July - December 2003
/Claris%20Home%20Page%203.0%202003/February%20'06/logo.com.gif){kind=logo}
/Claris%20Home%20Page%203.0%202003/February%20'06/bluarrow.gif){kind=small}
/Claris%20Home%20Page%203.0%202003/February%20'06/blue_hrule.gif){kind=small}
•Asiago
•Atlanta Coney Island
•Avenue West Cobb
•Beale Street Blues
•Billy Goat's Cantina
•BlackIron Steakhouse
•Blue Moon Pizza
•Botero Bistro Cafe
•Chattahoochee Lodge
•Derby Sports Grille
•Ifidon's Kitchen
•Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Firehouse Pub
•Kazoo's
•Landmark Diner
•M & B Cuisine
•Mama Fu's Noodle House
•Mangrove Alley
•Max Lager's American Grill & Brewery
•Meehan's Ale House
•Mouth of The South
•Nat & Norm's Island Cuisine
•Olde Towne Tavern
•Paradise Grille
•PrimeTime Grill & Tap
•The Angel
•The Clocktower Inn
•Thinking Man's Tavern•Tin Roof Cantina & Monkey Bar
•Xcess Sports Bar Club & Grill
/Claris%20Home%20Page%203.0%202003/February%20'06/art_bullet.gif){kind=small}
/Claris%20Home%20Page%203.0%202003/February%20'06/tall_line.gif){kind=small}
Olde Towne 'shoots' for a Tavern & Grille
Olde Towne Tavern & Grille... Olde Towne
Sports Grill expands
Mama Fu's Noodle House... First of many to hit
Atlanta market
Blue Moon Pizza... 'Pizza with Pizzazz' in
Marietta
Atlanta Coney Island... Dogs for the
masses
Billy Goat's Cantina... Tex-Mex with a twist
in Emory area
Thinking Man's Tavern... Arts & science
bar & eatery in Decatur
by toni m. lublin
The Olde Towne Sports Grille located in Kennesaw, will be opening their second location in Lawrenceville under the name Olde Town Tavern & Grille in late July. The original location was opened seven years ago and has been highly successful and known for its all-female wait staff.
Owner Bill Leanos is planning on the second location to continue the sports theme but to have more emphasis on the restaurant and tavern side of the business. "We want to be a restaurant with a sports bar theme, although we won't have pool tables like our other location, we will have about 50 TVs and Golden Tee," says Director of Operations Ralph Bibrey.
Similar to the other location, the all-female wait staff will serve a range of woodfire-grilled specialties. The "main event" includes a 10 oz. tavern sirloin for $12.99, Champions ribeye for $15.99 and baby back ribs, which are fire-roasted and smothered in BBQ sauce (half rack for $11.99, full rack for $14.99). Also available, Chicken and filets.
The menu has many selections including brick oven pizza ($4.99-$8.99), pasta ($9.99-$14.99), woodfired burgers ($5.99-$7.50), sandwiches and the Tavern's famous slugger wings with a variety of wing sauces (Lemon Pepper, Vidalia Onion & Peach, Margarita and butter roasted garlic are just a few!). Eight salads ($4.99-$10.99) are also a part of the menu, in case you are in the "field of greens" mood.
Sporting a tavern feeling, the interior is warm and cozy with lots of brick and dark wood. Community tables are planned for the second location to seat up to ten, in addition to the all booth seating arrangement.
The full bar is large enough to seat 50 around its U-shaped configuration. The total space of the restaurant is 8,000 square feet and a mezzanine level seats 46. Total capacity is 225.
The Olde Towne Tavern and Grille is located at 835 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. The phone number is 770.339.0909. The Kennesaw location phone number is 770.499.7878, www.oldetowne group.com can also be visited. Hours of operation are Sunday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
outside editorial contribution
New Pan-Asian noodle
Mama Fu's Noodle House, a Wow! Brands concept, has "woked" its way into Atlanta with fun, fresh, healthy Pan-Asian cuisine. Mama Fu's is another fast-casual restaurant brainchild of Martin Sprock, the entrepreneur who built the successful Planet Smoothie and Moe's Southwest Grill brands.
The first Mama Fu's is located at 1935 Peachtree Road. The 2,800 square foot restaurant offers street and off-street parking and opened to the public on June 4, 2003. Dine-in or take-out is available from Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Mama Fu's offerings are comprised of Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Menu items include the Chicken Lettuce Wrap, a flavorful chicken wrap with shitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, scallions and garlic served with crisp lettuce cups, and the Hot Korean, an entree featuring spicy ground pepper sauce over a choice of meat ("Mama" recommends beef). The eclectic, high-energy atmosphere of Mama Fu's is family- friendly, with an average entree price of $6.99. Mama Fu's also offers a $3.49 kids menu including Mei Mei's Noodles, a healthy, mild sauce tossed with Fu's "Fun Noodles." Authentic Wok-cooking is a standard and none of the menu items contain MSG.
Mama Fu's also offers adult beverages - a variety of wine, beer and sake.
"We are thrilled to bring 'The Greatest Hits of Asia' to the market," remarks Martin Sprock, CEO, Wow! Brands. "Consumers need a high quality, fast-casual Pan-Asian concept with innovative food at an affordable price, and Mama Fu's will quickly become a leader in that segment, just as our other brands have grown to become favorites with fast-casual diners."
Wow! Brands owns the flagship store and has aggressive plans to franchise with an anticipated 12 to 15 restaurants targeted to open in 2003 and an additional 50+ set to open in 2004 throughout the Southeast. The next Mama Fu's in Atlanta is scheduled to open in Atlantic Station this Fall. "Much like Moe's, we are receiving interest from franchisees for multi-store deals," says Sprock. "We offer franchisers the right recipe of support and little corporate overhead. In addition, housing two brands offers more flexibility in real estate purchasing."
Mama Fu's is located at 1935 Peachtree Road in Atlanta. The number is 678.589.7524. You can visit www.mamafus.com for more information.
Blue Moon shines
Blue Moon Pizza, a hip new restaurant serving 'pizza with pizzazz' opened in June in Marietta.
When you think of a pizza place, red and white checkered table cloths may come to mind, but Blue Moon Pizza, (just east of Cobb Parkway on Windy Hill Road next to Sidelines Sports Grille) is not your average pizza place. From the Blues and Jazz playing in the background, to the slick blue lights shining on the bar, Blue Moon brings the feel of Buckhead into Marietta. (See page 10 for photo.)
With more than 25 years experience in the restaurant industry, Richard Donlin and Kelvin Slater have transformed the old Taco Mac location into a fun and fancy pizza joint. Blue Moon prides itself on having only the freshest ingredients at a very affordable price. Open for lunch and dinner, they offer pizza by the slice, specialty pizzas, appetizers and salads. They also feature lunch specials such as: two slices and a soda for $4.49, or a slice, side salad and a soda for $5.99.
Pizza connoisseurs will appreciate Blue Moon pizza for their thin, crispy crust and great flavors. The BBQ chicken pizza has quickly become a local favorite. Come join BMP for Thursday night is $5.00 Martini Night at Blue Moon. Other Nightly drink specials include Monday - $2 domestic bottles, $2.75 imported; Tuesday - $2.50 Margaritas on the rocks; and Wednesday - $5.99 draft pitchers.
