|
Atlanta Restaurant NewsSearch / Openings / Closings / Chef Shuffle / News Bytes / Culinary Events / Wine Dinners / Sign up for our free, monthly newsletter / News Archive
Openings
Wild game has come to sophisticated Buckhead in the form of Saskatoon, fielding a fine dining menu that has even the non-gamers interested in the unusually presented steaks, seafood and poultry dishes. But the wild game is the big draw, from elk to feathered creatures (pheasant). The well-thought-out wine collection enhances the menu, whether you choose to go with chef pairings or select a favorite bottle. We're hoping to see some Canadian wines on the list, too. Dinner is offered nightly beginning at 5 p.m.; the bar opens at 3:30 p.m. every afternoon. Reservations and all major credit cards are accepted. Choose valet or free parking. Dinner nightly. Saskatoon, Atrium, 360 Pharr Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-891-1911.
Leaving its tiny spot in downtown Conyers, Thai Palace has taken up residence in a Victorian-style house and added sushi to its name and its menu, which features classic Thai cuisine. The coconut-chicken soup is spot-on and a cup of it may precede entrées. If your taste buds run to something a bit off the beaten Thai track, select any of the specials indicated on the board at the entrance. That could be mango with shrimp or duck with vegetables and a slightly spicy basil sauce or soft-shell crabs (dinner). For dessert, check out the fresh mango, artfully sliced and arranged next to a mound of very good sticky rice. Thai Palace & Sushi Bar, 968 Main St., Conyers, GA 30012, 770-785-7778.
Vinocity Goes for New Identity & New Menu
Being perceived by its neighborhood as expensive, Vinocity Kirkwood Restaurant & Wine Bar's owners decided on a re-brand, and have changed the name to Kirkwood Public House. A new chef, installed two months earlier in anticipation of the change, and a revamped menu have put the place on a new course, with only one main dish at the $20 mark. The new farm-to-table, chef-driven menu features a raft of small plates, making it easy to choose how to dine at the restaurant. And, says co-owner Ian Smith, "we're more kid-friendly than ever." Kirkwood Public House, Kirkwood Station, 1963 Hosea L. Williams Dr. SE, Atlanta, GA 30317, 404-870-8886.
The Grange Public House Becomes The Marlay House
Having been challenged by a national organization that uses the word "grange," Decatur's The Grange Public House decided simply to change its name. After a contest in which three regulars suggested the same name, the owners opted for The Marlay House, and hoisted the new sign to reflect the changes. Nothing else, however, will change, neither the atmosphere nor chef Mark Gallagher's comfort food. The Marlay House, 429 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, 404-270-9950.
Marlow’s Taverns Launch New Fundraising Project
The "Bayou ‘n Bourbon" promotion kicks off with a Fat Tuesday party on February 16 at all six Marlow's Tavern locations. In addition to this being the first day the special menu is available, there will also be drink deals, a raffle prize drawing, party favors and festive Bayou music playing all night long. This celebration also marks the start of Marlow's partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB). Throughout the six-week special, all six Marlow's Taverns will raise money for the restaurants' participation in this year's Hunger Walk event. During this time, guests may add a donation to their check to benefit the ACFB. With every donation of $1 or more, guests will get a bounce back card for $5 off their next purchase of $15 or more at Marlow's Tavern.
Happy Hour Specials at Two Ray's Restaurants
From 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Ray's Killer Creek and Ray's on the River offer a half-priced menu of appetizers and another long list of value-priced wine, $5 Absolut martinis and $3 draft beer on their new special weeknight menu (excluding holidays). Yes, "Oysters Rock!" with Pernod creamed spinach, bacon and hollandaise for $6. More deals include shrimp cocktail, ahi tataki, Ray's "New Orleans" barbecue shrimp with barbecue beer butter on a toasted baguette, warm Maytag blue cheese chips, and crispy calamari with sweet and hot peppers and tomato marinara ($4-$7). Fresh shucked oysters accompanied by atomic cocktail sauce and Champagne mignonette come by the dozen ($11) or half dozen ($7). Value-priced red and white wines from around the globe are available by the glass ($6-$9) or bottle ($17-$27). Those in the market for martinis will find plenty for $5 each: Ray's blue smoke, Ray's lemon drop, the Maytag, pomegranate, chocolate, Georgia peach and the French martini. Ray's Killer Creek, 1700 Mansell Rd., Alpharetta, 770-649-0064. Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly, Brunch Sun. Ray's on the River, 6700 Powers Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30339, 770-955-1187.
Pacci's "Cork to Fork" Program Recycles Used Wine Corks
Pacci Ristorante, an Italian-style steakhouse in the new Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown, has launched an innovative program designed to recycle cork. "Cork to Fork" teams up with an organization called ReCork America to reuse wine corks in other products, such as shoe soles, flooring, gaskets, bulletin boards, sports gear, and even compost. Bring in real corks from wine bottles and receive for each cork 2 percent off your total bill up to a maximum of 20 percent. Pacci Ristorante, Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown, 866 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, 678-412-2402.
57th Fighter Squadron Restaurant Returns
In October, the engines of the old 57th Fighter Squadron Restaurant roared back to life like a renovated B-17 bomber, ripping a new page right out of WWII nostalgia. The place is named in honor of the old 57th Pursuit Group that was organized in 1940 and activated in January 1941 at old Mitchell Field, LI, NY. The original restaurant, closed for some years, re-created the specter of a French farmhouse of the era with WWII memorabilia throughout the grounds. The food and wine both were then less interesting than the circumstances, as patrons could sit at tables and watch planes take off and land at the nearby general aviation airport. Appearing partially bombed out, the building with randomly arranged dining spaces is a visual "I'll Be Seeing You," and the sound system runs through endless replays of vintage tunes. Today, the menu is American with Southern touches, focused on steaks, seafood, roasted chicken and short ribs at dinner--all served in he-man portions. Sunday brunch is a buffet, after which (3 p.m.) a bar menu is available until 8 p.m. This is a great place to bring kids and let them in on the history of an almost-vanished era. In charge of the kitchen at the revived 57th is chef Mo Darger, tapped for the position from Utah. Dancing and music will come after the first of the year. The 57th Fighter Squadron Restaurant, 3829 Clairmont Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-234-0057.
Check back soon for more news.
To the surprise of Atlanta's dining world, The Dining Room of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, has closed after a 25-year run. Under Guenter Seeger, The Dining Room rode to international fame and fortune, and his tenure there was followed by those of such toques as Joël Antunes, Bruno Ménard, and Arnaud Berthelier. Management cited not only the economy but also changes in dining habits that occasioned its demise. The Dining Room, The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, 3434 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-237-2700.
|
RESTAURANT AWARDS
Just published! Our annual restaurant issue features the Best Cheap Eats and our Top 40 U.S. selections, including including Corton in New York and more!
