In this week’s Quick Bites, get details on indoor farmers markets in Underwood Hills and Peoplestown, a new Middle Eastern cafe in Sandy Springs, and the opening of Kamayan ATL at its new location on Buford Highway. Plus, we have updates on the Jovita Moore mural at Bellwood Coffee in Grant Park, an executive chef hire at a Dunwoody steakhouse, and a few events to attend, including Manuel’s Tavern’s 70th anniversary party.
Openings
Chefs Todd Ginsberg and Josh Kim will open Ida’s Kitchen Counter in South Downtown next week.
Middle Eastern spot Arabian Cafe & Cocktails opened in Sandy Springs.
After a quick overhaul of the interior, Victory Sandwich Bar in Decatur is now American-Italian bar and restaurant Besto.
Upper West Market is open in Underwood Hills, with a grand opening planned for Aug. 1. Chef Anne Quatrano recently opened cafe and bakery Summerland at the market.
Lao-Viet supper club Side Quest is now in residence every Sunday evening at Bar Avize on Brady Avenue. You’ll also find Side Quest popping up the last Monday of the month at Mushi Ni in Inman Park.
Filipino restaurant Kamayan ATL opened at its new location in Asian Square on Buford Highway. The restaurant took over a larger space next door to its original location. A grand opening takes place Aug. 8.
Coming attractions
Japanese restaurant Sozou will open in Midtown at the Spring Quarter development on Aug. 7.
ArtWell Farmers Market, backed by SANAA Art & Wellness, will premiere at Terminal South on Aug. 9. The family-friendly market will offer local produce, holistic wellness activities, and handcrafted goods by artisan makers, from noon to 5 p.m. The market will take place twice a month on Sundays.
Baladi Coffee will open soon in Marietta.
It appears that Sargent, the new Eastside Beltline restaurant from Lucian owners Jordan Smelt and Katie Barringer, will open before the end of August.
Amasa Mexican Kitchen in downtown Alpharetta is also on track for a mid-August opening.
Several new dining concepts, including a private club, will open in the Bank of America Plaza – aka the “pencil building” – next year.
Closing
Tucker Yemeni-Ethiopian coffee shop and cafe Mokhaport will close its physical location on Mountain Industrial before December. Mokhaport owner Hesham Abdulla told Rough Draft the business will then pivot to online sales.
Community announcements
Bellwood Coffee in Grant Park is reinstating the Jovita Moore mural on the side of the building. The decision to paint over the mural memorializing the late Channel 2 Action News anchor and beloved public figure led to online backlash that eclipsed the coffee shop’s opening in April. Artist Tommy Bronx was recommissioned by Bellwood to create a new mural of Moore.
The owners of Kelly’s Market and Deli on East Howard Avenue in Decatur will seek new owners to take over the business. “We’re taking our time to make sure it’s someone who loves this community the way we do,” the owners said in an Instagram post.
Industry updates
Bri Hicks is now Brush sushi’s newest sommelier.
Branden Holte (Kyma, Bull & Beggar, Local Three, Warhorse Atlanta) was named the new executive chef of McKendrick’s Steak House in Dunwoody. With Holte’s hiring, the classic steakhouse will introduce in-house butchery, house-made bread, and an expanded commitment to using ingredients from local farmers. Look for a story from Rough Draft Managing Editor Cathy Cobbs soon
Add to your calendar
Atlanta Hard Cider in Marietta will host a DragonCon trivia night on July 31, featuring the official DragonCon apple pie craft cider on tap.
Oohmami Matcha will pop up at Yeti on the Eastside Beltline on Aug. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Manuel’s Tavern will celebrate 70 years in Poncey-Highland with a multi-day event, Aug. 6-9. Expect food specials and an exclusive 70th anniversary t-shirt for sale. Catch live performances by Seed and Feed Marching Abominable, The Four O’Clocks, and a one-man circus act on stilts. Read Beth’s feature story on Manuel’s Tavern and its ties to local politics.
Inman Park Italian restaurant Amore e Amore will host a Ruffino wine dinner on Aug. 6, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $80 per person and include a five-course meal with wine pairings.
Persian Basket Kitchen & Bar in Johns Creek will host a collaborative wine dinner with Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars on Aug. 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person.
Pop-up Habibi’s ATL will host a paella class at Chow A La Carte in Buckhead on Aug. 22, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person. You can also catch Habibi’s for lunch on weekdays at Chow A La Carte.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden will host AgLanta Eats: Neighbors + Flavors on Aug. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. Expect up to five tastings from local chefs, a live cooking demonstration from Chef Gary Caldwell, and access to the encore exhibition of Niki in the Garden. Tickets range from $50 to $65.
