2004 July - December   Dining Page  •A Royal Affair Cafe... •Aiko •Annapoorna Atlanta •Aspen's Steakhouse... •Bitter End Seafood •Cafe Karis •Camille's Sidewalk Cafe Closed •Che... •Doc Green's Gourmet Salads •grace 17.20... •KC&C Homestyle... •Lush... •Ray's Restaurants •Shout •Surin's Thai Bowl... •The Golden Bean •The Mediterranean Room... •Toast... •Trattoria Monaco •TWO.urban licks •Vine... •Zuma  Dining Tidbits... Lush, Wolfgang Express, La Strada, Elbow Room, JOEL, City Grill, Woodfire Grill, Hooters, Underground, Hi Life, Aqua Blue Dining Tidbits... The Georgia Restuarnt Association and Georgia Restuaramt Council merge, City Grill's new chef, National "5 A Day" Month, Organic Harvest Month, Agave turns 4, "Good Eats" house on ebay, Inman Park Patio's new chef, La Grotta celebrates 26, Chef Etchison inducted into Les Dames d' Escoffier, SoHo's Lucky 7's, Meehan's to replace Mangia 101, Susan G. Komen benefit at Joel, Spice's 'Makeover With A Mission' for Project Open Hand November Dining Tidbits... December Dining Tidbits   Home                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Back To Home Page		DINING OUT UPDATE • JULY 2004 New Inman Park eatery serves chic vegetarian fare LUSH...Upscale vegetarian in a hip, wholesome environment Toast...Opened in the former Ami Restaurant space located next to the Biltmore Hotel Aspens Steakhouse & Theo's Brother's...New units have opened in West Cobb Surin's Thai Bowl... No. 3 opens on Ponce de Leon Place in Decatur KC & C Homestyle...Home-style soul food opens on Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville Dining Tidbits... Lush, Wolfgang Express, La Strada, Elbow Room, JOEL, City Grill, Woodfire Grill, Hooters, Underground, Hi Life, Aqua Blue hud report staff writers & contributions by toni m. lublin Isaac Adelenge and Charlotte Macbagito of Atlanta have opened LUSH (see page 9 for photo), a new restaurant on Bernina Avenue in Inman Park. The two friends, both vegetarians, wanted to open a quick service vegetarian dining house similar to the average soup and sandwich deli. Their vision quickly elevated into LUSH, serving upscale vegetarian cuisine in an atmosphere that Adelenge describes as being "urban and hip, yet wholesome and warm." Lush provides an intimate dining experience with seating for 85, indoors and outdoors. The menu features chic items such as a tabouleh with bulghur wheat, mint, cucumber, scallions, cilantro and edamame in a toasted fenugreek-sesame dressing. Other cold items include a smoked yellow tomato gnocchi salad and pickled vegetable maki rolls. Warm items vary from pumpkin ravioli with a sweet chile-banana salsa to a black bean-brown rice burger to Jamaican jerk sweet potato and soy cheese spinach fritters. Another promising dish is the green pea and veggie ham samosas with minted fennel and white bean hummus. Every item is unique and healthy, including most of the desserts such as the whole wheat maple shortbread. The key lime-farina tart is also tempting, but the rich indulgence that wets the palette the most is the chocolate lush pie. These delicacies and delectables were elegantly refined to perfection by chef Todd Unkefer. Todd has spent several years overseas polishing his talent and learning how to prepare dishes from around the world. He will soon be featured on television as "The Sugarless Chef." Most recently, Todd spent four years as the executive chef on a Western Caribbean island where he developed daily, crafted meals according to guest preferences. Todd is skilled in several styles of cooking including French classical, New England seafood, Thai, Hunan, Southern Pacific, Indian, and the ancient Japanese art of Sushi. In addition to the unique menu, LUSH is also environmental. Being environmentally conscious is important to Isaac and Charlotte, "We respect Earth's balance and hope to contribute in our way to spread this valuable message to the community." The establishment will participate in recycling, composting and have adopted a section of Freedom Parkway across the street from their location. They have landscaped, planted flowers and cleaned up the area beautifully which compliments the renovated building and its outdoor patio. They will also have bike racks at the restaurant to encourage patrons to travel by bicycle. LUSH is located at 913 Bernina Avenue, convenient to North Highland and Elizabeth Street, in Inman Park, 404.223.9292 Lush will be closed Mondays, but open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. For more information visit www.lushcafe.com. Toast is done Toast is a new midtown restaurant inspired by European cafes. It opened in the former Ami Restaurant space located next to the Biltmore Hotel, on May 18. The 2,500 square-foot space was at one time a garage. The former owners spent an estimated $600,000 on renovations, transforming it into a contemporary space with high vaulted ceilings. The new owners, which include former Ami partner Derron Delaney and his silent partners, have tweaked the interior design slightly to create a combination of cafe-meets-loft environment. "We are about celebration, having a good time with your friends and enjoying light, simple entrees," says Delaney. The color palette reflects the upbeat, casual atmosphere, using orange, green and white accent colors and wood furniture to create a crisp interior. The menu selection includes fresh pastas, sandwiches, soups and salads ($4 -$16) and a $16 ribeye. Chef Drew Van Leuvan, former owner of Pan Di Mie, a pasta company known for their quality homemade pastas, joined Toast and is adding a creative spin to his homemade pasta entrees. Van Leuvan also formerly cooked under chefs Guenter Seeger, Michael Tuohy, Jean Louis Palladin and Tom Catherall. Weekend Jazz events are planned for the near future. A brunch menu was launched in mid-June which can be enjoyed on the outdoor landscaped patio. "We are in a great location, three blocks from the Fox and one block from The Peachtree House, which is a real convenience for our customers," says Delaney. Toast is located at 817 West Peachtree Street (corner of 6th and Cypress), 404-815-9243. Hours are Monday - Saturday 11:30 a.m - 11 p.m. and Sunday Brunch 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visit www.toastrestaurant.com for more details. Aspens & Theo's Make no bones about it, Aspens Signature Steaks is serious about its beef &emdash; certified Angus and Kobe.. With a western ski lodge decor, including stacked stone and wood interior, an open fireplace inside and on the patio, the cozy West Cobb steakhouse was in full motion as of May 12, at the new Avenue at West Cobb in Marietta. Owners Chris and Michelle Sedgwick also own another Aspens Signature Steaks which opened in 2000 in East Cobb, Van Gogh's Restaurant & Bar which opened in '91, Vinny's on Windward in Alpharetta that opened '97 and Theo's Brother's Bakery in Roswell which they opened in '99. This is the second Aspen's and largest of the two, seating 300 patrons inside and offering the Onyx Raw Bar serving oysters, lobster, crab, shrimp & crawfish and seating 30. The Sedgwick's also opened a second Theo's Brother's adjacent to the new Aspens which shares space and provides 20 kinds of bread, muffins, tarts, cakes, cookies and desserts for both the general public and Aspens. Patrick Brooks, general manager of the Marietta location, suggests checking out the early-bird special &emdash; the $10 Holler &emdash; 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Selected entrees are just $10.95; such as a juicy 10 oz. Angus sirloin steak, Jack Daniel's baby back ribs served with smoked tomato grits and jalapeno coleslaw and a 6 oz. filet mignon. On the main menu choose from a list of authentic Aspens appetizers; Aspens steak tartare ($10.95), Aspens Chopped Salad served with hearts of palm, peppers, red onions, tomatoes, avocado, romaine, garbanzo beans and crumbled gorgonzola with a basil-lemon vinaigrette ($7.95). Signature Steaks are a must; a 20 oz. bone-in ribeye ($30.95), a 12 oz. New York Strip Steak ($25.50) or a more unusual offering, a Kansas City 16 oz. strip steak ($28.95). Homemade sides include buttermilk mashed potatoes, buttered spinach and cheddar cheese grits. In addition to the steaks, a range of seafood, chicken and lamb dishes are offered ($14.95 - $22.95). The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list of over 400 varieties, many of which are offered by-the-glass. Aspens Signature Steak newest location is 3625 Dallas Highway, Marietta, 770.419.1744. Hours are Sunday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Theo's Bakery opens 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday - Sunday, 770.419.0345.. You can visit www.knowwheretogogh.com for more information on all the Sedgwick's locations. Surin's No. 3 opens As the name implies, Surin's Thai Bowl is known for it's hearty rice and noodle bowls. Offered in various combinations from chicken to shrimp and seasoned with lemongrass and mushrooms, at Surin's Thai bowl you can create to your hearts desires. The restaurant has become a favorite of Buckhead and the Virginia Highlands (located on Greenwood Avenue) neighborhoods over the years with it's two locations and recently expanded to a third location in Decatur. At the Decatur location the counter service restaurant has expanded its menu offerings to include small plates ($6 - $6.95). Offerings range from dancing shrimp (choose from spicy, hot, Thai hot and extra Thai hot on all dishes), spicy pork with bitter melon, fresh basil rolls and satay beef or chicken. A sushi menu is also offered. The noodle shop offers over 14 bowl selections from spicy basil rice bowl to chicken panang rice bowl. You can also design your own bowl ($6) with choice of broth (mushroom & ginger, chicken & lemongrass, beef & mushroom and red curry & coconut milk). Noodle choices range from a flat, thin rice, udon and ramen noodle. Vegetarians or carnivores can choose between a large range of veggies and seafood. Surin's newest Thai Bowl is located at 265 Ponce de Leon Place, 404.373.2788. Hours are Sunday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. For more on Surin's visit www.surinthaibowl.com. 