January - June 2003   Dining Balance Big Easy Grill Bites Thai Cuisine Brooklyn Cafe Brooklyn Cafe Notes... Cafe Intermezzo Chin Chin Chops, Lobster Bar Cibo Clay Oven Crescent Moon East Andrews Cafe Esposito's Tavern Fabiano's Deli Pizzeria Famous Dave's BBQ Fishmonger Seafood Hal's Mazza Merlot Restaurant MidCity Cuisine Notes MidCity Cuisine Nan New York Prime Ninja Steakhouse Oceana Philippe's Bistro Sage on Sycamore Shiraz Persian Cuisine Spice Taverna Plaka Notes... Tijuana Garage Twist Williamson Bros. BBQ   Home                                                                                                                                                Back To Home Page		DINING OUT UPDATE • JANUARY 2003 Local eatery has character & good food Sage on Sycamore... Celebrates third anniversary in historic Decatur Spice... Paul Albrecht joins as Executive Chef/Managing Partner Famous Dave's BBQ... Opens first Atlanta location Bites Thai Cuisine... Authentic Thai Cuisine in Gwinnett Twist... Another 'original' concept from Here-to-Serve Shiraz Persian Cuisine... Persian kabobs arrive in Alpharetta Mazza... 'Tasty' Mediterranean-style restaurant Fabiano's Deli Pizzeria... Third Atlanta location opens in Douglasville Dining Notes... Tidbits on Atlanta's dining community by toni m. lublin Sage on Sycamore, part of the Decatur Restaurant Group, Inc., recently celebrated their third year of operation. Located in the historic Decatur town square, near the old courthouse, the restaurant has established itself as a local eatery with character and good food. Husband and wife team, Roy Jurdak and Karla Stokes have enjoyed the challenges and rewards of having a successful restaurant business. Roy left his corporate job with IBM and with his wife as his partner began on new journey, which they both have enjoyed growing. The American bistro is located in a 100-year-old building which has original brick walls and hardwood floors. Seating 176 patrons, the restaurant comes alive on Wednesday nights when a Jazz band performs in the main dining room area and wine tastings are held in a private room for up to 50 people. "We want to take the intimidation factor out of wine. Our tastings are very informative events and are meant to educate," says Jurdak. The fee to participate is $15. The wine list is impressive as well. Up to fifty wines are available by-the-glass and range from $5 to $9.75 per glass. Wine varieties come from around the world including California, Australia, and France. On the menu selections are as simple as a juicy hamburger to tender filets. The average price for a three-course meal is about $25. Executive chef Britton Cloud came on board in July of 2002 from Commune located on the Westside. Prior to that he was the executive chef at TomTom at Lenox Square. With a large selection of fresh fish the restaurant offerings include Idaho rainbow trout and grilled Atlantic salmon prepared to perfection. Fire roasted pork tenderloin is served over pureed Yukon gold potatoes and served with braised collard greens which is finished with an apple-cider jus for $16.95. Dinner entrees range from $9.95 to $21.95. Appetizers and salads include southwestern mussels and portobello fries, which are corn meal-fried Portobello mushroom sticks served with spicy marina sauce for $6. Sage on Sycamore is located at 121 Sycamore Street-Historic Decatur Town Square. The phone number is 404.373.5574. Reservations are suggested. Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday dinner is served 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch is served Monday - Friday from 11:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more information you can visit www.thebistros.com. Spice addition Chef Paul Albrecht has been a fixture on the Atlanta restaurant scene for over two decades now. His culinary contributions to Atlanta include the foundation of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group and the renowned Pano's and Paul's restaurant. His recent installation as executive chef and managing partner at Spice means the precedent he has set for fine dining in Atlanta is sure to continue at this popular midtown establishment. A graduate of the Hotel and Restaurant School in Munich, Germany, he began his career in the kitchens of numerous four star establishments in Europe. His hard work ethic and unique cooking style won him the position of sous chef at the Hotel Beau Rivage and the Restaurant Grand Chene in Lausanne, Switzerland. Positions as executive sous chef at the Hotel Sonesta in Washington D.C. and executive chef at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Missouri followed. Chef Albrecht's culinary talents have garnered him numerous awards and accolades. In 1989 his peers named him Atlanta Chef of the Year. He also was named one of the four 'Master Chefs of America' by California Gourmet, was Atlanta's selected chef in the national SOS Home Cookbook, and was chosen to represent the southeast at the American Institute of Food and Wine National Conference in Chicago. In addition, he has been spotlighted on PBS' national 'Great Chefs of Great Cities' program and has appeared on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, CNN, and a number of national and regional television programs. Chef Albrecht has complemented his work with involvement in confrerie de la Chaine de Rotisseurs, Atlanta's Table, American Culinary Federation, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Nation's Restaurant Association, and the Georgia Hospitality and Travel Association of Food & Wine. In his spare time, Chef Albrecht enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons. His son Patrick is following in his dad's footsteps as he has also trained to be a chef in Germany, a definite sign that the Albrecht legacy will continue. Chef Paul's new home, Spice, is located at 793 Juniper Street. The hours of operation are Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. - 12 a.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Brunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information you can also visit www.spice restaurant.com. Famous Dave's BBQ Why is Famous Dave's so famous? CEO and creator Dave Anderson traveled around the United States during a 25-year period tasting barbecue at various locations. He went to rib shacks, roadside joints, every hole-in-the wall and upscale digs in search of the most mouth-watering sauces, tasty seasonings and juicy meats to help him develop his famous Dave's St. Louis-style barbecue. Since Famous Dave's was launched eight years ago the chain has been awarded best ribs, best new restaurant, best music, best take-out and best barbecue joint by local polls. The chain has grown to 70 franchised units, mostly located in the Midwest and northeast. The Atlanta location, which opened on December 22, is the first in Georgia. St. Louis-style barbecue has more meat and larger bones than other styles of barbecue. Texas beef brisket and baby back ribs are popular favorites at Famous Dave's. Other menu choices includes real 'que sandwiches, chicken, burgers and chicken & barbecue combos. The 6,000 square foot restaurant is new construction. With a mountain lodge-theme both on the interior and exterior the accessories, colors and textures make you feel as though you are in a log cabin. Inside, moose heads, elk, fish, camping gear, skis, and other garb that reflects the outdoors is artistically placed on walls. The restaurant is geared for family, business or pleasure. There is a full bar with a large wine list along with specialty drinks. Famous Dave's is located at 6400 Northpoint Parkway in Alpharetta. The phone number is 678.566.1002. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday - Tuesday for lunch and dinner and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday. Bites 'authentic' Thai Opening in September 2002 on Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross, Bites Thai Cuisine is offering Gwinnett County authentic Thai cuisine. Owner Eric Intharaksa makes all of his sauces and uses fresh herbs and spices to create from mild to Thai spicy dishes. "We noticed that many of the Thai restaurants in the area make their sauce (Red, Green and Masaman) too sweet. I make my own paste by roasting the dried chili pepper, grind it finely, cook it with herbs such as red onion, karanca and lemon grass and put in cayenne pepper," says Intharaksa. Lunch entrees with Intharaksa's sauces include, Masaman curry with chicken or beef, served mildly spiced for $7.95 or Salmon chu-chee, another mildly spiced dish in which the salmon is cooked in a curry and coconut milk and topped with fresh lime leaves for $8.95. For a little more spice, try the spicy fried rice with chicken or vegetables for $6.50. Vegetarian dishes are also available. Dinner entrees range from $7.95 to $14.95. Selections include Roast Duck Panang, a mild spicy dish marinated in a sweet panang curry sauce for $13.95 or Pad Thai, the traditional Thai rice noodle dish sautéed with eggs, tofu, ground peanuts, tamarind sauce, scallions and bean sprouts and served with chicken, pork, beef or shrimp for $8.95 and $9.95. Intharaksa moved to Atlanta recently from New York City where he was the Thai Chef at the Four Seasons Hotel at 52nd and Park for twelve years. The Norcross location is very traditional and seats 52 patrons. Open for lunch and dinner, Intharaksa is looking forward to sharing with Atlantans his knowledge and skill of preparing Thai cuisine. "We are very happy with our business and have many guests return with their friends," says Intharaksa. Bites Thai Cuisine is located at 7085-A Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Norcross. The phone number 770.209.4449. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch Monday -Friday and dinner is from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday. On Friday and Saturday dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Saturday the hours of operation are from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Take out is also available. New 'Twist' due Tom Catherall, creator and owner of Prime, Noche, and Goldfish, which is part of the Here to Serve Restaurant Group, will be opening yet another "original" restaurant at the end of January. Twist Restaurant & Tapas Bar is the newest venture for Catherall and will be located in Phipps Plaza on Peachtree. The concept will be tapas, small plates, as well as various dim sum, satay and sushi offerings. The 10,000 square foot space will feature a sushi bar, satay bar and a very large lounge/bar area. A private dining room which seats 26, will be available for special parties and occasions. The bar lounge area occupies 5,000 square feet and will feature a large case of frozen vodka behind the bar. Catherall is looking to create an environment which will attract the afterwork, young singles crowd. He is planning on doing his $5 martinis "all the time" and entertainment with live music during the week and weekend. Chef Peter Kaiser, currently at Goldfish, will be the executive chef at Twist. A variety of small plates will be the focus of the menu. The emphasis is on simple preparation and a new twist on various types of food from Indonesian satay, Spanish tapas to lobster pot pie and wood-roasted fish. The location of Twist Restaurant & Tapas Bar will be Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road. The phone number is 404.869.1191. Shiraz offers kabobs Shiraz, a new Persian restaurant that opened at the end of November in Alpharetta, specializes in Persian kabobs on the skewers. Owners Ali Mesghali and Tony Yavari named the restaurant Shiraz, after a well-known city in Iran. The kabobs are grilled over an open fire and served immediately to the table. The opportunity to try various kabobs from beef, lamb, Cornish hen, lamb loins, jumbo shrimp and salmon filet, creates a lot of interesting choices. With names like Sulltani, Barg, Koobideh, Bareh, and Jooeh you are also presented with the English translation, so no need to worry about not knowing what you ordered. Barg are beef tenderloin sliced and finely skewered and marinated kabobs for $15. Koobiedeh is ground chuck blended with spices and onions skewered for $11. Joojeh is Cornish game hen marinated in a saffron lemon sauce skewered for $14. The nine kabob choices range from $11 - $18 and are served with steamed basmati rice and grilled tomatoes. In addition to the kabobs there are stew and rice dishes such as Fesenjoon, which is pan baked duck simmered with pomegranate and walnut sauce served with steamed basmatic rice for $11. You can either order either al la carte or do the buffet, which allows you to select from the cold salad bar which has various dips from Must-O-Khiar, a yogurt, cucumber dip to kashk-O-badenhojoon, an eggplant dip and move onto the hot stews and grilled kabobs, for $22. Mesghali came up with the idea to do a one-price entree after realizing that many of his customers from his previous restaurant in Sandy Springs, Persepolis, liked the idea of being able to sample from different parts of the menu. Decorated in a contemporary design with Persian art the atmosphere is both casual and authentic. On Saturday night belly dancing and music are welcomed entertainment. The restaurant seats 125 inside and 40 outside. A full bar seats 25. Shiraz is located at 11950 Jones Bridge Road in the former Paradiso location. The phone number is 770.752.1726. Hours of operation are from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday for lunch and from 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday for dinner. On Friday & Saturday the restaurant is open for dinner from 5:30 a.m.- 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tasty Mediterranean "My father was born in Afghanistan and my Mother is from Turkey," says daughter Freshta Tabibi as she spoke about her parents courtship and her father's travels in the Middle-East. "As my father traveled, he selected authentic dishes from different countries; Iran, Morocco, Turkey, Lebanon, with the idea of some day having his own Mediterranean-style restaurants," says Tabibi. Freshta's father, Abdul Tabibi came to the United States with his wife in the early '70s. Tabibi was ready to embark on developing his own restaurants and sharing the authentic dishes he had collected from the Middle-East and Italy. Tabibi opened five Afghanistan/Turkish restaurants in Washington, DC starting with Khyber Pas in 1976. The idea of opening a restaurant in Atlanta came about from his visits to his daughter and her in-laws in Atlanta. "My father feel in love with the city and found that there was a void in the area for Mediterranean-style restaurants," says Freshta. The Tabibi family has since relocated to Atlanta. Mazza (meaning tasty) opened in early December 2002 replacing the short-lived Sorelli di Napoli. The families, both Tabibi's and his daughter's in-laws & husband have all taken roles in helping to launch the new restaurant. The restaurant is decorated in a color scheme of red and white. The waiting area is filled with cozy pillows and velvet sofas in traditional Turkish royal blue. Guests are served Turkish tea before being seated at candlelit tables covered in red table clothes and topped with butcher paper. There are many similarities in Italian, Turkish and Lebanese cuisine. Although the spices are different, they all use common ingredients such as eggplant. At Mazza the menu offers a variety of vegetarian Turkish entrees such as Vegetarian Moussaka and eggplant layered with a mixture of vegetables and topped with garlic yogurt and served with white rice and homemade bread for $7.95. Different types of kabob's, a Persian mainstay, include beef, chicken and kofta (seasoned ground beef, mixed with parsley and onions). Specialty entrees include Kubali Palow, which is tender pieces of lamb under a mound of cumin rice topped with delicately seasoned carrot strips, pistachios and raisons for $10.50. Pasta entrees include Turkish manti, a miniature turnover filled with green boiled onions boiled and topped with yogurt meat sauce and sprinkled with mint also for $10.50. There are also a large range of dips and salads to choose from; such as the familiar hummos, falafel, babaganoush to the not-so-familiar, Dolmadakia Yalantzi, which are bell peppers filled with seasoned rice, beef, chopped tomatoes, parsley and spices served warm or Sambousek, a baked puff pastry filled with ground beef, chickpeas and parsley. Moroccan belly dancers entertain guests every Friday and Saturday evening from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. In the bar area a full selection of beer and wine, many from Turkey and Lebanon, are available. Mazza is located at 4920 Roswell Road in the Fountain Oaks Shopping Center. The phone number is 404.255.0666. Fabiano's #3 opens Jeff Merback and Brannon Amtower are pleased to announce the opening of their third restaurant, Fabiano's Deli Pizzeria. This new addition to the Fabiano's family is located in Douglasville on East Broad Street. Jeff and Brannon got their start ten years ago with The Highlander, a popular neighborhood tavern located in Midtown, Atlanta. The original Fabiano's Italian Delicatessen, located at 985 Monroe Drive in Midtown, opened in August of 1999. Fabiano's currently features: Large hoagie sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh salads, Italian-style antipastos, homemade desserts, an Italian market and catering The new Douglasville location includes all of these Midtown favorites, with the addition of New York-style pizza, as well as beer and wine. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days a week. There is an assortment of coffee, muffins and bagels for the early morning folks. The Douglasville phone number is 678.715.3344. Dining tidbits... On Thursday, January 23, Chocolate! 2003, one of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest fundraisers, will be held at The Pavilion in Buckhead. Tickets are $55 for the event and $10 for a raffle and are available online at www.chocolate forcf.org. The evening will feature live jazz, a complimentary Grey Goose martini bar, dinner buffet, silent auction and raffle, and, of course, all-you-can-eat chocolate treats. The treats will be prepared by chefs from these Atlanta restaurants: Aria, Canoe, The Capital Grille, Roy's, Joel, Krispy Kreme, Oh... Maria!, Murphy's, Cavu, vinocity, Dailey's, City Grill, Pricci and Nava. For more information you can call 404.816.3068. Brooklyn to-go Brooklyn Cafe, located in Sandy Springs and in keeping with the traditions of its namesake borough, serves up gourmet food representative of 125 different ethnic groups found in Brooklyn's 96 neighborhoods. Fresh orders of seafood, bread and produce are served daily with entrees ranging from $9.95 to $22.95. Now, with a new twist on gourmet, owner Greg Pyne is offering curbside service. The new system allows diners to call in their orders and then have them delivered to their car by a to-go hostess. Pyne says, "I know many people, especially parents with children, will appreciate getting a delicious, hearty meal without having to leave the car. Our curbside delivery is quick, easy and efficient and is really catching on in the Sandy Springs neighborhood." For more information you can call 404.843.8377. Wine dinner planned Canoe will host a dinner featuring winemaker Randy Lewis and the wines of Lewis Cellars on Tuesday, January 14, at 7 p.m. Following a brief reception, wines will be paired with an 4-course dinner created by Canoe Executive Chef Gary L. Mennie. The dinner is open to the public at a cost of $125 inclusive. To make reservations you can call the restaurant at 770.432.2663. Lewis Cellars is a small family-owned winery established in California's Napa Valley in 1992 by Randy Lewis, a former Indy car driver, and his wife Debbie. They produce approximately 8,500 cases annually including Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah. Located at 4199 Paces Ferry Road in Atlanta, Canoe is open for dinner nightly and Sunday brunch. For more information about Canoe you can visit www.canoe atl.com. Happy Birthdays Celebrating 23 and 15-year Anniversaries respectively, the Cafe Intermezzo's Dunwoody and Peachtree Road locations have raised the bar for coffeehouses in Atlanta. Blending a casual atmosphere and a comfortable setting with distinctly European elegance becoming both an entertainment and social destination. The cafe boasts one of the most extensive beverage selections in the East. A 32-page beverage menu includes over 600 wines, liquors, liqueurs, gourmet coffees, cocktails, beers, teas and other beverages. Both locations, 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road (770.396.1344) & 1845 Peachtree Road (404.355.0411), are open 365 days each year. The Dunwoody location opens at 10 a.m. each day and the Peachtree location opens at 11 a.m.; Dunwoody seats guests until 1 a.m. nightly and 2 a.m. on Friday & Saturday. The Peachtree coffeehouse seats until 3 a.m. nightly and til 4 a.m. on Friday & Saturday. Both locations offer year-round outdoor terraces for the truly European coffeehouse experience. Belgian fare... Philippe's Bistro, located at 10 Kings Circle in Peachtree Hills, has announced a new menu featuring dishes of Belgian bistro fare along with a new wine list. Chef/owner Philippe Haddad has created new choices of hearty seafood and