torn down an old gas station on the corner of 8th and Peachtree and turned it into a new building housing two restaurants. Andaluz and Celebrity Cafe (see metro section). Both opened in early September and had grand opening partys September 17th. Andaluz, named after Spanish Andalusian's, is an upscale high-end tapas restaurant. Owner Gladys Parada, who has worked under Guenter Seeger of Ritz Carlton and most recently Seeger's fame, says "with the tremendous growth in the Midtown area there is no one offering quality food after midnight." Andaluz opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 2 a.m. She hopes to capture the theater crowd as well as those looking for a nice dining alternative after hours. The interior is minimal and sleek, almost modern, with a 43-foot mural of Picasso's bullfight scene. The colors are vivid reds and yellows accented by black walnut tabletops. Seating inside accommodates 54. A large oval bar seats an additional 22. The bar serves a compact all-Spanish wine list, premium liquors and very few beers. The menu, which will change weekly, will include a wide variety of Spanish influenced tapas.

(November 2000) See Midtown

Andiamo Italian Bistro (October 2000) Opened

(October 2000) Brothers Adriano and Romano Baldelli will open the doors to their newest restaurant, Andiamo Italian Bistro, on October 1st. The restaurant will be located in the former Terra Cotta at 1044 Greenwood Avenue. Adriano and Romano previously owned and operated Villa d'Este in historic Roswell and sold it in January of this year. "We've always wanted to open in this area," said Adriano. "The landlord approached us with the space and we accepted." The concept will be casual Italian with dinner only being offered at first. Lunch will follow in a couple of months. The menu, being finalized at press time, will include pasta, veal and seafood dishes as well steaks and pizza. Entree prices will range between $8 and $12. The interior has been totally remodeled. An Italian villa theme is carried throughout with a large mural of a villa along one wall and an artist commissioned from London will have his paintings displayed on the remaining walls. Seating will be for 60 inside at tables and another 25 will be accommodated outside on a patio. The bar will be located at the front entrance and beer and wine only will be served. There will be a moderately priced wine list.

(November 2000) Andiamo Italian Bistro, a casual Italian eatery, opened its doors September 27 in the former Terra Cotta space at 1044 Greenwood Avenue in Virginia-Highland.

(January 2001) Brothers Adriano and Romano Baldelli have opened their newest restaurant, Andiamo Italian Bistro, which means "Let's Go," in the former Terra Cotta at 1044 Greenwood Avenue. Adriano and Romano previously owned and operated Villa d'Este for six years in historic Roswell and sold it in January of the past year. "We've always wanted to open in this area," said Adriano. "The landlord approached us with the space and we accepted." The concept is casual Italian at reasonable prices with dinner only being offered Monday through Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Romano is the chef and Andriano is the general manager. The menu emphasizes pasta, chicken, veal and seafood dishes. Andiamo offers appetizers of mussels, calamari, margherita and verde pizza ranging from $4 to $8. Diners can select from a list of entrees that includes homemade ravioli, fettuccini, chicken Andiamo, grouper, veal parm and chicken & veal marsala. Entree prices range between $8 and $15 and desserts are $5. The interior has an Italian villa theme that's carried throughout with a large mural of the Tuscan countryside along one wall and seaside vignettes painted by British artist, David Daniels. Seating is for 60 inside at tables and another 20 will be accommodated outside on a terrace. The bar is located at the front entrance and beer and wine only are served. There is a moderately priced wine list with a special list of $25-$80 per bottle also available. For more information you can call 404/892-3555.

Andretti Speed Lab (December 2000) Andretti Speed Lab, a 100,000 sq. ft. corporate & entertainment complex with a racing & sport theme, slated to open in late January at 11000 Alpharetta Highway, has announced Fuddruckers will become the racing-themed restaurant in its complex.

(January 2001) Andretti Speed Lab, an ultimate racing and corporate entertainment facility, has opened at 11000 Alpharetta Highway near Mansell Road and Ga. 400. Andretti Speed Lab is a $4.5 million, indoor racing and X-streme sports complex that fulfills the passions of race fans. The racetracks replicate challenging European circuits: tight hairpins, sweeping curves, high-speed straight-aways, even computerized timing. The SuperKarts are high-performance, high-speed machines of 1.2G's-the, closest thing out there to real racing. Professional racecar driver, John Andretti, designed the racetracks used at Andretti Speed Lab and personally endorses the facility. The Speed Lab has over 100,000 square-feet of activities including: 2 European-style indoor tracks, high-performance SuperKarts, corporate meeting rooms, team building & racing leagues, interactive simulators, rockclimbing wall, ropes course & zip lines, billiards & Andretti VIP room. You can grab a drink in the SkyBox sports bar with over 20 satellite-linked TV's including an 80 inch wide screen. The floor is a thick slab of glass suspended over the racing tracks. Fuddrucker's will serve portions of hearty American fare in an on-site restaurant, in the SkyBox sports bar and at full-service stations throughout the facility. There is also a fine-dining menu available for catered events. An American Cancer Society benefit is scheduled in January and a Grand Opening Party is planned for February. Call 770/992-5688 for information on events and memberships.

(March 2001) The Andretti Speed Lab (ASL) at 11000 Alpharetta Highway in Roswell will hold its grand opening weekend on Saturday, March 3rd and on Sunday, March 4th. Saturday will feature the finals of the Andretti Survivor challenge, which includes a one million dollar baseball throw for one of the finalist, a performance by the Crunch aerobic team, a live 99x broadcast and the Budweiser Clydesdales. Members of the Atlanta Thrashers hockey team will make an appearance on Sunday and the Crunch Aerobic team will perform again. The Andretti Speed Lab, named after John Andretti (Mario's nephew) is a 100,000 square foot kart racing, extreme sports and corporate meeting facility. In addition to the racetracks with different size karts for adults and children, who must be at least 7-years-old and 44 inches tall to ride, the building houses a Fuddrucker's restaurant, a 10,000 square foot game area, the Sky Box Sports bar with 20 satellite-linked TV's, a rope course, zip lines, a four-story rock climbing wall, a billiards area and a 6,000 square foot meeting/banquet room with videoconferencing capabilities. An eight minute racing heat costs $18 or 3 for $48 for adults and $12 or 3 for $30 for juniors. Other activities range from $9 for 15 minutes of rock wall climbing to $10 per hour for billiards and shuffleboard. The hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and noon through 11 p.m. on Sunday. The Andretti Speed lab offers team building packages for businesses with events lasting from 2 hours to a full day. The complex offers a variety of membership deals, group rates, family and birthday packages and corporate team building plans. The Roswell location is the first ASL in the country. The company plans to open 25 more locations nationwide with the next one being in Denver. The phone number for ASL is 770-992-5688.

