BOCADO Wants a Bite of West Midtown

With the recent opening of Urban pL8 on Huff Road, West Midtown residents are starting to see eateries pop up in what some see as an under-served area. BOCADO (Spanish for bite, mouthful) is yet another restaurant opening in West Midtown. The space is currently a shell and has been converted from an existing business. The cuisine has not been determined 100% at this point, though pizza will be at least some portion of the offerings. Designed by local firm ai3, the same firm behind Flip and aja , the space seems large enough, with what appears to have once been two store fronts. The exterior looks appropriate for a Japanese style restaurant with potted plants and bamboo poles. Owner Brian Lewis recently closed his Birmingham Alabama eatery "Table" and looks to have a new start here in Atlanta. A native of Birmingham, Lewis's family has been in the restaurant and winery business for generations. Located at 887 Howell Mill Road across from Octane coffee, BOCADO, initially to be called Meiomi, is scheduled to open in late August, although it may turn out to be early September. Repeat Atlanta!

Crustacean Violation: Legal Seafood, Atlanta

Savory chowders and lobster rolls don’t just jump out of the water when you live in Atlanta.  In fact, a resignation to embrace a deserving seafood restaurant may derive of necessity.

For non-Bostonians, a New England visit almost inevitably involves an obligatory Legal Seafood pilgrimage.  Sadly, quality is a non-factor at a “powerhouse” chain like this, particularly one that seems to relax comfortably on its laurels.  The signature lobster roll exemplifies this by assessing a $23 fee for the chewy, menial amount of mollusk presented.  Additionally, a san-seasoned clam chowder, without its burdensome grit, regrettably renders another signature dish remarkably thin.  In fact, to pass off such substandard servings in a city whose abundance is less notable than that of this namesake’s feels a bit insulting.  As such, to dispense said provisions should certainly be illegal. 


Click for the previous Rick's Pick: Himalayas Indian Restaurant 

Just As The Dust Settles, Sage Hill Cafe Prepares For Opening

Dusty's Barbecue , which closed this past April will soon be home to Sage Hill Cafe. Presumably named after the neighboring shopping center of the same name, the eatery has already repainted the exterior and added outdoor seating. Unknown is what the menu will be like but the area could use a good sandwich shop. An opening date has not been announced but we expect an opening in late August. Repeat Atlanta!

Zegna Confirmed to be Opening in Luxury Wing of Lenox Square

As first reported by Repeat Atlanta last June , Zegna has been confirmed to be opening a signature boutique in Lenox Square. Scheduled to open next fall, it is unknown at this point what space has been set aside for the new boutique but is said to be located within the Luxury Wing. At Repeat Atlanta, we're hoping the space is the old Nicole Miller space on level 1 currently occupied by PURE(ly Clueless) Denim. Look for an official announcement on the Zegna opening in the next six to eight months. Repeat Atlanta!

Lenox Square Grill On Track For October Opening

Work on the Lenox Square Grill is finally in progress. Though the dining areas and bar will remain similar to the Clubhouse days, the kitchen is undergoing a significant overhaul and remodel. Utilizing the shuttered The Clubhouse space as an eatery deviates from a string of eatery closures in the mall. Brasserie Le Coze left the Luxury Wing in advance of the renovation and addition of the second floor. That space was taken over by the expansion of Neiman Marcus. Mick's closed and later became American Eagle and open space. Years ago, Tom Catherall's Tom Tom Bistro and Sushi Bar closed, and that former space is now part of Urban Outfitters. All in all, it's great to see an eatery, remain an eatery, and not become more retail. This being the 10th concept for Atlanta-based CentraArchy Restaurant Group, the month of August will be dedicated to training employees and perfecting the food offerings. With The Tavern at Phipps and New York Prime across the street, CentraArchy will now have three restaurants in the Buckhead area. Repeat Atlanta!

Don't Say We Didn't Tell Ya So, Bistro Niko New Name of Sovereign Eatery

Chez Niko has gone just as fast as it came. Now to be named Bistro Niko, Buckhead Life's new eatery in the Sovereign tower on Peachtree is scheduled to open mid to late October. Previously known as Pano's Grand Cafe , then Balon Rouge and most recently Chez Niko, the space has been renamed almost as many times as its been delayed. Repeat Atlanta would like to think that both the delays and name changes are over, but you never know... Repeat Atlanta!

