Taco Mac Taps into McDonough Brew and Buffalo Wing Scene, Opens May 15

Best-in-class wings, best crafts on draft and the best sports viewing environment around are perks all coming to McDonough in one spirited and saucy package. Taco Mac opens its newest free-standing restaurant in the South Point Shopping Center on Monday, May 15. The restaurant’s first location in Henry County seamlessly blends family friendly dining and sports bar viewing with 120 taps and multiple viewing options. The McDonough location shows off a new state-of-the-art prototype for Taco Mac. Industrial-chic elements include an exterior wall made from beer kegs and reclaimed barn wood as well as an advanced audio-visual system featuring Harman Kardon speakers, 12” Sunfire subwoofers, 72 HDTVs and a video wall. The newest Taco Mac is planning Brewniversity specials, beer events with local brewery partners and special tappings to tie in with the opening. Founded in Atlanta in 1979, the Southeast’s original Buffalo wings restaurant has grown to 30 popular locations for sports viewing and food and beverage enjoyment in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Brine Seafood Shack, Chef Mark Taft’s Latest, Comes Ashore at Alpharetta’s Avalon in Spring 2017

Avalon, your ship is about to come in. Brine Seafood Shack sails into the super-hot Alpharetta retail complex this spring bearing boatloads of the finest fresh seafood for its 150-seat dining room. Brine is the latest from executive chef and restaurateur Marc Taft’s Southern Fried Hospitality, which planted the eggs-traordinarily successful farm-to-table restaurant Chicken and the Egg in Marietta in 2011. Brine bridges Santa Monica beach vibe and Cape Cod classic comforts through a menu swimming in healthy Southern California-style seafood. On the menu: think really good lobster rolls, fish stew, clam fritters, tuna poke, fresh oysters and fish tacos, all overseen by Taft and Brine chef de cuisine David Connolly, previously of Two Urban Licks and Tap in Atlanta and Michelin-starred Spiaggia in Chicago. Monterey Bay Seafood Watch sustainable practices will guide Brine’s seafood offerings, and sources will be geo-tagged so Brine chefs will know origins down to the fisherman’s name and boat. This seafood shack is like no other in the area, drawing the craft cocktail set up to a rooftop Tiki bar complete with seasonal fans and fire pits and pleasing pedestrians with a New England-y walk-up window for takeout, soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes and even cocktails, wine and beer to enjoy while strolling through Avalon.

The Federal Now Open. Shaun Doty’s Restaurant Graces Midtown as New Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Destination

Acclaimed chef Shaun Doty returns to his roots with the opening of The Federal, his new restaurant at 1050 Crescent Avenue in Midtown. Those roots tap into his travels, growth as a chef and connecting with guests to develop lasting rapport. Doty’s appetizing “souvenirs of life” influence the traditional menu -- steak frites alluding to years in Belgium and chopped liver reminiscent of Katz’s Delicatessen, a favorite NYC haunt. Dinner service begins tonight at The Federal. Additionally, the coffee crowd can now grab weekday jolts of java and such at the coffee bar from 7:30-11 a.m. Breakfast and lunch are on the agenda – stay tuned for start dates. What’s in a name? The Federal takes its name from the nearby, architecturally grand Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Lance Gummere joins Doty in the new venture. The chef duo share roots, having worked side-by-side at Mumbo Jumbo and founding Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy together.

American Cut and The Regent Cocktail Club Take Steak and Cocktails to New Levels at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, Open September 30