Blue Moon is located at 2359 Windy Hill Road, 770.984.2444 or Fax 770.818.2496.
by toni m. lublin
Atlanta's Coney dogs
Atlanta is getting a taste of Coney Island.
Not necessarily the rides, but certainly the food. Owners and longtime chums, Jason Cummings and Joel Szymanski have opened Atlanta Coney Island in midtown. The concept is a twist on the partners own native Detroit, Michigan work experience at similar restaurants and decided to share their hotdog passion with Atlantans. "A Coney Island hot dogs is topped with homemade chili, mustard, onions and served in a steamed bun," says Cummings.
"Joel and I have been friends for over 18 years and worked together in restaurants like these in the Detroit area. We have been talking about bringing the concept to Atlanta for the last 10 years and the right time came for us," says Cummings. Both men left their corporate jobs to do some entrepreneurial work and the long-term goal is to open four more Atlanta Coney Island sites in Buckhead, Alpharetta and Decatur.
Tweaking the concept to fit Atlantan's tastes the partners have added alot more vegetarian and Mediterranean dishes to the menu. Starters include Hummus or Baba ghanoush and Pita, Dolmathes (fresh grape leaves stuffed with rice and spices) $4.50 and a Greek sampler for $9.95. Salads range from Greek, Caesar and chicken for $3.95 to $6.50. Pita sandwiches, from vegetarian to a Mykonos special (breaded chicken strips mixed with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato, served in a golden brown pita with melted American cheese), kabobs and gyros reflect the Mediterranean choices
On the Coney Island side of the menu, in addition to popular Coney Island Specials ($2.25) from a plain dog, kraut dog, slaw dog or Chicago dog and of course, Coney Fries. Burgers, Kabobs, Gyros and breakfast fare round out the offerings.
The trendy interior has an urban feel with an exposed ceiling, concrete floors and colors of red, black and gray. The breakfast, lunch and dinnertime crowd is responding well to the concept as the 100 seats inside and 50-seat outside patio quickly fill up. This location is becoming a favorite of many of the local office crowd.
Atlanta Coney Island is located in Midtown at 759 West Peachtree Road. The phone number is 404.872.9395. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Friday. On Saturday & Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Billy Goat's is here
After six years operating The Super Club in Decatur, owner Michele Niesen decided to open another restaurant venture quite different from her first business. The new venture called Billy Goat's Cantina (named after her Boarder Collie), is a Latin-inspired restaurant which opened in the Historic Oakhurst District in Decatur. "Billy Goat's Cantina is more casual than the Super Club and attracts a mixed crowd from the neighborhood and University (Emory) students," says Niesen.
Billy Goat's is not just limited to Tex-Mex, but rather leans towards authentic South-of-the-Border cuisine. Niesen refers to the cuisine as "Southern Baja California-style" Mexican; an area where she spent a great deal of time learning about the secrets of making good Mole (mo-lay is a Oaxacan specialty made with from ground chilies and chocolate).
"Our menu spans from Cuban grilled sandwiches (with roasted pork, ham, provolone and pickles) to Veggie Tacos. Think all-things-Latin and we probably offer it," says Niesen. Many of the menu items are vegetarian friendly, which Niesen found in demand in the area. Vegetarian enchiladas and tacos are among the creative twists.
Regional highlights include pork with black mole sauce and chilaquiles, a type of Mexican lasagna made with tortillas and cheese layers with salsa rojo and salsa verde carnitas (roasted pork that is fried and sauced with a spicy pico). Grilled grouper tacos served with jalapeno slaw ($3.50 each) and two organic grilled ribeye on poblano mashed potatoes ($14.95) are also part of the offerings. Entrees range from $4.95 to $14.95. Wines reflect the Latin landscape ranging from Chilean, Spanish and Argentinean selections.
The interior of Billy Goat's Cantina boasts lots of color in its casual sit-down space. Poured concrete floors and custom paintings, many which reflect Niesen's best friend, her dog, create a relaxed environment. The bar area seats 13 patrons while the main dining area seats 22. Outside seating on the patio accommodates 20. "We are not high end but not fast food either. Billy Goat's Cantina is a great place to come to have a really simple meal in a fun atmosphere," says Niesen.
Billy Goat's Cantina is located at 653 East Lake Drive. The phone number is 404.687.0007. Lunch and dinner hours of operation are Tuesday - Friday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday -Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Thinking Man's Tavern
What exactly is the Thinking Man's Tavern? It is not a sports bar, nor an Irish pub. According to a tavern spokesperson, the new place in Decatur fills the gap between the two. Carl Rappold, partner-owner of the tavern refers to the concept as an "Arts and Science Bar and Eatery."
Rappold's partner, Hunter Franklin, helped in developing the concept by creating an interior that conjures up a museum-like feeling. The freestanding and walled bookshelves are lined with lightly-used paperbacks on everything from travel to classic novels. Guests are encouraged to peruse the books, read them while eating, drinking and socializing. Other paraphernalia included in the interior design fills the scientific gap with globes, microscopes and taxidermy lining the walls and shelves. The artwork reflects impressionism to contemporary works.
The menu is also a twist on classic tavern combined with healthy alternatives. Half of the menu is vegetarian and the other half offers Chicken, Hamburgers and sandwiches. Creative light starters to share, such as Thinking Man's Fondue ($6.50), is served with apple slices, cucumbers, marble rye and white cheese. Sandwich selections range from a Pepper-Jack Patti melt served on grilled Texas Toast with saut ed onions to an Eggplant Parmesan sandwich ($6.50). Hot dishes include Spinach Manicotti ($7). The chef, Angle Sutor was formally with the St. Agnes Tea Garden in Decatur.
Thinking Man's Tavern is the type of place to let your mind wander while also enjoying a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and good eats at one of the 22 tables. In the bar 11 beers are offered on draft in addition to numerous other spirits. The bar seats 20 and the outside patio has room for 25. Think about it and check out this unusual new tavern.
Thinking Man's Tavern is located at 537 W. Howard Avenue in Decatur. The phone number is 404.370.1717.
Hours of operation are Monday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Tuesday - Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday & Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
METRO
ATLANTA • August 2003
Celtic Firehouse Pub arrives in Marietta
Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Firehouse Pub...
Authentic Celtic Pub
Max Lager's American Grill & Brewery...
No. 2 opens at Mall of Georgia
Meehan's Ale House...Alpharetta is home to No.
2
Tin Roof Cantina & Monkey Bar...
Java Monkey's new Midtown home
by toni m. lublin
Gary Leake, owner of Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Firehouse Pub has a true passion for everything Celtic. "The Celtic regions include Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Northern Spain and as a Pub we try to reflect the Celtic codes-of-ethics," says Leake.
The authentic Celtic pub opened in early July near the Marietta Square in the oldest standing firehouse in Cobb County (see page 10). The 100+ year-old firehouse has been many businesses over the years since being retired as a working firehouse, from a bank (whose vault has now been converted to a storage area for the beer), to a travel agency.