game prepared in the traditional Belgian manner. Highlight dishes include salmon and tuna tartare with a lime sesame dressing; sauteed venison chop with ragout of caramelized winter vegetables and juniper mushroom jus; and braised rabbit in dark Belgian beer with prunes on root vegetables and whipped potatoes. Sides include steamed asparagus, sauteed mushrooms or spinach, pommes frites with Bernaise sauce or homemade mayonnaise and French green beans with shallots. The new wine list includes selections from the vineyards of California, Argentina, Italy, France and Australia. For more information you can call 404.231.4113 or visit www.philippesbistro.com. FEBRUARY 2003 E. Andrews Cafe expands upstairs E. Andrews Cafe & Bar...Expanding into former Celebrity Rock Nan...Thai fine-dining restaurant to open in Midtown Brooklyn Cafe...No. 2 due in Norcross New York Prime Steakhouse...Opening March in Monarch Tower Dining Notes... Tidbits on Atlanta's dining community by toni m. lublin The East Andrews Cafe & Bar since opening in late September of 2002, has become Buckhead's nightspot for the 'it' crowd of Atlanta's fiercely fab crowd. The sudden popularity has managed to create a problem... it has already outgrown its 4,000 square foot space. Therefore, partners Steve de Haan, Richard Skaggs, Tyler Gaston, John Piemonte and Chris Hadermann have made an executive decision, to take the available space above their establishment and convert it into a live entertainment lounge cafe. Andrews Upstairs, as it will be called, will allow the partners to spread out with another 7,500 square feet and convert the lower level into a larger dining area. "We are planning on dividing the upstairs space into three sections. One section will be a lounge with leather sofas and a bar and the other two will feature a stage for live performances and a dance floor, as well as tables and chairs," said Hadermann. Music styles will include Jazz, blues, classic rock and Southern Rock. The cafe serves comfort food, with a hint of southern flair added to the menu selections. Two portions of the menu will make it easy for patrons to either design their meals, called the Gourmet Blue Plates, or one choose from a predetermined list, which is being called Signature Plates. All entrees will be priced below $20. Signature Plates include filet, served on a Vidalia onion ring with a dash of garlic butter and a side salad. Also part of the Signature selections will be Cordon Blue Buckhead, which is prepared in a wine marinade and stuffed with garlic Brie rolled around lean prosciutto slices, hand battered and fried. Selecting from the Gourmet Blue Plates, you choose one entree, two sides and your choice of homemade signature sauces including Madeira, burgundy, Cajun and southwestern. Entree choices include 7-oz and 10-oz filet, Prime Rib, Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf, Pork Tenderloin and more... sides include asparagus, broccoli, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese and risotto portfolio. The East Andrew Cafe and Bar is located at 56 East Andrews Drive. The phone number is 404.869.1132. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. The kitchen stays open until 2 a.m. On Saturday the hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday until 12. a.m. All major credit cards are accepted. Nan planned The Midtown Heights area of town located on Spring Street, is in the midst of a structural transformation. New retail outlets, multi-family residences, office space and a "restaurant row" are all part of the developer, Winter Properties, three-year roll out. Located on a prime corner, will be Nan, a Thai fine dining restaurant that will open early October 2003. Taking shape at the crossroads of Spring and 17th, Nan's interior will project an open space but still reflect elements of traditional Thai design. The Johnson Studio, under the direction of Bill Johnson, is creating the unique space. Johnson and Nan Thai owner and general manager Charlie Niyomkul traveled to Thailand on two extensive visits to select decor and gather ideas. Capturing the authentic spirit of Thailand in the restaurant and incorporating a contemporary ambiance is the goal of the Niyomkuls. Charlie Niyomkul and his wife, executive chef Nan, are very familiar with the culinary traditions of the country. They conceived Tamarind, a well-known and very successful midtown Thai restaurant, five years ago. "We felt it was time to expand and create another venue for fine Thai dining," says Niyomkul. The 6,990 square foot space will include an expo kitchen, bamboo bar with large wine display, Chef Nan Table and Nan boutique. Executive Chef and owner, Nan Niyomkul recently completed her first Thai cookbook called Nan, which will be available for sale in September. The couple had a Thai restaurant in New York City before coming to Atlanta. Both have been in the business for the last twenty-five years, Charlie working the front of the house and Nan the back. "It has always been my dream to open a fine Thai restaurant on the scale of which Nan will be. My family and I have come very far and want to create a space that will be as special for us as for our customers," says Niyomkul. Brooklyn Cafe #2 due The Brooklyn Cafe has been a successful Atlanta restaurant serving New York-style Italian, as well as other ethnic cuisines, since 1992. Owner Greg Pyne and new partner Paul Cooper will be opening a second location during the summer of 2003 in Norcross. The regular clientele knows that the neighborhood-style restaurant approaches its business with a personal touch and a salute to New York's Brooklyn neighborhoods. Dodger's memorabilia, a Brooklyn bridge mural and a checkered floor are but a sample of how the restaurant pays its homage to a city from which the owner originates. Commenting on the long run of the original location the executive chef Mark Pinsky, a Johnson and Wales University graduate says, "We never lost our heartfelt approach to the business. We do whatever is going to make our customers happy." It goes without saying that the food delivers on its promise. Pasta and entrees include grilled Atlantic salmon on parmesan corn with basil whipped potatoes and lemon thyme Aioli; Scarparella, which is chicken, sausage, calamata olives, pepperoni and new potatoes in a rosemary-balsamic demi glaze over spaghetti; Lamb shank manicotti with five cheeses and caramelized onions over roasted spaghetti squash offers an American favorite with an Italian twist. Entrees range from $12.95 to $19.95. Appetizers range from $6.95 to $8.95. A strong wine list offers up to 79 wines, many of which are available by the glass. The indoor seating accommodates 70 and outdoor seating 50. The Norcross restaurant will still reflect the simple setting and feeling of Brooklyn combined with the attention to service that has been a part of the Sandy Spring restaurant's success. The original restaurant is located at 220 Sandy Springs. The phone number is 404.843.8377. Hours of operation for lunch are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday. On Friday & Saturday dinner is served 5:30 -10:30. For more information you can visit www.brooklyncafe.com. Donlan & Greenbaum For over 23 years, Bostonian native Bobby Donlan has been a familiar friendly face at the front of the house at Bones, an upscale steakhouse in Buckhead, where Atlanta Business Chronicle named Donlan 'Maitre d' of the Year' for five years in a row. Donlan contributed to the guests' enjoyment of their dining experience making sure their needs were taken care of during his long tenure with Bones. "The best thing about my job was meeting the movers-and-shakers of this city and getting to know them and having them 'ask for Bobby,'" says Donlan. Now it's Bobby's turn to use his charm and personal touch at a new upscale steakhouse in town. Acting as managing partner, Donlan will take his familiar role at the front of the house of Donlan & Greenbaum New York Prime. The restaurant will open in March in the Monarch Tower on Peachtree Road in the former Chequers location. Greg Greenbaum, president of CentraArchy Management Company, is Donlan's partner. Greenbaum began his operations in 1984. Today the company operates 10 other restaurant concepts (14 units) in four states; Georgia, Florida and North and South Carolina. Atlanta's landmark Tavern at Phipps and the perimeter area 's Joey D's are part of the CentraArchy Management Company. Donlan & Greenbaum New York Prime is positioned as a destination for power lunches and intimate evening dining. "Atlanta is a meat and potatoes town, and good food and service will always sell in this town," says Donlan. The menu and interior design will be similar to the existing New York Prime locations in Myrtle Beach, SC and Boca Raton, FL. As a premier New York-style steakhouse the restaurants serve Prime Aged beef and seafood. Prime cuts will include porterhouse, filet mignon to prime 12 and 16 oz New York Strip, ribeye, custom-aged and selected corn-fed beef. Entrees will range from $21 to $34. Seafood specialties will include live Maine lobster, tuna, Atlantic salmon and various other North American fresh fish. Donlan & Greenbaum New York Prime will be located at 3424 Peachtree Road. For further information visit you can visit www.newyork prime.com MARCH 2003 Chops, Lobster Bar welcome Emile Blau Chops, Lobster Bar... Emile Blau joins team as General Manager Crescent Moon... 5 years and going strong in Decatur Esposito's Tavern... Opening on Medlock Bridge in Duluth Williamson Bros. BBQ... #3 arrives in Douglasville Big Easy Grill... New Orleans-style opens on Collier Road Ninja Steakhouse... Opening #3 in Cumming in March MidCity Cuisine... Mumbo Jumbo partners move to Midtown Tijuana Garage... Little Five Points latest Mexican restaurant Dining Notes... Tidbits on Atlanta's dining community by toni m. lublin After 20 years as the manager of Bone's, a long-time favorite Atlanta steakhouse, Emile Blau has joined restaurateur Pano Karatassos, of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, as the new General Manager of Chops and Lobster Bar at 70 West Paces Ferry Road. Blau is quick to express the importance of combining quality service - which he views as technical - with true hospitality - which simply makes people feel good. "I love the diversity of the Chops, Lobster Bar and The Club organization," says Blau. "The facility is dynamic and the food is first rate. I feel that we're throwing a party every night, and as 'host,' I feel responsible for making sure everyone has a great time." 