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Friday's, Peachtree opened
September 1994
Tabernacle (August 2000) Yes, we are an international mecca. For years the chamber of commerce claimed it without merit, but we are there now, believe me. Caught the hot Latin singer Marc Anthony the other night at the great Tabernacle downtown amidst a sea of waving Puerto Rican flags in the crowd. The Tabernacle, incidentally, with its angled floor has the best sight lines of any club I've ever been to and a salute to its serving the new plastic Miller Lite bottles. If nothing else, they would make for a harmless bar brawl.
Taco Mac, Milton Pkwy (Opened September 1997), (Town Center location opened October 1990)
Tacqueria Quetzalcoatl (October 2000) Closed
Tangier (September 2000) A new club will be opening in Midtown adding to the growing population of bars such as the Leopard Lounge, the Crescent Room and the Martini Club. Tangier is scheduled to open in late September at 69 12th Street in what was originally two old houses that are being renovated and made into one. Named after an exotic city in Morroco the lounge/club will have deep rich colors with hardwood and marble floors as well as Victorian Louis XIII furniture imported from Europe. Sectioned into three areas one lounge area will play eclectic music, a dance floor will be located in the middle with a deejay spinning tunes and European imports will be in the second lounge. There will be a huge deck in the front of the house with a waterfall and a treehouse VIP area for special guests. Each will have its own bar and will serve high-end liquors, wine and champagnes. The only food served will be sushi. A $10 cover will be charged Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Memberships can be purchased for $1000 to $1500. The owners are Shad Gerami and his partner Gavin Abadi. Gerami also owns Goldfinger, which celebrated its 5th anniversary in June and The Vault, which caters to a gothic crowd on the weekends.
(November 2000) The name alone sounds exotic. It's the latest concept from owner Shad Gerami of Goldfinger in Buckhead. His partner in the venture is Gavin Abadi of the late Bubble Room. The latest concept, scheduled to open in November, is a Morrocan inspired lounge/club in two newly renovated homes joined as one on 12th Street in Midtown. The interior will have hardwood and marble floors with deep rich colors that will accentuate the Victorian Louis XIII furniture imported from Europe. The house is broken into three separate areas and will include a lounge with eclectic music being played. The middle area will house a dance floor and a deejay with play tunes imported from Europe also. A large deck situated in front of the house will be the third area and will have a waterfall and a special VIP area in a treehouse. Each of the three sections will have its own bar and will serve high-end liquors, wines and champagnes. Sushi will be served as well. A $10 cover will be charged Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. VIP memberhips can be purchased for $1,000 to $1,500.
(November 2000) See Midtown
Tanner's (Indian Trail location opened August 1994), (Holcomb Bridge location opened October 1989)
(July 2000) Restaurant Teams of Longview, Texas, which has acquired the financially-troubled Tanner's Restaurant Group, says it plans to franchise up to 15 new Rick Tanner's Original Grill Units this year.
Tap Room Bar & Grill, The (Opened September 1998)
(July 2000) The Tap Room Bar & Grill clears the floor every Saturday night at 11 p.m. for dancing to disco, funk and soul tunes by DJ Ryze.
(August 2000) The Tap Room is offering a summer menu featuring an expanded seafood selection including such entrees as Southwestern tequila smoked salmon and Cajun crawfish linguini.
Taqueria Quetzalcoatl (February 2000) Y2K may have come and gone, but the burrito restaurant craze is still red hot. Taqueria Quetzalcoatl, simply known as TQ, is a cantina and burrito restaurant that opened at 8540 Roswell Road in late January. It is a Tampa-based franchise. The Atlanta owners are Eric Gray and Sam Elardo who were customers in Florida and "loved the restaurant." Says Eric "we love the city and realized this was our core market." This is a first for both who were previously in the antique business. Food is ordered from a counter after entering and a painted menu is displayed on a chalkboard. Prices range from $3.95 to $5.95. Included are chips and salsa, nachos, salads, grilled meat or vegetarian soft tacos, quesadillas and burritos. Some signature dishes are the spinach, feta and sundried tomato quesadilla, the T.Q. wet burrito made with pork roast, your choice of adobo or verde, rice and beans, wrapped and topped with gravy and sour cream with, the fajita burrito filled with onions, peppers, cheese, salsa, lettuce and sour cream and also added can be chicken or steak, and the Baja taco with blackened or crunchy fish, black beans, red Mexican slaw and mango sour cream in a tortilla shell. The dining room floor is made of Mexican tile and dimpled copper top tables seat close to 70 in addition there is unique lighting throughout. A Quetzalcoatl was an Aztec leader so it is no surprise that there are handpainted works of art of these leaders adorning the walls. The bar is of dimpled copper top and serves over 100 different bottles of beer from around the world and a frozen wine based margarita. No hard liquor is served.