With a total of 5,000 square feet in the two-level firehouse the interior has the original stone floors and leaded glass windows. Tartan colored tablecloths create a pub-friendly feel as patrons can dine within different rooms which also feature fireplaces and sofas. Leake makes a point to tell me about the comfortable chairs (my pet peeve), "The chairs came from a Steak and Ale which was closing. They have the most comfortable chairs in town," says Leake. Plans for a second floor 'bell tower' have not been finalized but Leake is considering making it into a bed and breakfast, an event facility or a fine dining area.
Serving what Leake refers to as low-country-type cooking, the Celtic heritage is not only meat and potatoes but also fish, lamb stew and Shepherd's pie. Choose from such classics as The Fire Chief - Irish bangers served on a hoagie roll with roasted peppers, onions and Irish butter or the Marietta Moonshine (invented by Johnnie) - hot prime-cut beef served with mozzarella cheese, slice of tomato and finished off on the Cuban press. Price ranges from $6.95 - $8.95.
Entertainment is also a part of the scene. Monday night is Mike-Might where patrons are encouraged to bring their musical instruments and perform. The best-of-the-best are asked to return for a paying gig. Wednesday nights is contemporary duet night and Thursday & Friday nights are live Blue Grass. "Cobb County has very little entertainment venues like this and the response has been very good, everyone is having a great time," says Leake
The full bar serves a large variety of scotch brands, "every scotch you can think of... we have it," says Leake. The bar itself is a conversation piece, designed with Mahogany columns, arches and brass handmade rails brought back from England.. The owner and his friends did all the interior makeover, "It took five months to do it all, but it turned out terrific," says Leake
Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Firehouse Pub is located at 15 Atlanta Street, near the Marietta Square. Just look for the red door and Celtic flag. The phone number is 678.290.6641. Hours of operation are from 11:30 a.m. to 2:55 a.m. Monday - Saturday. Visit www.johnniemaccrackens.com for more details.
Max Lager's opens No. 2
Described as, 'a refreshing blend of laid-back bonhomie and uptown energy,' Max Lager's Grill & Brewery features wood-fired cuisine and fresh-brewed beer.
The original location is in the heart of downtown, the restored building highlights a 15-barrel brewery, and is downtown's only restaurant with a patio and deck.
The newest location has opened in the Mall of Georgia in Buford and opens daily at 11 a.m.
North Georgia hardwoods grill steaks, ribs, and fish; while specialty salads, pasta, and wood-fired pizzas satisfy diverse tastes.
A sampling of the appetizers include Fire and Spice - jalapeno peppers and onions fried and sprinkled with Max pepper dust, served with ranch dressing; or, Georgia Peanut Strips - chicken strips in spicy roasted Georgia peanuts with Korean dipping sauce and udon noodles..
All entrees are served with a house salad, bread, and a choice of baked potato, French fries, rice pilaf, or baked beans.
Max Lager's steaks are premium, hand-cut, aged, Mid-Western grain fed beef including prime rib, the Manhattan steak, filet mignon., BBQ ribs and Madagascar chicken is also available.
Salads on the menu are California Cobb, Buffalo chicken salad, Caesar Max and a San Francisco.
Sandwiches are served with french fries and a pickle and include several burger specials and a Salmon BLT. An Old Chicago - thin sliced prime rib with horseradish sauce; Max fish and chips - Max Brown Ale beer battered cod, served with tartar sauce and malt vinegar;
pita pocket - goat cheese, cucumbers, sprouts, tomatoes, avocado, roasted pepper in an olive vinaigrette; along with wood-fired pizzas, calzones and various pasta dishes are also offered.
Max Lager's offers a range of beers and award-winning master brewer, John Roberts, creates these flavorful and exclusive Max Lager's recipes while attending to the handcrafted brewing process with painstaking detail. His brews include Max Pale, Max Gold, Max Red. Max Scotch, Max Common and Max Oatmeal Stout.
Max Lager's is located at 320 Peachtree Street, 404.525.4400 and at the Mall of Georgia in Buford, 678.541.BREW (2739). For more information you can visit www.maxlagers.com.
Ale House #2 nears
Atlanta restaurant entrepreneurs Steve Buero, Scott Crawford, Chris Segal, Mark Stillman, and Philip Roness: operators of SoHo (1997), Food 101(1999), Mangia 101 (2002) and 10-month-old Meehan's Ale House, have done it again (see page 10). This time it is the August opening of their second Meehan's Ale House in Alpharetta. "Meehan's is a gathering spot for all ages, offering good food, a Cheers-like atmosphere and great value," says Buero.
The 'Boys' of Meehan's Ale House are connected in one way or another, mostly by their Brooklyn backgrounds. But it is their strong friendship, work ethic and creative spirit that has made each restaurant concept a success.
The original Vinings Meehan's Ale House has all the trimmings of a neighborhood New York-style Irish pub. The Alpharetta location, which seats 90 inside and 70 on the patio, will be designed in the same Irish craftsmanship-style giving it the appearance of being aged in its interior with dark wood paneling and hardwood floors. The unit was formally another Irish Pub and changes are being made to make it more customer friendly. "We did our research. The Alpharetta area is neighborhood oriented with a lot of families going out to eat two to three times a week. Meehan's is very value oriented and will fit into this setting nicely," says Buero.
The friendly, upbeat atmosphere of this upscale Irish pub showcases an Irish menu, but with a twist. Scott Crawford, executive chef of Food 101 and Mangia 101, is responsible for the menu at Meehan's as well and will also be the executive chef at the new Alpharetta location. Many of the recipes are from Buero's grandmother, Catherine (Kitty) Meehan. "My grandmother cooked alot. I remember her playing Irish music in her Brooklyn home, which influenced me greatly," says Burero.
The casual, Irish-charmed atmosphere includes comfort food such as beer battered fish & chips ($9), leg of lamb stewed in Guinness ($10) and crispy fried chicken over mixed field greens with bacon and diced eggs ($8). Weekly supper specials include popular grilled bangers on Saturday and Old World pot roast on Sunday. Pair any of these with a nice choice of wine or choose from the 10 varieties of draft beer, ales and lagers hailing from Ireland, England, Scotland, Belgium and the good ol' USA.
The Alpharetta location is at 11130 State Bridge Road and the phone number is 770.475.2468. The Vinings location is 2810 Paces Ferry Road, Vinings Station. The phone number is 770.433.1920 and you can visit www.meehansalehouse.com for more details on each location.
A Tin Roof Monkey Bar
Steve McRay, keyboard player/road warrior, toured with such well-known groups/musicians as .38 Special, Ted Nugent, Atlanta Rhythm Section and Joan Baez during the '70s and '80s. In 1989, he reinvented himself when he formed his own band, Java-Monkey. The band has been successful touring as well as playing regularly at local Atlanta venues. (See page 10)
McRay once again has added another role to his dossier, that of new owner of the Tin Roof Cantina, a club-restaurant-live entertainment spot located in midtown. He took over the seven-year-old business in early July, which had moved from its original Buckhead location to its current Midtown address in February. There is also a Nashville Tin Roof operation under the ownership of Jason and Libby Sheer.
