Twin Smokers BBQ Opens in Downtown Atlanta on December 27

Downtown Atlanta boasts a smokin' hot new lunch, dinner and drinks destination this week. Twin Smokers BBQ opens Saturday, December 27 at 300 Marietta Street (a few doors down from Der Biergarten) in the Luckie Marietta District. The newest member of the Legacy Restaurant Partners family, the Twin Smokers BBQ opening comes as Legacy marks 20 years of serving the downtown area. Football fans, Twin Smokers BBQ is only a gridiron length away from the newly built College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience. Legacy corporate chef Chris Blobaum's menu of smoked meats, fresh sides, craft beer and strong cocktails will please 'cue connoisseurs, no matter where they call home. Blobaum's culinary team traversed the U.S. on a reconnaissance mission to uncover the nation's best barbecue. They brought back their favorite styles from Texas, the Carolinas, Kansas City and Memphis to connect with signature rubs and a touch of Georgia flair and flavor. Southern-style barbecue, hickory-smoked chicken and pork, and Texas-style mesquite-smoked beef brisket start with locally sourced meats. Smoky meats love smoky spirits and cold brews, hence Twin Smokers commands an extensive bourbon and beer program. What's in a name? "Twin Smokers" refers to the restaurant's two custom, fire engine-red Oyler 700 smokers -- one for chicken and pork and one for beef. These smokers are designed to strengthen the individual flavors of each meat, especially when stoked with mesquite, hickory, white oak or post oak from the restaurant's "wood library." True 'cue lovers will want to check out Twin Smoker's BBQ Club for fired up perks.

We're Pumped, Anticipating a Year Full of Delightful Atlanta Restaurant Openings

It's going to be a delectable new year! We're looking ahead with mouths watering in anticipation of all of the tantalizing newcomers entering Atlanta's restaurant scene in 2014. We'll keep you abreast of the details as the year progresses.

A second location of Bantam + Biddy opens in Midtown on January 13, increasing the flock of fast-casual, all-natural poultry eateries for Atlanta chefs Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere. To crow about: caffeine. The new roost on Crescent Avenue will house an espresso bar serving Batdorf & Bronson coffees at breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

St. Cecilia, patroness of music and the name of Ford Fry's newest destination is housed in the former Bluepointe space at the corner of Lenox and Peachtree roads in Buckhead. Executive chef Brian Horn's culinary style is heavily influenced by the European coast and the Ligurian coast. The menu will feature light olive oils, simple yet perfect pasta, wood-roasted fish and produce from the Southeast. The food and beverage team including pastry chef Chrysta Poulos (King + Duke) and Lara Creasy overseeing libations are in perfect harmony for the January 13 opening.

Commanding a panoramic view from high atop Hilton Atlanta, iconic Nikolai's Roof unveils a million dollar new look and menu Winter 2014. Devotees will appreciate both the nod to Russian heritage and executive chef Stephanie Alderete's of-the-moment yet timeless menu, available à la carte or in three-, four- and six-course options. Formal gloves and gold-domed plates are gone, impeccable service lives on. 

Superica is Ford Fry's 2014 addition to Krog Street Market, which opens this spring in Inman Park. Austin, Texas-inspired Mex-Tex fare of tamales, enchiladas, tacos and margaritas, wood-burning grills and an indoor/outdoor patio designed to stage live music have us cheering an anticipatory "Ole!"

Makan debuts this spring in Decatur, bringing the street foods of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea to the lively little city. We're looking forward to supping on George Yu's Asian comfort food both inside and out on the patio at the restaurant and experiencing its night market feel within the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at 130 Clairemont Avenue.

Chris Hadermann and JP Piemonte, the guys behind The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails and Osteria Cibo Rustico, have three Buckhead restaurant personalities in the works, each offering craft cocktails and lunch and dinner seven days a week plus live music. We're poised with napkins ready, anticipating generous servings of 'cue and Southern culture when Smokebelly opens in late February at 128 East Andrews Drive in Buckhead. Executive chef Darrell Rice plans well-rubbed smoked and non-smoked meats and guest appearances by smoked alligator and more. Whiskey, bourbon and moonshine cocktails will reflect a speakeasy era. Gypsy Kitchen will open in early July at Peachtree Street and Buckhead Avenue in the Streets of Buckhead. Here, we'll go global for Spanish fusion influenced by Indian, Moroccan and Southeast Asian flavors. The Southern Gentleman shares space with Gypsy Kitchen. He tips his hat toward a Southern gastropub menu where ingredients from the group's farm at Milton's will play a big role.