Angelo & Maxie's (July 2000) Think about today's steakhouse and Buckhead images of men in dark suits, smoking cigars and sipping martinis comes to mind. Well, chalk up one more steakhouse group enroute to Atlanta, but this has a new twist on trendy and location. The latest is Angelo & Maxie's Steakhouse, scheduled to open at 1545 Peachtree Street in Midtown in late August. "Angelo & Maxie's has taken the stuffiness out of the steakhouse," said Tom Walters, president and CEO of Chart House Enterprises. "It's a fun, unintimidating restaurant with great food, a great look, and a friendly atmosphere." The restaurant, named after an eatery in the 42nd Street musical's song 'Lullaby of Broadway,' will serve high quality steaks at affordable prices in a art deco-style decor with an 1930's atmosphere featuring woodwork, bronzes, contemporary Tiffany light fixtures and murals of cows dining and drinking. The menu will be split into two categories - meat and not meat - and will offer an array of oversized steaks, salads, fish and chicken in addition to a one pound Maine lobster cocktail, one ounce Oscetra caviar, grilled yellow fin tuna and three pound roasted chicken. Angelo's is known for its oversized serving portions. The average check will range from $40 to $45 per person. The dining room will be non-smoking but a separate glassed-in dining area - Havana Rick's - will allow guests to smoke their cigars as well as rent personal humidors to store their own cigars in. A large selection of premium cigars will also be offered. A full service bar will be offered featuring 10-ounce martinis as their specialty drink along with an extensive wine list.

(August 2000) It is a steakhouse with a new twist - openly courting females as well as the male gender. Angelo & Maxie's Steakhouse, slated to open in late August, will be located in Midtown at 1545 Peachtree Street. The interior will feature an art deco-style decor with a 1930's atmosphere using lots of woods and bronzes as well as contemporary Tiffany light fixtures. There will also be murals depicting scenes of dining and drinking cows. Tom Water, CEO and President of Chart House Enterprises, said, "It's a fun and unintimidating atmosphere with a great look and friendly environment. We've taken the stuffiness out of the steakhouse." The menu which will be split into two different categories - meat and not meat - will offer many oversized steaks, salads, fish and chicken. The average check will range from $40 to $45 per person. The restaurant will be smoke friendly and will house a glassed in area that will allow guests to smoke their cigars as well as rent a personal humidor to store their own cigars. In addition guests will be able to purchase a cigar from the restaurant's own premium cigar selection. The specialty 10-ounce martini will top the drink list in addition to an extensive wine list.

(September 2000) Angelo & Maxie's Steakhouse, Peachtree Street - Newly Opened

(November 2000) See Midtown

Anthony's (July 2000) Anthony's on Piedmont Road celebrates its 33rd anniversary this month. It is situated in the almost 200-year-old Pope-Walton house which was moved brick by brick from Washington, Ga. In 1963.

Antica Posta (Opened September 1999)

Aqua Terra (August 2000) See also Club Fish

Araxi (February 2000) Araxi on Highway 92 closed their doors on January 15 and will reopen under a new name and concept this summer off Haynes Bridge Road.

(August 2000) Bitter End Seafood Market, in the former Araxi on Hwy. 92 made it's debut on July 5th and has a packed house nightly with long weekend waits.

Aria (April 2000) Hedgerose, formerly Hedgerose Heights, has always been known as an establishment to go for an occasion&emdash;whether it be an anniversary, birthday or engagement. But all that has changed. Hedgerose quietly became Aria on March 6th. An aria is a solo accompaniment or a highlight. The mission of Aria, the restaurant, is to bring together all individual qualities and make it one&emdash;everyone from the artists and architect to the chefs and managers. "We want to create a restaurant that reaches a broader base and becomes a place for every night dining," said owner/chef Gerry Klaskala. Klaskala's partners are Ron San Martin and George McKerrow Jr. The latter is the creator of LongHorn Steaks. The trio also operate Canoe and Fishbone. "Aria will reflect my personal entertainment style," said Klaskala. "Who said great meals out had to be served for special occasions? Spontaneity brings joy to the daily dining experience. Aria evenings will unfold as tantalizing aromas&emdash;not conversation drowning, pan-clanging sounds&emdash;waft out of the kitchen." Bill Johnson of Bill Johnson Designs has updated the interior with a pure cream color scheme and the original hardwood floors have been uncovered and brushed with a chocolate stain. The interior has gone from prim to avante garde creating a light, open more modern feel. Seating will be at white clothed tables. Local artists will showcase their works throughout the restaurant. A downstairs private dining table to accommodate two to four guests has been added in the wine cellar. Candles scattered through the room offer a romantic touch and a personal waiter will be at beck and call. A special menu will be designed by Klaskala for the "vintage diners" or they may choose to order from the main menu. The modern American menu features slow cooked entrees such as beef short ribs, Carolina rabbit and roasted chicken. "We're offering entrees that take time to cook," said Klaskala. But don't fear of a long wait for your meal the entrees will begin to be prepared early in the day. The menu will change seasonally. Entree prices range between $17 and $21. Some entrees included are roasted pork with balsamic and port with spicy greens and Gorgonzola polenta; Colorado lamb shank with cranberry beans, tomatoes and sage; and pot-roasted Carolina rabbit with sweet onions with wide ribbon pasta and Pecorino cheese.

(September 2000) Aria will host the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Wine & Food Wonderful Wednesday on September 6. Hors d'ouevres and a cash bar will be offered from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Artic Circle Bar & Grill (March 2000) Maybe the Artic Circle Bar & Grill should have opened Super Bowl week. It certainly would have been apropos. The new club, scheduled to open in mid-March, promises to keep you cool during Atlanta's sizzling summers and dreaming of the slopes in the winter. Artic Circle Bar & Grill is located at 4938 North Henry Boulevard in Stockbridge. Husband and wife team Butch and Ginger Foshee developed the idea and concept. "As a young boy my husband would eat at a little place in Macon that sold hotdogs," explained Ginger. "We've been married 20 years and that's all I've heard about. I have worked restaurants in Houston and we both have wanted to open our own place. And the southside needs a good bar and hangout." The couple's partner in the venture is Gary Howell, president of Howell Oil Corporation. A snow machine will shoot out snow 30 to 40 feet into the bar area when the bartenders get a big tip as well as occasional snow showers. The 120-seat interior features a semi-circle igloo bar made of glass cubes with a 1953 speedboat suspended from the ceiling over the bar. The speedboat will be filled with polar bears wearing Hawaiian leis, sunglasses and flamingos in earmuffs. "It's sort of the Artic Circle meets Hawaii," says Ginger. Basic bar food will make up the menu in addition to signature items of hot wings made from scratch sauce, a hand-patted hamburger, shrimp skewers and a low country boil. Prices will all be under $9.

Arturo's Piano Bar (Opened September 1998)

(October 2000) Arturo's Piano Bar in Dunwoody has live jazz Thursday and Saturday nights. Thursday nights is Diva night featuring women jazz singers and Saturday nights is Saturday Night Live with Ted Howell and Friends. Wednesdays has become Latino Jazz night.

