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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 02 > Entry
Chef Immel says goodbye to Table 1280
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chef-owner Anne Quatrano of Bacchanalia, Quinones at Bacchanalia, Star Provisions and Floataway Cafe confirmed this week that chef Todd Immel (below right) has left his post as executive chef at tony Table 1280 at the High Museum to work in her and husband Clifford Harrison’s stable of restaurants.
Josh Cary, manager at Table 1280, corroborated that Immel left April 1, leaving his sous chef, Tracey Bloom, in charge of the multimillion-dollar venue’s kitchen. Bloom, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park, worked under Immel’s supervision at Table 1280 for more than a year, and before that was his sous chef at now-closed Oscar’s in College Park and Luma (a Concentrics restaurant) in Florida.
“We’re so glad to have Todd as part of our team,” Quatrano said. “As we expand our restaurants, we’re looking to add Todd’s talent to the mix.” Quatrano added that at the moment Immel is “focusing on absorbing all areas of our business — from charcuterie production to our hot line at Bacchanalia and Quinones.”
Bloom already has changed a few menu items at Table 1280, but Cary said the menu would probably not take any dramatic twists or turns. Operated by Restaurant Associates, Table 1280 opened as part of the grand, $124 million revamping of the High Museum in 2005. Atlanta star-chef Shaun Doty opened the restaurant, but left within a year to pursue a restaurant of his own, Shaun’s, in Inman Park. The management group, out of New York, has had a hard time since luring local talent to its kitchen, so Immel’s loss could be a grave one.
Quatrano also confirmed plans to expand the couple’s group of restaurants to include a new “meat-centric” casual spot to reside in the still-under-construction White Provisions complex on Howell Mill Road. The menu will focus on meats and meat products — local pork and lamb, and eventually local beef — but Quatrano was hesitant to call the new restaurant a steakhouse. The venue is larger than the couple’s other efforts, with 130 seats plus 40 more on a patio. The name? Abattoir, which means “slaughterhouse” in French. The restaurant is slated for a November opening.
SUPPORT FROM MUSICIAN SAMPLE
If you know anything about legendary keyboardist Joe Sample (below right), it should come as no surprise that he is more than willing to support jazz wherever it is appreciated. And Clark Atlanta University surely qualifies, he says. “I’ve been impressed with what they’ve been doing there for a long time,” Sample told Buzz this week prior to his appearance Saturday at the 15th annual Jazz Under the Stars benefit concert at Clark’s Panther Stadium. “I remember I was doing this seminar at black colleges in the latter part of the 1980s, where I went to South Carolina, Mississippi, Fisk, all of these schools — even my old alma mater, Texas Southern. And the only school that had what I determined was a well-supported and qualified music department was Clark’s.
“I have been on [Clark’s] campus at least three or four times since then, talking to music students and performing, and it has maintained that excellence,” Sample continued. “So of course I’m happy to return this weekend, and help raise money to keep up the good work.”
Doors open for the benefit for Clark students in the performing arts — which will also include the CAU Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Vocal Ensemble — at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $60, and available by calling 404-880-8136. Corporate tables and sponsorships are available at 404-577-8677.
CELEBRITY DOCKET
Atlanta rapper Baby D released a new CD Tuesday, but it’s unlikely he’s doing much celebrating behind bars.
Koch Records has confirmed that its artist has been a guest at an Ohio jail since March 26, when he was arrested for allegedly trafficking cocaine in Dayton. Baby D is being held without bond in the Butler County Jail.
In addition to those federal charges, the member of Atlanta’s Big Oomp Camp — probably best known for the 2000 single “Eastside Vs. Westside” — has three pending assault charges in Tennessee, according to Koch. And a warrant for his arrest in his home state was dismissed, the label says.
Still, Koch issued Baby D’s third CD, “A-Town Secret Weapon,” this week, featuring guest appearances from fellow local phenoms Sean P of the YoungBloodZ, Pastor Troy, Shawty Low, Gucci Mane, BackBone and DJ Jelly. The first single, “I’m Bout Money,” is enjoying local airplay, and the video is in rotation on BET and MTV Jams.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Lesley Gore is 62. Country singer Larry Gatlin is 60. Singer Lou Gramm of Foreigner is 58. Actress Christine Baranski is 56. Country singer Ty Herndon is 46. Wrestler-actor Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson is 36. Singer Lily Allen is 23. Actress Kay Panabaker (“Nancy Drew”) is 18.
OVERSCENE
Ivory Latta of the Atlanta Dream WNBA team dining on nachos, wings and a burger at Stats downtown. We’re told she “became an instant fan” of the stylish sports bar and plans to bring her family there when they come in town to see her play.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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