Participating restaurants include Buckhead Life restaurants, MARKET, Craftbar, Home, Aja, Prime, Cantina, Capital Grille, Aqua Bistro, Gordon Biersch, Cellar 56, Paces 88, Shula’s, Dantanna’s and more. A complete list of participating restaurants and their menus is online at www.brwatlanta.com.

By Elijah Kirkland-Andrews

Gato Bizco Café is a breakfast joint with a Southwestern flavor across the street from Flying Biscuit in Candler Park. While not really a secret, there aren’t nearly as many people standing outside during a Sunday morning as there are at Flying Biscuit, though Gato has considerably less seats.The décor inside is cat themed; with Felix the Cat clocks and cat pictures adorn the walls.

The bacon here is fabulous. Crunchy enough but very juicy, you will smell like it when you leave. They will also make any one of their omelets in to a “omelette-a-dilla” which is the ingredients of the omelet stuffed in a quesadilla. The sweet potato pancakes are not as fluffy as ones you would find at Java Jive, but that’s okay because the powerful flavor is what really matters. The huevos rancheros come in giant servings, as most of the dishes here, and are delicious. They’ve really perfected the art of egg-cooking here.

My favorite dish, however, is not on the breakfast menu, though you can get it any time of the day. In typical Elijah fashion, I order the patty melt for brunch. The sandwich has a massive patty and is doused with a sweet “Russian Sauce.” Sitting across the street from one of Atlanta’s notoriously longest lines, it’s surprising that Gato Bizco doesn’t have lines just as long.

Gato Bizco is at 1660 McLendon Ave. (404) 371-0889.

Editor’s Note: Today, we kick off our new series of exclusive reviews by four local food lovers and bloggers searching for Intown’s best food and drink. Each week, we’ll post a review from one of our bloggers. First up is art director Thom Volarath.

By Thom Volarath

I’m a huge fan of the West Coast. From San Diego to Seattle, the west coast is famous for mixing cultures and food into something that is unique and memorable.

With that being said, I am loving Hankook Taqueria, 1341 Collier Road, the latest addition to the West Side. This Korean taco joint is located in a unassuming building on the industrial side of Collier Road. Don’t blink or rely on your GPS looking for it, you might miss it (I’ve driven past it every time). Inside and outside, the décor is simple and unassuming. But check out the menu and the hipsters lining the booths, and you know this place is awesome.

The simple menu has three categories: Tacos, Burritos, and Street Snacks. Prices range between $2.25 to $6. Tacos are pretty self-explanatory. It’s meat, with sauce and veggies. What makes theirs different, are the korean spices and flavors. I’ve tried all the tacos, but my favorites are the beef “Bul Gogi” taco and the fish “Saeng Seon” taco. The former is marinated in a mild spicy bbq sauce and the latter is panko crusted tilapia with a hoisin tartar sauce. My friend Ron swears by the chicken “Dak Gogi” taco. All are accompanied by the usual suspects, lettuce, green onions, cilantro, and limes

The burritos have the same flavor combinations as the tacos but are served with a side of Kimchee Fried Rice. The Street Snacks section an interesting array of common street foods like nachos and sliders, but with a Korean twist. My favorite from this group is the “Bibim Bop”, a generous combination of spicy beef, vegetables with rice, all topped with a fried egg. Spend a couple of minutes mixing everything together before you eat and be rewarded with a filling and flavorful dish. All this joy for only $6.

Rumor has it that the Hankook owner just purchased a mobile taco truck. So even if you can’t make it down Collier Road, hopefully Hankook will be selling their unique deliciousness at a parking lot near you. I personally can’t wait that long. Me and my GPS are headed to Hankook for lunch right now.

By Collin Kelley, Editor

Inman Park Restaurant Week is back for its Spring incarnation March 8-14, after packing in diners during last Fall’s inaugural event. Atlanta’s first suburb (1889 for all you history buffs) has become a dining destination with more than a dozen restaurants in just a few blocks.

“Last year’s event just packed them in,” said Wisteria chef/owner Jason Hill. “We’re expecting another huge success.”

During Restuarnt Week, diners can sample 13 of the neighborhood’s eateries, which will have special prix fixe menus ranging in prices from $15 to $35.
The event will benefit the Believe In Me Foundation, which supports the education and welfare of children with autism and is led by Chef Shaun Doty, who owns Shaun’s on Edgewood Avenue. The participating restaurants will donate $3,000 to the charity.

Additionally, each restaurant will be offering raffle tickets for $1 that will go towards the charity, and the winner will win a hosted hors douerves, beer and wine party for 30 people at Chef Kevin Rathbun’s (Rathbun’s, Kevin Rathbun Steak) new home in Lenox Park. Inman Park restaurant chefs will be on hand at the event creating a unique appetizer to pair with a wine.

