News for Restaurants in Atlanta September 2015 Archive Search / Openings / Closings / Chef Shuffle / News Bytes / Culinary Events / Wine Dinners / Sign up for our free, monthly newsletter / News Archive RESTAURANT NEWS Openings The team of Nicholas Niespodziani, Peter Olson and chef Nick Melvin have opened Venkman’s in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward. New restaurateurs Niespodziani and Olson are co-front men of the group Yacht Rock Revue and founders of PleaseRock. Local chef Melvin is founder of Doux South Pickles, a line of classic Southern pickled vegetables sold at local farmers markets and in gourmet shops. Dishes such as cast-iron-cooked fried chicken with pickled mustards reflect his interest in the process. The restaurant occupies the former NuGrape Soda Factory overlooking Ponce City Market and Old Fourth Ward Park, and promises to offer eclectic live music and creative comfort food under one roof. Designed by local architecture firm ai3, responsible for designing many of the city's edgier establishments, Venkman’s aesthetic is part “vintage lounges” and features an open kitchen with chef table seating. Venkman's, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30312, 470-225-6162.   News Bytes Check back soon for more news. Chef Shuffle Louisiana native Dean Berthelot will take the position of executive chef at Ray's in the City, a spot he occupied when the restaurant first opened in downtown Atlanta 12 years ago. Berthelot began his life as a chef in 1991 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans, where he interned, and then held a permanent position at the hotel's fine dining restaurant, Begue’s. In 1995, Berthelot accepted his first executive chef position at New Orleans’ House of Blues, opening six restaurants for the company. Moving to Atlanta in 2001, he has worked at The Cheesecake Factory, Ray's on the River, and opened Ray's in the City in 2003. Since 2010, he's been executive chef at Google's four facilities in Atlanta, and now returns to Ray's in the City with a mission to elevate that restaurant's dining experience. Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly. Ray's in the City, AmericasMart, Bldg. 2, 240 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-524-9224.   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. Check back soon for more news. 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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