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Atlanta has long been the epicenter of Southern comfort food. A new eatery in Decatur will continue that tradition: Platez Southern Kitchen and Cocktailz is set to open on August 19 2022.
The restaurant’s grand opening celebration will run three days — August 19-21 — from 12 to 4 p.m. and feature music from 107.9 FM on Saturday and PRAISE 102.9 FM on Sunday, great food and more.
Owner Etanya Lucas will welcome guests for the grand opening with tastings from the restaurant’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.
What’s On The Menu At Platez Southern Kitchen and Cocktailz?Plates will offer a variety of Southern classics on its menu, from shrimp po-boys, BBQ ribs to low country seafood boil and more.
Here’s the menu:

Courtesy of Platez On the restaurant’s website, it gives you an inkling as to what you can expect to taste on your “platez”: “Platez Southern Kitchen + Cocktailz pays homage to the dishes, or platez as we like to call them, that families across the South have made part of their history. Our story starts with our own family and the spirit of serving others and continues into the amazing Decatur community where we are proud to call home.
Where Is Platez Located?
Platez is located inside the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory. The address of the hotel is 130 Clairemont Ave, Decatur, GA 30030. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Platez joins a long list of exceptional black-owned restaurants in Atlanta. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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It’s not every day that you get to act in an exciting series that blends history with afrofuturism. Sci-fi series Kindred is holding casting calls in Atlanta, Georgia right now. Keep reading to see how you can apply for upcoming roles and scenes.
What Is Kindred About?
Kindred is a story about a black woman, Edana Franklin, who is living in California in1976. She is in an interracial relationship when her life takes a startling turn: She is taken back into time into antebellum South. The science fiction book has been called “haunting.”
The show is based on the book by afrofuturistic author Octavia Butler.
Kindred Casting Call
The FX/DISNEY show, KINDRED, is looking for someone to play a SECURITY GUARD (Rushed casting call).The FX/DISNEY show, KINDRED, is looking for a Male to play a “Security Guard” working MONDAY, 8/15, with a paid covid test on 8/14 (or over the weekend). There will also be a fitting TOMORROW 8/11, with a and a covid test TODAY by 9 PM.On location in the Atlanta Area.25-45 years old, All ethnicitiesRate: $100/8Paid Covid Test: $45 (for any off site test)Per Disney policy, all must be fully vaccinated and boosted. The booster is required if it has been 5 months or longer since your last shot.If this is you or someone you know, please email– LEGAL NAME– CURRENT PHOTOS (Chest up & head to toe)– PHONE NUMBER– FULL SIZES (INCLUDING HEIGHT & WEIGHT)– UNION STATUS (INCLUDE UNION # IF SAG)– LOCATION (City you live)– VACCINATION STATUSTo KINDREDEXTRAS@GMAIL.COM with “RUSH SECURITY“ in the subject line.PLEASE INCLUDE ALL REQUESTED INFO!!Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.Kindred is just one of many films filmed in Atlanta. See our Movies Page for more.Are you interested in becoming an actor in Atlanta? You’re in the right place!With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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Asian-inspired restaurant Wagamama has opened at Star Metals District in Atlanta’s West Midtown. The new eatery on Howell Mill Road is spread across 3,500 square feet, including a private Asian-inspired outdoor patio.
This is the eatery’s first Atlanta outpost. West Midtown has become the new “it” place to be recently, especially with the recent opening of Star Metals District.
“We’re thrilled to bring Wagamama’s modern take on Asian cuisine to the thriving neighborhood of West Midtown,” shares Richard Flaherty, co-CEO of Wagamama USA. “Our engaged, high-energy dining experience perfectly complements Star Metals’ approach to the new urban lifestyle.”
What’s On The Menu?
Wagamama’s menu will consist of the very best flavors from from Asian, including a wide variety of cooked-to-order noodle dishes, signature ramens, shareables, fresh juices and craft cocktails.
What Are The Early Reviews?
Customers are in love with Wagamama so far. Here’s what one reviewer said about the eatery:
With a great location, this place is outstanding, open and with a great menu, plenty of vegetarian options, and OMG every shareable hits the spot, the ambiance is so cool and the service is the best!
Always attentive, making sure everything was ok and good recommendations.
Came yesterday for lunch and got the steak bulgogi, bang bang cauliflower, and the chicken gyoza EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! And don’t forget the cocktails! The best thai chili margarita I’ve ever tried, so different and unique!Where Is Wagamama Be Located?
The Wagamama’s in West Midtown will be located in Star Metals Residences at 1050 Howell Mill Road. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
West Midtown is also home to Chattahoochee Food Works, the 31-vendor, 25000 square-foot food hall that boasts the delectable eatery, Delilah’s Everyday Soul. Check it out.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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Downtown Atlanta is going to be jumping up and down in the spirit this weekend. The Super Friends Praise Fest is coming to town.
The event is set for Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.
The show, which will be hosted by social media influencers Lexi Allen and Anna C. Douglas, will feature plenty of laughs, worship, and many of the industry’s top hits. Pastor Jamal Bryant will also make a special appearance.
