January 2002 - June 2002
Back To Metro Page •Adam's Ribs •Azel •Bogart's Meeting Place •Burger Joe's •Cafe de Paris •Cafe Mystique •Carl's Cafe •Carolyn's Gourmet Cafe •City Park Grill •Comeaux's Cajun Restaurant •Cozymel's •Deli Arepas •Fresh Mexi-Cali Grill •Fuego Cafe •Gilly's •Jimmy Mac's •Johnny's Pizza •Johnny's Side Door •Levi's Key West Fishhouse •Madison Grill •Magnolia Bistro •McKinnon's Louisiane •Melting Pot •Newtown Diner •Noodle #2 •Padriacs •Paschal's •Rendezvous •Reventon Bar & Grill •Sal's Fishhouse •Sangria Tapas •Savories Bistro •Sidelines Grille •Six Feet Under •Summits Wayside Tavern •Ted's Montana Grill •Thai Chili •Tijuana Joe's •Veggies To Go •Willi's Mexicana Grill •Wings Landing Pub •Zackie's BBQ Back To Home Page		METRO ATLANTA • June 2002 Luna's latest venture has arrived Cafe Mystique.....Newest hot spot opens in Peachtree Cafe location Johnny's Side Door.....Esposito Sr. to open new place in Buckhead Bogart's Meeting Place....Tapping into the fun in Marietta City Park Grill.... Family-oriented restaurant in Dunwoody Jimmy Mac's.....Comfort food in a neighborhood place by toni m. lublin Paul Luna and Marco Bracci are partners in the recently opened Cafe Mystique in Buckhead, a new hot spot for the young and beautiful to meet, eat light and have a good time. Luna formally owned Eclipse du Luna, Luna Ci and Loca Luna. Bracci was formally with the Peachtree Cafe and the two have teamed to showcase their newest dining idea in the same former Peachtree Cafe location on East Paces Ferry. The concept of Cafe Mystique is based around the sharing of food and offers three price set menus. Each credenza of tapas as they are referred to, is served on a three-tiered metal credenza-serving piece, which is brought to the table upon selection of your entrees. The Italian Mediterranean fare is a combination of light mini dishes which makes it fun to try different entrees. In the first set price group which serves two for $19, you select three dishes from a range of nine. Tapas selections include Marinated beef tenderloin skewer, Florida Shrimp with braised leek and feta cheese, seared Sashimi tuna with shaved fennel and cilantro oil. In the second selection menu, which also serves two for $29, choices include an antipasto plate, saffron risotto with crispy Italian sausage and pan seared Norwegian salmon. The last group, which serves two, for $33 includes choices such as hearts of palm and cherry tomatoes, tagliolini frutti di mare with scallops, shrimps and mussels and braised pork ribs with balsamic vinegar and fresh mint. Bracci, who was born in Rome and has an English-Italian accent, describes the interior of the restaurant as having a "very sexy-feminine atmosphere," with a wall of candles that separates the bar from the main dining room. Two private rooms, which can accommodate 10 and 35 people, are available for booking. The small intimate booths in the main dining area and large lounge area create a cozy atmosphere, according to Bracci. The 5,000 square-foot restaurant seats 140 and has available patio seating upstairs and downstairs. Entertainment includes live bands on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a mix of music from Latin to Jazz. Cafe Mystique is located at 268 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead. Reservations are not necessary. All major credit cards are accepted. Dress is business casual. The phone number is 404.949.9145. Side Door due soon Johnny Esposito, Sr. is a legend when it comes to the nightclub business. Operating 20 nightclubs for the last 40 years in Coco Beach, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia, Esposito officially "retired" three years ago. That was until his good friends Tommy and Lynn Lambrou, owners of The Landmark Diner, convinced him to open and run a nightclub connected to their famous diner. "I have been coming to the Landmark Diner for breakfast everyday for the last five years. Tommy Lambrou has been asking me for a long time to look at his banquet room and think about converting it to a nightclub spot. I finally gave in to his requests and told him I was ready to do it," says Esposito. Johnny's Side Door will open in early June. Located in an adjacent room connected to the diner, the club will accommodate 70 people and an outside deck will hold 40. The concept is to draw an age group of 35 and up with dancing, DJ tunes, cocktails and a broad menu selection supported by the diner. According to Esposito, the joint will be a neighborhood attraction, nothing too fancy, just a place to hang out and have a good time. Herbie Heisnner, who designed many of Esposito's clubs is doing the interior of Johnny's Side door and is planning a large mural of New York City. Johnny's Side Door will be located at 3652 Roswell Road in Buckhead. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, from 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 a.m. and Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. The phone number is 404.844.0408. Bogart's Place planned Norman Kops, owner of Bogart's Meeting Place, which will be opening in mid-June, is tapping into the fun factor. "We will have twenty-five TV's, a game room with fifteen interactive games, for both little and big kids, plus sports trivia, Trivial Pursuit and live entertainment three to four nights a week," says Kops. Along with the entertainment packed environment, Bogart's will serve American fare, including hot deli favorites, cold sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs. Eight classic entree items including, New York strip for $15.99, breast of chicken for $8.99, catch-of-the-day and Roast Turkey for $8.99, add a step-up choice in fare from your typical sports bar grub. Appetizers range from $4.99 to $6.99 and offer nachos, potato skins, Bogart's famous spinach dip and wings, just to name a few. Kops would like to set his digs apart from other sports bars by offering premium quality food. Most of his entrees are made from scratch. Other niceties are fresh cut fries and hamburger patties and are hand-shaped and made fresh to-order. Appealing to families during the dinner hours and a younger crowd in the evening, Kops expects to draw a neighborhood crowd. There will be continuous movies of Bogart classics for those movie buffs that can't get enough. The sports bar will seat 160, or you can choose to sit on the outdoor patio which seats 40. The walls are decorated with sports paraphernalia and Humphrey Bogart movie advertisements. Bogart's is located at 736 Johnson's Ferry Road in Marietta. The hours of operation are Monday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. A Sunday Jazz brunch is also being planned. The phone number is 770.971.2212. City Park Grill sizzles The City Park Grill is a casual, family-oriented restaurant which offers value-oriented meals that range from American and Italian to Mediterranean fare and was opened by the Liakakos' family in Dunwoody. "My father Gus works the back of the house with our Chef and Tony Kalontinis and I work the front of the house," says James Liakakos. The 4,600 square-foot restaurant seats 200. It is decorated in a warm, inviting manner which pays homage to the parks and cities of America. A six foot etched glass wall that separates the bar from the dining room highlights major cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago and of course, Atlanta. On another wall hangs a large canvas oil painting of popular parks, including Piedmont Park. To complement the Americana memorabilia, a variety of global cuisines are offered. On the American selection are classic steaks, prepared chargrilled or pan seared from a 16 oz. portabella chopped sirloin for $9.95 to a pan seared 9 oz. filet mignon for $16.95. Market fresh seafood is shipped to the restaurant six times a week. The menu always offers two fresh fish items, "We have a strong emphasis on seafood, prepared very simple with extra virgin olive oil and lemon," says Liakakos. Varieties include Alaskan halibut, Mediterranean swordfish, Gulf grouper, filet of flounder and salmon. The Mediterranean fare offers classics such as baked moussaka, spanakopita and pastichio, which is baked layers of fresh ground sauteed meat ragu layered with Greek macaroni noodle and topped with a bechamel sauce. The three entrees are priced at $9.95. The Italian features include chicken marasala, parmigiana and grilled chicken, which range from $12.25 - $13.95. In addition to the daily dining menu and features, the City Grill offers a super value Sunset Feature Menu where fourteen of the most popular entrees are offered at $8.95. This includes a cup of homemade soup. Entrees include a chargrilled chopped sirloin served with red skin mashed potato and vegetables and lamb youvesti, which is a lamb shank served over a plantation of baked orzo and fresh tomatoes and chicken oreganato. The Sunset Feature menu is offered seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you are an early riser The City Park Grill also has an extensive sit-down breakfast menu served on Saturday, Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The City Park Grill is located at 2090 Dunwoody Club Drive. The hours of operation are Monday - Friday lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday, breakfast, lunch and dinner from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are suggested for parties over five. The phone number is 770.390.0151. Jimmy Mac's to open "The area needed an alternative neighborhood place that offered good comfort food," says Steve Hink, a partner of Jimmy Mac's restaurant, which is scheduled to open in early June in Marietta. Hink and partner, Jim McIntosh, both have extensive restaurant experience. Hink was an executive with the Folks chain for twenty-seven years and McIntosh has been in the bar business for many years himself. The partners opened their first Jimmy Mac's four years ago on Canton Road. The focus of that restaurant is more on the bar scene. The second location will have more of an emphasis on food. "The decor reminds me of a hunt club. We used lots of wood, dark green colors and have a very open space," says Hink. The 4,000 square-foot space seats 156 people and features 9-foot ceilings. Booth and table seating is available in the main dining room. At the full bar, high-topped tables along with sixty-two seats surround the lounge area. "We expect to attract a more family-oriented crowd during dinner hour and in the evenings a younger set," says Hink. Entertainment will include Jazz and Blues several nights a week. Hink feels the combination of good comfort food and entertainment will be a strong draw for the local community. Menu items will include classics such as grilled or stuffed pork chops, New York strip, pan fried trout and meat loaf. Jimmy Mac's is located in Marietta at 2940 Johnson Ferry Road. The hours of operation are Monday - Thursday 11 a.m to 1 a.m. and Friday - Saturday 11 a.m to 2 a.m. On Sundays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Reservation are not necessary. The phone number is 678.352.9595. MAY 2002 South American fast food arrives Deli-Arepas..... South American fast food arrives Gilly's..... Neighborhood restaurant on Dunwoody Park Tijuana Joe's..... Opens 5th Atlanta location Veggies To Go..... Third location planned for Alpharetta Sal's Fishouse..... Simple seafood with an Italian flair Paschal's..... 55-year-old tradition opens on Northside Drive Rendezvous..... Updating a northside favorite by toni m. lublin Ramon Arocha speaks passionately about his new venture, Deli-Arepas (Delicious-Sandwich), a South American fast food restaurant. Arocha and partner, Carlos Mata, were former college roommates. They both are excited about introducing Atlantan's to the Arepa, a featured sandwich, which according to Arocha is currently not available at any fast food businesses here. The opening date is planned for early June. The Arepa, a popular sandwich from South America, is made out of white cornmeal, grilled flat and filled with a choice of chicken, beef, fish, pork and white cheese. The outside is hot and the filling can be hot or cold. "It looks like a doughnut without the hole, similar in thickness to an English muffin and very delicious," says Arocha. Arocha was born in Venezuela. He has worked at the Tavern at Phipp's Plaza as a bartender for the past nine years, saving to open his own venture. Searching for the right location took almost a year. The final choice is in a new strip center on Roswell Road in the spot Good Ol' Days stood for many years. Arocha feels the fast food setting is perfect for the heavily trafficked street. He would like to appeal to the general public and expose people to the Arepa along with other healthy alternatives. The atmosphere at Deli-Arepas will be casual and decorated in true Spanish style using dark wood, tile and faux painted walls, the space will be inviting and comfortable. The service is counter only. Once requesting your sandwich, you select the fillings and it is made fresh on the spot. Other sandwiches include the Empanadas, which are made out of white cornmeal; Cuban sandwiches with grilled pork, ham and Swiss cheese, served on toasted Cuban bread; salads and soups. Arocha points out that the cornmeal is fat free. Grilled chicken, chef and Caesar salads are also made fresh to order. Homemade sauces for the sandwiches are green, red and white. The average check for a drink and sandwich is expected to be $6 per person for both lunch and dinner. Popular coffees from South America include Cafe Con Leche, which is half milk and half coffee, Marron that has more coffee than milk and Cafe Tinto a black coffee that's very strong. Popular Venezuelan beers such as Polar and five other varieties will be served along with Sangria. Deli-Arepas will be located at 5841 Roswell Road. Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday and closed on Sundays. Later in the year the plan is to stay open until 2 a.m. and to serve on Sundays. Gilly's 'hippo' The signature sandwich at Gilly's is "the hippo." an oversized sandwich piled high with fresh deluxe premium meats, cheeses, sassy sauces and tasty extras such as lettuce, tomatoes and olives. The result, you have a Hippo of a sandwich. "Everyone seems to love the Hippo, one of most popular menu items," says Gilly's owner, Jim Gilmore. Gilly's is a neighborhood restaurant, which was recently taken over by Gilmore, a former corporate executive. He prefers standing behind the counter making sandwiches as opposed to sitting behind a desk. According to Gilmore, Gilly's is an energy packed environment. "Our bartenders are the wildest, craziest bunch in town and do a lot for keeping the place humming." Gilly's is a place to hang out, whether you are a young professional in your late 20's, 30's or 40's, the atmosphere offers a good time for everyone. The 4,000 square foot restaurant seats 90 and has an established clientele, but Gilmore is adding to the entertainment to attract new customers as well. A dance floor and pool table are planned for the near future. Although the twenty-four TV's do come in handy during sporting events, don't misconstrue this as a sports bar. The menu offers a range of southern-style favorites. Daily specials include Pot Roast just like moms, plus spaghetti and meatballs. Starters such as chicken tenders, potato skins and shrimp-on-a-skewer range from $3.95 to $7.95. Entrees range from $8.95 for a chopped steak to $14.95 for a 16 oz. T-bone steak. A choice of five salads include the fried chicken, gooch's platter, and 8 oz. beef patty with a side salad for $6.95 or a house special salad for $5.95. The Hippo is offered on a choice of five different breads. Premium meats include Virginia baked ham, maple glazed smoked ham, two types of turkey breast, Pastrami, roast beef and corned beef brisket. Gilly's is located at 4343 Dunwoody Park. The phone number is 770.817.2789. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 a.m., Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. and on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Tijuana Joe's #5 The owners of Tijuana Joe's, the Salazar family and Jimmy Rivera, opened their fifth location in Atlanta on Roswell Road, April 10th. The new location will continue with the same successful concept of offering a bevy of Mexican dishes along with a touch of South American cuisine. The Salazar family has been in the restaurant business for 16 years. Rivera, co-owner and acting vice president of operations is related to the third generation Salazar family. The family roots are from Colombia, Portugal and South American descent. Entertainment planned for the new location includes live music. Currently there is Brazilian Samba music on Thursdays, Latin Jazz on Tuesday and all-American on Friday and Saturday nights. A tango night is in the works. The owners are eventually planning on staying open later than the other locations, due to the location drawing a large young crowd from the Sandy Springs and Buckhead area. On draft are sixteen varieties of beer from Guinness to Mexican beers such as Dos Equis. Tijuana Joe's award winning Margarita's are a house signature recipe. There is an outdoor patio, which has 50 tables and indoors seating for up to 180. The authentic furniture reflects Mexican and South American materials and colors. Lunch entrees range from $4.95 to $12.50 and dinner entrees range from $6.95 - $12.50. Dinner items include South American inspired Uruguayan steak; called Churrasco Uraguayo for $9.25, a tasty steak grilled and served with sides. A Mexican favorite at Tijuana Joes's is the super chicken, which is a grilled marinated boneless breast topped with a slice of pineapple and offered with rice, beans and salad, for $8.25. Fish entrees include Mahi-Mahi, a grilled filet seasoned with a mango sauce and served with sweet plantains and rice for $9.25. Appetizers selections include nachos, salsas and dips from cheese, bean, spinach and layer bean dip, which combines three layers of salsa, mild beans, green onions, tomatoes and shredded cheese for $4.95. Quesadillas are filled with almost everything you can imagine and range from $2.75 to $5.75. Tijuana Joe's newest spot is located at 7870 Roswell Road. The phone number is 770.817.5617. The hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Friday - Saturday from 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. All major credit cards are accepted. Veggies to Go "My husband, Chip and I noticed that Atlanta had a lack of home-style food in the area," says Kathy Morrison, wife and co-owner of Veggies to Go. The concept offering Southern home-cooked recipes passed down the Morrison family tree, in a friendly, causal-oriented atmosphere has caught the attention of folks in North Fulton county. The team opened their first Veggies to Go on Roswell Road in 2000 and a second location last year on Holcomb Bridge Road. A third location is opening in Alpharetta in August. There has been such a positive reaction to the concept that the Morrison's are in the process of discussing franchising to other operators in Atlanta and beyond. Veggies to Go, offers 12 fresh-cooked veggies from special family Morrison recipes, using unique cooking techniques passed down by his relatives, B. B. and Blanche. In addition 8 varieties of meats and a southern-fried catfish round-out the Southern selections. The menu offers a variety of Southern favorites and combination choices. "We cater to a wide variety of people who are looking for comfort food and who also do not have the time to cook," says Kathy Morrison. All meat and veggie combos include a choice of one meat and two veggies plus fresh cornbread, which is $6.99. A one-veggie and one-meat selection is $5.95. Meat selections include Deep South pork chops, honey roasted ham, B.B.'s famous country-fried steak. Veggies include sweet potato souffle, fried green tomatoes, fried okra and turnip greens. Soups are also homemade and include chicken noodle and spicy black bean. The veggie plates range from two for $3.99, three for $4.99 and four for $5.99. Internet ordering will also soon be available at www.veggiestogo.com. Both locations offer 15 tables for indoor service and outdoor seating as well. The operation recently began offering delivery and take-out. Event planning is also offered. Veggies to Go is located at 8290 Roswell Road. The phone number is 678.822.2200. The Holcomb Bridge Road location is 3380. The phone number is 678.822.2300. Catering for Veggies to Go is 404.252.6565. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sal's Fish House debuts The tables and chairs at Sal's Fish House are not from some fancy decorator showroom, but were designed and built by brothers and owners, Phil and David Salomone. "We had a vision for plain wood tables and could not find what we wanted, so David and I built them," says Phil. The handyman results are a collection of unique, stained tea-green wood tables, stenciled with black fish bones. An eclectic collection of mismatched chairs gives the finishing touch. This is part of what set's Sal's Fish House apart from an "ordinary" fish house. The walls are painted glorious gold and the stained concrete floors are splashed with walnut and gold. When it comes to the menu, tradition sets in with a 3-generation-old family breadcrumb recipe that brings the brothers Italian roots to the seafood menu. Phil describes Sal's, which opened on April 8th, as "Simple seafood with an Italian flair, set in a eclectic, relaxed family-oriented atmosphere. David and I have close family bonds and have Sunday dinners at my parent's house with our friends and extended family," says Salomone. This same atmosphere is what the brothers wanted to capture in their new restaurant and ultimately attract customers who will come often to relax and enjoy a tasty, value-oriented meal. The location is in a new building site, which seats 80 and is 2,200 square feet. Appetizers include fried ravioli for $4.95, which Salomone describes as "awesome," and stuffed crab claws with crab stuffing for $6.95. Entrees include the feature-breaded white fish for $8 and a grilled shrimp and crab cake combination for $12.99. Chicken and salads are also offered. A fish bucket offered for take-out is value packed with combinations of seafood, fries and coleslaw to serve from three to five guests. The price range is from $16.99 to $29.99. Sal's Fish House is in Alpharetta at 13700 Hwy 9. The phone number is 770.777.1038. Hours of operation are 11 am to 10 pm Sunday - Thursday and from 11 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. New Paschal's opens Fifty-five years ago, Paschal's opened its original hotel and restaurant location on Hunter Street. It became a favorite of many Atlantans and tourists who sought to experience a taste of the south and according to general manager, Oswald Morgan, up to three generations are familiar with Paschal's famous fried chicken. The hotel also attracted top-notch artists who entertained the public. It has been almost 10 years since the original location was sold to Clark Atlanta University. The University bought the compound and converted it into dormitories and a dining area for their hospitality program. On March 11th a new Paschal's opened on Northside Drive, bringing back menu favorites and updating the selection with continental cuisine, to meet the changing tastes of today's customers. Mr. James Paschal, who has remained involved in other business ventures over the past decade and his close friend and partner, Mr. H. J. Russell partnered in opening the new location. Along with the new menu has come a new urban look to the interior. Designed by the renowned Johnson Studio, Paschal's has been reborn with an urban flair. The loft-like features of red brick, marble counter tops, high ceilings of red oak and chandeliers with red tear-drop designs, are a striking combination. The large expansive space is 14,000 square feet and has eight-foot high banquettes finished in velvet and fabric that stretch across the entire west side of the restaurant. The restaurant serves 250 and the bar and lounge area seats 75. Three banquette rooms consisting of a private dining room serving 