In this week’s Quick Bites, catch up on Atlanta restaurant news including a historic jazz bar’s revival in Decatur, upcoming openings in South Downtown, EAV, and Woodstock, and a local restaurant group’s fundraiser for flood victims in Thailand. We’ve also rounded up a number of Atlanta dining events including a pasta-making class at the Epicurean Theatre, a pop-up Thai night market in Buckhead, and a series of food-related workshops in the West End.
Openings
Churchill Grounds jazz bar reopened in Decatur. Limited seatings are available until the grand opening in November, so get tickets or a sign up for a membership online.
Doraville’s Miss Goji has reopened.
Mule Train, the debut restaurant from restaurant industry veterans Mike and Shyretha Sheats, is now open in South Downtown. Read our feature story here.
Closings
Donnie’s Country Cookin’ in Brookhaven has closed, as first reported by Tomorrow’s News Today.
Leftie Lee’s announced it would halt its catering and wholesale operations for the time being. They will no longer bake in their Olive + Pine location, as the lease is expiring. Stay tuned to their social media or subscribe to their newsletter for updates.
Coming attractions
Ida’s Kitchen Counter will open in South Downtown in October.
Joystick Gamebar and Mambo Zombi’s joint operation will open at 485 Flat Shoals Ave. in October.
Woodstock’s Mill District announced that Sydel’s Coffee, Super Chix Chicken & Custard, and Three Dollar Cafe will open in the spring. An adjacent development will open a new Tin Drum Asian Kitchen next year.
Live-K Karaoke will open its first Georgia location in the former Dantanna’s on Andrew Young Blvd. in the fall of 2027.
Community announcements
From now through Oct. 9, all proceeds from merchandise sales at 26 Thai, Terminal 26, and Pink Lotus will be donated to aid recent flood victims in Thailand. Customers can purchase in-store or online.
Refuge Coffee is now accepting vendor applications for December 5’s holiday coffee market in Clarkston. Applications will close on Nov. 27.
Industry updates
Gary Caldwell (Marcus Bar & Grille, The New South, Chicken + Beer) has been named the new executive chef at One Flew South. This will be Caldwell’s second time working with Jackmont Hospitality, which also runs Chicken + Beer and a number of franchise operations in airports around the country.
“I’m excited to add to the legacy of this restaurant,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell told Rough Draft he will represent Marcus at food festivals throughout October and hopes to do some pop-ups at Marcus in the future.
Add to your calendar
Join chef Andrea Montobbio and ENZO Midtown’s team for a pasta-making class at the Epicurean Theatre on Oct. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. The hands-on event, which costs $85, includes a multi-course tasting, complimentary wine pairings, and step-by-step instructions from Montobbio through two pasta preperations.
Brasserie Margot’s annual Pride Drag Brunch returns to the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on Oct. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event, which costs $85, will include a special amuse from Chef de Cuisine Christophe Truchet and a glass of Margot Mimosa, music from a live DJ, a generous dessert buffet, and Mounlin Rouge-inspired performances by Brigitte Bidet, Chastity Deville, Cherry Deville, Chucky Deville and Lucky Nicole. Ten percent of proceeds will benefit Atlanta nonprofit Pansy Patrol.
Sweet Auburn Barbecue’s Howard and Anita Hsu will host the inaugural McDonough BBQ & Bluegrass Festival from noon to 4 p.m. at the restaurant’s McDonough location in Henry Town Center. The festival lineup also includes menus from Terminus City Barbecue, Dhaba BBQ, and NO Sauce Smokehouse. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for kids; adult and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the event. The event will also feature a kids zone, local vendors, and a live performance by Dusty Roads.
Nourish Botanica and Arbitrary Living will host the first MAKE + MARKET: The Fall Edit on Oct. 11 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Wild Heaven’s West End Location. In addition to shopping, the market will feature an open craft area, natural dye painting, live music, botanical drinks, and three creative workshops. Admission is free. The trio of creative workshops, which all cost $35 and require separate registration, include a rhinestone wine bag workshop with Macrame Meditations at 1 p.m., a resin pour workshop with Alma Soul Therapy at 1 p.m., and a body butter making workshop with Honee Mecca at 2 p.m.
Snap Thai Fish House in Buckhead will transform its courtyard into a Thai night market on Oct. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. Expect Thai street food favorites, cocktail booths from Ketel One and Patrón, carnival games, live music, and merchandise. Two dollars from every Gray Patrón event will go towards Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Carnival tokens can be purchased at the gate or ahead of time.
Taste of Chamblee returns for its 17th year Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3518 Broad St. in downtown Chamblee from 3 to 8 p.m. The free event will host food and beverage vendors, craft vendors, ACC and SEC football games on big screens, live performances, and a wine tasting workshop.