Tavern at Phipps (Opened October 1992)
(June 2000) Tavern at Phipps' manager Larry Miller smiles and says "we're gonna outdo the Midtown Music Festival." The Tavern has reserved the adjacent Phipps Plaza parking lot for a July 4 party with music by the hot Edwin McCain band. Last year's event, featuring Drivin' N' Cryin, drew a huge crowd and is a perfect spinoff of the nearby fireworks at Lenox.
TAVERN at Phipps,
3500 Peachtree Road
(404/814-9640)
.....Atlanta's top happy hour and
fair-weather patio
(What's Sizzlin' in Atlanta - August 2000 - December
2000)
Ten27 (March 2001) Mimi Hawariat and Roberto Boratto, who own Pasta da Pulcinella at 1123 Peachtree Walk, have recently opened Ten27 at 1027 Peachtree Road in Midtown. Ten27 is open Wednesday through Saturday with a different theme each night. On Wednesdays DJ's spin down temp music setting a relaxing lounge feel. Soul music is featured on Thursday's. Fridays are Frank Atl magazine night with three or four DJs being rotated out of the mix and music being mostly hip-hop, jazz, house and reggae. Saturdays feature some house music and uptempo dance music. Saturdays are also used for special events or for featuring out of town DJ's. Customers can call the club at 404-875-3911 for more details on each night's feature, cover charge information and for additional updates. There is a bar, table seating, a lounge area and a dance floor downstairs where the wall fades from black at the bottom to red at the top. The upstairs loft -type space, which can serve as a VIP area, houses the DJ booth, a bar and offers sofa and ottomans for seating. Works from various local artists is rotated on the walls. The club serves sandwiches with grilled vegetables; fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil; ham and Swiss cheese; or grilled chicken for $7. The hours of operation are from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and until 3 a.m. on Saturday.
Tenth & Myrtle (September 2000) (See also Vinings Inn, Bridges and River Room) The latest creation of Richard Selsor of the acclaimed Vinings Inn, Bridges and River Room owner will be Tenth & Myrtle, scheduled to open in late September or early October. Located in the Post Parkside on 10th & Myrtle streets, this latest Post development is designed to look as if it were an old warehouse and will have 198 apartments. The restaurant will offer comfortable casual yet stylish dining serving new American/bistro style cuisine and be the only retail establishment in the complex. "We're extremely excited about moving into this part of town," said Selsor. "With the renovations being made to Piedmont Park the area is growing and is electric." The building will be two stories with the main dining area downstairs and an open air covered deck upstairs as well as indoor seating. The interior will have exposed ceilings, a combination of concrete and hardwood floors all made to look as if it were a warehouse turned into a restaurant. There will be lots of iron and steel and an open, airy feel is being created. Seating will be for 250 at booths and tables. The upstairs area can be arrived at by via an elevator or a spiral staircase. The main bar will be located upstairs and windows will offer a view of the midtown skyline. An open area will allow bar patrons as well as diners to look down upon the main dining room. The menu will offer lunch and dinner with entree prices averaging $6-$11 for lunch and $10-$20 for dinner. Some entrees will include pan seared duck breast with a fresh pea and duck confit ragout on country style griddled potatoes and natural jus; baked shrimp, mussels, clams and scallops with orecchiette and ratatouille tomato sauce; and brandy and peach glazed salmon, wood grilled salmon with stone ground grits and wilted spinach. Such starters as crab stuffed fried green tomatoes and corn meal fried oysters will be available as well as soups and salads. The idea behind the restaurant is to offer not only in house dining but as things progress different special events - wine and beer tastings and food samplings. Also custom designed Myrtle baskets will be made to enjoy on a picnic or at a concert.
(October 2000) Another new Midtown addition, Tenth & Myrtle, has an anticipated early October opening being planned. This is the latest concept for restaurateur Richard Selsor, of Vinings Inn and River Room fame. What appears to be the latest in developments for Post Properties - private communities complete with living quarters, shops and restaurants - is being designed to look as if it were an old warehouse. A casual yet stylish atmosphere will lend to a quality dining experience serving new American bistro-style cuisine. "The renovations to Piedmont Park are providing an electric, fast growing area," said Selsor. "We're extremely excited about opening here." The building is two stories with the main dining room downstairs and an open air covered deck upstairs in addition to indoor seating. Keeping in that "old warehouse theme" the interior will have exposed ceilings, concrete and hardwood floors, and lots of iron and steel. An open airy feel is being created. Seating will accommodate 250 at booths and tables. The menu will include starters of crab stuffed fried green tomatoes and corn meal fried oysters. For entrees guests can choose from a number of items such as oven roasted chicken with an orange and pommeray mustard glaze on whipped potatoes with steamed vegetables; wood grilled salmon with stone ground grits and wilted spinach; Myrtle's marinated and wood grilled ten ounce pork chop with sweet onion whipped potatoes; and slow simmered Australian lamb served on creamy polenta with iron skillet vegetables, burgundy gravy and buttermilk biscuit. Lunch and dinner will be served with prices ranging from $6-$11 for lunch and $10-$20 for dinner. A large spiral staircase or elevator can be used to reach the upstairs areas, which will also house the main bar offering views of Midtown. As the restaurant matures guests will also be treated to an array of events including wine, beer, and food tastings. For those on their way to an outdoor event guests will be able to purchase custom designed Myrtle baskets.