McRay is passionate about music and excited about bringing live music back to midtown. His Java Monkey Band with Michael Bastedo, Marvin Taylor, John Holder and Chucky B, will continue to perform weekly at the club as well as other notable classic cover bands, including Unzipt, Justin, the Mark Lusk Band and Michael Magno performing Monday - Saturday. "The regulars who have been coming to the Tin Roof Cantina know us as an entertainment spot, similar to the House of Blues New Orleans," says McRay. Special guest bands and artists will frequent the club as well. On the calendar later this year is Francine Reed, a solo blues artist and backup singer to country roots rock artist, Lyle Lovette and country music star, Willie Nelson.
In addition to taking in the live tunes patrons can dine on Southwest cuisine from quesadillas, fajitas, burritos and tacos to north-of-the-border favorites, wings, burgers and sandwiches. There are also a couple of pool tables, a large bar and deck (1,200 square feet), offering many options for hanging-out during the evening.
After doing some dancing in front of the large stage, sample from the wide variety of tequilas from Mexico or Tin Roofs signature Margaritas and other specialty drinks at the oversized bar. The club is sandwiched in a neighborhood area with loft apartments and a young vibe. The interior of the Cantina is equally modern with an urban-industrial feel of exposed brick and ceilings.
McRay is in the process of updating the menu and will be bringing on board a well-known chef to fine-tune the food while he focuses on the entertainment. "I want to make Tin Roof Cantina the 'it' nightspot to go for really good music," says McRay.
Looks like McRay is well on his way.
Tin Roof Cantina & Monkey Bar is located at 554-B Piedmont Avenue, 404.876.8882. Hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Friday - Saturday from 5 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. and on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information visit www.tinroofcantina.com.
METRO
ATLANTA • September 2003
Chattahoochee Lodge encompasses 22,000 Sq. Ft.
The Chattahoochee Lodge...A little something
for everyone
Derby Sports Grille...No. 5 opens in Sugar
Hill
Kazoo's...New ownership and renovations have
begun
Xcess Sports Bar club & Grill...Joins the
mix on Marietta Square
contributions by toni m. lublin
& hud report staff writers
The Chattahoochee Lodge, an Entertainment Mecca located outside the perimeter, celebrated its grand opening August 7.
At the Lodge you can dine under the trees or relax while enjoying some of the best local and national acts at the Cavern (the lodge's attached pub) or entertain the family at L'il Hooch, the Pizzeria Wonderland.
The friendly family atmosphere has something for everyone at any age.
The state-of-the-art kitchen serves-up shrimp, lobster, grilled salmon, and crab cakes.
Situated on the corner of Jones Bridge and State Bridge Roads in Alpharetta, The Chattahoochee Lodge, The L'il Hooch and The Cavern at the Lodge encompass 22,000 square feet, which includes a beautiful waterfall, 30 foot-tall trees and wildlife galore.
The Chattahoochee Lodge, 678.366.6162, is open Monday &endash; Sunday from 11am to 10 p.m. For more information website www.chattahoocheelodge.com will be 'coming soon.'
Derby Sports Grille #5
The Derby Sports Grille opened it first unit in 1981 in Norcross under the direction of the late Bill Davidson and his wife Rosemary.
Now, fast-forward to 2003 and welcome the fifth unit to Sugar Hill. This one operated and owned by son, Billy Davidson, along with partners and chef, Yilmaz Aydin and Rosemary Davidson.
With each of the five units opened, the neighborhood-feel of Derby has attracted loyal regulars who frequent the hang-out and catch an NFL Sunday Game or a ESPN College football game. "Just about everyone who comes into a Derby Sports Grille knows everyone else on a first-name basis," says Davidson. Along with the sports draw, Davidson also attributes the popularity of the Sports Grilles to the live entertainment. Artists belting out the Blues to Rock 'n Roll, add to the upbeat atmosphere. Twice a week, trivia and Karaoke round-out the amusements.
The newest unit opened in Sugar Hill in August. "Sugar Hill is a very busy area and has a larger population than Buford or Suwanee," says Davidson. The Sugar hill location has two large screen TVs plus 20 regular-sized TV's along with pool tables and video games.
"We have the best (beef and bison) burgers, huge salads and variety of munchies and appetizers," says Davidson. Blue-plate and veggie specials are also offered from time-to-time. Davidson's recommendations? The Derby wings, from Buffalo and Cajun spice, to honey hot, lemon pepper, signature BBQ, teriyaki and teri hot ($6.96). Derby bison burgers served with chili and cheese ($8) or with Canadian bacon and provolone ($8), and a Derby favorite - the chopped sirloin with mashed potatoes and vegetable of the day ($7.50) are other recommended delights. A Derby Club ($7.75), Philly cheesecake ($7.50), ribeye sandwich ($7.95), hot roast beef ($7.95), French Dip ($7.50), fish & chips ($7.95), fried chicken ($8.25) and the BBQ beef brisket platter rounds out the menu selections. Munchies include Austin Blues rib tips ($6.95), Quesadillas and Poppers.
The newest Derby Sports Grille is located at 5915 Suwanee Dam Road, Sugar Hill, 770.271.4004. Other locations include 7716 Spalding Drive, Norcross, 770.448.2833; 9850 Nesbitt Ferry Road, Alpharetta, 770.642.7988; 1155 Hammond Drive, Perimeter area, 770.396.8808; and 6450 East John's Crossing, Duluth, 770.476.3119. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. from Monday - Saturday and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can visit www.thederby.org for information on all Derby locations.
Kazoo's changes hands
Charlie Hendon, a local real estate developer and BandX have formed a partnership to take Kazoo's nightclub to the next level.
Hendon, Founder of Hendon Properties and Hendon Entertainment, LLC, partnered with BandX, the well-known cover band and the nightclub's exclusive entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, to close the deal. Plans are to add to the existing staff and three members of the band, David Cole, Marcella Richardson and Michael Drennan, are the new partners in the club. Hendon plans to work with the band to create an atmosphere unlike any existing club in Gwinnett County According to Hendon, "I heard the nightclub was for sale and saw an opportunity to build a nightclub in Gwinnett comparable to Midtown starting with an existing infrastructure."
Since assuming ownership, the renovation process has begun and is expected to take more than 2 months, during which, the nightclub will remain open for business. Soon to be completed is a newly added VIP room.
As part of the re-branding strategy, KaZoo's will be renamed and the partners are considering 'theme nights' during the week: Salsa, Swing Dance and possibly even comedy night. In addition, once renovations are complete, the nightclub will be open for special events including corporate holiday parties.
KaZoo's is located at Jimmy Carter Boulevard and I-85 and is currently open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with BandX performing from 9 p.m. until 1:30 a.m., 770.409.1112. For more information please visit www.kazoosatlanta.com.
Xcess on the Square
A new entertainment venue has come to the Marietta Square, and it comes in the form of Xcess (see page 14 for photo).
Xcess Sports Bar Club & Grill is "where food, entertainment, sports, dancing and more come together."
The 10,000 square foot space once housed the Cobb Theatre and has now been fully renovated into four sections that bring Xcess together.
Entering on the sidewalk of North Park Square you'll find outdoor seating for dining under the stars or perhaps appetizers and socializing. Next, you'll step into the open-air full-service bar that opens onto the sidewalk seating you're leaving behind. Beyond the open-air bar is the Main Room, featuring a movie-size projection screen (in its original Cobb Theatre location) most likely tuned to the Braves. This room includes 2 dance floors, a staging area for live bands and 3 fully-stocked bars (one of which is the rooms horseshoe-shaped centerpiece). In the absence of live bands the staging area becomes a third dance floor.
Xcess' next level houses a VIP area that overlooks the dance floor and Club complete with booths and tables for dining if you so desire. Excess' menu boasts more than 'Club' fare. You can enjoy crab & corn fritters, jumbo spiced wings, batter-dipped onion rings, coconut shrimp, sweet Georgia onions with goat cheese & sausage, a club sandwich or venture into one of the following; a grilled chicken quesadilla, black hawk burger with smoked bacon, grilled pineapple-marinated chicken, sea bass, steak, marinated pork loin, shrimp scallops & vidalia onions or the spicy andouille pepper pasta sausage.
Xcess starts the day with the "5 Entree, 5 Dollar, Fast, Affordable, Hot Lunch Buffet" at 11:30 a.m. til 2 p.m. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. with the full menu hosting a variety of entrees including the Negriled chicken sandwich, fresh Scarlet's salad and Sea Biscuit (crab & shrimp with roasted red pepper mayo serve on a toasted buttermilk roll) to the finger lickin' Ozwald's ribs (slip off the bone tender).
On Saturday, September 13, Xcess will be featuring the roadhouse sound of Jim City and the Legends for the 'End of Summer Blastoff' at 9 p.m.
Xcess is located at 105 North Park Square, 770.218.9111. Hours are Monday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 1 a.m. and Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. For more information you can visit www.xcessonthesquare.com.
OCTOBER
• METRO ATLANTA
Clocktower Inn Sports Grille tolls in Marietta
The Clocktower Inn... Sports Grille for the
neighborhood crowd
PrimeTime Grill And Tap... Serving lunch,
dinner and much more
Beale Street Blues... 'Never a cover, always
the blues' at this Marietta spot
Avenue West Cobb... Grand opening Oct. 3 on
Dallas Highway
Metro Notes... Buffalo Wild Wing Cafe,
Technology Center
contributions by toni m. lublin
& hud report staff writers
For Chuck Antignane, being retired was not the paradise he thought it would be. He was bored and was eager to get back to doing what he really loved, owning and operating a sports bars. "I owned three sports grills, including Chuck's Club House, which I sold after 12 years and retired," says Antignane.
With 25 years of experience he was not ready to settle down and play golf everyday. In August, he and two other partners, Greg Such and Gene McKinlay, bought a former fine dining restaurant in Marietta and reopened the space as The Clocktower Inn Sports Grille. Antignane describes the new grille as a neighborhood place, appealing to all sports fanatics from 25 to 65 years of age.
Antignane moved from New Jersey to Atlanta many moons ago and is naturally still a big Yankees fan, which explains the sports paraphernalia that hangs from the walls, as a dedication to his old home team. But, the grill is open to showing all teams and a range of sports on their 12 TVs drawing a big Sunday NFL crowd, Saturday college game loyalists and racecar enthusiasts on Sunday as well.
What separates the new sports bars from others, according to Antignane, "This is a family oriented place, run by the owners, who are always here."
Clocktower's menu is traditional grille food of hot wings, onion rings (thick cut), cheese sticks, mini corn dogs, fires, fried shrimp, chicken tenders and chips & salsa appetizers running $2.95 - $4.95. Soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers will cost you $3.50 - 6.95. Four entrees are offered (served with house salad and garlic bread): ribeye steak, $9.95; N. Y. strip, $10.95; fettuccini Alfredo, $6.25; and penne pasta, $6.
With a seating capacity of 100, game room and ample parking, The Clocktower Inn is providing a place to get away and hang out with friends, which makes Antignane a happy man with a purpose.
The Clocktower Inn (in the Clocktower Village) is located at 999 Whitlock Avenue in Marietta, 770.795.8631. www.clocktowerinn.net will also have more information.
PrimeTime in Alpharetta
PrimeTime Grill and Tap is coming to historic downtown Alpharetta and is due to open in the former Barcelona location.
PrimeTime will serve lunch and dinner, have live entertainment, trivia and karaoke contests with cash prizes and a lot more. Jim Parsons, Kenny Whiten and General Manager Pete Toohey want to change the way Atlanta looks at entertainment on the north side of Atlanta.
Built in 1848, the team has been working to uncover the original brickwork inside of the historic old building on South Main Street. In an 'old meets new' twist, PrimeTime will have a wireless network available free of charge, just bring your laptop and your Wi-Fi card.
In addition to good food, cold beer and a great staff, PrimeTime will be organizing tailgating parties, golf tournaments, softball and more. The trio wants it be a fun place for the whole family. With over 40 TV's, 7 Dart boards and a sound system with the jukebox connected to the internet (playing any MP3 file you want) PrimeTime expects to expand your entertainment choices in Alpharetta. There will also be a huge stage to feature Atlanta's musical talents.
There are 45 imported and domestic beers on the menu.
The full food menu will be available 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily &emdash; limited appetizers available until almost closing time (tentatively midnight Thursday - Sunday, 2 a.m. Friday & Saturday). Wings, spring rolls, quesadillas, nachos, chicken tenders, cheese sticks, onion rings and chips & salsa are but a few of the appetizers to be offered from $3.75 to $7.95. Soups and various salads will range $1.95 to $7.95 for a shrimp Caesar salad. A variety of traditional sandwiches or a build-your-own deli masterpiece will set you back $5.95 to $7.25. Smokie Joe's grill offers up a PrimeTime burger, patty melt, chicken sandwich, bratwurst, jumbo dawg for $5.95 to $7.25. Entrees of smothered ribeye, fish & chips, fried shrimp platter, oven roasted chicken, 1/2 chicken & 1/2 rib, ribs and a pasta-of-the-day will cost you a little more from $8.95 to $14.95. There are also kid's and dessert menus available.
PrimeTime will be located at 29 South Main Street in Alpharetta, 770.360.9595. For progress updates you can visit www.primetimegrillandtap.com.
Beale Street Blues hit Marietta
28-year-old Tara Harner decided to open a bar in Marietta and had to go with her heart.
Originally from Memphis (also pulled a stint as a US Marine), Harner fashioned her new music stop after Memphis' famous Beale Street &emdash; thus, the Beale Street Pub was born, a blues bar where there's "never a cover, always the blues, always great barbeque."
"I grew up in Memphis. All my teenage years were spent there," Harner says, "and everyone knows about Beale Street. I wanted to create the ultimate bar, where, whether you're drinking or working, there's always a good time."
Harner's dream is now a family operation with her husband, Greg, and kids; Shaun 17, Michael 16 and Rachael 12, all help out.
Harner worked to create the atmosphere of Beale Street, "I try to embody what Beale Street is about," she says, "and this really looks like a blues bar. The old time blues bars used to be in old houses like this and my mom (Stacie Padreschi) went down to Beale Street on a four-day shopping spree," she says, "I didn't just want things about Beale, I wanted things from Beale."
