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DEL.ICIO.USIs Atlanta Becoming Vegas South?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It only takes a drive down Peachtree Street to see that buildings are as disposable as tissues in this town. Construction continues regardless of the declining real estate market, the drought — nothing seems to put a crunch on the crane.
With big construction comes some big names in the restaurant business. Next year is slated to bring Tom Colicchio and Craft, Jeffrey Chodorow and Maxim Prime, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Spice Market and Laurent Tourondel with BLT.
It’s the biggest big-name migration this side of the Mississippi, and it smacks of Vegas. Are we becoming a Vegas town when it comes to restaurants? If so, what does that mean for local chefs and restaurateurs?
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Comments
By Drew
December 19, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
I hope with all my heart that the local restaurants - the good ones - don’t suffer any loss of business. I’m hesitant to put any money on that though… Not to degrade the fact that the aforementioned chefs and businesses are quite capable of producing quality food & atmosphere, but there are lots of folks in this town who think less about the quality of food and more about being seen by the people next to them. In other words, a fancy, chic restaurant can possibly garner more business than a great local restaurant will, simply because people want to brag to their friends that they’ve been there. Again, this is not to say that all the new restaurants planned for Atlanta will fit into that category, but I’m willing to bet some will. (See: Dolce)
By Sandi
December 19, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
I pray that Atlanta does not become the Vegas of the south. I just moved away from that circus city 5 months ago. After four years there, it will be a long time before I go back. The homes here.. almost…seem cheap in comparison to the cost of homes there. Now let’s talk restaurants. Anyone for Todd English? Almost all of the glitzy hotel eateries in Vegas are about the cost of a small car to dine in and the local restaurants are becoming more and more ethnic. I am happy for the diversity so available in dining but I was hoping that Atlanta would still have some of the food the south was known for. I am now told I have to visit Savannah or Charleston for shrimp grits and other low country delights. I am sad….But I love Atlanta anyway.