Appetizing Aperture: The Federal's Oxtail French Onion Soup

Spoon dive into a bowl of piping hot oxtail French onion soup($10) at The Federal, Shaun Doty’s newest Midtown restaurant. Your reward? Bone-thawing, soul nourishing rich broth and luscious, melted cave-aged Gruyere cheese. Chills don’t have a chance.

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.

Shaun Doty Steals Away to Savannah Food & Wine Festival November 9-15

Summer hot-spot Savannah cooks up a storm next week when the Savannah Food & Wine Festival (SFWF) fans out across the historic coastal city November 9-15. Chef Shaun Doty is leaving his roosts at Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy for a few days to contribute his talents to the annual eat-drink-repeat extravaganza of tastings, tours, classes and dinners. Doty and other regional and nationally recognized culinary talent, sommeliers and winemakers will pour themselves into a VIP Artisanal Supper of “Food, Drink & Music on the Green” at The Landings on Friday, November 13. From 7-10 p.m., guests can hobnob with chefs while sampling Georgia Grown and artisanal creations, wines, spirits and beer at indoor and outdoor culinary stations. Tickets for the dinner are $135 per person; purchase here. Chef Doty puts his own taste buds to work as a judge at SFWF’s huge Taste of Savannah event at the Georgia State Railroad Museum on Saturday, November 14 from 1-5 p.m. Buy tickets, $65 and up, here.

Shaun Doty Sails to Friends + Family Floataway with Freedom Fundraiser October 11

Farm-to-table fare is on the menu at the Friends + Family Floataway with Freedom Fundraiser on Sunday, October 11, at Floataway Café. Benefiting the Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center, the 5-8 p.m. event draws some of Atlanta’s top chefs – including Shaun Doty of Chick-a-Biddy and Bantam + Biddy – for a silent auction, handcrafted drinks at Garnish & Gather and a memorable family-style dinner with all produce donated by Freedom Farmers Market vendors. Purchase tickets ($85 + service fee) online. All proceeds will help expand the efforts of the Freedom Farmers Market.

Chefs Party in the Kitchen for Open Hand Atlanta September 17

Atlanta chefs tie on their aprons to Party in the Kitchen on Thursday, September 17, doing what they do best to stir the fundraising pot for Open Hand Atlanta. Gerry Klaskala of Aria co-chairs this year’s event filling The Stave Room at American Spirit Works. Exquisite cuisine commands the front burner, prepared by top toques like Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy, Matthew Ridgway of Gypsy Kitchen, Michael Searles of The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Kelly Lovett of The Southern Gentleman and Fuyuhiko and Lisa Ito of Umi. Cocktails, music and silent and live auctions flank the delicious evening. Sure to be a sellout! Buy tickets online.

Shaun Doty, John Currence Throw Big Bad Pop-Up at Bantam & Biddy During Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

“Big Bad Chef” John Currence of City Grocery Restaurant Group in Oxford, Mississippi is inbound for the May 28-31Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, and he’s spending the evening of Friday, May 29 with fellow chef and restaurateur Shaun Doty. The two chefs are throwing Big Bad Pop-Up dinners that night at Doty’s Bantam + Biddy on Crescent Avenue in Midtown. In high-energy and quick-serve fashion over the night’s four casual dinner seatings, Currence, Doty and visiting chefs Vishwesh Bhatt, Kelly English and Duane Nutter will delight guests with chef-inspired street food and cocktails with menu items ranging from $5-$15. Currence launched the Big Bad Pop-Up dinner series three years ago as a “rad” way for chefs and guests to meld and help out local charities such as The Giving Kitchen and The Piedmont School, beneficiaries of the Bantam + Biddy pop-up. $20 reservation fee holds a seat and will be credited to the night’s bill. Buy tickets online.

Chick-a-Biddy Woos Waffle Lovers with New Varieties

Tender waffles, tough decisions. We’re seeing some waffling on the horizon as Chick-a-Biddy guests decide which of the three new chef-inspired waffles they’ll want to fork into first. Savory applewood smoked bacon and cheddar, cinnamon roll with vanilla icing and a red velvet Southern classic with cream cheese icing are $10 each and come with honey butter and syrup. Pair any of these wonderful waffles with three fresh and local chicken tenders for $14. From the get-go, folks have gone crazy for the Atlantic Station eatery’s original cheddar waffles, and chef and co-owner Shaun Doty knows they’ll love these fun, scratch-made renditions. Fly by the fast-casual restaurant for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch and choose one for yourself or order all three for the table. Might be some mental gridlock over which is your new favorite flavor.

