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COVER STORY - Page 2
Mills & Blais...
...Flip(ping) Burgers
by hud report staff
Restaurant industry veteran Barry Mills (left, on cover) will open his first restaurant soon, FLIP, a modern burger boutique on Atlanta’s West Side, promising diners more than the basic hamburger. Think, “fine dining between two buns.” FLIP will be located at 1587 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, 404.352.FLIP. Hours are 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Visit www.flipburgerboutique.com for details...FULL STORY
HUD'S CORNER - Page 2
The Research Continues...
THE SCOOP - Page 3
The Research Continues...
by hud report staff
Newest rumblings are saying that Thumbs Up Diner (also opened on Marietta Street in Atlanta in September) will open another location in the former Crescent Moon location in Decatur on Ponce de Leon Avenue. It seems Rob Atherholt (Crescent Moon founder) has repurchased the original Crescent Moon location and will reopen with Thumbs Up Diner partner Lou Locricchio... Recent rumors have Kevin Rathbun (Rathbun’s, Krog Bar and Kevin Rathbun’s Steaks) opening a new venture, possibly a ‘speakeasy’ but no mention of a confirmed location. Speculations say is may be in the White Provisions Development at 14th Street & Howell Mill Road... Restaurateurs John C. Metz Jr., Tom DiGiorgio, Richard E. Rivera and Hank Clark (all also with Aqua Blue in Roswell), have announced that in January 2009, a sixth location of Marlow’s Tavern will open at Satellite Boulevard and Sugarloaf Parkway near the Arena at Gwinnett Center. “We are really looking forward to bringing our updated version of the classic American tavern to Gwinnett,” says Metz. “The area surrounding the Arena has really started booming in the past couple of years and that’s why we feel this is the perfect location for the next Marlow’s Tavern.” The restaurant will offer the same menu of American tavern fare with an upscale twist, like the other five locations of Marlow’s, as well as feature a similarly styled décor... Decatur’s Brick Store Pub partners leased an old service station occupied by Rue de Leon at the corner of Ponce and Church Street in Decatur back in June of this year and began construction for their latest gastropub concept, Leon’s Full Service, which is rumroed to be opening sometime this month... Genki Noodles & Sushi on Roswell Road in Buckhead, which closed in June for renovations, has reopened in the original spot and a second location is rumored to be opening in the new Prado development at I-285 and Roswell Road very soon. Check www.genki-inc.com for updates... Havana Club, that was located in the heart of Buckhead for several years, was closed in ‘07 and rumored to be moving to the former Anteks Furniture building on Piedmont Road to reopen. As of this printing construction has been underway and website, www.havanaclubatl.com, says Grand Opening date to be posted soon... Franchisors Michael Gordon and Vaughn Lazar have opened the ‘green’ organic ingredient focused pizza chain, Pizza Fusion’s, first Georgia location at 2233 Peachtree Road in the Astoria at Aramore Condominiums.
More to come...
Pizza guru, Jeff Varasano’s newest concept, Varasano’s Pizzeria due to open in the Mezzo Condominium complex in Midtown, is now anticipated to arrive after the first of the year...Another Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches location is said to be projected for Buckhead in the Realm Condominiums on Peacthree Road. Source says by end of year and this will be Atlanta’s 5th location... Firkin Pubs are opening The Firkin & Crown and The Firkin Lindbergh, along with 5 other pubs that are in development in the Atlanta area. Firkin Lindbergh will be located on Main Street in Lindbergh City Center and the The Firkin & Crown is expected to open in the Avenue Forsyth in Cumming. Check out www.firkinpiubs.com for opening dates and future sites... Mazzy’s Sports Bar & Grill, with locations on Alpharetta Highway in Roswell and Roswell Road in Marietta, is opening a third unit in the former Jocks & Jills location at 7160 Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross. Visit www.mazzys.com for opening info... It’s been confirmed that the new mixed-use hotel and condo tower, Mandarin Oriental Hotel & Condos, will arrive in Atlanta at 1138 Peachtree sometime in 2011 and will cost approximately $285 million. The hotel will have 198 rooms and 71 condominiums priced between $1.8 million and $15 million. The development will have four restaurants and bars. Its lobby will be on the 30th floor with sweeping views of Piedmont Park... Pollo Campero, a Guatemalan chain which entered the U.S. in 2002 and has 40 locations across the country, will be making its Atlanta debut in the former Don Taco location on Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross... The former SAGA location on Crescent Avenue in Midtown is expected to get its new tenant the first week in December, Antica Posta. The sister restaurant to the original Buckhead location on E. Paces Ferry Road.