To find out more about Inman Park Restaurant Week, visit www.inmanparkrestaurantweek.com.

Participating Restaurants

The Albert
918 Austin Ave.
(404) 872-4990, thealbertatlanta.com
Sandwiches, salads and sides make up the classic menu, which you can pair with the extensive beer and wine list.

Fritti
309 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 880-9559, sottosottorestaurant.com
The crisp, thin-crust pizzas put Fritti on the map, but be sure to try other menu items like the calamari and grilled hanger steak.

Kevin Rathbun Steak
112 Krog St.
(404) 524-8280, rathbunsrestaurant.com
Named one of the best steakhouses in America by Details magazine, pull up to the table for thick cuts of prime meat.

North Highland Pub
469 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 522-4600, bucketshopcafe.com
Wings, seafood and a big beer menu make the pub a neighborhood favorite.

Parish
240 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 681-4434, parishatl.com
Get a taste of New Orleans without leaving Atlanta: jambalaya, stuffed catfish and tasty gumbo are just some of the restaurant’s Creole offerings.

Park’s Edge
913 Bernina Ave.
(404) 584-7275, parksedgeatl.com
Sesame grilled salmon, grilled lamb chops and filet mignon are just some of the offerings from this contemporary restaurant.

Pure Taqueria
300 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 522-7873, puretaqueria.com
Delicious Mexican food, especially the big tacos, grilled hanger
steak with macaroni & cheese and full bar with more tequila than you can shake a sombrero at.

Rathbun’s
112 Krog St.
(404) 524-8280, rathbunsrestaurant.com
The original favorite serves up great plates like chicken roulade, pan roasted salmon and don’t forget to have a cocktail at Krog Bar.

Sauced
753 Edgewood Ave.
(404) 688-6553, saucedatlanta.com
Ria Pell of Blue Bird Café fame has opened her new restaurant on
Edgewood Avenue with a decidedly southern menu prepared to go perfectly with an array of dipping sauces.

Shaun’s
1029 Edgewood Ave.
(404) 577-4358, shaunsrestaurant.com
From pub-style fish and chips to pork schnitzel, Shaun’s takes familiar staples and gives them a twist.

Sotto Sotto
313 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 523-6676, sottosottorestaurant.com
The perfect spot for an Italian feast with spaghetti, lasagna, veal chops and a selection of antipasti.

Wisteria
471 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 525-3363, wisteria-atlanta.com
Jason Hill and his team stir up some Southern delights like shrimp and grits, salmon pot pie, catfish, iron skillet fried chicken and more.

Zaya Mediterranean Cuisine
240 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 477-0050, zayarestaurant.com
Chicken, beef, lamb and seafood are all given a unique, old world flavor to bring out all the flavors.

News & Events

Paolo’s Gelato in Virginia Highland is celebrating its 10^th anniversary with a special event on Wednesday, March 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. Italy native Paolo Dalla Zorza opened his first shop in Atlanta in 2000, serving 62 flavors of Italian ice. After his Atlanta success, Paolo expanded to Charleston, S.C., and created a series of supply companies to offer wholesale accessory items to the gelato, ice cream and yogurt industry in America, Canada and Latin America. As a former veterinarian in Italy, Paolo has also created www.PaoloThePetChef.com, creating recipes and feeding tips for cats and dogs online with mini-cooking shows on YouTube. www.paolosgelato.com.

Piece of Cake, which has locations in Decatur, Buckhead and Roswell, is celebrating its 25^th anniversary by offering a special deal the first Wednesday of each month through October: all nine-inch, three-lay iced cakes will be $25 each on that day only (local delivery/shipping not included). Layer cakes are normally $32.50, plus delivery. www.pieceofcakeinc.com

The owners Teela Taqueria, Arte Antoniades and Nik Panagopoulos, have opened Teela Italiano at Citywalk Shopping Center, 227 Sandy Springs Place. Antipasti, paninis, pizza and pasta are on the menu. www.teelataqueria.com

Fifth Group Restaurants – South City Kitchen, La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco, Original El Taco and Bold American Catering – have created separate gluten-free menus and offer instructions on how to order the menu items that might have potentially harmful components for those who suffer from celiac disease. www.fifthgroup.com

Legendary NFL coach Don Shula has opened his first Atlanta restaurant, Shula’s 347 Grill, in the Marriott Buckhead. The menu features gourmet salads, steak and fish. There are also daily specials and events for sports fans to watch their favorite games. www.shulas347atlanta.com

Eleven is the name of the new restaurant opening on the ground floor of the new Lowes Hotel at 1605 Peachtree St. in Midtown next month. The executive chef is Olivier Gaupin, formerly with The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead.

