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C. J.'s Landing - Opened September 1988

Cabernet (March 2000) The long-delayed opening of another Pano Karatassos-influenced restaurant to the north is about to happen. Cabernet is a high-end steakhouse now scheduled to open in late April. Cabernet, located at 5575 Windward Parkway, is designed to give north enders another reason to forget the Buckhead crowds and dine closer to home. Cabernet was scheduled to open in October 1999 but a fire destroyed the building. Former general managers of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Tim Hazelman, Brian Harrison and Scott Carter, are partners in this operation and jointly should bring to the table an establishment to be reckoned with. The freestanding building will have a masculine feel with lots of dark woods and rich leather seating in booths and banquettes for up to 240. Marble floors and hand painted artwork will be featured. The building is broken down into several different dining rooms. A mezzanine level upstairs will overlook the dining room. There will also be a main dining room in addition to and a couple smaller areas, one with a fireplace. Located downstairs will be the wine cellar with a large mahogany table. The room will become ideal for private parties or corporate gatherings. There will be an exposed kitchen and seating for 200. Chef Richard Holley is formerly of Chops and Chops Lobster Bar and has comprised a menu to include steaks, seafood and lobsters. The menu was still in the working process as of press time but prices are planning to range between $18.50 and $29.50. A separate full service bar will offer over 250 wines as well as high-end single malt scotches, cognacs and brandies.

(April 2000) After a fire that destroyed the building last October, Cabernet is now scheduled to open its doors in mid-April. Cabernet, to be located at 5575 Windward Parkway, will be in a freestanding building. The interior is being designed by Robert McKerrow and Betsy Distler of RDM Design. Cozy, intimate dining spaces situated among larger, open rooms will give guests a sense of grand scale while enjoying their meals on rich leather seating in booths and banquettes. An exhibition kitchen with tiled walls and custom copper tiled hood will complete the room. A mezzanine overlooking the main dining room with a custom ironwork balcony will seat 20. The wine cellar located downstairs will have stonewalls and brick arches and will seat up to parties of 18. Executive Chef Richard Holly, formerly of the Lobster Bar at Chops, is creating a menu that will feature USDA Prime aged beef and fresh seafood flown in daily. Specialties include an appetizer of Burgundy escargot baked in pastry-covered crocks; herb-crusted rack of lamb with crepe mushroom risotto and swordfish with a roasted cashew and cracked pepper crust on garlic and chive mashed potatoes. Prices will range between $18.50 and $29.50. A full service bar will offer over 250 wines as well as high-end single malt scotches, cognacs and brandies. Partners in this endeavor are Tim Hazelman and Mike Burdick. An eight-year veteran in the business Burdick is involved in everything from construction to operations. Hazelman will be the General Manager and was previously manager at Chops and The Lobster Bar.

(May 2000) After a fire burned the under construction building down last year Cabernet finally opened its doors on April 17th.

(May 2000) An excited Mike Burdick and Tim Hazelman were only slightly over a month away from the grand opening of their first restaurant last September. Then came the shocker. A fire swept through the freestanding building at 5575 Windward Parkway and the building burned to the ground. The cause of the fire is still undetermined today. "We were devastated and in shock for the first few days," said Burdick. "We'd started putting it together back in October of 1998 and it was a major blow to us. But once it sank in we decided that we wouldn't let it get to us. It was very important not to give up our dream. When we started rebuilding, our attitudes changed and we are extremely proud and happy at what we have accomplished." The dream became reality April 17 when the 250-seat Cabernet opened its doors to the public. Cabernet was designed with cozy, intimate spaces situated among a much larger open room, giving guests a sense of grand scale while dining in booths and banquettes. A mezzanine overlooking the main dining room with custom iron work seats 20 while a downstairs wine cellar is designed with stone walls and brick arches and accommodates parties up to 18. Rob McKerrow and Betsy Distler of RDM did the work. The restaurant also features an exhibition kitchen. Executive chef Richard Holly, formerly of The Lobster Bar at Chops, has created a menu that includes USDA prime aged beef and fresh seafood flown in daily. Specialties include an appetizer of burgundy escargot baked in pastry covered crocks; herb-crusted rack of lamb with crepe mushroom risotto and swordfish with a roasted cashew and cracked pepper crust on garlic and chive mashed potatoes. Entree prices are between $18.50 and $29.50 and a full service bar offers over 250 wines as well as high-end single malt scotches, cognacs and brandies. Burdick has a background in sales and management and entered the restaurant business eight years ago. Hazelman previously managed Chops and Holley, in addition to The Lobster Bar, also worked at Brasserie Le Coze and Brasserie Le Entrecote in Miami before advancing from sous chef to executive chef at Chops. Pictured on the May cover are (seated left) Mike Burdick, Tim Hazelman, (standing left) Richard Holley, manager Brian Harrison, manager Scot Carter and server trainer Vince Landi.

Cabin, The - Opened February 1995

(April 2000) The location, frankly, is the city's most unusual. After all what we're talking about here is fine dining on Buford Highway. Buford Highway? To be exact, 2678 Buford Highway. But that is hardly where the uniqueness of The Cabin ends. It is, in fact, housed in a 70-year-old house with a hunting lodge feel and downstairs bar and dining area with as much as atmosphere as any restaurant in Atlanta has to offer. Barry Lennon and Michael Cofer knew the location was a risk when they discovered the old house more than five years ago, but loved it so much they decided to forego their original plan of opening a Buckhead bar. It paid off. Recently, The Cabin celebrated its fifth anniversary. "We have many regulars and that has kept us open," says Lennon. Actually, the restaurant is only a stone's throw off Lenox Road - a solid Buckhead artery - The Cabin is not nearly as remote as it first sounds. And Lennon and Cofer, who are almost always present, give it the personal touch of one's home. This is anything but a franchise. Lennon and Cofer are there daily to greet guests and run things. Among the regulars are a slew of politicians and golfers like touring pro Billy Andrade. Both also know their kitchen. They worked with Pano Karatassos' Buckhead Life at the Atlanta Fish Market and Chops before venturing out on their own. The Cabin is known for its steaks (imported from Chicago), seafood and its wild game. Dishes like venison, elk and buffalo are rotated on availability. The downstairs bar and restaurant area reminds one of the original and authentic Underground of the early 1970s with its stack stone walls and gas burners. It is in nutshell, a perfect hideaway, which, come to think of it, is a key to The Cabin's success.

(October 2000 - December 2000) TOP TEN DINING RECOMMENDATIONS - THE CABIN, 2678 Buford Highway (404/315-7676): Off the beaten path, but fine beef and seafood dishes and wonderful atmosphere upstairs and downstairs in this old cabin make it a special evening.

Cadillac Ranch (January 2000) The Cadillac Ranch on Georgia 400 in Cumming at Highways 369 and 306 has new owners. Nancy Vines has taken over the club&emdash;which in the past year has featured both country and classic rock acts&emdash;and says the club will revert to a country and western concept. Galen Griffin, out of Nashville, Tenn. and his band will be the entertainment for three weeks and then take two weeks off. The latter period will be filled with other local bands and possibly some national acts, according to Vines. Normal club cover charge will be $5 unless there's a national act.

Cafe Amore (Opened August 1998)

Cafe at Horizon Pacific - Opened February 2000

Cafe Med (January 2000) Dining in the suburbs can be difficult if you're looking for something other than a McDonald's, the typical Mexican restaurant or a corporate chain like Chili's or Applebees. And lately a deluge of fine dining establishments has popped up but what's missing is that middle ground-the casual family-oriented restaurant. Hoping to fill the need is owner Sia Moghimi. His Cafe Med opened in late November at 2635 Sandy Plains Road. "I've been in the business for over 22 years and worked my way up from starting as a dishwasher," said Sia. "Over the years I've learned that customers want good service and quality food at reasonable prices." The menu consisting of continental cuisine offers entrees including ravioli Florentine (spinach and cheese stuffed in pasta and simmered in a house marinara and topped with Asiago cheese), six ounce filet mignon served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal fresh vegetables and stuffed chicken breast (chicken stuffed with mushrooms, artichokes, proscuitto and garlic served over sun-dried tomato and onion risotto). Lunch prices range between $4.95 and $7.95 and dinner between $8.95 and $16. The interior is comfortable with a two-sided fireplace as the focal point. There are two bars - one located in the lounge and one in the dining room. Colors of pinks and greens help soften the dark cherry wood. Pictures and beveled mirrors adorn the walls. The seating accommodates close to 200 guests.For entertainment there is a billiard room with one table and an old, large piano.