American Cut, a modern American steak restaurant, and The Regent Cocktail Club, companion rooftop terrace bar, open Friday, September 30 at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. American Cut features signature interpretations on fine-dining classics under the direction of local Atlanta chef John Adamson. The unique, multi-level dining experience includes a first-level lounge and bar with its own special menu and daily drink specials. On the second level, guests can enjoy an Atlanta-inspired menu in the main dining room’s upscale setting. Two private dining rooms are tucked away on this level. The Regent Cocktail Club, spanning an indoor/outdoor terrace and bar on the third level, caters to connoisseurs of the cocktail culture with a rotating selection of craft cocktails and an eclectic mix of live music. Sister restaurant American Cut Tribeca in New York City was ranked #1 in the Fox News roundup of “Top 5 Steakhouses in America” in 2015. The Atlanta restaurant menu defines its own style through bold flavors and American classics such as the house favorite chili lobster, the 40-ounce Tomahawk chop and a mix of theatrical and interactive tableside preparations ranging from the plank-smoked old fashioned to the OG 1924 Caesar salad. The LDV Hospitality restaurant, created in partnership with Marc Forgione, will serve dinner nightly. The Regent Cocktail Club opens the doors to the cocktail crowd at 5 p.m. each night, closing at 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Roswell Lands The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Opening Today

Beachfront property sighting in Roswell. The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, delighting Buckhead seafood lovers for the past five years, is casting its sea-to-table line into the heart of Roswell. The second Big Ketch location for Southern Proper Hospitality Group opens today, October 27 at 1105 Canton Street. Guests cruising to the easygoing eatery for lunch, dinner or drinks will feel like they’re visiting a laid-back beach town along Gulf or eastern shores anchored among the street’s array of restaurants. Executive chef Derek Dollar’s casual, chef-driven menu is quite a lure with choices such as Charleston curry seafood quinoa bowl, spicy cioppino with mixed grilled seafood, "beach balls" (surf and turf fritters with bacon, shrimp and green onions), an ahi tuna banh mi sandwich, drunken sailor's rib-eye, jerked pork chops, the “Greuben” (grouper Reuben) or a hot-buttered or chilled lobster roll. Dive in to half-off a dozen oysters during oyster hour (Monday through Friday from 5-6 p.m.) -- a real catch when paired with any of the bar’s “boat” or “yacht” drinks, $5 lime, coconut or mango mojitos or favorites from the treasure trove of beer and wine selections. Mondays, hook the “Burger and Brew” duo of a $10 steak burger royale and draft beer; “Ketch a Cork” on Tuesdays reels in a free appetizer with the purchase of any bottle of wine. Net dinner here seven days a week; lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Open Monday through Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call 770-993-5749 or visit Facebook.

Buckhead Welcomes Ford Fry's St. Cecilia on January 13

Fun fact: the name of Ford Fry's latest restaurant, St. Cecilia, not only pays tribute to the patron saint of music, it also represents Fry’s love of music and the sirens of Greek mythology whose songs coaxed mariners to shore. Luckily for us, he's not making us sing for our supper when the new restaurant opens this Monday, January 13. Located at the junction of Peachtree and Lenox roads, the newest addition to The Pinnacle Building boasts a menu that travels the European coastline, exploring delicate pasta, roasted fish and fresh crudo served in the historic seaside towns and villages. Executive chef Brian Horn plans fresh, handmade pasta and wood-roasted fish; goes coastal with seafood dishes of bucatini with Jonah crab, Serrano chili and garlicky crumbs or fluke crudo with blood orange, pink grapefruit, Castelvetrano olive and EVOO; then travels inland for the likes of veal rib chop with , mushroom pancetta and Madeira. Interior-wise, elements such as reclaimed light wood, Romanesque-tiled columns and vintage accents create a timeless design and modern day atmosphere. Kitchen sightseeing reveals hot and cold from the wood-burning mini hearth to an icy trough filled with fish and shellfish. Pastry chef Chrysta Poulos directs dessert creation, and consultant Lara Creasy crafts a beverage program emphasizing wine and lighter-bodied cocktails. St. Cecilia serves dinner nightly and weekday lunch. Valet parking is available. Reservations: 404-554-9995.

10th and Piedmont Turns Sunday Into a Social Event with Bellini Brunch and Afternoon Tea Dance

10th and Piedmont may be the new folks in town, but they sure know how to draw in the crowds on a lazy Sunday. The new Midtown restaurant hosts a Bellini brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a tea dance until close. 

A traditional afternoon tea dance followed garden parties in the English countryside in the 1800s and has since carried over to the States in the 1920s (think the song "Tea for Two" in the Broadway musical "No, No Nanette.") Restaurant owners and brothers Sean and Gilbert Yeremyan have modernized this tradition by bringing in a live DJ for dance music. Just like those old garden parties, there is no cover charge. 