(November 2000) See Midtown
(December 2000) Top Ten Dining Recommendation - TENTH & MYRTLE, Tenth Street (404/685-9233): Latest concept for restaurateur Richard Selsor of Vinings Inn and River Room fame, was designed to look as if it were an old warehouse. Casual, yet stylish, atmosphere serving new American bistro-style cuisine.
Terra di Sienna (November 2000) Terra di Sienna a Tuscan restaurant, is scheduled to open its doors in late November at 654 Peachtree Street adjacent to The Fox Theatre. Terra di Sienna, meaning 'heart of Sienna,' is the former home of owner Riccardo Campinoti. His background is his family's machine manufacturing business but he wanted to open a restaurant here and even recruited a chef from the Sienna area of Italy to run the kitchen. Campinoti's partner in the venture is his fiancee, Jennifer Crowley. The restaurant will have two levels with a mezzanine upstairs which will include a formal dining room and a chef's table overlooking the lounge-bar area below. The interior is being designed by Patti Krohngold and will have a modern, sleek look. The restaurant will seat 100. Lunch and dinner will be offered with prices ranging from approximately $15 for lunch to $35 for dinner. At press time the menu was still being designed. There will also be a private dining area for eight in the dining room separated by a drape. Banquettes and booths make up the rest of the seating. The colors will be subdued. A feature of the eatery will be a vertical two-story wine cellar that can be seen on both floors and will house the restaurant's large wine list. The bar area will house a large common table and food will be served there also.
(November 2000) See Midtown
(December 2000) Terra di Sienna, a Tuscan restaurant, will now open in late December at 654 Peachtree Street adjacent to The Fox Theatre. The restaurant, whose name means "heart of Sienna," was scheduled to open in late November but construction and permit delays pushed back the opening date. The Tuscan eatery is the creation of Riccardo Campinoti, along with his fiancee, Jennifer Crowley, who will help manage it. Campinoti's background is in his family machine manufacturing business, but he has always wanted to open his own restaurant. He has hired a chef from his home country of Italy to run the kitchen. There will be two dining levels with a formal dining room along with a chef's table overlooking the lounge and bar area below. The interior is being designed by Patti Krohngold (Mumbo Jumbo, Fusebox) and will have a modern, sleek look seating 100. There is a private dining area in the dining room separated by drapes that seats eight. Banquette and booths make up the rest of the seating. The colors will be subdued. A highlighted feature will be the vertical two-story wine cellar that can be seen on both floors and will house the restaurant's large wine list. Lunch will be in the $15 range and dinner around $35. Fresh pasta dishes will be offered daily and will be cooked to order as will the risotto, which will be offered as a special, taking 25 minutes to cook. Other entrees include pan seared catch-of-the-day filet with almonds and pine nuts, Guinea fowl breast stuffed with Guinea fowl meat, veal shank with tomato sauce, and braised beef with Vin Santo and onions. The bar area will have a large common table in addition to other seating and food will also be served there.
(January 2001) Owner Riccardo Campinoti is scheduled to open his Italian restaurant, Terra di Siena, next to the Fox Theatre in mid-January. Terra di Siena will serve Tuscan cuisine and seat 100 on two levels.
Thad & Joe's (April 2000) Thad & Joe's Bar and Grill on W. Peachtree are offering daily specials throughout the week. Monday through Thursday from 5-7 p.m. all appetizers are buy one get the second free and for the business lunch crowd they're offering a Frequent Lunch Card which gets you a free lunch after you buy six.
Thai Chili (February 2001) Robert Khankiew, owner of Thai Chili in Briarvista Shopping Center, will be opening a second Thai Chili restaurant in April. The authentic Thai cuisine restaurant will be located at the corner of Rt. 141 and Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth and will have a more upscale twist than the original location.
(April 2001) Robert Khankiew, owner of the Thai Chili restaurant at 2169 Briarcliff Road, is opening a second location at 9775 Medlock Bridge road in Duluth in mid April. The new location will be a little more upscale in decor and offer a higher grade wine selection. Other than a few new seafood dishes, the menu will offer basically the same Thai cuisine including spicy basil lamb chops, choo chee salmon, short ribs masaman curry, ostrich panang, basil scallops and curried catfish. Lunch will be in the $8 to $12 range with dinner being $10 to $12. The Duluth location will seat 150 which is about 30 more than the original eatery. The hours for both locations are 11 a.m. to 2 :30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations are accepted as are American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover cards. The Duluth location's number is 770.476.3369 and Briarcliff's is 404.315.6750.
Thai Terrace (opened September 1997)
The Cafe (March 2000) The Cafe at Horizon Pacific Home finally opened its doors January 25. The menu includes light lunch fare of sandwiches and salads and a tapas menu with international flair for dinner.
