Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
-
Midtown Atlanta just got another fun restaurant in the heart of Ansley Park. Lazy Llama recently opened for business and is serving margaritas and tacos, among other things.
If you want some good Tex-Mex and strong drinks in Midtown Atlanta, the Lazy Llama is the place to go.
Adjusting for the coronavirus pandemic, the eatery is open for seated dining Monday through Friday from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 10:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.(weekend brunch).
If you want takeout, Lazy Llama offers customer pickup and delivery via various delivery partners.
Currently, they’re offering this:
Lazy Llama To-Go Only Special – $69
- 12 tacos (chicken or pork )+ Queso + Chips + salsa + guacamole
- 4 beers of our choice.
- Feeds 6-8 people
The new Atlanta restaurant, which opened on Feb. 26, joins a stable of new food concepts opening in 2020.
Lazy Llama is housed in the space formerly occupied by Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern. The restaurant is actually owned by the same people.
What’s On The Menu At Lazy Llama Cantina?
Consulting in the kitchen is veteran Atlanta chef Jeffrey Gardner, who has spiced up the menu with top-notch tacos and other Mexican specialties.
Foodies can also order brunch dishes like huevos divorciados and horchata French toast.
Drinkers can look forward to a premium beverage program stocked with Grade A tequilas, plus a variety of weekly food and drink specials.
Where Is Lazy Llama Located In Atlanta?
Lazy Llama is located near the corner of Piedmont and Monroe avenues in Midtown Atlanta. The address is 1551 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Here is a map to help you find it.
Read more: 15+ essential soul food spots in Atlanta
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
-
Yet another new Atlanta restaurant is set to expand the area’s dining options. Carson Kitchen is opening Thursday, February 13 in Alpharetta City Center.
The new restaurant concept comes to Georgia thanks to Woodstock-born chef/restaurateur Cory Harwell, partner in the Simon Hospitality Group.
Carson Kitchen To Open In Alpharetta City Center
With an extensive culinary background, Harwell first opened a Carson Kitchen in Las Vegas in 2014 with chef Kerry Simon.
Now it’s metro Atlanta’s turn to taste the goodness.
What’s On The Carson Kitchen Menu?
Patrons can expect Harwell’s reimagined comfort food classics. The menu is heavily inspired by the dishes Harwell’s grandmother made when he was a child.
You can expect such favorites as black rice and oxtail risotto with Parmesan cream and glazed donut bread pudding with triple rum caramel and a vanilla crème anglaise.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
-
Atlanta’s pizza wars just got deeper: Stoners PIzza, billed as “America’s Best Pizza,” is opening in Atlanta, the company says in a press release.
Stoners Pizza currently operates in 70 places, including in cities such as Jacksonville, Charleston, South Carolina and Fort Lauderdale.
Stoners Pizza Is Coming To Atlanta
“We are excited to bring our operational experience and background to the Stoner’s Pizza family as we embark on opening the brand’s first flagship store in the Atlanta market,” Chunara Food Group Vice President Shezaan Chunara says in the release.
The eatery also has such delights as Cheesecake Stromboli and Big Sweet Bread Sticks.
Where Will Stoners Pizza Atlanta Be Located?
Stoners Pizza will be located at 120 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA. 30303. Here is a map to help you find it.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
-
Grana, a new Atlanta restaurant that specializes in casual Italian cuisine, is set to open in early 2020 between Morningside and Buckhead, AtlantaFi has learned.
The Piedmont Heights restaurant will feature wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, housemade pastas, authentic Italian dishes and more.
Grana comes to us from the culinary mind of Chef Pasquale “Pat” Pascarella, who opened The White Bull restaurant in Decatur.
Grana Brings Italian American Cuisine To Buckhead
“I’m excited to bring Atlanta authentic Italian dishes that are reminiscent of my childhood,” says Pascarella. “Rather than serving inventive takes on traditional specialties, our emphasis is going to be on providing well-executed dishes that are true to Italian tradition. We want to give our guests consistent, approachable food in a casual, laid-back atmosphere.”