Urban pL8 Hopes To Succeed Where Others Failed

1082 Huff Road in West Midtown has been through a lot in the past few years, more than a space should. Call it poor location, small space, non existent marketing... whatever the reason, eateries that have opened there, have closed soon after. Pangaea closed in December, 2007. A few months later Milk & Honey opened, and then closed less than a year later. Now a new concept hopes to break the mold. Urban pL8, which officially opened today, is determined to turn this space into a neighborhood favorite. Urban pL8 is the first eatery for chef and owner Betsy Pitts, who previously was a sous chef at both Bacchanalia and Floataway Cafe. After the lease was signed in mid April, the space was renovated and repainted and the outdoor patio redone top to bottom. With an affordable menu of many locally sourced ingredients, the eatery is home to "Lily's nut burger". Nut burger may sound strange and off the wall, but it's so good! Brown rice, cashews, walnuts and aged cheddar somehow coalesce to make this burger worth the drive. While Urban pL8 may be off the beaten path, its price and food beat fellow Bacchanalia alum Katie Birmingham's Noon joint in our book. Repeat Atlanta!

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Lenox Square Gets Saucey With Addition of Viagio

Viagio, a relatively new Italian eatery is set to debut within Lenox Square's food court this summer. Described on its website as a "new offering in the fast casual dining segment" it seems better suited for a larger space, but we'd like to hope they know what their doing. Viagio features a state-of-the-art system that is capable of producing "al dente noodles in less than 30 seconds". An interesting concept slightly similar to that of FIGO or the joke that is Artuzzi's, Viagio sells reasonably priced pastas in a "fast casual" environment. Diners go to the counter, choose from a number of basic pastas (such as fettuccine, spaghetti and penne) and select an accompanying sauce (Alfredo, meat, or pesto among others). According to their website, which itself is most in French, they have a location opening soon in Jacksonville, FL and one already open in Miami. If you have been in or are familiar, please share as we'd love to hear more about this intriguing new concept. Repeat Atlanta!

Ormsby's and West Egg Joining Abattoir in White Provisions

Rumor has it that longtime Atlanta area restaurant and bar owner Warren Bruno is planning to open a new eatery in West Midtown. Said to be located in the recently completed White Provisions redevelopment on Howell Mill Road, "Ormsby's" could open as soon as mid-September. Described as a "laid back tavern," the new eatery would be situated under the new Room & Board . One of the more interesting elements of the new eatery is that it is to include games like pool and shuffleboard along with typical bar fare and a wide assortment of beers. Presumably, this opening will be around the same time of the West Egg reopening. The local favorite will be taking a larger space next door in the same development. Additional details forthcoming. Repeat Atlanta!

A Little Less Loco in Buckhead As New Bar Prepares To Open

"New Owner, New Look, New Attitude." How 'bout "new name"? Despite the fact that the banner heralding changes coming to the eatery was accompanied by the Locos logo, the eatery will reopen but under a different name. As the Buckhead Bar and Grill, the former Locos will reopen Monday, July 20th. In addition, a sign outside declares that the eatery is the official UGA alumni locale. Who's to know if any significant changes were made to either the menu or anything else for that matter, but if you stop in, drop us a note in the comment section and share your thoughts. Repeat Atlanta!

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LoveSac Alternative Furniture Co. Bringing Their Thousand Dollar "Sacs" To Atlanta

LoveSac Alternative Furniture Co. is preparing to make its southern debut with two stores opening in Atlanta this month. Coincidentally, both are in SIMON malls, the Mall of Georgia and Lenox Square, which begs the question: is SIMON offering incentives for multiple leases with a retailer, perhaps lease one, lease one for half price? The Lenox Sqaure location is scheduled to open July 22 and the Mall of Georgia location is to open July 25. As Mall of Georgia is not exactly a regular destination for Repeat Atlanta, our main focus will be their Lenox Square location. Located on the upper level of the mall across from Hollister Co. in the old Select Comfort, the 701-square-foot space seems small if furniture is to be sold. The answer to this is that "Sacs" are sold in a compressed form, compressing the size of the item as a Food Saver condenses and compacts food. When removed from this packaging the foam within the sac expands and the sac fluffs up to its actual size. With prices ranging from $209 for the "KidSac" to $969 for "The Big One" and multiple thousands of dollars for the "Sactional", Repeat Atlanta is hesitant to bet on the success of this store. Founded in 1998 by Shawn D. Nelson, winner of Sir Richard Branson's "The Rebel Billionaire" reality show, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2006 but has since emerged with ambitious plans for future growth. With 25 stores open to date and another seven opening this fall, Mr. Nelson seems convinced that his luxury items will sell in the current economic climate. Repeat Atlanta!

What are your thoughts on this concept? Leave a comment and share your opinions and or experiences with the Repeat Atlanta community.

Goodwill Setting Up Shop In North Buckhead

While retailers everywhere are experiencing significant declines in sales, a few are expanding. Thrift and consignment stores are popping up in vacated spaces around the Atlanta area more than ever... even in Buckhead! Goodwill signed a lease for a nearly 33,000 square-foot retail and donation center in north Buckhead at 3906 Roswell Road, just north of Piedmont Road. The space was most recently home to one of metro Atlanta's last Stein Mart stores which closed earlier this year. Neighboring retailers High Country Outfitters and Atlantic Wine remain open. No official opening date has been announced though with alterations to the building in progress, its likely the store will be open in time for the back to school season. Repeat Atlanta!

