Executive Chef Jason Paolini takes the lead as the new culinary creative force of the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s restaurant scheduled for its transition in early 2017. Opened last spring in partnership with Chef Linton Hopkins, Linton’s in the Garden will be relaunched as Longleaf in January to reflect its new direction. Hopkins, who in 2014 helped conceive the original plant-to-plate concept for the restaurant in partnership with the Garden, will remain on board in the key role of chef adviser. Longleaf, a two-level contemporary glass structure next to Gardenhouse in the heart of the Garden, offers full-service dining, a grab-and-go cafe, and a flexible space for educational programs, private rentals and special events. Inside, guests enjoy commanding views of the Anne Cox Chambers Southern Seasons Garden and Levy Parterre, while from the rooftop terrace they drink in the beauty of Storza Woods, Alston Overlook and the Atlanta skyline beyond. Regardless of table, all will be treated to a savory menu crafted by Paolini. The restaurant’s new name is inspired by the longleaf pine, the resilient evergreen conifer indigenous to Georgia and the Southeast and a focus of significant conservation efforts. During winter, Longleaf is open Tuesdays – Sundays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Garden admission is required for non-members of the Garden. Walk-in guests are welcome, though reservations are recommended.
Mediterranea, a gluten-free restaurant and bakery located at 332 Ormond St. SE Ste. 101 in Grant Park, is set to open this month. The bakery and coffee counter will open first, followed by the restaurant in late January. The baked goods and cuisine are Mediterranean influenced with an emphasis on simply prepared foods. The bar program will include wines and craft beers (including a selection of gluten-free beers), as well as cocktails using Mediterranean and Italian liquors.
One Eared Stag will begin serving a specialty pre-fixe offering for lunch daily starting January 17. The lunch offering, aptly named “The Businessman Special,” will be served from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. The menu will include rotating and varying items but will comprise of a soup, salad, entrée and choice of non-alcoholic beverage for the price of $20. “We are starting to serve this special pre-fixe menu to simplify and expedite the “workday” lunch decision making process,” shared Chef Robert Phalen. “I encourage guests to come in and see what we are offering every day. The meals will always be unique and add a little unpredictability to your day.”
Table & Main’s Paleo Wednesday fare might be just the ticket for a new and healthful start in 2017. Stop by Table & Main for Paleo Wednesday where the restaurant’s special of the night is paleo and gluten-free friendly.
- Jan-18 | Roasted Springer Mountain Farm’s airline chicken breast, broccoli and roasted root vegetables
- Jan-25 | Acorn Squash stuffed with ground lamb and tomatoes
Table & Main is taking orders for a its wings from now until Thursday, February 2. Orders include 50 chicken wings, served your choice of style (BBQ, Mild Hot, or Hot Hot), celery sticks with creamy blue cheese. I have confirmed that all of the wings, except Southern fried, are gluten free. The $50 (not including tax) fee includes 10 chocolate chip cookies that are not gluten-free, so ask for an adjusted price when placing an order (678) 869-5178. Orders must be placed Thursday, February 2 and can be picked up on Sunday, February 5, between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The Pinewood’s new full service lounge, with expanded private dining capabilities for intimate dinners or large group parties, is open. Chef de Cuisine Andrew “Andy” Jackson, a Georgia native, is the new chef de cuisine and will offer an inventive twist on The Pinewood’s locally sourced menu. Jackson helms from neighboring restaurant Revival, and has extensive experience in the kitchens of Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation. To celebrate five years of service with the Decatur community, The Pinewood is hosting an anniversary celebration on Tuesday, January 17, with $5 burgers and $5 old fashioneds and live music from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Have a safe and tasty weekend.