Here’s 5 Things To Know About New Atlanta Restaurant Grana
- A comfortable, neighborhood feel, relaxed and inviting dining room
- Two wood-fired Marra Forni brick pizza ovens in the dining room
- Up-close look at dough and pizza-making processes
- A mezzanine dining level + rooftop hangout overlooking Piedmont Avenue
- Rooftop bar, soft seating and fire pits in cooler months
What’s On The Menu At Grana in Atlanta?
Grana’s authentic Italian menu will feature locally sourced ingredients as well as some from Italy. Patrons can expect housemade pastas, a special meatball program, seasonal vegetable sides and a selection of signature Italian entrees, including family recipes from Chef Pat’s Italian-American upbringing.
A family-style polenta dish served directly on the table will also be available to hungry diners. The beverage program will feature well-crafted classic cocktails, wine from rich regions across Italy and international beers.
Grana will be located at 1835 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324. The Piedmont Heights neighborhood is roughly bordered by Piedmont Avenue to the south, Flagler Avenue to the west and Interstate 85 to the north.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: TJohnson@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
-
Passersby have always been curious about the Atlanta Diaries development, which sits along a revitalized corridor of Memorial Drive on Atlanta’s east side. Now a new restaurant, Wonderkid, is literally the new kid on the block.
I recently sat down and dined in the establishment, which is a partnership between Big Citizen and King of Pops. The Atlanta restaurant strikes a nice balance between nostalgic diner and contemporary chic.
Wonderkid Review: Atlanta Restaurant’s New Take On Diner
First off, the interior is gorgeous, but looks like it would be something you’d see around the Poncey-Highland area. The decor is artful, yet intentionally dated.
I ordered a cocktail to start things off. The waitress told me that the current beverage menu was limited, but is expected to expand in the coming days.
I ordered a variation of a Moscow Mule, a “Wonderful Mule,” with New Amsterdam Vodka, Ginger, Soda and more. Very tasty.
What’s On Wonderkid’s Menu? Here’s A Look
Wonderkid has all kinds of creatively named dishes on its menu. The thing is, the menu changes on a daily basis, which stresses the creativity of Executive Chef Justin Dixon.
And that’s exactly why Dixon was hired, according to Big Citizen co-founder Eric Simpkins, who talked to me months ago about the place.
“We wanted to do something different, we knew we had to elevate things a little bit and our goal was to really find a chef that could match that spirit of elevation where it’s still very much a diner, approachable and broad, but understands the roll n’ roll feel we bring to it and have a bit more fun and shake things up a bit,” Simpkins said.
Examining the menu, I was struck by the many different dishes they served. That night, they had a number of delicious dishes being offered. Here’s a list:
- Falafel Waffle
- Meatloaf Melt
- Steamed Mussels
- Hand-Cut Beef Tartare
- Roasted Turkey Sandwich
- Heirloom Bean Empanada
- Chef’s Red Chili and more.
What To Eat At Wonderkid In Atlanta
For my entree, I ordered the Fried Catfish, which was expertly seasoned with hot sauce. I also went with Shrimp Grits with Quinoa.
The star of the show, however, was the Mac ‘N Cheese (tinged with blue cheese), which was bomb. Not only was it a huge portion, but I simply couldn’t stop eating it once I tried it for the first time.
The entree was more delicious than you would think, but that’s the whole point that Wonderkid is trying to achieve. They want it to be surprisingly good and the food succeeds.
For dessert, I wanted to give the King of Pops Soft Serve options a try, but the “Just For Now” Cakes & Pies selections kept calling my name.
That night, Wonderkid offered the Eggnog Cream Pie (with brown sugar bourbon whip cream), Brown Sugar Citrus Meringue Pie, Mocha Cream Pie, Caramel Layer Cake (with salted caramel buttercream) and Chocolate Blackout Cake.
I tried the Eggnog Cream Pie, which was a great choice. The sweetness of the pie countered the bourbon quite nicely. I was so full from the entree , I couldn’t finish it though.