Cafe Sunflower (Roswell Road location opened August 1994), (Peachtree location opened August 1997)

California Cafe (January 2000) The opening of Tower Place was a spectacular affair in May 1995 with Mardi Gras-type characters, live music and much hoopla. Baja Beach Club, Dick's Last Resort, Sloppy Joe's and Fat Tuesday were a major draw in the beginning. California Cafe Bar & Grill, the only fine dining establishment, seemed to get lost amidst the younger set and never really caught on. Undaunted by its first failure in the Atlanta market, California Cafe Bar & Grill returned to Metro Atlanta and opened its doors once again in late November choosing to distance itself from Tower Place. It is now located at "The Village" in the Mall of Georgia. California Cafe is the only white tablecloth restaurant in the mall. The upscale casual fine atmosphere captures the creative spirit of California. Warm colors are used to enhance the design with the use of natural woods and specially designed handcrafted lighting, artwork and accents. There is also an exhibition kitchen and a wood-burning oven. Pullman booths, banquettes and freestanding tables and chairs upholstered in colorful fabrics make up the 158 seating in the main dining room. The separate bar area can accommodate an additional 52. There is an artistic screen with bar rail seating that separates the entry from the bar and lounge. A temperature controlled display wine room featuring California wines is located across from the bar. An outdoor patio accommodating 40 more guests will open on a weather permitted basis and includes a beamed wood trellis that extends from the dining area through the exterior wall. Chef Richard Davis was hired from the Ft. Lauderdale California Cafe and has created a menu featuring the infamous California cuisine and combined it with Southern favorites. "California cuisine incorporates many of the wonderful ingredients and preparation methods of Mediterranean, Pacific Rim and Latin cooking," said Davis. "It's a delight for the chef and diner alike. It changes with the seasons. It's never monotonous or one-dimensional. It's always interesting. It's fun to cook and best of all it's fun to eat!" Rotisserie and hardwood-grill meats along with fresh seafood, nature-fed poultry, gourmet pizzas and pastas are featured on the menu. Some ingredients only available in California are used in preparing the dishes and include Sonoma cheeses, Monterey spotted prawns, Hobbs apple-wood smoked turkey and bacon and Niman Ranch beef to name a few. Prices for lunch range from $8-$12 and dinner $14-$24. Some entree choices include pan-seared spiced catfish, grilled swordfish with baked eggplant, Mediterranean salsa and smoked tomato coulis, hickory smoked baby back ribs served with jalapeno coleslaw and parsley-garlic fries, and lemon and rosemary chicken. Along with a full-service bar there is an extensive wine list consisting of fine California wines and premium wines. For the frequent diner guests can join the Cafe Club awards program and win everything from free meals to a London excursion. Members accumulate points and are credited one point for every dollar spent. Headquartered in Corte Madera California the first Cafe opened in 1983 in Mill Valley California and has expanded throughout the country. This Mall of Georgia location is the 16th to open.

(May 2000) California Cafe will host its second Winemaker's Dinner on May 3rd beginning at 7:30 p.m. For $60 a person guests can enjoy a four-course meal complemented with fine wines at each course from Niembaum-Coppola Estate Winery.

(June 200) The California cafe's third series of winemaker dinner's will be June 14. For $60 guests can dine on a four-course meal complemented with fine wines at each course as well as learn which wines best suit different types of cuisine. For reservations call 770/932-6777.

California Pizza Kitchen, Lenox Square location opened October 1987, Perimeter location opened September 1993

Caliterra (August 2000) (See also Wyndham Atlanta Hotel) Caliterra, located in the Wyndham Atlanta hotel downtown, has announced the appointing of it's new executive chef, Patrick Gebrayel, who has also created a new lunch and dinner menu blending northern California and Tuscany Italy influenced items.

Camille's (Opened November 1984)

Canoe (Opened August 1995)

March 2000) Canoe's next wine tasting event "Tasting by the River" will be held March 16 and will feature select wines and light hors d'oeuvres.

Canyon Cafe (February 2001) The Southwest-themed Canyon Cafe has closed its Alpharetta location for good. The original location, which opened near Perimeter Mall in 1997, remains open.

Capital Grille (November 2000) It probably won't be ready until next spring, but take a look at the soon-to-be Capital Grille (a George McKerrow Jr., production) atop the renovated CDC Building in East Village. Looking snazzy already with the outside lights on. It is a happy plus for an area that has rung up nothing but negatives recently.

(February 2001) Rob Crews, vice-president of marketing for RARE Hospitality International Inc., says the Capital Grille, to be located on East Paces Ferry, is slated to open in May but it's a little early to discuss any of the particulars.

Caravan's Crab Shack - Opened February 1978

Carbo's Cafe (June 2000) Carbo's Cafe has one table dubbed the 'anniversary' table. Carbo's, where coats and ties are not required but the restaurant's atmosphere and tradition seem to dictate, is the city's home office for anniversaries. Table 8 is the magic sitting for those celebrating marriages. "It became that a year after we opened," says Carbo's owner Bob Mazurek. "One night there was a couple there celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, so I went up to congratulate them and told them Carmen (his wife and co-owner) and I were celebrating our 15th that evening. The gentlemen looked at me and said, 'I wish you beginner's luck.'" That's just one of the stories that have unfolded at Carbo's where anniversaries, engagements and wedding receptions are a regular happening. There's even an occasional divorce party. This month - on June 16 specifically - Carbo's turns 20 years old. When Carbo's opened at 3717 Roswell Road there was nothing special about a Buckhead location and one could count Atlanta fine dining (Pano's & Paul's, Nikolai's Roof, Coach & Six) on one hand. "I'm told that the average life of a restaurant is seven years and we're going into our fourth life," says Mazurek. "We've continuously offered quality food and service from day one. We are the only mom and pop fine dining restaurant around." Over the years Carbo's developed its reputation as a special occasion restaurant. In addition to the main dining room, there are also several banquet rooms located upstairs. One is the Grand Ballroom with a mirrored antique buffet table and an elegant marble fountain reception area with three sets of French doors that open into the ballroom. The ballroom has 18-foot ceilings with sculptures and ornamentation that accentuate the atmosphere. A large terrace opens to the outdoors. Many couples have chosen to get married in this room. Carbo's also has a longtime popular piano bar located off the dining room. The piano is situated behind the horseshoe-shaped bar and over the years the atmosphere has attracted an interesting cross section of Atlanta nightlifers. Carbo's is famous for its soufflés and serves an American continental cuisine menu specializing in lobster, lamb and duck.

Carey's (August 2000) Atlanta has undergone radical changes in the past quarter century, but one place, Carey's on Cobb Parkway in Marietta, is just as it begun 23 years ago. Celebrating his latest anniversary, Dunn tossed a big parking lot party at his famous hamburger and beer joint.

Carson's Grill (opened October 1998)

Casa Blanca Restaurant (January 2001) Casa Blanca Restaurant offering Salvadorian & Mexican food, has opened a third Atlanta location at 2922 Clairmont Road in Brookhaven in the former Williams Seafood location. Two other Atlanta Casa Blanca's are located at 1847 Peachtree Road and 5785 Roswell Road. Owner Fredy Sorto offers bountiful portions of traditional Mexican fare along with Salvadorian specials such as Festival de Mariscos (Festival of seafood) which includes a half lobster, shrimp, fish filet, oysters, clams and octopus for $30. Other seafood dishes include seafood soups ($12 - $18), seafood cocktails ($7 - $10), lobster specials ($25 - $39.95) and Red Snapper prepared a variety of ways ($9 - $15). Lunch specials average $6.25 and a full bar is also offered. Casa Blanca is family oriented and open seven days a week. The phone number is 404/327-6655.

Casual Cafe (Opened October 1996)

Catch 92 (See Coast 92) (April 2000) Catch 92, Richard and Harold Marmulstein's (dick & harry's) new restaurant has delayed its May opening to July

Cato's, Austell (Opened September 1998)

Cattleman's Steakhouse - Opened February 2000

(March 2000) Everyone thinks that the resurgence of quality restaurants moving into the suburbs is a good thing but talk to the restaurateur who suddenly finds himself with an empty restaurant. As in the case with Russell Yates of Cattleman's Steakhouse at 2810 Browns Bridge Road. Ten years ago Cattleman's was one of only a handful of restaurants in the area. "I had to close because the restaurant wasn't making any money," said Yates. "Everyone asked me why I closed. I in return asked them when was the last time they had been to eat there and of course the comment was 'it's been a while'" After taking a two-year break and letting the newcomers success settle down, Yates reopened his business on February 21st. Cattleman's is situated in a 25 year old refurbished house. The inside was completely regutted and made open. An eight-foot grill is the focal point of the room and guests watch the grill masters at work. Neon beer signs and cattle paraphernalia make up the decor. Inside seating easily accommodates 90. A deck will open when the weather gets warmer and will be able to seat an additional 50 under large shade trees. The menu, composed primarily of steaks, also includes chicken and fish as well as salads & sandwiches. A full bar is also served.

