Home > Table Talk > Archives > 2008 > July > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPlease Don’t Let These Restaurants Close
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THE EXCELLENT BEERS AREN’T ALL WE’LL MISS IF 5 SEASONS BREWING SANDY SPRINGS CLOSES…
Photo: William Berry/ Staff
I received an email this week from Dennis Lange at Five Seasons Brewing, regarding the mess that is the Prado at the moment. Here are highlights:
“To the untrained eye, driving on Roswell Road this morning it would appear that 5 Seasons is no more because access has been dramatically altered. In reality, and in the Prado, getting to the 5 is now more difficult than ever… The entrance you have been relying on for most of the last eight years will be closed for the next two weeks (according to reliable construction sources, but…). The temporary entrance will be at the top of the new Prado shopping center at the Target entrance, where you will then immediately turn right and enter the parking deck and circle down to level P2 (that’s Parking Level 2 for those of you who’ve had one too many frothy ones)… We really need your support right now. It’s been tough and the construction has not encouraged people to frequent the 5 but we need your help and support to get through this. Don’t let a little construction activity dissuade your choice to dine and drink at the 5. Help me Obi Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope!”
Long-lasting construction sites across the city and a bad economy are making it very difficult for some restaurants to survive — they need your help and support. 5 Seasons in the Prado would be a great loss if it closed. So would Joli Kobe, in the same location (they will be opening a second location on Peachtree Street, hopefully by September, in the old Midcity Cuisine space).
Here are five spots I would hate to see close simply because we couldn’t - or wouldn’t - get to them:
5 Seasons Brewing — the house-brewed beers and fresh take on farm-to-table make this spot the city can’t afford to lose.
Joli Kobe — another great loss if it were to close. The bistro chicken salad coupled with the pristine offerings from this elegant bakery would be sorely missed.
Thrive — this downtown eatery is one of a kind, and one of the only spots near Philips Arena that’s worth eating at — good, solid sushi selections coupled with modern bistro fare. Unfortunately, the tornado took at whack at Centennial Tower, the building that houses Thrive, and the restaurant’s windows and entrance are mired in tarps from the scaffolding. Owner A.D. Alushi told me that he’s lost almost 50 percent of his business becasue people think he’s closed. He’s not.
FAB — though it’s not the same busy bistro it was when it was at Lenox, FAB is still fabulous — the skate wings just as crisped and capered’ the profiteroles a delight of pistachio ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Repast — what a gem, and chef owner Joe Truex is offering nightly specials to entice you to find out for yourself. This sweet spot is one of the city’s finest.
And sadly, it appears we’ve already lost one our funkiest, fun neighborhood spots: Kool Korners, the little grocery that for years has produced the city’s best Cuban sandwiches, has apparently closed. Drive bys and phone calls to the restaurant are coming up with nada.
What restaurants would you add to the list? What restaurant could you not live without?
Permalink | Comments (34) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By kvp
July 30, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Oh dear god no!!! 5 Seasons is the BEST! Their Granny Serrano Pizza is to die for, not to mention the tasty brews. I’ve also noticed the shuttering of Shipfeifer and Huey’s on Peachtree, which, while not the best, have been old reliables (even if Huey’s hasn’t served up night-time beignets for years now). Save the restaurants!
What could I not live without? 5 Seasons, Waffle House (no danger there), MetroFresh, Taqueria del sol…
By John S
July 30, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
I share Dennis’s frustration about the 5 Seasons. On Saturday I went there for a beer and parked no problem.
Monday evening I attempted to go there the same way, but it was blocked off with no sign or anything. It was quite difficult to find my way there through the parking deck but as usual it was worth it. Great beers and food.
Currently the best draft pilsner in Atlanta is pouring. It is worth going just for that.
We cannot let the 5 die.
The developers need to supply some temporary signage at least.
By Mark
July 30, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Please tell me Kook Korners is NOT closed. The best sandwich in town, Cuban or not. I’ve eaten here dozens of times and am now having a VERY strong craving. Anyone know for sure?
By Mark
July 30, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
er, I mean Kool Korners. Save the Classico with Everything Today!
By DSTENZ
July 30, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
No! Not Kool Korners! It has to be the best (and cheapest) Cuban sandwich in Atlanta. My husband went to Tech and loves these sandwiches. He has since gotten me hooked!