'Moon' over Decatur Where would you go if you wanted to dine in a retro-looking diner with a new millennium twist? The owner of Decatur's Crescent Moon, Rob Atherholt of Alternative Dining Inc., is hoping to his digs. The Crescent Moon is a visual eye-candy experience. The colors are happy and sparkling, mixing mint green, bright yellow and saturated purples. Add in retro Formica tables, stainless steel trims and shiny vinyl black & white upholstery and you've got a dining experience that invites all of the senses. The city of Decatur even gave the restaurant a design award for its creative interior. With a five-year track record of serving comfort foods for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, Crescent Moon knows how to make the bacon. "We are everybody's place. We have clientele who travel from as far as Alpharetta and we cater to families," says general manager Mitch Walker. Breakfast is the busiest time for Crescent Moon, as any diner would be. But you can have breakfast items all day, choosing from traditional omelets, hotcakes, French toast, two eggs any-style with a choice of bacon, sausage, Italian sausage or country ham with a short stack of hotcakes for $5.75 to a range of six variations of eggceteras, which are eggs prepared in various combinations. There is the Tex Mex border eggs, cream cheese scramble and even a roasted tofu with grill vegetables that range from $3.50 to $6.99. Various omelets are also tempting, including the farmer's omelet which combines sausage, seasoned potatoes, onions and cheddar cheese for $5.75 to eight other choices. Lunch offers sandwiches and soups and ranges from $5.25 to $6.50. Dinner includes blue-plate specials such as Southern fried chicken, burritos and quesadillas. Also, check out the fountain sodas just like they used to make them in the old days. Crescent Moon is located at 174 West Ponce de Leon in Decatur. The phone number is 404.377.5623. Hours of operation are from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and reopens at 5:30 to 9:30 for dinner. Esposito's spot nears Johnny Esposito, Jr. (son of the legendary nightclub owner Johnny Esposito, Sr.) has followed in his father's footsteps. "This is what I know best and have already been doing it for 25 years," says Esposito, Jr. referring to the latest and largest venture he is working on with partner Mark Vanburen, called Esposito's Tavern. Plans are to open in early March. Johnny learned the role of club owner watching his father operate over 20 nightclubs while growing up in Coco Beach, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. Johnny Jr. recently sold his last venture Esposito's Piano Bar, which he opened in Duluth three years ago. "Esposito's Tavern will be an 'after 10' nightclub scene with dancing, good food, drinks and music," says Esposito. Music direction will be a mixture of Blues, Contemporary and Pop. Wednesday through Saturday will also feature a live piano bar. The menu will consist of a combination of steaks, ribs, seafood and pasta. "In today's economy you need to go for less-pricey items on the menu and be in a heavy traffic area," says Esposito. Plans are in the works to have a Wednesday martini night (ladies night too) and do a complimentary buffet from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Late-night dancing with a DJ on Friday and Saturday will be a major focus. The Tavern's interior is a combination of exposed brick, mahogany and hardwoods. Glazed finished walls and art add to the upscale finished-interior design. The main dining room area will seat 80, an outside patio seats up to 50 and the bar area seats another 70. Esposito's Tavern is located at 9775 A Medlock Bridge in Duluth. Hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to close, for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday. On Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m. to close. The phone number is 770.232.1210. Williamson #3 opens The Original William-son Bros. Bar-B-Q business began 15 years ago in Talladega, Alabama by two brothers, Larry and Danny Williamson. The brothers would help their father, Jack Williamson, cook real Southern-style barbecue for their friends and family who would come over every Sunday night to the family farmhouse. As demand for their Bar-B-Q grew so did the idea to move to an area which would have pedestrian traffic. From 1986 to 1988 the brothers operated a restaurant in Sylacauga (also the birthplace of Jim Nabors, a.k.a. Gomer Pyle), Alabama. Within time they realized they needed to expand and moved to Atlanta in 1989 near Marietta's Big Chicken landmark. The Marietta location took off and it was not long before another location opened in Canton, Georgia. The third location recently opened in February in Douglasville. The catering business is a large part of the operation and can handle up to 1,000 people, as they specialize in Church functions, weddings, award banquets and corporate functions. The tagline for the business is "Cookin on the Scene." It was not long before the brothers realized they had another hit on their hands. The Bar-B-Q sauce was being requested to be purchased by loyal customers. Today, the sauce is still manufactured and bottled at their Marietta location and is shipped to Krogers, Publix and Sam's Club in the Southeast. "We get orders from customers all over the world requesting that our sauce be shipped to them," says Danny Williamson. In addition to the Southern-style barbecue Beef, pork and Chicken cooked over an open fire, one can choose from slab of ribs, BBQ pork, chicken, and beef sandwiches. Platter's range from $5.99 to $15.99 and sandwiches range from $1.49 to $4.99. Homemade pies of chocolate, lemon, coconut and banana give you that home cooked finish. Fast forwarding, the brothers are planning on opening up to ten more Atlanta locations in a license agreement in which they will still maintain corporate ownership. Meanwhile, they are very happy bringing satisfaction to their customers with their namesake Bar-B-Q. The Douglasville location is 9436 Highway 5. The phone number is 770.949.5058. The Marietta location is at 1425 Roswell Road. The phone number is 770.971.3201. The Canton location is 1600 Marietta Highway and the phone number is 770.345.9067. For more information, visit www.williamson bros.com Big Easy Grille Big Easy Grille is a New Orleans-Style restaurant that has opened on Collier Road in the Howell Mill area specializing in authentic New Orleans-style food including jambalaya, fried seafood platters&emdash;such as shrimp, oyster, catfish and crawfish&emdash;Po-Boys and burgers. Beginning this month the restaurant will be offering dinner entrees including blackened or grilled catfish, salmon steak and chicken & sausage. Opened by partners Tim Lannon and Claude Roussell, the two decided to open in the Westside area because of the need for a New Orleans venue and their familiarity with the area. "We both live in town and with Claude's Louisiana background and cooking experience, we thought this part of town would do well with a restaurant like this," says Lannon. Located in a strip mall, the pleasing little restaurant has a colorful purple and green interior, similar to what you would see on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Seating 48, the restaurant has a bar area which serves beer and wine. "The response from our customers has been very good, saying that the food is very authentic and has just the right amount of kick," says Lannon. "People are coming back for the 'Big Easy' Seafood Gumbo." Lunch entrees range from $4.95 to $11.25. The Big Easy Grille is located at 1193 Collier Road. The phone number is 404.352.2777. Catering is also available. Lunch hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday with dinner beginning in the month of March. Ninja Steakhouse Ninja Steakhouse is opening their third location in Cumming in March. The other two locations, Lawrenceville and Dacula (Hamilton Mill) have been open for at least four years. Ninja, which means (Nin 'be patient' and Ja 'person') was a name that owner Steven Sun found to have special meaning. His dream was to have more than one successful restaurant and he realized in order to reach his goal, he needed to persevere and be patient. Sun trained in Taiwan in many fine-dining hotel restaurants. Throughout his life he has received many complements from his mentors of having a "nice sushi hand." With his restaurants Sun has carried on the traditional sushi bar and Hibachi grills. There are 10 grills which seats 10 at each grill and 12 seats at the sushi bar. Although the restaurant serves traditional Hibachi it is what Sun refers to as "new style," where the floor plan is totally open from the front of the house to the back so everyone can be entertained together. Ninja Hibachi entrees are served with soup, salad, steamed rice, shrimp appetizer and hibachi vegetables. Selections include sirloin steak, teriyaki steak, filet mignon and chateau brion to seafood. Entrees range from $11.95 to $23.50. A children's dinner portion is also available and ranges from $7.25 to $9.95. Lunch specials are from $7.25 to $12.95. Sushi is Sun's specialty and he enjoys preparing the many choices on the menu. Using the best Japanese rice (nishiki), sushi, sashimi and cooked rolls are all available. Sushi (2 pieces) ranges from $3.50 to $6.95. For more information you can visit www.ninjasteak.com The following are the phone numbers for the three locations: Lawrenceville is 678.377.3033, Hamilton Mill 770.831.7131 and Cumming 770.887.5008. Lunch hours are Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday & Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday's hours are from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. MidCity Cuisine Mumbo Jumbo, established seven years ago downtown, became a very popular restaurant known for its creative menu and fresh seafood. Partner and Executive Chef, Shaun Doty, is moving the location to Midtown with a new restaurant concept but the same partners, John Cook and his son, Tom. Mumbo Jumbo's lease was up for renewal and the decision to develop a new venue in a new location was an exciting opportunity for all the partners. The new restaurant, scheduled to open in April, will be called MidCity Cuisine and be located in the former Angelo & Maxie's space on Peachtree Street. Doty was born in Oklahoma, but always loved the customs and food of Europe. He lived abroad for a year in Belgium traveling throughout Europe, where he became fond of brassiere food. He collected cookbooks and menus, making careful notes of his most favorite dishes. Spinning off from the brassiere fare, MidCity Cuisine will be a modern version of French classic using a combination of Parisian style and American sensibility, while combining regional influences as well. At the time of press the