'Homestyle' is here "Home-style cooking &emdash; soul food is what we do best," says owner Greg Cox. KC & C Homestyle opened in Lawrenceville in April. Owners Cox, Billy Kyle and Sandra Clack stumbled upon the former restaurant space by accident and partnered up with the idea of creating an authentic home-style restaurant. "There are a lot of places to eat in Lawrenceville, but nothing like KC & C Homestyle. We prep daily, making fresh buttermilk biscuits from scratch and change the menu daily," says Cox. Getting support from his family from the start, Cox tapped into all the family recipes. "My mother-in-law, Francis Taylor and two other family friends, Miss Joann and Miss Betty, help us make the fresh buttermilk biscuits daily," says Cox. The menu is comprised of every good down-home thing you can think of, from chicken and dumplings, country-fried steak and fried chicken to fried pork chops. Lunch and dinner are $5.49 and include a choice of one meat and three vegetables. Homemade sides include green beans, fried corn, mashed potatoes, candied yams and lima beans. Dessert is worth putting aside the calorie counting with banana pudding whipped to a light delight. "The only thing that comes out of a can is our cranberry sauce, everything else is made from scratch," says Cox. KC & C Homestyle: good value, authentic southern cooking and good old-fashion charm. KC & C Homestyle is located at 725 Grayson Highway, 770.236.8873. Hours are Monday - Wednesday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday - Saturday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. UPCOMING IN AUGUST... Targeting the upscale tavern market is owner Ron Gaiteri's focus with his new pub, Roswell Tavern, slated to open in late August. "We will cater to the local neighborhood and offer a causal atmosphere, fun for the whole family and sports enthusiasts," says Gaiteri. The menu will feature tavern and the interior is being designed to entertain both adults and kids. The Roswell Tavern will be located at 2500 Old Alabama Road, in the Willow Springs Shopping Center, 770.518.0747. Fishmonger Seafood Nik Panagopoulos and his partner (sister) Arti Antonides have developed a neighborhood seafood restaurant concept that has been embraced by their customers. It has only been five years since the couple opened their first Sandy Springs Fishmonger Seafood on Roswell Road, and slightly over a year since they opened their second on Holcomb Bridge in Roswell. The third unit opened in June at 980 Piedmont Avenue in Midtown. The midtown location offers the same hearty menu of fresh fish entrees as the other two restaurants. Additionally, an oyster bar and small plate selections are available. The wine list is quite extensive, and offers a large range of South African qualities. Appetizers range from $5-$10 and dinner entrees range from $13 to $25. Like the other Fishmonger restaurants, the interior has a rustic feel with wooden tables, foe finished walls, stained concrete floors and a touch of blue and orange in the flatware. "We wanted to create a nice ambiance, casual with good simple food in a neighborhood setting," says Panagopoulos. The recently opened Fishmonger Seafood is located at 908 Piedmont Avenue, 404.881.8889 You can visit www.fishmonger seafoodgrill.com for more info. Ship & Anchor Restaurateur Huw Thomas knows a lot about taverns. Thomas currently operates three &emdash; soon to be four &emdash; Atlanta taverns, under the umbrella of The Dunwoody Restaurant Group. His first venture in the tavern arena was the Dunwoody Tavern, which opened eight years ago. It was followed by Royal Oak Pub, which opened five years ago and most recently he acquired the Olde Peculiar Public House in 2002, a 120-year-old tavern in Norcross, and renamed it Norcross Tavern. Thomas is now moving on to his next venture, Ship & Anchor. Plans are to open in August after the space is completed. "Ship & Anchor is an upscale English pub, which follows in the footsteps of our other three pubs," says Thomas. Ship & Anchor is to be located at 5975 Roswell Road. For more information you can contact the Dunwoody Tavern at 770. 394.4164. 'Fresh' for The Vine The Vine is a fresh neighborhood bistro capturing the essence of pairing good wine and flavorful food. Owner and former corporate executive Paul Jordan, is planning a mid-July opening of the new European inspired bistro, located in the heart of the Virginia Highlands. Formally the Tibourn Grille, the interior was in need of a facelift. Executive Chef David Maini, a graduate of the Rhode Island Culinary Institute, and most recently with Bravo Development Group (Brio's), is planning a progressive modern American Fare menu. In addition to the extensive wine selections, a large martini menu ($8) will offer Vine originals. Vine Restaurant and Wine Bar will be located at 1190 N. Highland Avenue, 404.892.2393. Visit www.vinerestaurant.com for more info. DINING OUT TIDBITS • email e.newsletter July 16th Additional Dining Tidbits... JOEL announces the restaurant's receipt of two of the industry's highest honors, the AAA Four Diamond Award and the DiRona Award. JOEL is the culmination of Chef Joel Antunes' 25 years of experience in Paris, the south of France, Asia, London and Atlanta's Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead (which, under his leadership, remained the state's only Mobil Travel Guide five-star and AAA Five Diamond award-winning restaurant). For additional information or reservations call 404.233.3500. www.joelrestaurant.com... For the second consecutive year Buffalo's Southwest Cafe will feed approximately 2,000 hungry "hogs" this fall as presenting food sponsor of the 13th Annual March of Dimes "Ride to Save Babies." Buffalo's will feed all Ride participants on Sunday, October 3, at Lakewood Exhibition Center. This year's event runs October 1-3 with various programs planned for each day and the actual ride on October 3. The 24-mile ride, which starts and ends at Lakewood Exhibition Center, takes bikers on a police-escorted parade route through downtown Atlanta and Buckhead. For more information, call 404-350-9800, extension 213, or visit www.marchofdimesride.org. Gourmet to go Ever wish that you could've had a personal chef make your box lunches rather than Mom? Well, now that you're all grown up, that dream is a reality. Wolfgang Puck Express introduces a fresh idea in catering with new box lunches. Customers may choose from freshly made sandwiches (Honey-Smoked Turkey, Pesto Chicken or Smoked Ham and Provolone) or salads (Chinois Chicken, Chicken Caesar, Young Spinach Salad or Mixed Baby Greens), plus a side (Seasonal Pasta Salad or Fresh Fruit and Yogurt) and a dessert (Fresh Baked Cookie or Espresso Brownie). Box lunches are available for only $8.95 per lunch, with a minimum order of six. Delivery is also available. Wolfgang Puck Express is located in Brookwood Place at 1745 Peachtree Street and can be contacted at 404-815-1500... Summer grilling season is here, and Woodfire Grill is taking the "burger and fries" combo to the next level! Beginning May 24, enjoy Atlanta's "Best Burger" made of house-ground, all-natural beef from Painted Hills Ranch in Oregon, served with artisan cheese, grilled onions and aioli on fresh-baked focaccia. This mouth-watering creation is served with hand-cut pomme frites and a refreshing glass of Mauritson zinfandel. To top it off, pastry chef Jonathan St. Hilaire will create the perfect dessert. This delectable meal is available Monday through Thursday for only $25 (the burger is also available as an a la carte item on the regular menu for $15). For reservations call 404-347-9055 or visit www.woodfiregrill.com Legendary mission Staying ahead of the trends and true to your company name and mission - legendary - has been a personal goal of A Legendary Event executive chef Christophe Holmes. For two years, Holmes - under the leadership of owner Tony Conway -- has led the culinary team of A Legendary Event to a record number of industry awards and client wins. An Atlanta-based, full-service event planning and off-premise catering company, A Legendary Event, whose revenues have increased by 23 percent the last year, produces more than 400 events a year and has been awarded 47 honors in the seven-year history of the company by the special events and catering industry. Hooters International Summer heats up a little early this year with the Eighth Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Competition Finals at the Tabernacle June 5 at 8 p.m. 45 Hooters Girls, the top three from each of the local qualifiers, will compete for three spots in the International Competition held at the end of June. This year's regional finals will be hosted by 96 Rock's Southside Steve and Tim Rhodes. www.hooters.com for more info... The New York Times reports Motown icon Smokey Robinson has launched a line of foods, with the singer's first product, Soul Is in the Bowl Gumbo, hitting California supermarket shelves this month. With a goal of achieving success in the ethnic and frozen-food fields, Smokey Robinson Foods gives a portion of company profits to further education for minority children. Celebrating 75 In celebration of Mickey Mouse's 75th Anniversary, Underground Atlanta will play host to 15 700-pound, 6-foot-tall Mickey Mouse statues, part of the Celebrate Mickey: 75 InspEARations statue program that was unveiled on November 18, 2003 - Mickey Mouse's 75th Anniversary - at Walt Disney World. The statues, which are touring various cities, are designed by an impressive array of Mickey's friend that includes actors, artists and athletes. The statues will be unveiled at noon on Saturday, May 22, with the help of Mickey Mouse, Disney Legend Al Konetzni and Atlanta's own artist Thomas Knechtel, and will remain on display at the venue from through Tuesday, July 20.... On Thursday, May 20, three new tenants officially signed leases with Underground Atlanta. Marking progress in the property's extensive outreach for new tenants, Underground welcomed Future, The Latin Quarter and The Alley Cat to its property! The Latin Quarter will offer 13,000 square feet of high energy Latin dance music. The Latin Quarter will also feature various themed nights ranging anywhere from "Beach Night" to "Cuban Tropics." Future, Dean Riopelle's Underground hotspot, will be an upscale alternative venue. This 10,000 square-foot dance club will be home to alternative dancing, live music entertainment and of course, a futuristic theme. Differing from The Latin Quarter and Future, The Alley Cat will be reminiscent of a rock-and-roll bar and restaurant complete with live acoustic performances and special guest appearances by yesterday and today's favorite artists. Patrons will also be able to choose musical selections from a rock-and-roll jukebox on days when there are no live performances. The 4,000 square-foot venue will also be decorated in rock-and-roll memorabilia, but unlike similar venues, owner Brian McNamara has access to a "more up-to-date" collection, as well as some of the older classics. Inman Park addition Isaac Adelenge and Charlotte Macbagito of Atlanta are opening LUSH, a new restaurant on Bernina Avenue in Inman Park on Friday, June 11th. The two friends, both vegetarians, wanted to open a vegetarian dining house and their vision quickly elevated into LUSH, serving upscale vegetarian cuisine in an atmosphere that Adelenge describes as being "urban and hip, yet wholesome and warm." In addition to a remarkably unique menu, LUSH is also environmentally friendly. The establishment will participate in recycling, composting, and have already adopted a section of Freedom Parkway across the street from their location. They have landscaped, planted flowers and cleaned up the area complimenting the renovated building and its outdoor patio. They will also have bike racks at the restaurant to encourage patrons to prevent pollution and travel by bicycle. LUSH is located at 913 Bernina Avenue. They will be closed Mondays, but open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner... Trattoria La Strada casual Italian restaurant at 8550 Roswell Road, celebrates 15 great years of Italian dining this month by offering a 35% Customer Appreciation Discount on everything from the menu (including wine, beer & liquor) from Monday June 14th to Sunday June 20th. Hand over that pizza... Buckhead is filled with odd people and strange happenings. It was a Thursday not too long ago when a young man, Bobby we'll call him, is walking home with his Elbow Room pizzas-to-go. Suddenly, he's accosted by two men threatening bodily harm, demanding Bobby turn over the pizzas. Spurning the usual loot of cash or watches, they have taken a pepperoni pizza and a Quatro leaving Bobby dumbfounded. Safe, but stunned: " I have been mugged for my Elbow Room pizzas," Bobby is heard to say. Rumor has it that the citizens of Buckhead are forming a "pizza watch" group. These watchdogs, headquartered at The Elbow Room on Pharr Road, will patrol the area to keep a look out for two men, hungrily lurking in the shadows of the pizza oven. Moral of the story: hot Elbow Room pizza is better than cold cash.... Brent Gilbertson, owner of the Fire of Brazil Churrascaria's at Perimeter Center and Windward Parkway has announced his company will be expanding the concept outside the Atlanta market. The first location is expected to open in August at the Mall of Wellington Green in Wellington, Florida (a Palm Beach neighbor). Plans are to continue the expansion into Louisianna, Mississippi and Tennessee in the near future. Where's your Coke? In May USA TODAY reported Coca-Cola has teamed up with Airo Wireless for its "Unexpected Summer" contest, which converts 120 cans into a global positioning satellite receiver and cell phone. The winners call a hotline to register their winning can, and then have to carry the can with them until a prize team tracks them down with GPS technology, and awards prizes such as cash, a new car or a vacation. Noodles for the masses Doc Chey's Restaurants announced that it has leased 2,520 square feet in the new CityWalk development located in the heart of Sandy Springs at the intersection of Hammond Road and Sandy Springs Circle. In their continuing effort to "bring noodles to the people." www.doccheys.com... ONE.midtown kitchen is pleased to announce their new Wines of the World tour. Join them the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 pm, as they take a trip around the world in celebration of a variety of varietals. $40 per person includes wine and food pairings. Globe trotting has never been so easy - or delicious. www.one midtownkitchen.com... Sometimes more really is less. At least it is at Aqua blue and Hi Life on the weekends. Now, Hi Life guests can order any bottle of wine that are sold by the glass and only pay half the price on Saturday night! And Aqua blue guests can do the same thing on Sundays! Some of the amazing wines included in this offer are King Estate, Cakebread, Matanzas Creek, Silverado, Edmeades, Kenwood, Newton, David Bruce, Steele, Sonoma Cutrer, Joseph Phelps and Hartford. Come in now and get more bang for your buck.For more information, visit www.atlantaaquablue.com or www.atlantahilife.com. From the 5th group... This summer, Sala at 1186 North Highland, will welcome guests with an updated menu and a new look to the 'parlor' space that has become an Atlanta favorite. To better reflect the regional Mexican flavors of chef Todd Mussman's menu, Sala has introduced some warm, earthy colors into the color theme and has brought in artifaces from the Oaxaca region of Mexico... South City Kitchen's chef Jay Swift is offering fresh new menu options that provide a taste of the south for both lunch and dinner boasting seasonal flavors to beat the heat... The Food Studio's chef Chip Ulbrich has also updated his summer menu in keeping with the restaurant's bold American cuisine spotlighting fresh fish, seasonal vegetables and artistic salads... And, La Tavola has introduced new pastas and meat dishes just in time for the patio at this Virginia-Highland trattoria... information on Sala, South City Kitchen, The Food Studio and La Tavola can be found at www.fifth group.com. What's new? Anna & Raymond Hsu have opened their latest venture, Silk, in the Metropolis building in Midtown... 86 5th Street is now the home of, father & son team Bret & Ron Brooks', 5th Street Ribs 'n Blues... Java Vino: A coffee & Wine House opened May 1 in Poncey-Highland next door to Babette's Cafe... Comedy Cafe has announced it will be opening in the former Taboo location on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs... Green Tomato Buffet was to open May 21st on Holcomb Bridge Road in Norcross... Cathy Telesford is to open Seed Time & Harvest Restaurant in Mableton on June 1st. More to report... NuVo Bistro & Tapas Bar has opened in the former Meritage location on Piedmont Road... Two Monkies Tavern has opened one mile west of the square in Marietta... Verve Tapas Restaurant & Lounge is scheduled for 511 Peachtree Street... Fishmonger Seafood is looking at the former Balance location for their 3rd location... Southern Blends Cafe opened May 7th on Buford Highway in Norcross... Greek Kitchen Express opened late April at 60 Peachtree Street... Vine Restaurant is scheduled for 1190 N. Highland Avenue and Zuma for 701 Highland Avenue, no dates have been announced... The Tasting Room serving wine-only is planned for 3906 Roswell Road... Mittie's Cafe has opened in the Healey Building downtown on Forsyth Street. Saying goodbye... This month's casualities include: 6 month old Blaise on E. Paces Ferry which is rumoured to be reopening under new concept and chef... Carl's Cafe, which opened in April 2002, and specialized in hot little French market doughnuts, better know as beignets... Tiburon Grille in Virginia Highland... Ami, which opened at 6th Street & Cypruss in 2001, has reopened as Toast... The nutritiously balanced concept, Balance, has closed on Piedmont Avenue... Chin Chin, which opened in April of 2003, has closed it's Marietta Street location downtown... Both locations of the ice cream & breakfast-themed Orange & Scarlett's have closed on Juniper and Piedmont Roads... The Jobe Noodle on Peachtree closed and is now the location of the Brown Bag Cafe... The Purple Possum in Newnan has shuttered it's doors. July 16th Additional Dining Tidbits... DINING OUT UPDATE • August 2004 Vine Restaurant brings bistro flavors to Highland Vine...New neighborhood bistro on N. Highland A Royal Affair Cafe...Family-owned, family-style cafe grace 17.20... Opening in The Forum in Gwinnett The Mediterranean Room... Three concepts in one Che... Newest venture to open on E. Paces hud report staff writers & contributions by toni m. lublin Vine, a neighborhood bistro, hopes to blend good wine and flavorful food into a winner. Owner and former corporate executive Paul Jordan, had a mid-July opening of the European inspired bistro, located in the heart of the Virginia Highlands. Formerly the Tibourn Grille the interior was in need of a facelift. The decor and interior have been updated with hardwood floors, a custom black granite bar and wine art of Atlanta's own Thomas Arvid. The added feature of such amenities as a stone wine cellar, showcasing over 100 varieties of the best-known vineyards and labels, also functions as a private room where up to 10 guests can enjoy a five-course meal. Executive Chef David Maini, a graduate of the Rhode Island Culinary Institute and most recently with Bravo Development Group (Brio's), is preparing a progressive modern American fare menu with subtle international influences. Starters include fried green tomatoes, arugula, spiced pecans, remoulade sauce ($6) and grilled Georgia shrimp with cilantro-mint pesto ($7.50). Capitalizing on Georgia's indigenous fruits and vegetables, Chef Manini will prepare a micro green salad, tossed with heirloom tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, goat cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette ($6). The internationally influenced entrees include sage-rubbed 12 ounce grilled veal chop, butter beans and sweet potato straws ($24), smoked duck and wild mushroom risotto ($15) and fried Maine lobster tail, pappardelle pasta tossed with heirloom tomatoes & tarragon mustard sauce ($19.50). In addition to the extensive wine selections, a large martini menu ($8) offers Vine originals, such as the Highland Cosmo, Vine Gimlet and Dirty Rat. An outdoor patio offers patrons the opportunity to dine al fresco-style under a covered porch for a weekend brunch, lunch or dinner. Vine Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 1190 N. Highland Avenue, 404.892.2393. Hours are Monday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and Dinner Monday - Friday 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday brunch is served 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. www.vinerestaurant.com Royal 'family' affair Owner Simon Shirley and wife Lila (see photo page 9) recently opened A Royal Affair Cafe in Sandy Springs to complement their four-year-old catering business, A Royal Affair. Simon's Royal background experience as a Footman to the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace from 1978 to 1981 adds a 'Royal' interest to this new cafe. He was chosen as the Footman seated on Princess Diana's carriage on her wedding day, As a trained chef from an English culinary school, Simon has created an inviting home-style counter-service meals and family meals to-go operation. "We wanted to give families the opportunity to sit down together with a family-style, home-cooked meal and encourage communication without the fuss of cooking or cleaning up," says Shirley. The Cafe also offers a selection the popular low-carb Beach Diet items. These items need to be called in, in advance for preparation and are changed daily. A sample includes Mediterranean chicken ($11) which is grilled herb chicken breast with mushrooms, black olives, feta cheese and roasted vegetables. It is served with a salad and a chocolate treat, pistachio bark for $11. The family-style meals range from $18 serving 2 people to $30 serving 3. Selections include Chicken tetrizzini, chicken lasagna and chicken Parmesan. Each evening after 7:30 p.m. the Cafe's hotline number provides the following days specials. Each meal includes crispies (fried tortilla chips) and homemade chocolate truffles. The signature items include the Queen Mums tomato soup ($3) and coronation chicken salad ($3), a blend of lite curry, golden raisins, celery, walnuts, and apples. Another offering is the turkey tortilla wraps ($6). "We really are a very casual, neighborhood cafe with very reasonable prices and good service," says Shirley. Other special services include Saturday private English Teas for a party of ten, brunch, bridal luncheons, cocktail parties and dinner parties. A Royal Affair Cafe is located in the Parkside Shopping Center, at 5920 Roswell Road, D-205, 404.252.7713 and the menu hotline is 404.252.7714. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Friday. Cash or Check only. www.aroyalaffair.com 17.20 'graces' Gwinnett grace 17.20, being touted as a unique dining culture, is scheduled to open mid-August in The Forum at Peachtree Corners. Inspired by the California wine country, the atmosphere at grace is to be casually elegant and feature a seasonal menu. The new grace is creating a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance that's complemented by warm, earthy colors, handsome wood and antique accents. Floor-to-ceiling French doors border one side of the dining room, leading to a lushly landscaped patio with fireplace and European fountain. In the kitchen, the chef team will be comprised of chef de cuisine Charles Schwab, formerly chef de cuisine at Bacchanalia in Atlanta; and sous chef John Leichty (LICK-tee), formerly sous chef at Garrison's Broiler and Tap in Vinings (see page 7 for photos). The regularly changing menu will be ingredient-focused, and consist of fresh produce and herbs, specialty meats, fish and artisan cheeses. Barbara Dijames will be managing partner and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park and also has a family background in the restaurant business. She was most recently in management with the Blue Ridge Grill in Atlanta and Sia's in Duluth. Private dining will be available in two areas for groups up to 30 on the second floor in the Tower Room; or for more intimate occasions, for up to 10 at the Chef's Table adjacent to the main dining room. grace 17.20 will be open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and available for special events on Sunday. grace 17.20 at The Forum, 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 320, Norcross, 678.421.1720, www.grace1720.com. European Cafe opens Dining at The Mediterranean Room is a "global experience," according to owner Audrey Chanet. The newly opened Marietta restaurant features three distinct sections: a European cafe, an Italian restaurant and the Mediterranean Room. "Each area has it's own menu and atmosphere," says Chanet. Chanet and husband, chef Fouzi Chanet, owned Casbah on North Highland in Inman Park for seven years. They moved their restaurant closer to home and reopened under the new concept with a larger space of 6,000 square feet. "We are capturing our loyal patrons and also appealing to a new audience who have not had access to this type of dining experience," says Chanet. In the Mediterranean Room the atmosphere is Moroccan inspired. Belly dancers entertain guests every Friday and Saturday as guests dine Moroccan-style. "The interior feels like a theater, with fabric walls and souvenirs from Morocco. It is truly an authentic Moroccan experience," says Chanet. Mediterranean Room Entrees range from $16-$22. The French bistro is cozy and inviting, an ideal spot to have an espresso, latte, enjoy some hummus and watch a game on TV. Patrons can dine al fresco on the patio which seats up to 50. The Italian restaurant section, formerly Spikes Pizzeria, has been annexed to become part of the restaurant. Chanet and Chef Rabiaa Franklin (Chanet's sister-in-law) created a casual, family atmosphere offering classic Italian entrees along with brick oven pizza. Italian entrees range from $10-$14. The Mediterranean Room is located at 1115 Powder Springs Road, two miles from Marietta Square, 678.213.8787. Hours for the Mediterranean Room are Sunday - Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 11: 30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. The Cafe and Italian pizzeria are open Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. www.themediterraneanroom.com 'Friend' arrives The new contemporary Buckhead restaurant, which opened at the end of July in the recently closed Blais and original Peachtree Cafe location, is a partnership between seasoned restaurateurs Gerry Klaskala, George McKerrow Jr. and Ron San Martin of We're Cookin' Inc. 'Che,' Argentinean slang for 'friend,' will offer up to 30 various Cuban, Latin American, and Spanish inspired tapas lite-bites as well as six entrees, salads and desserts, all prepared under the direction of executive chef Carvel Grant Gould. Entrees will be $14 and tapas will range $3.50 to $7. Tapas selections include empanada of chicken and green olive with pineapple agridulce, cava and queso fundido served with toasted Cuban bread and crispy plantains, served with a pisco sour or caipirinha. The Johnson Studio designed the 'sexy' bright-lipstick-red and canary yellow interior to create a high-energy environment. "Che is a very sexy restaurant &emdash; with lots of color and a playful fun atmosphere," says Klaskala. Staying within the colorful contemporary decor, the interior artwork reflects the Havana street scene from photographer Andrew Moore and colorful prints by Carlos Navarro and Orlando Santos. Color reaches the ceiling area with a Picasso-esque fresco of geometric shapes. "We will appeal to the fun loving, young, hip crowd who loves to go out and meet up with a few friends, have a drink and a little tapas and enjoy Latin tones," says Klaskala. The interior will seat up to 90 and features hip top tables in the bar, offering the patrons dining in either the bar or main areas. An outside patio will also seat up to 24 patrons. Che is located at 268 East Paces Ferry Road, NE., 404.231.2224. Hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Valet and validated self-parking are available next door. www.che-atl.com. DINING OUT UPDATE • September 2004 Vine Restaurant brings bistro flavors to Highland Zuma...Sushi & Sake enters Highland neighborhood Bitter End Seafood...Roswell eatery is updated & expands Ray's Restaurants... Ray's on the River turns 20 Dining Tidbits... The Georgia Restuarnt Association and Georgia Restuaramt Council merge, City Grill's new chef, National "5 A Day" Month, Organic Harvest Month, Agave turns 4, "Good Eats" house on ebay, Inman Park Patio's new chef, La Grotta celebrates 26, Chef Etchison inducted into Les Dames d' Escoffier, SoHo's Lucky 7's, Meehan's to replace Mangia 101, Susan G. Komen benefit at Joel, Spice's 'Makeover With A Mission' for Project Open Hand hud report staff writers & contributions by toni m. lublin Centrally located in the Highlands, Zuma (meaning "running horse") Sushi & Sake Bar opened in July. The 80-seated indoor/outdoor restaurant offers over 100 variations of sashimi/nigiri sushi, traditional and Zuma special rolls. In addition, an extensive list of Sake offers over 40 bottled varieties. From dry to super light, Sake flavors include the basics to the unusual. For example, Kobota Senjyu, a very dry sake which has a banana cream pie aroma with spicy flavors of clove and nutmeg. Sake ranges from $12 to $150 a bottle. Richard Chung, owner of Zuma says, "We are a blend of modern, mixed with traditional. Our decor and the way we approach our presentation carries through with this philosophy." The interior mixes colors of red and camel and tastefully incorporates flat screen and plasma TVs around the sushi bar. Chung, who also owns a Buckhead Cafe called Blue Chip, selected the Highlands because of the appeal of the demographics and the cross section of New York and LA transplants who live in the area and appreciate good sushi. A focus is also made to prepare foods in a healthy manor, cooking deep-fried items in rice bran oil, which is fortified with a lot of vitamin E. "We purchase fish everyday, we do not use any frozen fish. Our focus is on serving healthy food," says Chung. Special Rolls range from $7.50 to $14.50 and traditional rolls range from $5.50 to $8.50. Zuma Sushi & Sake Bar is located at 701 Highland Avenue, 404.522.2872. Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. The kitchen stays open until 1:40 a.m., Monday - Saturday. Visit www.zumasushi.com for more information. Bitter End revamps David Howard, president of the Neighborhood Dining Group, announces several changes at Bitter End Seafood restaurant in Roswell. Changes include a new executive chef & dinner menu, an expanded bar area, the addition of a second private dining room and lunch and brunch service. Don Diem has been named executive chef. Diem was most recently executive chef at Merlot in Duluth and formerly of The Dining Room in The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead (see photo page 9). The restaurant's bar, now The Sandbar, has been expanded and is home to some of the largest martinis in the city, the Sandbar also offers margaritas, classic island drinks, an extensive wine list, import, domestic and draft beers. An additional private dining room has been added, The Nook, and it accommodates up to 12 for small gatherings. The original private dining area, The Captain's Room, remains and seats up to 60 guests. Bitter End Seafood opened in July 2000 and is located in Roswell at 4651 Woodstock Road in Sandy Plains Village. The restaurant serves dinner seven days a week, Sunday-Thursday from 5 until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. The Sandbar's hours are 5-10 p.m. and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Call-ahead seating is available. For more information, call 770-645-6564. Ray's celebrates 20 As Ray's On The River celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to be one of the top grossing dining destinations in the city. Ray's On The River has the distinction of having served more than four million customers since 1984, over half a million just for the Sunday brunch. It has hosted more than 2,000 special occasion and has served over two million pounds of seafood. Founded in 1998, Marietta-based Ray's Restaurants, LLC, is comprised of Ray's On The River, Ray's in the City and now, Ray's Killer Creek. All three restaurants are owned and operated under the leadership of partners Raymond D. Schoen-baum and Abe Gustin (see photo page 9). Coinciding with Ray's 20th Anniversary, Killer Creek Chop House, which opened in March 1998, is now being renamed Ray's Killer Creek. Located on property once inhabited by Native Americans who were led by a man named Foe Killer, its menu features items such as jumbo lump crab cake, crab-stuffed Georgia mountain trout, Colorado double cut lamb chops and prime, aged steaks. Ray's Killer Creek is also introducing a lunch menu. All items on the dinner menu will be available in smaller portions in addition to an array of specialty soups, salads and sandwiches. The restaurant, open for lunch Monday - Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., offers menu items ranging from $5.95 for appetizers to $24.95 for a 14-ounce New York strip entree. The new Ray's in the City has an ever-changing menu featuring contemporary California cuisine of Asian and Southern-influenced dishes, upscale seafood entrees, prime beef and a sushi and oyster bar. Executive Chef Gregg McCarthy oversees operations for all three. For more information, visit www.raysrestaurants.com. The new Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) brings the Georgia Restaurant Council (GRC) membership and the former Georgia Restaurant Association membership together under