Arugula, Piedmont Road (September 2000) Closed

Asher's (January 2000) "Asher's food will be rich. He will provide delicacies fit for a king." That's from Genesis 49:20. This Biblical proverb was the inspiration behind the name Asher, which will become a fine dining establishment located at 1085 Canton Street in historic Roswell. Situated in a historical late 1800's Victorian house Asher is scheduled to open the third week in January. "We want to open a restaurant that offers an atmosphere in which people can enjoy the best in food, wine, and service," said owner Jennifer Badgett. Jennifer, along with her husband Andy will take a hands-on approach, as Jennifer will oversee the dining room and Andy will be the chef. Both have years of experience between them and have worked at such prestigious restaurants as Chez Panisse in Berkely California, Stars in San Francisco and Ciboulette and Chops locally. A four-course prix fixe menu will be offered Tuesday through Saturday and a variety of selections will be offered within each course. Entree choices include grilled salmon with roasted root vegetables and bacon vinaigrette, roasted chutney honey chicken, pumpkin ravioli, and Swiss chard with Pinot Noir reduction and potato wrapped tune with roasted shallot sauce and marrow flan. The price will be $39. A three-course prix fixe menu will be offered on Mondays and will cost $29. Both menus will change seasonally and only the finest ingredients and produce for that time will be used in each dish. The house is broken into three separate uniquely decorated dining rooms each designed with a Victorian fashion. The 12 foot high ceilings, original wood paneling, and period lighting have all been kept intact. The use of rich warm colors and fabrics add special warmth to the atmosphere. A Victorian-style stained glass window separates the large dining room from the kitchen and will allow diners a view of the kitchen. Beer and wine only will be served. Wines will be specially designed to compliment the meals.

Aspen Signature Steakhouse (July 2000) The Van Gogh's and Vinny's folks have purchased the defunct Blue Olive on Shallowford Road in Marietta and will open the Aspen Signature Steakhouse in September.

(September 2000) Aspen Signature Steakhouse has a middle October anticipated opening. The restaurant will be located on Shallowford Road in the former Blue Olive. With a main menu emphasis on choice and Angus steaks seafood will also be offered with entree prices ranging between $15 and $22. The interior will give the atmosphere of being in a Colorado lodge complete with cedar and stone.

(October 2000) Opened

(October 2000) Neighbors in the Shallowford Road area in Marietta will feel as if they've stepped into an upscale Colorado lodge when they dine at Aspen Signature Steakhouse. Chris and Michele Sedgewick, of Van Gogh's and Vinny's on Windward, are planning a mid October opening for their newest restaurant located at 2942Shallowford Road in the former Blue Olive. Dinner-only will be offered and the menu's main focus will be on steaks with only choice and Angus beef being featured including a 10 oz. chopped steak, 7 or 10 oz. Aspen filet, 20 oz. cowboy bone-in ribeye and 12 or 16 oz. New York strip. Menu prices range from $5.95 to $22.50. Other entrees will include chili rubbed rare grilled tuna, shrimp dumplings, bok choy in sesame miso broth; grilled mountain trout with red onion cheddar grits and portobellos in a lemon-caper vinaigrette and red wine jus; parmesan crusted "pounded" veal chop, stewed tomatoes, bel paese with buttered spinach and mashed potatoes; and salt and pepper fried shrimp, sea scallops, and clams with crisp fried chips. A lodge feel is being created with the addition of stacked stone walls, cedar beams and columns. A fireplace will lend a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. Seating will be for 200 at red and tan leather chairs and booths and clothed tables surrounded by stone. All original artwork (for sale) of the Aspen tree will be displayed along one wall with horse heads and the like on the others. There will be a cherry wood full-service bar and an open wine cellar. The bar is raised about a foot and is situated in the left front of the building.

Atlanta Beer Garten (March 2001) Closed - *See Bayou LaRoux's

Atlanta Fish Market (Opened October 1993)

Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern - Opened September 1990

Atlantic Star (October 2000) Opened

(November 2000) The Decatur restaurant scene continues to grow. Atlantic Star, a French-inspired American brasserie, opened in October at 105 Sycamore Place. The eatery is situated in an 80-year-old building that once housed the Atlanta Star Ice and Coal House. The interior features multi-levels with a loft-like feel exposing original brick, concrete, high ceilings, tile and duct work. A spacious bar area, brown high back leather booths and a raw bar are featured highlights. There is also a large patio complete with fountain, with seating for 100. The menu was created by executive chef Jeff Cruse, who most recently was sous chef at Brasserie le Coze. Included in the menu are Price Edward Island mussels with shallots, garlic, parsley, wine and cream butter; warm portabella and artichoke salad with pancetta, parmesan greens and lemon-chive emulsion; classic rotisserie chicken with wilted spinach, potato puree and thyme; yellowfin tuna on collard greens; and steak frites. Entree prices range from $7-$15 at lunch and $7-$18 at dinner. The raw bar features oysters, stone crab claws, peel and eat shrimp, tuna tartar and ceviche. The full-service bar features 30 wines by the glass. Owners are Fariba and Tommy Todd, former co-owners of Metrotainment Cafes, "We are thrilled to be a part of the Atlanta restaurant scene again," said Fariba Todd.

Babette's Cafe (February 2001) After eight-and-a-half years in its original location at 471 North Highland Babette's Café is moving to 573 North Highland. "We've outgrown the space," explains Chef Kelly Kline of the move. "We are hoping for a March opening." Kline says that in the new location there will be outdoor seating overlooking Freedom Park, an expanded bar/waiting area and they will take reservations. The menu will feature the same European provincial cuisine that Babette's Café is known for including the cassoulet which is lamb, duck sausage and chicken baked with white beans in a rich broth; and the beef tenderloin with gorgonzola sauce and spicy onion rings. Entree prices will remain in the $12 to $21.50 range. According to Kline the interior will feature a lot of the same decorations and the same warm earth tone colors. Customers can check out the progress of the new location at www.babettescafe.com The original space has been shown to several people but Kline doesn't know what the final plans will be for that location.

Bacchanalia - Opened at Howell Mill February 2000

(August 2000) (See also Floataway Cafe) Bacchanalia, Star Provisions and Floataway Cafe will offer a cooking demonstration to benefit Habitat for Humanity on August 7 and for $75 will feature a four course meal. In addition Star Provisions is offering one hour cooking demonstrations every Wednesday beginning August 9 - grilling with hardwood and ending on the 30th with simple granitas.

Bahama Breeze (April 2000) Bahama Breeze is anticipating a late spring/early summer opening for its 3rd Atlanta location at 10845 Haynes Bridge Road. The Caribbean cottage themed restaurant has become quite popular at its two sister locations&emdash;Duluth and Kennesaw&emdash;that there are close to two hour waits on the weekends. A smorgasbord of Caribbean influenced cuisine includes such items as conch fritters, paella, jerk chicken and fresh fish entrees all served amongst an island decor. Prices range between $5.95 and $15.95.

(May 2000) A third Bahama Breeze is scheduled to open in early June at 10845 Haynes Bridge Road in Duluth. The Caribbean cottage-themed restaurant offers a multitude of Caribbean-influenced cuisine including such menu items as conch fritters, paella, jerk chicken and fresh fish entrees with prices ranging between $5.95 and $15.95. An island decor creates a festive atmosphere. The first Bahama Breeze opened on Breckenridge Road in spring of 1999 and was followed by number two in Kennesaw in late 1999.

(July 2000) You can figure McKendrick has picked the correct area, if the success of the newest Bahama Breeze restaurant-bar just a few blocks away on the other side of North Pointe Mall is any barometer. It doesn't open until 4 p.m., but by 4:15 there's not a table to be had in the tropical setting and nightly the wait is two hours for a table. Same goes for Bahama Breeze locations in Gwinnett and Kennesaw. Yes, there's a little Jimmy Buffett trying to come out of most of us.

(August 2000) Crowds are so large at Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-themed restaurant off Haynes Bridge at North Pointe Mall, that patrons' automobiles overflow the parking lot into a nearby field. Surely, the first time many of the sleek four-wheel equipped sports utility vehicles have ever been off road.

