Turning Tables: Restaurant and food news
Main dish
Diddy’s restaurant closes
Sean "Diddy" Combs' restaurant, Justin's Restaurant & Bar, closed this month after 14 years of serving Caribbean and soul food at its 2200 Peachtree Road N.W. location.
Initially, the restaurant’s general manager, Solomon Fornie, denied the closure was permanent, instead indicating that the restaurant would undergo renovations for a short period before reopening.
Shortly thereafter, we received word from a representative of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, founded by Combs, confirming rumors that the restaurant would not reopen after its final service June 8.
According to the statement, BBWEG closed Justin’s in order to pursue “other business ventures in music, television, fashion, fragrance and spirits.” The company, however, says it is “actively exploring business opportunities in Atlanta” and promises “to have a strong presence in the region.”
Bites
Artisan doughnuts land in Decatur
- Revolution Doughnuts, a modest shop with its name handwritten on the door, recently opened in Decatur. The owner, Maria Moore Riggs, originally sold baked good at Atlanta outdoor markets under the name "Little Red Hen Bakery." After building a customer base, Riggs decided to open Revolution Doughnuts. She raised more than $12,000 in startup capital through Kickstarter, a website devoted to creative project funding. The shop has already cultivated a following and typically sells out of product before closing time. Watch Revolution's Facebook page to be notified when it sells out of doughnuts such as the salted caramel and bacon, vegan cake or Nutella-stuffed discs. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 908 W. College Ave., Decatur. 678-927-9920, www.revolutiondoughnuts.com. $.
P’cheen owners to open barbecue joint in West Midtown
- Over the past few years, P'cheen International Bistro & Pub has hosted a Monday night barbecue that has become increasingly popular. To capitalize on that success, owners will open Bone Lick BBQ in West Midtown later this summer. P'cheen will continue to serve its barbecue on Monday nights until the barbecue joint opens. 1133 Huff Road, Atlanta.
Former Anthony’s Restaurant to become event space
- A Legendary Event, Tony Conway's catering, decor and floral company, is transforming the former Anthony's Restaurant space in Buckhead into a special events venue. The property, to be called 3109 Piedmont Estate and Gardens, will open this fall with ballroom seating for 150 and reception space for 350-400 guests. 3109 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-841-6682, www.alegendaryevent.com.
Gravy
Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week ... Participating restaurants, www.atlantadowntown.com
This year, 20 restaurants will participate July 21-29 in Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week. During the event, restaurants such as Alma Cocina, BLT Steak and Legal Sea Foods will serve special $25 and $35 three-course menus after 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended. See website for full list of participating restaurants.
Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival ... JCT. Kitchen & Bar, www.jctkitchen.com
JCT.Kitchen will host the fourth annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival from 1 to 5 p.m. July 22. More than 30 chefs and 10 mixologists will prepare a dish or beverage featuring the tomato, all of which will be available for sampling. Tickets cost $70, and proceeds benefit Georgia Organics. Purchase tickets at www.xorbia.com/e/gao/killertomato12.