a new GRA banner. The independent restaurant association will be directed by Ron Wolf and by the state's top restaurant and foodservice leadership. The new GRA will operate independently of the Georgia Hospitality and Tourism Association (GHTA) and will serve as the state partner of the National Restaurant Association... City Grill is unveiling a new Executive Chef and new Ala Carte Menu. Chef Anne Mor-iarta, Executive Chef of Dailey's Restaurant downtown, has added City Grill to her roster. Her first task has been to energize the menu. The new menu features the best of the season and the freshest of Georgia products... September is National "5 A Day" Month, encouraging consumers to get five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day for better health. It's also Organic Harvest Month and in conjunction, 5 Seasons on Roswell Road will be hosting GO-5's Farm to Feast on September 30... Agave Restaurant, a southwestern eatery & tequila bar, will be turning 4 years old on September 13th, 2004. Agave has completed a large renovation which has given them a private dining room which seats 80 people and has a large fireplace. For more info, log on to www.agaverestaurant.com... The home and kitchen where tasty episodes of the Food Network series "Good Eats" was created, has been listed on eBay with a starting bid of just $850k (which includes a special offer from the series star), Alton Brown. The eBay offer includes an opportunity for the buyer to experience a dinner for eight people prepared in the kitchen by Brown... Chef Mike Schorn, who has honed his culinary talents at Horseradish Grill, Canoe and Cavu, took the reigns in the kitchen of the Inman Park Patio August 1... La Grotta Ristorante is celebrating 26 Years in Atlanta. Monday through Thursdays through September 23 La Grotta offers a 3-course dinner for $26.95... ONE. midtown kitchen's Pastry Chef Jennifer Etchison was recently inducted into Les Dames d' Escoffier. Incorporating 25 years ago, Les Dames d' Escoffier is a leadership culinary organization composed of women who have not only achieved success in their profession, but who contribute significantly to their communities... From September 13 to October 11, guests of SoHo restaurant in Vinings can enjoy "Lucky 7s" to celebrate the restaurant's seventh anniversary. Lucky 7s features designated wine, appetizer, entree and dessert menu selections, each available for $7.77, including tax... Meehan's Ale House will open in the Brookhaven Station shopping center in mid-October, replacing Mangia 101. The ownership remains the same - 101 Concepts. Says Steve Buero, 101 Concepts partner, "Our Vinings and Alpharetta Meehan's locations are local favorites, and we believe that Brookhaven needs a traditional Irish public house where the food and drink are great and the staff is friendly." For Beer lovers only... Pairing Cheese with Beer is a New Trend. A rule of thumb is lighter beers go with lighter cheeses, and bold beers need assertive cheeses. Bleu cheeses pair well with Porters, Stouts and Ciders; Cheddars match well with Lagers, Wheat beers, Ales and Stouts; Brie/Camembert pair well with fruit-flavored beers or ciders. Visit www.ilovecheese.com for more cheese information... Some local pubs with selections of strong beers (February 5th the state Senate passed the bill that allows high-gravity, higher alcohol % to be sold in Georgia) include: Brick Store (Decatur), Summits Wayside Taverns (Sandy Springs, Snellville, and Cumming), Vortex (Atlanta), Globe (Athens), Taco Mac (Athens), and Mellow Mushroom (Athens). Package stores with the better selections include: Jax (Cumming), Green's (East Ponce De Leon and Buford Highway, Atlanta), Five Points Bottle (Athens), ABC (Athens), and Wine and Spirit Warehouse (Athens). Information courtesy of www.ClassicCityBrew .com... Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday through September 30, Iris on Glenwood Avenue is offering $2 pints of Terrapin beer. Fashion for a cause Restaurant, JOEL has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Greater Atlanta to bring an afternoon of fine food and style. The three-course lunch and modeling event will feature a champagne reception and a peek at the fall collection from the new Adrienne Vittadini store at Lenox Square Mall. Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel, a breast cancer survivor, will chair the event and Chef Joel Antunes will donate a portion of the event proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Atlanta. The cost of this event is $50 and the event will last from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Chef Antunes will continue to support the organization throughout the month of October by serving 'Rose Panna Cotta,' a signature dessert created in honor of breast cancer survivors. Proceeds from the dessert will be donated to the Foundation. JOËL Restaurant is located at the Piazza at Paces, 3290 Northside Parkway. For more information, visit www. joelrestaurant.com or call 404.233.3500 for reservations... On September 15 Spice Restaurant hosts a casting call for Atlanta Makeover with a Mission from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. While the application process is free and open to the community, all donations collected throughout the evening will benefit Project Open Hand and Partnership Against Domestic Violence. Enjoy complimentary appetizers while applying to win a free $150,000 makover. You can all 404.875.4242 for more information. DINING OUT UPDATE • October 2004 Sushi restaurant by day, martini lounge by night Aiko...Combination sushi restaurant & nightspot Cafe Karis & Marketplace...Concept opens in Highlands Shout!...Here To Serve Restaurant Group is at it again Dining Tidbits... hud report staff writers & contributions by toni m. lublin Aiko, which means 'love child' in Japanese, is one of the newest Atlanta hot spots to-see-and-be-seen. Opening in September, the combo sushi restaurant and entertainment spot has already caught on with the 'it' Atlanta hip set. Owner's, brother and sister David Smith and Koho Jinks, transformed the former Old Sanctuary Latin Dance Club on trendy East Andrews Drive, into a minimalist chic, hybrid restaurant and nightclub. In an effort to honor their Japanese culture and strong family unit, they named their restaurant Aiko after their mother. Jinks admits, "David and I have been discussing this vision since we were kids. We both took time to travel and find our inspirations and prepare us for this. We now are able to provide customers with the perfect union of David's sushi expertise and my knowledge of Atlanta's nightlife." Throughout the day, Aiko (pronounced I-KO) will function as a restaurant and after dinner hours will transform itself into one of Atlanta's unique martini lounges. The early evenings at Aiko are dedicated to dining on all things sushi as well as a few cooked items of calamari, magic mushrooms and baked New Zealand green-lipped mussels. The sushi specials include the not-to-be-missed 'Orgasm Roll' which is a California roll wrapped in salmon then baked with a spicy sesame aioli and topped with a sweet soy sauce and also the 'Seven Sins Roll,' which combines spicy tuna and cucumber topped with a Japanese seven spice. The Maki Mono (rolls) are arranged in three levels; beginner rolls ($3.50 - $6.25), intermediate rolls ($4.75 - $7.75) and advanced rolls ($5.25 - $12.50). Smith, who is also the executive chef, has developed a menu based on sushi options that will appeal to the masses. A beginner roll would be an avocado maki, intermediate might be a baked spicy yellowtail roll and advanced would be a Viagra roll (secret ingredients). "We have a unique menu that has Japanese influences but has been Americanized. In addition to sushi, we have a lot of cooked items which appeal to our guests," says Smith. Guest can dine al fresco at the large open sushi bar or in the seating area which faces the dance floor. Smith describes the atmosphere as a 'mellow martini crowd' as the evening progresses. He expects to attract the same patrons who frequent Compound and East Andrews. "We will add a cool alternative for the trendy professional crowd. That's why I consider us a hybrid business," says Smith. The all white interior and architectural details give the space a modern flair. An Asian escape enhanced by deep red hues, metallic bars and unique lighting. In addition to a large VIP area with its own bar and lounge room, the large main dining area features a dance floor complete with a high tech color kinetic lighting system. A first time guest, Kim Green of Atlanta, was impressed with the experience at Aiko, saying, "I like the fact that this is an upscale lounge that will appeal to the professional 30-something." Aiko is located at 128 East Andrews Drive, 404.869.4800. Hours are Monday - Sunday 5:30 p.m. to close. Cafe & Marketplace opens Yoon Song had been working in New York City for some time when he decided to take a long needed break from his high-pressured financial mergers and acquisitions career. He came home to Atlanta to visit his family in February and never left. "It was time to try something different and get away from the corporate environment," says Song. He has since opened Cafe Karis & Marketplace that's located in the street level of a new apartment complex &emdash; Highland Walk. "The space reminds me of the pedestrian neighborhood shops located in New York City," says Yoon. Before opening Yoon did his research. The area of the Highlands where he opened is at the forefront of urban renewal. "The neighborhood is going through a change and I feel very fortunate to be here at the beginning," says Song. He saw the need for a neighborhood-style deli and coffee shop where local residents could market and pick up a few gourmet items (i.e., pastas and European chocolates) after work, before going home. The interior of the Cafe is inviting and warm with multicolored furniture in pastels and light wood floors & shelving. The cozy space is ideal to have a coffee and sit at the window bar or to stop by for lunch for a sandwich &emdash; which includes all type of deli sandwiches and California wraps. "There was a lot of demand for a Cafe like this, which makes it convenient for people who live here. The Cafe has become a welcomed addition to the neighborhood," says Yoon. Cafe Karis & Marketplace is located at 701 Highlands Avenue, 404.827.0440. Hours are Monday - Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Planning for Shout! Here to Serve Restaurants is giving Midtown something to Shout about. On the heels of Phipps Plaza's Twist, chef Tom Catherall is bringing his mix of culinary creativity and vibrant social scene to Shout!, set to open late 2004. Shout! will occupy 18,000 square-foot of Midtown's Colony Square at the corner of 14th and Peachtree Road. The space will be split evenly between two levels and offer 4,000 square feet of open-air dining on the upper-level patio/lounge. Kitchens will occupy both levels and the restaurant will be equipped with two wood-fired pizza ovens. In addition a separate sushi bar area, "Shout Sushi," will occupy 2,200 of the space. A private dining room will also offer a more intimate space for meetings or larger groups. Aptly named to complement its sister restaurant, Twist in Phipps Plaza, Shout! will live by the theme, "Food, Fun, Flirt!" Its menu will include a full range of entrees, wood-fired pizzas, a sushi bar, tapas station and, of course, signature martinis. Bill Johnson of Johnson Studios will oversee Shout's architecture and design. Other Catherall concepts Prime and Noche also are to Johnson's design credits. Currently under the "Here to Serve" umbrella: Prime at Lenox Square, Goldfish at Perimeter Mall, Twist at Phipps Plaza and Noche in Virginia-Highlands. For more information, visit www.heretoserverestaurants.com. Johnny's Hideaway is sponsoring a 'Hurricane Relief Benefit' on Tuesday, October 12 with all the proceeds going to the American Red Cross. Alex Hawkins finds his way to Johnny's on October 5 for a book signing with his new book Cookin' with Cocky... Pattaya Thai-Seafood Restaurant on Terrel Mill Road in Marietta is celebrating its 7th Anniversary with 25% discounts in the month of October... October finds Aqua blue celebrating Halloween with a live DJ, Ketel One special brew, a costume contest and door prizes. 