Piu Bello Fails to Deliver

A meticulously clean dining space with attentive staff does not a top shelf pizzeria make.

NY Style pizza is not as easy as it looks – requiring (among other things) fresh cheese, bold sausage, and a crust that maintains its pliable, yet sop-free, integrity. Sadly, Piu Bello Pizzeria, located adjacent to the Kroger Fresh Fare in the Peachtree-Piedmont Crossing Shopping Center, fails to deliver.

A selection of inferior toppings from dry olives and peppers (cut entirely too long), processed slivers of taste-free sausage, to a seriously forgettable sauce sans any flavor are begging for red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese to confirm that you are actually indulging in a meal. A consistent quality mozzarella, like Grande Napoli, must really grip fresh toppings on a pie to avoid “roll-off” should its consumer elect not to fold. But even this can’t save a pizza without proper (hi gluten) dough structure and end crust. If I was a slice of soggy dough that was forced to host this motley crew of unsavories, I’d refuse to hold on too!

So, in closing, despite a convenient Buckhead location, a stellar Pellegrino selection, and numerous opportunities for redemption – unfortunately, this pizzeria doesn’t make the cut.

Piu Bello … you’re 86’d

Buffalo Wild Wings Flies ITP To Buckhead

Lenox Marketplace will be the new home to Buffalo Wild Wings. Set to open August 2nd, it will be the eateries eighth location in Atlanta and first inside the perimeter. Seemingly smaller than other locations, the eatery looks to be taking what had been unoccupied space on the Oak Valley Road side of Lenox Marketplace. Its location beside Filene's Basement and and adjacent to the Pinnacle building should provide ample lunchtime traffic, whether consumer will make the drive back to a parking deck in the heart of Buckhead is another story. Repeat Atlanta!

Buckhead Life Announces Yet Another Name For Sovereign Eatery

Pano's Grand Cafe, Balon Rouge, Chez Niko, whats in a name? Apparently for Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, a lot. After announcing their new French style brasserie named Pano's Grand Cafe over a year ago, Repeat Atlanta has now confirmed the current name of the eatery is Chez Niko. Named after Buckhead Life's founder Pano Karatassos's son Niko, the eatery is said to still be a French style brasserie but may be less upscale than originally planned. At one point the opening was to be this past March, then Spring, then Fall, a Buckhead Life source now anticipates a March 2010 opening. Whatever its called, whenever it opens, Buckhead Life is gonna have to open eventually having signed a significant multi-year lease. Repeat Atlanta!

Marietta Street Lucky as Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria Opens

Concentrics Restaurants opened its newest eatery, Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria today at 300 Marietta St. Located next door to fellow Concentrics concept STATS, Max's is operated by Concentrics Restaurant Management for property owner David Marvin. Marvin appears pleased with Concentrics as this is his forth venture with them in the Luckie Marietta District. Marvin's Legacy property group also owns 30 Tables and 11 Stories within the Glenn Hotel, along with STATS and now Max's. Max's actually gets is name from Marvin's two-year-old son, Max. Featuring Atlanta's only genuine coal-burning oven, Max's is sure to be a popular addition to the downtown/west midtown neighborhood. With the abrupt closure of Slice Pizza on Howell Mill Rd. over a year ago, the area has been without a neighborhood pizzeria. With New York native and pizza lover Chef Nick Oltarsh at the helm, this latest concept is in good hands. Repeat Atlanta!

Grooming Lounge Trims Stores, Cutting Buckhead Location

The Grooming Lounge came to Atlanta with high hopes and a great location. Unfortunately it entered the market ahead of one of the worst recessions in America's history. Its abrupt closure last week shocked not only clients and others within Terminus, but even its own staff. A great concept with stellar service, this boutique salon got its start via its hugely popular website and eventually opened locations in Tysons Corner and Washington D.C. Opening in the Terminus 100 project in Buckhead seemed like an ideal location for this chic salon to launch and it very well could have been, just not now. With prices higher than what most men would usually drop on a cut or shave, the experience is definitely a unique one; truly a salon for men, with cocktails and SportsCenter at the same time. The reality is that the Terminus property is aesthetically pleasing but that's about all. Aquaknox is rumored to be closing and its rare to see more than a dozen or so people dining in M.F. Buckhead on any given night. Yogurberry is the best thing at Terminus but is not blessed with Chick-Fil-A like notoriety and is in the breezeway rather than on Peachtree Rd. Cousins Properties might need to adjust its rent if it hopes to avoid the closure of other Terminus tenants. Repeat Atlanta!

The Economy Rules! Ruehl No. 925 Closing...

