Cotton Calf Kitchen Herds Dry-Aged Steak and Classic Cocktails into Historic Braselton Brothers Department Store Building

The August debut of Cotton Calf Kitchen in the 111-year-old Braselton Brothers Department Store building circles the storefront back to its origins as a community hub satisfying appetites for good taste and providing attentive service. This time, however, groceries and dry goods give way to a classic American steakhouse where dry-aged steaks sizzle and cocktails and conversation flow. Partners Matt Ruppel, Hudson Tang and Cindy Green want Cotton Calf Kitchen to become an integral part of Braselton’s balance of historic preservation and a live/work/play/dine environment. To this point, the restaurant sits across Davis Street from a turn-of-the-century cotton gin building yet the patio will overlook the town’s anticipated new amphitheater. Open daily for cocktails and dinner from 4-11 p.m., Cotton Calf Kitchen will feature quality dry-aged beef, heirloom vegetables and tapas-style appetizers. Watch the progress unfold on Facebook.

Heads Up: Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse Job Fair is coming!

Looking for a great new job opportunity where you can really use your love of all things steak and all things Italian?  Shine those shoes and get those resumes ready, because Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse is having a job fair next Monday, July 19 and Tuesday, July 20!  The restaurant will be opening in August for lunch and dinner.

From 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then again at 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can apply in person at Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30326) at the Meeting Room on the Main Level at the entrance of Belk.  Available positions include Bartenders, Wait staff, Bussers, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Runners and Dishwashers.  

If for any reason you’re unable to attend on Monday and Tuesday, you can email your resume to claude@davios.com .  Good luck everyone!

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…

Parker's on Ponce Brings White Oak Pastures Beef To the Table

Downtown Decatur is DeKalb county’s favorite location for unique shops and locally owned restaurants. Independently owned steakhouse, Parker’s On Ponce, is one of our favorites. Parker’s On Ponce is known for serving a traditional steakhouse menu in modern environs. In their effort towards supporting local food, the steakhouse uses grass-fed beef of Georgia’s own White Oak Pastures. The dinner menu sizzles with steaks ($15-$52) ranging from flat iron, filet mignon, New York strip, Kansas City strip, ribeye, and a “Porterhouse Steak for Two.” A wide variety of non-steak entrees ($14-$19), appetizers ($7-$14), and soups and salads ($6-$15) round out the offerings. An extensive wine list, custom cocktail menu and microbrew list pour on plenty of holiday cheer for sipping and toasting by the stacked-stone fireplace! Open for lunch and dinner.

Parker’s on Ponce : 116 East Ponce de Leon Avenue (between Church Street and Clairmont Road on the Decatur Square); 404-924-2230.

The Times, They Are A Changin’ . . .Morton’s The Steakhouse And Woodfire Grill Are Extending Hours

For some reason, my body doesn’t adjust well to the new time when the clock goes forward in the spring. When the time changes in the fall, however, it feels like I just won the clock lottery, a “cloctery,” if you will. This year, I got a little preview on my cloctery feeling when some of my favorite spots made time changes of their own.

Morton’s The Steakhouse, usually a dinner only spot, is adding special 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. lunch hours on December 11, 12, 18 and 19 at both Atlanta locations. Go for the amazing steak, stay for the delectable carrot cake.

Morton’s The Steakhouse-Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.

Morton’s The Steakhouse-Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Woodfire Grill, Atlanta’s favorite farm-to-table restaurant, added another day and an extra half hour to dinner time. Does that mean that, although I just celebrated my birthday, I am actually getting younger since I have more time to enjoy fresh favorites, like local sweet corn soup ($8)? Wishful thinking, perhaps... Anyway, starting November 3, the Midtown restaurant will be open for dinner Monday through Saturday, and doors will open a half hour earlier at 5:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.

Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

Wine Down Wednesdays: a New Monthly Event at Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead

Last night, Meryl and I went to Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead for the restaurant's first Wine Down Wednesday event. The first Wednesday of each month, Morton’s in Buckhead becomes the place to mark the midweek with themed wine tastings. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., $12 (inclusive of tax and gratuity) buys guests a generous sampling of three to four wines plus complimentary appetizers. This month's tasting focused on "Pioneers of California" – Beringer Stanley Ranch Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Terra D’Oro Deaver Ranch Zinfandel. I favored the Mondavi Cabernet, while Meryl enjoyed the Beringer Chardonnay the best. Tanya Lawson, a representative from United Distributors, was on hand to educate us about the wines , and the lovely Maureen, our favorite bartender, brought around hors d'oeuvres such as steak sandwiches and scallops for guests to enjoy with their wine.

These tastings are the perfect opportunity to come get a feel for the upscale restaurant’s top-notch food, wine and exceptional service. Next month's tasting features an evening of "Pinot Envy" on July 2.

Morton’s The Steakhouse Buckhead is located in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.