Hot Dish Review

News from Hannah at Huffines PR:

Chow Bing OPEN in Pencil Factory Flats & Lofts

Asian Concept Provides Healthy Options to Busy Atlanta Intersection

The burgeoning Pencil Factory Flats & Shops is pleased to announce the opening of Chow Bing, a fast-casual Asian concept featuring natural, sustainable and primarily gluten-free options. Proprietor Gary Lin is already known for his popular Asian concepts “R Rice” located in Sandy Springs and “Papa Chow” on Camp Creek Parkway.

“Chow Bing is an ideal addition to a perfect tenant mix at the Pencil Factory”, says Aaron Goldman, President of Perennial Properties, the Pencil Factory’s developer. “This rapidly expanding community plays hosts to thousands of commuters, students and residents that will undoubtedly thrive off of this healthy, fast and economical option”.

Chow Bing offers signature or build your own “Bing (burrito) or Bowl” options featuring premium proteins, vegetables and sauces from $8.00 and below. Sides (lobster philly wontons, sesame fries) and soups and salads will also be available ranging from $2.25-$4.50. Chow Bing will also offer a first come, first serve daily Blue Plate special such as the half chicken (fried or baked) served with rice, boiled tea egg, pickled radish and broccoli for $8.75.

A native of Fujian, China, proprietor Gary Lin boasts an inspiring story. He arrived in New York City at the ripe age of 19 knowing no English. He began as a restaurant dishwasher and has never left the business. He views Chow Bing as his piece de resistance and is extremely excited to share “responsible Chinese food” with Atlanta.

Pencil Factory Flats & Shops, located at the historic intersection of Hill Street and Decatur Street, is fast becoming one of Intown Atlanta’s premier mixed use communities. Chow Bing is joining an array of businesses in the thriving Pencil Factory Lofts which offers complimentary hassle free parking.

349 Decatur Street 404-614-6199

News from Julia at The Reynolds Group…this I gotta try!

Chai Pani Brings “Mindblasting” Indian Cuisine to Decatur

The addictive street eats and vibrant energy of Chai Pani will captivate Atlanta diners when the restaurant opens in downtown Decatur on Friday, March 1, 2013. Conceived by husband and wife team Meherwan and Molly Irani, Chai Pani has wowed critics and locals alike at its first location in Asheville, N.C., and now the team will showcase their authentic menu of street food specialties as diverse as India’s own culture in one of the Atlanta areas most beloved culinary destinations.

Indian cuisine in America is often dominated by northern Indian influences and the Iranis, craving the flavors served throughout the “rest of the country,” have set out to change the preconceived notions that many Americans have about Indian food. “I wanted to bring the rest of India to the table – the colorful, vibrant and exquisite flavor profiles, the innovative regional diversity, the fun, the excitement, the bright flavors of street food and the simple refinement and comfort of home cooking,” said Meherwan, Chai Pani’s executive chef and visionary.

Chai Pani does just that with a variety of self-described “mindblasting” options ranging from chaat (small plates) and a line-up of “greatest hit” Indian street sandwiches, to uttapam (Indian crepes), thalis (traditional entrees), desserts, beverages and signature cocktails.

The Food

The Iranis sought to showcase India’s street food because to them, it represents the everyday flavors and diverse influences found across the country. The dining experience begins with chaat favorites such as sev batata dahi puri, a hollow, puffed wheat cracker stuffed with spiced potatoes, onion, cilantro, sprouted mung beans and crispy chickpea noodles, drizzled with tamarind chutney and sweet whipped yogurt; and aloo tikki, a fried potato croquette studded with peas and seasoned with cumin and ginger. Hand julienned okra is flash fried and tossed in a secret spice blend to create the okra fries, a dish that has gained a cult-like following at the Asheville location.