Rare, 554 Piedmont Ave., has reopened after being damaged by fire in 2008. Serving a blend of classic Southern soul food and tapas, the menu includes chicken and waffles, vegetarian pot pie, country-fried steak, salmon croquettes and more. www.rareatl.com

Mitchell Anderson, actor and owner of MetroFresh in Midtown, has announced he will open a three “gourmet boutique sandwich shops” around Atlanta over the next two years. The new shops will be called MitchWich, and serve breakfast and lunch using organic ingredients.

The first annual Buckhead Restaurant Week is set for March 6 to 14. The nine-day promotion will showcase the outstanding cuisine of the area’s best restaurants that will each offer a prix-fixe, three-course menu consisting of an appetizer, a main course and a dessert for $25 per person excluding alcohol, tax and gratuity. Participating restaurants include Buckhead Life restaurants, MARKET, Craftbar, Home, Aja, Prime, Cantina, Capital Grille, Aqua Bistro, Gordon Biersch and Dantanna’s. A complete list of participating restaurants and their menus is online at www.brwatlanta.com.

George’s Bar & Restaurant in Virginia Highland has expanded with a new dining room, bathrooms and new covered patio. The kitchen is also being expanded. www.georgesbarandrestaurant.com

Shifting Chefs

Dane Scott has left the Atlanta location of Seasons 52 in Buckhead to be executive chef at the restaurant’s new location in Cherry Hill, N.J. Melissa Louty is now top torq in Atlanta.

The Hours & The Times

Pura Vida in Poncy-Highland is now open on Sunday nights for dinner; Bluepointe in Buckhead is no longer serving lunch; Parish in Inman Park is now closed on Mondays; NEO at The Mansion in Buckhead is now only offering breakfast and hosting private events.

Restaurant RIP

Aquaknox and The Taco Stand in Buckhead; Old Spaghetti Factory, Avra and Kentucky Fried Chicken in Midtown; The German Bakery and Cafe Cliche in Decatur.

Event co-chairs Michelle Edwards Crosland and Christine Ragland said there a number of changes to this year’s auction. The Benefactor Party will be a special evening at the High called The Allure Party, held the weekend before the auction. This event includes a preview of “The Allure of the Automobile” on Saturday, March 20.

Week-of festivities include The Artist Dinner with Thomas Arvid on Wednesday, March 24, and the Trade Tasting and new in-restaurant Dine Around Dinners on Thursday, March 25. Events on Friday, March 26, include the new Vintners’ Cup golf tournament at East Lake Golf Club, Premier Tasting Seminars and the ever-popular in-home Winemaker Dinners.

Saturday, March 27, features the Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction. Teaming up to wield the gavel for the Live Auction are wine auctioneers Michael Davis and Leah Hammer of Hart Davis Hart Wine Co., Chicago.

The annual Wine Auction has raised more than $15 million over the last 17 years to support the High Museum.

For more information about specific events, visit www.atlanta-wineauction.org.

–  Collin Kelley

WSB-TV’s Jocelyn Dorsey and, Executive Chef of the World Trade Center Atlanta, Chef G. Eric Centeno will be joined by more than twenty local chefs and participating restaurants for an evening of specialty food samplings and wine tastings as well as live entertainment by International Haitian Jazz Artist “GINOU” and The Creoles featuring Essud “CAPPY” Fungcap.  All of the proceeds will benefit the  Yéle Haiti Earthquake Fund .

The fundraiser is designed to raise funds for the Haitian Relief Efforts.

“The World Trade Center Atlanta is pleased to be able to partner with local chefs to aid in the rebuilding of Haiti”, said, Jimmy George, General Manager, World Trade Center Atlanta. “Though we cannot undo the damage of the earthquakes, we are dedicated to making sure that we make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by this tragic event.”

Approximately 500 guests are expected to attend and will enjoy dishes prepared by Chef G. Eric Centeno, Executive Chef of the World Trade Center Atlanta and chefs from participating restaurants. Sponsors will include Georgia Restaurant Association, Portman Holdings, Classic Party Rentals, Community partners and media partners include WSB-TV, AJC, and The People Brokers PR Agency.

By Collin Kelley, Editor

Intown’s dining scene is, to say the least, eclectic. A good restaurant with a solid menu and customer support is recession proof, so as the decade turned a number of new restaurants opened their doors and some favorites announced expansion.

Here’s a round up of some of the new dining destinations around ATL. We want to hear from you, our readers, too. Tell us about a new restaurant that’s opened recently and post your thoughts in the comment section below this article. We’ll feature more in our March edition.

