Neighborhood Classic
Since opening in May, the Fifth Group’s latest hit, Ecco (404.347.9555), a casual European-inspired eatery in Midtown’s former Atlanta Fencing Club, has been the talk of the town. The 6,000-square-foot space is both modern and welcoming, with its soaring glass entrance, open kitchen, and woodburning oven. A lineup of flatbreads, homemade pastas, and oven-roasted steaks is available, as are special share and taste menus, and a global wine list. The venue features a 40-seat bar, an outdoor patio for 44, and flexible private dining for as many as 60. In total, the restaurant seats 240.Out of this World
At the Globe (404.541.1487), a cutting-edge space in Midtown’s Technology Square that opened in May, executive chef Joshua Perkins has created breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus with an emphasis on fresh, organic produce. Seating 120, the bistro has white decor and sheer curtains that set a breezy vibe, complete with 52 soft-lit Glo-Ball lamps designed by Jasper Morrison. The chic bar, filled with café tables and sofas, is generally bustling, and for intimate meetings, the 50-seat library lounge has a cozy feel with comfortable chairs. There’s also a 90-seat outdoor terrace.
Fancy Some French?
In November 2004, Parisian style arrived in Atlanta when Au Pied de Cochon (404.946.9070), sister to the famous French restaurant, debuted in the InterContinental Buckhead. The 24-hour, 168-seat brasserie has marble floors and Murano chandeliers. An eight-seat chef’s table is in front of the kitchen, while larger parties can opt for the 40-seat Trotter Room. For those in need of a nightcap, the hotel’s XO Bar serves specialty drinks, wines, and vintage cognacs among Rococo paintings. The pewter-inlaid bar and adjoining lounge seat 50 combined. Turning in for the night? The hotel features 422 guest rooms, in addition to its 55,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes a central garden.
Running-With-a-Bull Theme
Named after his own zodiac sign, chef and owner Gary L. Mennie’s modernized chophouse, Taurus (404.214.0641), delivers a gastronomic experience inspired by the strength and courage of the bull. The main dining room, with seating for 240, features plush red velvet banquettes lining an elevated ring—invoking the image of a traditional bullfighting arena. For those looking for action, a private chef’s table with a view of the kitchen accommodates as many as 12, or find total seclusion in the venue’s private dining room for 35. Larger parties can book the 60-seat patio. Thirsty? Try the “Toro,” a martini of sweet vermouth, calvados, and rum.
Locally Grown
Famed husband and wife team Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison, 2003 winners of the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in the Southeast award, launched a third restaurant last May, overlooking the courtyard of the couple’s first hit, Bacchanalia. Quinones at Bacchanalia (404.365.0410) offers lavish prix fixe menus of 8 to 10 courses that change weekly. Chef de cuisine Drew Belline stresses the use of local ingredients (many grown on Quatrano’s family farm) to create a menu that has garnered both local and national recognition. Outfitted with antique mirrors, wood-paneled walls, and hand-blown Venetian glass chandeliers, the main room, with a capacity of 42, oozes Southern glamour. A private dining room is also available for as many as 20.
—Jaclyn Krischer Effron
Posted 09.26.06
Photos: Joe Hans/Reynolds Group (Taurus, Quinones), Nate Felder (Ecco)
Since opening in May, the Fifth Group’s latest hit, Ecco (404.347.9555), a casual European-inspired eatery in Midtown’s former Atlanta Fencing Club, has been the talk of the town. The 6,000-square-foot space is both modern and welcoming, with its soaring glass entrance, open kitchen, and woodburning oven. A lineup of flatbreads, homemade pastas, and oven-roasted steaks is available, as are special share and taste menus, and a global wine list. The venue features a 40-seat bar, an outdoor patio for 44, and flexible private dining for as many as 60. In total, the restaurant seats 240.Out of this World
At the Globe (404.541.1487), a cutting-edge space in Midtown’s Technology Square that opened in May, executive chef Joshua Perkins has created breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus with an emphasis on fresh, organic produce. Seating 120, the bistro has white decor and sheer curtains that set a breezy vibe, complete with 52 soft-lit Glo-Ball lamps designed by Jasper Morrison. The chic bar, filled with café tables and sofas, is generally bustling, and for intimate meetings, the 50-seat library lounge has a cozy feel with comfortable chairs. There’s also a 90-seat outdoor terrace.
Fancy Some French?
In November 2004, Parisian style arrived in Atlanta when Au Pied de Cochon (404.946.9070), sister to the famous French restaurant, debuted in the InterContinental Buckhead. The 24-hour, 168-seat brasserie has marble floors and Murano chandeliers. An eight-seat chef’s table is in front of the kitchen, while larger parties can opt for the 40-seat Trotter Room. For those in need of a nightcap, the hotel’s XO Bar serves specialty drinks, wines, and vintage cognacs among Rococo paintings. The pewter-inlaid bar and adjoining lounge seat 50 combined. Turning in for the night? The hotel features 422 guest rooms, in addition to its 55,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes a central garden.
Running-With-a-Bull Theme
Named after his own zodiac sign, chef and owner Gary L. Mennie’s modernized chophouse, Taurus (404.214.0641), delivers a gastronomic experience inspired by the strength and courage of the bull. The main dining room, with seating for 240, features plush red velvet banquettes lining an elevated ring—invoking the image of a traditional bullfighting arena. For those looking for action, a private chef’s table with a view of the kitchen accommodates as many as 12, or find total seclusion in the venue’s private dining room for 35. Larger parties can book the 60-seat patio. Thirsty? Try the “Toro,” a martini of sweet vermouth, calvados, and rum.
Locally Grown
Famed husband and wife team Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison, 2003 winners of the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in the Southeast award, launched a third restaurant last May, overlooking the courtyard of the couple’s first hit, Bacchanalia. Quinones at Bacchanalia (404.365.0410) offers lavish prix fixe menus of 8 to 10 courses that change weekly. Chef de cuisine Drew Belline stresses the use of local ingredients (many grown on Quatrano’s family farm) to create a menu that has garnered both local and national recognition. Outfitted with antique mirrors, wood-paneled walls, and hand-blown Venetian glass chandeliers, the main room, with a capacity of 42, oozes Southern glamour. A private dining room is also available for as many as 20.
—Jaclyn Krischer Effron
Posted 09.26.06
Photos: Joe Hans/Reynolds Group (Taurus, Quinones), Nate Felder (Ecco)
Ecco
Globe
Taurus
Quinones at Bacchanalia