Thelma's Kitchen (Opened August 1995)
Third Coast Grill (August 2000) See also Club Fish
Three Dollar Cafe, Windy Hill - Opened September 1989
Tin Roof Cantina - Opened February 1996
Tom Tom A Bistro (Opened October 1993)
Tongue & Groove (June 2000) Speaking of Krohngold, the remodeled look of his Buckhead Tongue & Groove gets two thumbs up, as does the granddaddy Peachtree Cafe's remodeling job. Sambuca, still wanting to be as hot in Atlanta as it is in Dallas, is adding an outdoor deck to its Piedmont location.
(December 2000) No one knows the Atlanta nightclub scene any better than Michael Krohngold. He has operated clubs in Virginia-Highland and downtown and currently is owner of Tongue & Groove in Buckhead and Deux Plex on Cheshire Bridge. Obviously, he has watched recent Buckhead happenings with more than passing notice. "What's been happening with this city recently with the booming economy, the proliferation of bars and restaurants, and the related factors of licensing issues, has really changed the landscape," says Krohngold. "Buckhead, in particular, has undergone a cycle of change. In the past nine months (it's kinda felt like a pregnancy) the area has gone from being front page news to desolate streets on this past Saturday night. Buckhead will always be Buckhead, and that's coming from someone who has stayed intown for a number of years. "The wave of people that pushed people to Midtown, will allow room for others to enjoy the convenience, quality, and amenities of Buckhead. It's funny, people in Midtown and Downtown always poo-poo'd Buckhead for being too establishment or too cheesy. Those in Buckhead felt that intown was too edgy. It's interesting to see the roles reverse." Tongue & Groove celebrated its sixth anniversary with a party on November 17, still going strong. "We take pride in the fact that we have continued to last in a saturated market," says Krohngold. "Without being too egocentric, we feel we have reached an institution status of sorts in the club scene. We're not Johnny's Hideaway in terms of duration in operating a dance club, but could be considered a new age offspring. Tongue & Groove Wednesday Latin nights are hotter than ever with the proliferation of cross over Latin recording artists. The weekends we stand out as an oasis for a mature audience, or as the New York Times put it, and particularly notable today, 'it's a place for those old enough to have voted in the last presidential election
(February 2001) What's Sizzlin'
TONGUE & GROOVE,
3055 Peachtree Road (404/261-2325)
....Upscale cocktail lounge & dance bar in
the heart of Buckhead
Toulouse Opened September 1994
(September 2000) (See also Portofino) Toulouse is offering wine tastings on September 4 and 10. September 4 will feature Everything but Chardonnay and will cost $25 and September 10 will feature Meritage/Red Blends and will cost $30.
(December 2000) Toulouse was one of 23 nationally recognized and honored at an awards dinner by Sante Magazine, a magazine for restaurant professionals.
Trinity (February 2001) Aaron Van Tosh and Robert Helmer, two native Atlantans, are opening Trinity, a nightclub at 255 Trinity Avenue in downtown's Castleberry Hill Loft district. Van Tosh, with Vantosh and Co., and Helmer, with Cartel Realty, are constructing the facility to also accommodate various types of special events. Upstairs at the two story venue will have lofty high ceilings and will be an ultra style lounge with rare groove, hip hop and house music. This area will also be used to host fashion shows, art shows and wine tastings. It's expected that during the early evening the upstairs will be the place for conversation and hanging out. Later the tempo will pick up. The downstairs will be more of an underground club with rock walls, more metal and glass used in the decor and featuring harder house music. There is an approximate capacity for 150 people on each floor, both of which have 45 foot bars and dance floors. Club hours will be from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Friday and 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday. The club will be closed on Sunday and Monday except for special events. There will only be a cover charge on the weekends in the $5 to $7 range for the club which hopes to draw a late 20's to early 30's, eclectic, in-town crowd. American Express, Visa and Mastercard will be accepted. A catering kitchen is available on premise for special events. The website for Trinity is www.trinitydowntown.com The club's phone number is 404/222-9925.
(April 2001) Recent attempts to get an update on Trinity, a nightclub at 255 Trinity Avenue in downtown's Castleberry Hill Loft district, being opened by Aaron Van Tosh and Robert Helmer, have been sketchy at best. The lastest information includes: "Trinity - downtown Atlanta's premiere lounge and special events facility and neighborhood watering hole for Castleberry Hill. Trinity will feature upscale comfort food with flair. Trinity's musical atmosphere will be as tasty and mixed as its food menu. The DJ booth, which resides high in an inverted pyramid will certainly channel mystic and jazzy down tempo music from some of Atlanta's premiere musical selectors." But still no mention of an anticipated opening date.
