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News for Restaurants in Atlanta
December 2010 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

On December 1, the space once occupied by the former Joël became Local Three, a project by Todd Mussman and Ryan Turner of Muss & Turner's, along with Chris Hall, formerly of Canoe and 4th & Swift. The trio has installed a comfort zone in both atmosphere and food. Interior design by Atlanta's own ai3 emphasizes dark woods and takes good advantage of a bank of windows that capture exterior views. This team's cooking emphasizes familiar dishes, from a grilled cheese sandwich and soup to braised lamb shoulder with lentils and yogurt, and sausage and braised cabbage with raisins. Dishes for snacking and sharing are part of the menu. Two private dining spaces and an outdoor dining area expand the ways of using this new endeavor. Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly, Brunch Sun. Local Three, The Piazza at Paces, 3290 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, 404-968-2700.
 
Marietta's Tasty China was put on the culinary map by chef Peter Chang who then, once the restaurant was established, took off for sundry other parts of the planet and cooked his way from one spot to another. Now he's decided to return to Atlanta and the result of his effort is Peter Chang's, opening December 19 following a grand opening party the previous evening. Chang will cook his signature Szechuan cuisine, preparing dishes one finds nowhere else. Don't come looking for sweet-and-sour anything. And do come prepared for spicy, well-seasoned food that will intrigue your mind as well as your palate. Lunch & Dinner daily. Peter Chang's, 6450 Powers Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30339, 770-419-9849.
 

News Bytes

Closing Party for Toulouse An American Bistro
Celebrating a dozen years of success, Toulouse An American Bistro will close at year's end, but not before holding a rousing party on Thursday, December 30, at 7 p.m. A limited number of reservations will be accepted for this exclusive event, and many friends of Toulouse are planning to attend. Some of the restaurant's famed signature dishes will be among the items served, and special reserve wines will be offered at an additional cost. Michael Gallant, Toulouse wine director, is choosing special wines for the dinner, some of which are included in the price. Price for the dinner is $60 per person plus tax and gratuity. To make the required reservations, call the restaurant at 404-391-3533. Toulouse' sister restaurant, Portofino, will remain open and may soon start a series of wine tastings and wine-focused tables. Toulouse An American Bistro, Peachtree Walk, 2293 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. B, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-351-9533.
 
Blue Willow Inn's Louis Van Dyke Dies
Having visited with Blue Willow Inn's owner Louis Van Dyke only six months ago, it came as a shock to learn of his recent passing. Mr. Van Dyke and his wife, Billie, founded the Blue Willow Inn in 1991, and its popularity soared as not only locals but also tourists made a point of stopping for the authentic Southern fare. We've seen willow-thin belles load plates with fried chicken and all the trimmings, as it's impossible to even spell the word "diet" when dining at the Blue Willow. An entrepreneur and a go-getter, his energetic spirit will be missed, but we're confident Billie will find what it takes to keep this iconic restaurant at the top of its game. Lunch & Dinner daily. Blue Willow Inn, 294 N. Cherokee Rd., Social Circle, GA 30025, 770-464-2131.
 

Chef Shuffle

Chef Linton Hopkins has taken on the considerable talent of Aaron Russell as pastry chef for Restaurant Eugene. In this capacity, Russell will also oversee the cheese program at Restaurant Eugene. Russell started out his career at Nikolai's Roof, and has worked with Bruno Ménard at The Dining Room, The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, and with Guenter Seeger at Seeger's. He was also the spirit behind the kitchen at The Chocolate Bar in Decatur. The joining of these two talents should take Restaurant Eugene to new heights, and we look forward to the results of this merger with eager anticipation. Restaurant Eugene, Aramore Condominium, 2277 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-355-0321.
 

Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Atlanta to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. Bazzaar, R.I.P.

On December 12, 2010, after 5 1/2 years of keeping Midtown's sweet tooth well fed, The Chocolate Pink Pastry Café closed. Executive pastry chef Christian Balbierer; Michael Goodrich, president; and Erin Lothner, manager, announced their decision the next day, but with a promise that they will be going on to other ventures. We look forward to where their talents may next be found. The Chocolate Pink Pastry CafĂ©, 905 Juniper, 905 Juniper St. NE, Unit 108, Atlanta, GA 30309, no phone.
 
Everybody's Pizza closed its Virginia Highland location on December 5, and Genki Noodles & Sushi is said to be the next tenant in this prized site. Genki Noodles & Sushi has been a popular Buckhead watering hole for some years, and this development, if borne out, will bring another much-needed sushi establishment to the Virginia Highland neighborhood. Everybody's Pizza, 1040 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, no phone.
 
Nothing lasts forever, so Nickiemoto's at the corner of 10th St. and Piedmont Ave. in the heart of Midtown closed its doors December 12 after 12 years at that location. Specializing in sushi and Pan-Asian fare, the large, architecturally designed eatery had seen a falling off in customer base. Lunch on the 12th was the last regular service, then a customer loyalty party followed to mark its closing. Nickiemoto's, 990 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, no phone.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to
learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.

View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Atlanta

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