BAHAMA BREEZE, 10845 Haynes Bridge Road (678/319-9949)
....Newest location for Caribbean-themed creation has hoppin' bar
(What's Sizzlin' in Atlanta - August 2000)

Bailey's English Pub & Grille (Opened October 1998)

Ballyhoos - Opened February 1997

Bang (April 2001) Partners Larry Ammons and Richard Madonia have opened Bang, a bistro serving French and Italian casual cuisine in the former Baker's Cajun Cafe space at 1126 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points. The chef is Joey Bridgers formerly of Asher in Roswell. Bang entrees range from $13.95 to $18.95. Bang is open from 5:30 p.m. til 10 p.m. on weekdays and til 11:30 p.m. on the weekends. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. daily and a weekend brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. The restaurant's number is 404.223.5039.

Bar, E. Paces Ferry - Opened February 1994

Barley's Billiards (July 2000) Downtown &emdash; still struggling to compete with Buckhead and Midtown &emdash; has a new upscale pool hall, Barley's Billiards. Avid pool players may recall a Barley's Billiards on Windy Hill Road, which closed in 1992. There is also a second location in Doraville, which opened in 1987 and is still in operation under new ownership. The downtown Barley's Billiards is located at 338 Peachtree Street in a two-story building dating back to the early 1900's. The owners are Barbara and Larry Cooper. "The Windy Hill location was chosen as nicest pool hall in America by a trade magazine," said Larry. "This one is much better." For $10 an hour customers can rent any of the 32 tables (Brunswick's finest showcase tables) where they have their own private Wood Smith tables and dining chairs. There are 17-foot ceilings and original artwork paintings decorating the walls along with ornate banners by Brunswick. There are two floors with each floor having its own bar. The menu consists of deli and grilled sandwiches, burgers and fried appetizers. Prices range between $6 and $8. There are also two filet steaks offered at $14 and $21. The bar serves beer and wine only and the whole place is non-smoking. "I want everyone to know that we're open for the recreational player as well as the serious pool players," said Cooper. "Everyone should feel welcome here."

Barnacle's (Peachtree Industrial location opened August 1995)

Barzini's (December 2000) A new Mediterranean/Italian restaurant has popped up off Towne Lake in the Buckhead Crossing shopping center. Barzini's opened in mid November and serves grilled items of salmon, seabass, grouper and steaks as well as pasta dishes and seafood. Dinner-only is offered and prices range from $10 to $15. The interior is casual yet cozy in a family-oriented atmosphere with lots of wood booths, colors in reds and browns and grape vines hanging from the ceiling all creating the feel of being in the inside of an Italian villa. Seating is for 190 and there is also a patio. A full service bar is offered including a nice selection of wines sold either by the glass or bottle. Wilhelm Trunk is the owner.

Basil's (Opened October 1989)

Basta, Georgian Terrace - Opened February 1994

Bayou LaRoux's (Opened - March 2001) *See Atlanta Beer Garten, Clutch Cargo's, GO Lounge - Owners Boyd Barrow and Fred Lauff have decided to turn their 12,000 square foot Atlanta Beer Garten at 3013 Peachtree Road into three places &emdash; Clutch Cargo's, Bayou LaRoux's and the Go Lounge by the beginning of March. "After five years it was time to do something new," says managing partner John Gafford of the change. The patio area will become the Key West theme bar, Clutch Cargo's, which will be open only when the weather is good. The menu here will feature such seafood fare as crab legs, raw oysters and peel and eat shrimp. Specialty drinks on the patio will be tropical and/or frozen. Dinner will be served seven days a week with lunch only being offered on the weekends during the club's opening phase and may expand to weekdays later on. Acoustic music, including Jimmy Buffett, reggae and other island style tunes will be the entertainment on the deck. A Louisiana swamp concept called Bayou LaRoux's will be set up in the front part of the interior where jambalaya, gumbo, a large selection of po' boys, crawfish and other Cajun styled fare will be dished up. Specialty drinks in this part of the bar will be served in mason jars. The back room will be converted into the Go Lounge where live music will be played four to five nights a week. The area will feature couches and coffee tables and a dance floor. The music will vary with some bands providing dance tunes while other bands will set a mood for having a few drinks and hanging out. A full bar will be set up in the lounge but food will only be served during special events. The establishment will continue to brew its own beer with a specialty brew - such as backwater brown for Bayou LaRoux's - for each area. According to John Gafford customers will only be able to order the food or specialty drinks designated for the area they are in. "However, if customers in the lounge are craving Cajun they can go to Bayou LaRoux's with no problem because the $5 cover gets you into all three areas," he says. Major credit cards will be accepted in all three areas. The phone number is 404-261-9898.

BAYOU ROOM, 2217 Roswell Road (770/971-2343)
....Dancing, live music, firebreathing barkeep spell fun in Marietta
(What's Sizzlin' December 2000)

Beaufain's (November 2000) Tom Phing, the veteran restaurateur from Thialand, will open Beaufain's in mid-November at 350 Mead Road in the former Heaping Bowl Brew space. Beaufain's will offer low country cuisine, including shrimp and grits.

(January 2001) Tommy Phing, who owns the King and I on Piedmont Road, and Michael Strimban opened Beaufain's at 350 Mead Road in Oakhurst near Decatur. The restaurant takes its names from one of the most famous street's in Charleston where Strimban attended the Johnson and Wales Culinary School. It is also the city where his fiancee's family has been for five generations. While it has a low country flair it is not a meat and three veggies kind of place. The restaurant puts a little upscale twist on the low country style food from the Charleston area. Some of the fare includes shrimp with tasso gravy served over cheddar cheese grits; boneless pork chop with pepper gravy served over mashed sweet potatoes; pulled pork; and okra soup. Entrees are in the $9 to $16 dollar range. The restaurant has a liquor license and offers a wide selection of whisky and bourbon. On December 31 the restaurant began serving Sunday brunch (10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) complete with mint juleps. Beaufain's is open for dinner only the rest of the week. (5p.m. -10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) The interior has light celery green painted walls, oak tables and there are retro 70's lamps around the restaurant which seats 90. Walls are decorated with painted photography by Cabbagetown artist Janet Epstein. Blues and jazz are piped in over the restaurant's music system. Since opening on December 1 the restaurant has drawn an eclectically mixed group of diners from the nearby eclectic area of Decatur. The dress is casual. The restaurant accepts MasterCard, Visa and American Express. Strimban also owns the Courtside Grill inside East Cobb's Chattahoochee Plantation Club. The phone number is 404/373-3757.

Bella Napoli - Opened February 1993

Beluga (May 2000) Hottest late night happening in Buckhead in the wee hours is little Beluga on Piedmont. You can find an interesting crowd there late almost any night when other bars are long since shuttered.

BELUGA, 3455 Peachtree Road (404/869-1090)
.....Late night stop for movers and shakers in Buckhead
(What's Sizzlin' in Atlanta - August 2000 - December 2000)

(October 2000) Musician Bobby Brown popped into Beluga in the wee hours on a recent Sunday morning for a jam session with the house band. Brown had been staying at the nearby Ritz Carlton in Buckhead where he hooked up with a bachlorette party in the lobby and wound up partying at Beluga. No sightings of Whitney, but, hey, it was a good night for Bobby. No reports of him winding up in the pokey.