Updates...
The Diner at North Point, planned for the former Checkered Parrot location on Mansell Road in Alpharetta, has opened despite indefinite road closures that have been going on in the area. The same group is also opening The Diner at Crabapple.. There is a new concept going into the former Spotted Dog location in Atlanta (which was a fire station originally). The owners of Sidebar on Poplar Street in Atlanta will be introducing Engine 11 ATL soon at the North Avenue spot... We reported last month that the folks at Park Tavern in Midtown had taken the former Buckhead Room (also formerly Carbo’s Cafe for 20+years) and transformed it into Chastain’s Neighborhood Sushi Bar & Tavern. Shortly after opening the new Bar/Tavern was destroyed by fire and The Park Tavern folks say it will be closed at least through the end of the year.
Chef shuffle...
It’s rumored that Cheese Monger Tim Gaddis can again be found back at Star Provisions on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta offering a selection of artisan American and imported Euopean cheeses... Chef Andrew Litherland, formerly with the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove, has joined the Ritz Carlton Buckhead as executive chef... YellowFin Chop House in Alpharetta shuttered its doors in September and was followed by its sister restaurant, YellowFin in Roswell in October. The Roswell space has reopened as Indigo Restaurant. The website says it features the cuisine of Chef Todd Hogan, www.yellowfinblueroom.com and www.cheftoddhogan.com... Trois chef, Jeremy Lieb has left and is in Cincinnati, Ohio consulting for a local operator. TAP chef, Tony Ginsberg, has stepped in at Trois to replace Lieb as top toque.
Sign of the times?
Francesco and Karen De Amicis opened Dolce Vita Ristorante Italiano in the former Barcelona location on Medlock Bridge Road in Duluth back in 2006. The family has now closed the location and according to the website, www.dolcevitaatl.com, they will continue their catering and events services and also offer cooking lessons in the comfort of your own home... Mambo Italiano, with locations at The Forum in Norcross and on Paces Ferry in Vinings, has closed it’s location in a former Doc Chey’s in Sandy Springs’ City Walk -- which they say is due to temporary construction. The website, www.mamboitaliano.net, also has a Woodstock location listed as ‘coming soon’ but its our understanding that the Woodstock development has been halted... Recent rumblings have said the trendy The Grape Bistro & Wine Bar, also located in Sandy Springs’ City Walk, has shuttered its doors as well. We heard the rumblings and then read that the parent company behind the trendy Bistro and Wine Bar concept (Atlanta-based The Grape Enterprise Group Inc.,) has filed for bankruptcy protection, almost a year after obtaining more than $2 million in debt financing. The parent company is the The Grape’s franchisor and owner of two of the chain’s 14 operating restaurants... After 32 years of serving Italian hoagies, pizza, pasta and more, The Mad Italian in the Windy Hill Plaza in Marietta has called it quits. There are two remaining locations on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta and Savoy Drive in Chamblee... Chuck and Kathleen Peden have recently closed their Windy City Grill on Woodstock Road in Roswell... Phuket Thai, which operated on Buford Highway, has now been transformed into a new concept and is operating under the name, Coco Thai Bistro... Minneapolis-based restaurant chain, Famous Dave’s BBQ, shuttered its three Atlanta locations on November 16th due to poor performance. The locations were in Snellville, Alpharetta and Marietta and there was no mention if the other proposed site (in a former Durango in Lawrenceville) would be opening or not... Open only since September of ‘07, Ribs ‘N Blues on Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrencville, has closed for good... Four of the Atlanta Barnacles Seafood, Oyster, Sports locations have closed (Alpharetta, Doraville, Lithonia, Marietta) and two remain open (Duluth, Norcross). Rumor says a major ball player has purchased the concept but we haven’t heard what the future plans may be... Scott Griggs and Terry Kilby have closed their two-year-old, Log Cabin Barbecue, on Hamilton Mill in Gwinnett. The website says the space will become a toy train shop.
