Credit: Bob Townsend
Credit: Bob Townsend
Smokebelly BBQ open in Buckhead
Smokebelly BBQ, the new Buckhead spot from the team behind Tin Lizzy's, Big Ketch, Saltwater Grill and Milton's, is open in the East Andrews space once occupied by Tavern 99. With executive chef Darrell Rice commanding the kitchen, the concept features barbecue inspired by multiple regions of the country, craft beer and specialty cocktails. Beyond smoked meat combo plates and sandwiches, find fish, vegetarian and healthier barbecue options, along with sides and snacks. 128 E. Andrews Drive, Atlanta. 404-848-9100, smokebellybbq.com .
MAR Coastal reopened as MARBAR
MARBAR, the new iteration of MAR Coastal, located across from Kimball House in Decatur, is now open and rebranded as a "Beachside Cantina and Tequila Tasting Bar." Alison Lueker Ritter, owner and executive chef of Sun in My Belly, is lending her culinary and management expertise. Look for new menu items such as mussels borracho, ancho chile seared tuna steak, and watermelon chihuahua salad. Buckets of Mexican beer and international soccer on HDTVs are part of the scene, too. 314 E. Howard Ave., Decatur. 404-373-2725, marcoastal.com .
Bar Amalfi open in "Little Italia."
Giovanni di Palma of Antico Pizza fame has opened another spot in his Piazza San Gennaro/ "Little Italia" world on Hemphill Avenue in Home Park. Bar Amalfi joins Antico spinoffs Gio's Chicken Amalfitano, Caffe Gio, and Bottega Luisa, and there may be yet another concept in the works. At the outdoor Bar — open 5 p.m. Tuesdays.-Thursdays and noon Fridays and Saturdays — look for bellinis and limoncello, plus pizza, caprese salad, bruschetta, and wood-grilled prawns. littleitalia.com .
Adam Hayes new Barnsley Resort chef
Adam Hayes has been appointed the new executive chef at Barnsley Resort, the luxury boutique resort located north of Atlanta, near Adairsville. A North Carolina native, Hayes was most recently executive chef of the Red Stag Grill at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville. At Barnsley, he will lead a culinary team of 30 chefs and create menus for the resort's fine dining Rice House, and casual Woodlands Grill and outdoor Beer Garden. Meet Hayes at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, May 29-June 1, where he'll be serving several Barnsley-inspired dishes in the Connoisseur Lounge and offering his "Southern Breakfast Skewer" on Sunday in the tasting tents. barnsleyresort.com .
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