Cavu (February 2001) *See Also Mint - Stephen Cook who had planned to open Mint in East Atlanta has given up on that idea for what he says is a better opportunity in Midtown. Cook along with partners Brian Bratton, Nancy Wohlers and Ian Easton are planning on opening Cavu at 794 Juniper Street in early summer. Cavu is a pilot term which means "Clear above, visibility unlimited." Cook and Bratton are also among the partners who own The Crescent Room. Although the exact menu items and a few other plans for the restaurant/bar were being worked out when this issue of the hud report went to press, Cook says the menu will offer contemporary American cuisine with entree prices in the $13 to $21 range. There will also be a 15 item bar menu featuring various tapas ranging from $4 to $10 for folks who want to hang out in the bar after work or any other time. The interior is being designed by Michael Hibachy who also designed Lucid in Buckhead and Wayne Van Nguyn clothing in Virginia Highland. There is a dining area and a bar area with a stage for entertainment inside which has a capacity of 85. There will also be patio seating for an additional 30 to 40. There will be a full bar and Cavu plans on accepting Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

The Cedar Creek Grill (July 2000) The Cedar Creek Grill is a quaint steak, seafood and chop house that quietly opened a few months ago at 2750 Buford Highway. A life long dream was fulfilled for partners Thomas Minutillo and Bill McConnell by opening their first restaurant together. "I grew up in the restaurant business and Bill previously worked for Steak and Ale and Bennigan's," said Minutillo. "Our dream was to own our own place. We think this is a great location and look forward to establishing ourselves in the neighborhood." The casual fining dining atmosphere was created using rich blues and golds. The high ceilings have icicle lights creating an intimate yet comfortable atmosphere. Seating is for 150 inside and 40 on the patio. The menu is comprised of appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches and entrees, which include a side item and side salad. BBQ chicken, grilled salmon, apple smoked pork chop and jumbo grilled shrimp are grouped with such meaty items as a 12 oz. prime rib, a 9 oz. filet mignon, and a marinated ribeye and 32 oz. cowboy chop. Prices range from $5.50 to $21 with a grilled lobster tail at market value. For lighter fare a few sandwiches offered are the Dagwood, an eight-inch hoagie stacked with jack and cheddar cheese, black forest ham, smoked turkey, lettuce, tomato, a pickle and red onions; a grilled fish sandwich and burgers. The full service separate bar is smoking only and offers a wide selection of rums, tequilas, single malt scotches and single barreled bourbons. Also included are 12 draft beers on top in addition to a 30-bottled beer selection. All but two of the 40 wines are sold by the glass. Live music is played by a one-piece band on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Celebrity Cafe & Bakery, The (October 2000) Opened in September 2000

(October 2000) The Celebrity Cafe and Bakery opened in early September on the corner of 8th and Peachtree and promises to be one of a kind in the Atlanta area. Family owned out of Dallas, Texas (seven total) this will be the first Celebrity Cafe in the city with more to open in the future. When asked about the name, owner Britt Kearce said "we make all our customers feel like celebrities." Breakfast and lunch only are served. Everything is made from scratch and the wall menu covers everything from cinnamon and sticky buns to chicken salad sandwiches, gourmet meals to go and a multitude of homemade desserts "to satisfy even the pickiest sweet tooth." Some specialties of the house include the Santa Barbara sandwich, an open-face turkey, Monterey jack, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato with special dressing on rye; the breast chicken sandwich with provolone cheese and special sauce on a sesame bun; and quiche of the day. Sandwiches include a ham and Swiss, pimento cheese, BLT, club, turkey and roast beef. Main dish casseroles of turkey tretrazzini, chicken and broccoli, and beef lasagna are just a few offered with main dish entrees including meat loaf, sesame chicken, chicken parmesan, marsala, roman and cordon bleu and beef stroganoff. There is seating for approximately 80 in a light open dining room and the atmosphere is designed to be fun and cheery. Whole cakes (double fudge, German chocolate, chocolate blackout, pound, and coffee), cookies, brownies and pies close out the dessert menu. Sodas, teas, waters and smoothies are available for drinks.

(November 2000) See Midtown

Celebrity Rock Latin Club (Opened March 2001)

Chammps Americana (Opened September 1999)

Champions, Marriott Marquis (Opened February 1989)

Chastain Park (November 2000) Chastain Park is a subject I know much about. Lewis Grizzard and I first drove there one night about 100 years ago. Actually, it was only about 30 years ago. Half the fun was finding it. When we did, we saw country singer Roy Clark&emdash;he of the infamous 'Hee Haw' TV show&emdash;perform that night. There must have been six or seven hundred people in attendance that evening. Maybe I'm exaggerating the crowd. When one heckled, Clark responded, "You go wait in the truck, Jethro." Chastain Park wasn't particularly impressive or cool that evening. Just a lot of hard concrete seats. Lo and behold a few years later I wound up buying a little house less than a quarter mile down the road from Chastain Park. For 21 years it has been my home. I have seen and heard much come and go at Chastain. When Chastain first began to gain popularity in the '80s as a concert venue, things were a bit wild and unorganized. One Fourth of July concert firecrackers, fired by someone from an overflow crowd outside the concert venue, sailed onto someone's table inside and set the tablecloth on fire. On mornings after concerts I could jog by the amphitheatre and tell the makeup of the previous night's music. The harder the rock, the younger the crowd, the more beer cans and related garbage scattered outside. A James Taylor crowd, in contrast, would leave the surrounding area as clean as a whistle. Much has changed in recent years. Gone are the rowdies, gone is the next day's garbage, gone are the maverick promoters. Chastain Park is now the best run concert facility in the city. And it still remains the most enjoyable place to attend a concert - by far. Whoever is in second place, isn't even close. I dream of owning that great three-story house with the flat rooftop terrace which looks into the amphitheatre. You could invite your friends over, relax in a big comfy lounge chair, sip a nice Merlot, and catch every Chastain concert for free. What a treat. The reason I'm waxing about Chastain here is that Councilwoman Clair Muller and a few soreheads who live around Chastain are about to spoil the fun for the majority of Atlantans. They think there is too much noise and traffic around Chastain and they've gotten the Atlanta City Council involved. We all know what that means - a total screwup of things. Next thing you know they'll ban wine and picnic baskets and search your purse at the gate just like other venues in the city. Won't that be fun? Yes, the lifestyle police never sleep. In effect, what Muller and the City Council have done is to reject those who know how to run Chastain smoothly and now they intend to throw open the bidding for all promoters, while intending to reduce the number of seats, concerts and sound at Chastain. Talk about opening up a can of worms. Never mind that the Atlanta Symphony and Peter Conlon and Alex Cooley of Southern Promotions have been doing this for years and have fine tuned the amphitheatre into Atlanta's showplace for music. Muller and Co., have apparently never heard of the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The noise thing surrounding Chastain is bull. People who would complain about it, would be irritated with birds chirping. And the traffic? Sure, for a short time before and after each concert there's traffic. But, hey, this is Atlanta, home of traffic jams. This little jam of cars for a few minutes is bush league compared to most in our city. My suggestion for people who live near Chastain and don't like it, is to move. Chastain Park concerts are a unique special happening in a city that's destroyed most of its heritage and great events. Don't take this away from Atlantans. May Ms. Muller and all her soreheads have to sit through a gangsta rap concert at antiseptic Philips Arena. Twice.

Chateau Elan (March 2000) will host award-winning Winemaker Daniel Baldwin who will join executive chef Werner Stanek to create an evening including a seven course meal along with a variety of new and seasonal wines all for $99 per person.

(February 2001) Michael A. Cairns has been named Executive Chef at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton. Cairns comes to Chateau Elan with 15 years of culinary experience from such renowned restaurants as the Arizona Biltmore Resort, Grand Hyatt Wailea in Hawaii and Hyatt Grand Champions in California.

Checkered Parrot - Opened September 1989

Cheeburger, Cheeburger - Original location opened February 1998

(January 2001) Cheeburger, Cheeburger has opened a second Atlanta location on Holcomb Bridge.

Cheesecake Factory (November 1993) Opened Peachtree Road Location

(June 2000) The Cheesecake Factory finally made its debut on May 23 in the new Perimeter Mall expansion. The Cheesecake Factory known for its unique architecture and moderate prices offers a menu featuring over 200 items which promises something for everyone and more than 50 signature cheesecakes (baked on premise). According to Sr. VP of New Business Development, Howard Gordon, "Perimeter Mall is a good next step in bringing Cheesecake to a different part of the city. We will look into opening multiple sites based on population." The original Cheesecake opened in 1978 in Beverly Hills and has grown to over 30 locations to date. The Buckhead location, Atlanta's first, opened in 1993 and remains one of the company's top sellers.

(July 2000) Metro Atlanta's second Cheesecake Factory has opened in the new front entrance addition to Perimeter Mall on Ashford Dunwoody Road. The 10,000 square foot restaurant is two-story and seats 350 people. The first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Atlanta, located on Peachtree in Buckhead, is generally regarded as the city's top grossing restaurant with annual revenues around $12 million. It offers its 19-page menu featuring more than 200 items ranging from pastas and pizzas to steaks and seafood, along with 48 varieties of cheesecake. It is open until 11 p.m. nightly, except Friday and Saturday when hours will be extended to 12:30 a.m.. Sunday brunch is featured from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Cheesecake Factory has 33 restaurants nationwide and had revenues of $348 million in 1999.

