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Georgia has long been unofficially known as the Empire State of the South.  Now, it looks like we’re finally ready to make that official (at least in the restaurant world).  Empire State South is set to be the first foray into the Atlanta dining scene for the accomplished Hugh Acheson.  Sporting a progressive take on Southern cuisine, Empire State is destined to add a whole new class level to the meat and three concept.  Meanwhile, it will serve as the anchor restaurant for the 999 Peachtree Street office and retail building in Midtown, Atlanta.

For the better part of a year, we’ve known of Acheson’s intentions to open Empire State South.  Initially, the opening date was identified as Spring 2010.  Now, according to the restaurant’s website, that season has been narrowed down to April of this year.  More details after the jump!

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                                                                                                                    (the dining room at Abattoir)

In today’s edition of the NYT, Shaila Dewan decided to talk up the burgeoning art scene on the west side of Atlanta.  Despite a few journalistic faux pas, it’s a nice summary piece on the neighborhood.  What’s especially neat for us foodies is that Dewan took the time to point out some of the ‘hoods culinary adventures that have garnered so much attention locally.

In the spirit of the article, I must say that if forced to identify the in-town neighborhood with the most action, it would undoubtedly be the Westside.  Centered around the intersection of 14th street and Howell Mill, you’ll find casual eateries, upscale dining options, and several of Atlanta’s hottest new restaurants.  The article draws special attention to Octane, Flip Burger Boutique, Abattoir, Hop City Beer, and Sublime Doughnuts (with a nice quote from owner Kamal Grant).

The article is really just the tip of the iceberg.  If you intend to spend anytime over in that neck of the woods, then you’ll also find the highly regarded Antico Pizza, sandwich shop Tiny Bistro, and popular breakfast spots like The West Egg and The Silver Skillet.   And that list is far from exhaustive.

So if you’re a bit of a homebody and looking for something new … take some of your free time and donate it to the Westside.

  
(photo Courtesy of Steven Eubanks)

Got a very cool email yesterday.  Unfortunately, my throbbing head prevented me from putting together a coherent sentence, much less a full post.  Anyway, here’s the deal.  Playboy.com has a habit of putting together top lists, and Atlanta has a habit of showing up on them (Clermont Lounge anyone?).

This time around, they put together a Top 10 Diners List, and guess who made it? (The title didn’t give it away did it?).  That’s right … the Majestic Diner, a 24-hour drunken food haven on Ponce.  No word on whether or not P’boy took into account the new digs … which took the place from comfortably trashy to surprisingly clean.

Anywho, here is what America’s favorite … cough… Men’s Lifestyle Magazine had to say:

This Atlanta institution has been serving “food that pleases” under its Art Deco-style marquee’s blazing neon glow since 1929. The Majestic serves everything from cholesterol-threatening omelets and fist-thick burgers to blue plate specials and gyros. Red stools complement a red counter, while squeaky vinyl seats are well worn, providing cushy support for a multitude of derrières. The Majestic is located along a stretch of “Hot ‘Lanta” that’s resisted urban renewal, so the freaks do come out at night: college students, clubbers and other locals.

Be back with some more posts tomorrow, including the next installment of Inside The Chef’s Kitchen.

Majestic Diner Restaurant Address & Information

1031 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, Georgia 30306 // 404.875.0273

The Thumbs Up Diner, long regarded as one of the better breakfast joints in the city, is getting a spanking new location in the next coming days.  Word around the campfire is that their Roswell location is set to open next week.  Though not all the locations are owned by the same people, Roswell marks the fifth location for Thumbs Up.

Thumbs Up Diner Roswell Restaurant Address & Information

1140 Alpharetta Street, Roswell, GA 30075 // 770.642.8980 // Thumbs Up website // Thumbs Up menu (pdf)

Overall:

Few Atlanta institutions are as unheralded as the White House Restaurant.  While it may not have the following of the Colonnade or the name recognition of the Varsity, the White House holds up just fine in a comparative analysis.  Part Greek diner and part meat and three Southern eatery, this Buckhead breakfast/lunch spot has been around in one form or another since 1948.  Walk in on any given day, at any given time, and you’ll find a number of devout followers getting their fix.

Demosthenes Galaktiadis took ownership in 1970 and relocated the restaurant some four years later.  Ever since, the restaurant has sat comfortably in a cookie cutter strip center on Peachtree marked by a truly bland facade.  To put it another way, there is nothing about the place that will remind you of its presidential namesake, save for a handful of pictures of past Commander in Chiefs and some knock off presidential seals.

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So I guess this is my first ever “live review.”  I just sat down here at the newly opened Noon Midtown, the Katie Birmingham experiment over in the newly built 1010 Peachtree Building.  The space is “airy” and open … clean lines and very slick decor.  Me likee.  It sort of reminds me of One Flew South in a lot of ways.  However, I think Noon has done a slightly better job of matching their cuisine to their decor.

A couple of really nice touches have put me in a good mood.  First, I’m sitting against the wall at one of those long booths [my toochis is comfortably at home on a soft cushion.  My back leans comfortably against some wood backing].  At my feet is a plug for my laptop.  It’s nice to see a place supplement their free WiFi with an outlet.  As I sit here and look at the ten seat breakfast bar that faces the open kitchen, I’m chillin’.  Second, I love the little “order markers.”  I’ve seen restaurants hand out numbers, signs, and picture cards before … but never letters.  While I’m sure there is a better descriptor, the point here is that something about these little pieces of metal brought a smile to my face.  A nice twist.  I’m more of a X kinda guy, but K served it’s platoon leader well. 

Ah, but we don’t do what we do because we love table accoutrements (well … at least I don’t).  All indicators are pointing north so far, will the meal hold water?

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I’ve prepared the April Dirty List for everyone.  I’m still playing with the format for each of these posts; I think this one may be the answer!  As always, this is based entirely on publicly available information.  I would assume that all of these dates are subject to change.  If you are aware of an addition or correction, please let me know!  Details after the jump!

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While I am waiting on confirmation of an opening date, Concentrics Restaurants is scheduled to open a new restaurant that will feature a “casual/elegant” dinning atmosphere (whatever that means) with comfort food.  The restaurant is to be called 30 Tables, will feature breakfast all day, and feature the food of executive chef is Nick Oltarsh.

Oltarsh is known for his work at Atlanta’s Lobby at Twelve over in Atlantic Station [warning: stupid web designers and their stupid music].  I’ll post more details as I find out about this place.

30 Tables Restaurant Information:
110 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA, 30303 // P: 404.469.0700 // 30 Tables Website

So in what has become a daily routine, I poked around the web a few days ago only to come across the website for Noon Midtown.  The menu will include Counter Culture coffee, pastries, breakfast fare, sandwiches, soups, and salad.

The restaurant, to be opened at 1080 Peachtree Street, is opening under the direction of Katie Birmingham.  Though I don’t know much about her, I got a kick out of her sample menu.  It looks pretty appealing and I got a kick out of the “Before” and “After” themes. I’ll add this to the March Dirty List (no link yet) and keep on top of this for ya’ll.

Overall:

It’s early AND it’s Saturday AND it’s Valentine’s Day … thus, I’ll be brief.  This morning, I was in midtown, I was hungry, and the nearest thing that wasn’t fast food was J. Christopher’s … ACK!!!!!  I have stopped in at one of their various locations several times over the years; my excuse for today’s visit: I guess I am a glutton for punishment.

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