In the heart of Atlanta’s culinary scene, exciting developments are unfolding with the appointment of Brian Martin as executive head chef at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead.
Martin, a Le Cordon Bleu Pittsburgh alumnus, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked in the culinary field for over 25 years.
His impressive resume includes the opening of two Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group restaurants in Bahrain.
These establishments, Re Asian Cuisine and Blue Moon Lounge, were located in the Four Seasons Hotel and showcased Martin’s exceptional talent in gourmet cuisine.
A graduate of Penn State with a business degree, Martin began his culinary journey as a dishwasher at Morton’s Steakhouse.
His promise in the kitchen soon led him to culinary school, where he honed his skills before embarking on a career in hotels.
His initial role at the Omni in the former CNN Center in Atlanta marked the start of his ascent through the ranks, ultimately leading to his appointment at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead, now part of Hyatt.
At this new position, Martin will oversee the culinary offerings at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Tesserae, and the Dirty Rascal Room event space.
In other notable news, coffee lovers will be pleased to learn of Caribou Coffee’s plans for expansion in metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
The company aims to open eight new locations in Covington, Griffin, Lawrenceville, Smyrna, Snellville, and Woodstock, along with additional outlets in Athens and Augusta.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Caribou Coffee has been serving Georgia since 1995 and is now poised for a resurgence in the region.
Meanwhile, wine bars are enjoying a surge in popularity, with local restaurateurs investing heavily in this format.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution provides an in-depth look at this trend, questioning how, despite challenges in the wine industry, Atlanta continues to see the emergence of new wine bars.
Readers are also presented with an essential guide to the metro area’s wine bar scene, featuring recommendations on where to enjoy a glass or two.
Recently reviewed venues include Madeira Park, known for its excellent wine selection paired with superb culinary offerings in Poncey-Highland.
As the wine industry navigates trade uncertainties, Atlanta’s wine businesses express concerns over potential tariff impacts, emphasizing the stress these developments bring.
On the restaurant front, several new dining options are launching in the Atlanta area. Steak & Grace, a new steakhouse in Dunwoody, prepares to launch its lunch service on April 25, offering a more casual dining experience with hearty salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
In Reynoldstown, Wylie & Rum has also launched a lunch menu, featuring quick-service options like jerk chicken bowls, salads, and burritos for diners on the go.
Another notable addition is Divan Restaurant & Bar, now located in Midtown’s striking ‘castle’ building.
Under the direction of new chef Christian Evans, Divan has introduced a brunch menu, making it a fresh destination for weekend meals.
For those seeking something beyond traditional dining, the Distillery of Modern Art is set to begin offering whiskey tours starting May 18.
These tours will showcase the distilling and aging processes of whiskey, with a cost of $50 per person and limited to 15 participants per session, allowing attendees to enjoy a whiskey flight featuring eight half-ounce samples.
Southern Proper Hospitality Group has also rolled out new spring menus across all their restaurants, including popular spots such as Chido & Padre’s, Gypsy Kitchen, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, Ocean & Acre, Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, and the Southern Gentleman.
The excitement continues with the upcoming opening of Big Bad Breakfast, a chain by James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence, which will replace Cultivate on Howell Mill Road.
Furthermore, Utopia Lounge is set to unveil its Latin-fusion restaurant at Underground Atlanta, featuring a sci-fi themed interior and an emphasis on interactive dining experiences.
This includes dishes like wagyu beef served on hot stones, aiming to create a lively atmosphere for guests.
7 Brew, a drive-thru coffee stand in Flowery Branch, opened recently, offering over 20,000 unique drink combinations.
At their grand opening, 7 Brew donated $1,500 to the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, showcasing a commitment to the local community as they welcome coffee enthusiasts.
Additionally, Side Saddle Wine Saloon is set to debut this month, featuring a menu with cocktails, natural wines, and shareable plates.
As Atlanta’s dining scene continues to evolve, new and exciting culinary experiences await both locals and visitors alike.
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