(July 2000) See Goldfish info July 2000

(August 2000) "Build it and they will come," smiled owner Tom Catherall, standing in a mob of patrons in the bar area of his new Goldfish eatery at Perimeter Mall. Goldfish, with its spacious bar area, seems to be building a happy hour crowd similar to Buckhead's Tavern at Phipps. One thing is certain. Goldfish, and its two neighbors, Maggiano's and Cheesecake Factory, have given a new uptown look and vitality to Perimeter Mall and given northsiders yet another alternative to the worrisome drive to Buckhead.

Cherokee Cattle Co. (Opened November 1985) Marietta Location, (November 1988) Roswell Location

Cherry (Opened February 2001)

(September 2000) Cherry the club, not to be confused with the fruit, is scheduled to open in mid-November on W. Peachtree. Located in a freestanding building the club will encompass two stories with each having its own deck. There will be three large bars. Lunch and dinner will be offered with sushi and Asian, Latin influenced cuisine to be offered.

(November 2000) The name, Cherry, is an eye catcher. "Whimsical and fun," is the way owner Dee Grimes describes the new upscale but casual restaurant slated to debut November 15 at 12th and West Peachtree. "There will be lots of geometric shapes with colors of citrus, reds and blondes," says Grimes. The restaurant is being designed by Patti Krohngold, who has done such interiors as Mumbo Jumbo and Deux Plex. There will be dining for 140 upstairs and downstairs. The upstairs area will have a wraparound deck and next spring a separate bar will be added. The entire restaurant has an oak floor. The menu will offer sushi all day long in addition to American cuisine with Asian and Latin influences. Lunch and dinner will be served Monday through Friday with price ranges for lunch at $8-$13 and dinner $15-$22. Dinner will include such entrees as chile rubbed tuna, King salmon and pepper crusted Black Angus. The lunch menu will include sandwiches and salads as well as six to eight entrees. Two large bamboo bars downstairs will serve high-end liquors, wines and beers. A deejay will spin music Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 11 p.m. when the restaurant turns into a club for late nighters.

(November 2000) See Midtown

(December 2000) Cherry is a new upscale restaurant that opened on November 15th at 1051 W. Peachtree Street as the newest kid on the Midtown restaurant block. The idea behind this newest addition came from several partners: Ray Sieradzki & Paul Gibbs, co-owners of the Leopard Lounge, Tom Nahas, formerly the GM at Savu in the W Hotel, and Dee Grimes, former owner of Lulu's Bait Shack and Mumbo Jumbo. "We wanted to offer a sophisticated yet casual alternative, an attractive place where someone could have a unique meal and then hang out afterwards," said Grimes. Located in a two story freestanding building the interior features warm woods and various browns with leather banquettes and red and amber plaster walls. The restaurant features oak flooring and there is seating for 140. Dining will be featured upstairs and downstairs. The upstairs will have a wraparound deck and a bar will be added in the spring and features loveseats and a sushi bar. There is also a private dining room and a patio is also available for additional seating. Total seating accommodates 220. The chef, Christopher Moore (a CIA graduate and formerly of the acclaimed Rocco's Seafood Grill in San Francisco), has created a menu featuring new world cuisine with a focus on the Pacific Rim and Latin America without ignoring local influences. Lunch highlights include Adobo Chicken Rolls, Thai Chicken Salad, Blackened Salmon, Tuna Won Ton and a Crab and Shrimp Burger. Prices range between $8 and $13. Dinner entree specialties include Hoisen Barbeque Duck, Chipotle Glazed Pork Chops, Churrasco Rib Eye, Tuna Sake and Wok Lobster. Prices average between $15 and $22. Two large bamboo bars downstairs will serve a full service bar and include high-end liquors, wines and beers. A deejay will spin tunes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 11 p.m., which will allow the restaurant to transform into a club for late nighters.

(March 2001) Ray Sieradzki, Dee Grimes, Tom Nahas and Paul Gibbs opened Cherry at 1051 West Peachtree Road in late February. The group brings a lot of nightclub/restaurant business to their new and first endeavor together. Sieradzki and Gibbs are co-owners of the Leopard Lounge, Grimes was a former owner of Lulu's Bait Shack and Mumbo Jumbo, Nahas managed the Tavern at Phipps and Savu at the W Hotel. Chef Christopher Moore, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and has most recently worked at Rocco's Seafood Grill in the San Francisco Bay area, created the food which he describes as diverse comfort food with a new world flair. The menu will have a focus on Pacific Rim, Latin America and local influences. Among the lunch items are adobo chicken rolls, Thai chicken salad, blackened salmon, tuna won ton, and a crab and shrimp burger. Dinner fare includes hoisen barbecue duck, chipotle glazed pork chop, churrasco rib eye, tuna sake and wok lobster. Cherry also has a sushi bar. Lunch costs will be from $6 to $14 with dinner being from $12 to $24. Set inside a 1920's house, Cherry was designed by Patti Khrongold who also created the interiors for Mumbo Jumbo and Tongue and Groove. Downstairs, which Khrongold says is inspired by a box of chocolates, is filled with deep red and brown leather banquettes, red and amber plaster walls Mosaic columns of Italian glass and cherry color glass light globes. Green and brown-cola colored furniture surround the sushi bar upstairs and cherry patterned, silver-leaf walls envelope a private dining room. There are also plump leather loveseats upstairs. There is also patio seating available. "The idea is for the entire place to be uniquely designed with quirky details that act as a showcase for color, light and art," says Khrongold Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 :30 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. and until 11:30 p.m. on weekends. Cocktails are served Monday through Thursday until 2 a.m., until 4 a.m. on Friday, 3 a.m. on Saturday and until 10 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant is available for private functions. Cherry's phone number is 404-872-2020.

(April 2001) Hip, sophisticated, suave, cool, trendy. You choose the adjectives. The formula is the same these days in Midtown where a building and lifestyle renaissance continues. Another 80-year-old former Midtown residence at 1051 has undergone a face lift, tummy tuck and personality makeover to become the new kid on the block. Say hello to Cherry. Open just a few weeks at 1051 West Peachtree, a glance the other night at Cherry's dinner crowd revealed it to be the youngest, best-dressed bunch ever assembled at an Atlanta eatery in this writer's 30-year Atlanta memory. Like Spice, which opened a few weeks earlier nearby on Juniper Street, Cherry is a place to be seen and the atmosphere, created by the talented Patti Krohngold, is so charged one wonders if he or she should simply pass on an entree and go directly to party mode. The design is no accident. Co-owners Ray Sieradzki and Paul Gibbs are owners at Midtown's Leopard Lounge. Co-owner Dee Grimes previously worked at Lulu's Bait Shack and Mumbo Jumbo. The other owner, Tom Nahas, was a manager at The Tavern at Phipps. Cherry Restaurant and Bar is designed for fun, not just dining. A spacious downstairs' bar is set up for good times beyond a menu, and sure to be hit when the weather turns warm, are the 100 seats outside and upstairs on a wraparound patio. But atmosphere and good drinks don't do it alone in today's somewhat conservative times, so the restaurant's young owners have hired Bay Area chef Christopher Moore to run the kitchen and make the food work. Moore, a Culinary Institute of America grad, has honed his cooking skills at eateries in San Francisco, Charleston and New York. Moore's globally-influenced cuisine includes such dishes as Hoisen Barbecue Duck, Chipotle Glazed Pork Chop, Churrasco Rib Eye, Tuna Sake and Wok Lobster. Cherry has seating for 40 downstairs, 60 upstairs and 20 in a private dining room in addition to the 100 outdoor seats. There is an upstairs sushi bar also. "Midtown is growing by the day, but it's still an area that's predominately bars and nightclubs," says Grimes. "We wanted to offer a sophisticated, yet casual alternative, an attractive place where someone could have a unique meal and then hang out afterwards." "The idea is for the entire place to be uniquely designed with quirky details that act as a showcase for color, light and art," says Krohngold, who has designed hip spots like Mumbo Jumbo and Tongue & Groove. "The use of warm woods and a palette inspired by a box of chocolates work with the obvious cherry theme, without resorting to clichés." Cherry is opened for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner seven nights a week. The latter is served to 11:30 on weekend nights. Pictured on this month's cover are (from left) Sergio Leguizamon, Dee Grimes, Paul Gibbs, Ray Sieradzki and Tom Nahas.

Cheetah III (March 2001) It has always ranked as Atlanta's classiest nude dance club but word is owner Bill Hagood is about to give the Cheetah another face lift as he has regularly done in the past.

Chevy's (August 2000) (See also Rio Bravo) Yet another out-of-state chain (this one from California) is transforming an Atlanta tradition. The Rio Bravo at Powers Ferry became the first of the area Rio Bravos to pass into time. It has been remodeled and reopened as Chevy's.