150, a smaller banquette room serving 55 and a loft area which can be made private to serve 40, are available. The rebirth of Paschal's is to perpetuate its history according to owner, James Paschal, who was one of the original owners, along with his two brothers, and is a well-known Atlanta figure. Keeping the original southern recipes was mandatory. Brought back are everyone's favorites, such as Paschal's fried chicken, herb baked chicken, and country fried steak. The southern belle offerings also include traditional-style green beans, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, short ribs beef, country gravy, collard greens, and freshly baked cobbler. The Paschal's half fried chicken is offered with two sides, breadbasket and a house salad for $13.95 as a dinner entree. The herb baked chicken and beef braised short ribs, are offered with two sides, breadbasket and a house salad for $13.95 also. Fried chicken sandwiches are $8.95. Vegetarian dishes such as roasted vegetables served with penne pasta and a marinara sauce is $12.95. Appetizers include fried green tomatoes, Paschal's jumbo lump crab cakes and baked artichoke and spinach dip. Paschal's is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday. On Friday and Saturday Paschal's is open until 11 p.m. The location is 180 Northside Drive. The phone number is 404.525.2023. Reservations are not required. Catering is available. All major credit cards are accepted. Rendezvous rejuvenates Not since élan and the 1980s has the ever-growing northside area beyond I-285 had a full-blown slick nightclub. Oh, Park Place Cafe has rocked - and still does - but it is small by comparison. Rendezvous, which opened in December '99, seems to be a magical after-dark happening and Richard Tyre and Co. have done it right. They've also recently decided to improve on the magic. Rendezvous, located at 4711 Ashford Dunwoody Road, has recently opened for lunch and made the menu friendlier by adding chicken sandwiches, burgers, salads, appetizers and Kenny's Key Lime Pie or Apple ala Mode for dessert. Three daily lunch specials include soup & salad ($5.25), meat loaf with mashed potatoes & veggies ($7.25) and vegetarian pasta salad ($6.25). Two 8 foot high-definition big screens have been added to the 40+ TVs and the front of Rendezvous has been opened up with windows to give it more natural lighting. Booths have been added but the fireplace has remained with couches for a quiet corner. NTN (tabletop type of trivia) has recently been added and entertainment is a nightly affair at Rendezvous: Tuesday is Karaoke night from 8 p.m. - midnight; Wednesday is Ladies Night with each lady receiving a gift; Thursday is live entertainment from such bands as Terry Lee & The GT's, The Max, The Breakfast Club and Total Package for a $3 cover charge; Friday night happy hour from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. you can get 2-for-1 wings; Saturday is sports day and features beer and wings. Rendezvous' dance floor and light show continues until 4 a.m. on Friday's and 3 a.m. on Saturday's with Dr. John programming. For more information and a schedule of events you can also visit www.rendezvousatlanta.com APRIL 2002 Savories joins Roswell Road mix Savories Bistro...... Carrying on the family tradition Carl's Cafe...... Brings beignets to Roswell Road Six Feet Under.....Fish shack to open near Oakland Cemetary Sidelines Grille...... Fifth location opens with sophisticated concept McKinnon's Louisiane...... Celebrates 30 years in Buckhead Savories Bistro opens "My family has been operating the Spiced Apple in Dalton, Georgia for 23 years," says Jason Sosebee the youngest offspring of Katie and Hubert Sosebee. Jason opened his own upscale deli and bistro, Savories Bistro, in Atlanta on March 14, 2002 and hopes to duplicate the success of his families business. The interior is not a typical New York deli, but more modern, like the city of Atlanta. The 3,400 square foot location is decorated with sleek black chairs, set-off by marble-style tabletops, cobalt halogen lighting and a suede textural wall covering. Sosebee scouted the Atlanta market to ensure his menu offerings and price points were in line with the market, and a step above in terms of quality and portion sizing. "We want to be a place where you can come on a regular basis, whether for lunch or dinner and have the best cold or hot sandwiches on homemade dark rye, onion rolls or deli rolls. Our soups and salads are made fresh daily," says Sosebee. Savories Bistro specializes in a variety of salads, meats and homemade pies. There are up to eight types of salads to choose from, such as Mediterranean salad, vegetarian salad and a trio salad plate, which is a scoop of chicken salad, ham salad, egg and olive, sliced tomatoes, dill pickles served on a bed of assorted lettuce with a homemade roll for $8.25. On the deli side, you can have a Rueben or a Georgian, which is Genoa salami, baked ham, turkey breast, with Swiss cheese for $6.95. Leave room for dessert. Savories Bistro has over 130 varieties of cream pies, made fresh on the premises. Savories Bistro is conveniently located in a strip center at 4969 Roswell Road. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Catering is also available. All major credit cards are accepted. The phone number is 404.252.0401. Beignets anyone? Who doesn't like those hot little French market doughnuts better know as beignets, from Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans? For Carl Passoff, what started as a hobby at home has extended into a business for others to enjoy as well. "I love beignets. There are very few places in Atlanta that offer beignets, so it made sense to make them a cornerstone of the business," said Passoff. His business called Carl's Cafe, opened on March 13, 2002 in a strip center on Roswell road. What would beignets be without some hot espresso, latte or French Roast, also available at Carl's Cafe. Other breakfast selections include muffins and bagels. Lunch and dinner entrees offer such choices as marinated chicken, grilled to perfection and flank steak. Each entree is served with rice and two vegetables. A selection of salads from Greek to Caesar, are light choices for lunch or dinner or stop by on a hot summer night for a frozen drink, made in a granita machine and available in three flavors. The counter service makes for an efficient way to get in and out fairly quickly. Upon choosing your entree and sides you can sit on one of the cozy couches in the reading corner or at tables in the dining area. The 3,000 square foot restaurant seats 60. A few tables are available for outdoor seating. Carl's Cafe is located at 5975 Roswell Road, Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on from Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All major credit cards are accepted. The phone number is 404.843.8440. Fish are 'Six Feet Under' The tongue and cheek name 'Six Feet Under,' is a new fish shack, which will be opening in Grant Park early May 2002. According to partner Todd Semrau, the name came from the location, which is across from the Oakland cemetery. Semrau's other partners, Tad Mitchell and Nancy Mitchell have developed the restaurants theme from other visual structures as well. "What occurred to me when I first went into the site of the restaurant was its interior and exterior, which were reminiscent of a bait shack. The interior brass handles on the ice box, large cooler doors and the shape of the angled 1960-style windows, reminded me of the bait shacks on Lake Michigan I frequented as a kid," said Semrau. With the concept in place, the partners have gutted the once-neighborhood White Front Market to add the restaurant elements and transform it into an artsy enclave for the neighborhood to dine on seafood fare. The plan is to offer good old fried seafood, from oysters to catfish, and steamer pots served on tables covered with brown butch paper. A raw bar will also be part of the venue, offering oysters and clams on a half shell. The entrees at Six Feet Under will be under $12. The presentation of food is served in fish shack-themed containers. Mashed potatoes served in heavy cardboard bait containers and buckets of fried chicken, fried catfish to fried oysters will be value priced and ideal for take-out. Sides such as corn on the cob, homemade coleslaw, hush puppies and homemade fried potato chips compliment the fried and steamed chicken and seafood. A full bar is also being built and will offer a range of cocktails, beer and wine. The intown neighborhood crowd will most likely embrace this new and different scene. The unpretentious atmosphere combined with simple food combination's are what Semrau sights as a formula that works well in these neighborhood settings. "When I opened Heaping Bowl in East Atlanta Village seven years ago, the concept was to serve a one-dish bowl of comfort food and offer the customer a selection of toppings. The concept has been very successful and we hope to carry it over with this new venue," says Semrau. A deck seating 35 on top of the restaurant, overlooks downtown and the Oakland cemetery. The inside dining area seats about 85. The interior is all hardwood floor and wood walls. Six Feet Under will open Monday - Sunday from 11 a.m.-1 a.m. The bar will stay open until 1 a.m. Monday - Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evening. A carryout menu is also available. The location is at 415 Memorial Drive. Sidelines #5 opens The fifth Sidelines Grille opened in Town Park in March. For the past eight years, four Atlanta-area Sideline Grille locations have entertained patrons with a sophisticated sports bar and grill concept. The new location, at I-75 and Chastain Road, plans to continue as a premier sports-themed restaurant. "Our motto is 'professional service in a relaxed atmosphere,'" says owner Steve Katzenstein. "We strive daily to ensure that our patrons leave Sidelines Grille satisfied all the way around." Two miles from the original Sidelines Grille that opened in 1994, the new location will offer 6,000 square feet and over 175 seats. The state-of-the-art equipment includes hi-tech TVs, two large screen TVs and a game area with video games. For lunch, options will include sandwiches such as Philly cheese steak; Cuban; yellowfin tuna and tenderloin filet. Dinner will offer entrees including steak & shrimp; salmon filet and smoky mountain barbeque chicken. Appetizers include the "Three-Strike Combo" with buffalo wings, fried mozzarella sticks and chicken fingers; and, Sidelines-style nachos and Cajun shrimp. Lunch prices range $6 - $8 and dinner averages $10. The new location is open 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. For more information you can call 770.509.5144. 