Kennesaw friends, sit tight. FlexMex and margaritas are coming your way this summer when fun-loving Tin Lizzy's Cantina opens in your neck of the woods!

The St. Regis Hotel hints at a new restaurant opening in 2014, Kevin Gillespie is working on a new barbecue spot, and Aria is getting a mini-makeover. We can't let everything out of the bag at once!

Marlow's Tavern Opens at Emory Point Community Today

Marlow's Tavern gives its patrons one more place to dine out in Atlanta with the newest location opening this Tuesday December 18. Located in the new Emory Point shopping district at 1627 Clifton Road, the restaurant's 160-seated dining room and covered patio are sure to draw in the Decatur community as it becomes a lively neighborhood hangout.
 The classic American tavern fare and hand-crafted cocktails are appealing and affordable.Another reason to dine out at the new Marlow's is the debut of the new winter menu that includes dishes such as stuffed turkey burgers and steak frites, classic shrimp and crab nachos and the Prestige Farms grilled chicken panini. The beverage menu showcases a variety of white and red wines, a simple yet pleasing beer menu and homemade cocktails mixed with fresh fruit, simple syrup and small batch liquors.

The first Marlow’s Tavern location opened in 2004 in Alpharetta. Over the past eight years, Marlow’s Tavern locations have sprung up in neighborhoods across the metro-Atlanta area. Marlow’s builds a sense of community through involvement with non-profit organizations such as Special Olympics Georgia and the Atlanta Community Food Bank, as well as by welcoming each guest with warm hospitality and world-class food and drinks.

A New Restaurant Opening in Midtown Brings Sustainable Food and Upbeat Atmosphere

Brothers Sean and Gilbert Yeremyan are bringing a new restaurant and lounge to the Midtown community called 10th & Piedmont, taking the place of the former Outwrite bookstore space. The brothers have created an eclectic atmosphere with diverse flair to continue the tradition that Gilbert's Cafe and Bar and the former bookstore brought to the iconic corner. On December 10th the restaurant begins serving dinner and lunch service begins on December 12th. 

Executive Chef Brett Ring brings fresh, seasonal and organic produce and artfully designed plates to match guest's cravings for brunch, lunch, dinner or late night meals. Tasty offerings include Southern arancini with blue cheese grits and tomato marmalade; lamb meatballs with red currants, tomato glaze and pickled cucumber spaghetti; and SoCo cured salmon roulade with whipped goat cheese, roasted red peppers, lemon vinaigrette and fried capers atop a bagel crisp. The extensive beverage menu is sure to quench your thirst with a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, worldly vodkas, an international red and white wine list and craft bottled or canned beers. 


Sunday offers patrons a little fun with a Bellini brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. followed by an afternoon tea dance with a live DJ from 4 p.m. to close. Lunch is offered with counter service Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and with table service on Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 10^th & Piedmont serves dinner nightly followed by a late-night menu offered daily once dinner service has ended and lasting until 2 a.m. Monday-Saturday and until midnight on Sunday. 

The Yeremyan brothers also own and operate HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and Gilbert's Café & Bar as part of their restaurant group, Communitas Hospitality. For more information: Facebook or call 404-602-5510.

Four New Market Street Café Openings Bring Healthy Food Selections to Corporate Campuses

The same folks who have placed Marlow's Tavern locations in neighborhoods throughout the metro-Atlanta area are providing delicious morning and midday dining options at new Market Street Cafés on area corporate campuses. Sterling Spoon Culinary Management (SSCM) opened three cafés on NCR office campuses in Duluth and Suwanee on Monday, November 5 and will re-open a corporate café at The Coca-Cola Company office campus in Alpharetta on Thursday, November 15. All of the cafes are open between the hours of 7 a.m-2 p.m.