770.643.8886 for more info... Hi Life Kitchen & Cocktails hosts a Kenwood Wine Dinner on October 17th. Cost is $65 per person. 770.409.0101 for information... Provence's Bamboo Bar on Lower Roswell Road in Marietta is also hosting a Halloween Party on Saturday, October 30th. 770.817.3000 for details... Spondivits on Atlanta Highway in Cumming has Kip Attaway performances on October 22 & 23 at that location. Call 770.844.9060 to purchase tickets... Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega, GA, opened The Tasting Room in Roswell on Thursday, September 23, in the Great Braxted Manor Ltd. Antique shop at 953 Canton Street in the Perry Building. The Tasting Room will be managed by Roy and Barbara Blanchard, proprietors of the Great Braxted Manor located on the second floor of the late 1800s two-story brick building in the heart of Canton Street's shopping district. The Tasting Room will share the shop and its picturesque balcony and will offer daily wine tastings and light fare. Wines from the Boegner family's 25-acre wine-growing estate Wolf Mountain Vineyards, located five miles north of Dahlonega's town square, will be featured including three of their recent medal winners. Wolf Mountain's Instinct 2002 won a gold medal at the 2004 Atlanta International Wine Summit. Plenitude 2003 earned a silver medal, and Coupage 2002 received a bronze medal. Hours will be 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12:30 - 5 p.m. Sunday. For additional information on the new Tasting Room call 770.643.0555... Zhiraz Restaurant & Bar at 11950 Jones Bridge Road in Alpharetta is under new ownership. The Persian restaurant is offering Persian dishes buffet-style or ala carte and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $7.95. Friday & Saturday nights feature live music and belly dancers. 770.751.7272 for more information... Connect With Wine owner/operator, Michael Bryan has recently founded the Atlanta Wine School. Connect With Wine is an Atlanta-based organization that caters to nearly 12,000 Atlantans through events and in its monthly published commentary on the world of wine. The school will hold its courses at different venues throughout Atlanta. Most classes will be limited to 20 students. Instructors and guest speakers are seasoned, credentialed instructors employed in the wine and culinary trades. Information for all sessions and dates can be found by calling 770.668.0435... Meehan's Ale House will open in the Brookhaven Station shopping center in mid-October, replacing Mangia 101. The ownership remains the same - 101 Concepts. Says Steve Buero, 101 Concepts partner, "Our Vinings and Alpharetta Meehan's locations are local favorites, and we believe that Brookhaven needs a traditional Irish public house where the food and drink are great and the staff is friendly."... Alex and Chris Kingo, brothers who own Nam and MF Sushibar, feel that they have been extremely fortunate in achieving their dreams and would like share their good fortune with the community. Nam presents a series of dinners, "Nam Nourishes The Soul Of Our Community," to support the work of twelve, diverse, non-profit organizations. Nam invites the community to join them the second Monday of each month and 20% of the total check will benefit the evening's designated organization. The next dinner is scheduled for October 11 benefitting Hands On Atlanta with dinners continuing monthly through August 2005. Call 404.541.9997 for more information... Inman Park Patio continues their monthly Posh Purchasing series by hosting a Trunk Show featuring local Atlanta jewelers on October 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. A suggested donation of $5 will benefit Dress For Success. You can enjoy food and wine while you shop from a selection of jewelry from Mark Edge, Turq and Brina Beads. Inman Park Patio, 1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE, Atlanta 404 .659.5757... An Atlanta landmark for over 24 years, Murphy's in the Virginia-Highlands has seen and fed many families. In fact, children who went there with their parents are now taking their own kids. So in celebration of the restaurant's 25th Anniversary next year, Founder and Owner Tom Murphy is going to release a cookbook of guest favorites, as well as recipes from other celebrated Atlanta chefs who once worked there. But he needs your help! "I'm asking people to tell me their stories about eating at the restaurant, so we can include those in the cookbook. I would especially enjoy hearing from people about eating at Murphy's in the early days," says Murphy. Tom is asking folks to send their stories to him at tlmurphy@bellsouth.net. In return, he'll send a recipe for the popular Murphy's Southwest Frittata. For more information, 404.872.0904. DINING OUT UPDATE • November 2004 Inviting atmosphere, value & healthy options on the menu Camille's Sidewalk Cafe...First Atlanta location arrives TWO.urban licks...Sequel to ONE.Midtown opens Doc Green's Gourmet Salads...Signs lease on Ponce Dining Tidbits... hud report staff writers & contributions by toni m. lublin As most Americans experience less time to do it all, they are seeking dining choices that offer an inviting atmosphere, value and healthy options served up in a quick format, like Camille's Sidewalk Café, which opened its first Atlanta location in early October. Camille's is owned and operated by Exceptional Restaurant Company (also a franchisee of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut) and is targeted at the fast-casual niche, a segment that keeps on growing. 15-year restaurant veteran Ayman Amin, operating manager of Camille's, says, "Camille's targets the customer who wants to trade up a notch from fast food, but still seeks the quick service and value. It also appeals to full service dinners that expect quality food and a welcoming environment. We offer both, which makes us a very appealing place to dine." The casual café-style environment offers a soft seating area, a main dining area for 70 and patio seating. Soft Jazz along with interior colors of light plum, pale green and yellow create a soothing environment and fresh Gerber daisies add a fresh touch. Guests are encouraged to relax on leather sofas and chairs, enjoy a coffee or espresso, dessert or light bite. The area is also wireless accessible. Guests are greeted at the order counter that showcases a large "New York" style pastry case (don't miss the carrot cake) and coffee bar. Like other fast casual restaurants, from order placement to completion, it takes about 10 minutes. The average ticket is $8.50 to $9. A large selection of healthy (nothing fried) entrees includes wraps, served with tri-colored tortilla chips and fresh salsa. Recommended is the chicken Caesar wrap ($5.95) which is very light, served in an herb-garlic tortilla and stuffed with grilled chicken breast, Parmesan, romaine, tomatoes and creamy Caesar dressing. Other wraps include the "Tex Mex Club", "The Quesadilla" and the "Sonoma Veggie." Low carb wraps are made with 100% whole-wheat tortillas and served with a mixed field green salad tossed with vinaigrette. In addition to wraps ($5.49 - $6.49) Camille's offers panini, such as the recommended "Napa Valley Chicken", served on foccacia and stuffed with chicken breast, provolone, sun-dried tomato pesto, mushrooms, red onions, and balsamic glaze or a vegetarian version, the veganini. To round out the offerings are sandwiches and salads (try the Bangkok Thai Salad, the serving is quite generous). Camille's also serves breakfast wraps such as the herb garden, cheese scrambler and Swiss scrambler. Camille's Sidewalk Café is located in the Embry Village shopping center at 3499 Chamblee Tucker Road, 770.455.0500. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Sunday. www.camillescafe.com offers more information. TWO. joins ONE Bob Amick introduced the sequel of his ONE.midtown kitchen to Atlanta on October 25. TWO.urban licks opened showcasing a "live fire" cooking program including a sky-scraping, custom built, 14-foot wood pit rotisserie in the center of the dining area and a circa 1895 reconstructed Forge. Designed by Nobile Attie the Forge is used for open fire grilling and the open fire rotisserie is the largest in the country slow roasting whole meats and fish by open flame. The food is expected to be so tasty that guests will put down their forks and lick their fingers.... hence the name, TWO.urban licks. Partner and Executive Chef Scott Serpas has created a menu that consists of fiery American cooking in a high-energy kitchen featuring the wood-roasted meats and fish, plus a touch of Creole and barbeque. The food is cooked in a larger than life setting "in the round," in full view of guests. Highlights from the menu include hot frog legs; sticky baby back ribs with Texas brown sugar BBQ sauce; bing cherry and feta over rocket with a sherry olive oil vinaigrette; smoked brisket with roasted garlic horseradish sour cream and roasted chicken pumpkin enchiladas with goat cheese and dry cranberry jus. TWO.urban will also introduce a one-of-a-kind wine program that is all about the juice. The innovative, domestic wine program consists solely of forty-two stainless steel barrels of wine, with the exception of sparkling wines and champagne. The barrels will be displayed in a 26-foot, glass and stainless steel, temperature controlled tower, situated prominently in the restaurant. Wines pour from the barrels through an old-fashioned spout system and are served in a mini thief (10 ounces), half thief (20 ounces) and full thief (42 ounces). All wines are 100 percent domestic with the exception of sparkling wines and, like ONE.midtown, cost under $50. Red wines have Argon and white wines have CO_ to protect them from oxidation. Interior designer Bill Johnson is the