menu was being created. The creative Doty says "The concept of MidCity Cuisine is chef driven. We started with the idea for the cuisine and are building the design around the food." The renowned Bill Johnson of Johnson Studio's is designing the 8,000 square-foot space and has been charged with bringing to life Doty's vision, a combination of modern, clean lines and wide open space with an unpretentious vibe. "We want to be a place that you come to often and has a casual atmosphere," says Doty. The space will also include a banquet room to seat 50 and be equipped with an A/V system to accommodate business lunch presentations. MidCity Cuisine will be located at 1545 Peachtree Street and in planned to open this Spring. Tijuana Garage With a name like Tijuana Garage one cannot help but wonder whether the new Mexican restaurant in Little Five Points was built in a former garage. According to general manager Carl DeAngelis, the space was formally an old factory not a garage. "We have designed the interior with stuff you would find in a garage, like hub caps and lots of other artsy stuff. It is a eclectic combination of old and new," says DeAngelis. Other visual details include exposed ceilings, concrete floors, and tabletops made from old doors with glass on top. The creator of Tijuana Garage is Josh Sagrin, owner of popular Front Page News restaurant. The very casual, upbeat Mexican restaurant opened in late February. Chef Chrisphofer Hellmold offers something for everyone by pairing food that complements the creative atmosphere. A variety of Mexican favorites including; burritos, chicken, beef and shrimp fajitas, tostadas and five varieties of tacos, quesadillas, flatus and enchiladas are just part of the offerings. "We wanted to have something for everyone, so we also offer such entrees as tofu tacos. Our beans and rice are without any meat added," says Hellmold. Eighteen varieties of bottled beer are available including Mexican beers such as Dos Equis and imported and domestic wines. A major list of 36 different types of margaritas from the Cadillac Converter to Battery Acid and the Lube Job, are a creative mix of juice purees and liquor. Entertainment will include a Mariachi band on weekends. Tijuana Garage is located at 351 B Moreland Avenue. The phone number is 404.475.8888. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and on Friday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Dining tidbits... Five-years after opening Max Lager's American Grill & Brewery in downtown Atlanta, Cindy and Alan LeBlan are brewing a second location to open at the Mall of Georgia overlooking the Mall's outdoor pavilion. Scheduled for a Springs opening you can call 678.541.BREW or visit www.maxlagers. com for more information... In time for prom season, City Grill, is offering a special menu for memorable prom dining. The three-course menu features a choice of appetizers, entrees and desserts for $60 a couple including tax and gratuity. Originally the Federal Reserve Bank for the Southeast, the Hurt Building was built in 1912 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places at 50 Hurt Plaza. You can call 404.524.2489 or additional information is available at www.city grillatlanta.com. Classy Cocktails You can join Buckhead Life Restaurant Group's beverage experts as they teach you to mix cocktails that will tickle your tastebuds at home. Classes range from $60 - $65 and include instruction by one or more of the star bartenders, appetizers, recipes and tips on how to outfit your home bar, a goodie bag with tools of the trade, the option to enjoy a specially designed dinner in BLRG's host restaurant and, of course, the classiest of cocktails. For more details, visit www.buckhead restaurants.com "Special Events."... Opened in 2001, North Fulton's Fuego Cafe & Tapas Bar has expanded into a new cozy dining room with cushy booth seating. Next addition, a full bar. Action... It is known among Virginia Highlanders that Murphy's is the spot for weekend brunch. Now, hungry Americans, who wake up craving breakfast and a good movie, will learn the same on Sunday, March 30th at 9:30 a.m. on TBS's popular weekly "Movie and a Makeover." Executive Chef Nick Oltarsh, the chef who joined the Virginia-Highlands restaurant during its recent renovation, was selected to MC and prepare breakfast for America during "The Breakfast Club," the 1980's classic. Murphy's is located at 997 Virginia Avenue and is open for brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information and call ahead seating, 404.872.0904 or visit the restaurant online at www.murphysvh.com... Atlanta's own Proof of the Pudding beat out many industry giants to win the coveted Arena at Gwinnett Center account. Proof also handles all the food and beverage for the rest of the center, including its new ballroom. Candlelight for Autism Benefiting The Childhood Autism Foundation, the 18th annual Candlelight Ball will be held on Saturday, March 15 at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. The black-tie event raises funds for facilities, programs and services for autistic children in Georgia. Attendees will join a cocktail reception, followed by a three-course gourmet dinner along with dancing to the music of the Fred Abeles Orchestra. Tickets are $200 per person and for information you can call 404.763.8900 or email cadef@mindspring.com. Locals only... Roy's, located in the Marsh Building at 3475 Piedmont Road, launches "Kama'ina" a new promotion on Friday, March 7. Kama'ina, which means "locals only," will be offered every Friday and will feature a three-course fixed price menu in appreciation of local business. Chef David Tarrin prepares weekly three-course set menus featuring Hawaiian seafood cuisine for $25. For more information you can call 404.231.3232... Cavu - A Midtown Bistro, located at 794 Juniper Street in Midtown, will be offering Buy One Entree, Get One Free on Sundays throughout the month of March from 5:30 - 9 p.m. Cavu serves seasonal American cuisine featuring seafood and local produce. For more information you can call 404.875.2229. News of the 'Grape' If wine is your passion or just a hobby, the following venues are offering 'Wine Tasting' opportunities in March. Food 101: "Wine, Dine And Learn Night." Second Tuesday of each month, Food 101 will combine cooking tips, friendly repartee with executive chef Scott Crawford and dinner for $49 per person. Guests will receive a Food 101 'Cookbook' that's designed to be built upon month-after-month with food and wine pairing information. Food 101 is located at 4969 Roswell Road and for more information you can call 404.497.9700 or visit www.food101atlanta.com. Woodfire Grill: "Artful Wine Dinner." Chef Michael Tuohy creates a five-course meal to pair with Harrison Vineyards wines; Works from Artist Mary Engel (of Marcia Wood Gallery), will be displayed during the dinner. 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road on Wednesday, March 19; 6.30 p.m. - cocktail reception; 7 p.m. - dinner. Cost is $90 per person. For reservations you can call 404.347.9055. Canoe: "Wines By The River." Running March through October the wine tastings will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 6 - 8 p.m. in Canoe's outdoor area, the River Garden, overlooking the Chattahoochee River at 4199 Paces Ferry Road. Cost is $15 including hors d' oeuvres. For more information you can call 770.432.2663 or visit www.canoe atl.com. Sia's: "Benefiting The High Museum." Local artist Thomas Arvid, Silver Oak wine and executive chef Scott Serpas' 5-course meal are on the menu at Sia's, Sunday, March 23. The evening is $150 per person. A boutique silent auction of wine related items will also be featured with proceeds benefiting the High Museum. For information you can call 770.497.9727. Kyma: "From the Mountains to the Sea, Regional Wines of Greece." Thursday, March 6, benefiting Atlanta's High Museum. You can call 404.262.0702 for more information. Veni Vidi Vici: "Benefiting the High Museum." Wine dinner, Wednesday, March 19. Information number is 404.875.8424. Seeger's: "Seeger's Savors the Season." Chef/owner Guenter Seeger is kicking off a wine dinner series featuring a prix fixe dinner on Wednesday, March 26, paired with wines from Napa Valley's Patz & Hall. Located at 111 West Paces Ferry, you can call 404.846.9779 or visit www.seegers.com for more information. Fifth Group Restaurants : "Benefiting Camp Twin Lakes." The following restaurants will host tastings from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at a cost of $20 per person including hors d' oeuvres. March 5th: La Tavola Trattoria 404.873.5430; March 12th: The Food Studio 404.816.6677; March 19th: South City Kitchen 404.873.7358 and March 26th: Sala 404.872.7203. For more information visit www.fifthgroup.com. High Museum of Art: "5th Annual A Taste For Wine." On Saturday, March 22 the High Museum of Art offers an evening of culinary and wine instruction, tasting, music, a silent auction and exhibition viewing. Tickets are $60 and $125 and for more information you can call 404.733.4521 or visit www.high.org.com. APRIL 2003 Clay Oven here with Indian flair Clay Oven... Indian grill & bar opens in Duluth Taverna Plaka... High-energy Greek restaurant debuts Merlot Restaurant... Casual atmosphere with fine dining elements Chin Chin... 10th location to open Downtown Dining Notes... Tidbits on Atlanta's dining community hud report staff writer For any of you looking for Indian cuisine, Duluth is now home to a new choice. Clay Oven Indian Grill and Bar has opened on Abbotts Bridge Road offering a variety of specialties in an Indian Village atmosphere. Owner Murali Sajja, whose family runs restaurants in his native country, wants his customers to enjoy memorable visits. Clay Oven's catch phrase 'Where Dining is a Journey' is what Sajja wants each patron to do &emdash; journey through thousands of years of India's culinary past. Some of the traditional Indian recipes have been modified to eliminate excessive fat, cholesterol and calories without sacrificing the taste, with the use of canola or olive oil. Clay Oven's menu can be adjusted to fit just about anyone's preference of mild, medium or Indian hot on its curry dishes offered. Appetizers are served with two chutneys and include vegetable dishes of a spicy corn salad, flaky pastry stuffed with potatoes and peas, Bombay-style street food, mashed potato mix fried in a spicy batter mix, homemade cottage cheese in lentil flour and deep fried along with sampler platters. Prices range from $2.95 to $4.95. Non-vegetable include chicken dishes, kababs and assorted platters from $3.95 to $8.95 along with cream of tomatoes and a traditional Indian lentil soup for $1.95. Clay Oven specialty dishes include chicken in various sauces: tandoori; yogurt, ginger, garlic & spices; sour cream with spices and cheese. Veal prepared in: herbs & spices and yogurt & spices. Fish marinated in tandoori and shrimp in ginger, garlic & lemon all ranging from $8.95 to $12.95. 