CHEFS' CORNER - Page 4
USDA prime-aged steak is just part of the Morton’s The Steakhouse story behind each of the 80 worldwide locations. For 30 years, Morton’s has served the finest quality foods, featuring the USDA prime-aged beef, fresh fish and seafood, hand-picked produce, appetizers and elegant desserts. Atlanta’s two locations in Buckhead and Downtown are no exception with the rich mahogany interiors and crisp linens for fine dining. This month we showcase one of Morton’s desserts for you to share with your family and friends just in time for the holidays...RECIPE
DINING OUT - Page 4
by hud report staff
•CREPE REVOLUTION...
Look out tortillas, the crepes have revolted. At the new Crepe Revolution concept in Smyrna’s West Village complex, you can design your own custom crepe and watch as the chefs prepare it before your eyes in the open kitchen. A concept much like other eateries around town that use noodles, etc..., Crepe Revolution asks you to build-your-own American interpretation of the classic crepe. Crepe Revolution is located at 4600 West Village Place, Smyrna, 770.485.7440. Hours are Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday til 11 p.m. Sunday Brunch may be available soon...FULL STORY
•DRESSED...
Dressed, a fast-casual restaurant serving ‘salads with style,’ has opened its latest unit in the Terminus building in Buckhead at the intersection of Peachtree and Piedmont Roads. Owner Justin Smolev opened his first location at The Plaza Midtown in November of ’06. Dressed is located at 3280 Peachtree Road, Suite 180, Atlanta, 404.781.2100. Hours are Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., closed Sunday. Another location is expected to open soon on Hammond Drive in Perimeter Town Center. For more info visit www.dressedsalads.com...FULL STORY
•NORI NORI JAPANESE SUSHI & SEAFOOD BUFFET...
Nori Nori Japanese Sushi & Seafood Buffet has opened at the corner of Abernathy and Roswell Roads in Sandy Springs offering traditional and innovative Japanese dishes with an emphasis on seafood. Nori Nori Japanese Sushi & Seafood Buffet is located at 6690 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 404.257.1288. Hours are lunch Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dinner is Monday – Thursday 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. For more info visit www.norinori.com...FULL STORY
•OLIVE BISTRO...
Olive Bistro first opened in 1997 in Little Five Points. Owner/chef Steve Masri wanted a cozy cafe to serve his favorite Mediterranean family recipes. “We chose the name Olive Bistro because olives are used in so many of our recipes and olive oil is so healthy for you and is the liquid gold of the Mediterranean,” explains Steve. 11 years later, Olive Bistro has opened its second location on Cobb Parkway in the Riverview Village Shopping Center. Olive Bistro’s new location is at 3230 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta, 30339, in the Riverview Village Shopping Center, 770.272.8900. Hours are Monday – Saturday. Olive’s original location is at 650 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Atlanta, 404.874.5336. For more info visit www.olivebistro.com...FULL STORY
•ONE FLEW SOUTH...
One Flew South, the first upscale travel-dining restaurant at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has arrived on E-Concourse. Global fare is featured highlighting ingredients from regional farmers and purveyors and has been coined ‘Southernational.’ One Flew South is located on E-Concourse, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Suite 435, Atlanta. Open seven days a week 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Visit www.oneflewsouthatl.com for more info... FULL STORY
•PARKER'S ON PONCE...
