Restaurant Openings
Gelato shop Cremalosa, owned by former AJC dining critic Meridith Ford, reopened in its new location at the Dale in Avondale Estates on East College Avenue last week.
A location of Einstein Bros. Bagels opened this week on Lanier Circle in Woodstock.
Speaking of popular chain restaurants, Chicago-style hot dog chain Portillo’s will finally open on Nov. 18 in Kennesaw. This is the first restaurant in Georgia. Located on Cobb Place Boulevard, a grand opening celebration begins at 10 a.m. that day, with giveaways, chances to win prizes, and live entertainment. Plans are also in motion for a possible second location in Dunwoody.
The Perimeter location of Lazy Dog Restaurant will reopen Nov. 19 after temporarily closing due to a kitchen fire a few weeks ago.
Restaurant Closure
It appears sports bar and restaurant Dantanna’s will close at Shops Around Lenox in Buckhead on Dec. 6, according to Tomorrow’s News Today, which also states that employees were told to inform customers of the impending closure. A location of Dantanna’s in downtown Atlanta closed five years ago at the former CNN Center, ahead of major redevelopment plans for the property to transform it into “a hub of world-class retail, dining, content creation, and entertainment.”
Coming Attractions
Bao Gogo will open this month on Memorial Drive in Reynoldstown, across from HomeGrown. The Chinese restaurant chain, which includes locations in Alpharetta and Buckhead, serves everything from bao and dumplings to dishes like dan dan noodles, General Tso’s chicken, and mapo tofu.
Dessert and cocktail bar Bar Ana is nearing its debut in Poncey-Highland. Backed by award-winning pastry chef Claudia Martinez and Artie De Los Santos, Bar Ana will act as a coffee shop run by Ivan Solis of Recuerdos Cafe by day, transforming into a cocktail bar serving sophisticated desserts by night. Rough Draft Editor-in-Chief and Dining Editor, Beth McKibben, will attend an upcoming preview of Bar Ana, so stay tuned for her first impressions and the opening date.
Closing for Renovations
Poncey-Highland dive bar The Righteous Room will close for a quick renovation Nov. 17-24. But it will reopen just in time for you to escape those relatives you try to avoid after Thanksgiving dinner.
Add to Your Calendar
The annual Red Clay Soiree, hosted by Community Farmers Markets (CFM), returns to Summerour Studio on Nov. 14. Starting at 7 p.m., the evening will include oysters and passed canapes, drinks, a seated dinner, featuring produce and ingredients from local farms, with wine pairings, a silent auction, and a photo booth. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefits the work CFM does to assist local farmers and food producers, distribute free food to Title 1 schools, and match SNAP/EBT dollars at the organization’s weekly farmers markets. Tickets are $300 per person. Check out the chef and bartender lineup here.
Sandy Springs Italian restaurant Il Giallo will host a wine tasting on Nov. 15, from 2-4 p.m. The afternoon will include six Alpine wines from Northern Italy, small bites, and opportunities to purchase wines from the tasting at discounted prices. Check out the list of wines expected at the tasting, and purchase tickets here.