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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Huey Magoo’s is opening its first Georgia location in Loganville in January 2020, Atlantafi.com has learned.
The Central Florida-based restaurant is known for its crispy fried chicken tenders. This will be the first free-standing Huey Magoo’s restaurant and will also features an outdoor patio and a drive-thru.What’s On The Menu at Huey Magoo’s?
Loganville will offer guests Huey Magoo’s signature grilled, hand-breaded or “sauced” premium chicken tenders, farm fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps, available as individual meals, meals for two and family-sized options. Each tender is always made fresh, all natural, with no antibiotics ever, no hormones, no steroids and no preservatives. Guests of all ages will also enjoy Huey Magoo’s warm and inviting design.
Huey Magoo’s Loganville is owned by franchisees Dean Thompson, Derry Thompson and Alex Larson of DAD’s Tenders, who are also are franchisees of Papa John’s.
The store is the first store in Thompson’s development deal of up to 46 Huey Magoo’s stores in metro Atlanta.What Other Huey Magoo’s Locations Are Planned For Metro Atlanta?
Thompson is working on lease agreements for three more Huey Magoo’s restaurants in Covington, Monroe and Conyers.You know what all that means? It means that Huey Magoo’s is hiring in metro Atlanta. Reach out if you want to join their growing restaurant and management team.
“It has been a dream come true to open in Alex’s and my hometown,” says Dean Thompson. “He and I have raised our children since they were born here in Loganville, and we have been a big part of the community from schools and sports to a whole lot of fundraising. We currently operate 11 Papa John’s and four of them are within eight miles of the Loganville Huey Magoo’s, so we cannot wait to be able to offer family, friends and business associates another award-winning product, the world’s best chicken tenders.”
Howard continues, “With Dean, Derry and Alex’s tremendous experience and unbelievable passion for the Huey Magoo’s brand, I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them as our franchisees in the state of Georgia. Words cannot express what a huge milestone opening Loganville is for the brand, as our first location outside of Florida and our first free-standing Huey Magoo’s, in what we hope will become many more.”Where Is Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders Located In Loganville?
Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders now open at 4630 Atlanta Highway, Loganville, GA 30052. Here’s a map to help you find it.
The hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm. For more information and a complete list of locations, visit hueymagoos.com, or call 470-462-4667 for more information.For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com. -
A new Atlanta restaurant is coming to fruition thanks to a nearly decade-long friendship that has turned into a culinary partnership. Renown chef Craig Richards and restaurateur Billy Streck are opening Lyla Lila in Midtown Atlanta on Friday, Dec. 6.
Lyla Lila will offer patrons a taste of elegance with a menu that focuses on southern European cuisine.
New Atlanta restaurant Lyla Lila opening in Midtown Dec. 6
Lyla Lila will initially open for dinner service seven nights a week. Here is the schedule:
- Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m.
- Friday through Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.
There are also plans to extend meal services to lunch and brunch in 2020. Reservations can be made via Resy. In addition to valet parking, guests are encouraged to use rideshare car services.
Richards and Streck have ties interwoven with Atlanta’s dining scene: Streck owns Inman Park’s Hampton & Hudson, where Richards oversees the menu.
Richards also helms the kitchens at La Tavola, Ecco, and St. Cecilia, among other culinary adventures.
But nothing solidified the concept that would become Lyla Lila greater than when Richards and Streck found out that their daughters shared the same name.
“My daughter’s name is Lyla and Billy’s daughter’s middle name is Lila. It’s an interesting connection that we share, and by using both names it felt like a personal expression of ourselves and our families to the restaurant,” Richards says in a written statement.
Thus, Lyla Lila was born.
Here’s a rendering of the new Atlanta restaurant Lyla Lila.
What will be on the menu at Lyla Lila?
Given the strong reputations of Richards and Streck, customers can expect outstanding selections on the menu.
The dishes will be inspired by southern Italy and Spain. You can also expect Richards’ signature style of pastas.
Entrees will have their share of wood-fired meat and seafood along with as well as seasonally driven vegetables and salads.
As for the beverage program, Lyla Lila will concentrate on cocktails with seasonal ingredients and Old World wine selections that emphasize sparkling varietals.
Where is Lyla Lila located?
Lyla Lila is located at 693 Peachtree St. NE on the ground level of the 24-story lilli Midtown boutique apartment residence on the corner of 3rd Street and Peachtree. 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: 10+ 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.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
Check out some of AtlantaFi.com’s best Atlanta restaurant stories
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The final installment of Night Market at The Home Depot Backyard is taking place on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6-10 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Night Market, an artisan food and beverage experience, features some of the best food you can find in Atlanta and more.
Night Market at the Home Depot Backyard: What’s in store Dec. 7
The market offers attendees live music, bites from top Atlanta chefs in the city.
Restaurants that will be represented include American Cut, Brezza Cucina, Fox Bros Bar-B-Q, Hattie B’s, Hawkers Asian Street Fare, Holmes, Honeysuckle Gelato, Kyma, Shake Shack, Spotted Trotter, Sweet Auburn BBQ, Watchman’s and Wheelies Tiny Donuts.
There will also be beverages from local experts and an artisan market curated by Indie Craft Experience.
Food and beverage tickets are $25 in advance, $40 onsite. Get tickets here.
Where is the Home Depot Backyard located?
The Home Depot Backyard is located at 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313. Here is a map to help you find it.
Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Parking is available and taking MARTA or ridesharing is encouraged. For more information about the Night Market series, please visit: www.thehomedepotbackyard.com/
night-market .Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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Seafood restaurants are definitely on the upswing in the city. The latest is The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta.
The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta is having their grand opening December 5 weekend. The new Atlanta restaurant will occupy the space formerly Woofs Sports Bar.
The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta To Open
The soft opening will include some late hours, at least in the beginning. The eatery’s Facebook page says it is open from noon to 2 a.m.The Boiler Seafood is one of many changes that are set to happen in Lindbergh. MARTA officials are contemplating plans for a hotel, stores and some apartments in the area.But let’s talk food! What’s going to be on the menu at The Boiler Seafood?
What’s On The Menu?
Customers can expect all the trappings of a New Orleans restaurant, including dishes such as lobster, crab, shrimp and a full-service drink menu.
Here are some photos of some of the great food you can get.
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Where is The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta located?
The The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil Atlanta is located at 2425 Piedmont Road NE Atlanta, Georgia 30324. Here is a map to help you find it.
We told you the city’s seafood craze isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Here are some of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta