A New Chapter for Food Studio

 From marriage proposals to wedding anniversaries, birthday celebrations to holiday parties, first dates to Mother’s Day, Food Studio has been one of Atlanta’s favorite restaurants and top choices for celebrating special occasions for more than 12 years. But, as times change, so do the needs of Fifth Group Restaurants’ guests. That is why Fifth Group Restaurant Partners Robby Kukler, Steve Simon and Kris Reinhard are announcing that as of Saturday, July 19, Food Studio will convert to a full-time event space managed by the company’s award-winning catering division, Bold American Catering.

“We’ve truly enjoyed operating Food Studio for the past twelve years, as it has been one of Atlanta’s most beloved restaurants, but I feel by closing the restaurant’s doors we are in turn opening many others” says Kukler. “Our patrons have always been passionate about Food Studio’s unique space and will still be able to appreciate the restaurant’s atmosphere in this new capacity,” he adds.

Although it will no longer function as a traditional restaurant, this stunning space in the historic King Plow Arts Center will be available for corporate and social events such as parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions and business meetings, and will feature customized chef-driven menus from Bold American Catering Executive Chef Todd Annis, flexible seating options and one of the most unique dining rooms in the city. Those interested in booking the space for an upcoming event can get additional details by calling (404) 815-1178.

First Wine Event @ Parish, June 30

Parish Foods & Goods in Inman Park will host its first wine event on Monday, June 30, at 7 p.m. In honor of the 4th of July, there will be a "blind" tasting of All-American wines. The cost is $25 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Along with the wine there will be cheese and homemade charcuterie from executive chef Tim Magee. Wine tastings will be held every other Monday, so ask about upcoming events and check the website. Space is limited, so reservations are required by calling (404) 681-4434. Parish is at 240 N. Highland Ave. www.parishatl.com.

The Depot Wins Design Award

The Depot won Best Adaptive Use Award by Atlanta's Urban Design Commission at its annual Awards of Excellence ceremony. The restaurant was originally a brick rail center with red tile roof that sat vacant for over 50 years before architect William Jay George of G6 Design and interior designer Bill Peace of Peace Design meticulously restored it. 

In keeping with the historical character and many architectural details, some notable design elements include the restored large sliding cargo/bay doors, original brick tiles, an expanded platform used for deck dining as well as old railroad tracks placed as foot rests at the rich wood bar that spans the length of the dining room.

"We worked hard to bring this incredible building back to life and preserve a historic element of Atlanta," said Depot partner Chip Ney after receiving the award from Mayor Shirley Franklin. "It is an honor to receive such a prestigious award."  

Nightcap Food Spirits, LLC owns The Depot along with other restaurants including Fontaine's, Vickery's Bar Grill, Highland Tap and Steamhouse Lounge in Atlanta and Vickery's Bar Grill and Gene's Haufbrau in Charleston, SC. 

The Depot, located 904 Memorial Drive in Reynoldstown near the neighborhoods of Cabbagetown, Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, Glenwood Park and East Atlanta, features a comfortable atmosphere for signature spirits and casual gourmet fare including seafood dishes, fresh raw and baked oysters. The Depot serves food Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight and Sundays noon-midnight (with brunch fare all day). After dinner service, The Depot turns into a happening bar scene with nightly events and specials that add to the experience.

With a private front room, outdoor patio seating complete with fountain and scenic skyline view, a pass through outdoor bar, ample free parking and the capacity to host up to 300 guests, The Depot is perfect for any special event including lunch meetings, cocktail parties, and private celebrations.

Ecco Named One of World's Best Restaurants

Mediterranean restaurant Ecco has been named the second best new restaurant in the world (Glen Etive in New Zealand was first) by the International Restaurant and Hotel Awards (IRHA).

“Our original goal when opening Ecco was to create a neighborhood dining option for guests looking for something new and fresh,” says Fifth Group Restaurants Partner Robby Kukler.  “The restaurant’s progressive menu and unique wine list are innovative yet still comfortable for diners, and I think these are the qualities that stood out to the IRHA and are what we feel very proud to have been honored for by such an esteemed organization.”

The IRHA recognizes the best value, moderate and luxury travel establishments that go above and beyond industry standards.  These three rates are based on the average price of dinner, drink and gratuity for one; value restaurants being $29 or less.  IRHA received over 1,000 submissions from 50+ countries around the world, and treviewed submissions from bed & breakfasts, top restaurants, chains, six-star luxury hotels, boutique hotels and independent restaurants and hotels.  

Ecco is located at 40 7th Street at the corner of Cypress Stree. www.fifthgroup.com.

Moxie Java in Decatur Closing

Moxie Java Bistro, the Decatur restaurant and coffee house, has announced it will close its doors this Saturday. They have only been open since November. This was posted on their website:

Closing Our Doors!

This Saturday Will Be Our Last Day!

Unfortunately, times are difficult to keep such a large place open. Currently we are looking for someone to buy the bistro from us to keep our establishment up and running. The economy and gas prices has left us no choice but to pull out and take our losses.

It pains us more than you can imagine to have to lose all that we have done for the area, city of Decatur and all of our regulars that return for something new each day! We hope that in the next few months something else will arise that will put us back on the map!

You all know how to keep in touch, so please do so!

Take care

Michael and Renee

www.moxiejavaatl.com

Quick Bites

The dates for the 7th Annual Taste of Atlanta will be Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12, at Atlantic Station in Midtown.  Tickets will be $25 in advance or $35 day of event for general admission. For more information visit www.tasteofatlanta.com.

Bone Garden Cantina, owned by the folks who created Vortex, is now open at 1425 Ellsworth Indistrial Blvd. on the Westside serving up authentic Mexican dishes. www.bonegardencantina.com.

Downtown Thai restaurant Spoon will open a second location on Moreland Avenue later this summer. www.spoonatlanta.com.

Canvas: Art.Bar.Lounge is now open at 170 Northside Dr. The menu includes items like salmon sliders, jumbo crab cake, grilled chicken kabobs, braised beef skewer, roasted duck sandwiches and more. www.canvasartbar.com.

Dantanna's Surf and Turf, which has a location at Around Lenox shopping center, will open a second location at the old Jocks & Jills in CNN Center. www.dantannas.com.

Steamhouse Lounge Set To Reopen

Steamhouse Lounge will reopen in mid-July at 1051 West Peachtree St. in the former Element location in Midtown. Keeping with the character from the Buckhead location, the relaxed atmosphere will be similar including the original bar, tables and booths inside the two-level, 100 year-old house, wrap-around outdoor deck seating shaded by a 200 year-old oak tree and patio dining complete with a palm tree and outdoor bar.

"We are excited to reopen our doors to Atlanta and all of our loyal customers throughout the years," said Steamhouse Lounge managing partner Sam Weyman. "We always intended to move to a new location and we know we found the perfect spot."

The Steamhouse Lounge menu accommodates every appetite ranging from fresh seafood to salads and classic burgers. Some menu favorites include Lobster Bisque, Oysters on the Half Shell and Frogmore Skillet with oysters.

Nightcap, LLC. Food Spirits owns Steamhouse Lounge along with their other restaurants that include Fontaine's, Vickery's, Highland Tap and The Depot. Proclaimed as "The Best Little Dump in Buckhead," Steamhouse Lounge originally opened its doors in 1986, only to close due to the Streets of Buckhead project. 

Steamhouse Lounge will be open daily from 11 a.m. -2:30 a.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.- midnight. www.steamhouselounge.com.