30+ curry dishes, dishes prepared with a sauce consisting of chunks of meat or vegetable and spices, are available in vegetable, chicken and lamb curries and are all served with steaming basamati rice. These dishes differ in taste, look and flavor and range from mild to fiery hot. The range is the result of using different bases such as onion, ginger, garlic, spinach, tomato and cream with spices like cloves, turmeric, paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, mango spice, saffron and others. These dishes vary in price from $6.95 to $10.95. 10 varieties of bread are baked fresh daily and include such stuffings as cream cheese; chicken, paneer, potato, cilantro & chili; potatoes; cottage cheese; chopped onions & cilantro and raisins, cherries & nuts. The bread is priced from $1.45 up to $5.99 for a sampling of three. Clay Oven offers dine-in & carry-out, a full bar and is open 7 days a week. Weekday and weekend lunch buffets are $6.95 & $8.95 and the Champagne Brunch features unlimited beer, wine, champagne, mimosa, fruit juice or Lassi of your choice for $12.45. Full-service catering is available with a Tandoori Grill and a party room can accommodate 10 to 50 people. Clay Oven is located at 4315 Abbotts Bridge Road in Duluth and the phone number is 678.473.0300. by toni m. lublin Taverna Plaka planned A new, high energy Greek restaurant opening in Atlanta in early April is setting out to change the way we think about Greek food. The name of the restaurant, Taverna Plaka, (meaning Greek Tavern and referring to a neighborhood in Athens filled with shops, artist markets, food and activities) is apropos. Bar Manager, Stephan Kowalczuk says, "The atmosphere at Taverna Plaka will be like walking into a huge Greek celebration with belly dancers, Greek music and dancing on the tables." Kowalczuk is no stranger to Greek fare. He was recently with Kyma, part of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, as head bartender and is proud of creating the Greek Espresso Martini. The restaurant concept was first unveiled in Hollywood, Florida five years ago under the name Taverna Opa. The current Atlanta partner/owner Yianni Kasarhis was then a manager and created the concept that according to Kowalczuk, has caught on strongly. There are five Taverna Opas in Florida and Kasarhis, along with partner Ray Pace plan to make the Atlanta location as good, if not better, than the Florida locations. In addition to nightly belly dancers, a group of professional Greek dancers will be brought in to perform on occasion. A nightly DJ will spin records as the guests participate in the experience of Greek dancing and drinking Ouzo while enjoying special events from fashion shows to artist paintings. Typical Greek culture is sharing a whole fish or sharing other parts of your meal with your companion, and will be the theme of dining at Taverna Plaka. On the menu a wide range of tapas-like mezedes, such as spanikopita &emdash; phyllo-wrapped spinach with leeks, scallions, feta cheese and dill; or dolmadakia Yialantzi, which are grape leaves wrapped around pine nuts, currants, rice, leeks and fennel. Traditional Greek spreads are perfect for circulating round the table. The fish, traditionally grilled whole (Psaria Sti Skara) in Greece is basted in an emulsion of lemons, capers, olive oil and a bit of salt. The interior is setup to include the Taverna main dining room seating 150 and a European cafe that seats 120 along with two decks accommodating an additional 75. The cafe has a more relaxed atmosphere from the Taverna dining room, featuring warm colors, leather seating and an ideal place for a cocktail and dessert. Taverna Plaka will be located at 2196 Cheshire Bridge Road. The number is 404.636.2284. The restaurant and cafe will operate from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and the Ouzo bar will close when the Ouzo runs out. Merlot flows Saeed Mahzari and Fred Izadi have built a solid partnership and successful restaurant over the last decade, working together as partners of Aldo's a popular Italian restaurant located in Tucker. They recently embarked on their second fine-dining concept called Merlot Restaurant, which opened in a newly constructed freestanding location at the end of February in Duluth. "We wanted to create a causal atmosphere with the elements of fine dining, but very moderately priced. The cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Southwestern fare, referred to as new American," says Mahzari. The choices on the menu range from Quesadillas, gourmet pizzas and pasta, to tuna steak and pine nut crusted rack of lamb. The executive chef Don Diem, most recently had been the executive chef at Noche in Virginia Highland for three years, a well-known southwestern restaurant, and had also worked as sous chef at TomTom for six years and worked under the tutelage of Chef Bruno Menard at the Ritz Carlton. "The style of food I prepare utilizes ingredients which are familiar, which I then create a 'twist' on. For example a best selling entree is our Halibut which is herb crusted and grilled and served in vegetable phyllo towers that stands 6" on a plate, with a parsley sauce," says Diem. The many fresh vegetables lend themselves equally to creative and colorful presentations. The grilled salmon is chili-crusted, grilled in a tomato water gazpacho with smoked salmon and arrives with a cucumber salad for $15.95 or choose a creative appetizer, such as the Lobster Martini, which is a beer battered baby tempura lobster tail served with chipolte orange dipping sauce and apple slaw for $8.95. Lunch entrees range from $7.95 to $15.95 and dinner entrees range from $11.95 to $21.95. An extensive wine list is also available. With three private dining rooms, accommodating from 10 to 120 people, the restaurant combines the elegance of tablecloth and linen and a contemporary atmosphere projected by 14-foot ceilings in the main dining room and 12-foot ceilings in the lounge and bar area. The seating in the main dining room can accommodate 200 and an outdoor patio to seat 45 is also available. The restaurant will soon offer musical entertainment provided in a piano bar. Merlot is located at 11655 Medlock Bridge Road. The phone number is 678.474.0444. Lunch is offered Monday - Friday and Sunday. Dinner hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday -Thursday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 9 p.m. Chin Chin due In less than a decade, Georgia-based Chin Chin restaurants have rolled out nine gourmet Chinese restaurants. The 10th unit will open in mid-April in downtown Atlanta. Founded by businessman Tom Huang, a native of Taiwan, the concept of Chin Chin is to give the managers and chefs' partnership in the business to ensure quality management and consistency of food and service. The business plan has worked successfully and a strong repeat business has resulted. The upscale restaurant specializes in Szechuan and Mandarin cuisine. The interiors are not traditional Chinese colors but mix contemporary elements with the use of light colors, art deco and simple Asian artwork. Creating a visual impact are the open exhibition kitchens, typical in all Chin Chin restaurants. Guest can watch their orders being artfully prepared. The downtown Chin Chin will also feature an open kitchen and have viewing access from the street level. Lunch specials range from $5.50 to $6.50 and include fresh broccoli chicken, rainbow shrimp and asparagus chicken. A dinner menu offering beef, pork, poultry, seafood, pasta and vegetables is quite extensive. Some highlights include Tangerine beef, which is marinated and lightly buttered and fried and then stir-fried with dried orange peel in hot spicy and sweet sauce. Other specials include Walnut Prawn, young ginger pineapple with beef and braised prawn with Szechuan sauce. Dinner entrees range from $6.95 to $12.95. With a long-term plan to expand the restaurants nationwide and internationally in hotels and shopping malls, Chin Chin may have found a formula that not only makes the owners very happy but those who dine there as well. The newest location will be across from the CNN building at 120 Marietta Street. Current open locations include Buckhead, Sugarloaf Parkway, Dunwoody, Woodstock, Windward Parkway, Kennesaw, Peachtree and at Juniper Street. For more information you can also visit www.chinchinatl.com. Dining notes... The Buckhead Life Restaurant Group kicked off their 2003 calendar of special culinary events with a new series called 'Classy Cocktails,' led by Stevenson Roslow, Sommelier (beverage manager) at Bluepointe on Peachtree. How much ice should you allot per person for a three hour party? It was tips like these and helpful Bar 101 techniques and facts Roslow covered during the casual presentation. I found the experience quite informative, entertaining and a nice opportunity to meet other couples and singles. The emphasis of the presentation was on how to set up a bar at home and what different liquors you should stock. Getting tips on the types of glasses you should have for a basic bar, to supplies and hardware to making the perfect martini and mixer were just a few of the areas covered. We learned about the basic liquors; vodka, gin, rum, tequila, scotch, whisky and bourbon, as Roslow discussed in more depth how they are made and differ in taste. Bluepointe by the way, carries 25 different types of Vodka. For your home use, Roslow recommends that one to two brands will suffice. From an overview of mixers and spirits, the conversation flowed to martinis. Demonstrations showed us how to make and shake (properly) various types of martinis from the Bluepointe Green Apple martini (and the recipe) to a Chocolate Martini and a Pineapple Martini. Interesting fact: today vodka martinis sell 8 to 1 to Gin Martinis. In addition to the cocktail overview, a brief tour of the kitchen and a demonstration by Executive Chef, Ian Winslade in the prep cooking area, showed the eager crowd how to make lobster dumplings with toasted peanut vinaigrette and Jonah Crab Rice Paper Rolls with Thai curry mayonnaise. We also enjoyed eating them just as much. The three hour enjoyable lesson culminated with a goodie bag filled with bar tools, booze, cocktail and lobster dumpling recipes. The 'cocktail' classes range from $60 - $65 per person. April 12, Classy Cooking at Bluepointe is scheduled with, 'Sensational Sauces,' 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 404-237-2060 x 3025, 3455 Peachtree Road, $125 includes instruction, full menu tasting plus wines. On June 11th, Summertime Concoctions at the patio at Nava will be offered. Space is limited. For more information on upcoming culinary activities you can go to www.buckheadrestaurants.com/specialevents.   