25 and counting? Carey's, at 1021 Cobb Parkway, was the place for burgers since 1977 and would have celebrated 25 years this month. But owner Carey Dunn has moved his longtime burger joint to the 17-year-old Flamingo Joe's location in Marietta. Along with partner, Pete Peck, the two have purchased the longstanding business and are once again serving up a combination of burgers and dance lessons. MARCH 2002 'Montana' comes to Peachtree City Ted's Montana Grill... Georgia location to open in Peachtree City Summits Wayside Tavern... Replaces 3 Taco Mac locations Wings Landing Pub & Grill... To open in Lawrenceville Johnny's Pizza... New operators in Alpharetta area Fuego Cafe & Tapas Bar... Celebrates being one-year-old Burger Joe's... Offers burgers-to-go and delivery Newtown Diner... Not your 'typical' diner Zackie's BBQ... Operating out of the Sanctuary Latin Club by toni m. lublin Media magnate, Ted Turner has turned his attention to the restaurant industry, in a joint venture with renowned restaurateur George McKerrow, Jr. (LongHorn Steaks) to open a beef and bison burger chain, called Ted's Montana Grill. The first restaurant opened in Columbus, Ohio in late January 2002 and the second is planned to open in Peachtree City in mid-March 2002. The restaurant's concept is quite simple; serve 7 oz. daily-ground beef chuck or bison (a.k.a. buffalo) burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches in an Arts & Crafts architecturally-styled Montana bar and grill. Bison is actually a very healthy alternative to beef. The nutritional profile for bison is better than beef, pork and even chicken in fat and total calories. You can order your burger, which comes on toasted sourdough bread, with a variety of 25 toppings. The prices range from $6 -$9.50 per burger, depending on the toppings. There is the "kitchen sink" at $9.50, which is grilled ham, fried egg, bacon, mushrooms, fried onions and cheese or the "spike box" which is $7.65 and is Monterey Jack plus other toppings such as pickled jalapeno-pepper slices and bacon. If you are in the mood for chicken, you can try a "New Mexico brick chicken" sandwich, which is $8.25 and has Jack cheese, green Anaheim chilies and guacamole. Sides include fresh cut french fries and onion rings. Salads from Caesar to house are also on the menu. Each day of the week offers a different blue-plate special, which includes fish 'n 'chips, roast turkey, and meatloaf. There is also a Soup Du Jour. Dessert's include homemade ice cream, old fashion milk shakes and homemade cookies. A children's menu is also available. The 3,400 square foot restaurant seats 104. At the bar area, 25 domestic beers and a selection of wine are available. The mahogany paneling and furniture is accented with brass hardware. Both booth and table seating is available. Going forward, a third location is slated for Denver, Colorado in 2002. Ted's Montana Grill will be located at 314 City Circle in Peachtree City. The hours of operation are from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Sunday. The phone number is 678.829.0272. All major credit cards are accepted. Taco's to Summits Andy Klubock owner of three Summits Wayside Taverns in Atlanta has grand expansion plans. The three Summits locations were formally operated by Klubock as Taco Mac's from 1989 until January 2002. Klubock officially changed his new business name in January. Part of the continuing concept at Summits Wayside Taverns is the marriage of food paired with beer and wine. The taverns boast a very broad list of beers, wines and world famous selections of spirits. The Snellville location has 166 beers on draft. The Cumming location has 116 varieties on draft. The Sandy Springs location has a very impressive list of spirits from around the world, including a Cognac from the 1860's, which is $1000 a shot. "We have the best selection of beers and by that, I mean not just the variety but how we take care of our beers," says Klubock. As Klubock explained the components of beer, and the shelf life of beer, he equated its delicate balance to that of milk. "Every keg has an expiration date, some have a shelf life of two weeks or it can be two months. We take care of our beer as if it were milk," said Klubock. A promotion Klubock developed to help give back to the community and create a fun way for people to experiment with beer is the Passport Club-tier I. Currently there are 8,000 members. Each member pays $2 to join the club, which is donated to Habitat for Humanity. Once the member drinks 100 different draft beers, they receive a 20 oz. dimpled personalized mug. Tier II, is the same concept, but selection is from the bottled beer list. The patron receives a massive one-liter mug upon drinking 100 varieties. The Beer Dinner event, which happens twice a year, has been a sell-out promotion for Klubock. The restaurant is closed, except to those 100 people attending the $75-$100 per person event. A theme-based meal is served in which beer is the base of the ingredients in the dishes served. For example, the entree may be lobster or antelope paired with selections from the Sam Adams Brewery and used as well in the cooking of the meal. Klubock is considering a Belgium theme for the upcoming summer event. Each location is approximately 6,000 square feet and seats up to 200 people. There are private dining areas in the Snellville and Sandy Springs location seating between 30 and 50. The menu is the same in all three locations, which Klubock has focused to be the other part of his concept-mission. The taverns offer consistency in quality, service and menu selections from location to location, according to Klubock. The menu is extensive. Offering buffalo style chicken wings, grilled tuna prepared three different ways, to Mexican dishes such as fajitas, burritos, tacos and quesadilla's. Let's not forget burgers, which go so well with beer. Five burger varieties to choose from and last is a long list of sandwiches from portabella mushroom to a bratwurst served on a French roll. The entrees have pairings of suggested beers. Dinner and lunch menu are the same. The price per person ranges from $5.99 to $16.99. Klubock is in the process of looking to expand his concept into the Tampa, Florida area before the end of 2002. "We have developed a very loyal following in Atlanta since opening in Sandy Springs in 1989. Our restaurants are very laid back and friendly and we attract a diverse group of customers, a concept that we feel will work well almost anywhere," said Klubock. The Cumming number is 770.886.4374, Sandy Springs 404.257.0735 and Snellville 770.736.1333. The hours of operations are: Cumming: Monday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sandy Springs: Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday 11 a.m. - 4 a.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.- 3 a.m. Snellville: Monday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. All major credit cards are accepted. Wings Landing due In a way, Donna Allen has spread her wings to land in a new career. That of owner and operator of Wings Landing Pub and Grill in Lawrenceville. For the last 22 years, Allen has worked as an account manager at Lucent Technology. Now, she is embarking on a new challenge with the support of her family and looking forward to the finished project. Wings is projected to open in mid May 2002. "It's like going for your dream. Twelve years ago, I took some classes in restaurant management and really enjoyed it and now I am acting on my dreams," says Allen. The pub and grill will focus on serving American-themed cuisine. A variety of wings will include crash and burn wings, Jamaican jerk wings and honey barbecue wings. Steaks, rib and chicken dishes will also be part of the menu selection. Entrees will range from $9-$15 and appetizers from $4-$6. The interior is in the design stage, but Allen wants to achieve the feeling and look of a New York pub. The full bar will have seating for twelve, while the main dining room will seat 130. The entire space is 3,300 square feet. "I am looking forward to being independent and hope to open additional Wings Landing pubs down the road," says Allen. Wings will be located in a new shopping center anchored by a Kohl's and Super Wal-Mart at 722 Collins Hill Road, Lawrenceville. Hours of operations will be Monday - Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. All major credit cards will be accepted. Johnny's 'good' pizza What makes a good pizza pie? Some pizza diehards would say that Johnny's in Atlanta comes as close to an authentic piece of New York pie as you can get here. The 30-year-old franchise has close to 27 restaurants on the east coast, with 5 locations in Atlanta. Started originally by a New Jersey couple as a single restaurant making brick-oven-style pies, today the chain has expanded its menu to include calzones, salads, subs and sandwiches. The Holcomb Bridge Johnny's has recently come under new management in Alpharetta. Wade Mancil and Jeanie Smith took over the location in January. The previous owner opened the location six months prior. "Consistent product quality and good service are key at our location," says Mancil. According to Mancil, the thin crust pizza is the pride of the company and the sauce and crust is a secret recipe. "We plan to buy into at least three more Johnny locations over the next two years. It is that good of an organization and product," said Mancil. The menu differs from location to location, as well as the nightly specials. The family-style restaurant in Alpharetta seats 70 in its 2,500 square-foot location. An outdoor patio opens in spring and seats up to 20. In the summer a live band on the patio is on the calendar The pizza, which takes 12-15 minutes to bake, is available from plain or with a variety of toppings including meatballs, chicken, eggplant, sun dried tomatoes and pineapple. Mancil said he is happy to make any combination the customer wants. Currently there are four beers on draft and three more will soon be added. The number of topping you order will determine the price of the pie. An Italian Special, which has mushrooms, onions, green peppers, pepperoni and sausage, runs $16.95 for a large. Johnny's is located at 2850 Holcomb Bridge Road, the phone number is 770.993.1455. All major credit cards are accepted. Hours of operation are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. -10 p.m. Catering is also available. Fuego celebrates To continue in a successful restaurant business requires one to accommodate to the wants and needs of the customers. Partners Rodney Wedge, John Outler and Connie Tubb opened Fuego Cafe & Tapas Bar a year ago. Special attention to their customer's comments has resulted in positive service changes at Fuego. Today, the business is an efficient running combination of Cafe and Tapas (appetizers) Bar. "We started out as a straight forward operation where the customer lined up and chose their selection. We quickly realized that our customers preferred a full service lunch and dinner atmosphere and we have accommodated to their desires," says Wedge. "The Tapas are what Fuego is known for, but the menu selections do not stop there. We serve dinner items like steaks, chops and a range of chicken dishes," says Wedge. The overtones of Spanish and Cuban influences are noticeable in the menu, such as the Cuban steak, finely sliced, marinated and grilled resulting in a very tasty entree. The Tapas menu is updated weekly by Wedge. An assortment of 20 tapas dishes are offered which include some regular favorites, like roasted red pepper and walnuts with gorgonzola for $4.25 and serrano ham with tomato bread for $5.75. Another favorite of customers are the Rioja Ribs braised in red Rio hot wine for $5.75. With an interior of traditional Spanish and Cuban colors of burnt orange and blue, the restaurant seats 55, and includes fireplace seating. An outside area provides an intimate setting for dinner. Part of the attraction to the restaurant is the monthly wine tasting paired with suggested tapas. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday live entertainment is scheduled. Thursday is retro 70's night music, Friday and Saturday feature Brazilian and Latin music. With a selection of wine, beer and Sangria, plus a special wine margarita, called the Champagne Mojito, Fuego is ready to mambo. Wine is predominately Spanish with 12 varieties to choose from. Dry and sweet Port is offered, including a hard to find Spanish port called Fondillon. Hatuey, a Cuban recipe beer has a light crisp flavor, is another hard-to-find brand, which Fugeo offers. Fuego, which means fire, is burning bright these days and the owners are looking forward to welcoming new customers to their establishment. "Eating Tapas is really hot right now. The trend for customers seeking the chance to try a variety of smaller portioned dishes and dine economically is not only hip, but also fun as well," says Wedge. Fuego Cafe & Tapas Bar is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. -10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. -11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Located at 10970-A State Bridge Road, Alpharetta. Reservations are recommended. The phone number is 770.753.4477. Burger Joe's is here "There is a void in the Atlanta market to get a big, fat, juicy burger that delivers, as-in to your door, and that tastes like it just came off the grill," says P.J. Van Beneden, owner of Burger Joe's take out and delivery. Opening in Atlanta in late February, PJ's estimated demand seems to be on target. In the first week he ran out of food, sort of a good sign. "I grew up with a good milk shake and burger and wanted to offer the elements of convenience by having them delivered," says Van Beneden. Van Beneden has developed other restaurants concepts including Joe's to go, Joe Rigatoni's and Flamingo Joe's. He has been tempted to franchise many times in the past, but thus far, he has refused all offers. Van Beneden is positioning Burger Joe's as a concept he feels makes the most sense franchising one day. A second location is already in the works near Georgia Tech to open in Spring 2002. Beef burgers range from $5.79-$5.99, veggie burgers from $5.25-$6.25 and turkey burgers from $5.49 to $5.79. Depending on your choice of topping, will determine the price. There are a range of different styled burgers from your traditional bacon cheeseburger to a Caribbean jerk burger and a bleu cheese burger. The veggie burgers are said to be very tasty. There is the spicy veggie-supreme for $6.25, a combination of veggie patty brushed with a spicy hot sauce topped with Monterey jack cheese, salsa and jalapenos. If turkey is your preference, you can order a blackened turkey burger or a jerky turkey cheeses burger for $5.79. Chicken sandwiches and tenders as well as salads are also part of the fare, which range from $5.49 to a 15-piece chicken tender for $14.95. P.J. Van Beneden explained the symbolism of the name "Joe" in all his enterprises present and past. "The name Joe is very nostalgic. Think of all American hero's like Joe DiMaggio and Joe Louis. Hamburgers, fries, milk shakes, what could be more evocative of all American. They go together," says Van Beneden. Burger Joe's is a pick-up and delivery operation. Delivering up to a four-mile radius from the Sandy Springs location they are open Monday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Burger Joe's is located at 7277-B Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The phone number is 770.671.1022. Newtown Diner opens With 2,600 square-feet, the recently opened Newtown Diner is not your "typical diner." Owner Jon Argi's concept is to offer good value and great ingredients which results in top shelf dishes and "wows" the customers to come back again and again. "It is a traditional Northern-style diner except we are using fresh products and created an interior which is modern in appearance. We offer good, tasty food and value," says Argi. The diner opened on February 13, 2002 in Alpharetta. Argi is also working on the opening of his second restaurant in Atlanta, a more upscale venue to also be located in Alpharetta, called Sonoma (see Dining Out). The Newtown diner is moderately priced and serves tasty American fair. "Sonoma will be a white table cloth setting, more artsy and will focus on a wine country kitchen concept," says Argi. At the Newtown Diner you can have the traditional burger for $6.95, veal meatloaf, a steak sandwich, pasta, fresh tuna, or mahi mahi. Entrees will range from $12.95 or less. A special which will be available on a weekly bases is the "dinner for 4" to-go, which consists of a main entree selection, vegetable and fresh bread. The package price is $22-$25. Also available is the same package for two or three people. Breakfast is also an important part of the diner menu. Double smoked applewood bacon, Chicago sausage and fresh squeezed OJ, is just a sampling. The chair and table floor plan is decorated in cherry woods and bright colors. The sunny location seats 84 inside and 52 on a large outdoor patio. The Newtown Diner is located at 3005 Old Alabama Road. The phone number is 770.410.1917. Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday dinner from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Breakfast and lunch is served from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. All major credit cards are accepted. Zacki's BBQ arrives Zacki Murphy is a woman that has led an interesting life. She has been a fashion model, a USO entertainer in'72, worked as a stylist and menu planner for Martha Stewart and also contributed to Martha's cookbooks on North Carolina Barbecue cooking. Her claim to fame is her infamous BBQ sauce called "hot nuff," which became her ticket to open first a food cart business and than a restaurant, both in New York City. In her most recent enterprise she has teamed with Frank Diaz in the role of "barker and baker." Frank Diaz, an accomplished manager, restaurant kitchen consultant and previous chef of several upscale Buckhead restaurants, brought Murphy on as partner in his catering business called Habersham Cottage Kitchen. Diaz started the Pano's Food Shop at the Atlanta Fish Market and later became corporate chef and head of catering for Harry's Markets. Together Murphy and Diaz have formed a catering team, her end is contributing the authentic North Carolina style BBQ recipes and baking sweet treats, and his end is the creative cooking and smoking, served up in an upscale presentation at various special events. "I'm the barker and the baker now and Frank is the barbecue maker," says Murphy. An average catered lunch, per person will range from $14.50-$18.00. Murphy's rise to the BBQ queen status started back in the '80s. In 1986, Murphy, a New York Ford model, was pushing her BBQ food cart up 59th and 6th avenue. There, she would sell her genuine North Carolina pit cooked barbecue pork with mountain slaw. "I would run from a go-see appointment with a client to my cart. Most New Yorkers had never had North Carolina BBQ, so it was the first time they were exposed to comfort food from the South," says Murphy. Born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Murphy experimented with her barbecue sauce, trying different combinations before settling on the one which became the cornerstone of her business. After the cart business, Murphy opened at 92nd and 2nd avenue in Manhattan, a little 600 square-foot shop for catering and walk-up business. "My Daddy use to refer to the place as the little pig store because it was so small, but it was really called PBQ," said Murphy. The Habersham Cottage Kitchen specializes in preparation of gourmet foods and Southern comfort provisions. Catering focuses on corporate events and home catering. The partners can prepare for as few as 2 up to 300 people. A recent sample menu for an Atlanta Opera Reception included Norwegian smoked salmon roulade with dill cream cheese and herb rye toast, Roquefort honey walnut cheese spread, champagne grapes and sesame lavas, applewood smoked North Georgia trout with crisp cucumber and proscuitto with Herb brie, roasted sweet peppers and focaccia toasts. Other five star customer favorites include Norwegian smoked salmon roulade, mini beef Wellington, baked brie in puff pastry, and cheesecake truffles. "We make all our own breads, sauces and the chicken and dumplings as well as smoked fish, chicken, pork and beef. Frank is a master smoker," says Murphy. Other down-home comfort food options include, Murphy's mother's famous Brunswick stew recipe, whole roasted chicken with root veggies, homemade beef stew and pork ribs with "hot nuff" sauce. The Habersham Cottage Kitchen is operating inside the Sanctuary Latin Club at 3209 Paces Ferry Place. The number is 404.442.9989. FEBRUARY 2002 Carolyn's Gourmet Cafe to arrive Carolyn's Gourmet Cafe... A home-away-from-home feel Azel... Opens in Alpharetta offering fusion cuisine Cozymel's... Serving traditional Mexican with tropical flavor Magnolia Bistro... Opens in Downtown Atlanta Noodle #2... Opened in Midtown in late January Sangria Tapas... Replaces former Cafe Jalapeno Thai Chili... No. 3 opens in Midtown by toni m. lublin Randy McCray's mother, Carolyn, had a life long dream to own her own cafe and create a place that was warm and inviting. Randy remembers when he was growing up, all the friends and family members who use to gather at his parents house. It was a comfortable, inviting atmosphere with good feelings and good food. On February 15th, 2002, Randy and his partners, brother, Scott McCray and Scott Kerns will open Carolyn's Gourmet Cafe, dedicated to Randy and Scott's mother and father. "We wanted to create an environment which feels like a home-away-from-home," said McCray. The cafe was built in a renovated building, whose structure was built in the early 1900's. The sunny location, exposed brick interior, 10-foot windows and natural colors of tan, brown and rust, give the cafe a friendly casual atmosphere. The cafe will specialize in "feel good" sandwich offerings. McCray explained the sandwiches are named after positive words and situations. There is the Motivation sandwich, The Success, The Winner, The Dreamer and The Positive attitude sandwich. The Motivation is a premium turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich with coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing served on pumpernickel and grilled to perfection. The Dreamer is Pastrami, Salami, Ham, Roast Beef, tomato, lettuce and your choice of cheese and dressing. The Positive attitude will put you in a better mood, served with Ham, Turkey, Cheddar, Swiss cheese and bacon, wrapped between three slices of white bread. Most of the sandwiches start at $6.95 and come with a choice of pasta salad, potato salad or coleslaw and a pickle. The menu slate board highlights the specials and daily offerings. You can also order personal sized 8" pizzas for $5.99. From barbecue to fresh basil and tomato toppings, you can create your own. Salads and homemade dressings from Caesar, Greek, chef, garden and fruit start at $5.99-$6.99. Going to Mom's house would not be complete without homemade cookies, pies and layered cakes. Winter months offer two fresh soups daily to take the chill away. Catering also to the business crowd, the cafe is open at 6:30 a.m. serving bagels, pastries, and coffee. "Customer service is so important. Service with a smile and an atmosphere that is inviting is key to having the customer come back. We plan on providing this type of service and environment," said McCray The 3,000 square-foot cafe will seat 125. A large deck in back will seat 60 people. "We put two garage like doors that led to the deck, so in the warmer months we can create a seamless opening between the outdoors and indoors," said McCray. Carolyn's Gourmet Cafe will be open Monday-Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch service begins at 10 a.m. Located at 1151 West Peachtree Street. The phone number is 404.607.8100. All major credit cards are accepted. Azel due soon "We call our new restaurant Azel because we want to cover all types of fusion cuisine from A-Z," said Emily Fu partner in a new East-meets-West fusion restaurant opening in early February 2002. Fu's partner, Chenning Li currently owns the Natori Japanese Cuisine in Dunwoody. The concept of Azel's cuisine has an Asian influence mixed with overtones of French and served in an American presentation. The Japanese influence of using fresh ingredients with a concentration on fresh seafood balances the menu selection. Guests are greeted with a Zen like waterfall at Azel's entrance. The interior has a contemporary feeling with exposed ceilings and concrete floors. A full sushi bar seats 14 and wine bar seats 10. The range of fine wine and six different types of Sake gives ample choices to the diner. Focused research went into finding the right location for Azel. "We chose the North Fulton area because of saturation of businesses and the explosion of residential growth in Alpharetta," said Fu. Private booths that seat up to six can be reserved. Seating in the 5,100 square foot restaurant can accommodate 150. Two private party rooms that seat 24 can also be reserved. The private rooms have outlets for laptops. Projectors are also available for business lunch conferences. The executive chef, Mr. Koichi Chiba was previously executive chef at the now closed Kamogawo at Hotel Nikko Atlanta. The French sauces and ingredients in the dishes come from the knowledge of the sous chef, Mr. Yuki who is well trained in French cuisine. Lunch entrees range from $8-$10 and Dinner entrees range from $16-$24. Appetizers range from $7-$16. Reservations are recommended. Valet Parking is available. The attire is business casual. All major credit cards are accepted. The restaurant is located at 865 North Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. The phone number is 678.867.2935 (AZEL). Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner, and on the weekends, Friday through Sunday until 10:30 p.m. Lunch will be served Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cozymel's opened Enter into Cozyworld, where you will experience a Coastal Mexican grill that is like no other. On January 25th, 2002 Cozymel's opened its 15th restaurant. Owned by Brinker International based in Dallas, Texas, the same corporation who owns Ramano's Macaroni Grill, Maggiano's, Eatzi's market and bakery and Chili's Grill & bar, Cozymel's is the newest venture to add onto a list of successful Norman Brinker multi-concept enterprises. Phil Ramano, whose visionary talents include the operational know-how that resulted in the development of Chili's, Macaroni Grill and Eatzi's, created Cozymel's. Last year, Cozymel's won the hot concept of the year award at the National Restaurant Show. The tropical Cozymel's paradise is complete with three palm trees in the center of the restaurant, and vaulted ceilings to accommodate the height of the trees. Everywhere you look, there are colorful objects, trinkets, mirrors, Mexican dolls, barrels of fresh lemons and limes, and marlins on the wall. The blue stone, sunny yellow and blue exterior compels the customer to come inside. The weathered wood shutters and use of stone throughout the 10,000 square-foot restaurant is impressive. The interior beige concrete floors are offset by all the colorful wall art and textured stucco like walls. In the main dining room wicker chairs and blue tablecloths sit on either side of palm trees. The main dining room, back dining room and lounge area seats 360. Fireplaces are located in both dining rooms and one of the outdoor patios, which seats 40. An open kitchen is in full view and flavors linger out onto the main dining room filled with aromas of spices, sauces and peppers. Cozymel's is fun and that is what the people who work there want you to experience. The employees' attitudes are upbeat, outgoing and friendly. Even the kids are included in the fun environment. Complimentary dough balls are offered to keep them happy, and are made from tortilla flour. Calypso music can be heard from the separate bar and lounge area. The live music continues on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. On the back wall of the bar are the eight frozen margarita machines offering flavors from Primo Rita, Laguna Rita, Cozymel Raz Rita and Jose's Gold. Serving traditional Mexican dishes like fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas and coastal inspired Mexican seafood entrees, the presentations are colorful. Beyond the traditional dishes is where the fun begins. There is Cla Marina, which is grilled chicken topped with Poblano cream sauce and four plump, juicy shrimp. This dish is served with rice, house vegetables and black beans for $14.79. Roast Pork Adobado another one of Cozymel's favorite recipes, is slow cooked pork with rice, house vegetables and black beans for $9.99. A very unusual and tasty dish is the Chilean Sea Bass steamed in banana leaves with plantains, chopped onions and tomatoes. This is topped with Adobado sauce and served with rice, house vegetables and black beans at $14.99. Entrees range from $8.49-$15.99. Appetizers from crab cakes to cozy flameado served flaming with hot flour tortillas are filled with white cheddar, jack cheese, poblano peppers, mushrooms and red onions. Appetizers range in price from $4.29-$8.99. You can also have your own tableside guacamole prepared just the way you like it for $7.99. Located at 2355 Mansell Road. The phone number is 770.992.4566. Reservations are suggested. Casual Attire is welcomed. Hours of operation are lunch Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday. All major credit cards are accepted. Magnolia Bistro The Magnolia Bistro opened in late November in the lobby of the United Way Building, located in Downtown Atlanta. The parent company Sodexho is a leading food and facility management services company in North America and has International locations. Sodexho is the UK's largest provider of food and facility management services, catering to the needs of corporate services, healthcare, leisure and the education sectors with food, housekeeping, childcare, groundskeeping, plant operations and maintenance. The bistro concepts have been opening across Atlanta under different names. Sodexho started with a cafe concept. The trend going forward will be towards opening a slightly more upscale, gourmet format in a bistro setting. Each Bistro is themed according to the geographical area and the menu items are also themed. The new location, open to the public, has a Magnolia tree on the outdoor patio, which seats up to 75. The all-glass walled bistro is decorated with green plants and bright colors. It seats up to 125 inside and also a sofa area to sit and relax. Other Sodexho locations in Atlanta include the Plaza Cafe at Bank of America and International Food Works at Georgia Pacific Corporation, both open to the public. Some locations are for employees only, such as the Hard News Cafe at the CNN building. Most locations provide catering needs to local businesses. Currently, Sodexho is providing food service to 35 accounts in the Atlanta area. An interesting twist at The Magnolia Bistro is the full service Starbucks program. As a licensed and approved vendor to sell Starbucks products, the bistro personnel are trained in using Starbucks equipment. Magnolia Bistro serves a breakfast and lunch menu, along with specials. Breakfast selections include Starbucks pastries, the continental breakfast, and healthy choice breakfast, ranging from $7.25-$7.95. Lunch sandwiches include panini, wraps and quesadillas hot off the bistro grill press. Prices for sandwiches range from $5.50-$6.25. Six healthy and creative salad choices from Magnolia Cobb to Spinach Salad. The price range for salads range from $5.50 to $6.25. The Bistro Buffet is an assortment of sandwiches and wraps, pasta salad, fruit salad, homemade potato chips and gourmet cookies, drinks are all displayed in decorative baskets and trays, perfect for catering an office business lunch. These specials run approximately $11.25 per person. Inside the bistro, the chef chooses weekly flavors from around the world and does exhibition style cooking. Bon Apetit! The casual atmosphere of Magnolia Bistro is open for breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. and lunch is served from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Located at 100 Edgewood Avenue, in the lobby of the United Way's building. The phone number is 404.681.3335. All major credit cards are accepted. Noodle #2 The name Noodle conjures up a soft warm feeling. It is also the name of Lenny and Lili Shou's successful restaurant located on Ponce de Leon, which opened 24 months ago. The brother and sister team are opening Noodle #2 in Midtown at the end of January 2002. As the name says, Noodle offers among other foodie delights, five different types of noodles prepared in dishes which have Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese overtones. The noodle varieties include egg, rice, soup thin noodles, Japanese soba noodles and udon noodles. The egg noodles are homemade. "I was born in Korea and moved to Southern California when I was very young. The area I grew up in had a diverse group of Asian people from Thailand, Vietnam and China. This influenced my cooking and ideas," said Lenny Shou. The concept Shou developed was based on his desire to serve "hearty, healthy, good food," at reasonable prices. All of the ingredients are fresh and made to order. Very little if any oils are used. Even the four homemade salad dressings are non-oil based which include, peanut hoisin, ginger soy, miso vinaigrette and lemon ginger dressing. A popular choice at restaurant is Lenny's Noodle, which is a pan seared thin noodle with fresh steamed vegetables on top, mixed with Chinese garlic sauce. Noodle uses up to 15 different fresh vegetables in it's preparation including, fresh mushrooms, sugar peas, onions, red bell pepper, bok choy, spinach and zucchini chopped very thin. The original Decatur location has an open kitchen, so you can watch the preparation of each dish. The renowned urban design team of Jose Tavell and Cara Cummins designed the new midtown location. The team has also designed other well-known restaurants such as The Food Studio and Nickiemoto's in Midtown. The interior is very sophisticated using reds and blacks as the primary colors. A communal table that seats 10 is located center stage. Three smaller communal tables are situated strategically in the restaurant. The midtown location will seat 100 guests and an outside patio will seat up to 30. Catering service is planned for the future. A full bar is also available. Noodle #2 is located at 903 Peachtree St. The phone number is 404.685.3010. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday, 11 p.m.-11 p.m. No reservations are needed for parties under five. All major credit cards are accepted. Causal attire is welcomed. Sangria Tapas The former Cafe Jalapeno on Piedmont Road is to reopen in early February 2002, as the Sangria Tapas. Owner Hossein Zand is redirecting the restaurants focus as a Tapas bar. The Tapas trend is in full swing in Atlanta. A Spanish tradition that has spread out all around Spain and adopted by many other countries, these mini dishes are a great way to try a variety of dishes and eat at reasonable prices. The chef draws on his Spanish heritage. The tapas dishes will range from 20 to 25 selections. Tapas offerings will include Calamares Fritos, better known as fried calamari, and Bread with tomato, garlic and Serrano smoked ham. In addition to Tapas, chicken and beef dishes will be available which will range from $8.95-$13.95. Tapas dishes will range from $3.50-$7.50. The interior of the restaurant is full of bright cheerful colors, wall murals and artwork from Spain. The manager, Kenny Phillips described the atmosphere at the restaurant as casual, fun, great food at reasonable prices. "We want to make people in the neighborhood feel welcome, and become a good place to meet people and hang out while eating a variety of wonderful Tapas," says Phillips. The full bar will offer a variety of specialty drinks. Entertainment will be a part of the events at Sangria Tapas. Flamenco shows and Brazilian bands are being planned as weekly entertainment. Sangria is located at 2520 Piedmont Road. The phone number is 404.237.0500. All major credit cards are welcomed. The hours of operations are lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and dinner Monday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday until 1 a.m. On Saturday and Sunday the restaurant opens at 3 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Casual dress is acceptable. Thai Chili For the last seven years, Thai Chili has been serving in the Atlanta area authentic Thai food. The third location is opening on February 1, 2001 in Midtown. Owner Robert Khankiew will continue the direction of offering quality food, moderate pricing and authentic dishes from his native homeland of Thailand. "Thai Chili offers a variety of entrees mostly from the central part of Thailand, which tends to be a flavorful combination of sweet and spicy. The northern region tends to be sweet while the southern hot. We are in the middle and offer a good balance," said Karita Pongsapisoot, general manager of the Thai Chili locations. Black and white photos depicting the Thai people in the countryside frame the simple decor. Original photographs and hand craft accessories where purchased to add a Thai flavor to the restaurant decor. The