Benihana (August 2000) Benihana at 2143 Peachtree Road in SoBuck has been an Atlanta fixture for more than 25 years and has opened its newest restaurant at the same location, situated next to the original building which is being demolished. It features additional seating, plus a 1,690-square foot sushi bar with 19 seats.

Bently's (February 2001) Bently and Barbara Kriewald, owners of the Sidelines Grill at 285 and Powers Ferry Road, are opening Bently's at 7870 Roswell Road in the site that formerly housed Gustaro's and the Dunwoody Draft House in early spring. "We're going to open the place up a little bit and give it a brighter feel, says Bently Kriewald who is shooting for a March 1st opening. "We're taking down the awnings, getting rid of the sports bar colors. We're going to give it a more of an upscale feel but still be casual dining." The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner. Menu selections will include special encrusted fish filets, steaks, pastas and a wide selection of sandwiches. Lunch prices will be from $5.99 to $7.99. Dinner will be in the $8.99 to $13.99 range. The bar will offer 24 domestic and imported beers on tap. Interior capacity is 200 with capacity for another 20 on the patio when warm weather arrives. The restaurant will accept all major credit cards. They will keep a few video games and pool table on one side of the restaurant.

(March 2001) Bently's Opened

Bistros (September 2000) Two bistros in one. That's what Bistros is being described as. Bistro's is scheduled to open in late September or early October and will combine French and American bistro fare. The restaurant will be located at 1529 Piedmont Road in the former Cippollino and Ciboulette locations. Owned by Mike Burdick, partner in the popular newcomer steakhouse, Cabernet, is very excited about this venture. "This is what I do (open restaurants) and it is a great opportunity." The interior is being totally remodeled with new paint and light fixtures all creating a bistro-like atmosphere. An artist was commissioned to do seven paintings reminiscent of the 20's and 30's hoping to give off a cozy, older feel. Seating will be for 120 and an additional 30 will be in a private banquet room. The chef, Rhoads Fearn, hails from the Food Business in Decatur and is creating a menu of French cuisine on one side and American on the other. Entree prices will range from $12 to $20. Dinner only will be served in the beginning. The General Manager, Francois Hugon, will bring his years of experience to running the operation. He opened Pricci and was also with Brasserie le Coze, in Lenox. A full service bar will be offered. In addition, Mike and his Cabernet partners, are planning on opening a 7,000 sq. ft. seafood restaurant off Windward Parkway in early Spring of 2001.

(October 2000) Opened

(October) Mike Burdick is an up and comer in the business who is branching out from his partners in Cabernet and is opening his own restaurant, Bistros. To be located in the former Cippollini and Ciboulette at 1529 Piedmont Road the restaurant has an early October anticipated opening. Combining two bistros in one the menu will combine French and American fare. Burdick will have help and bringing their years of experience will be executive chef Rhoads K. Fearn, formerly of Food Business, and managing partner Francois Hugon, formerly of Brasserie le Coze. "With Bistros, we set out to create a classic restaurant romantic enough for a special occasion yet comfortable enough to visit time and again," said Hugon. The interior will have white tablecloth seating and candlelight as well as local artist Laurent Adams has been commissioned to decorate with warm, vibrant colors and is creating several paintings illustrating scences from the Roaring 20s. Seating will be for 120 and an additional 30 will be in a private banquet room. The menu will be divided between American and French cuisine. Some American fare will include an appetizer of ravioli filled with spicy pulled pork and a light mushroom sauce; filet of snapper encrusted with Thai basil pesto on garlic spinach with coconut milk yellow pepper sauce; and roasted New Zealand rack of lamb with artichoke mousse, port wine basil and ragout of lentils. The French portion will include foie gras and scaloppini of turbot for hors d'oeuvres as well as duck breast with green peppercorn sauce; pan seared scallops on Belgian endive and a 12 oz. NY strip with béarnaise sauce to name a few. Entree prices will range from $14 to $20 and lunch and dinner will be offered. A full service bar will be offered with an extensive wine list offering wines from both countries either by the glass or bottle. In addition to food and drink, French language classes will be offered by a certified French-English translator from Georgia State University as well as monthly cooking classes. Also, Burdick and his Cabernet partners, are planning on opening a 7,000 sq. ft. seafood restaurant off Windward Parkway in early Spring of 2001.

(November 2000) See Midtown

(December 2000) Top Ten Dining Recommendations - BISTRO'S, 1529 Piedmont Road (404/879-1090): Combing French and American fare Bistro's owners have set out to create a classic restaurant romantic enough for a special occasion yet comfortable enough to visit time and again.

Bitter End (May 2000) David Howard owns the northern suburbs. His Chicago's restaurants for 10 years have filled the perfect niche, drawing loyal crowds to a casual upscale neighborhood ambiance, giving diners in places like Marietta and Roswell close-to-home dining rather than a long drive to Buckhead for a nice meal. Howard's first Chicago's opened on Shallowford Road in East Cobb in 1991 and he soon followed with a location in Roswell on Old Alabama and in Marietta on Whitlock Avenue. The newest concept will be named Bitter End Seafood Market and will be located at the intersection of Sandy Plains and Hwy. 92 in what was formerly Araxi. "We still want to expand Chicago's but also want to stay within our market," said David. "Bitter End will become another dining option to our existing customer base." Scheduled to open in early summer, this too will offer a casual atmosphere while guests can enjoy dining on fresh fish daily including lobster, shellfish, steak and prime rib all at a moderate price. The dining room will have a display kitchen and there will also be a separate private dining room for up to 60 guests. In addition to the 165-seat restaurant a market will offer seafood, steaks, salads, breads and soups for take-out service.

(August 2000) Bitter End Seafood Market, in the former Araxi on Hwy. 92 made it's debut on July 5th and has a packed house nightly with long weekend waits.

Bliss (Opened October 1999), (Closed January 2001)

(May 2000) The Bliss Passport Series continues May 2nd featuring Art Norman of Norman Vineyards who will present his award-winning Zinfandel, "The Monster" as well as the rest of his series, May 9 features wines of Foris Vineyards and May 16 offers the Rabbit Ridge series.

(July 2000) Bliss reopened on June 20 after a forced three-week closing due to a flood caused by faulty plumbing. Owner Tom Cook and chef/business partner Shaun Doty revamped the menu and the design creating a new simple and sophisticated bistro-style menu.

(September 2000) The last increment to the "Passport Series" hosted by Bliss will be September 6 featuring Clos Pegas. The tasting will be from 6:30-8 p.m. and will include complimentary tastes from the kitchen.

(October 2000) Bliss began offering lunch on September 11. The menu features soups, sandwiches, salads and daily specials with a simple cuisine highlighted by fresh seasonal ingredients.

(February 2001) Bliss, located at 1829 Peachtree Street which opened in August of '99 replacing Palisades, has closed its doors for good.

Blue Lagoon Lounge (November 2000) Opened October 2000

(November 2000) It'll be a coup for northside live music if the new Blue Lagoon Lounge upstairs at Boston Sea Party on Roswell Road takes off. Good news is that Tommy Dean and the great League of Decency will be the semi-house band in residence at least in the beginning. They'll be there November 3 and again on November 17 before debuting their new CD, 'Jump Yer Bones' on December 12 at the new rock club.