I kindly asked the waitress for a to-go container, which she obliged. As I waited for the bill, the restaurant softly throbbed off 1990s hip-hip. I was completely satisfied.
If you want to try something different, fun and delicious, Wonderkid is all that and a side of Mac ‘N Cheese.
Where Is Wonderkid Located In Atlanta?
Wonderkid is located at 777 Memorial Dr. SE, Suite 101A, Atlanta, GA. 30312. Here is a map to help you find it.
Read more: 5 essential soul food spots in Atlanta
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
-
If you’re a business owner in Atlanta, the new year offers the perfect time to reflect on your successes, challenges and where you want to go.
As the city begins a new decade, it’s no secret that local entrepreneurs are leading Atlanta into the new Roaring 20s. And new statistics from the government show that more women are working in the United States than men.
3 Atlanta Entrepreneurs Poised To Make A Difference In 2020
At the forefront of that trend is metro Atlanta, which continues to draw a lot of young professional women and the best talent from surrounding states. Here are some of the top Atlanta innovators you need to know for 2020.
Allow me to introduce you to…
Tashawna Chisholm, Founder & CEO Of Pumps & Profit
About Tashawna: She is founder/CEO of Pumps and Profit, a service that enlists personal stylists to create collection signature looks for businesswomen to increase visibility and affluence in the marketplace.Originally From: Southern Pines, North CarolinaWhat’s the one principle you live by that has helped you be successful? It is the little things that we do everyday that create a larger reality. You can get lost in the fight or living day to day, sometimes those scars will have you hurt or not wanting to fight on. When I feel like this I have to remind myself that what I do everyday will compound into something greater later on. Yes it may take you longer to reach your goals or there may be set backs. But one thing you always have to remember is that you define your own success and you determine how successful you are.What’s next? What do you hope to accomplish in 2020? The Pumps and Profit App is the first personal styling and fashion app for businesswomen.The app will feature style courses and classes, on demand help from stylists, shopping, and events. I am excited to help women make getting dressed and looking fly easier.My goal is to help 10,000 women in business create signature looks that will take their confidence and business to the next level.Kathryn Brooks, CEO and Founder of She’s Her Own CEO
Kathryn BrooksKathryn Brooks, She’s Her Own CEO: I am the CEO and Founder of She’s Her Own CEO, an organic fashion brand and professional success coaching platform for modern ladies who Lead, Provide, and Create in their
own worlds.Originally From: Virginia
Occupation/gig: Professional Success Coach
What’s the one principle you live by that has helped you be successful? Remember that there are always opportunities in front of you, but you must work hard — REALLY hard, in fact. Some opportunities will be more obvious to you than others, so it is important to always be prepared, focused, and diligent in order to take advantage of them.
What’s next? What do you hope to accomplish in 2020? My professional success book is scheduled
to be released in 2020!DJ Jazzy T, Radio Personality & DJ
About DJ Jazzy T: Raised on Atlanta’s east side, Jazzy T makes a living on the city’s radio airwaves.Originally From: Lithonia, GeorgiaOccupation: I am radio personality and disc jockey that’s nationally known to rock out on the microphone 😉What’s the one principle you live by that has helped you be successful? Think it, Speak it, Pray on it, and it’ll happen.What’s next? What do you hope to accomplish in 2020? I plan on having the #1 weekend radio show on 96.7 the Beat in 2020 and becoming a household name in Atlanta.Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.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.
-
Ponko Chicken is set to open at Lenox Square in the mall’s dining pavilion, according to a press release. The new Atlanta restaurant will open in spring 2020.
The Japanese-American restaurant will be in the space formerly occupied by Taziki. Customers can expect Ponko Chicken’s signature dishes like chicken tenders, tacos and sandwiches.
Ponko Chicken Opening At Lenox Mall In Buckhead In 2020
The first Ponko Chicken opened in Chamblee, Georgia in 2017. That’s when founders, Maggie Antoine (Culinary Executive) and Reiko Clark (Brand Executive) team up with Dr. Patrick Sallarulo (Chairman and CEO).