Nation’s Restaurant News “Power List”

Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN) recently released “The Power List 2015: Reader Picks,” its second annual list of the most powerful people in foodservice -- leaders who are affecting change in the restaurant industry landscape. The source of that list? NRN research and nominations submitted by those in the industry. The peer-nominated Reader Picks list includes many leaders right here on our own Southern turf. Sure, we’ll name drop some list-ees: Steven Chan, founder and CEO of Tin Drum Asiacafé; Shaun Doty, executive chef and co-owner of Bantam + Biddy; chef, cookbook author and Gunshow owner Kevin Gillespie; Tom Gray, chef and owner of Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails in Jacksonville, Florida.; Chris Hadermann and John Piemonte, co-founders and partners at Southern Proper Hospitality Group; White Oak Pastures owner Will Harris; and John C. Metz, executive chef of Marlow’s Tavern and Aqua blue. Congratulations, gentlemen! We can’t wait to see what you’ll have for us next.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Atlantic Station then Flock to Chick-A-Biddy on May 18

 

Atlantans flock to Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch for the healthy and affordable pastured-poultry dishes, sirloin burgers, fish tacos, falafels and other specialties. This weekend, let’s focus on legs and thighs -- the ones crossing the 9:30 a.m. start line and walking 1.5 miles in Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Atlantic Station. This organization is near and dear to Chick-a-Biddy chef-owner Shaun Doty, and his eatery is an event sponsor. Brunch service begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Stop in after the walk for cold libations, almond pancakes, a protein scramble or something equally satisfying on the brunch menu.

AquaCurean Harbors Seafood, Spirits and Shaun Doty at Westin Savannah April 25-27

This weekend, Shaun Doty leaves his Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy roosts for the AquaCurean celebration anchored at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa from April 25-27. Switching gears from poultry to seafood, Doty lands the Master Chef and Mixologist Demonstration stage spot at 1 p.m. on Saturday. AquaCurean packs the weekend with seafood dishes, craft spirit tastings, demos, seminars, live bands, riverfront walks, surprises and even a souvenir shot glass. Buy tickets and packages online.

“Best Chefs America Presents: The American South”

Chefs know best when it comes to judging their peers, according to Best Chefs America. After asking the tough questions of more than 5,000 U.S. chefs, the results are in. 

Atlanta chefs rose to the top of the heap, including Adam Evans of The Optimist and Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy. These two made the cut for the 2014 edition of “Best Chefs America Presents: The American South.” Evans, executive chef at The Optimist and a 2012 Rising Star Chef, turned his youthful affinity for fishing into a culinary focus. Trendsetter Doty, Bantam + Biddy co-owner and executive chef, zeroes in on regional ingredients and flavors served up in a community-centric atmosphere. 

The 248-page travel-size guide covers 12 Southern states with essays, recipes, food facts, trends and social media insight for following the best chefs and their restaurants.

Bantam + Biddy Celebrates First Anniversary with Fall Festival on October 13

We love farm-to-table restaurants, but we just found the next big thing: farm-to-festival! Help Bantam + Biddy celebrate its first anniversary with their fall festival on Sunday, October 13 in the Ansley Mall courtyard. Live music from Lily and the Tigers will be the soundtrack to a full afternoon of family fun. A bevy of local vendors such as  Nottingham Nector, Souvei, Riverview Farms, Tiny Buffalo, Deck Specks, Doux South, Capra Gia and Georgia Organics will be in attendance as well. The celebration begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m., but the good times don't end there. Take a seat at Bantam + Biddy for a four-course prix fixe meal prepared by chefs Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere. The limited-seat dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., costs $50 per person and even includes a one-year Georgia Organics membership. For more information and to make a reservation, call 404-907-3469.

Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy's Shaun Doty Thinks Fast at October 5 Peachtree Road Farmers Market Mash-Up

It takes a little more than produce and local wares to host a successful farmers market. One of those requirements? A police presence. To foot the cost of this requirement, Peachtree Road Farmers Market is hosting a Market Mash-Up on Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m.-noon. Four chefs, including Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy's own Shaun Doty, will have 200 market dollars to create a dish that shows off the season and market ingredients. Ticket holders choose the Mash-Up Ruler during a 9:45 -10:45 a.m. tasting and can shop at the silent auction. All proceeds go toward cop coverage. $10 per ticket and only 200 tickets are available. 