(February 2001) The Blue Lagoon Lounge has recently been reopened upstairs at the Boston Sea Party at 3820 Roswell Road. The club originally opened in January 2000 with a disco format but closed in May because, "things didn't work as well as we had hoped for," says restaurant manager Stephen Vanderpool. Now the format features the house band, The Blue Velvets, and other bands performing the 60's and 70's rock and dance music of such groups as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. With its shag carpet, black and blue colors and the mirrored wall the club has a retro 70's feel. According to Vander-pool the club has been drawing an age 30 and up crowd. There is a $5 cover for the club which is opened Friday and Saturday nights. There is no cover for customers who dine at The Boston Sea Party. Dress is casual. The phone number is 404-233-1776.

(March 2001) Blue Lagoon and Boston Sea Party closed

Blue Moon Supper Club (August 2000) The former Blue Moon Supper Club's space on Johnson Ferry is under new ownership and will become Fuji Hana Steak & Sushi in October. This steak and sushi restaurant will offer entrees ranging in price from $6.95-$9.95 for lunch and $14.95-$29.95 for dinner.

Blue Olive (July 2000) Blue Olive, Shallowford Road closed.

Bluepointe (March 2000) Early diners at Bluepointe, Pano Karatassos' latest creation in the snazzy new Pinnacle Building at Lenox-Phipps, indicate that not much has changed. Karatassos remains Atlanta's fine dining Babe Ruth. "Cosmopolitan," says one. "A big city sophisticated option," noted another. "A true dining experience," reported one satisfied soul. "Pretty expensive," gasped another. No one should be surprised at any of the reactions. Quality does not come without attention to detail and a price. And even an Atlanta fine dining veteran of 21 years like Karatassos feels the pressure. "It used to be that all you needed was good food, service and parking, but that's not the case anymore," says Pano. "Now you either have to have a charming little nook in an area where it works or you have an elaborate 'wow' look and be able to come to the table with the goods." Bluepointe fits in the 'wow' look category and few would argue that Karatassos and his Buckhead Life restaurant group can't bring the goods. Bluepointe, which opened in December, features flowing curves and 26 foot ceilingsaccessed through two sets of automatic stainless steel and glass doors. The high ceilings give way to light woods, stainless steel and bold colors that contrast a dark upper portion. The flooring provides an ocean floor impression with black and mosaic granite touched with blues. The two-tiered restaurant seats 278 and is broken into separate areas - main dining room (76), an area open to the kitchen (96), cocktail lounge (50) and the mezzanine (54), which opens into the dining room. The latter has a separate entrance for VIPs and can convert to a private party area. Kevin Rathbun, who drew praise at Nava, has moved over to become chef/partner at BluePointe and to direct a kitchen putting out American-style fusion cooking, highlighted by an oyster and seafood bar as well as sushi bar.Bluepointe is Buckhead Life's 11th restaurant. Others include Pano's & Paul's, 103 West, Buckhead Diner, Pricci, Veni Vidi Vici, Chops, Atlanta Fish Market, Nava, Corner Cafe and Buckhead Bread Company. Pictured on the January cover are (from left) general manager Niko Karatassos, chef/partner Kevin Rathbun, executive chef Ian Winslade and Pano Karatassos.

BLUEPOINTE, 3455 Peachtree Road (404/237-9070)
.....Bar at Pano's most beautiful restaurant has beautiful people
(What's Sizzlin' in Atlanta - August 2000 - December 2000)

Blue Ribbon Grill (Opened November 1985)

Blue Ridge Grill (Opened February 1995)

Bobby Rubino's - Opened March 2001

(April 2001) Former Lockheed engineer Steve Denier jetted over to the restaurant business recently by opening Bobby Rubino's at 1025 Rose Creek Drive in Woodstock. Originally from New York, Denier discovered the Bobby Rubino's restaurants when he moved to south Florida. "I have been a fan of the chain since the early 80's," he says. "I thought this area needed a place with some good ribs." In addition to the restaurant's usual fare of barbecue chicken, ribs, beef and other dinners including mahi-mahi, Denier has added a little Southern flair to the menu such as trout and Brunswick stew. "I will continue making adjustments based on what my customers and the area wants as long as it keeps in line with the franchise," he says. Prices range from $5 to $7 for burgers and barbecue sandwiches to $8 for catfish to $15 dollars for New York strip and $16 for a rack-and-a-half of ribs. The restaurant, which offers counter service for ordering, offers two levels of seating - the upper area has booths. The arched street lights, the oak trim and the burgundy, yellow and hunter green walls give Bobby Rubino's a little more of a modern and upscale feel than the typical Southern barbecue restaurant. When this issue of the hud report was going to press Denier was waiting for his beer and wine license. The restaurant's number is 770.516.6900.

Bombay Grill (March 2001) In mid April Arvinder Ghai plans to open the Bombay Grill at 2165 Savoy Drive in the site that was formerly a Steak and Ale. The fine dining restaurant will offer fare from northern and southern India. While menu items were still being worked out when this issue went to press, Ghai says for lunch customers can select items from the menu or from a nine to ten course buffet. A few of the dishes include lamb curry, shrimp curry, chicken makhani and chicken biryana. The buffet will cost $8.99 while menu items will be in the $9 or $10 range. Bright lighting along with beige and white paint are being used to get rid of the dark interior feel left over from the Steak and Ale days. Ghai, who formerly owned the Bombay Harbor restaurant in Long Island, New York, is bringing in the majority of his staff from New York and is importing all of his crockery from India. The restaurant will offer a full bar. Major credit cards will be accepted.

Boston Sea Party - Opened February 1975 - Closed February 2001

(February 2000) OK, there's no ocean closer than a five-hour drive and definitely no one has ever accused this city of being "beantown." But after 25 years, the Boston Sea Party is still with us at 3820 Roswell Road. Amazing. And for those who would scoff at the less than wonderful reviews the place has received in past years and turn their noses up at all-you-can-eat buffets, 25 years in the restaurant business is like two and a half human life times. You can count on one hand the number of 20-year-old restaurants in Atlanta. Andrian Popescu has owned Boston Sea Party since 1988 - and for those people who haven't darkened the doors there in a couple decades - he wants you to know "we're still here and the food is better than ever." It is served on three pier buffet tables - and the Boston connection is - this is symbolic and representative of the dinner the patriots might have eaten as they fought for freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It will cost you for the experience. The first pier of the buffet consists of appetizers and salads, and includes everything from boiled shrimp and oysters on the half shell to smoked salmon, caviar and herring. The second tier features Boston clam chowder, kettles of shrimp Creole, crab and shrimp au gratin as well as fried shrimp, Alaskan crab legs, barbecued ribs, corn on the cob and gumbo. The third pier is for dessert lovers and includes fresh baked pastries and cheesecake, chocolate mousse, chocolate dipped strawberries and more. In addition to the three piers, whole main lobsters, filet mignon, prime rib and two fresh catches on the day are offered. There is a full bar and a large wine selection. Boston Sea Party, located at 3820 Roswell Road just north of Johnny's Hideaway, also has a new chef - Juan Hill from Las Vegas. "We know there are people who probably haven't dined with us in 15 years," says Popescu. "We want them to return and check it and give us another chance." Twenty five years is certainly worth something.

(March 2001) Boston Sea Party closed. The longstanding Boston Sea Party on Roswell Road, which celebrated its 26th Anniversary in February, has closed its doors for good.