DINING OUT UPDATE • MAY 2003 Mediterranean flair moves into Dahlonega Cibo...Quaint 60-year-old cottage becomes restaurant Fishmonger Seafood... No. 2 scheduled for May opening on Holcomb Bridge Road The Yellow Fin... 'Not-your-typical-seafood' arrives in Historic Roswell Balance... Midtown eclectic menu focuses on nutritionally balanced options Oceana... Replaces Pacifica in Alpharetta by toni m. lublin David and Shannon Meyer decided to move with their children from Atlanta to Dahlonega, an area that they were fond of and felt offered a strong community spirit, in 2002. With David's nine-year 'back of the house' experience working as Executive Chef of Bistango and Carbo's Cafe in Buckhead, he knew exactly what would work in the small town atmosphere. In the process, they felt that the area needed a restaurant which offered a Mediterranean flair, tempered with a variety of American cuisine. "We purchased a quaint little 60-year-old cottage and created a cozy, eclectic interior space, preserving the details of the outside and inside of the cottage," says Meyer. They named their new restaurant which opened July 2002, Cibo (which means food in Italian). "Dahlonega is a beautiful drive north of Atlanta. It is really a great place for a day trip as the area offers historic mining tours, wine vineyard tours, antiques shops, hiking and small town theatre among many other attractions," says Meyer. Cibo is centrally located on North Grove Street so it draws a lot of tourist and local clientele business as well. The exterior of the cottage is slate, stone and marble which Meyer believes came from the area. The interior has three dining rooms to seat up to 15 people each. Each room has the old oak hardwood floors. The Gold Room has a fireplace, mustard-gold walls and exposed native rock on the walls. The Sky Room is a rich, red color with a sky motif painted on the ceiling and the Rock Room has a rich, rough-cut marble floor and exposed native wall rock. David's wife Shannon decorated the interior with textiles, beads and an eclectic variety of art, bringing personality and charm to each room. The menu offerings include appetizers such as fried green tomato tower with goat cheese and applewood smoked bacon and jumbo lump crabcakes. Specialties of the house include: marinated maple pork tenderloin with rosemary and fresh garlic or bleu cheese crusted filet mignon served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Pasta and seafood round out the offerings. Georgia coast shrimp served over fresh lemon fettuccini, smoked bacon, olives and fresh tomatoes with basil pesto is another possibility. From the sea choices include grilled swordfish steak or Salmon filet with artichoke and olive tapenade. Entrees range from $13.95 to$22.95 or chose the Chef's tasting menus which includes appetizer, salad, sorbet, entree and dessert for $30 per person. Beer and an extensive wine list are also offered. Cibo is located at 272 North Grove Street. The phone number is 706.867.9881. Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fishmonger Seafood #2 Nik Panagopoulos grew up in Zimbabwe, South Africa and became a mechanic. His venture into the world of operating restaurants evolved after he moved to the states. He saw the need in Atlanta for a seafood restaurant which offered the quality of simply prepared fish served in a causal dining environment. "In South Africa fishmonger seafood houses are very popular and a common place to eat. It made sense to offer this type of venue in Atlanta as well," says Panagopoulos. Panagopoulos and his partner (wife) Arti Antonides, opened their first Fishmonger Seafood restaurant in Sandy Springs in 1999. They are opening their second location on Holcomb Bridge Road in early May 2003. The same menu, boasting a range of fresh fish from grilled gulf shrimp to fish in parchment, will be offered at the Holcomb Bridge location. Another nice feature are the five to six nightly specials which are dependent upon the availability of the day/season. A sample of a nightly special included sauteed herb bread crusted red snapper served with a buerre Blanc sauce for $18, with a suggested wine. The wine list is quite extensive and offers a range of South African qualities. Grilled blackened rainbow trout served with a Creole tarter sauce and suggested wine, was another special. "April brought in soft shell crabs as a nightly special," says Panagopoulos. Appetizers range from $5 - $10 and dinner entrees range from $13 to $25. The interior of the restaurant 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. That's exactly what we have accomplished in our first location and what we hope to have on Holcomb Bridge," says Panagopoulos. The second location for Fishmonger Seafood is 609 Holcomb Bridge Road, 770.993.1600. The original location is at 4969 Roswell Road, 404.377.0301. Hours of operation are for dinner-only 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and on Friday -Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Yellow Fin opens The Yellow Fin restaurant opened in April in historic Roswell. Partners, Matthew Sandal, Michael Virago and Chris Richardson had been looking for the right location and time to open their contemporary American electric ocean cuisine restaurant for the last four years. "Canton Street is a great area. It's quaint with a strong neighborhood feeling. We love the area," says Sandal. Apparently, the feeling is mutual as the response to the new restaurant has been very good. Sandal, a graduate from Johnson and Wales, is also the executive chef. His decade of experience includeing Aqua Terra Bistro (Buford) and Arugula in Buckhead, has helped prepare him to pursue his dreams. His partner and Yellow Fin GM, Michael Virago got his start in Destin, Florida. The two became friendly when they both worked at Aqua Terra Bistro. Although the restaurant serves a range of seafood, Sandal says, "This is not your typical seafood restaurant. We don't do fried fish platters but instead focus on simple preparation, quality ingredients and good service," says Sandal. For starters, there are the crab cake with chipotle aioli tomato and roasted corn salsa or the steamed prince Edward island mussels in saffron broth with tomato concasse chopped cilantro and basil. In addition to steamed salmon served with saffron risotto, cilantro lime vinaigrette and Georgia mango avocado salsa, you can choose from a variety of gourmet entrees. Raspberry maple-glazed 12 oz. pork chop with sweet potato mash and roasted vegetables or Ponzu steamed lemon sole with sweet chili glazed vegetables and shrimp fried jasmine rice. Entrees start at $13 - $25. A dining discount perk can be had if you work in the restaurant industry. Wednesday evening is Industry Night and food and drink are 25% off for Industry employees. The dining room is painted soft yellow and works well with the eclectic mix of dishes and stainless steel along with mahogany trimmed tables. Hardwood mahogany-colored floors give a warm feel to the interior. An outdoor patio seats 65 while the interior yellow room seats 35. The Blue Room located in the bar area seats 40 and is also the restaurant's piano bar. The lounge-like atmosphere gets crowed on Friday and Saturday nights as customers are entertained with piano tunes from Elton John to Frank Sinatra. Jamey Mac Bain has made the extensive wine list selections with many of the wines available by-the-glass. Yellowfin is located at 1170 Canton Street in Roswell, 678.277.9551. Hours of operation are Tuesday - Saturday 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. (food is served until 1 a.m.) and on Sunday 3 p.m. to 12 p.m. (food is served until 11 a.m.). Balance(ing) cuisine Getting into shape is not limited to exercise only. You are what you eat and sometimes it is a balancing act to eat right. Keeping this in mind, brothers Sean and Gilbert Yeremyan have recently opened a restaurant in Midtown called Balance, whose eclectic menu focuses on nutritionally balanced options. "We have broken our menu down into three categories: protein, carbohydrates and vitamins. You pick from each category the entree of your choosing and we prepare the items as you choose," says Yeremyan. Proteins are steamed, grilled or braised. Carbs are steamed or braised and vitamins are sauteed or stewed. The half-Greek brothers grew up in Turkey where they studied at a restaurant school and continued on to Brussels for a business education. Both eventually came to the states to finish their education at Mercer. "I got a job during college at Harry's Food Market and ended up doing all the international food buying. It was a great experience and Harry was a good mentor," says Sean Yeremyan. The brothers also own Gilbert's Mediterranean Cafe in downtown Atlanta. With a selection of six varieties of fresh fish, chicken, ostrich and tenderloin, Balance offers a bit of everything. Vitamins include fresh steamed vegetables rich in nutrients and Carbs, such as fresh pasta, are offered in all sizes and types. Creating an entree with selections from the three groups will range from $20 - $23. The executive chef, Edger Cruz joins Balance from Spice where he was Sous Chef. The atmosphere of Balance is modern with grey and blue colors dominating the space. In the bar area an S-shaped white granite top plays against blue mosaic tables. The bar area seats 15 and the main dining area seats 85. A private room is available for parties up to 15. The central midtown location wants to become a favorite of the local neighborhood crowd as well as tourists. Balance is located at 980 Piedmont Avenue. The phone number is 404.870.9881. Hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch. From 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. a bar menu is available. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. On Friday lunch is served from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and dinner is served until 11:30 p.m. On Saturday - Sunday lunch is served from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and dinner is served until 10:30 p.m. Oceana arrives The former Pacifica restaurant in Alpharetta has recently changed owners and names, creating a fresh start to an existing restaurant. The new owner, Bill Sahle named his restaurant Oceana and has put into motion a new menu. "We do a lot of work to get the freshest ingredients and take pride in meeting our customers requests in anyway we can," says Sahle. Sahle brought on board a new chef, Richard Blais who was previously the executive chef at Fishbone in Buckhead. The new menu includes 'small plates' to share such as a seafood Piatea Louissianne, Plateau royale and Plateau Pacifique. Appetizers which range from $6 - $12 and include a creative assortment of choices: tuna capriccio, salmon ceviche and crab salad mixed with avocado and grapefruit mustard are just a few. The entrees include a large selection of fresh seafood offered with a choice of sixteen different sides. "Having the opportunity to select your sides and condiments gives the customer the opportunity to create their own dishes," says Sahle. Various sides include crispy bok choy, grilled asparagus, wild mushrooms, thyme and sauteed spinach with garlic. Sides range from $2 -$6 and entrees from $12-$24. In addition to seafood, chicken and steak are also offered. As for condiments/sauces you can choose from creamy berarnaise, red wine reduction, cucumber vinaigrette and horseradish cream among many more. The freestanding restaurant is open and airy inside, as skylights let the natural light shine down on oversized fish tanks. Seating 350 with space provided for private functions of 40, the restaurant also features outdoor seating for up to 70. Oceana is located at 5304 Windward Parkway. The phone number is 770.753.3880. Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. DINING OUT UPDATE • JUNE 2003 'Downtown' arrives in a Midtown space MidCity Cuisine...First ever, true Brassiere open for breakfast, lunch & dinner Hal's... No. 2 reappears in Roswell Dining Notes... Lunatique Cafe, d'Vine Wine, Olives Waterside, Tomas hud report staff Chef Shaun Doty announces the opening of his latest venture, MidCity Cuisine. MidCity is an American Brasserie that opened in the heart of Midtown at 1545 Peachtree Street in the former Angelo & Maxie's space. Doty has partnered with noted businessmen John and Tom Cook in this upscale, yet casual-friendly eatery. MidCity Cuisine is this city's first-ever, true Brassiere open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all-day dining from 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. til midnight on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. The menu is contemporary American Brassiere fare with influences from the chef's extensive travels around the world. Chef Doty incorporates seasonally-influenced, regionally-grown ingredients in simple dishes for MidCity Cuisine's affordably priced menu featuring $6 to $14 lunch entrees and $16 to $18 at dinner. After six years of consistently being named 'best restaurant downtown' while at Mumbo Jumbo, the chef will focus his culinary expertise on honoring the true Brassiere spirit diners can enjoy throughout the day, everyday. On opening his new restaurant MidCity Cuisine, Doty closed Mumbo Jumbo Downtown. A sampling of the specialties of the house include crispy Sardinian flatbread with arugula (a mumbo jumbo favorite) served with argon oil from Morocco for $8 and there's Lasagna Bolonaise-for-two served table-side for $28. On Thursdays live Jazz starts on the patio at 7:30 p.m. and a well-kept secret may very well be the Sunday Brunch, served 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in beautiful surroundings along with sophisticated brunch cocktails and homemade donuts & crepes, it's reasonably priced as well. Chef Doty has assembled a culinary team to run his new venture. Sam Governale spearheads the regionally driven wine program, featuring boutique and seasonal wine selections. The bar exudes a relaxed atmosphere, where patrons can enjoy beer or wine with an all-day menu. Moreover, the beverage service is as provocative as the cuisine. The bar is expanded with Cafe windows to front Peachtree Street and Cafe tables and chairs for al fresco dining. Newly added are Pizza Sundays at MidCity. For $10 per person there's unlimited salad and gourmet pizza from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Additionally, Sam Governale will offer specially paired carafes and half carafes of Tuscan wine. The Johnson Studio, who completed a sleek, modern European cafe design facelift to the 8,000 square-foot space, accommodated with 150 seats inside, including a 50-seat private room and 40 outside. The restaurant can hold parties up to 275. Hal's #2 take-two Hal Nowak opened his first Hal's 13-years-ago on Old Ivy in Buckhead. The space had been the Old Ivy Grill and most recently Ruby Red's before Hal moved in serving his seafood, veal and chicken dishes with a touch of New Orleans's Cajun cooking. Using his first name was Nowak's way of reinforcing his vision of an eatery that portrayed a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Which is exactly what it became &emdash; reality, as patrons returned time and again to their old friend to pack'em in. It's a place of white tablecloths and flowers, warm brick and candlelight and the dense oak of a long and welcoming bar that's kept company with some of Atlanta's most interesting and influential people. The bistro-style venue has become family to those who frequent the eatery. Hal's specializes in American favorites such as New York Strip to flavors from Italy and a touch of Creole cooking. Continental Creole dishes of oysters Bordelaise & Bienville, carpaccio, shrimp remoulade, ecargot, mussels in white sauce, crawfish tails and fried calamari grace the appetizers selection ($6.95 - $9.95). Soups & salads include lobster bisque ($9.95), beef steak tomato salad ($5.95), crab salad ($11.95) and veal salad ($20.95), all served with homemade dressings. Entrees include trout and snapper several ways, salmon, swordfish, veal dishes along with osso bucco, filets, rack of lamb and ducking a l'orange($18.95 - $27.95). Did we mention the steak? From the ever-faithful filet served three ways, to the nightly New York Strip special, to new specials such as the Steak Oscar composed of tender medallions and lump crab meat, Hal's has surpassed some of the most notable Atlanta area steak houses in quality and taste. The steaks are prepared over an open flame giving them a sealed-in, juicy flavor and seared to perfection on the outside. A 12 oz. filet is served with choice of creamed spinach, potatoes or pasta Asciutta for $26.95. New Zealand rack of lamb, roasted and served with a red wine and mint reduction sauce is $24.95. Equally good are the choices of fresh swordfish, snapper, salmon and veal dishes. Entrees range from $18.95 to $27.95. Over the past few years there have been three Atlanta area Hal's locations, Buckhead, Roswell and Duluth. Today the original in Buckhead thrives and a reopening of Hal's in Roswell on Old Dogwood Road seemed a natural next step. The Roswell location housed two other restaurants after Hal's left in 1999 and with the space again available, Nowak decided to return to this familiar location. Tom Foust joins Hal's Roswell as General Manager after a 6-and-half-year tenure as the same with the familiar upscale Steakhouse, McKendrick's, in Dunwoody. The Roswell location is larger than the Buckhead spot. With 10,000 square feet, a banquet room to seat 200-300 guests, three private rooms and a room in the wine cellar to entertain 15 to 20 people privately. A collection of over 200 special and reserve wines are housed in the climate controlled cellar house. Additionally, 30 to 40 selections of wines by-the-glass are offered. For entertainment, there's live music during the week including Jazz and a Piano bar. Dining Notes... Detailed information to follow on each of these establishments in the July issue. Paul Luna, last heard from at Cafe Mystique in Buckhead, has resurfaced at the Wyndham Hotel on Spring Street in the form of Lunatique Cafe. Hosts, Luna and Executive Chef, Damiano DeNicolo are serving up Italian cuisine and offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Created by the idea that food should be fun, honest, simple and satisfying, Lunatique Cafe is based on "Assaggini," an Italian word that means "little bites." Order as light or as hearty as you like. Your invited to enhance your Tapas-style dining with a flight of wine or one of Lunatique's signature drinks in the bar (open noon to midnight), the LunaTini (vodka, lemon liquor, garnished with starfruit), for $5. d'Vine convenience It is truly a divine convenience, a wine shop and wine bar all under one roof. Recently opened, the new bar-shop called d'Vine, is the creation of Louise Gustafson and Bob Leavey. Gustafson, a former retail wine shop owner for three years and Leavey, a wine connoisseur and former computer executive, joined forces to open d'Vine in a the Shops of Dunwoody at 5486 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Guest can pair with their wines 'd'lite' desserts and 'small plates' of appetizers. The bar area seats a total of 45 and outdoor patio seating is also available. The owners are looking forward to drawing the local neighborhood crowd to their casual fine wine establishment. For more information you can call 770.350.WINE (9463) Olives arrives Olives Waterside restaurant, located in a panoramic setting complete with a view of a pond, woods and surrounded by wild life, is now open on Powers Ferry Road. Owned and operated by David Orr and Michael Kent, is the second Olives Waterside restaurant to open. The original is in Providence, Rhode Island, and opened two years ago. The cuisine is a mix of 'eclectic' American fare featuring specialty sandwiches, fresh seafood and California-style grilled pizzas. The price range for dinner entrees will be $12 - $20. Live late night entertainment from the 80's, 90's to present as well as jazz, is offered Thursday - Sunday 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Olives also features a full bar with an extensive Martini list of 50 varieties as well as a well-rounded wine list. For more information call 770.226.0201. Tomas opens After four years as executive chef at the Buckhead Diner, Tomas Lee officially opened his own restaurant, Tomas, on May 5th on Peachtree Parkway (former Passport location) in Norcross. Lee converted the establishment into an inviting and intimate dining setting. Tomas offers a unique 'American Eclectic' menu, with classical European flair. The restaurant seats approximately 180, features a main dining room, an intimate back room, outdoor deck seating, and a full bar surrounded by its own seating area. Lee also installed a wood-burning grill, which enhances the warmth of the main dining room. Tomas is open for lunch weekdays, and dinner begins at 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For information call 770.447.0005. Top of Page