The announcement that many saw coming has arrived, Ruehl No. 925 will cease to exist by January 2010. Referred to on promotional materials as "Post Grad by Abercrombie", the retailer never got a foothold on its demographic since its September 2004 launch and its stores were confusing to consumers and expensive to construct. The stores exterior was built to resemble a Greenwich Village apartment and the interior had rooms such as a library and study to keep with the theme. The basic idea was smart on the part of Mike Jeffries, Abercrombie CEO and Chairman, create a store where those consumers that are out of college ( age 22-35) could shop and still get the quality and style of A&F but a little more grown up. At one point, there was talk of Ruehl opening at Lenox Square or Phipps, but just as GAP canned their Forth and Towne concept before it could open at Phipps, Ruehl won't get the chance to outfit the Atlanta market. The one bright spot, Abercrombie's Gilly Hick's chain appears to be doing well and is said to be scouting cities around the country for future expansion. Gilly Hick's launched early last year and is an Australian themed intimate apparel retailer officially labeled "The cheeky cousin of Abercrombie & Fitch". While I'd by lying if I said I understood or liked the name, I think it has the potential for Hollister-like success. With fifteen stores open to date in various cities across the country, Lenox Square would make an ideal new mall for the young brand. Repeat Atlanta!

Hudson Grille Turns Up The Heat, Opening New Eatery In Midtown

Opening in what most recently housed The Artistry and before that The Sweet Lowdown, this will be Metrotainment's 4th location for its Hudson Grille concept. At 942 Peachtree St. in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, this eatery is a stones throw from Taco Mac at Metropolis which caters to a similar demographic but offers less variety in terms of food. Other locations include Alpharetta, Brookhaven and Perimeter Mall. Hudson Grille midtown is expected to open by mid-late fall. Repeat Atlanta!

Piece of Cake Hopes For A Slice of the Dessert Business in Decatur

Piece of Cake, the famous Buckhead pastry shop is preparing to open its third location July 1st, this time in downtown Decatur. With its original eatery in Buckhead on Roswell Rd and an additional on Crabapple Rd. in Roswell, this new intown location is sure to be popular with Decatur residents looking to please their sweet tooth. If you haven't been lately, Piece of Cake offers more than just cake but also a wide variety of delectable cupcakes, brownies and cookies. As an added bonus, owner Susannah Eatz is offering free coffee for the month of July at the new location! Repeat Atlanta!

Chef Ron Eyester Steps Away From The Basics -- Food 101 Becomes Rosebud

After announcing he had purchased Food 101 Morningside from 101 Concepts, Executive chef and owner Ron Eyester today announced his eateries new name, Rosebud. Set to officially reopen as Rosebud July 6th, the restaurant's character and atmosphere will remain the same. Other than a coat of paint and refinished floors, the eatery is just as it was refreshed. Expect to see subtle menu additions and or subtractions as Eyester now has full creative control to try new things but continue to offer locally sourced meats and produce. Repeat Atlanta!

Hotel Palomar Voted Best Boutique Hotel on Repeat Atlanta!

Hotel Palomar makes a great first impression in Midtown as Repeat Atlanta readers have voted Palomar best Boutique Hotel in Atlanta. Here are the final results:

1. Hotel Palomar (22%)

2. W Perimeter (19%)

3. W Buckhead (10%)

4. W Downtown (9%)

5. Glenn Hotel (8%)

6. Hotel Indigo (8%)

7. W Midtown (8%)

The custom painting to the left by Steve Penley can be found in Hotel Palomar's restaurant Pacci. Repeat Atlanta!

Smith & Hawken Digging For Headquarter Space in Atlanta?

San Francisco-based luxury garden retailer Smith & Hawken is said to be looking at relocating its corporate headquarters to metro Atlanta. With overall retail sales the worst they have been in decades, Smith & Hawken was hit especially hard as its products are luxury items and are often the first to be cut from consumers budgets. Pat Farrah, interim head of the company has said Atlanta would be the best fit for the company if they can become viable. If the move takes place, Sembler's Town Brookhaven development is said to be in line for a Smith & Hawken flagship store. More details to follow. Repeat Atlanta!

Nordstrom Racks Buckhead Loop Location

Seattle-based Nordstrom will open a 38,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack store in Buckhead Station shopping center at the Buckhead Loop. With one Nordstrom Rack in Buford, at Mall of Georgia Crossing, this will be their first location inside the perimeter and is scheduled to open sometime next spring. Nordstrom Rack is basically the outlet of the mainline Nordstrom department store with items priced 30-70% off retail. The store will occupy three spaces on the upper level, 210, 212 and what is currently the Golfsmith store. Sure to be a hit given the current state of the economy, the store will join fellow discounters T.J. Maxx and DSW in the shopping center. Repeat Atlanta!

