In 2012, one of Jamilah and Isaac Washington’s first dates was a leisurely weekday lunch at Poor Calvin’s, an Asian-meets-Southern restaurant on the edge of Midtown in Atlanta.
Both widowed, the now-married couple credit their two daughters — close childhood friends who attended the same dance school — with bringing them together.
“The kids really manifested this into a courtship,” said Isaac, a commercial banking executive who worked at nearby Atlantic Station at the time. He often met Jamilah, a beauty and real estate entrepreneur, at Poor Calvin’s during his lunch breaks.
That courtship continued at Poor Calvin’s, where the duo bonded over platters of lobster fried rice (Jamilah’s favorite) in the intimate dining room. They married in 2014 and have been regulars at the Piedmont Avenue restaurant ever since. Despite living in Stone Mountain, they stop by once or twice a week to sample chef-owner Calvin Phan’s daily specials or to grab a quick nightcap at the bar.
“As empty nesters, our most expensive bill is eating out, and Poor Calvin’s is one of the finest establishments we’ve been to around the world,” said Isaac. “The food quality, the service, and ambiance are just that good.”
For more than a decade, the Washingtons have made Poor Calvin’s their go-to spot for birthday parties, anniversary dinners, and family meals with their three now-adult children.
“Jamilah and Isaac live quite a distance away and have a busy schedule, so it means a lot when they choose to spend special occasions with us or bring friends in for dinner,” said James Omarly, general manager of Poor Calvin’s.
Even if they don’t have a reservation, or the restaurant is full, Omarly always makes room for them at the bar or finds a cozy nook in the dining room.
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The Washingtons say that next-level hospitality is why they keep coming back—and that Phan sets the tone at the top.
“He does it all—bringing out food, serving, and hosting,” said Jamilah. “And the staff are always all hands on deck to make it all come together, and that makes it feel special every time we come in here.”
The feeling is mutual.
“What I appreciate most about Jamilah is how attentive she is,” said Omarly. “She notices the little changes in our space and genuinely remembers our team members.”
She and Isaac are now members of the staff group chat and have dubbed themselves “Poor Calvin’s ambassadors,” often befriending people at neighboring tables and recommending the restaurant to everyone in their friends and family circle.
“Our kids know if they ever need to find us, we’ll be at Poor Calvin’s,” said Jamilah.
Poor Calvin’s, 510 Piedmont Ave., Midtown. Open daily for dinner.