Trovato's Too (October 2000) Opened in September 2000
(June 2000) In mid-August an Italian market, deli and pizza restaurant called Trovato's II will be opening on Crossville Road Allyson Trovato, sister-in-law to Lenny Trovato's (owner of Trovato's on Holcomb Bridge) is trying her hand at the restaurant business for the first time and hopes to become as big as a success as her brother-in-law. The interior, with seating for 30 will have an open ceiling with one whole wall of shelves filled with Italian American specialties including oils, dry goods, canned sauces and fresh herbs and other ingredients used in preparing meals. A comfortable warm atmosphere is being created to make guests feel at home. Also available will be prepared meals for take-out. The menu will offer deli sandwiches, hot Italian specialties, and cold salads in addition to pizzas and pastas. A full menu and price points will be available at a later date and will include hearty pizzas and calzones, fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, roasted peppers and a number of salads, chicken, veal and pasta dishes.
(August 2000) Trovato's Too was scheduled to open in August but due to general hold ups and construction delays a September 15 opening is now anticipated.
(September 2000) Some may recognize the name, Trovato. Trovato's is an upscale casual restaurant located on Holcomb Bridge and owned by Lenny Trovato. Now a second Trovato's will open in middle September by his sister-in-law, Allyson Trovato, and will be located at Crossville and King Roads in the Roswell Crossing Shopping Center. But distinction ends here. Trovato's Too will be an Italian market and deli featuring premade meals, some produce and meats and a whole host of Italian ingredients. Mostly take-out service there will be catering and some eat-in access. One whole wall of the shop will cater to the gourmet who wants to get hard to find Italian ingredients to prepare their own Italian meals. Dry and canned goods, pastas, artichokes, fresh mozzarella and sundried tomatoes as well as various kinds of oils are just a few items to be offered. Hot Italian meals and cold salads will be available for takeout as well as pizzas, stuffed cabbage, chicken, veal and pasta dishes.
(January 2001) Allyson Trovato had opened Trovato's Too, located at Crossville and King Roads in the Roswell Crossing Shopping Center. Trovato's Too is an Italian market and deli featuring pre-made meals, some produce and meats and a whole host of Italian ingredients. Mostly take-out service, catering and some eat-in access available.
(March 2001) Lenny and Carol Trovato, who own the four year-old Trovato's at 10479 Alpharetta Street in Roswell, have recently opened Travato's Too at 675 West Crossville Road also in Roswell. Lenny's brother Joey Trovato, who is not involved with the original restaurant is a partner in the new eatery. Trovato's Too is best described as small Italian deli with seating for about 35. Among the menu items that can either be eaten in or prepared for take out are strombolis; calzones; Sicilian pizza by the slice or by the pie; chicken, shrimp, veal or eggplant parmigiana, lasagna, spaghetti, manicotti and rigatoni. There is also a large selection of specialty sandwiches including an Italian dip; veggie hero; roast beast, a rich man's shrimp po' boy; meatball parmigiana; a classic sub; the Ricky Ricardo Cuban sandwich; and the gobbler with turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce; or you can have a sandwich custom made. Entrees prices range from $5.95 to $8.95 with sandwiches costing between $4.50 to $7.25. There is also a retail section offering sausages, bread, olive oils, pastas, biscotti, roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, asparagus frittatas, and tiramisu. The hours of operation are from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Trovato Too's phone number is 678/822-8890.
Uncork A Cure (April 2001) The AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta (ARCA) will hold its tenth annual "Uncork a Cure" event "2001: A Wine Odyssey" on Friday, May 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at SCITREK at 395 Piedmont Avenue. Celebrate fabulous wines, hors d'oeuvres, original artwork, live music and exciting silent auction items while helping fund treatment research for people living with HIV/AIDS at the Southeast's premier wine tasting event. Event passes are available for a tax-deductible donation of $45 per person in advance or $50 donation at the door. VIP passes are available for a $150 donation and entitle the patron to a VIP reception catered by Affairs to Remember with premium wines and commemorative "Uncork A Cure" gifts. To obtain passes, please call ARCA at (404) 872-CURE... The Georgia chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is expecting approximately 100 "Celebrity Chefs" to serve up their favorite dishes at the 4th Annual "Food for Thought" fundraising event to be held Thursday, May 10th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Atrium of the Fulton County Government Center at 141 Pryor Street. The group preparing dishes will be comprised of local restaurateurs, public officials, business leaders, restaurant and country club chefs, NAMI Georgia members, and mental health care professionals. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information call (770) 234-0855... The group who opened Cabernet last year at 5575 Windward Parkway anticipate opening a seafood restaurant at 5304 Windward Parkway later on this summer.
Underground Atlanta (March 2001) Skinny Bobby Harper, once the wildest man on local radio, is now the public relations director of Underground Atlanta. Yea, sort of like being Saddam Hussein's PR man. There's nothing wrong with Underground that a couple of casinos and a row of naughty strip bars wouldn't solve.
Uptown Bistro (Opened August 1997)
Uranus (February 2001) *See Swingers Also - David Orr, who also owns Bell Bottoms, has recently opened Uranus in Buckhead at 3049 Peachtree Road in the site that was formerly Swingers. Orr describes the club as having a wild and crazy intergalactic theme with an upbeat, fun and goofy feel. To get a feel for the kind of fun check out the club's recorded message, most of which is a wordplay with Uranus, at 404-816-9931. "It's like the people here are on Spring Break," says Orr. "It's that kind of fun." Upstairs the club features top 40, party, dance music. Techno/house music is featured downstairs, which has a moving UFO shooting out lighting effects and four dance platforms. The club also has special promotions. Currently it is Jello wrestling on Wednesday nights. The club opens at 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closes at "usual Buckhead hours." The cover charge is $5. The club accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Van Gogh's (See Aspen Signature Steakhouse)
Variety Playhouse (March 2001) Caught Austin, Tex., music whiz Junior Brown the other night at Little Five Points' Variety Playhouse and, my gosh, I could have been sitting at the old Southeast Music Hall on Piedmont Road, circa 1975. Man, what a great feeling and wonderful mellow venue filled with music lovers.
Vault, The (Opened August 1998)
Vegas Nights (Opened September 1998)
Veggies To Go (July 2000) Roswell Road Opened
(November 2000) Vegetable lovers unite! How often have you wanted a plate full of vegetables but had nowhere to go? Well look no further. Veggies To Go, a southern-fare restaurant, has opened and we're talking cooked to order made from scratch grub. Veggies To Go is located at 8290 Roswell Road and opened its doors in July of this year. Already attracting a loyal clientele this casual southern restaurant serves such mouth-watering vegetable classics as collard greens, cream corn, lima beans, black-eyed peas, mashed potatoes and gravy and fried okra. The broccoli, rice, cheese casseroles and macaroni and cheese have proven to be most popular as well as the squash casserole and carrot souffle. "We're experimenting with the menu," said owner Kathy Morrison. "If we get many requests for a particular item then we'll add it to the menu and on the other hand if something isn't working we'll take it off." Don't let the name fool you though. There's more than vegetables being offered. Other southern favorites include fried chicken, country fried steak, farm fresh Northern Georgia catfish and double butterfly pork chops as well as roasted ham, turkey and roast beef. Counter and full-service are offered and prices are fixed. Two to four veggie plates run between $2.99 and $5.99 and meat plates with two veggies run between $6.99 and $8.99. This particular location was a Schlotzky's deli and the black and white checker floor has remained but some wood planks have been added to try to create a southern touch. There are two large boards in the dining room: one of which describes the history behind the restaurant and the other is a "Belly Buster" board where any customer who eats and finishes a belly buster meal - a meat, four veggies, drink and dessert - will get their photo taken and placed on the board. Owned and operated by Chip and Kathy Morrison, both in Atlanta real estate, decided to open a restaurant. Chip is a Georgia native and grew up in Sandy Springs. "He's always wanted to open a restaurant," said Kathy. A second location is planned to open at 3380 Holcomb Bridge Road in Norcross mid November. It's interior will be reflected by its surroundings and the same country cooking will be offered.
(January 2001) The southern-fare restaurant, Veggies To Go, which opened its first Atlanta location in July 2000 on Roswell Road will be opening its second location in the Peachtree Corners area of Norcross in late January offering the same country cooking.
Velvet Room, The (October 2000) Opened
(November 2000) Stunning. That's how I describe the transformation of the old Cotton Club space at 1021 Peachtree Street in Midtown into The Velvet Room. In fact, in all my years in Atlanta I have never seen such a remodel. The Cotton Club was a great stop for live music, but rustic would be a polite word to describe the interior and its decor. "There were rats that had been living here for years," said one worker. Now, you walk into a twilight zone of red velvet plushness. Owner Rick Seaman has put seven figures into the transformation and, most amazingly, he has just two years to make this Atlanta's hottest stop and recoup his investment. That's the length of his lease. After that, all the old buildings on the block are to come down in the name of that dastardly word, progress.
(November 2000) The Velvet Room at 1021 Peachtree Street in the former Cotton Club space in Midtown has drawn early rave reviews. "We took the best elements of several Miami South Beach clubs and attempted to incorporate it here," says owner Rick Seamon who also owns Plush in Buckhead. Seamon and Co., seem to have hit the jackpot. "So far we've had great crowds and the success has been overwhelming," says director of operations Eliot Marr. Velvet, not surprisingly, is abundant in the dance club, which glows with red. Imported Syrian red velvet covers the wall, bar stools and furniture. Huge floor to ceiling gold-framed mirrors with white sheers give off a sexy, elegant feeling. The room is four levels with a champagne bar overlooking the dance floor. Many small VIP rooms are scattered throughout and Velvet can handle up to a thousand people. The music is spun by deejay Love Sexy who was hired away from Miami's South Beach to perform here. All high-end liquors are served but there is no food service. The club is open Wednesday through Saturday and there's a cover of $7 to $10 depending on the evening. Special theme parties will be hosted regularly with November's scheduled to be a benefit for the Leukemia Society.
(November 2000) See Midtown
VELVET ROOM, 1021 Peachtree St.