Super Friends Praise Fest: Musical Lineup
Who’s performing at the Super Friends Praise Fest? Here are some artists you know:
- Yolanda Adams
- Erica Campbell
- Jekalyn Carr
- Marvin Sapp
- Keke Wyatt
- Fred Hammond
- Tye Tribbett
- Travis Greene
- Le’Andria Johnson
- Keyondra Lockett
- Bishop Cortez Vaughn and more
The executive team of the Super Friends Praise Fest say, “We are excited to bring gospel music to the State Farm Arena! The last few years have been rough for so many, but we are excited to bring people back together with one of the best lineups we’ve seen in years! We want people to bring their families and friends out for a night of great gospel music that they’ll continue to talk about months later.”
How To Get Tickets To Super Friends Praise Fest
General Admission tickets start at $45. Get tickets.
Final Word
The performances are sure to have you dancing in your seats. Why not make a night of it by stopping by a top-rated local restaurant as well?
It’s no secret that the best black restaurants in the South are in Atlanta.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Hattie B’s has opened its doors in West Midtown. The eatery, known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, has some new menu items.
Hattie B’s is one of the best places to eat in West Midtown.Hattie B’s Opens Second Atlanta Location
Since Hattie B’s Moreland Avenue location went so well in 2018, the company has been planning its second location since 2019, but the pandemic slowed things down. Father-and-son owners Nick Bishop Sr. and NIck Jr. have expanded in Alabama, Tennessee and out west as well. The West Midtown location opened on August 3, 2022.
What’s On The Menu At Hattie B’s At West Midtown?

Photo credit: Hattie B’s You can expect the spicy chicken tenders, Dirty Bird fries, desserts and sliders that you love from Hattie B’s on the menu here.
What makes this location unique is that it features a plant-based hot chicken sandwich on a brioche bun, which is a major departure from other eateries that feature a chicken sandwich. The West Midtown Hattie B’s also has fried pickles, which its other locations do not have.
Also new at Hattie B’s West Midtown location? A robust cocktail program with draft cocktails, boozy icees, canned tallboys, and draft beers from Georgia and Nashville. #ChooseATL #HattieBAtlanta
Where Is Hattie B’s Located In West Midtown?
Hattie B’s newest location in West Midtown is located at 711 10th Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
There is a straight-out chicken sandwich war going on in Atlanta. Hattie B’s is in the thick of it. Here are some other chicken sandwiches to check out in Atlanta.
Only in Atlanta can the casual observer find specialty food shops, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, farmers’ markets and farm stands all at an affordable price point.
But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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The city’s “Water Boys,” youths who sell water on Atlanta’s red lights, dominate the first full trailer for Atlanta’s finale season.
About a month ago, the show previewed a surreal and creative trailer for Season 4 of Atlanta, which the critics just loved.
If Season 4 is going to be anything like Season 3, fans are in for a treat.
Stone Mountain native Donald Glover tweeted last year that the popular FX show’s finale would be one to remember.
“While I’m here: ‘Atlanta’s 3+s4 are going to be some of the best television ever made. Sopranos only ones who can touch us,” he tweeted.
What we know about AtlantaFX Season 4 is that it was shot in succession along with Season 3 like “part one and two,” according to the network’s president, who dished on the show during a pandemic Zoom call.
Filming locations included part of Atlanta as well as extensive production in Europe. Let’s take a look at the first trailer for Atlanta Season 4:
Watch Atlanta Season 4 Trailer
Atlanta, the city not the show, is now the movie and TV capital of the world. TV productions from CBS, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the latter part of the year and the foreseeable future.
Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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It’s Black Restaurant Week in Atlanta is here. That means it’s time to support the best black-owned food businesses in the city.
One of the top events you don’t want to miss is NOSH, the inaugural culinary showcase featuring Atlanta’s premiere black chefs, caterers and bartenders. Dive into the African diaspora and tantalize your taste buds with flavors of African, African-American, and Caribbean cuisine.
From spicy and savory, to sweet and subtle, we will have an array of options suited for every taste. Vegetarian or Vegan? No problem! Take the guess work out of finding your next event caterer, wedding-cake vendor, or meal-prep service. All we need you to do is have a great time! Oh, and don’t forget to vote your favorite for the People’s Choice Award.
Nosh: Enjoy This Atlanta Culinary Showcase
NOSH features Atlanta’s premiere Black chefs, caterers and bakers! Dive into the African diaspora and tantalize your taste buds with flavors of African, African-American, and Caribbean cuisine.
CHEF’S TABLE: Experience live cooking demonstration and special tasting from our featured chefs on the main stage. Become apart of the experience and join the Chef’s Table to taste their creations.
Here Are The Nosh Participants:
- Serenidad
- Oreatha’s at the Point
- Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours
- Sugarhi sweet eats n treats
- Food Entertainment Global
- ChefKu Kuisines LLC
- Fin and Feathers
- CJ’s Masterpiece
- Two Dough Girls
- And more to come…
Buy Tickets To Nosh Here.
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Final Word
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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According to a recent study, the metropolitan Atlanta area leads the nation in cities where it is cheaper to rent rather than buy a home.