Open daily Monday - Saturday (until midnight on weekdays, 2:30 a.m. Fridays & Saturdays) The Beale Street Pub offers a musicians' jam on Thursdays and Friday & Saturday nights, live blues bands play. Harner books jazz, classic rock and blues bands for her bar.
October's lineup includes: HOBO - Blues harmonica & guitar 8:00pm - 11:00pm on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th; Open Blues Jam with The Patrick Vining Band 9 pm - midnight on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th; The Black Sheep 9 pm - 1am on the 3rd; John Michael Rose Band 9 pm - 1am on the 4th; Bones 9 pm - 1am on the 10th, 24th; Atomic Boogie 9 pm - 1am on the 11th; The Larry Griffith Band 9 pm - 1am on the 17th; Men in Blues 9 pm - 1am on the 18th; Bob Willett & The Blues Devils 9 pm - 1am on the 25th; HALLOWEEN BLUES BASH The Patrick Vining Band 9 pm - 1am on the 31st.
The full Beale Pub menu sings of a Memphis influence, "we've even got fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches - Elvis' favorite," says Harner. Munchies range from chips & salsa, chili nachos, Memphis-style fries, hot wings and chicken tenders from $1.95 to $7.50. And sandwiches (served with pickles & baked beans) of BBQ pork, rib tips and grilled Monterey Jack run $3.95 to $6.95. You can also get Brunswick stew or chili served with Texas toast for $3.95.
"My bottom is here, but my heart is on Beale Street," Harner says.
The Beale Street Pub is at 188 Garrison Road in Marietta. Visit www.beale streetpub.com for more information.
Avenue #3 opens in W. Cobb
An outdoor pedestrian-friendly setting featuring shopping, dining and pampering, The Avenue West Cobb is a retail concept designed for the consumer that wants "mall shopping" without the hassle. With an opening as grand as the more than 40 shops that create it, The Avenue West Cobb will officially open on Friday, October 3rd 3625 Dallas Highway (SR 120) at Due West Road in Marietta (Cobb County).
In a show of appreciation for the early birds, the first 200 shoppers to arrive at the ribbon cutting on Friday morning at 10 a.m. will each receive a free gift box containing several Avenue surprises. The celebration continues Saturday and Sunday as Avenue visitors can enjoy live gospel, jazz and rock bands while weaving through the array of talented magicians, stilt walkers, face painters, balloon artists and unicycling jugglers. Kids, be sure not to miss popular children's bands, The Bugaboos and the Inflatable Zoo!
The Avenue West Cobb is the third Avenue project in Atlanta, following The Avenue East Cobb, which opened in August 1999 and The Avenue Peachtree City, which opened in May 2001. Other merchants and eateries slated to open after the Grand Opening weekend include: Ted's Montana Grill, The Beaded Lizard, LensCrafters, Aspen's Signature Steaks, Theo's Bros. Bakery, and Romano's Macaroni Grill. For more information, visit www.theavenuewest cobb.com or call 678.594.6738.
A Hero among us...
Kudos to Bartender Merritt Graham. Recently, a patron of Esposito's Tavern was 'dancing the night away' when he suffered a massive heart attack. Graham came to his rescue organizing a volunteer team that performed CPR until an emergency team could arrive. After remaining in a coma for several days and undergoing multiple by-pass surgery, the customer will soon be 'back on his feet' thanks to Graham who was 'quick on hers.'... Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar is one of the Top 10 Fastest-Growing Restaurant Chains in the country. Co-owner Kerry Ringham, is hoping to bring the concept to Marietta at 125 Barrett Parkway in the near future. Buffalo's is also a sports bar, complete with a full menu featuring everything from salads to appetizers to burgers, and a variety of specialty items. All served in a relaxed atmosphere where customers can play trivia on the NTN system and watch their favorite games on one of many big-screen TVs... GA Tech's new Technology Square, which houses Tech's business school, the DuPree College of Mgmt and the GA Tech Hotel, has added Houston-based Marble Slab Creamery (Atlanta's 9th location), Moe's Southwest Grill (with Great Wraps opening later), a second St. Charles Deli, Tin Drum Asian Cafe and Fifth Street Ribs & Blues (see page 10 for photo)... Jocks & Jills Medlock Bridge location has relocated to 5725 State Bridge Road in what's being touted as a space among the largest sports bars in Georgia.
Attention and detail given to new Norcross spot
Asiago... Northern Italian cuisine bound
for Norcross
Botero Bistro Cafe... Fusion of Mexican,
Colombian, Italian & American
Mangrove Alley... Little Five Points adds
Caribbean & Cajun flavors
Nat & Norm's Island Cuisine... A taste of
the Islands for Kennesaw
Paradise Grille... Key West-style tropical
grille opens in Marietta
contributions by toni m. lublin
& hud report staff writers
Philip Duncan likes to refer to his new northern Italian cuisine restaurant Asiago, as "inviting, affordable and offering a level of service that sets them apart." He and his partners Jill Falor and Todd Burchette have all worked in the business for a number of years and have put a lot of attention to detail into their first venture together. They plan to open Asiago the first week of November.
Many of the recipes are handed down from Jill's grandmother, serving simple Italian dishes such as pasta with a selection of four sauces (8.95), thin crust pizza ($6.95 - $10.95), Italiano sotto (subs) to meaty baked lasagna, manicotti and ziti. Along with the reasonable prices, the portions are going to be very generous according to Duncan.
A large selection of antipasto will include; crab stuffed mushrooms, spinach-artichoke dip and stuffed mussels. Salads will also be served Italian-style; calamari salad, mozzarella caprese and Asiago's Easter salad (mandarin oranges, grapes and walnuts on a bed of fresh greens) topped with homemade Easter dressing, are just a few.
Table candles and faux painted walls, will give a warm comfortable atmosphere with an Olde World Italian feel. A wine list, which will offer good selections at reasonable prices and a full bar will also be available. "It is important to us that our customers feel comfortable and have a good experience at Asiago. Because we are not a chain our approach to service starts in a very personable way. We have put a lot of energy into the start up and are proud of what has been accomplished. The hope is, that our customers enjoy the results as well," says Duncan.
Asiago will be located at 5260 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross, 770.447.9958. Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Botero Bistro is fusion
Botero Bistro Cafe is not your traditional sidewalk bistro. In fact, it is a fusion of Mexican, Colombian, Italian and American fare set in a bistro atmosphere. For owners Alonzo Bayona and Ciolo Ocampo, who opened their cafe in early September, their focus was to capture the inexpensive prices of a bistro environment with the no frills-style, but with good, hearty food.
Tables are covered with red and white-checked cotton cloths, typical bistro style. To create a cozy atmosphere, a library is available for patrons to choose a book while waiting to be seated or while dining. Traditional Mexican and American tunes create atmosphere.
"We are a team who work hard to satisfy our customers," says Colombian born Bayona. His 17-year experience in Italian restaurants and native background influenced his menu selections. "Colombian food is not spicy, where as Mexican food is spicy and has more colors with the beans and rice," says Bayona. Entrees include a range of Italian pasta dishes, chicken marsala and shrimp scampi. Sauces are made fresh daily. Typical American burgers and traditional Mexican fare can also be found at Botero Bistro Cafe.