(404/876-6275)
....Snazzy new dance club in old Cotton Club space
(What's Sizzlin' December 2000 - March 2001)
Veni Vidi Vici (October 2000) Chef Michael Persichetti has been named executive chef of Buckhead Life's Veni Vidi Vici. A CIA graduate Michael has worked previously at DoDiCi, Princepassa, Bridgeview Yacht Club in New York and locally at Nava. Persichetti has expanded the menu with a new series of Piatti Piccoli, small appetizers, for both lunch and dinner. Some items include Rigotini, Pesce Spada (oven roasted swordfish) and Linguini Al Marechiaro (linguini with shrimp and clams) for lunch and Anatra (crisped half duck), Costatadi Vitello Al Ferri (grilled prime veal chop) and pan seared red snapper.
Verdi Italian Restaurant (April 2000) Guiseppe Verdi was a famous well-known Italian composer. Partners Lenny Veksler and Alex Gorenshteyn have long been fans of Verdi and have chosen him as the idea behind their new restaurant. Verdi Italian Restaurant and Bar opened last month at 6275 Spalding Drive in a former Tanner's. The interior, which features a custom painting of Verdi as focal point in the dining room, offers hardwood floors with a color scheme in sand tones, gold and black. Seating accommodates 85 inside and an outdoor patio holds an additional 40. A piano is located at the entrance where piano or saxophone is played live nightly. The Italian traditional contemporary cuisine offers a price average of $7/$8 for lunch and $20 for dinner. The house specialties are the seabass sautéed with spinach, sweet potato and gnocchi topped with roasted garlic sausage; salmon cooked in barbeque sauce and served with sautéed vegetables and potatoes topped with a balsamic vinaigrette; and veal saltimbocca sautéed and served with spinach and mushroom risotto topped with marsala. The bar is separated from the dining room by half partitions and serves a full bar with over 70 wines&emdash;mostly Italian and Californian.
Vickery Creek Grill (Opened September 1998)
Vickery's (Opened August 1983)
Vickery's Jerry Nagler, Sam Weyman and Chip Ney
(August 2000) (See also Steamhouse Lounge, Fontaine's Oyster House and Highland Tap) There has never been anything pretentious about Vickery's. But without trying, the little restaurant at 1106 Crescent Avenue spawned an entire Midtown restaurant and nightclub area. This month Vickery's celebrates its 17th birthday, going strong and surrounded by a plethora of eateries and nightspots like The Leopard Lounge, South City Kitchen, Front Page News, Crescent Club and The Martini Club. "I think people have come to know Crescent because of Vickery's," says co-owner Jerry Nagler. "When we first opened (1983) Crescent was a sleepy little street and over the years I've counted 17 new buildings go up." Nagler and partners Say Weyman and Chip Ney knew they had a special location of the future. "With the three MARTA stops and being between Peachtree and West Peachtree, the potential was tremendous," says Nagler. Vickery's, situated in a turn-of-the-century house, and cradled by giant oaks in its front yard patio, underwent a major renovation two years ago. The entire rear portion of the house was rebuilt, adding a new kitchen, dining room and bathrooms, but the charm of the place remains. One dining room - with large windows and tables, chairs and walls done in yellow - is affectionately called "The Bus" by waiters. It is a happy place. "Vickery's philosophy has been to never be trendy," says Nagler. "I think that has helped the staying power of the restaurant. No matter the flavor or trend at the moment there is always need for a place like ours." Vickery's menu has such eclectic items as low country grits, jerk chicken with beans and rice and Cuban sandwiches. Entree price ranges are from $10 to $18. Nagler, Weyman & Ney also own the Steamhouse Lounge on Bolling Way along with Fontaine's Oyster House and Highland Tap located in Virginia-Highland.
(November 2000) See Midtown
Vidalia's Southern Steakhouse (March 2000) The Marriott on Windward Parkway opened its restaurant, Vidalia's Southern Steakhouse, on January 17 "We serve a basic core breakfast but are unique in lunch and dinner fare," said GM Evan LaVan. "We hope to cater to not only the hotel guests but residents in the surrounding area as well. We already see an increase in business in our weekend breakfast service." Basically the menu is comprised of certified Angus meets including a 22 oz. ribeye, 8 and 12 oz. filet, New York Strip and a Porterhouse. Also included on the menu is fish and chicken. Prices average $12 for lunch and $25 for dinner. The interior is decorated in dark earthy colors with wood and copper accents. Seating at tables and booths accommodate 140. A full service bar is available and a separate lounge is located adjacent to the dining room.
Villa Christina (October 2000) Villa Christina in Dunwoody has begun offering "Date Night" every third Friday of the month which allows parents to bring their kids to dinner and be babysat in another room while the parents enjoy a fine meal in the dining room. It costs $5 per child and they get a buffet of their own as well as they're watched by certified babysitters from the area.
