Atlanta has steadily lured film and television projects since the Georgia Legislature passed industry tax incentives in 2008, and people ask me all the time where visiting celebrities like to dine when they're here. It's a growing list.
South City Kitchen, for sure. It's right around the corner from the Four Seasons hotel in Midtown, which does a brisk business housing notable guests. Cameron Diaz and Chris Rock put in appearances there when they were here filming "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were spotted there while she was here filming "The Odd Life of Timothy Green." Buckhead Diner is a favorite among stars, too. Chris Klein, Eddie Kay Thomas and Thomas Ian Nichols stopped by while filming "American Reunion," Robert Duvall was in while filming "Jayne Mansfield's Car" and Kathy Griffin became something of a regular when she was here for some guest-star episodes in "Drop Dead Diva." Chops Lobster Bar is the go-to spot for high profile diners seeking a low key atmosphere. Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez had a date night there once.
And now, Southern Art. The new restaurant in the InterContinental hotel in Buckhead is quietly attracting a number of bold names.
NBA player turned analyst Kenny Smith launched his new gig as endorser for Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey at a private party there recently. We interviewed Jackée Harry, known for her roles on "Let's Stay Together," "Sister, Sister" and "227″ this week, about a new set-in-Atlanta television movie she's appearing in, "Brother White." (It airs at 7 and 9 p.m. March 11 on GMC, the Gospel Music Channel). Harry spends a good deal of time in Atlanta, where "Let's Stay Together," a BET romantic comedy is filmed, and we asked where she likes to dine. "Southern Art," she said without hesitation. "Those grits were fabulous. I think I had them every day (during a recent stay). That was delightful."
This all should come as no surprise. Chef Art Smith, the guy behind Southern Art, has serious celeb cred. Once Oprah Winfrey's personal chef, he just opened a restaurant in New York in partnership with Lady Gaga's dad and was headed to Florida for an event benefiting former First Lady Barbara Bush's literacy foundation when we stopped by to catch up the other day.
He demurred, but not much, when asked about the well-known diners frequenting his joint.
"I don't know, there's just so many," he said, before suddenly remembering that "Modern Family" actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson had been in during a recent visit to Atlanta. We'd heard Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards had been in, too. She was here filming a role in Tyler Perry's "Madea's Witness Protection," and Sheen tagged along, having mended fences with his ex. Smith wouldn't confirm the tip. He didn't dispute it, either. But he wanted to focus on the food.
"When people travel to a city like Atlanta they want to be able to taste the city," he said, explaining the cuisine and decor. His restaurant took over the spot that once housed Au Pied de Cochon. Formal elegance has been replaced by homey warmth, and the French menu has been replaced by upscale-Southern. Au revoir, escargot. Howdy, ham bar.
“We’re probably the busiest hotel restaurant in the city of Atlanta,” Smith declared with trademark optimism. “I’m really proud of what we’ve done."
About the Author
