As early as next week, chef Stephen McGuffin is set to open Café Highlands in the Poncey-Highland space that formerly housed Café 640 , which closed on Nov 1.
McGuffin, who was most recently the executive chef at Café 640, and the executive chef at Parker's on Ponce in Decatur before that, has a long resume as both a chef and restaurateur, including stints at Buckhead Diner, Dish, Vine, Solstice Café and Anthony's Fine Dining.
“I’ve worked in Poncey-Highland for many years, and I love its walkability and proximity to so many of the city’s unique intown neighborhoods,” McGuffin said in a statement. “My goal is to become a neighborhood staple where guests can easily drop in any time of day for a simple yet satisfying meal. We are offering local, approachable food and the type of courteous service that immediately puts guests at ease.”
McGuffin defines his philosophy as “source locally, cook globally.” That’s reflected on the Café Highlands lunch, dinner and brunch menus in dishes such as oxtail gravy poutine, a double patty smash burger with pimento cheese, and seared catfish with grit cake, rock shrimp and smoked tomato sauce.
Brad Allan, who worked under McGuffin at Parker’s on Ponce, will contribute to the menu as chef de cuisine. Nick Moody designed the beverage program, which will showcase classic cocktails, cask-aged drinks on tap, and nitro beers.
Located in a building that dates to 1927, Café Highlands seats 80 indoors and an additional 40 on the covered patio. For private events, the restaurant will have access to The Highland Inn ballroom next door, with seating for up to 220.
Read the AJC Fall Dining Guide, Atlanta Around the Clock, here .
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