For lunch and dinner, guests can choose from an assortment of street sandwiches served with a choice of masala fries or the aforementioned okra variety. Signature items include the Tandoori fish wrap featuring sustainably harvested tilapia, seared with Tandoori spices in a griddled wrap with onions, cilantro, rice, roasted lentils and chutneys, and the Sloppy Jai, a spicy, aromatic lamb hash served up on griddled buns, Chai Pani’s take on the traditional kheema pav.

The assortment of main courses is headlined by thalis, a traditional Indian meal featuring a daily selection of regional dishes that highlight the country’s culinary diversity. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties are served with fragrant basmati rice, daal, sabji, raita, roti, kachumber, papadum and a dessert of the day.

As executive chef, Meherwan’s priority is buying ingredients from local purveyors and farmers when possible and practical. Chicken is natural and sustainably raised, and Chai Pani’s meat and dairy are all natural and antibiotic and hormone free. For items that cannot be sourced from the local community, Chai Pani imports the highest quality specialty items from India. Spice blends are always freshly roasted and ground, and all chutneys and sauces are prepared in house. (photo courtesy of the restaurant’s website)

406 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue

News from Molly at The Reynolds Group:

La Tagliatella to Open U.S. Flagship Restaurant in Midtown Atlanta in December 2012

European concept also to open location in Decatur’s Emory Point in December

La Tagliatella, the European-based Italian restaurant concept with more than 130 restaurants across Spain and France, will open its first U.S. location in December 2012 at Emory Point in Decatur, followed by the brand’s flagship location at the Shops at Metropolis in Midtown Atlanta later in the month.

Showcasing traditional Italian recipes made with the highest quality ingredients, La Tagliatella will offer Atlantans a relaxed-yet-distinctive atmosphere. La Tagliatella’s signature menu features a variety of authentic dishes including more than 400 pasta and sauce combinations and several unique Napoletano-style pizzas, all created with the finest key ingredients imported from the northern region of Italy.

“We’re thrilled to bring this popular Italian concept to Midtown and Emory Point. These thriving neighborhoods are the perfect locations for our debut into the United States,” said Mike Muldoon, president of La Tagliatella, LLC. “Europeans have been enjoying the unique cuisine, warm hospitality and generosity of La Tagliatella for the past two decades; now Americans will be able to enjoy them, too.”

La Tagliatella draws inspiration from Italy’s rustic culinary traditions with a menu focused on fresh ingredients and eclectic flavors. The culinary experience begins with antipasti appetizers including traditional creations like provoletta baked with sautéed zucchini and sole di Puglia tomatoes; and tominata, a unique cheese wrapped in speck and dressed with honey and balsamic vinegar.

Main entrées infuse the genuine tastes of Italy with artisan homemade flavors. Guests can choose from several meat and vegetarian options including Spiedino napoletano with skewered pork tenderloin, sole di Puglia tomatoes and balsamic onions layered with fresh whole leaf basil and served with a special Tagliatella sauce and fried gnocchi; lasagna verde with spinach, sweet tomato, zucchini, raisins and pine nuts; and one of La Tagliatella’s signatures which pairs coure di zucca butternut squash filled pasta with Noci e Gorgonzola sauce with walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese. The generous servings embody the essence of traditional Italian cuisine and are ideal for sharing among the table.

At center stage of the restaurant is a pizza kitchen where more than 20 unique Napoletano-style pizzas are handcrafted. Guests looking for a traditional Italian pizza can select from a wide array of distinctive offerings such as di pate pizza with foie, duck ham, Taleggio cheese and mushrooms topped with a wine and caramelized onion reduction, as well as Tagliatella pizza with pesto, onion, red peppers, mushrooms, Taleggio cheese, Tuscan bacon and sautéed spinach. All of La Tagliatella’s pizzas are created with fresh dough handmade each day and cooked to perfection, creating a thin, crispy and light pizza crust.