Chicago's Restaurant (June 2000) has filled a niche for casual upscale neighborhood dining in the Marietta and Roswell areas for over the past 10 years. Now owner David Howard is creating his latest concept, Bitter End Seafood Market, "to become another dining option to our existing customer base." The idea came from a visit to the Virgin Island, Virgin Gorda, where in the harbor sat the Bitter End Yacht Club. The restaurant was inspired by the resort. Howard, patterning his restaurant after what he experienced, will be offering fresh seafood for diner and also have a fresh seafood market. Scheduled to open in late June, Bitter End will offer a casual atmosphere where guests can enjoy dining on fresh fish daily including lobster, shellfish, steak and prime rib. The menu will include seafood gumbo, shrimp quesadillas, baked crabmeat au gratin, prime rib and pecan crusted grouper. Entree prices will range between $9.95 and $18.95. Handcrafted model ships and mounted fish will adorn the walls and umbrellas in the dining room will create a market feel. There will also be a display kitchen and seating will accommodate 165. A separate dining room for up to 60 guests will be in a private room located off the dining room. The market will offer seafood, steaks, salads, breads and soups for take-out service.

(January 2001) Chicago's Steak and Seafood Restaurant has introduced a new menu. "The menu and wine list have not been changed this much since the first restaurant's birth in 1991," comments owner David Howard of his three locations. New appetizers include shrimp bisque and "Bitter End" crab cake. Shrimp po boy, grilled portabella stack and shrimp & grits have been added along with entree items veal and shrimp provencal, salmon oscar, blackened tenderloin and gorgonzola crusted New York strip.

Chick-Fil-A (June 2000) The dastardly wrecking ball has leveled the SoBuck building that was once the colorful Clarence Foster's and later a Blackeyed Pea restaurant. During a 20-year run as Foster's, every character in the city bellied up to the bar at one time or another and many of them had their names engraved on the bar owned by fellow character Bill Swearingen. The space will become a Chick-Fil-A franchise and that's progress I suppose.

Chili's, Ashford Dunwoody location opened September 1993

Chimayo (June 2000) A new southwestern smokehouse that combines smoked and southwestern blended foods opened on May 30th at 4058 Peachtree Road in the Brookhaven Station across from the Brookhaven Marta Station. It is called Chimayo and the owners are brother and sister team Nancy and Rob Johnson and their partner Tracy Roberson. Nancy and Rob also own Shipfeifers on Peachtree which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in July. "We all live in the area," said Nancy. "The area warrants a good neighborhood restaurant and we hope that we provide a comfortable place for our neighbors who will choose to come to the restaurant on a weekly basis." Chimayo is smoke free and incorporates southwestern Native American colors of salmon and beige adobe-finished walls and quality smokehouse remnants creating a nice warm feeling. Two sconces adorn the back wall with some abstract paintings decorating the others. Seating for 80 will be at tables, booths and banquettes. A patio will open in the fall. The menus signature item is the smoked chicken wings but also available are smoked ribs, chicken, fish, a variety of salads and burrito and enchilada platters and shrimp and corn cakes the latter which help make up the southwestern blend to the menu. Dinner prices average $10-$12. Dinner only is served at this time Monday through Saturday with lunch following in a few weeks. There is a small bar in addition to offering full service specialty margaritas and sipping tequilas make up the drink menu.

Chops - Opened September 1989

(October 2000, December 2000) OCTOBER TOP TEN DINING RECOMMENDATIONS - CHOPS, 70 W. Paces Ferry Road (404/262-2675): Slick men's club atmosphere with marvelous steaks and equally good seafood. The downstairs Lobster Bar is a winner.

Chops Lobster Bar (Opened October 1996) Located downstairs from Chops

Cino Grills (January 2000) Cino Grille has scheduled an early March opening for their third location at The Avenue East Cobb on Upper Roswell Rd. The unique casual upscale restaurant will feature a Scottsdale AZ motif complete with adobe 1/2 walls, pottery and metal. American Southwestern cuisine will be offered with an average check price of $25 per person. There will be a separate martini and cigar lounge complimenting the full service bar. A live jazz band will provide entertainment.

(February 2000) Cactus flower or thorn? Cino Grille management considers that a no brainer. It intends to deliver something different to the busy Atlanta dining scene. Atlanta's first Cino Grille (pronounced "see on") is scheduled to open in early March in the Avenue of East Cobb on Upper Roswell Road. The Cino cactus grows to a whopping sixty-five feet on only eight inches of water a year in the Sonora dessert and blooms flowers only once every three years. The restaurant's inspiration was drawn from the great southwest and the exotic cactus. The cuisine is American with mixed colors and flavors from California, Arizona and New Mexico. "We are very excited about moving to the Atlanta market," said owner Tim Ruys. "There are no other restaurants of this nature in the area and we think it will be a boost to the already existing establishments." The interior will have, appropriately enough, a southwestern motif complete with adobe half walls, metal sculptures, pottery and prints. Seating will accommodate 230 in a combination of booths, banquettes and tables. There will be a separate bar area. Lunch and dinner will be offered with prices for lunch ranging between $3.95 and $9.50 and dinner between $3.95 and $28.95. The menu will include appetizers, salads, pizzas, sandwiches and entrees. Tequila lime breast chicken, herb crusted pork tenderloin with apple red chile chutney, and a 9-oz. petite filet name just a few of the entrees as well as angel hair pasta with roma tomatoes and gulf shrimp, pan seared tuna and barbeque chicken. The bar will offer over 15 single malt scotches, premium liquors, ports and cigars. A three-ounce shot martini will be available as well as a 31 drink list with everything from a Stoli Pepper bloody Mary to a Panther Prowl martini (served with Bombay Sapphire, blue curacao and a single black olive). Live jazz will be played on Friday and Saturday nights.

(March 2000) If the surrounding neighborhood is a restaurant desert of sorts, its next eatery is well suited - in name at least. Cino Grille will make its metro Atlanta debut on March 7 at the Avenue of East Cobb on Upper Roswell Road. Cino, named after the cactus that grows to a bean stalk size of sixty-five feet on only eight inches of water a year, will actually become the third installment for the company. The first opened in September '96 in Charlotte, NC by owner Tim Ruys and a second followed in Tampa, Florida on March 1999. "We are very excited about moving to the city," said Ruys. "There are no other restaurants of this nature in the area and we think it will be a boost to the already existing dining establishment." The southwestern theme is carried throughout the interior with half walls made of adobe mud, metal sculptures, pottery and prints. A combination of booths, banquettes and tables will make up the 230 seating. The menu offers mixed colors and flavors from California, Arizona and New Mexico. Entrees include tequila lime chicken breast, herb crusted pork tenderloin with apple red chutney, and a 9 oz. petite filet in addition to pasta dishes of shrimp, pan seared tuna and barbeque chicken. The bar is separate from the dining room and will offer over 15 single malt scotches, premium liquors, ports and cigars. A three-ounce shot martini will highlight the 31 drink menu. A jazz band will perform on Friday and Saturday nights.

Cipollini (March 2000) Cipollini is now open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a range of fresh homemade pasta featuring authentic Italian ingredients.

(September 2000) Cipollini Ristorante, Ansley Mall - closed

City Grill (Opened November 1988)

Clarence Foster's (June 2000) The dastardly wrecking ball has leveled the SoBuck building that was once the colorful Clarence Foster's and later a Blackeyed Pea restaurant. During a 20-year run as Foster's, every character in the city bellied up to the bar at one time or another and many of them had their names engraved on the bar owned by fellow character Bill Swearingen. The space will become a Chick-Fil-A franchise and that's progress I suppose.

Clay's Sports Cafe - Opened February 1993

Club Enigma (April 2001) Toney Rosenberg, Dev Kewalramani and Scott Williams have set a tentative date of early May for the opening of Club Enigma in the site at 265 East Paces Ferry Road that formerly housed Cobalt. Although some details were still being worked on when this issue went to press, Rosenberg says it will be a two-story club. Downstairs will have contemporary Top 40's music piped in. Upstairs will be for power dancing and will feature DJ's spinning different themed music each night. They are keeping some of Cobalt's European style look with a lot of silver and metallic decor. Downstairs there will be sofas, booths and tables. There are three rooms on each floor each of which will have a different look but all will have a lounge feel. Ideas being considered are to make one room mirrored, one all white and maybe one will be a cigar room. There are also three bars on both floors. They are planning to draw a 21 to 30-year-old crowd to the club which will be open Wednesday through Saturday. Attire will be upscale. All major credit cards will be accepted.