The data, compiled in Realtor.com’s June 22 report, shows that the trend of higher home prices has flipped from what it was just a year ago.
“Eight of the top 50 metros flipped from having monthly buy costs lower than monthly rent costs in 2021 to having monthly rent costs lower than monthly buy costs in 2022, and one metro flipped from favoring renting to favoring buying since last year,” the report says.
Why Is Renting Cheaper Than Buying a Home Right Now?
The report indicates that interest rates, which recently eclipsed the 5% mark, are a major factor in putting homeownership out of the reach of many people.
Due to recent actions of the Federal Reserve, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 5.52% in June 2022. Just five months ago in January, that figure was 3.45%.
Let’s look at the metro areas where it is cheaper to rent than buy a home, according to Realtor.com.
Cheapest Metro Areas For Renting Vs. Buying A Home
Metro Overall Median Rent Overall Rent YY Studio Median Rent Studio Rent YY 1-br Median Rent 1-br Rent YY 2-br Median Rent 2-br Rent YY Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,858 10.8% $1,718 14.6% $1,731 11.4% $2,065 9.4% Austin-Round Rock, TX $1,864 19.6% $1,534 22.8% $1,720 23.5% $2,050 17.0% Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,820 9.6% $1,451 2.6% $1,716 9.2% $1,940 10.2% Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,278 9.8% $982 -3.8% $1,186 8.5% $1,343 11.5% Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $2,966 23.6% $2,499 24.3% $2,757 19.9% $3,305 25.6% Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY $1,345 10.0% $1,125 2.7% $1,195 8.7% $1,495 8.9% Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $1,752 18.4% $1,619 20.9% $1,659 19.4% $1,880 12.1% Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI $2,000 14.3% $1,700 25.9% $1,960 15.3% $2,200 12.5% Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,499 9.1% $1,200 10.6% $1,438 9.3% $1,626 5.8% Cleveland-Elyria, OH $1,432 12.1% $948 6.8% $1,317 8.6% $1,593 16.5% How To Rent An Apartment In Atlanta Right Now
Atlanta’s rental market has not been for the faint of heart lately. Prices have shot upward over the past 12 months, but there are signs we could see some relief soon.
If you’re looking for an apartment right now, the first thing you need to do is make sure you have a firm budget for rent.
Don’t get misled by amenities are how large the apartment is, get what you can afford.
For example, if your monthly income is $3,000, your monthly rent should be around $1,000.
Typically, you will also need to have the first and last month’s rent. So if you’re renting a $1,000-a-month apartment, you will need to set aside an entire month of income to get the key.
Here’s how to get an apartment for cheap.
Final Word
If you’re interested in buying a home, don’t think you’ll never achieve your goals. Stick to it. Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
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Atlanta-based filmmaker Tyler Perry has a new Netflix movie in the pipeline and this one’s close to his heart. A Jazzman’s Blues is the title of the film, which was shot at his namesake studio in southwest Atlanta.
Perry said it has taken almost 30 years for the story to be told.
“I wrote it in 1995. It was the first screenplay I ever wrote,” he recently told People Magazine. “The two characters are just trying to find their own way in the world. Initially, I wanted to play the lead role of Bayou, but that was 1995 — I aged out.”
Perry On Actors Who Turned Down His Roles
Perry said that some of the actors he originally wanted for the project didn’t have enough faith in him.
“Unfortunately with this film, I went to a bunch of up-and-coming young artists who were getting a lot of attention and I asked them about doing the role. They read the script, they loved the script, but I think there was a reservation or hesitation about working with me in particular on this film, because I guess they didn’t know how it would turn out,” he told People.
Cast Members: Who Stars In A Jazzman’s Blues?
The Jazzman’s Blues has an all-star cast featuring the following actors:
- Brad Benedict
- Ryan Eggold
- Amirah Vann
- Lana Young
- Austin Scott
- Milauna Jemai Jackson
- Kario Marcel
- Brent Antonello
- Joshua Boone
- Solea Pfeiffer
- Rod Wood
If that’s not enough star power, Terence Blanchard is involved in the music for the film and there’s choreography by Debbie Allen.What is A Jazzman’s Blues About?
While not a lot is known about the plot, a summary of the film released by Netflix says it’s about “a sweeping tale of forbidden love.”Perry told People that the plot of A Jazzman’s Blues came to him when he was in a very vulnerable state as a creator.“I was in Atlanta struggling to make it. I was hungry, sleeping on my cousin’s couch, eventually getting put out and being homeless. I was trying to get my first play off the ground, and this screenplay just poured out of me,” Perry is quoted as saying. “I held onto it for all of these years.”
When Does A Jazzman’s Blues Stream On Netflix?
A Jazzman’s Blues starts streaming on on Netflix on Sept. 23, 2022.The film is the second one that Perry is releasing this year. In February, A Madea Homecoming debuted on Netflix. In 2020, Netflix also streamed Perry’s A Fall From Grace starring Phylicia Rashad in a suspense thriller.Last Word
Perry is part of a $10 billion film industry in Georgia. There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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