Botero Bistro Cafe is located at 757 West Pike Street in Lawrenceville, 770.995.4225. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday & Saturday.
Mangrove's in the alley
Little Five Points, the Haight-Ashbury area of Atlanta, has a bevy of edgy retail stores and some interesting new restaurants. Recently opened Mangrove Alley is a cozy dining spot that offers Caribbean and Cajun flavors, along with a range of vegetarian specialties.
The owners, Roger Langbecker and Eric Kornder, opened their new digs in what was once an alley which dates back to 1906, the space was converted into a restaurant many years ago. The old brick walls and original terra-cotta tiles remain a fixture.
"We are the best place to come to if you enjoy blackened snapper," says Langbecker. He left his job in construction to return to his love of the restaurant business, where he had previously worked for many years. His construction skills came in handy when overseeing the face-lift of their new business. Kornder had worked at the Euclid Ave Yacht Club for 12 years before deciding to go out on his own.
In addition to fresh grilled and blackened fish, the menu offers a range of vegetarian entrees including patties and chili. The space is artsy and lends itself to a gallery atmosphere with its high ceilings and natural lighting. Langbecker has taken advantage of that aspect and highlights local artwork on the brick walls, which is offered for sale. Mahogany finished tables seat up to 100.
Mangrove Alley is located at 1156 Euclid Avenue, 404.589.9400. Hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. On Sunday hours are 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nat & Norm's debuts
The Kennesaw area has recently become home to its first Jamaican restaurant, Nat & Norm's Island Cuisine. Owners Natalie and Norm Bartley wanted to create a haven to share their Caribbean flavors with the Kennesaw community.
According to Natalie, "There are a lot of fast food restaurants; Mexican, Italian and American in the area, but we could not find a Jamaican restaurant without traveling to Marietta or Stone Mountain."
The Jamaican menu includes jerk chicken ($6.50), curry goat ($6.50) and oxtail ($9.95) among many other traditional dishes, all served with two side orders. Sides include fried plantain, steamed cabbage and macaroni & cheese.
From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. lunch specials ($4.99 - $7.95) are offered. On Saturdays you can have a Jamaican breakfast or choose from salt mackerel ($6.50), ackee & salt fish with fried or boiled dumplings ($9.50) and Cornmeal Porridge.
The interior has an island feel with daisy yellow walls, plants and tiled white floors. Traditional Jamaican music surrounds the customers as they dine. In the bar area guests can watch a game while they dine or hang out with friends. "We have really created a very comfortable vibe, that everyone can enjoy," says Natalie.
Nat & Norm's Island Cuisine is located at 3600 Cherokee Street at the Kennesaw Promenade Plaza, 770.514.5114. Delivery is available in the area. Hours are Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Paradise Grille opens
"We are a 2-in-1 with a sports bar on one side and a restaurant with tropical theme on the other," says Jeff Hurt, owner of the recently opened Paradise Grille.
Although customers can freely walk from one area to the other, Hurt has designed the space so that customers wanting to just frequent the sports bar have their own entrance and exit, as do the restaurant customers.
Growing up in Key West, Florida, Hurt considers himself a true 'Parrot Head.' Serving American cuisine with a coastal flair he has stayed true to his roots. Starters include Paradise artichoke-spinach dip ($5.95) and Cajun garlic shrimp sauteed in spicy garlic served over Cuban bread ($5.95). Various salad combinations also hint to a Key West influence such as the coastal salad, a mix of greens, topped with Swiss & cheddar cheese, boiled eggs, avocado, artichoke hearts, raisins and mushrooms ($8.95). Entrees can be all-American with a New York strip ($15.95) to vodka-lime shrimp and scallops pasta ($11.95). Don't miss the bourbon glazed salmon sauteed in 'Jack's' special sauce and served on rice ($11.95).
Live entertainment is also on the agenda. Hurt has plans to bring in A1A Buffet, a well-known cover band, once the football season winds down. For right now the sports bar area is cranking, showcasing NFL Sunday Games and ESPN College football games.
Located in the Highland Plaza Shopping Center, Paradise Grille is located at 3605 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, 770.579.6226. Hours are Monday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
METRO
ATLANTA - December 2003/Claris%20Home%20Page%203.0%202003/February%20'06/art_arrowl.gif)
Ifidon's offers updates on American classics
Ifidon's Kitchen... Opens in the Mansell
Village Shopping Center
Mouth Of The South... Southern-style comfort
food with a Cajun twist
Landmark Diner... Opening #2 in Fairlie-Poplar
district
The Angel... Derek-Lawford Pubs expands into
Decatur
BlackIron Steakhouse... Takes over former
Lisbon Manor location
M & B... Lively cuisine served in
Decatur
contributions by toni m. lublin
& hud report staff writers
"Consistency is the most important ingredient in running a restaurant," says owner/chef David Ifidon. With the November opening of his new American cuisine restaurant, Ifidon's Kitchen, Ifidon offers his patrons his special blend of experience and know-how. His 18 years of culinary experience from such well-known restaurants as C'est Bon, The Peasant Restaurants and Planet Hollywood, have all been instrumental in honing his culinary craft.
Chef Ifidon has developed a menu that offers fresh flavorful updates to American classic dishes. Take for example the Cajun chicken pasta entree with roasted shrimp and scallops pasta, sauteed and tossed with angel hair and a champagne cream sauce.
Chef specials include seared salmon served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables; crab cakes and whole sizzling catfish. Organic and salmon salads are also offered. Homemade desserts include banana bread pudding, "we are a scratch kitchen, everything will be made in house," says Ifidon.
The 3,000 square foot layout of the restaurant includes an open kitchen with seats to observe the chef at work. Stainless steel fixtures, high ceilings and black granite tables offer a contemporary feel. Ifidon says, "My restaurant has a casual atmosphere, a place where you come in and receive great service, hot food and consistency every time you come back."
Ifidon's is located at 580 East Crossville Road (in the Mansell Village Shopping Center), 678.461.8877. Hours are Monday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mouth of the South
Inspired by old family recipes, happy memories of his childhood growing up on the banks of the Bayou Courtableau in Louisiana and watching his grandmother cook, co-owner Ron Colligan had an idea to open a family-style restaurant. That restaurant, Mouth of the South in Roswell, officially opens on December 10th.
Colligan a real estate broker for five years, decided to go back to his passion, being in the restaurant business. He had previously operated another restaurant in Louisiana for nine years.
Mouth of the South offers southern-style comfort food with a Cajun flair. Colligan and his wife/co-owner, Randi Krasnoff, developed a simple menu, but one which has lots of appeal. Entree items can be grilled or fried and include catfish filet ($9.95 - $10.95), chicken breast filet ($10.95 - $11.95), Cajun shrimp ($12.95 - $13.95), crab claws, crawfish tails ($13.95) and ground sirloin steak ($10.95). All entrees are served with southern fries or baked potatoes, pickled onions, skillet cornbread, gourmet coleslaw and hushpuppies.
"As the first grandson, my grandmother took me under her wing and taught me how to make southern comfort food," says Colligan. He even went a step further developing his own seasonings. All the sides are made from scratch, including kettle squash, fried onion rings, gourmet coleslaw and fried dill pickles. For parties of four or more, entrees are served family-style.