Club Fish (August 2000) How about a dining experience that takes you to an ocean front restaurant without ever leaving the Atlanta area? That's what you'll get when you step foot into Club Fish located on Holiday Road. "We're just like a Florida crab shack," said partner Tom Smith. "The only thing missing is the beach." Offering a very casual atmosphere the interior has hardwood floors and "every color of the rainbow" with piñatas of fish hanging from the ceiling. Seating accommodates 60 inside with an additional 60 outside on the screened porch and patio. The menu consists of fried and steamed seafood, flown in fresh daily, and offers everything from fried shrimp, snow crabs, mussels and crawfish to a low country boil and the new addition of burgers. Prices range between $5.95 and $22.95 (for the giant steamed platter for two). Beer and wine only are served every night except Sunday. The partners are Tom Smith, Benny Newman and Laurie Attaway who also own the Third Coast Grille just down the road. Third Coast Grille has established itself as a comfortable dining experience for the past five years and has become a welcome addition to the area. Attaway also owns Aqua Terra in Buford.

Clubhouse, The (August 2000) Celebrities owning restaurants are more often than not a bust (remember Country Star in Buckhead) but the latest is the The Clubhouse, described as country club dining, headed for Lenox Square in October. It's owners are the unlikely group of Kevin Costner, actor Robert Wagner and golfers Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples. It will be a near $10 million creation in the former SunTrust Bank space at Lenox.

(September 2000) We know Robert Wagner and Kevin Costner are actors and that Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples are professional golfers. But what do all four have in common? They are partners in a restaurant endeavor named The Clubhouse. The Clubhouse is scheduled to open in middle October at Lenox Square. The Clubhouse, as one would expect by the name, will offer a stylish country club setting with warm finished woods, marble, granite and rich colors without having to pay the dues. Broken down into several different rooms there is the Grand Bar for cocktails, the Club Room or Grill Room for dining and the Normandie Room offering fine cigars and a nice selection of single malt scotches. The main dining room alone will accommodate 400 with about a 150 more in the bar, the Normandie room and on the patio. The interior will be made up of black and beige marble tile, artisan crafted furniture, antique leather wingback chairs and black and white photos of the good life from clubhouses around the world. The menu will consist of such classic American fare as prime steaks, chops and seafood. Some menu items will include Carpaccio of Portobello Mushroom, Orange Basil Salmon and their famous filet and portobello stacked sandwich. Prices will average $12.50 for lunch and $20 for dinner. Special attention will be paid to service, as every detail will go unnoticed. The founding partners of The Clubhouse...WHERE YOU BELONG, L.L.C., include Jerry Kleiner, Marcia Jean Taub, Tom Sax and Keith Rudman. They have all contributed their various professional experiences to create The Clubhouse venue. The Pro Shop will carry an extensive line of merchandise including, Ashworth, Nike, Nicklaus, Bobby Jones, Polo, Tommy Bahama, E.P. Pro and Izod Club. Unique, one-of-a-kind products range from logoed T-shirts and baseball caps to lifestyle products such as etched martini glasses, leather goods and cigar accessories. There are currently Clubhouses in Oak Brook, Illinois and Costa Mesa, California.

(October 2000) The Clubhouse, a restaurant bent on capturing a stylish country club setting, is scheduled to open in mid October at Lenox Square. Without having to pay the customery country club dues, guest will dine in an interior of warm finished woods, black and beige marble tile, granite, artisan crafted furniture, antique leather wingback chairs and black and white photos of the good life from clubhouses around the world all surrounded by rich colors. The Clubhouse will be broken down into several rooms - the Grand Bar for cocktails, the Club Room or Grill Room for dining and the Normandie Room offering fine cigars and a nice selection of single malt scotches. The main dining room alone will accommodate 400 with 150 more in the bar. The menu will consist of such classic American fare as prime steaks, chops and seafood. Traditional favorites will include chicken piccata, chicken breast sautéed in lemon butter caper sauce with rice pilaf; chicken pot pie, baked creamy casserole of chicken and fresh vegetables covered with a mashed potato parmesan crust; meatloaf and mashed potato Sunday, homemade meatloaf piled high with mashed potatoes, brioche and crispy onions; and southwestern bbq chicken, bbq chicken breast seasoned with Georgia sweet chili rub then broiled and served with roasted corn and black bean sauce. Some other premium entrees offered will be honey peppercorn salmon, red snapper, sashimi grade ahi tuna, bourbon glazed double cut pork chops and 10 or 14 oz. filet. Entree prices will average $8.95 for lunch and range between $8.25 and $28.95 for dinner. The Pro Shop will carry an extensive line of merchandise including, Ashworth, Nike, Nicklaus, Bobby Jones, Polo, Tommy Bahama, E.P. Pro and Izod Club. Unique, one-of-a-kind products range from logoed T-shirts and baseball caps to lifestyle products such as etched martini glasses, leather goods and cigar accessories. The founding partners of The Clubhouse... WHERE YOU BELONG, L.L.C., include Jerry Kleiner, Marcia Jean Taub, Tom Sax and Keith Rudman. They have all contributed their various professional experiences to create The Clubhouse venue. Their more famous partners are professional golfers Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples and actors Kevin Costner and Robert Wagner. There are currently Clubhouses in Oak Brook, Illinois and Costa Mesa, California.

(February 2001) When founder Keith Rudman and designer & restaurateur Jerry Kleiner began plans to open their first Clubhouse in Oak Brook, Illinois, they envisioned a unique restaurant experience. They wanted to combine theambiance of an Old World European chateau and the luxury of a private club. Their idea&emdash;along with founding partners, Marcia Jean Taub and Tom Sax&emdash;was to create a place that looks and feels as though it's for the private world of privilege but is available to everyone. That vision, The Clubhouse, is now open at 3393 Peachtree Road in Lenox Square. Among The Clubhouse's first founding members are celebrities&emdash; film star Kevin Costner, golfer Jack Nicklaus, Master's champion Fred Couples and film and television star Robert Wagner. As soon as you walk through TheClubhouse's mahogany French doors, you are hit with a clubby feel. You can settle in the marbled tiled cafe or sit at the alabaster bar. The Clubhouse has been designed with silks from the Orient, antiques from around the world and one-of-a -kind custom furniture. For those seeking a more intimate dining experience there is the stately Normandie Room which accommodates 25. The Clubhouse dining room seats 400 with additional seating of 90 at the bar and another 34 on the patio. A board room, which seats 100, is also available. The menu consists of contemporary American classic cuisine with an international influence. Clubhouse's average check is $10 - $15 for lunch and $20 - $30 for dinner. The Clubhouse is open Monday - Thursday 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. and til 1 a.m. on Friday & Saturday, Sunday til 10 p.m. The Clubhouse in Atlanta is the third location following other locations in Chicago and California.

(February 2001 - March 2001) What's Sizzlin'
THE CLUBHOUSE, 3393 Peachtree Road, Lenox Square (404/442-8891)
....Clubby restaurant-bar with mover-shaker crowd

Club Sandwich (Opened October 1999)

Clutch Cargo's (March 2001) Opened March 2001 - *See Atlanta Beer Garten, Bayou Laroux's, GO Lounge

Coast 92 (July 2000) (See also dick & harry's) Harold and Richard Marmulstein of dick & harry's fame have changed the name of their new concept from Catch 92 to Coast 92 but will finally get their casual seafood eatery at Crossville and King roads open in August.

(August 2000) The beach is coming to Woodstock. Well, actually it's more like the coast as Coast 92, the latest concept brought to you by brothers/owners Richard and Harold Marmulstein of the acclaimed dick and harry's on Holcomb Bridge. They plan to open their newest in late August at 625 W. Crossville Road. This will be a casual contemporary seafood, fish and sushi restaurant featuring a menu of hearty portions. "Atlantans really love fresh fish and seafood," says Harold Marmulstein, chef and owner. "Our daily specials at dick and harry's featuring fish and seafood are always popular with our clientele&emdash;so we're expanding on this in our latest concept to satisfy the desire of our patrons." The interior is being designed by Wendy Bennett and Betsy Edwards of Bennett Edwards and will feature a huge glass wall in bottle greens, ocean blues and iridescent silver creating a casual yet chic "underwater" feel separating the dining room from the bar area. Seating will be for 200 inside at brushed steel tables and banquettes with the latter having a '50s beach towel fabric. There will be large scale photography, lots of custom glass sculptures and unique lighting fixtures. The separate full service bar will have three oversized lifeguard stands offering a unique look for wine, liquor and beer shelving. The artwork adorning the walls throughout the dining and bar areas will have ocean themes&emdash;large scale photography, cast glass sculptures and dimensional murals. An additional 50 will be seated on an outdoor patio. The menu will feature appetizers ranging in price from $3 to $13 and include creamy New England clam chowder, sushi, and a Coast 92 Seafood Sunami which is buckets of steamed Rope cultured mussels and buckets of steamed manilla clams. For entrees the menu will include a variety of fish and seafood prepared five different ways&emdash;broiled, sauteed, steamed, batter fried and Cajun spices. In addition diners will be able to find baked stuffed Gulf shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs and Dungeness Crab. For the land lover two cuts of filet mignon, a double-cut bourbon glazed pork chop and a broiled or fried chicken breast will be available. Prices will average $16. dick and harry's opened in 1996 and serves upscale contemporary American cuisine and offers a large daily selection of specials, chops, seafood and pastas.

