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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