Bellinis are only available during brunch and the bubbly complements the menu of Chef Brett Ring. The multicultural and southern cuisine feature items such as "Hair of the Dog," toasted Cuban bread topped with smoked tomatoes, Asiago cheese, two poached eggs and vodka tomato gravy; a meaty breakfast with two eggs, link sausage, ham, toasted bread and butter, bacon and grilled tomatoes; chicken and waffles; grits with applewood smoked bacon, sweet corn and sorghum syrup; grilled cheese and tomato bisque; So-Co bagel and lox; buttermilk biscuits with vodka tomato gravy and choice of country ham sausage or bacon; as well as customary morning foods such as blueberry pancakes, oatmeal and more. 


FYI, the Yeremyan brothers also own and operate HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and Gilbert's Café & Bar as part of their restaurant group, Communitas Hospitality.

Fifth Group Lassos A New Downtown Spot for Tex-Mex

Downtown is ready for some serious Tex-Mex, and the One Ninety One Peachtree Tower is the spot for it, according to Robby Kukler, Steve Simon and Kris Reinhard, the three partners behind Fifth Group Restaurants.  Business folk, visitors and party planners won't have long to wait for this fresh lunch, dinner and catering option -- the trio will open their newest chef-driven restaurant in fall 2011. 

Fifth Group Restaurants already operates several Atlanta food and bar favorites:  South City Kitchen Midtown, South City Kitchen Vinings, La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco and The Original El Taco, as well as Bold American, a catering and events company with onsite services at Studio 887 and the Event Gallery at the King Plow Arts Center.  We're excited about their latest addition and will keep you posted as Atlanta's own Ai3 and Peace Design work traditional, booth and communal table seating for 195 plus two bar areas into the 5,200-square-foot space!

First Look at The Nook, on Piedmont Park

A fried Twinkie? I knew before I had it that it was going to be a hit in my book. I mean honestly who can turn down fried desserts- I for one, can not. Imagine funnel cake with a creamy filling… it was scrumptious! The fried Twinkie wasn’t the only highlight of my meal at The Nook, the meal as well as the ambience was perfect for a relaxing Monday evening.



I was fortunate enough to visit The Nook prior to their opening and used my visit as a chance to get a sneak peek at their upscale tavern food. I started my meal with the seared scallops Napoleon- two scallops topped with roasted corn guacamole. The guacamole was a great balance to the sweet taste of scallops and had a smoky southwestern flavor that I ate right up. My chicken wrap didn’t disappoint either. My wrap was made up of warm chicken, goat cheese and spinach paired with tots. And from my prior confession- you know I couldn’t turn down a fried Twinkie to top the whole meal off. The meal was fun and the menu had character.



I can’t wait to visit The Nook, on a warm spring day and sit outside on the patio overlooking the park. The view combined with a cool beverage could make anyone’s day. Next up on my list to try out… the “Totchos” and sweet tea ice cream!

Hot Off the Grill: Pacci

Good news comes in all forms. For some, it’s news that the stimulus package Congress just passed will result in an extra $20 in their paycheck (thanks Uncle Obama!); for others, it’s the beautiful weather that chased the snow away. For me, it’s word that Pacci will call Midtown home very soon!

Pacci Ristorante is a Piemontese-style steakhouse that will offer the flavors and timeless elegance of Northern Italy amidst the bustling backdrop of Midtown Atlanta’s stylish, urban surroundings. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring robust dishes inspired by the rustic fare of Italy and created by Executive Chef Keira Moritz, formerly of Puccini & Pinetti in San Francisco. This will be a homecoming for Moritz, who grew up in Georgia. Her menu of fresh, seasonal Italian cuisine and traditional steakhouse classics, combined with the majestic interior décor created by The Puccini Group, will attract Midtown residents, businesspeople and travelers alike. Pacci will also feature an extensive wine list and an innovative cocktail menu, and the restaurant’s bar area will offer guests another spot to enjoy small, shareable plates.

Stay tuned for more news…