designer behind the sequel restaurant. The décor resembles an inner-city warehouse: a little rough, a little diverse, but softened with texture and lighting. Amick describes TWO.urban licks as a "big city urban restaurant with a dash of New Orleans." In addition, the left side of the bar has hundreds of recessed miniature gas lanterns that make the entire wall look as though it flickers. The bar and countertops are steel and rubber to add to the unconventional décor and guests drive their cars up a ramp into the warehouse for valet parking. TWO.urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Boulevard, east of The Carter Center, 404.522.4622. Serving dinner with live Blues nightly from 5:30 p.m. Late supper everyt night. Amick has also announced plans to open another venture in 2005. Raving Brands expands Doc Green's Gourmet Salads, a Raving Brands concept, has signed its first lease at 782 Ponce de Leon Avenue, the revitalized corridor that connects cosmopolitan Midtown with historical Druid Hills. Doc Green's, the fifth concept in Martin Sprock's portfolio of restaurants, plans to open in the fall with a freestanding 2,400 square-foot space. Doc Green's offers healthy, fresh made-to-order salads, soups, meat (beef, chicken or fish with choice of vegetable sides), panini sandwiches, casseroles and other bistro fare, available with light, low-carb, low-fat and low-cal dressings and toppings. Affordably priced, the average sales ticket is $7 to $9. A popular selection of light beer and wine will also be available. The concept will feature vibrant lavish colors, seating for comfort's sake and feature the images and sounds of popular musical artists, a Raving Brands trademark. Raving Brands has also evolved its Mama Fu's brand to a more definitive Pan Asian concept, rebranding it's eight stores as Mama Fu's Asian House to reflect its focus on vegetable-based dishes that originate from five distinct cultures; Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Chinese and Japanese. Specifically, Mama Fu's is adding three new entrees: Its Thai Green Bean with Almond features wok-seared green beans and yellow onions with toasted almonds in chili garlic soy. A second Thai addition, Thai Cashew Stir Fry, is a vegetable favorite with broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, red bell peppers, water chestnuts and zucchini with toasted cashews served in chili soy with a hint of garlic. Stepping outside of Thai, Mama Fu's adds a Korean Cashew with a distinct Korean pepper sauce with sugar snap peas, cashews and carrots over Napa cabbage. In addition to the new entrees, Mama Fu's is expanding its salad line to feature a Shrimp Salad which includes spring mix lettuce with shitake mushrooms, cucumbers and Mandarin oranges tossed with a raspberry vinaigrette, topped with toasted almonds and crisp rice sticks. Two new kids meals &emdash; Dragon Tails, a chicken tenders with macaroni and cheese entree and Scooby Fu, a honey chicken with macaroni and cheese dish &emdash; offer families an expanded menu for the entire family. The eclectic, high-energy atmosphere of Mama Fu's has an average entree price of $6.99 and a $2.99. Authentic wok cooking is a standard and none of the menu items contain MSG. Mama Fu's also features a variety of red and white wines and a mix of Asian and American beers. For more information visit www.mamafus.com. Doc Green's are Mama Fu's are part of Atlanta-based Raving Brands restaurant portfolio that includes the Moe's Southwest Grill (150 units), Mama Fu's Asian House (15 units), Planet Smoothie (137 units) and PJ's Coffee (40 units).   Norcross' Hi Life kitchen & cocktails is celebrating its 7th Anniversary with a week long promotion November 8 through 12 offering a 3-course menu for $30 per person. Hi Life will also be hosting a 'guest appreciation celebration' on Wednesday November 10 from 5 to 7:30 offering complimentary hors d' oeuvres and drink specials. Thursday the 11th features a 6-course 'Dueling' winemaker dinner with Melissa Stackhouse of La Crema and Van Williamson of Edmeades. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are required, 770.409.0101.... The owners of Aqua blue and Hi Life are also opening a new restaurant in November. Marlow's, a neighborhood tavern, will open to the public in late November and will be located at 3709 Old Alabama Road in Alpharetta. The restaurant will feature the Best of the Best American Favorites in a quaint neighborhood friendly atmosphere. Another location will follow in Vinings in January 05... Following the departure of Java Monkey's Steve McRay, the Tin Roof Cantina on Piedmont Avenue in Midtown is temporarily Closed while re-organization and plans for re-opening are put into place. You can keep an eye on the website, www.tinroofcantina.com regarding the future plans... In response to increasing competition in the grocery industry, over the past several months owners of Market One on Ponce de Leon Avenue, Scott Vasatka, Andrew Hoppen and Rob Blain, have explored several alternatives to stem their declining business. However, the competition from the big box retailers was just too much for the neighborhood market. After two and a half years in operation the market will close its doors as soon as the existing inventory is liquidated. Market One is located 1061 Ponce de Leon Avenue, 404.439.1100. Behind every great city... "Behind every great city, there are great ladies". Johnny's Hideaway has again honored the "Great Characters of Atlanta" (a group of men that have made a significant contribution to Atlanta's nightlife) at a recent celebration. The main reason these Character's were honored is because of the ladies that draw them out. So in 'alls fair' terms the Hideaway will also recognize those ladies that have helped make Atlanta one of the top entertainment capitals in America. Meet them on November 16 at Johnny's Hideaway, as the first group is inducted into this prestigious club. In the words of Waxie Gordon of Johnny's Hideaway when asked why for over 25 years people are still packing Johnny's Hideaway, "They come to meet the Ladies." For more information you can call 404.233..8026 or visit www. johnnyshideaway.com. Brazilian nights On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, after closing its doors for dinner, Fogo Gaucho on Windy Hill in Smyrna, re-opens at 11 p.m. transforming the churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse) into a Brazilian nightclub with an elaborate light and sound system. Nearly $100,000 was spent on the light show complete with laser lights and a sound system that makes you forget that you are in a restaurant. "We are bringing the party of Brazil to Atlanta," Alex De Grossi, Fogo Gaucho's Floor Manager comments, "where you can experience Brazilian Nights without having to leave the country." At the stroke of midnight, Carnaval samba dancers in full traditional costume entertain the crowd with an interactive performance. More information is available on the restaurant's web site, www.fogaogaucho.com... InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has announced the November 4 opening of its flagship hotel - the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta as well as the 24-hour, French-style brasserie Au Pied de Cochon. It's 'Automatic' Todd Semrau and his Urban Eats Consulting Group have announced the November 22 opening a new project - a bodega of sorts - located in Grant Park at 313 Boulevard. Semrau is taking a nondescript building and implementing a retro Airstream chic design, complete with Atlanta's funkiest drive-through. 'The Automatic' will be a fun, funky sundry store where locals can pick up everything from coffee to a quick lunch to wine to the latest hipster "it" product. Customers can walk in or drive through this funky drive-though via car or scooter. The Automatic will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Delivery will be available via scooters. For more information call 404.588.9062. www.313 automatic.com Esquire awards Esquire Magazine has selected both Restaurant Eugene and Rathbun's -- in the company of 21 other restaurants -- as America's "Best New Restaurants of 2004." Restaurant Eugene owners Linton and Gina Hopkins attended an Esquire reception in New York. In the November Esquire issue, John Mariani says of chef Kevin Rathbun, "There's just no arguing with the all-American goodness of his cooking." Rathbun's is located at 112 Krog Street @ The Stove Works, 404.524.8280. Restaurant Eugene has added of a new prix fixe tasting menu at the bar. Featuring upscale, American cuisine, the three-course menu is $30. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of The Aramore at 2277 Peachtree Road. For more information, 404-355-0321. Thanksgivin' doin's On Thanksgiving Day from noon to 7 p.m., Food 101, will be serving a family-style dinner with all the trimmings. The price is $29 for adults and $18 for children five to 10, not including tax and gratuity. Children under five eat for free. Reservations can be made by calling 404-497-9700. Food 101 is located at 4969 Roswell Road in the Belle Isle Square shopping center. For more information, visit www.101con cepts.com... 103 West will host its second annual "Family-Style Thanksgiving" Thursday, November 25 with reservations from noon to 5 p.m. Executive Chef Hilary White will present a traditional feast, including a whole Ashley Farms turkey and all the trimmings for your party. Cost is $60 per adult, $35 for children under 12 and children under six are free. Price does not include beverages, tax or gratuity. Call 103 West at 404.233.5993. March of McKerrow... The National March of Dimes presented Atlanta resident George W. McKerrow Jr. the Elaine Whitelaw Service award at its National Volunteer Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas on October 14-16, 2004. Committed to giving back to the community, McKerrow has been a major force behind many of the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter's fundraisers for more than 20 years... Capitalizing on the 6 million annual visitors to Underground Atlanta, AirTran Airways and Underground Atlanta have announced their partnership. Rolls with a twist A staple of Vietnamese cuisine and sometimes referred to as a basil or summer roll, the Vietnamese spring roll is a collection of the freshest RiceStick noodles, baby greens, cucumber, cilantro, and Thai basil all wrapped in a thin layer of fresh rice paper and served with a sweet and spicy hoisin sauce. Although spring rolls are not new to Atlanta, RiceSticks is adding a new twist to this classic. By blending the traditional recipe with a host of new and innovative ingredients, RiceSticks has created a menu featuring nine different types of Vietnamese spring. According to Chef Paul Gregory, "Vietnamese spring rolls are destined to become the next big food trend. Not only are they full of flavor, but they are very light and healthy as well. RiceSticks is located at 5920 Roswell Road, 404.252.6337. DINING OUT UPDATE • December 2004 Trattoria Monaco promises traditional Italian with a twist Trattoria Monaco...Alpharetta's latest fine Italian Annapoorna Atlanta..Healthy eating & Indian fare The Golden Bean...InterContinental's concept cafe Dining Tidbits...   