(September 2000) Coast 92, Crossville & King Road - Newly Opened

Cobalt (Opened August 1999)

(September 2000) Cobalt, East Paces Ferry (closed Sept. 4) See Polly Esther's

(September 2000) Cobalt, the bar that made Buckhead notorious nationwide, and may have led to many of the current problems in Atlanta's premiere after-dark district, is closing its doors for good. The two-year-old club located at 265 East Paces Ferry will be history following a September 4 "Last Trance" party. Business at the club has been sparse since two separate murder incidents killing three people outside the club, one the much publicized street brawl involving NFL football player Ray Lewis. Both fights and murders occurred outside in the morning hours after the club's Sunday night parties largely attended by a black crowd, including many professional athletes and entertainers. Oddly, as local and nationwide media focused on the killings nightly, a new phenomenon began to emerge in the Buckhead village area. Hoards of young people, many barely teenagers, began to cruise Buckhead&emdash;blaring loud music, sitting on car hoods and hanging out of car windows - beginning around midnight and continuing into the early morning hours in what amounted to a multi-cultural Freaknik party. Those not in the bumper-to-bumper car parade, mill around in the Bolling Way area on foot. Most are sloppily dressed and a good portion are obviously under age to enter any of the clubs. Only a few days before co-owner Tom Cook announced Cobalt's closing, police began to crack down on the nearby Freaknik-like happening. In the early morning hours of August 20 policed towed 22 cars, wrote 35 tickets and arrested at least three people for the unauthorized cruising. Police vowed they would continue to keep up the heavy enforcement until the cruisers got the message they are not wanted. The street party has affected business at classier clubs in the Bolling Way area, blemished Buckhead's image as a chic neighborhood and nightlife district causing many longtime Atlanta lovers of nightlife to long since depart for clubs in Midtown and outside the Perimeter. Ironically, before it became Cobalt, the building was Otto's, for 10 years the slickest club in Buckhead, attracting not only local movers and shakers, but celebrities like Mick Jagger, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw and Jack Nicholson to name a few. Polly Esther's, a New York-based chain disco, will move into the Cobalt Space.

Coco Loco (Opened November 1988)

Comeaux's (October 2000) OCTOBER TOP TEN DINING RECOMMENDATIONS - COMEAUX'S, 9925 Haynes Bridge Road (770/442-2524). Located just minutes from the North Point Mall area this Louisiana-style bar & grill serves up steak, seafood and cajun specialties along with Live Jazz & Blues Wendesday through Saturday nights in an authentic cajun atmosphere.

Commune (December 2000) Chef Matthew Kenney and partner Mark Wood, of New York City have teamed with Atlantan, Govantez Lowndes to open Commune at 1198 Howell Mill Road in late January, 2001. Commune will feature updated classic and contemporary fare in an upscale, neighborly atmosphere. Commune boasts a wine list of over 150 wines and 25 wines by the glass. The restaurant will serve a lunch, dinner and late night menus. A brunch menu will be served on Saturday and Sunday. The goal of the space was to create a place for people to linger, meet and relax. Evoking the spirit and design of it's sister NYC establishment, Commune Atlanta is housed in an old industrial space yet offers a highly polished, warm and sensual interior. Commune can accommodate 190-plus dining guests in a number of settings from the communal table, plush Hollywood/Pullman booths and intimate tables in the main dining room, to the tucked away bar room and courtyard cafe. The main dining room is centered around a 24-seat communal table with an illuminated onyx top. The bar is located upstairs above the dining room to promote interaction throughout the space and take advantage of the stunning Midtown skyline views. Continuing the rich, warm feel of the dining area, the walls of the bar are lined in African wenge wood which are lit for warmth and feature deep leather bench seating. The hip, casual atmosphere boasts a 28 ft. red leather bar illuminated by a back-lit onyx wall and a communal table creating an inviting space.

(January 2001) Chef Matthew Kenney and partner Mark Wood, of New York City have teamed with Atlantan, Govantez Lowndes to open a branch of the successful New York restaurant, Commune, featured on HBO's "Sex and the City," in Atlanta at 1198 Howell Mill Road in early February. Commune will feature updated classic and contemporary fare in an upscale, neighborly atmosphere. Commune boasts a wine list of over 150 wines and 25 wines by the glass. The restaurant will serve a lunch, dinner and late night menus. A brunch menu will be served on Saturday and Sunday. The goal of the space was to create a place for people to linger, meet and relax. Evoking the spirit and design of it's sister NYC establishment, Commune Atlanta is housed in an old industrial space yet offers a highly polished, warm and sensual interior. The atmosphere is provided by a setting of dark wood punctuated by expanses of light and red accents. Commune can accommodate 190-plus dining guests in a number of settings from the communal table, plush Hollywood/Pullman booths and intimate tables in the main dining room, to the tucked away bar room and courtyard cafe. The main dining room is centered around the 24-seat communal table with an illuminated onyx top and custom Commune teak sofas and benches are mixed with modern chairs and tables on an outdoor terrace. The bar is located upstairs above the dining room to promote interaction throughout the space and take advantage of the stunning Midtown skyline views. Continuing the rich, warm feel of the dining area, the walls of the bar are lined in African wenge wood which are lit for warmth and feature deep leather bench seating. The hip, casual atmosphere boasts a 28 ft. red leather bar illuminated by a back-lit onyx wall and a communal table creating an inviting space.

Concorde, The (September 200) (See also Hal's in Roswell) Hal's in Roswell lasted just weeks before owner Ron Barber and Hal's on Old Ivy owner, Hal Nowak, agreed to disagree and closed it. The restaurant remained closed for several months but has now reopened as The Concorde. The Concorde is an upscale restaurant with piano bar that should give Roswell residents another fine dining alternative to driving to Buckhead. The General Manager is Johnny Esposito Jr. who currently owns Club Sandwich on Devore Road in Alpharetta as well as learning his trade at the Punchline and at Johnny's Hideaway where he worked along side his father, Johnny Esposito. The unique freestanding building has a brick exterior and two patios. The upstairs is the main dining room and piano bar with separate deck and downstairs is a banquet facility for approximately 150 as well as a private dining area in the wine cellar. The interior features lots of woodwork with carpet flooring and has a color scheme of deep greens. Italian paintings adorn the walls. There is also a large double-sided fireplace making a cozy atmosphere while dining patrons can hear the piano player in the nearby bar area. Seating for 93 is at clothed tables. The cuisine offered is French and American and the menu was designed by executive chef Mounir Mamou formerly of Chateau Elan. Dinner only is served and entree prices range from $17.95 to $28.95. Some signature dishes include the duckling a l'orange, crispy Long Island duckling with a light orange sauce; chicken prosciutto, free range chicken with mozzarella cheese and wrapped in prosciutto; the Chilean sea bass pan served with lobster scallion sauce and a potato nest; and filet mignon au poirve pressed in peppercorns and served with a cognac sauce; and the 2 lb. lobster, split and stuffed with crabmeat. The full service piano bar is separate from the dining room and features a piano player nightly. A fun, upbeat atmosphere is being created with lively entertainers varying nightly. High-end liquors and an extensive wine list are served.

(September 2000) The Concorde, Old Dogwood Road - Newly Opened

Corner Pocket Sports Bar & Billiards (Opened October 1988)

(September 2000) on Roswell Road just south of I-285 has finished a major remodeling job which included new hardwood floors, carpet and a fresh coat of paint. 20 new television sets were added as well as 14 new pool tables. The menu was also expanded upon with the addition of more sandwiches and appetizers. Lunch is now being offered.

Coohill's, A Steakhouse (Opened October 1997)

Cooker, Powers Ferry location opened October 1993, Haynes Bridge opened September 1994

Cook's Warehouse, The (September 2000) The Cook's Warehouse, Atlanta's premier cookware, kitchen accessory store and cooking school located on Amsterdam Avenue is expanding 2500 square feet making it the largest gourmet store in the southeast with a new kitchen classroom area allowing more classes to be offered.

Copeland's (April 2000) The New Orleans-styled restaurant, Copeland's of New Orleans, opened its first location near Cumberland Mall in December of 1998 and has become a huge success. Because of this success a second location is scheduled to open in late May in the former Baja Beach Club on Piedmont. A third is under construction on Barrett Parkway and a late July opening is anticipated. Copeland's serves Cajun Creole cuisine with specials for lunch ranging between $6.95 and $10.95 and dinner entrees range between $10 and $19.