Randi was instrumental in developing the interior details. The bar area is wrapped in cypress and covered with a corrugated tin roof. Using a similar theme in the main dining area, the walls are made from raw cypress and overlapping wood siding, creating a rustic effect. The floors are concrete and stained to look like old time brick. Picnic-style tables add to the casual family-style environment.
Colligan's next unit is already in the making, "Our plan is to open in Ashville, North Carolina next and to franchise the concept by 2005."
Mouth of the South is located at 10800 Alpharetta Highway in Roswell (in the Roswell Market Place Shopping Center), 770.650.1365. Hours are from Monday - Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Landmark Diner
Tommy Lambrou, owner of the well-known Landmark Diner in Buckhead, waited ten years to open another diner in Atlanta. He wanted to find the right location and be able to design a diner that people would remember and come back to again-and-again. Lambrou has been in the diner business for 25 years with his family, moving his business from the northeast to Atlanta about ten years ago.
In early December his long awaited dream diner will open, located in the downtown historic Fairlie-Poplar district. Lambrou's diner is located in a relatively new mid-rise building, which is part of Georgia State University. The bottom floor of the building is dedicated to retail space and the Landmark Diner. Conveniently located directly across the street, is the Rialto center for the performing arts.
The Design Destination Group worked on the restaurant project turning the space into a retro modern diner, mixed with industrial design elements. Lambrou is very pleased with the final results. "This is nothing like our first diner. It is a modern diner, but still has retro details," says Lambrou.
The 5,000 square foot space will seat 150 in classic gray vinyl upholstered booth seating, as well as an 18-foot curvy counter and table seating. A wide expo kitchen has been incorporated into the floor plan. The interior color scheme is upbeat with orange and lime sherbet creating a colorful backdrop for the use of clear acrylic chairs and marble grayish-white walls. Original art by James Hynes, a postmodern artist, decorates the walls.
On the menu will be Landmark Diner favorites such as filet kabobs ($11.95), Reubens ($7.95), fried grouper ($6.95) and other classics such as fried chicken, pot roast, blackened seafood and bagel and lox. The menu was designed with the neighborhood in mine, which includes college students, professionals and other urban loft residents.
The new Landmark Diner is located at 60 Luckie Street, 404.659.1756. The diner is open 24 hours a day Sunday - Thursday and up to 2 a.m. on Friday - Saturday.
The Angel appears
"A pub does not work as solely a destination place, it needs to be made part of the your lifestyle and the community," says Steven Welch, a partner in Derek Lawford Pubs. Welch and his partner, Keith Washington, have opened five pub locations over the last 11 years in metropolitan Atlanta. "Our customers frequent our pubs four to five times a week to meet, read the paper, have a birthday celebration or dine before the Opera. No one feels out of place, because it's like a community center," says Welch.
Welch and Washington began in 1992 with The Prince of Wales located in Midtown. It was quickly followed by The Rose and Crown in Buckhead 1993, The Fox and Hounds in 1995 on Collier Road, Hand in Hand in the Virginia Highlands in 2000 and most recently, The Angel in Decatur in 2003. A sixth unit on North Avenue in Midtown will open in the old Firehouse #11 building in early spring 2004 under the name The Spotted Dog. Each pub has a distinctive hand painted sign, which are all made in England.
As Decatur has become a hotspot of new restaurants and retailers, The Angel's arrival was a welcome addition, creating a friendly, casual spot to stop after work, a bike ride or shopping. The building is historic. With its high ceilings and walls of stonework and brick, it feels spacious but still cozy. Although the woodwork on the booths and dark red velvet tucked benches are authentically English style, each pub has a menu to meet the tastes of the community. "We strive to be stylistically an English Pub, but don't staff it with English people. We want to be a real pub, for a real community," says Welch.
At The Angel the menu offers a gourmet twist on typical English pub fare, not your typical pub grub. For starters, try the aromatic gazpacho with grilled shrimp ($7.95), which combines carrots, tomatoes, peppers, purple onion, shrimp and a dollop of salsa. The soup portion was generous enough to serve two. Other starters include steamed mussels, roasted marrowbones and woodsmoked salmon ($5.25-$9.95).
Entrees include a very crispy Fish & Chips entree served with chips or on a bed of coleslaw and jalapeno tartar sauce ($9.95). Generous sized grilled Brit Burgers using Angus beef and topped with caramelized onions, Stilton cheese and crispy bacon ($8.95) and a large (10 ounce) grilled New York strip which is well seasoned and served with maitre 'd butter and chips ($15.95). Other selections include curried lamb roast ($14.95) and seared tuna nicoise ($13.95). Save room for the apple crumble ($4.95), which is delicious!
The Angel is located at 426 West Ponce De Leon, 404.687.5299. For all locations and hours, visit www.dereklawfordpubs.com
BlackIron opens
The BlackIron Steakhouse serves up hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood delivered daily. Owners Jose and Helena Pereria opened their casual fine dining restaurant on October 27, 2003 in Dunwoody in the former Lisbon Manor location.
With so many steak restaurants to choose from, The BlackIron sets themselves apart with their special in-house made seasonings that add flavor to their meats and homemade dressings for the salads. "We serve choice steak, using a secret cooking technique we have perfected that make them taste great," says Jon Gatewood, general manager of the restaurant. The hand forged steaks range from $18.95 to $22.95. The entrees include a house salad and choice of side. Salad lovers, who still want a steak tease, can try the steak tip salad ($9.95) which offers a sampling of steak mixed with greens, bleu cheese, bacon, shaved red onions, served with homemade ranch dressing and steak sauce.
Seafood is also a specialty of The BlackIron. In addition to the nightly fresh fish, such as grilled Florida grouper, seared Carolina trout and grilled Atlantic salmon, the restaurant serves two specials weekly, such as Wahoo, "we bring in the whole fish and fillet it fresh the day we are going to serve it," says Gatewood.
The business casual, kid-friendly, neighborhood restaurant is informal and cozy. Seating for 160 patrons in mostly booth-type seating arrangements. A full bar seats 14 at the bar and another 25 in the area surrounding it.
The BlackIron Steakhouse is located at 2090 Dunwoody Club Drive. 770.393.0054. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday and from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
M & B cuisine
A new Ethiopian restaurant called M & B has opened in Decatur. It is owned by Melak Bishaw and is his first restaurant, although he has worked in the business for many years.
As Melak explains, "Ethiopian food is spicy, but we can make it any way you like." The dinner menu offers a range of traditional dishes, including Tibs-lamb ($9) which is a spicy dish prepared with red and green peppers and sausage. Also very popular is Ethiopian-style steak ($9), prepared with a butter sauce and chili powder. Another, beef gord-gord is prepared with onions and hot pepper ($9). Lunch entrees are all $7 and all dishes are made fresh to order.
Melak brings in Ethiopian entertainers, both solo and bands. "People love to come here and dance. It's a very lively place," says Melak. The restaurant has a full bar and seats up to 100 patrons.
M & B is located at 2891 East Ponce de Leon in Decatur, 404.371.9913. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday - Sunday.