hud report staff writers & contributions by toni m. lublin As part of his graduate thesis, Don Monaco wrote a business plan in 1980 based on an upscale regional Italian restaurant. It was his dream restaurant and although he did not follow his plan out of grad school, he kept the idea in mind as a goal he wanted to accomplish. "I tried the corporate grind for 23 years in sales management but never lost hope that someday I would come back to my original restaurant plan," says Monaco upon opening Trattoria Monaco on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. His new Trattoria team includes executive chef, Chad Scott and chef de cuisine, Jordan Lloyd. The concept will focus on traditional Italian with a twist. Entrées and sides are made fresh to order and include olive crusted big eye tuna, veal scaloppini served with root vegetables, warm fingerling potatoes and fontina cheese, citrus poached salmon or a double Colorado lamb chop ranging from $18 to $24. Desserts abound in the $5 to $8 category and an impressive dessert wine list is offered as well. Tastes (appetizers) abound offering among many - aged gorgonzola with pear and prosciutto to lobster panini with arugula-warm pineapple salad for $6 each or any 3 for $17. Monaco describes the environment as, "sophisticated, yet causal" with sleek contemporary interior details mixed with light and dark woods. "We are really focused on the quality of the food and the intensity of the flavor, all served in a relaxing, comfortable environment," says Monaco. A stout wine list of white and reds include a healthy selection of Italian as well California, Washington and Oregon vineyards. Trattoria Monaco is located at 5530 Windward Parkway, 770.664.0056. Hours are Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visit www.monacorestaurants.com for more information. Annapoorna Atlanta arrives in Chamblee A simple appreciation for healthy eating and a passion for Indian cuisine, led Dr. Bhaskaran Ragavan and wife Prema to open Annapoorna Atlanta in Chamblee. The fine dining restaurant specializes in both Northern and Southern Indian cuisine offering vegetarian and meat dishes. Annapoorna, which means "Food-Complete" serves Southern Indian entrees traditionally made with many varieties of rice, such as vegetable, lemon and Kashmiri Pullav, as well as pancake style breads from Poori to Naan. Naan bread items, along with other meat dishes, are baked in a tandoor (a traditional pitcher-shaped, charcoal-fired clay oven) giving both the meat and bread a distinct flavor. Northern Indian cuisine includes many vegetarian choices, including Bayngan Masala, fresh Indian baby eggplant cooked in onion and tomato with mild spiced sauce and Navratan Korma, which is garden fresh vegetables and fruit simmered in a spice-laced cream sauce and sprinkled with nuts. Most entrees range between $8 and $9. Indo-fusion entrees of chicken, shrimp, eggplant and pasta are a blend of Indian, Asian and Western cuisine made with healthy spices and herbs and range from $6 to $11 in price. Seafood specialties will run you $9 to $12 and desserts are $2.50 to $4. Set within a traditional Indian décor, the restaurant has two sections, large enough to support private parties up to 50 patrons on either side of the restaurant. "We designed the space so that we could accommodate business meetings or rehearsal dinners, " says Prema. "We provide Indian tradition and ambiance combined with American elegance," says Bhaskaran. The restaurant also has hot spot wireless Internet access and a high definition TV, which can be used to project presentations. Beer and wine selections are also available. Annapoorna is located in the North Hills Shopping Center at 3364-H Chamblee Tucker Road, 770.458.4466. Hours are 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Seven days a week. Golden Bean concept arrives The InterContinental Hotels Group has opened their first concept café, The Golden Bean Café, located in Hotel Indigo across from the Fox Theatre on Peachtree. Similar to the hotel, which projects a cozy, warm, home-away-from-home atmosphere, the café is also very warm and inviting with soothing colors of indigo and hardwood floors. It opened on October 21, 2004. Throughout the hotel, design elements appeal to your passion, intellect and senses. Common areas encourage interaction with other guests, but also offer spaces of quiet solitude where you can indulge in moments of high peace. Guest rooms offer an abundance of open space, soothing colors and a spa-style bathing area. Based on the gourmet fast-causal concept, the café offers patrons healthy selections in a fast-dining manner. Patrons order at the counter and the completed entrees are brought to the table. The interior seats about 30 patrons and the outdoor patio seats another 40. Signature entrees include steak salads and a range of Panini including a chicken and vegetarian. Mornings, the café offers Starbucks coffee and pastries. Lesley Maxwell, food and beverage manager describes the café as having a "beach-like interior atmosphere that is very fresh and inviting." The neighborhood location has attracted a lot of locals. "It's very casual and open. People love to sit on the patio, people watch, have a cappuccino or a Panini and just relax," says Maxwell. The Golden Bean Café is located on the first floor of the hotel at 863 Peachtree Street, 404-874-9200. Café hours are Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for breakfast and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. Chris Kattan (Saturday Night Live, Corky Romano and Night at The Roxbury fame) was seen having dinner at Joey D's Oakroom near Perimeter on a recent Friday evening. He is currently in production on a romantic comedy tentatively titled "Adam & Steve" set in New York, according to IMDB.com... David Rozier and Rich Vann have opened a Zaxby's at 11235 Woodstock Road in Roswell... Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta has announced the opening of Lumiere, a student-run fine dining restaurant that is part of the famed school's mandatory curriculum. Open to the general public, the restaurant staffed by students will open for lunch Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. offering updated classical cuisine. Lumiere is located at 1927 Lakeside Parkway, Tucker, 770.723.3507 and will open for dinner in March, 2005... Chipotle Mexican Grill has hit Atlanta in a big way over the past year and a half, wrapping up its 20 oz. burritos in Roswell, Duluth, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Toco Hills and Cumberland. Chipotle (chi-POAT-lay) has opened its latest location at 718 Ponce de Leon Avenue. The Ponce Chipotle is located at 718 Ponce de Leon (two blocks north of Freedom Parkway). Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.chipotle .com... InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its flagship hotel &emdash; the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. The hotel includes the 24-hour, French-style brasserie Au Pied de Cochon and where you can sip vintage cognac and the new XO Bar. Breast Friends benefit... A four-course menu paired with four Silver Oak wines is $500 per couple and includes a bottle of Silver Oak to take home, at a Benefit dinner for the Breast Friends organization being held at Rainwater. A silent auction will feature a Thomas Arvid painting, a weekend at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island and a barrel of Silver Oak. For a week leading up to the event, Chandon will be available at Rainwater for $15 a glass. All of those proceeds will go to Breast Friends, and the purchase of a glass will also buy a raffle ticket for a diamond necklace valued at $5,000. 11655 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-777-0033, www.rainwaterrestaurant.com. It's 'Automatic' Todd Semrau and his Urban Eats Consulting Group have announced the November 15 opening a new project - a bodega of sorts - located in Grant Park at 313 Boulevard. Semrau took a nondescript building and implementing a retro Airstream chic design, complete with Atlanta's funkiest drive-through. 'The Automatic' is a fun, funky sundry store where locals can pick up everything from coffee to a quick lunch to wine to the latest hipster "it" product. Customers can walk in or drive through this funky drive-though via car or scooter. The Automatic is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Delivery will be available via scooters. For more information call 404. 588.9062. www.313automatic.com. Feed the hungry 5-courses On December 16, The Imperial Fez restaurant will host a dinner to benefit the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless fund. The benefit will include a 5-course, traditional Moroccan sit-down dinner and special belly dancing show for $45 per person plus tax and tip, and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Fund. Reservations are required. Imperial Fez is located at 2285 Peachtree Road, 404.351.0870; www.imperialfez.com. CatWalk 2005... The Cheetah Lounge on Spring Street launched a pro-active workshop in 2004 dedicated to the art of undressing with flair and confidence. "We're averaging 40 women a class," says Cheryl Axley, CatWalk class leader. "As long as there's interest, we'll keep doing it." 2005 CatWalk classes begin January 22, 2005 and are held on Saturday afternoons, noon to 2 p.m. Only women are permitted as the club is closed to the public. Registration is $35 per person and includes instructions, refreshments, light appetizers and a certificate. For more information 404.724.2330 or www.thecheetah.com. Relief efforts pay off... Meehan's Public House not only dishes out authentic Irish cuisine, but community support as well. Members of the Metropolitan American Red Cross were recently presented with a $4,300 check for funds raised during the opening festivities of Meehan's for the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Efforts. Meehan's Brookhaven is located at 4058 Peachtree Road, 404.467.9531. For additional information,visit www.101concepts.com. Local holiday tunes... "Home for the Holidays…The Best of Atlanta 2004" is a Holiday CD that hopes to make a positive difference in the Metro Atlanta area this Holiday season. Atlanta musicians have contributed in making this CD a "one of a kind." Check out the following link www.homefortheholidaysatlanta.com for complete information and musical samples. A portion of the proceeds will benefit "Hands on Atlanta," an organization that touches lives all across the Metro Atlanta area.... Protect yourself during this year's flu season -- specially made from Eclipse di Luna a concoction of nutrients packed with Vitamin C, the Eclipse di Luna Flu Shot is guaranteed to boost anyone's immune system. The Shot is available for $5 and includes a souvenir shot glass. Eclipse di Luna is located at 764 Miami Circle, 404.846.0449, www.eclipsediluna.com