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!