A welcome addition to Atlanta’s happy hour and late night scene, La Tagliatella offers a variety of Italian-inspired cocktails making it the perfect place to end the workday or enjoy the weekend. The restaurants will also offer 50 selections of wine by the bottle and glass as well as several bottled and draft beers.

Popular among European diners, the décor at La Tagliatella restaurants in Europe exemplifies a setting in Italy with heavily wooded walls, ceilings and floors to mimic a northern Italian home. For the U.S. debut of the concept, acclaimed Atlanta firm ai3 is assisting European designers of DecoRetro to create a special ambiance with a rich tapestry of textures, colors and patterns. This authentic style will mirror the Old World culture and traditions, transporting guests to a real and true experience of European dining.

La Tagliatella Midtown: 919 Peachtree St. NE 404-941-8279
La Tagliatella Emory Point: 1540 Avenue Place 404-257-4600

News from Suong at Melissa Libby & Associates:

CHEF DREW VAN LEUVAN BRINGS SEVEN LAMPS TO BUCKHEAD

New Restaurant Located in the Shops Around Lenox Features Craft Food and Drink

Chef Drew Van Leuvan plans to open Seven Lamps, a new restaurant with a focus on craft food and drinks, in December. Located in the Shops Around Lenox, the restaurant offers lunch, dinner and a late night menu daily. Seven Lamps will also offer brunch service in the near future.

“I’m looking forward to bringing a new establishment to Atlanta’s ever-changing restaurant and bar community,” said Van Leuvan. “I’d like to create an environment where guests can relax and share a sense of conviviality.”

The Seven Lamps menu offers a variety of regionally influenced dishes featuring seasonal ingredients prepared with deft care. Menus change regularly depending on the availability of ingredients and season. The dinner menu has the following categories: Iced Oysters on the Half Shell; Savouries; Handmade Pastas; Artisan Cheese and Salted, Cured & Whipped. Examples of Handmade Pastas include tortellini stuffed with chestnut and mascarpone, with vanilla macaroon, apple leather and pecorino and tagliatelle with Sapelo Island clams, andouille, jalapeño, soffrito and pecorino.

The dinner menu also offers Small Plates and Plates, ranging from a baked Ellijay apple with roasted mushrooms, goat cheese soufflé and sherry caramel to a wood-grilled chicken breast with black gnocchi, black trumpet mushrooms, pancetta and pickled roots.

In addition to a selection of similar dishes from the dinner menu, the lunch menu includes a selection of Soups and Salads and Sammies (sandwiches), such as a corned beef brisket sandwich with kimchee slaw and basil on a pretzel roll and Dungeness crab salad with roasted carrots, shaved turnips, chocolate and grapefruit sorbet. The “After Hours” menu features a selection of dishes from the lunch and dinner menus.

ASD is designing the 114-seat space using a light color palette and reclaimed wood from a North Georgia mill to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Plans also include an open kitchen where up to 10 diners can enjoy an intimate “Chef’s Table” experience. Another unique design element is the tranquil patio area which offers outdoor courtyard dining. Equipped with a fire pit, herb garden and Adirondack chairs for lounging, the space is an oasis in the heart of Buckhead.

3400 Around Lenox Road

News from Julia at The Reynolds Group:

Big Kahuna Makes a Splash in Downtown Atlanta

West Coast concept to open in SunTrust Plaza this Fall

Tom Nahas, a founding member of the team that introduced Atlanta to the successful Twisted Taco brand, and his business partner Rahim Kaba are excited to introduce their new concept Big Kahuna to Atlanta’s bustling Downtown dining scene. Set to open in the SunTrust Plaza this fall, Big Kahuna reflects the lifestyle of the sun, sand and surf, featuring all-natural, top-quality burgers, creative salads, Cali-Mex tacos, Baja fajitas and fresh seafood.

“We are excited to present our new West Coast concept in Atlanta’s Downtown district,” said Nahas, founder and co-owner of Big Kahuna. “Big Kahuna was conceptualized for our patrons to feel like they’re sitting in a friend’s beach house, even though our space is in a world-class office tower in the heart of Downtown Atlanta.”