Villa de Este (March 2000) (See also Stetson's, Ferrara's Bistro) Villa de Este on Atlanta Street in Roswell was acquired by the Mike and Donna Petrucci of Ferrara's Bistro, located next door. It will become an upscale steakhouse serving prime aged meats. A late April opening is anticipated.
Village Tavern, The (April 2000) The Village Tavern - which already has locations in Winston Salem, Greensboro and Charlotte, N.C. - has opened in metro Atlanta on Haynes Bridge Road. The Village Tavern, situated in a freestanding building, was designed by Bill Johnson and offers a classic upscale feel in an English manor country home atmosphere complete with a fireplace. Lots of warm earth tones have been used with hardwood-finished beams in the dining room. Carpet and stone flooring has been used throughout the building. Seating accommodates 265 at booths and tables. The menu is broad based offering something for everyone. Appetizers, soups, salads as well as homemade wood oven pizzas and fresh fish are available. Entree prices range from $5.25 to $22.50. For starters guests might consider the Thai chicken skewers, grilled marinated chicken tenders garnished with a romaine and miso dressing salad and spicy Thai sauce for dipping; the hot crab dip; the house smoked salmon; or the skillet shrimp, jump sauteed shrimp sauteed and smothers with Bayou cream sauce. Out of the eight pizza choices the chicken fajita pizza has proven to be a success. Made with "from scratch" pizza dough it is topped with marinated chicken breast, sweet onions, peppers, black beans, salsa and sour cream. Only USDA premium choice beef is served and are cut and aged to Village Taverns exclusive specifications. A couple steak choices include the 14 oz. New York Strip and the steak au poivre&emdash;two pan sauteed filet medallions with cracked black pepper and a classic cognac cream sauce. Other Tavern specialties include the Caribbean salmon, fresh salmon seasoned with a blend of spices native to the West Indies; the grilled swordfish, fresh swordfish grilled over a wood-fired grill with a Chardonnay butter sauce; and the shrimp portofino, sauteed shrimp in garlic butter and tossed with authentic Italian tomato sauce. Santarelli also claims the Tavern to be "the best upscale bar in America" and Village Tavern could be a Buckhead alternative. Only premium brands will be poured in the well in addition to several stocked single malt scotches, bourbons and an extensive award-winning wine list. All juices are hand-squeezed.
(April 2000) OK, enough talk about Buckhead. Let's get to a swingin' location like - Alpharetta! Alpharetta? Yessiree, a fellow named Tony Santarelli has opened what he says he intends to be "the best upscale bar in America" in Alpharetta. The new free-standing building on Haynes Bridge Road is called The Village Tavern. So why didn't Santarelli do the obvious and opt for a Buckhead location? He liked the exploding northside outside of I-285 and up Georgia 400. "This is a dynamic growth area and we're glad to have chosen Alpharetta as our home in Atlanta," said Santarelli. "We offer guests a 'step up' in quality and food from what they would get at a national chain." Village Taverns are already located in Winston Salem, Greensboro and Charlotte. This will be the first for Atlanta. Two others are scheduled to open this year in Denver and Scottsdale, Ariz. He has gone to the best to design it. Bill Johnson and Co., has done the place in the classic upscale feel of an English manor country home atmosphere, complete with fireplace. Warm earth tones have been used with hardwood-finished beams in the dining room. Carpet and stone floor complete the feel. Seating accommodates 265 at booths and tables. A full-service bar pours only premium brands with hand-squeezed juices in addition to several stocked single malt scotches, bourbons and an extensive wine list. Also available are a large number of upscale martinis and the special house margarita, which is served in an oversized glass. A broad menu offers everything from appetizers, soups and salads to homemade pizzas and fresh fish.
(October 2000, December 2000) TOP TEN DINING RECOMMENDATIONS - THE VILLAGE TAVERN, 11555 Rainwater Drive, Alpharetta (770/777-6490) This Alpharetta venture is becoming a local favorite for combining food and spirits. The food is drawing rave reviews and word has gotten out there could be as much as a two hour wait if you arrive after six.
Vince et Christo's (Opened August 1997)
Vinings Grill (April 2001) Wilhelm Trunk, who owns Barzini's Grill in Woodstock, is slated to open the Vinings Grill at 4480 South Cobb Drive at the end of April. The restaurant will feature casual American fare such as steaks, seafood, pasta, salads and burgers. Menu items will range from $5.65 to $15.95. The interior will have two dining room areas, one of which is available for private parties and a bar area. It will have a casual feel with wood paneling. Although it won't be a sports bar there will be two or three TV's for customers to view while at the mahogany bar. The seating capacity will be for 186.
Vinny's (See Aspen Signature Steakhouse)
Vino! (July 2000) Chef Edward Monuteaux became Vino! Restaurant's head chef in late April and has introduced a French twist to the Mediterranean menu. Chef Monuteaux has directed kitchens in New England and Florida. Most recently he was chef de cuisine at Cafe Des Artistes in Key West.
Voodoo (May 2000) (See also Genki) Voodoo and Genki now own Thursdays in Buckhead and live music has been added to spice the happening.