Together, they opened their flagship PONKO Chicken Restaurant in Chamblee, Georgia. Since their debut, the restaurant has garnered a substantial following in the Atlanta community with their unique Asian fusion fare.
“We are thrilled to be joining Atlanta’s premier shopping destination in the start of the new year. As a local brand, it’s an honor to showcase our product and story to busy shoppers and visitors alike,” says PONKO Chicken Chairman and CEO Dr. Patrick Sallarulo.
What’s On The Menu At Ponko Chicken?
The “Ameri-Asian” eatery specializes in Asian fusion foods like crispy chicken and fusion sides made from fresh ingredients.
Ponko Chicken specializes in “Amer-Asian” fare, especially delicious chicken. Mouth-watering tacos will also be on the menu. As the restaurant settles in, you can bet that more great items will be available soon.
Where is Lenox Square located?
Ponko Chicken will be located at Lenox Square mall. Here is a map to help you find it.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 5 essential soul food spots in Atlanta
Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
-
A new restaurant concept between Big Citizen and King of Pops is joining Atlanta’s redevelopment wave along the Memorial Drive corridor. Wonderkid opened its doors on Saturday, December 21.
Wonderkid combines the styles of a traditional diner with that of a modern ice cream parlor. Read our Wonderkid review HERE.
Wonderkid: Concept between Big Citizen and King of Pops coming to Atlanta
The principals, including Darren Carr and Eric Simpkins, both co-founders of Big Citizen, spoke to AtlantaFi.com about Wonderkid and how it came about.
Carr said that Big Citizen had been eyeing the surrounding properties for some time after previously working nearby. “Eric and I came over here two years ago and we loved the building and wanted to be back in the neighborhood.”
We already had a dining concept in the back of our minds that we always wanted to do and this felt like the time and place to do it,” Carr said.
The building’s proprietor first offered them 2,500 square feet, but that wasn’t enough space for what they wanted to do.
“We said, ‘That’s not enough room, there’s not a lot we could do in that space,” Carr said.
“They then said, ‘Well, you’ve got these neighbors, it’s top secret, we’re not allowed to tell you who they are, but they might want to partner with you,” Carr said.
It turned out to be Steven Carse and Nick Carse of King of Pops, who they’ve worked with in the past.
“So it turned out to be a very easy and natural relationship — these were guys who were our friends already — so we said why don’t we blend the two concepts into a bigger space and have some fun with it,” Carr said.
Simpkins said that the early talks between Big Citizen and Kign of Pops centered on how they could blend the two concepts nto something they both liked.
“When we actually saw their mood board that they had and their pitch document, we both had the same picture of this really great coffee house or ice cream shop and some place that just really had this beautiful bar and diner-esque feel,” Simpkins said.
“We knew that there was obviously some natural overlap with classic soda fountains,” he said. “And we all knew that we didn’t want to do the same greasy spoon diner.”
Simpkins also said they didn’t want to do something that didn’t feel original.
“There’s enough small local independent diners up the street who are run by friends of ours and they are doing some amazing things and are neighborhood staples,” he said. “We didn’t want to do the same thing, but we wanted to be there alongside them and not necessarily directly compete.”
And so that’s how Wonderkid was born. The eatery is also a passion project of sorts.
The new Atlanta restaurant will be an inclusive place for the nieghborhoods nearby from Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown and East Atlanta Village, Simpkins said. “We want this place to be a center where those communities can come for breakfast, lunch and dinner and late night.”
What’s On Wonderkid’s Menu?
Patrons can expect traditional diner food, but with a funky twist.
There will be a frozen drink machine that will use the ice cream process that King of Pops uses. Customers can also expect delicious specialties like frozen chocolate bourbon.
The executive chef is Justin Dixon, who is from Atlanta.
“We wanted to do something different, we knew we had to elevate things a little bit and our goal was to really find a chef that could match that spirit of elevation where it’s still very much a diner, approachable and broad, but understands the roll n’ roll feel we bring to it and have a bit more fun and shake things up a bit,” Simpkins said.
Other key players are:
Don Hart, the general manager, who previously worked at Barcelona Wine Bar.