Sure to become a dining destination for Downtown business professionals, visitors and dwellers alike, Big Kahuna draws inspiration from California’s beach culture with a menu focused on fresh ingredients and eclectic flavors. The culinary experience begins with the “First Wave” appetizers and dips, including Big Kahuna creations like the “Humamole,” fresh guacamole combined with Sel’s signature hummus.

Diners looking for a juicy burger can select from a wide array of distinctive offerings including the “Mediterranean” with mixed greens, feta, fresh tomato, red onion, roasted red pepper and Greek yogurt cucumber sauce, or the signature “Big Kahuna” with American cheese, fresh tomato, lettuce, sweet onion, yellow mustard, Heinz ketchup, homemade Kahuna sauce and “mom’s pickles.”

Made-to-order tacos and sizzling fajitas infuse Cali-Mex flavor into the menu with a variety of authentic ingredients and unique flavor like the “Acapulco” with habanera pineapple cabbage slaw and roasted chipotle mayo. In addition, “Steamer & Surf Platters” – served grilled, steamed or fried – feature a variety of fresh seafood options, crispy homemade hush puppies and a choice of drawn butter, cilantro lime tartar sauce or classic cocktail sauce. Guests can select from the freshest seafood including jumbo snow crab legs, jumbo steamed shrimp, crab, shrimp burger, fresh cod and the fresh fish of the day.

A welcome addition to Downtown Atlanta’s happy hour and late night scene, Big Kahuna offers a variety of tropical cocktails making it the perfect place to end the workday or grab a drink before or after an exciting Downtown event.

Inspired by the ocean along with the light and colors of seaside landscapes, Big Kahuna’s design was completed by iNvision Design Group, who had the vision to create a beach oasis in the heart of Downtown Atlanta. The vibrant space features raw materials like river stone and reclaimed wood juxtaposed with polished concrete and movable glass walls, striking a balance between classic surf elements and contemporary design in soothing colors. A 12-foot Silver Surfer statue suspended from the ceiling serves as the focal point of the dining room while glowing glass pendants create the sense of moving water, completing the relaxed Big Kahuna vibe.

303 Peachtree Center Avenue NE

Somewhat sad (although not secret) news from Jill at Crafted by Jill:

BOCADO Bids Farewell to Chef Todd Ginsberg with $3 Burger Stack

On Wednesday, Oct. 17, BOCADO owner Brian Lewis is inviting loyal guests to bid farewell to Executive Chef Todd Ginsberg as well as celebrate the Westside restaurant’s third anniversary with a burger in hand. From 5:30 pm to close, BOCADO will serve the lauded double stack that has made meat lovers swoon for the incredible price of $3. Calling Atlanta’s West Midtown home since 2009, Chef Todd Ginsberg and BOCADO have been lauded for serving up remarkably simple yet innovative small plates, entrées and sandwiches. However, the burger in particular has received nods from Serious Eats, Southern Living, Blissful Glutton, Creative Loafing Atlanta, Atlanta Magazine and Eater Atlanta, to name a few.

“Though I am sad to see Todd go, we have been friends for the past three years, enjoying the success of BOCADO as a team, and we will remain good friends,” said Lewis. “Offering the Burger Stack, which has garnered a cult following of sorts, at just $3 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for the support, and the celebratory evening also offers our patrons a chance to wish Todd well in the next chapter of his career.”

The BOCADO Burger Stack will be offered for just $3 on Wednesday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 pm to close, as Chef Todd Ginsberg spends the evening sharing a bite with guests, who have garnered the acclaimed eatery such accolades as Best Neighborhood Restaurant and Best New Restaurant, before his Saturday, Oct. 20 departure from the kitchen. For this famous burger, BOCADO grounds grass-fed chuck, brisket, and short rib, which is then layered with melted American cheese, topped with made-from-scratch pickles and hugged by a Holeman & Finch sesame bun. Fries will be offered a la carte, and the regular menu will be available, as well.