Ay Carumba! Uncle Julio's Opening Second Atlanta Location

Uncle Julio's Casa Grande is just that: a big house. Opening their second location in metro Atlanta, Uncle Julio's newest eatery will be housed in a two story space at the corner of Hammond Drive and Peachtree-Dunwoody Road. Uncle Julio's original location on Peachtree Road in SoBu has been an Atlanta favorite for many years and should be a welcome addition to Dunwoody. Located within Perimeter Town Center, Uncle Julio's will join FIGO, Rising Roll and Dressed eateries in the recently completed center. No official opening has been announced, but Repeat Atlanta has learned that the eatery plans to open in late October or early November. Repeat Atlanta!

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Saga is Over as Joia Restaurant and Lounge Opens

Saga, located at 1100 Crescent Ave. in midtown closed a few months ago and there was talk that a second Antica Posta would open. That story is half true. Marco Betti, owner of Antica Posta brought Chef Brett Maddox from Aria over to create the new eatery. Joia Restaurant and Lounge had its soft opening this past Thursday with an official launch expected in the coming weeks. Featuring a wide menu with a few favorites from the Antica Posta menu as well as Halibut, Salmon and Filet Mignon. Paninis with smoked salmon looks especially interesting. Overall pricing seems perfect for the current dining landscape, entrees priced between $10-20, with sides about five bucks. Repeat Atlanta!

Blue Corset Co Stays Local, Moves To Lenox Square

Lenox Square has successfully landed another local retailer to relocate within its mall. Blue Corset Co. recently closed in East Andrews boutique and will reopen in the "Luxury Wing" of Lenox Square later this summer. Blue Corset is a purveyor of fine lingerie and is known for impeccable customer service. Taking 1,200 square feet adjacent to Neiman Marcus on mall level, the space was formerly home to Hermes. At one point there was talk that both Tom Ford and Zegna were interested in the space but apparently they both pulled out. Hermes on the other hand might now wish they had stayed as they are in a temporary location next to Fado Irish pub on Buckhead Ave. Hermes is awaiting the completion of what Ben Carter's "The Street's of Buckhead" where they will be one of the signature retailers. Repeat Atlanta!

Head For the Hills and Try Himalayas Indian Restaurant

When it comes to food, I’m a bit of a creature of habit. Of course, I embrace every new culinary adventure, but sometimes the comfort of a favorite “tried and true” eatery is all that will do. Such is the case with Himalayas Indian Restaurant. I’ve been masticating maharajah style at this spot for over a decade, and am routinely impressed by it’s consistency. From the ever-hearty mulligatawny soup with fresh lime wedges, to the leanest lamb bhuna this side of Mumbai (or London as the case may be). The truth is, I cannot remember a visit that I’ve made to this strip mall gem where I tried something that I didn’t fall in love with. Additional highlights include the bold chicken korma and the “Indian spicy” (no gringos allowed) vindaloo that would make even Kali succumb to the seductive heat – beware!! As for the service, rest assured - if your water glass is ever less than half full, you’re visiting the wrong strip mall. 

Click here for the previous Rick's 86'd!

Smith & Hawken Unable To Dig Themselves Out of Economic Mess

Just last month there was talk that Smith & Hawken would relocate its corporate headquarters to to metro Atlanta. Now parent company Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. announced it will close the chain by the end of the year. Dave Smith and Paul Hawken founded gardening tool importer Smith & Hawken in Mill Valley, California 30 years ago but sold it in 1993 and had not been involved much under recent owner Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. who purchased the company in 2004. In an attempt to breath new life into the troubled company Scotts brought in co-founder of Home Depot, Pat Farrah, to overhaul Smith & Hawken. Many insiders, including the founders themselves, blame the company's downfall not only on the poor economy but on Scotts' broadening of the Smith & Hawken store offerings. Locally, Smith & Hawken operates stores on Peachtree road near Peachtree Battle and in Marietta at the Avenues East Cobb. Liquidation sales are to begin within days with all stores in line to close by year's end. Smith & Hawken's e-commerce business was discontinued earlier this week. Repeat Atlanta!

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New Color Coming To Buckhead

V-103 morning show co-host Frank Ski is getting into the club business. Opening on the backside of a new Selig Enterprises property at 3275 Peachtree Road, Color Lounge & Restaurant has been in the planning stages for months if not years and just recently passed the NPU-B (Neighborhood Planning Unit-Buckhead) for a second time. Occupying a strange space on the lower level of the rear of the shopping center that where both Orvis and Verizon Wireless relocated from elsewhere in Buckhead, the concept certainly will be an interesting addition to the mix in the immediate area. Repeat Atlanta!

Nan Not Scared of High Space, Plans to Open "Vertigo"

Atlanta Magazine's Covered Dish reports that Nan and Charlie Niyomkul of Nan Thai Fine Dining and Tamarind Seed would be opening a new eatery caught Repeat Atlanta off guard but we now have uncovered new info on the would be eatery. Located in what was once our friend Gary Mennie's Taurus restaurant, "Vertigo" will feature traditional Thai barbecue and is said to be opening by late November, though its official opening is likely not to take place till the first of the year. The eatery's location and name are especially fitting as its located on the second level on Selig Enterprises' Brookwood Place in SoBu. Repeat Atlanta!

It's de facto... Artefacto Closing In Buckhead

After a splashy opening just over three years ago, Artefacto is throwing in the towel in Buckhead. The Brazilian furniture retailer's bi-level location at Two Buckhead Plaza, with great Peachtree Road exposure, seemed the ideal location for this retailer, but apparently it just wasn't meant to be. The store's president and owner Paolo Bacchi's dream for his company to be a success in Atlanta seems to have fallen short, but South Florida on the other hand, has been successful for them. A new Aventura location will open within the next few weeks. While the Atlanta location was not meeting sales expectations, it seems that South Florida consumers have been less affected by the economic downturn. Artefacto Atlanta is currently running a sample / closeout sale with savings of up to 70%. The store is to close for good no later than mid-August. Repeat Atlanta!

Carol's Daughter Taking Old Whitehall Jewelers

Lenox Square adds to its lineup of personal care retailers with the addition of Carol's Daughter. Located on the first level, the store will occupy the space most recently home to Whitehall Jewelers. When the Lenox Square store opens later this fall it will be the chain's ninth, though the line is sold at Sephora as well as select Dillard’s and Macy’s. The line's tagline, “beauty by nature” is meant to represent just that, the fact that their beauty products are all made from natural ingredients. Carol Price’s daughter, Lisa Price began peddling her homemade hair and body products at local flea markets in the early 1990’s. A few years later she opened what would become her flagship boutique in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene. The success of her initial retail outpost led to national media coverage including The View and on Oprah. African-American herself, Price has won numerous awards for her entrepreneurial spirit including the National Black MBA Association's Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2000. With an ever growing African-American population in DeKalb and Fulton counties, the new Lenox store is sure to be a hit with locals, not to mention the large numbers of out of state visitors that frequent in Lenox on the weekends. Let’s hope Carol’s Daughter is the diamond in the rough that Lenox has been looking for to fill their vacant space. Repeat Atlanta!

Emerald Coast Coffee Roasting Soon at Terminus

Rumors that Emeril Lagasse was returning to Atlanta with a coffee and pastry concept seem ludicrous to say the least. His previous eatery closed amidst much criticism with regard to his lack of cooperation with local media and being panned by local critics. Speculation has been that he would launch a new coffee shop and pastry cafe in Cousin's Terminus 100 development, though it seems wires may have been crossed with this story. What is opening at Terminus 100 is Emerald Coast Coffee & Grille. A concept developed by veterans of The Coca-Cola Company, the Terminus location will be the chain's sixth and is scheduled to open later this fall. With limited "fast-casual" offerings in the immediate area other than F20 in the neighboring Sovereign tower as well as Jimmy John's in REALM, its likely this concept will perform well. The one fear may be the Caribou Coffee across the street on Peachtree and the Starbucks across the street on Piedmont in the disco Kroger shopping center. Time will tell if in fact this concept can survive in Terminus. Here's to hoping they got a sweet deal on the rent all things considered. Repeat Atlanta!

Gordon Biersch Brewing Soon in Buckhead

After months of renovations, Gordon Biersch will re-open what was Rock Bottom as their namesake Gordon Biersch July 13. With new seating, a new bar and a new look, this brewery is ready to serve up brewskies to thirsty Buckhead residents. Repeat Atlanta!

Fond of La Fonda Latina? New Location Opens In West Midtown

Max's Pizzeria opening on Marietta Street got me thinking about the old Slice on Howell Mill. On my way to ESPERANZA and Whynatte's The Rooftop Jump Off at Six Feet Under, I was shocked to see the old Slice suddenly had a new inhabitant. After what looks like a partial demolition of the left side of the structure, La Fonda Latina has opened. The building was shifted around a lot as it appears to now have the kitchen in the rear of the right side with the left side now an open air patio. What had been an uneven and spotty parking lot has now been repaved with new signage as well. The Latin eatery from the people that brought you Fellini's Pizza, Repeat Atlanta was told the eatery has been open for about a week. Many Fellini's around town have a La Fonda next door, this seems to be the complementary La Fonda to the Fellini's at the corner of Howell Mill and Collier Roads. Repeat Atlanta!