Brandy House (January 2000) Pete Peck, George Watson and Don Sharpe. In early 1970s Atlanta, the threesome owned Atlanta after-dark. Their empire stretched from The Bucket Shop in Underground to the Scotch House on the southside to Alexander's Eagle to the east, the Hunt Club to the west and The River House to the north. But like all good things in the restaurant-bar business, it came to an end. Those days are long gone. The three owners that made up the group, Downside Risk, have long since gone their separate ways. Now only the Brandy House remains and Sharpe is the sole owner. But, oh, what a run that Roswell Road watering hole and restaurant-once a singles hot spot in the 1970s-has had. It turns 27 years old this month, still churning, taking on a whole new generation and look. Don's son, Brad, has come aboard as general manager and has turned the after-dark Brandy House into a musical happening. There's live music Wednesday through Saturday and sometimes on Sundays. It has become the Atlanta spot to catch the legendary Colonel Bruce Hampton and his Fiji Mariners. "They were a big help in getting out the word that this was a rockin' place to play," says Brad. Members of Phish, John Popper, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring and others have all stopped in to jam with the Colonel. And Daddy Don? "I'm still very much involved," he says. He still on the scene daily from Monday through Friday, making sure the Brandy House is still serving up its signature items like the big burger and Thursday pot roast. The rest of the time you might catch he and wife Shirley of 32 years playing tennis at their big house on the river. One gets the feeling The Brandy House will endure as long as the generations of Sharpes do.

Brasserie Le Coze (July 2000) Brasserie Le Coze executive chef John Schwenk has comprised a new spring menu featuring lobster and celery root salad with lobster vinaigrette, seared salmon in a fresh tomato jus and sorrek, and poached halibut with nage, baby bokchoy, scallions and enoki mushrooms to name a few.

Breakaway Grill, The (July 2000) With hockey back and Atlanta's team, the Thrashers off to a beginner's start, it's no wonder someone decided to combine dining and hockey - with no fighting, thank you. The Breakaway Grill, an upscale sports bar and grill, opened June 10 above the Thrashers' practice rink at the Ice Forum in Duluth. The Ice Forum is just one of owner Jack Burton's skating facilities. 'We wanted to build on the successful combination of the traditional sports pubs and restaurant," Burton said." Diners at the Breakaway will be able to order from an eclectic menu and experience a rare behind-the-scenes view of professional level sports." The interior is all Thrasher memorabilia with somewhat of a retro/techno feel. Colors used were blue, gold and maroon. The dining room has three levels so everyone is able to see the rink. There are also 10 television sets throughout. Seating accommodates 88. General Manager and Chef Michael Sullivan was brought on board from a successful stint at the Fox's Encore. His menu, very unlike that found in a typical sports bar, includes specialty items as crispy sweet and sour calamari, soy and ginger reduction topped with toasted sesame seeds; pineapple and jalapeno rubbed shrimp skewers; and Guinness marinated steak tips. Prices range between $6 and $10 for lunch and entrees range between $10 and $18. Beer and wine only are served with an extensive list of both being available in a separate bar area.

Brickery, The (Opened February 1992)

Bridgetown Grill (Roswell Road location opened August 1992), (Bridgetown Grill, Town Center opened February 1999), (Cumberland Mall location opened October 1998 - CLOSED early 2001), (Little 5 Points opened February 1990)

(August 2000) Bridgetown Grill is once again expanding and has chosen the former Bertucci's on Piedmont, as it's newest location. An opening in the second week of August has been scheduled. There are currently five Bridgetowns. The first opened at Little Five Points 10 years ago with No. 2 following on Peachtree. No. 3 is in Sandy Springs on Roswell Road. The two most recent additions were Cumberland (No. 4) and Town Center (No. 5). Owner Greg Vojnavic says, "This location will be the future of the company. Design-wise this will become 'the' location." Ed Sieber Design is creating the interior look. Murals and glasswork will be displayed creating a casual comfortable atmosphere with lots of energy. Both the business clientele and the casual diner will feel at ease dining next to each other. Seating will accommodate 270 and a patio is being added. This location is the first to have it's own separate bar area and there will be two oversized booths as well as banquette seating. The same great Caribbean influenced menu will be offered with the average check including appetizer and drink running about $16. The menu is in the process of being expanded upon and will soon offer more seafood entrees with tropical flavorings. At least eight new items are being added. "Most recently we've been improving our food quality and service and I feel we are now up to 100%," said Vojnavic.

(September 2000) Bridgetown Grill, Piedmont Road - Newly Opened

(October 2000) Jimmy Buffett used to kid that Atlanta was the northern edge of the Caribbean. We wish. Shortly, cold winds will begin sweeping in from the northwest and Atlantans will begin dreaming of trips to far off Caribbean islands where the breezes are seductively warm, the drinks tropical and the ocean beautiful hues of blue. There are few places in Atlanta to escape to catch the tropical feel. One is Bridgetown Grill, a Caribbean style eatery that appears to be on the move. Owner Greg Vojnovic, has come to Atlanta's restaurant heartland - Buckhead - to showcase his tropical restaurant chain. Metro Atlanta's fifth Bridgetown Grill has opened at 3316 Piedmont Road in the former Bertucci's location. "I bought the company three years ago and I've spent all that time doing the ground work,' says Vojnovic. "There were lots of problems to work through and slowly it has evolved to where it is today. This Buckhead location will be a prototype and we are ready to start growing." Vojnovic is a third generation restaurant man, having grown up in the business. He laughs that his first promotion was from potwasher to dishwasher. In the early '80s he even bartended at The Peachtree Cafe. "We hope to grow bigger and bigger," says Vojnovic, who is looking for an equity partner to help build more restaurants. Bridgetown features Caribbean cooking with familiar foods like shrimp, chicken, pork, rice and beans. Among the favorites are Jerk Chicken ($9.99), Mango Pork ($11.99), Garlic Shrimp ($12.99) and Barbecue Ribs with guava barbeque sauce (half rack $10.99, full rack $13.99). Burritos are also served along with jerk wings, conch fritters, calamari and pineapple bread. Black and white soup - black bean soup swirled with homemade habenero cheese soup, topped with salsa and a zigzag of seasoned sour cream - is also a house specialty. Jamaican-flavored drinks top the beverages, including legendary Red Stripe beer, Jamaican sodas and Jamaican Royale Coffee. Other Bridgetown Grills are located at 689 Peachtree in Midtown, 1156 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, 7285 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs and 2997 Cumberland Boulevard in Cobb. Featured on this month's cover are Greg Vojnovic (left) and Bridgetown's Keith Aultman and Mike Somers.

Brio Tuscan Grill & Bakery (January 2000) Word is Amerigo at 2964 Peachtree in Buckhead is closing and will be replaced by Brio Tuscan Grill and Tuscan Bakery, a creation of Bravo, a Columbus, Ohio-based restaurant group. An employee at Amerigo confirmed the imminent closing by saying the restaurant would be probably be shuttered by the end of December.

(May 2000) Last year just before the millennium hit, Amerigo closed its doors for good and over the months a new company has come in and begun renovations to the existing building. Brio Tuscan Grille is slated to have a late June opening and will be located at 2964 Peachtree Street. Owned by Bravo Development, Inc. the company is headquartered out of Columbus, Ohio and boasts a motto of "To eat well, Is to live well." The concept will be high-end Italian with a menu of authentic Tuscan cooking methods and featuring a wood-fired oven for pizzas, fish and meats and a wood burning grill for steaks and chops. The menu emphasis will be on a more upscale level to help differentiate the concept&emdash;serving generous portions on large oval platters. The interior will encompass Sienna colored Venetian plaster walls, white Carrera marble counter and bar tops and wood plank floors. The tables will be clothed and seating will be on Italian bentwood chairs. There will also be an open kitchen and the dining room will open to a large outdoor terrace overlooking Peachtree. The Tuscan Bakery will be located adjacent to the grill and will serve fresh baked breads, pastries, salads and sandwiches all made daily with old world Italian recipes. The interior will be light and airy with lots of windows and the white Carrera marble counter tops and a stone tile floor creating an Italian old world feel. Guests can dine indoors or enjoy the outdoors dining al fresco on the terrace.

(June 2000) As reported in May's Hudspeth Report, the building that housed Amerigo is undergoing major renovations and will become Brio Tuscan Grille A late June opening is anticipated at the 2964 Peachtree Street address in Buckhead. Tuscany, the area surrounding Florence and Siena, is known for beautiful rolling countryside, Chianti wine, Renaissance masterpieces and great restaurants. It's a feast for all senses. Brio hopes to bring this same tradition to Atlanta diners. The interior is designed to be warm and inviting with Sienna colored Venetian plaster walls, white Carrera marble counter and bar tops and wood plank floors. The white table clothed tables will have seating on Italian bentwood chairs. There will also be an open kitchen and the dining room will open to a large outdoor terrace overlooking Peachtree. The high-end Italian concept will offer a menu of authentic Tuscan cooking methods and feature a wood-fired oven for pizzas, fish and meats and a wood burning grill for steaks and chops. The menu offers generous portions on large oval platters that help differentiate to establish a more upscale level. The extensive menu offers appetizers ranging in price from $7.50 for fried calamari to $11.95 for the antipasto sampler. Steaks and chops include a four ounce filet with romano crusted tomatoes and hollandaise served single or double serving, 14 oz. strip steak with sautéed spinach, double cut pork chop and a Brio chopped steak. Prices for the meat entrees range from $10.50 to $24.95. Thin crust pizzas offer some unique toppings that include smoked mozzarella, seared peppers, oak roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, and Gorgonzola, and provolone cheeses. Pizzas range in price from $8.50 to $11.50. Ranging in price from $10.95 to market value a few of the house specialties include oak roasted lobster, wood grilled salmon and wood roasted halibut. Pasta dishes round out the menu spaghettini Bolognese and Pomodoro, pasta with shrimp and lobster, vegetables and grilled chicken. Prices range between $8.95 to $14.95. The Tuscan Bakery will be located adjacent to the grill and will serve fresh baked breads, pastries, salads, paninis, sandwiches and desserts all made fresh daily with old world Italian recipes. The interior will be light and airy with lots of windows and white Carrera marble counter tops and a stone tile floor creating an Italian old world feel. Guests will have a choice of dining indoors or al fresco on the terrace.

(September 2000) Brio, located on Peachtree in the former Amerigo was scheduled to open months ago but due to construction and permit issue delays an October 9 opening is now anticipated.

(October 2000) Opened

(October) After several months of delays Brio Tuscan Grille & Tuscan Bakery will finally open its doors the second week in October in the former Amerigo location. Brio, meaning "lively" or "full of life" intends to bring the pleasures of the Tuscan countryside with a villa-like interior of arched colonnades, aged hardwood floors and an open kitchen. The interior is designed to be warm and inviting with Sienna colored Venetian plaster walls, white Carrera marble counter and bar tops and wood plank floors. Seating will be on Italian bentwood chairs at white clothed tables. The dining room will open to a large outdoor terrace overlooking Peachtree. The menu will emphasize prime steaks and chops as well as fish and pasta dishes. An Italian wood-burning grill will be used in the cooking process as well as there will be a wood-fired oven for pizzas. The menu will offer generous portions on large oval platters. Appetizers will range in price from $7.50 to $11.95 and include fried calamari and antipasto sampler to name a few. A four ounce filet with romano crusted tomatoes and hollandaise served single or double, a 14 oz. strip steak with sautéed spinach, double cut pork chop and a Brio chopped steak are a few examples that will make up the meat portion of the menu. Prices will range between $10.50 and $24.95. Also offered will be a variety of thin crusted pizzas with toppings that will include smoked mozzarella, seared peppers, oak roasted chicken, grilled shrimp and Gorgonzola and provolone cheeses. Pizza prices will range from $8.50 to $11.50. Some house specialties will include oak roasted lobster, wood grilled salmon and wood roasted halibut. For the pasta portion of the menu some items that might be found are spaghettini Bolognese and Pomodoro, pasta with shrimp and lobster, vegetables and grilled chicken. The bakery will be created to resemble an authentic Italian bakery-cafe and will offer fresh baked bread, pastries, salads, sandwiches and specialty coffees that will be prepared to order.

(December 2000) Top Ten Dining Recommendations - BRIO TUSCAN GRILL, 2964 Peachtree Road (404/601-5555): Excellent service and menu emphasizes prime steaks, chops, fish and pasta dishes in a Tuscan countryside villa-like atmosphere.

Brooklyn Cafe (November 1991) Opened

(June 2000) Brooklyn Cafe and Robert Mondavi have put their heads (and glasses) together for a Summer Wine Series. "The Brooklyn Cafe wanted to go the extra mile for their customers, so I came in to listen to their menu ideas, and provide insight to the wines the chef may choose." says Robert Mondavi, grandson fo the Napa Valley wine magnate. The Mondavi wine dinners are slated for June 13 and the second Tuesdays of July and August. For info call 404/843-8377.

Brookwood Grill (June 2000) Brookwood Grill on Holcomb Bridge has been going through some cosmetic changes since January and remodeling changes are scheduled to be completed by mid June. According to partner Pierre Panos, "every five to seven years a restaurant needs refreshing and that is what we're doing to the Brookwood Grill." Over $350,000 has been into the building with changes including new carpet, light fixtures and a new color scheme of taupes creating a more modern 2000 feel. The menu was revamped in late February and offers more quality dining of forward American cuisine.

(September 2000) The Brookwood, formerly known as the Brookwood Grill, has completed its remodeling. Cool lighting fixtures, eclectic artwork and arrangements, newly remodeled kitchens and bathrooms along with a stylish new exterior featuring an outdoor patio. Along with cosmetic changes intensive training of chefs, wait staff and management have been implemented as well as the quality of food being served. Through customer feedback the original menu has been scrutinized and popular items remained along with some new additions. Prices now range between $8 and $23.

Buckhead Beach (July 2000) See Dixie Tavern

Buckboard Country Music Showcase (Opened May 1977) Closed -

Buckhead Billiards (opened August 1988)

Buckhead Bread Company (Opened October 1994)

Buckhead Brewing Company (November 2000) Been predicting for years that Atlanta will soon grow to Dahlonega. Some laughed, but it's no joke these days. Scheduled to open soon in Cumming - believe it or not - is the Buckhead Brewing Co., & Grill. Buckhead in Cumming may be a bit confusing, but no matter how you slice it, it's only a hop, skip and jump to Dahlonega and the