In the interim, Chef Adam Waller will helm the kitchen at BOCADO. Named a Sous Chef to Watch by Creative Loafing Atlanta in 2011, Chef Waller was formerly the chef de cuisine at Sotto Sotto and was a founding chef of the hailed Baton Supper Series. Currently, Chef Waller is under the wing of Chef Josh Hopkins at BOCADO’s sister restaurant, STG Trattoria, since its opening in April of this year.

Can you believe I still haven’t been to this place? Local chef goes national, news from Suong at Melissa Libby:

ESQUIRE MAGAZINE NAMES THE OPTIMIST RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2012

Ford Fry’s “Fish Camp” and Oyster Bar Tops John Mariani’s List of Nation’s Best New Restaurants

The Optimist, a restaurant committed to serving sustainable seafood located in Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood, has been selected as Restaurant of the Year by Esquire magazine. The last time an Atlanta restaurant received the prestigious accolade was in 1998 when Seeger’s received the honor.

Esquire Food and Travel Correspondent John Mariani, who has eaten his way across the country for nearly three decades, selected the 20 best new restaurants in America including “Restaurant of the Year.” Mariani described the restaurant as a “soaring, convivial spot” with “seafood cooked with old-school expertise.” He also noted that “far more than a resounding local success; it is an overnight totem of all that is wonderful about American food today.” The complete list of restaurants, including The Macintosh located in Charleston, S.C., State Bird Provisions in San Francisco and Underbelly in Houston, will be in the magazine’s November issue on newsstands Tuesday, October 16.

Chef and owner Ford Fry opened The Optimist and Oyster Bar at The Optimist in May 2012, intent on bringing a classic seafood experience to landlocked Atlantans. The Oyster Bar at The Optimist is adjacent to The Optimist dining room and is a more casual, relaxed “fish camp” style space, featuring an outdoor patio and a custom created oyster bar complete with a fiery, open hearth oven for roasting numerous varieties of fish and shellfish.

“We are humbled to be included on this list with so many other outstanding restaurants,” said Fry. “Our team has shown great passion and has worked extremely hard to prepare our nearby seafood respectfully to create the best dishes with the highest quality ingredients. To have received this recognition means a lot.”

Executive Chef Adam Evans’ style is simple yet far from simplistic. Evans’ fresh seafood dishes are highlighted when making use of the restaurant’s wood-burning oven. The menu is inspired by Evans’ boyhood fish camp days with a touch of modern flare to match today’s palates. The beverage program, which Mariani referred to as “first-rate,” features light herbaceous and savory cocktails. The wine list at The Optimist draws from coastal regions around the world to complement the menu of sustainable seafood.

914 Howell Mill Road 404-477-6260

(photos courtesy of The Optimist’s website)

We’ve got JCT, STK, STG, and now LPC….news from Hannah at Concentrics:

LA PIETRA CUCINA SLATED TO RE-OPEN AS “LPC”

Announces Chef Russell Kook as Executive Chef

Concentrics Restaurants is proud to announce the re-launch and evolution of La Pietra Cucina. The newly titled “LPC” will offer the best in high quality, casual, approachable and accessible Italian fare.

The Executive Chef, Russell Kook, has no shortage of accolades. Chef Kook hails from acclaimed restaurants including David Burke (Las Vegas), cibo matto (Chicago) and The Florentine (Chicago). While at cibo matto, the restaurant was a James Beard semi-finalist for “Best New Restaurant.” Furthermore, Kook has been featured at New York City’s The James Beard House and on The Food Network’s Iron Chef America. However, he is most familiar as the runner-up on FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 8 where he was awarded a rare perfect score.