Taylor Blackgrave, beverage director, who comes from The Lawrence in Midtown Atlanta.
Sarah Hagamaker, pastry chef, who previously worked at Proof Bakery, Bon Ton and the Lawrence.
Where is Wonderkid located in Atlanta?
Wonderkid is located at 777 Memorial Dr. SE, Suite 101A, Atlanta, GA. 30312. Here is a map to help you find it.
-
Ready for another restaurant along the Beltline? Rina, the newest concept from Oliva Restaurants, is set to open its doors Monday, January 13, 2020.
The new Atlanta restaurant is located on the Eastside BeltLine in the Ford Factory Lofts.
Everything You Need to Know Rina, The New Atlanta Restaurant
Rina is an Israeli diner-inspired eatery that will serve classic Middle Eastern dishes, creative cocktails, and boozy milkshakes in a vibrant, casual setting. Think beach-side Tel Aviv.
The people behind Rina are the same ones that has brought Atlanta some culinary staples, including Bellina Alimentari, Aziza, and Falafel Nation).
The eatery is named for restauranteur Tal Baum’s grandmother, who instilled a passion for cooking in Baum.
“I wanted to expose Atlanta to the fun, lively, delicious part of my culture that is not always the focal point,” Baum says. “I want everybody to know what a magical and beautiful place Israel is and share the recipes that were first served at my family’s falafel stand in Israel in the 1950’s.”What’s On The Menu At Rina?
Rina will serve classic Middle Eastern dishes such as pita sandwiches, skewers, seasonal mezze, hummus, salads, Israeli-inspired milkshakes, and more.
The kitchen will be helmed by Executive Chef Brandon Hughes, who oversees all of Oliva Restaurants’ ventures (Bellina Alimentari, Aziza, Falafel Nation).
“This concept takes more traditional Israeli food offerings, and brings things up a notch, adding in an element of fun and color,” Hughes says.
As for beverages, you’ll get to try any number of frozen drinks, draft cocktails, boozy milkshakes, and house-made sodas. The beverage program will be run by Demario Wallace, who oversees the same at Aziza.
He says to look out for the best of Middle Eastern flavors and authentic ingredients such as harissa, tahini, turmeric and tamarind.
Where Is Rina Located?
The eatery will be tucked into the Ford Factory Lofts, directly across the BeltLine from Ponce City Market. The address is 699 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA. 30308. Here is a map to help you find it.
As for the decor, famed Atlanta designer, Smith Hanes designed the relaxed and family-friendly 2,700 square-foot space which includes an inviting outdoor patio with BeltLine access.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
-
The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival has revealed its film selections for Opening Night, Closing Night and Young Professionals Night in 2020.
The 20th annual festival returns to Atlanta from February 10 through February 27.
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2020: And The Opening & Closing Night Films Are…
Opening Night Film:
Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance. Revisiting and reviving the legacy of Black-Jewish cooperation during the Civil Rights era, this powerful documentary focuses on a proud chapter of American social justice, in which two communities joined forces in the name of racial equality.
Young Professionals Night Film:
On Saturday, February 15 at the Woodruff Arts Center, AJFF will feature the buddy comedy Standing Up, Falling Down at Young Professionals Night, presented by ACCESS, the young leadership division of American Jewish Committee.
The film stars Emmy-winner Ben Schwartz and comedy legend Billy Crystal and follows an aspiring stand-up comic after he is forced to move back to his hometown.
Closing Night Film:
The 20th festival closes out with a touching screening of Saul & Ruby, To Life! on Thursday, February 27, at 7:00 p.m. at the Byers Theater of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.The film follows Holocaust survivors, Saul and Ruby, who find a new purpose in life. They use the power of music to share their stories and promote peace in a world that is as tumultuous as ever.
Audiences can expect diverse films from this showcase of international cinema. A first look at what to expect in this year’s lineup was recently announced, and is available here.How To Get Tickets To The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
Tickets go on sale via AJFF.org beginning Monday, January 27. Tickets for the festival are $16 for General Admission and $14 for Seniors/Students/Children.