Truva
Restaurateur Muzo Saritas brings authentic Turkish cuisine and entertainment Downtown with Truva, located in the old Steak & Ale building at 60 International Boulevard. The menu features a combination of seafood, steak and mezza.Executive Chef Timothy Cooper is cooking up items such as Babaganoush, shrimp casserole, swordfish layered on a skewer with grilled onion, braised lamb shank, charbroiled Black Angus bone-in ribeye and more. There’s also live entertainment including belly dancers and other regionally-themed diversion nightly from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. to appeal to the late night crowd. Additionally, Hookahs are available in the front lounge area of the restaurant. Lunch and dinner are served daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (404) 577-8788 or www.truvaatlanta.com.

Zen on Ten Asian Bistro
From Tom Phing, the creator of The King & I and Pad Thai, this new Westside eatery serves up Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisine, including sushi, stir fry, noodles, fried rice and more. Small plates for sharing are a specialty here. The restaurant is at 1000 Northside Dr. (corner of 10th Street). www.zenontenatlanta.com.

Highland Bakery
After five successful years at its Highland Avenue location, Highland Bakery will open a second location, Highland Midtown, at 1180 Peachtree Street in Midtown this spring. The menu including breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads and sandwich lunch options, as well as their fresh baked breads and pastries. The new location will also serve an assortment of gourmet coffee drinks.  Seating options for the new 1,100 square foot location will include booths, bar seating, bistro tables and outdoor dining options.  Catering will also be available from Highland Midtown, offering sandwich trays, cheese trays and delectables. www.highlandbakery.com.

Hobnob
Located in the former Caribou Coffee space at the prominent corner of Monroe Drive and Piedmont Avenue across from Ansley Mall, Hobnob is a new concept from the owners of Gilbert’s in Midtown. Brothers Gilbert and Sean Yeremyan said Hobnob’s menu is “comfort pub cuisine.” Brett Ring, formerly the sous chef at STATS, will be the executive chef, whippingup sandwiches, pizzas, salads and entrees. Hobnob will offer an extensive selection of beers, including high gravity and craft beers, as well as wine and a full bar. There will be house-infused vodkas, pitchers of margaritas, six to eight beers on tap and 50 varieties of bottled beer. www.hobnobatlanta.com.

Doc Chey’s
Later this month, the former Stella Trattoria on the ground floor of the Oakland Park condo building on Memorial Drive will reopen as a new outpost of Asian noodle favorite, Doc Chey’s. Rich Chey said he was optimistic about the new Grant Park location, and that customers will see many of the same employees from Stella. “The restaurant will continue to operate on the same principle of serving made-from-scratch food at affordable prices and fostering good karma by playing a proactive role in the neighborhood,” Chey said. www.doccheys.com.

Bakeshop
Chef Jonathan St. Hilaire partnered with Concentrics Restaurants (One.midtown kitchen, Parish) for this “true boulangerie and patisserie” in Midtown at 903 Peachtree St. (next door to Noodle). The counter display cases are filled with an array of breads, croissants, cakes, quiches and more. There’s also sandwiches, salads and fresh brewed coffees to grab for lunch or dinner on the way home (Bakeshop is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday except Monday). Operating like a European bakery, Hilaire and Co. make baked good throughout the day to ensure freshness. www.concentricshospitality.com.

Community Q BBQ
Who serves up the best ‘que and stew in the city is open for endless debate, but this new Decatur pork stop has been getting raves from diners. The menu features pulled pork sandwiches, slice beef brisket, pulled chicken, ribs, Brunswick stew, collards, potato salad, mac ‘n cheese and more. Located at 1361 Clairmont, the restaurant is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to “whenever the meat runs out.” www.communityqbbq.com.

Sauced
Ria Pell struck gold with Ria’s Bluebird Café, and she’s hoping for a similar reaction to Sauced, which opened on New Year’s Day in Inman Park. The restaurant is serving up what Ria calls “New South meets retro classics,” so the menu features blackeye pea fritters, ribs confit, blackened cod and stroganoff with handcut pasta. As the restaurant’s name implies, meals are served up with various sauces to compliment the flavor. Sauced is at 753 Edgewood Ave. (corner of Wardell) and be advised its cash only. There’s an ATM on premises if you forget. www.saucedatlanta.com.

Pure Taqueria
Another new destination in Inman Park is the first Intown location of Pure Taqueria, which has restaurants in Alpharetta and Woodstock. Located in the old Grape space at 300 N. Highland Ave. (across from Fritti), the restaurant serves up Mexican favorites such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos and a tasty carne a la parilla (that’s grilled hanger steak) and jalapeno mac ‘n cheese. There’s also a giant tequila menu to choose from for a margarita. www.puretaqueria.com.

Other Notable Openings
Ormsby’s, a new tavern-style restaurant with pub grub and an extensive beer selection at 1170 Howell Mill Road; Pie 950 at 950 West Peachtree serving up pizzas, subs, gelato and big screen TVs to show soccer games; Piola, 1068 Peachtree St, a global chain making its entry into Atlanta serving pizza and pasta.