“When I received the opportunity to create amazing Italian fare in one of the top cities in the country, it was a no-brainer. I love Atlanta and I am having a ton of fun building our new menu. I cannot wait to launch it to Atlanta’s food community on October 1st,” states Chef Russell Kook.

“We have huge respect for what La Pietra has done until now. The accolades for the quality of food has solidified it as one of Atlanta’s best Italian restaurants. In the spirit of that, and in bringing on a nationally acclaimed Chef, we hope to continue that tradition while introducing more approachable Italian fare to what is already a stellar menu. And, yes, we have created a much more accessible valet parking option.” explains Bob Amick, Concentrics Restaurants.

Chef Kook’s new menu will officially launch on October 1st alongside interior design renovations. Design will be updated to a more light and airy vibe allowing the outside in. Full details on both menu and design will be announced shortly.

(photo courtesy of La Pietra Cucina’s Facebook page)
1545 Peachtree Street 404-888-8709

May the buzz begin…..tantalizing restaurant news about Atlanta’s favorite tattooed Top Chef contestant from Melissa Libby & Associates:

KEVIN GILLESPIE TO OPEN GUNSHOW IN SPRING 2013

New Restaurant Planned for Glenwood Park Area

Chef Kevin Gillespie plans to open Gunshow in early spring 2013 in the Glenwood Park area of Atlanta. Gillespie plans to create a home-like atmosphere where guests can eat what they wish as he prepares dishes from refined to rustic and sends them out to the small dining room. Medium-sized plates will be delivered as they are ready and offered to the guests who may choose what they’d like. This unique-to-Atlanta service approach emphasizes the fun, casual and personal atmosphere Gillespie wants to create.

The design by the acclaimed team at ai3 will stretch the boundaries of traditional restaurant design and focus on creating a space that has tremendous functionality and openness. The menu will be ever evolving with wonderfully delicious food that is seasonally rooted, locally focused, and unlimited in its stylistic boundaries. Gunshow will be open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday.

Why Gunshow? Can’t wait to hear that story…

Delicious news from Jill at Crafted by Jill:

STG Trattoria Opens for Sunday Brunch on September 9

STG Trattoria, which opened in April, announced today that the Buckhead restaurant will open for Sunday brunch on September 9, 2012. Beginning each week at 10:30am, Chef Josh Hopkins will utilize the restaurant’s two wood-fired Acunto ovens, imported from Naples, to develop dishes defined by Italian essentials like cured meats and scratch-made cheeses accented by locally sourced produce.

Owner Brian Lewis said of the varied menu with rustic sensibilities, “Chef Josh Hopkins exercises his genuine artistic skill when crafting the Sunday brunch menu for STG Trattoria. Traditional dishes are reinterpreted through an Italian lens and will deviate from the ordinary bacon and eggs.”

Brunch radiates with imaginative yet distinctively down-to-earth dishes, which can be enjoyed in the intimate, gently weathered industrial interior designed by ai3. The menu with Italian influences artistically woven into each item features an Eggs Benedict Pizza with prosciutto, arugula, poached quail eggs and warm aioli as well as Shrimp & Calamari atop polenta with pancetta, cherry tomatoes and basil with a squid ink vinaigrette. STG’s renowned ovens will also be the destination for their artisan bread presented in the Italian Sandwich with layers of sopressata, capicola, prosciutto and olive giardiniera, and a Sautéed Zucchini Bread with candied pancetta and mascarpone.

Continuing with their established Amaro Bar, which introduced Atlanta to the light, food-friendly flavors present in the aperitif-based cocktail program directed by mixologist David Durnell, STG Trattoria will be pouring unique brunch cocktails as well.

Named after owner Brian Lewis’ three sons – Sebastian, Tristan and Gabriel – STG Trattoria places emphasis on the heritage of Italian cuisine united with a distinct, progressive touch of seasonal, pure flavors in a communal space characteristic of Italy’s timeless trattorias.

102 West Paces Ferry Road 404-844-2879