new 3,500 square-foot restaurant seats 80. The outside patio, seating 20, has many trees for cool shading in summer. Many of the spices used in Khankiew's dishes are only available in Thailand, thus the unique special flavors and authentic taste. Lunch specials which range from $10.25-$11.25 include Duck Curry and Short Ribs Masman Curry. Vegetarian dishes such as Tofu Curry and Tofu Panang curry are offered as well. Dinner entrees range from $9.95-$17.95 and appetizers range from $2.75-$7.25. Chef's Specials range from Spicy Basil Lamb Chops to Salmon Curry. Appetizers and salads, such as Thai salad and fresh basil rolls are made to order. The newest Thai Chili is located in the Colony Square Shopping Mall, 1197 Peachtree Street. The phone number is 404.875.2275. Reservations are suggested. All major credit cards are accepted. Hours of operation are lunch Monday-Friday, 11 a.m-2:30 p.m., dinner is served Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. On Sunday, dinner is served from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. For more information the web site is www.thaichilicusine.com. JANUARY 2002 Adam's Ribs joins the Snellville mix Adam's Ribs... Opens on Stone Mountain Highway in Snellville Cafe De Paris... New Marietta eatery located in a gift shop Comeaux's Cajun Restaurant... Cajun No. 2 to open in Alpharetta Fresh Mexi-Cali Grill... Made-to-order Mexican in Sandy Springs Madison Grill... Earthlink executive's newest venture The Melting Pot... Fondue concept No. 3 bound for Kennesaw Padriacs... Location No. 2 headed for Roswell Reventon Bar & Grill... Mexican bar & grill opened in Smyrna Levi's Key West Fishouse... Father & Son team open in Decatur Willi's Mexicana Grill... Seventh Atlanta location opened in Buckhead by toni m. lublin "We are not considered just a rib place, we are so much more," says general manager, Dave Wolwark of the new Adam's Rib restaurant in Snellville. Partners, David Pazienza and US Restaurant Properties, opened Adam's Rib on December 3, 2001. With 130 employees, the restaurant is geared up to serve large parties. Two separate dining rooms, Adam and Eve are nonsmoking. A third room, which can accommodate 60 people, can be arranged. The 6,650 square foot restaurant seats 294 people in a tiered floor plan. Two large TV screens in the main dining room are within view of most tables. The restaurant is child friendly with lots of carpeting, craft paper and crayons at each table, and a children's menu. The concept of the restaurant is to offer full-service dining using very fresh ingredients and offer homemade sauces and soups. "We have at least 5 different sauces which are made from our own recipes for our meats," said Wolwark. The portions at Adam's Ribs are very generous according to Wolwark. Adam's Specialties include the popular, St Louis Pork Ribs-rack at $15.95, or Adam's Teriyaki flank steak at $12.95. Entrees range from pasta dishes at $9.95 to Filet Mignon at $18.95. Six 'garden of eatin' salads are made fresh to order with homemade dressings. Appetizers such as Adams' spinach and artichoke dip and beer battered onion rings and fried potato chips range from $4.25 to $9.95. World Serious sandwiches and burgers, or a big fat sandwich, which are large fresh Black Angus burgers and chicken are grilled or blackened and served on an oversized bun. Name your own omelet, is a 3-egg choice any time of day. Wolwark describes desserts such as the Fried banana split as 'awesome.' The full service bar area carries a large range of liquor, wine and champagne from the low line-up to a quality like Dom. Entertainment is being planned for the future, such as games for the patrons, like 'who wants to be a millionaire.' Although the restaurant is not a sports bar, sporting events will be televised when available. The bar area has four TV's. Adam's Ribs is located at 3868 Stone Mountain Highway. The phone number is 770.979.6530. The hours of operation are: Dinner is served Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Breakfast is served on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. All major credit cards are accepted. Attire is casual. Cafe De Paris opens What better way to rest those tired feet after a day of shopping at the unusual gift shop C'est Moi in Marietta, than with a lite bite. Only a few feet away inside the gift shop is Cafe De Paris, a recently opened restaurant accessible from inside or outside the shop. C'est Moi is known by the locals, having been located in the strip center for thirteen years. Cafe De Paris opened in late November by the owners of the gift shop, Susan and Jim Kolowich. According to the manager and chef, Leigh Swanson, "The best part of the restaurant except for the food, is the decor." Red velvet banquets and imported Italian fixtures play against the chartreuse walls to create a very eclectic combination of texture, light and color. Chicken salad seems to be the cold lunch item at Cafe De Paris. Swanson serves up to fifteen pounds of it a day. "An ancient family recipe, with walnuts, cranberries and other ingredients I can't reveal," said Swanson. Other lite lunch fare includes various homemade soups from creme of Brie, Lemon Artichoke to seafood gumbo. The lunch menu changes daily and the dinner menu changes every 10 days. Dinner entrees range from $9 to $24. Lamb is served oven roasted with fresh tomato mint vinaigrette, curried couscous and vegetables. Salmon, duck and pasta are also made in interesting combinations. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. The restaurant seats 36. Lunch is served from Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Cafe is located in Marietta at 1100 Johnson Ferry Road. The phone number is 770.977.4945. Comeaux's #2 planned For an authentic taste of Cajun cooking with a pinch of Creole flavor, Comeaux's Cajun Restaurant in Roswell will fulfill your desire for the real thing. A native from Louisiana and direct descendants of the Acadians, Marc Comeaux and his wife, Yvette are owners of the Roswell restaurant, which opened five years ago. The authentic food, live entertainment and friendly atmosphere have spurred a loyal clientele. "The regulars give the restaurant a neighborhood feeling, just like a Louisiana restaurant should be," says manager, Beth Walker. In March of 2002, Comeaux's will be opening their second location in Alpharetta at Deerfield Village. Located on Windward Parkway, an ever-expanding retail and restaurant main road frontage, Comeaux will be conveniently located across from Nortel. Comeaux's current Roswell location attracts patrons in there twenties to late forties. The Tabasco ties and white and black servers uniforms, set the mood of being in Louisiana. The interior decor at both locations are framed with dark stained wood and Louisiana artwork displayed throughout the restaurant is for sale. The Alpharetta location will also have outdoor patio seating, as well as a private room for parties up to 25. The Roswell location seats a total of 140 patrons. With live music Wednesday through Saturday, the restaurant has a lively scene. Wednesday nights feature a Jazz Trio, Blues hits the notes on Thursdays, Fridays offers the house band and Saturday is Zydeco. The full service marbled top bar stocks specialty beers from Louisiana. Brands such as Turbo Dog, a light lager, from Abetis Springs, Louisiana, Abita Amber and Abita Purple Haze, which is a raspberry wheat beer are a few of the unusual selections. Walker recommends trying the crab cakes, "The crab cakes are made with a creamy Bechamel, and they just melt in your mouth." Other recommendations include crawfish etouffee, when in season, and boiled crawfish. Starters are plentiful, with Comeaux's chargrilled oysters, crab or crawfish cake and topless oysters are a couple of samples. Appetizers range from $5.95 to $16.95. Entrees range from $10.95 to $19.95. Seafood, Pasta, Chops and PoBoy Dinners are but a few of the numerous selections. Seafood Specialties include, Jambalaya as well as Opelousas Catfish, which is a pecan-encrusted filet served over a bed of pecan rice. Full catering service is also available. The Roswell location, at 9925 Haynes Bridge Road, is within five minutes of Northpoint Mall. Reservations are recommended. The dress is business causal. All major credit cards are accepted. Lunch is served from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Tuesday - Sunday and Dinner is from 4 pm -10 pm Tuesday - Wednesday and Sunday, and on Thursday until 10:30 pm, Friday-Saturday dinner is served until 11 pm. The lounge area is open until 12:30 pm Thursday - Sunday and 7 pm -10 pm on Wednesdays. Comeaux's phone number is 770.442.2524. Mexi-Cali Grill #3 due Even on a nasty, rainy night there were a dozen customers at the Sandy Springs Fresh Mexi-Cali Grill to order their fresh made-to-order favorite Mexican meal. A sign hangs in the restaurant with the mission statement, "We are committed to provide fresh high quality product with quick and friendly service." My personal experience was just that., I tried the 'crazy charbroil chicken' and tacos, both which were tasty, crispy and hot. "The Charbroil chicken is marinated in natural juices and spices, butterflyed and grilled. Charbroiling cooks off the fat, so it is very tasty and healthy," said Fernando Infanzon partner of Fresh Mexi-Cali. Fernando and partner Ed Infanzon are adding onto their existing locations in Sandy Springs and Roswell, with a third to open in Alpharetta on February 1, 2002. The brothers have been in the restaurant business for 25 years. Infanzon's long term goals are to have 10 company stores and 20 franchises. Based on the success of their existing two locations, the partners have built a loyal clientele and are on the road to a fruitful expansion. The brightly colored 2,600 square foot Sandy Springs restaurant seats 80 people. Plans are in the work to expand the Roswell location. The restaurant serves domestic and imported beer, margaritas and pina coladas. Drink specials are also part of the draw. On Fridays, buy a Corona and receive one free. Sunday's is Frozen Margaritas day, buy one and get one free. Breakfast is also a popular time of day for the restaurant. Eggs or egg white Burritos and tacos using canola oil are breakfast classics. Carryout is also an option at all restaurants. Catering services are offered which includes professional servers, chaffing dishes, set-up and clean up. If you decide to eat in or take out, here are a few recommended suggestions: The Fajita Platter of charbroiled chicken or steak, any of the Burritos from chicken, steak, pork, to fish and shrimp. They even have fresh grouper tacos (baja style). The options and flexibility to create your own is a nice choice. Entrees range from $1.99 to $15.99. The Alpharetta location to open in February is in the Deerfield Village at 5310 Windward Parkway. The phone number is 770.752.0008. The Sandy Springs location is 404.256.6394 and Roswell is 770.552.9333. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. All major credit cards are accepted. Madison Grill arrives Mike McQuary, president of EarthLink, Inc. is notably an expert at software and will soon be an expert of flatware, the silverware kind. He has expanded his portfolio with a group of investors to include a new restaurant, the Madison Grill. Located in Midtown at EarthLink's world headquarters, 1375 Peachtree Street, the Madison Grill opened on December 19, 2001. Michael Zimmermann, general manager of the Madison Grill commented on McQuary's motivation for opening the restaurant. "Mike wanted to offer a neighborhood place with moderate prices and a relaxed atmosphere that would appeals to the masses," said Zimmermann. The closing of Angelo and Maxie's Steakhouse in midtown left a void for a moderate priced venue with a good patio exposure, according to Zimmermann. The Madison Grill has a midtown location with a smoke-free policy in its 36-table restaurant and outdoor patio seating, where smoking is allowed. The menu is compact and includes a selection of six entrees, from pasta, chicken breast and salmon to beef tenderloins. Entrees range from $6.25 to $11.95. Appetizers offer a selection of 10 various items from she crab soup to several types of salads, which range from $3.50 -$11.95. A deli take-out area was to open by the end of December. A private dining area perfect for rehearsal dinners, seats up to 50 people. Cross promotions will be coordinated with EarthLink Live, located down the street from the restaurant. The full bar offers up to 12 beers on tap from your typical Guinness to your more eclectic brands such as Oregon and Servavona. A selection of 40 wines, which offer a good range of moderately priced domestic and foreign qualities are also available. The interior is modern, and reflects a hi-tech influence with its stained cement floor, use of copper and also contemporary light colored maple woods. The neutral color scheme is carried throughout the 5,800 square foot restaurant. Complimentary valet parking is offered. Lunch and Dinner are served from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Sunday - Wednesday and 11 a.m. -1 pm Thursday - Saturday. All major credit cards are accepted. The phone number is 404.475.1188. The Melting Pot A key to a good relationship is being able to share. A way to test your mate's willingness to share is by bringing them to a Melting Pot Fondue restaurant. Fondue is one of those types of foods that involve sharing and dipping with someone special make it fun eating together. In fact, the Melting Pot was named best first date restaurant three times by Creative Loafing. The Melting Pot has been a franchisee operation since 1975, at the height of fondue fun. Mark Gunn owner of a soon-to-be-opened Melting Pot in Kennesaw, is also owner of the Alpharetta location since 1990. On the heels of the March 2002 Kennesaw opening, Gunn will open a third location in late 2002. Gunn has found the concept to be a winner. "Fondue is fun to do and it is unique, whether it's prepared with meat, cheese or chocolate," said Gunn. The popularity of fondue attracts all ages from early twenties to late sixties. The Kennesaw location will offer a selection of Gunn's private stock of reserve limited production cases. A custom designed wine seller is being built to stock a minimum of 1200 bottles of the best selection of wines in Atlanta, according to Gunn. Private room for parties up to 40 is also being designed. Leather couches in the seating area and semi private dinner tables are framed-in with arches. Gunn is also planning to have live entertainment. Specials such as wine dinners will include a four-course meal and a glass of wine with each course. Ken-nesaw's hours of operation will be Sunday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. From 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. only cheese and chocolate fondue is offered. On Friday and Saturday, dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. From 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. only cheese and chocolate are offered. The Kennesaw Melting point is located at 2500 Cobb Place Lane. The Alpharetta location is at 1055 Mansell Road. Alpharetta's phone number is 770.518.4100. All major credit cards are accepted. Padriacs #2 due soon Serving Continental American cuisine with a southern flair, Padriacs established itself in Vinings three years ago. A second location in Roswell in the Ellard Village Center on Holcomb Bridge is opening on February 1, 2002. Owners Joe Freer, Bob Campbee and Joe Ardagna are partners in the Roswell location. The concept Freer developed three years ago was slightly different from most fine dining restaurants at the time. When Freer opened in Vinings, he brought to the area a choice of causal fine dining combined with live entertainment and a large selection of 39 beers on draft. The success of the concept clicked with the right mix, at the right time. The Vinings location attracts three waves of customers according to Steve Farace, general manager. "We have a happy hour from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. which attracts the Vinings neighborhood crowd, then from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. we get a lot of business, couples and groups come in for dinner, and after 10:00 we get a young crowd that comes for the live entertainment until we close at 2 p.m." says Farace. The Roswell crowd will probably skew to a slightly older business and family-oriented crowd based on the demographics of the area. Freer is going to evaluate the business before committing to a ongoing live band as entertainment. For now he is planning on acoustic entertainment. The beer draft selection will be part of the venue. A selection of 40 draft beers, which range from the unusual, Carolina Blond (N. Carolina) to local brew from Atlanta, Sweet Georgia Brown are part of the mix. A large wine selection is also in the plans. At least 40 will be available by the glass. The decor of the Roswell location will be similar to the minimalist decor of Vinings. Roswell is 2,000 square feet larger. The 4,600 square foot space will seat 220 inside and outside seating is available. A private room to seat 35 is ideal for business luncheons or rehearsal dinners. A TV and screen are available for powerpoint presentations. "Roswell will also offer causal fine dining. We will have a lot more booths. Some of the upgrades will include a brick fireplace, cherry wood tables and hardwood and cement floors," said Freer. The Chef will bring his own flair to the Vinings location. The menu selection will be a combination of new and existing. Entree selections at Vinings include Grilled Angus beef tenderloin with roasted garlic mash potatoes, Chili rubbed striped bass, and Pecan crusted Chicken and grilled pork chop with blue cheese grits, asparagus and a spicy sauce. Entrees range from $13-$21. Appetizer selections include crab, spinach and artichoke dip, calamari, and chicken flautas and range from $5 - $8. Hours of operation for the Roswell location will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday - Sunday for lunch and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday - Sunday for dinner. The bar area will stay open to 2 a.m. Monday - Saturday and on Sunday until 12 a.m. The Vinings location is 2460 Cumberland Parkway and phone number is 770.433.2398. All major credit cards are accepted. Causal urban is the dress attire. Reventon Bar and Grill opens Smyrna was to become the home to a large Mexican restaurant, which was to open December 21, 2001, called Reventon Bar and Grill. Located in an existing freestanding building, the restaurant owner Lillian Cardenas gave the space a clean up and Mexican flavor, preparing for its grand opening. The interior was painted in brightly colors of blue and orange and hardwood floors were refinished. Cardenas has been the manager of several other Mexican restaurants, including Lamovida in Sandy Springs for the past two years before deciding to open one of her own. Reventon will have plenty of live Mexican entertainment for its full capacity of 350 people to enjoy. A smaller room can hold up to 100 people for private parties. The full bar serves wine, liquor, and Mexican beer such as Corona, Tecate, Dos Equis XX. Also, there are specialty drinks of Margarita's and Pina Coladas. Burritos, Tacos, Nachos and Fajitas will be part of the main fare. Entrees will range from $6 to $13. Appetizers include chilaquiles dip and chips, guacamole and salsa, which range from $1.99 to $3.99. Reventon Bar and Grill is located at 3282 South Cobb Drive. The phone number is 770.436.2890. The hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. From 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night live entertainment will be offered. Credit cards are accepted. No reservations are needed. Dress is casual. Levi's Key West Fishouse Say the name Levi's and what do you think of? Blue jeans, right? A new fishouse that opened in Decatur called Levi's Key West Fishouse, shares in common with the legendary jean company the color blue and the casual dress attitude of jeans. Levi's the restaurant however, is named after the owner's grandson. Owned and operated by a father and son team, Angelo and Anthony Pitillo, Levi's opened on West Ponce de Leon Place in early December. "We wanted to provide a causal place where people could come and enjoy themselves in a fun and colorful atmosphere," says Pitillo. The Pitillo's also own the Cafe Lily, which opened two years ago and is located a couple of blocks from the new restaurant. Anthony Pitillo is the executive chef of both restaurants. The menu at Levi's offers a range of seafood at moderate prices. Fresh Oysters and clams (market price) shucked or steamed in garlic and butter can be ordered 1/2 dozen or dozen from $4.75 - $8.95. Shrimp is prepared five different ways, from steamed to beer battered and ranges from $8.95 - $15.95. Entrees which range from $5.50 - $19.95, include a fresh catch of the day, or Fresh Gulf Snapper filet broiled or fried, served with rice and ripe plantains for $10.95. Soups known as Key West staples are Conch Chowder, Clam Chowder or homemade oyster stew. Attracting families, college students and a range of business lunch types, the restaurant is enjoying a broad spectrum of clients. "Decatur is an emerging market, and many people are moving into this area. The downtown section is becoming a more popular place for people to meet, shop and eat," said Pitillo. Beer and Wine are available as well as some specialty shooters with Key West themes. Oyster Shooters, with traditional vodka, cocktail sauce and fresh oyster can be ordered for $3.75. Five other types of shooters are also available: Vodka, Cuban, Margarita and virgin shooters for $1.50. The restaurant seats 75 and has a patio to seat an additional 30. Lunch and Dinner are served from the same menu from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 12 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Visa and Master Card are accepted. No reservations are required. The restaurant is located two blocks off the square at 308 West Ponce de Leon Place. The phone number is 404.378.8881. Willy's Grill is here Native Californian's who move to Atlanta know the difference between a California-style burrito and an East coast burrito. "California style burritos are larger, use the freshest ingredients and are made to order," says Mitch Hatzo general manager of Willy's Mexicana Grill, located in Buckhead. The October opening of Willy's Mexicana Grill by owner Willy Bitter, is his seventh location in Atlanta. Bitter's goals are to continue adding Willy's to Atlanta and the restaurants high standards in each location. The successful concept brought from the west has attracted a loyal breakfast, lunch and dinner following. Plans are already in progress to open another location near Piedmont Park in early 2002. The quick service and flexibility to make custom order burritos is important to the health conscious public, according to Hatzo. "We grill all our own meat, use fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and make all our guacamole and salsa fresh," said Hatzo. Willy's is serving 600 to 700 customers a day at one location. "On average we sell 3000 to 4000 burritos a week in one of our restaurants," said Hatzo. The atmosphere at Willy's is causal. Upon ordering your selection at the counter, you can watch it being made or sit and wait for its arrival. "At Willy's we make everything in front you, like a line operates in a Mexican subway shop. We grill a portion in the line, and put the rice and beans in at another section of the line," says Hatzo. Burritos are available in regular, special or super. A veggie burrito of black beans, rice, salsa and cheese is also offered. Burritos range from $4.90-$5.75. Nachos, Quesadillas, Tacos and salads are also available. Beer-only is served. Willy's is also kid friendly, offering a children's menu. Willy's newest Mexicana Grill is located at 2280 Peachtree Road. The web site is www.willysmexicanagrill.com. The hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday. The phone number is 404.351.4671. Top of Page