BLT Steak Set To Open Jan. 27

With celebrated Chef Laurent Tourondel at the helm, BLT Steak will make its southern debut Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the new W Atlanta-Downtown Hotel & Residences in Allen Plaza. Located in the heart of Atlanta’s most sophisticated downtown area, BLT Steak will combine its signature rich warmth and texture with the energy and style of Atlanta. Using his French culinary training and passion for American culture and cuisine, Chef Tourondel will offer Atlantans regional blackboard specials and a full raw bar to accompany his signature modern American steakhouse menu. BLT Steak will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. The restaurant also will handle in-room dining and special events for the W Atlanta-Downtown Hotel & Residences.

BLT, or Bistro Laurent Tourondel, is the personal stamp of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Laurent Tourondel, named 2007 Restaurateur of the Year by Bon Appétit magazine. BLT Steak opened in Manhattan in 2004 as a revolutionary modern American steakhouse and was named one of Esquire magazine’s “best new restaurants in America” shortly after receiving a two-star review from The New York Times. At BLT Steak, Tourondel elevates the classic American steakhouse with his signature style, French training and all-around finesse.

“Laurent Tourondel’s restaurant was the obvious choice for the W Atlanta-Downtown,” said Chris Schoen, CEO of Barry Real Estate. “BLT Steak is a national brand that has received significant acclaim in seven distinguished cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. This modern American steakhouse will bring the finest culinary experience to Atlanta’s finest hotel.”

Chef Tourondel said, “Atlanta has been on my radar for quite some time. The renowned shopping, entertainment, historical sites and, of course, phenomenal dining options have drawn me to the city. I created BLT Steak with a focus on the best products and the most exact techniques. The Atlanta restaurant will be like no other restaurant of mine – although the menu will be comprised of the flavorful steakhouse fare we are known for, the overall design and ambiance will be genuinely unique to the city. We are striving to create a comfortable and stylish haven for downtown residents, visitors and business leaders alike to enjoy a great cut of meat.”

BLT Steak will offer a variety of cuts of USDA Prime, Certified Black Angus, American Wagyu and Japanese Kobe beef, each naturally aged for maximum tenderness and flavor and served finished with herb butter in a cast-iron pan. The menu will be organized by category and complements main courses with corresponding savory sauces such as peppercorn, horseradish or béarnaise – all of which exemplify Chef Tourondel’s classic French training and insistence on perfection. Chef Tourondel’s fish entrees, although delicate, will arrive in steakhouse-sized portions and are delivered in a similar manner.

The French inflections in Chef Tourondel’s signature style will be seen in his preparation of Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Soy-Lime Dressing and his signature giant popovers with bubbling gruyère. Sides will come nestled in petite cast-iron pans – Grilled Asparagus, Stuffed Mushroom Caps or Hash Browns are some that recall the great steakhouses of the past. American flair will emerge as Tourondel presents his version of steakhouse favorites such as Creamy Spinach, Onion Rings and Potatoes served eight ways. Desserts will include updated American classics such as Caramelized Cheesecake with Rhubarb Compote or Cassis Lemon Meringue Pie with Lemon Sorbet, and Chef Tourondel’s French pedigree again is reflected in the Crêpe Soufflé with Passion Fruit Sauce.

Designed by Cass Smith of CCS Architecture, BLT Steak will integrate traditional elements of the French bistro with an American steakhouse and combines its signature rich warmth and texture with the sophistication and style of Atlanta. The bustling walnut bar, banquette lounge and stand-alone fresh shellfish raw bar made from Calcutta marble will precede the relaxed dining room where Macassar ebony tables, caramel-colored banquettes and herringbone black walnut floors will create warmth amid modernity. At the rear of the 112-seat dining room, guests will be afforded a unique view into the open kitchen to observe a full rotisserie station. The restaurant will also accommodate up to 18 guests in the glass-walled private dining room.

BLT Steak is located at the new W Atlanta-Downtown Hotel & Residences in Allen Plaza at 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The restaurant also will handle in-room dining, offered 24 hours a day, as well as special events for the W Atlanta-Downtown Hotel & Residences. For reservations, call (404) 577-7601 or visit www.bltrestaurants.com.