The warm and inviting eateries showcase atmosphere that strays away from the sterile office environment. Market Street Cafés are known for their fresh, farm-to-fork ingredients, made-from-scratch recipes, healthy lifestyle selections and reasonable prices. The menu is packed with pleasers for a quick breakfast or lunch ranging from sandwiches and salad staples, full-on mains such as hoisin-marinated salmon, USDA prime steaks, vegetarian dishes and accommodations for special dietary needs. Market Street Café menus are chef-driven and customized for each venue. Mornings are looking market-ably more promising already!

Italian Essentials and Local Ingredients for Phenomenal Napoletana Pizzas in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward

When making true Napoletana-style pizzas, dough and sauce are key factors. Ammazza owners, the brothers Connerty, are ready and are importing essential ingredients such as "00" flour from Italy's Campania region. For meat and produce toppings, sustainable and local are best for a short commute from field through a wood-fired oven to hand-tossed heaven at 591 Edgewood Avenue.

Ammazza's Italian street food-inspired dishes go beyond 16-inch pizzas ($19-$22) to antipasto selections including house-made meatballs, insalata di limone and a classic meat and cheese board ($6-$10). Desserts ($3-$6) include cannolis, citrus-ricotta cream-filled sfogliatelle, flourless chocolate Torta Caprese and little dough balls of pasta fritta con canella. Pizza examples are Ammazzare with artisan Italian sausage, roasted peppers, Vidalia onion, fresh basil, tomato and house mozzarella; Terra topped with house mozzarella, wild mushrooms, goat cheese and truffle oil; prosciutto with roasted artichokes, fresh basil and house mozzarella; and Inferno with spicy sopressata, house mozzarella, tomatoes and Calabria peppers.

Fast and casual, Ammazza also hosts a full-service bar, bottled and draft beers, plus house-made limoncellos and Sprecher's gourmet sodas on tap.  Rustic warehouse digs, reclaimed wood and a skylight set the backdrop for small tables and two 16-foot communal tables big enough for the whole crowd. Open at 5 p.m. nightly for dinner and staying open through midnight Sunday - Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Plenty of parking in adjacent lot.

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week

Tacos Mexicanos, anyone? We can't wait to dive into this delicious dinner when Chepe's newest location opens at the Old Alabama Square shopping center in Johns Creek on Wednesday, November 16!

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!

2009 Will Welcome Marlow’s Tavern to Duluth

I enjoyed a delish lunch at Marlow’s this week, and I must say that I am excited for diners in Duluth. Yes, there will soon be six Marlow’s Tavern locations around metro Atlanta when Marlow’s opens its Duluth location in January 2009 at 1950 Satellite Boulevard and Sugarloaf Parkway near the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Neighbors can look forward to stopping at the tavern for cold drinks and upscale American tavern fare, lunchtime through dinner and into the night. Marlow’s Tavern offers a long list of wines, cocktails and bottled beers, including local favorites Sweetwater 420 and Terrapin Rye Pale Ale. Once the new restaurant opens, come at any time you like because there are no reservations and plenty of parking.
Marlow’s Tavern: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road; 678-987-1197; and coming in January to Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard.

Dogwood Restaurant Stage 3

Dogwood is really beginning to take shape. The walls are up, the stairs are stable and the kitchen is almost ready for cooking. In this video, owners Shane Tuohy and Scott Black walk me through the restaurant like two proud parents showing off their pride and joy. Follow this link to their youtube channel to find stage one and two of the videos. It's amazing to see how far they have come.

Dogwood is set to open Monday, July 28. Be sure and drop by the ground floor of the Reynolds condominum building at 565 Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta to see the final product!

Invita Them in for Lunch at New Vita in Buckhead

Tony LaRocco’s new Italian eatery to open for dinner soon!

Full of life, vim and vigor, Atlanta restaurateur Tony LaRocco is back with VITA, his new family-style Italian restaurant that opened for lunch today in the former Mick’s location on Peachtree at Bennett Street in Buckhead. VITA means “life” in Italian – a double entendre referring to both the lively eatery and LaRocco’s second chance at life after battling leukemia for two years. Chef Javier Munoz’s 70-item menu bursts with real New York Italian fare and many of the dishes may be ordered on platters to share. Lunch prices are in the reasonable $9 to $10 range, which provides even more incentive to get out and savor life with friends!

VITA will be open for dinner soon . . . stay tuned for more skinny on the penne. Open Monday through Saturday at 2110 Peachtree Road and Bennett Street; open Sunday beginning in May 2008. 404-367-8482.