It Appears Blue Genes has a Recessive Genotype!

After a string of thefts last year followed by a bankruptcy filing, Blue Genes seemed destined for closure, but they emerged leaner and meaner with a more diverse product offering and a smaller space. Now, having been robbed for the 7th time, this time of over $100K, the store seems destined to close. A moving truck was seen outside the store Monday afternoon and shopbluegenes.com is down for "maintenance" until July. Calls to the store go straight to voice mail while neighboring boutiques say they have temporarily closed. Repeat Atlanta will be on top of this developing story and post updates as they become available. Repeat Atlanta!

Crazy World We Live In When A Bar Like Locos Can't Stay Open

Locos Grill & Pub closed its Buckhead location this past Sunday. One of the original Locos years ago, this eatery seems to have been unable to sustain itself amongst newer competition in the area. No official word from Locos on the reason for the closure but its prized location next to Hole in the Wall and Trader Joe's should be of interest to eateries looking at entering the Atlanta market. Repeat Atlanta!

Ever Have a Dirty Water Dog in NYC? Rick's First Pick, ATL's Version At A Korean Kiosk...

I’m delighted to join the Repeat Atlanta corps as a recruited contributor and look forward to sharing many a single-sided critique on some of my favorite (and least favorite) dining detours. So, without further ado and in the spirit of positivity, let’s start out… nice.

Seems like everyone’s got their own dining poll these days – the most popular of which is “Best Fried Chicken in Atlanta.” Some joints qualify, and others are undoubtedly lauded by existing employees in an effort to enhance business. Alas, my pick for two years standing still applauds an underscored 6’ x 10’ kiosk nestled in the food court of the Super H Mart due north of the city. Despite its relatively obscure OTP location, the Korean ToreOre (Chicken & Joy) justly claims its position as top spot in the pantheon of worthy fried chicken gods. From “Garlic Tasty,” to “Sweet & Spicy,” to the effervescent classic crisp, every succulent piece is (twice) deep fried in peanut oil to sheer perfection- no greasy aftermath, no guilt…just joy. But true joy takes time so my advice is to place your request at least 20 minutes in advance as every beautiful batch is worth the anticipation and, of course, made to order.

BTW- the cubes on the side are Daikon radishes and they temper the escalating heat- you may need them!
 
Until next time…enjoy your meal!

There May Not be Gold at the End of the Rainbow, but There Sure is Alcohol!

Repeat Atlanta has just received confirmation from Ri Ra Irish Pub's David Kelly that Ri Ra is set to open Thursday, July 9th.   In uncovering this information, it is clear that those involved with this eatery are more than qualified considering their love of the pub -- David Kelly concluded our conversation by wanting to meet up to have a Guinness as the opening date neared. Repeat Atlanta!

Puruva It! Turkish Cuisine in Downtown Atlanta?

Steak & Ale, located in Downtown Atlanta on Andrew Young International Boulevard has been vacant for sometime now but was recently leased by Selig Enterprises Inc. Though the tenant's name is unknown at this time, he will be altering the Steak & Ale into a Mediterranean eatery of his own, serving Turkish cuisine. Sources say that this new eatery will be known as Puruva. The general contractor confirmed that renovations began June 9th and that the construction plans where drafted on a design-build basis -- designing as they go with no official plans. This eatery is a three level building that the contractor said will undergo an internal face lift. Other sources indicate that the new tenant has a an initial budget of $15,000, indicating that most of the preexisting layout will remain. Puruva has a projected opening of early September! Repeat Atlanta!

Dough Makes Everything Peachy Keen!

Take a stroll by 1010 Midtown (12th & Midtown) and you're sure to see what seems to be an area unaffected by the economy; or is it? With eatery locations popping up on the lower level left and right, it is hard to imagine that there is a recession at all. Ra Sushi and Noon Midtown are both open for business. Ri Ra Irish pub is completely transforming Crescent Ave as the entire facade of the location is being replicated into an actual Irish pub. The real story however, lies with the established food chain, Piola (Piola Peach will be the name for the Atlanta location). Taking one of the more accessible spaces offered in the 1010 mercantile space, this eatery is still a clean slate; unpainted dry wall on all fours and no sign of progress. Piola is a an Italian style pizzeria from Italy that has established locations in São Paolo, Buenos Aires, New York and Miami's South Beach. The focus on the pizza is the Italian inspired, authentic thin crust made in a wood-fired brick oven with an emphasis on European ambiance. If you contact 1010 Midtown, they will tell you the same baloney as other 'reliable' sources: Piola Peach is opening this summer! Maybe someone should inform them that it is the summer. Piola insiders have confirmed (privately), that Piola Peach has been pushed toward a late November opening, but it's easier said than done. Everyday that passes is lost income to an astronomical rent (hey, BofA is around the corner). Piola needs to find the dough to make Piola Peach rise. Repeat Atlanta!

