Things Getting Sweet Downtown as Thai Gourmet Morphs Into Juicy Green

Due to what's being called a "personal emergency" by its owner, Thai Gourmet eatery on Broad Street downtown closed earlier this month. On Broad St., an area trafficked by Georgia State students most often, its possible they simply wanted to try a fresh concept. In its place the owner is opening a Juicy Green concept. Juicy Green, similar to the likes of Yogurberry, Yoforia and Pinkberry, and is locally owned with plans for expansion. Their first location in Norcross is their only location open currently as they closed their additional location in Alpharetta months ago. New plans call for the opening of the Broad Street location by late September or early October and an additional location in Virgina Highlands on Virginia Ave. in the coming months. Moving into the Highlands is a clear attempt to take on rival Yoforia in their home territory. For the record, our favorite remains Taro from Yogurberry in Buckhead. Repeat Atlanta!

KitchenAid Culinary Store Gets Cooking In Buckhead

Insperience Studio, open since 2003 in Buckhead has closed to the public and will shift its focus to their retail sales. Located next to Marshall's in Coro's shopping center at the corner of Piedmont and Peachtree, the store had given consumers a chance to try out and learn about Whirlpool's portfolio of brands and appliances prior to purchasing. Though the studio will remain in the rear of the building, KitchenAid Culinary Store will be the entities new name and will show in new signage soon. The official transition will take place in early October. This will be the second store in the U.S., another similar is located downtown Greenville, in Ohio. Repeat Atlanta!

El Toro Taking Closed Redfish A Creole Bistro Space On Memorial Drive

The recently shuttered Redfish A Creole Bistro is being taking over by Mexican concept, El Toro. After opening in 2006, Redfish was named best new restaurant and best Cajun-Creole cuisine that same year by Creative Loafing. Gregg Herndon, formerly of Tiburon Grille and Taste of New Orleans opened the eatery on Memorial Drive between Cabbagetown and Grant Park and it had done well early on but seems to be the most recent victim of the recession. El Toro, a local Mexican chain with locations in Chamblee, Atlanta and Sandy Springs will open in the space in the coming months. Repeat Atlanta!

Krust When You Thought Atlanta Had Enough Pizzeria's -- Krust Pizza Cafe Opening Soon!

Maybe there is something in the air, maybe its the recession, or maybe, just maybe, its gonna be a really good pie.  Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure, another pizzeria is opening in metro Atlanta. Krust Pizza Cafe is preparing to open at 2030 Bolton Road, just inside 285 south of Smyrna. According to the eatery, they are on track for an  August 23rd opening, but with no website up and little else known about the concept or its owners, time will tell whether this pie can take a slice of the local pizza market. Repeat Atlanta!

Bakeshop Strikes Gold With Prime Location In Midtown

The former Gold Star Cafe & Bakery in midtown is getting a new bakery concept. Located at 903 Peachtree in the same shopping center that includes Noodle and Little Azio, the bakery is said to be called Bakeshop and is being designed by local firm ai3. Repeat Atlanta sources indicate minimal changes are being made to the existing hardware within the eatery, just an updated, new look and feel. Being developed and run by local owners, not franchisees of a large chain, Repeat Atlanta hopes this new concept is a success, as the midtown neighborhood could sure use it! Repeat Atlanta!

Progress Heating Up As Shula's 347 Grill Takes Shape In Buckhead

After months of delays, Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center is finally taking shape, as is its on-site eatery Shula's 347 Grill. The first eatery for famed football coach Don Shula in the Peach State, Shula's 347 Grill is one of the more casual eateries of his four concepts. Originally scheduled to open earlier this Spring, the hotel as well as the restaurant have been plagued by construction delays. Recently work has picked up, with a large new portion currently being erected on Lenox road. While ads in Where Magazine previously announced the Spring '09 opening, the most recent issue proclaims the opening as Fall '09. Having never been to any of his concepts, we will hold judgement till opening, but in Buckhead, Shula's had better bring their "A game" if they are to succeed. Repeat Atlanta!

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The Writing is on the Stucco -- Hal's On Old Ivy an Obvious Pick!

So, I’ve said it before (in numerous other formats) and I’ll gladly re-affirm that my all-time “Pick” (and not-so-best kept secret) for steaks is Hal’s On Old Ivy.

Another recent visit still inspires fresh muscles with double orders of bread- without which an irresistible broth rests in a bowl looking up and laughing in mockery for not “soaking” as a true philistine should.  With a crab cocktail that pits brother against brother; you know you’ve found the Promised Land when you can cut your medium-rare filet with the edge of your spoon.

Of course intimate seating is nice but can indeed be a down side in this space-challenged charmer.  Alas the ghosts of Old Ivy offer reprieve in the sacred knowledge that our world expands not just in mind, body and soul, but most importantly; a second floor addition complete with French quarter balcony!  Yes, it’s true; Hal’s long-awaited expansion is slated for completion in mid October.

Epitomizing the right formula for a truly successful restaurant, there’s no hiding the secret anymore, Hal…the jig is up!!