(May 2000) Copeland's, a New Orleans style restaurant, is planning on a late May opening on Piedmont Road in the former Baja Beach Club. Serving Cajun Creole cuisine lunch prices range between $6.95 and $13.95 and dinner prices range between $10 and $24. The menu specializes in seafood and includes such entrees as a fried seafood po-boy sandwich that can be filled with fried shrimp, crawfish, oysters or catfish, seasoned and piled high on French bread; blackened redfish dusted with spicy Cajun seasonings then pepper-charred in a cast iron skillet and served with red potatoes; gumbo; and shrimp etouffee which is gulf shrimp in a dark roux-based sauce seasoned with garlic, green onions and spices served over white rice. Also included will be burgers, Cajun grilled chicken, steak and baby back ribs.Long gone are the plastic palm trees and scantily clad beer tub girls which have been replaced with original oil paintings depicting New Orleans scenes, lots of mahogany woodwork and an art deco influence. Seating will be for 330 and additional seating will be on a patio overlooking Piedmont. A full service bar will be offered and will have a walk-up section from the patio. In addition to live jazz during happy hour and on the weekends jazz and zydeco music will be pumped through speakers throughout the restaurant creating a lively, upbeat atmosphere. The first Copeland's opened in late 1998 just south of Akers Mill Square. A second and third are in the works slated to open this year. One will open its doors in July on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw and another is anticipating a November opening on Mansell Road.

(July 2000) Copeland's of New Orleans is growing again as they plan on opening a third location on Barrett Parkway in late July.

(September 2000) Copeland's of New Orleans, Barrett Parkway - Newly Opened

Cosmopolitan (November 2000) See Midtown

Cotton Club - Opened Downtown at Tabernacle February 2000

County Seat Cafe, Lawrenceville (opened August 1988)

Country Place, The (November 2000) Opened November 1977

(November 2000) Their slogan is seasonal American food with a French country attitude! Owned by the Peasant Restaurants and located at Colony Square, The Country Place has become 'the' place for pre-show dinners and late-night snacks or dessert following a show at nearby theatre venues. Many Midtown regulars have made this 'their' spot. The Country Place atmosphere, synonymous with its name, offers a warm and inviting feel with terra cotta floors, European antiques and century old Portuguese tiles all enhanced by greenery. Fresh ingredients are used and lunch and dinner is served with prices ranging between $9 and $15 for lunch and $16 and $27 for dinner. Menu items include lump crab cakes; grilled filet of beef tenderloin, smoked pork chops, horseradish crusted salmon and slow roasted chicken. Decadent desserts are a must-try and include the signature Mile High Pie which consists of vanilla, chocolate and coffee ice cream layered on a chocolate cookie crust and served with mocha whipped cream and caramel sauce. Others include chocolate chip banana bread pudding, New York style cheesecake and granny smith apple tart. The staff is what has made this restaurant a success and the majority has been employed for over five years, which is unique in itself due to the restaurant business being so transient. The service is always professional and well paced yet not too stuffy. General Manager Joey Detenber says "our consistency to quality food and good service has helped make the restaurant stay open as long as it has. Not only do we get the business lunch crowd and before-theatre groups but we have many, many regulars that come in and have their own place where they like to sit." One such staff member is waiter, Bill Lamback, who has been working here for 21 years and has a loyal customer base that comes in daily and asks to be seated at one of Bill's tables.

Cowboys (June 2000) The pickup trucks are still there lining the parking lot in neat rows. Big-assed pickup trucks with dual wheels and extended cabs, mind you. After all, this is suburban Atlanta and old cars don't get it. There are still many cowboy hats, although more than one cool cowboy these days wears a baseball cap. That fad began in Texas years ago and finally worked its way east. The mechanical bull is still here too, and young urban cowboys, many who are as graceful as Baryshnikov, do there thing on the fake bull as cute admiring Southern Belles look on. The place has always had more than its share of attractive, no-attitude females. But Cowboys, the giant country music club on North Roberts Road in Kennesaw, has changed. It's as if Backstreet meets Cowboys these days. One minute the deejay is spinning straight ahead country by Toby Keith or George Strait, the next out and out disco retro found in Midtown and Buckhead haunts. The crowd, predominately in its 20s and 30s but with a comfortable sprinkling of graybeards too, seems to love it. Disco beat stuff packs the dance floor. On some cuts you'll see the hottest couples dancing in Atlanta, period. It does seem that the line dance thing has dissipated some, but the 4,000 square foot dance floor - bigger than many metro Atlanta nightclubs - has room for anyone to dance anyway they like and there is no one here to frown and guffaw at your moves like might happen in some Buckhead club. Don't get me wrong. Country music is still the thing here. This month Aaron Tippin and Blackhawk roll in for live concerts. It's just like everywhere else in life these days, the distinctions seem to be disappearing and blending into one mass, and that's not all bad. Don't be surprised if someone soon opens a club featuring country, Latino and rap music all in one. A trip to Cowboys is an adventure in itself unless, of course, you live somewhere near Kennesaw Mountain. Barrett Parkway, the exit point off the expressway, is now a neon jungle of chain restaurants and car dealerships and a new Hooters sits almost in the parking lot of Cowboys. Cowboys itself is a nightclub marvel, 49,000 square feet of blinking lights, neon beer signs and superb sound on three levels. It, by the way, is the largest nightclub east of the Mississippi River. You'll love the young urban cowboys stylin' and the sexy beer tub girls rockin' their suds' signs to get your attention. It's a perfect antidote to repetitive nights in Buckhead and Midtown.

COWBOYS, 1750 N. Roberts Road (770/426-5006)
....Country meets disco beat in city's biggest nightclub
(What's Sizzlin' in Atlanta - August 2000 - March 2001)

Crabby Nick's Seafood House (January 2001) Crabby Nick's Seafood House of Hilton Head has opened in Duluth at 2040 Pleasant Hill Road at the entrance of Gwinnett Place Mall and marks the first venture of several planned in the Atlanta market. The next proposed location is targeted for George Busbee Parkway in Kennesaw, which was being negotiated at press time, and a third in the Douglasville area. The original Crabby Nick's opened its doors in Hilton Head, SC in 1996. The name Crabby Nick's was actually taken from owner Bill Giesse's pet name for his daughter Ashley Nichole, ("Nicki") and her crabby nature as an infant, who today serves as the Duluth location's On-site Manager. Jeff Ruff, former Senior Manager of Durango Steak House in Atlanta, serves as Crabby Nick's new Area Manager. The expansive Crabby Nick's menu serves traditional Lowcountry seafood fare grilled, broiled, baked, blackened and fried. Featured specialties include a broad selection of ten seafood pasta dishes, appetizers of corn chowder, fried mushrooms, calamari, conch fritters, shrimp, oysters and mussels, a kid's menu and non-seafood items along with a selection of steaks. Side dishes include steamed vegetables, fries, seasoned rice, parsley potatoes, salad and onion rings from .99¢ to $2.95. Entrees range from $7.95 to $18.99 with over 20 items under $10. A full bar is served and Tuesday through Saturday magicians browse through the restaurant entertaining guests. Crabby Nick's has a friendly, casual atmosphere and is rustically decorated with nautical artifacts and 'crabby' cartoon murals featuring some of the sea's more cantankerous creatures. Open 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and til 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday, dinner-only is served. 678/474-0425 for more information.

Crawdaddy's (December 2000) See also Lagniappe on the Bayou - For those who live in the area you may be familiar with Lagniappe on the Bayou, a New Orleans-style restaurant located in the Dunwoody Village. The restaurant has recently undergone new ownership and some changes have been made. For one the restaurant has a new name. It has now become Crawdaddy's Cajun Bar and Grille. A complaint that new owner Huw Thomas (Dunwoody Tavern and Royal Oak) heard was that the prices were too high so he cut prices in half. The cuisine has remained but now the menu is the same both for lunch and dinner. Additions include the popular "buckets" being served with seafood (shrimp, crab legs) or chicken and beef and served over fries. There are also specials being offered - oyster roast, shrimp boil and all-you-can eat lobster for $19.95. Happy hour includes $2 dozen oysters on the half shell. The interior was not changed. Thomas plans to open another restaurant, Fandango's, early next year in the same area.

(January 2001) Crawdaddy's Closed. *See Fandango's, Lagniappe, Dunwoody Tavern

Creoles (October 2000) Opened September 2000, Closed November 2000

(August 2000) (See also La Boucherie) After some ups and downs the owners of La Boucherie decided to sell and new owners took over in late May. The restaurant now called Creoles will have a Grand Opening party on August 1st at 9775 Medlock Bridge Rd. The new owner, Tony Diez, is not new to the restaurant scene. He has owned over thirty-three restaurants one of which including Huey's on Peachtree. The general manager is Rodney Camren who has been in the business for the past six years and did some time at Veni Vidi Vici. "We're hoping to educate and school diners on Creole cuisine," said Diez. "Many people think Creole means 'heat' when it is actually a blending or fusing of classical French and Spanish with American and African American cuisines creating flavor." Now being described as upscale fine dining serving New Orleans fusion Creole cuisine the restaurant has gone through some major interior design changes including new paint and plants, the addition of a private dining room and the removal of the bandstand and shortening of the bar all to allow for more dining room seating. Total seating at white clothed tables, booths and banquettes will be 140. There are hard pinewood floors with a mahogany finish. In addi