Do You Wanna Become Unapologetically Bad-A$$ With Dallas?

Dallas Austin has officially made Lenox Mall the "Rowdy Collection Headquarters." Originally opened in 2008 Virginia Highlands adjacent to Bill Hallman, the new flagship store of the Rowdy Brand will be launching Saturday, June 20th. This date has been confirmed by a Rowdy insider, though not made public. Adjacent retailers and security suggest that Pure Denim located on the opposite end of the Neiman Marcus Luxury Wing (and on Repeat's Deathwatch) has felt a bit threatened by their presence. An account executive for the Rowdy brand made claims that Pure sells 60 pairs of Robins Jeans (upwards of $525 a pair) every Saturday, and that Pure Denim is a force to be reckoned with. Offering similar styles at similar prices, both collections are a "luxury" in this economy carrying high price tags. The Rowdy Collection ranges in price from $40-$700. For Pure, those prices are purely pennies with hoodies costing upwards of $2200! Rowdy insiders also suggest that the new Flagship and Collection headquarters will be throwing a Grand Opening party soon, though this date has not been disclosed. Expect to see Dallas Austin and other celebrity friends at this opening bash! Repeat Atlanta!

Keep Your PEEPERS Peeled for Rick's Pick's & 86'd!

Keep your peepers peeled for an exciting bi-weekly Repeat Atlanta contributor. Richard Lara, Chef Concierge at a Luxury Buckhead hotel, will soon be joining our team with his Eatery Picks & 86’d. Richard is an esteemed and valued hospitality veteran with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry.  With a critical eye for righteous fodder, Rick Lara is uniquely qualified to provide our readers with invaluable insights into the culinary community…stay tuned! Repeat Atlanta!

You've Heard of French Fries & Freedom Fries but Now: AirFries!

Evos, a Tampa Bay based eatery, is set to open the first of at least two planned locations in metro Atlanta. Evos will open in Sembler's Prado development in Sandy Springs today (Friday, June the 5th), and will open at Novare's Viewpoint on Peachtree in Midtown later this summer. Serving a menu that includes airbaked "Airfries" and healthier versions of some of your favorites like milkshakes and burgers, Evos is not your dad's burger joint. Repeat Atlanta!

Now You Can Surround Yourself With Gold and Chocolate While Getting Wasted in Midtown!

A lounge called Aurum ( Latin for gold) is scheduled to open August 1st, in Metropolis, the likes of which would even impress Auric Goldfinger. Taking street level space on the 8th street side of Metropolis, Aurum is bound to set a new standard of luxury in Atlanta. Aurum's location may be ironic to Midtown residents as it's across the street from the shuttered Gold Star cafe & bakery. Aurum is designed by Atlanta-based Habachy Designs whose work includes Compound nightclub and eatery, and Dressed. The concept for Aurum was inspired by Dolce and Gabbana's Gold Restaurant in Milan and is said to be Hollywood Regency Glam with a gold and chocolate color palette. The menu is to include typical bar fare along with sushi, small tapas and sandwiches, but nothing fried. Owner Mike Hsu is actually a resident of Metropolis who apparently couldn't resist what he sees as his golden opportunity to open his dream lounge. Let's just hope he has the Midas touch with not just with the amenities but with the food as well. Repeat Atlanta!

H&M Likes It ITP, Opening Fifth Location at Cumberland Mall

Swedish clothing retailer H&M is said to be opening a two story retail location at Cumberland Mall in Cobb county this fall. Mall management was careful not to confirm an opening when we called, possibly because construction has yet to start or maybe it's the fact that their mall operator filed for bankruptcy. If opened, this will be H&M's fifth location in the metro Atlanta area and second for beleaguered mall operator General Growth Properties. According to a Repeat Atlanta reader, neighboring stores are being asked to relocate in anticipation of the would-be H&M. Cumberland Mall has never really lived up to its potential, but there's hope that if H&M does open, it will be the catalyst needed for the mall to build on its weak retail offerings and supplement is vastly improved dining options. No word yet on whether promotions run for the previous H&M openings will be instituted for this opening, but rest assured, as soon as its decided, we will make it known. Repeat Atlanta!