By AtlGal
July 30, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Yes, it’s true. Unfortunately the owner of the building that Kool Korners resides in is selling the building so the best cubans in Atlanta are no more.
By AtlGal
July 30, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
By the way, a new 5 Seasons Brewery is opening soon at the intersection of Howell Mill Rd and Marietta St. Yeah!!
By chastain
July 30, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
The past few times I have been to FAB have been terrible! It is nothing like the old Brasserie Le Coze. I went for Bastile day and it was so bad I will never go back. I don’t know what happened but it is NOT the same. Really unfortunate.
By kvp
July 30, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
I am losing faith that the Westside 5 Seasons will open any time soon… At first it was supposed to be “Early 2008,” but that clearly hasn’t happened, and the last time I drove by there was still a lot of construction work to be done. I hope things are further along than I perceive them to be — 5 Seasons is one of my favorite places in town. In the meantime, looks like I’d better find a dinner date for tonight to help them out!
By SheriW
July 30, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
First of all, thank you very much for posting this blog. As a regular at 5S, I’ve seen first-hand what the owners and staff have been going through. You can’t beat 5 Seasons for its combination of beer, food, staff and management. It would be a great loss if we let this neighborhood gem fail due to the construction of yet another mega strip mall.
By tommyk
July 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
I must say, been to the 5 half dozen times or so over thepast few years. The beer is great, but you can find great beer all over town. The food is cute and pretty good, but far from great. I’ve seen better lookng staff at sandwhich shops and the service is just OK. Now the parking sucks too? Get over it, the place is mediocre at best, I say good riddance if they shut down.
By ptkdude
July 30, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
I agree with tommyk… I gave up on 5 Seasons when, after sending an email to the manager complaining that they didn’t have plain, yellow mustard for my burger, I was assured they did. On my next trip, I was again told they didn’t have plain mustard. Sorry, but I’m not taking my own mustard to a restaurant!
By Sean
July 30, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Specials at Repast? Good grief that place needs it….super small portions and a wine list that starts at $50…..
If you want to support a great new restaurant in the Old Fourth Ward. Skip Repast and go to Fourth and Swift right accross the street. You won’t leave hungry or broke. Great locally sourced food and drinks for REAL people.
By FOC
July 30, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Repast is a gem, and Joe is a great credit to Atlanta. Last I checked, however, they were alive and well. I wouldn’t give the impression that they are closing or not doing well, though I am sure Joe would welcome any new guests with his talent and charm.
By RK
July 30, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Yellow mustard? Go to McDonalds.
FAB was packed last Wednesday, during Restaurant Week.
By gavin
July 30, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
NOT KOOL KORNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANYTHING, BUT KOOL KORNERS!
HASTA, SENOR RAMIREZ! YOURS WAS A GEM!
By joe
July 30, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
I can’t comment on the places mentioned above, but maybe if restaurants in general focused on creating value (good food at reasonable prices) instead of an overblown atmosphere they would attract and maintain a steady following. Hopefully the days of trendy lighting and other fixtures that I can’t eat are coming to an end.
By Meridith Ford
July 30, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
FOC: I agree. I actually heard from Joe, and he assures me that all is well… sorry to give the wrong impression.
By Jim M.
July 30, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
To joe, you want value, go to the 5. B’head 3&4 star food & drink at Sandy Springs / Dumpwoody 2 star prices, small plates & specials rock. NOW EVERY ONE LISTEN UP! The low life, sniveling, pond scum sucking, sons of biscuit eaters developing the new Prado where 5 Seasons resides has gone out of their way to screw, glue and tattoo the existing tenants there just as they have done at every other one of their projects. They are famous for it! Run out the current small guys, jack up the rent & bring in the chains. No respect for the locals. Here is our chance to push back! EVERY ONE…HEAD TO THE 5, HELP THEM THRIVE, NOW, BEFORE IT IS TO LATE!
By Jason Greene
July 30, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Kool Korners, oh no, that’s scared ground near the Varsity. What next, the Varsity with all that mess on 75/85 connector. On to Papi’s for my Cuban fix.