Atlanta's Top Chefs Gather at Serenbe for Southern Chefs Potluck on Sept. 8

The only thing you'll need to bring to the 4^th Annual Southern Chefs Potluck on Sunday, September 8 is a healthy appetite. Atlanta's top chefs Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow, Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy, Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen, No. 246, The Optimist and King + Duke and Tyler Williams of Woodfire Grill are taking over the pastoral grounds of The Inn at Serenbe from 3-6 p.m. to create some mouth-watering, family style dishes. White Oak Pastures meats also will be featured. Enjoy Terrapin beer, Quivira wines, cocktails and an outstanding auction overflowing with culinary experiences. Tickets, available online, range in price from $125 per person up to $1,000. Monies raised at the annual fundraiser for Wholesome Wave Georgia will increase access to good, wholesome and locally grown foods for all Georgians.

Join Bantam + Biddy & Chick-a-Biddy Tomorrow Evening for the Atlanta Community Food Bank Supper Club

Bantam + Biddy in Ansley Mall and Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station, are hosting the Atlanta Community Food Bank Supper Club on Tuesday, August 13 from 5-10 p.m. With farm-fresh, all-natural and pastured chicken dishes and other regional fare, dinner for the family looks like an easy choice and the ACFB receives 20 percent of each purchase. For those too busy to dine in, call ahead to Bantam + Biddy and pick up a family meal that serves three to five for $42!

MLA Out and About: Flew the Coop for Chick-a-Biddy's Grand Opening

Lance Gummere and Shaun Doty's new restaurant, Chick-a-Biddy, left guests with much to cluck about. The grand opening in Atlantic Station was upbeat, delicious and featured farm-fresh menu items from executive chef Scott Weaver. Wood-grilled piri piri chicken, plantain chips with roasted tomato dip and the black bean quinoa burger were just a few of the innovative plates that were served with comforting sides and refreshing juices. The sign outside the door says it all - spread those wings and fly on over!

Flock to Atlantic Station this July for the opening of Chick-a-Biddy

Get ready, poultry peoples, because it’s almost time to fly over to Atlantic Station for the grand opening Chick-a-Biddy. The spot that was formerly The Grape will be serving farm-fresh dishes that will have guests clucking. Owners Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere have revamped the space and are introducing a menu that will satisfy all food lovers, including vegetarians and gluten-free guests. Crafty cocktails, juices and smoothies will have the whole flock feeling refreshed!

Shaun Doty Leads Bantam + Biddy Favorites Cooking Class at The Cook's Warehouse in Ansley Mall on March 12

 

Instead of borrowing a cup of sugar from Ansley Mall neighbor Bantam + Biddy, The Cook's Warehouse is borrowing their chef, Shaun Doty. The cluckmeister is coming over to share "Favorites from Bantam + Biddy" on Tuesday, March 12 from 7-9 p.m. Doty will prepare and share some of the eatery's trademark chicken recipes including chopped liver on toasts, chicken schnitzel and market salad with pastured chicken jerky. Class size is limited; sign up online. $45 per person.

Bantam + Biddy Provides a Great Reason to Dine Out on Mondays

Not in the mood to cook dinner on Monday nights? Then add Bantam + Biddy's Monday charity nights to your dining rotation. Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere make Monday night dinners a meaningful time by passing on 10 percent of the restaurant's profits after 5 p.m. to area charities. On February 11, Piedmont Park Conservancy benefits from your meal out, and on February 18, Autism Speaks brings home the golden egg of donations.

Bantam + Biddy Hatches New Weekend Blue Plate Specials

Photo By Angie Mosier

You've worked hard this week, and now it's time to reward yourself. Instead of blowing your paycheck on a flashy meal with less-than-satisfying portions, check out Bantam + Biddy's new weekend blue plate specials. Chefs Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere are known for their high-quality, pastured poultry, Niman Ranch pork and grass-fed beef and draw upon local, seasonal produce for sides at the Ansley Mall eatery. On Friday, Bantam + Biddy is serving up Mississippi catfish with tartar sauce and fennel slaw ($12), while Saturday's blue plate features a bistro steak with frites (fries) and salad ($15). Where's the chicken you ask? Bantam + Biddy would never leave you feeling peckish - the restaurant offers a fried chicken plate with your choice of two sides ($14) on Sunday. Blue plate specials are available from 11:30 a.m. to close. And don't forget to use that money you saved to order a beer, wine or cocktail. It is the weekend after all.