Renovation has been completed on the former Mick’s space in Decatur and opened as Parker’s On Ponce, Downtown Decatur’s only independently-owned Steakhouse. The makeover produced a modern steakhouse setting with two fireplaces of hand-stacked stone. Parker’s features a long narrow bar area with modern touches and stark walls and wood details throughout contrast the stacked-stone features and tiled floors. Seating is available at high-tops in the bar area and white table-clothed tables in the main dining room. Parker’s On Ponce is located at 116 E. Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, 404.924.2230. For info visit www.parkersonponce.com... FULL STORY
•PIZZA UPDATE: Pizza Fusion, Tom Tom Pizza & Subs, Vinny's N.Y. Pizza & Grill, NY Famous Pizza & Falafel, Zucca Bar & Pizzeria ...FULL STORY
Pizza Fusion is now open at The Astoria at the Aramore, a mixed-use development in Buckhead on Peachtree Road. Pizza Fusion is the first LEED-certified restaurant in Georgia, offering an eclectic organic menu in a chic, fast, casual environment.
Tom Tom Pizza & Subs has opened on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Duluth. Tom Tom’s menu is a tasty, fresher alternative to fast food that is good for you because it’s made from scratch daily.
Family-owned and operated Vinny’s N.Y. Pizza & Grill (formerly known as Sal’s Pizza in Norcross & Dunwoody for 25 years), has plans for a second location to open on Crabapple Road in Roswell in the former Pizza World & Zapolli’s location. The 4-year-old original Vinny’s is on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Owners Vinny Vitale and father Giovanni also operate Caprese in the Hamilton Mill area.
Home of 10” pies, NY Famous Pizza & Falafel, has opened on Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur.
The owners of Vintage Tavern on Atlanta Road in Smyrna and Gibney’s Pub in the Peachtree Center Mall downtown, introduced their Zucca Bar & Pizzeria concept to Smyrna, Woodstock and Kennesaw and are now expanding it into the former Zocalo location in Decatur.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS - Page 6
PHOTOPLAY PAGE - Page 6
•MACY'S GIVES BACK...
Macy’s Culinary Council Chef Tyler Florence joined Macy’s employee volunteers in preparing and packaging meals at Open Hand Atlanta for homebound seniors and the chronically or critically ill in November....FULL STORY
•'THANK YOU' DINNER...
In November, all 485 Golden Corral restaurants across America offered any person who has served in the United States Military (including National Guard and Reserves) a free “thank you” dinner buffet and beverage...FULL STORY
•WINTER FESTIVAL...
The Westside Provisions District will host the first annual “Westside Winter Festival” from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. December 13, 2008. You can enjoy tasty nibbles, beverages, treats and more from WSPD restaurants Bacchanalia, JCT Kitchen, Taqueria del Sol and Pasta Figo...FULL STORY
•FEED 100...
Each “FEED 100” bag purchased at Whole Foods Markets feeds 100 hungry Rwandan school children. Available exclusively at Whole Foods Market locations, each FEED 100 bag purchased ($29.99) will provide 100 nutritious meals to hungry school-age children in Rwanda through the United Nation World Food Program’s School Feeding Program (WFP)...FULL STORY
CELEBRATING THE SURVIVORS- Page 8
ALFREDO'S ITALIAN RISTORANTE...
hud report staff
Since 1974, Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant has created the tastes of Italy on Cheshire Bridge Road . This old-school, neighborhood ristorante offers a nostalgic, low-lit, ‘Sopranos’ atmosphere. Vinyl booths, an old fish tank, wood paneling, tuxedoed waiters and low ceiling set the ‘70s tone. Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant is located at 1989 Cheshire Bridge, Atlanta, GA 30324, 404.876.1380. Hours are Monday – Thursday 5 pm. – 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. For more info visit www.alfredositalianrestaurant.com... FULL STORY
RESTAURANT & BAR WARS - Page 9