Jason Greene
By MUFFIN
July 30, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
I was shattered to see Shipfeifer’s shuttered (say that 5 times fast) but Huey’s deserved to close if that is true (they were still open when i noticed Shipfeifer’s was closed). Their food was terrible and the service was worse. 90 minute turnaround time for lunch when all i ordered was Shrimp and Grits which was about $10 and had 3 shrimp in some gluey grits in a cup that was probably half a cup in size. Good riddance Huey’s. Hopefully someone will put some quick lunch spots in there with good food at decent prices (going back to my half a portion for half the price idea)…
By downtown guy
July 31, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
I love Repast. Joe’s restaurant has been a welcomed addition to the Old Fourth Ward. The menu is inventive and tasty. Love it!
By Wendy
July 31, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Thrive is a pretty cool spot too. It’s trendy, a great place to have lunch or cocktails. The music is awesome. But what really matters is the food, right? The food is ridiculous! It’s soo good ( I honestly wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did)!
By SR
July 31, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
I love FAB and want it to succeed. I will go this weekend and do my part! TIP: FAB, you and Rathbun’s are about the only fine dining restaurants in town NOT on Opentable! I am sure there is a lot of $$$ involved, but I overlook you all the time when I book reservations because you simply aren’t there! PLEASE consider getting Opentable — you would be amazed how many people are using it for their restaurant reservations!
By SR
July 31, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
I love FAB and want it to succeed. I will go this weekend and do my part! TIP: FAB, you and Rathbun’s are about the only fine dining restaurants in town NOT on Opentable! I am sure there is a lot of $$$ involved, but I overlook you all the time when I book reservations because you simply aren’t there! PLEASE consider getting Opentable — you would be amazed how many people are using it for their restaurant reservations!
By vera clayton
July 31, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I dont see much aboout one of the best restaurants (in my personal opinion) in all of the metro area. BLU Greek Taverna in Marietta has become one of our favorites. The place is spotless and we get more attention than any taverna we have been to in Greece. The fusion with southern accents like sweet potato fries and snapper combo makes me want to go back before im finished with my meal! Try it if you haven’t but make sure you make a reservation. FYI their tel.# is 770-429-4096.
By vera clayton
July 31, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I dont see much aboout one of the best restaurants (in my personal opinion) in all of the metro area. BLU Greek Taverna in Marietta has become one of our favorites. The place is spotless and we get more attention than any taverna we have been to in Greece. The fusion with southern accents like sweet potato fries and snapper combo makes me want to go back before im finished with my meal! Try it if you haven’t but make sure you make a reservation. FYI their tel.# is 770-429-4096.
By vera clayton
July 31, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
I dont see much aboout one of the best restaurants (in my personal opinion) in all of the metro area. BLU Greek Taverna in Marietta has become one of our favorites. The place is spotless and we get more attention than any taverna we have been to in Greece. The fusion with southern accents like sweet potato fries and snapper combo makes me want to go back before im finished with my meal! Try it if you haven’t but make sure you make a reservation. FYI their tel.# is 770-429-4096.
By BPJ
July 31, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
FAB is excellent! The decor is not quite as good as the former location, but the food is first-rate. I go to Paris a couple of times a year, and FAB’s food would compete with the finer brasseries there. (Service is OK but needs polishing.)
By Save Mama Fu's
July 31, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Please don’t turn the Mama Fu’s into Burger Joints
That is right, the Toco Hills location is already closed. Peachtree Street is next. The owner is turning them into Burger Joints. The owners name I believe is Manny. Please save the Mama Fu’s
By Damnit
July 31, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Where the hell am I going to get my Spicy General Fu NOW! I love Mama Fu’s. Why in the world would the owner make them Burger Joints???
By Alex
July 31, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Now Kool Korners is a loss but losing Mama fu’s is a blessing
By P Brown
August 8, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
We have been to FAB several times and the food and service were great. The person who said it was terrible is probably a disgruntled former employee. Readers need to realize that is often where detrimental comments come from. Last time we went I had steak and it was great! We were also very pleased with the service.
By That is a bad Alex
August 11, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Alex, must have never had the Spicy General Fu with chicken, and brown rice. That my friends is an awesome meal and tastes heavenly. Save the Mama Fu’s