What’s new: food and restaurant news

DEKALB

Alvarado’s

This new 24-hour fast-food Mexican restaurant has opened in the space that was previously El Pollo Regio, a Latin fast-food restaurant specializing in chicken. Tacos, burritos, tortas (sandwiches) and enchiladas are offered and can be quickly procured at the restaurant's drive-through window. Insider tip, ask about the 99-cent mini-tacos that are not advertised on the menu. Always open. 5499 Buford Highway, Doraville. 770-455-6987, $

-- Gene Lee

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta has released its 2011 nonprofessional cooking class schedule. These hands-on classes are taught by chef instructors in three-hour sessions one Saturday each month. Class themes range from baking topics -- cakes, cookies, truffles -- to international cuisine, including that of France, Italy and Spain. 1927 Lakeside Parkway, Tucker. 770-574-4908, www.chefsseriesatlanta.eventbrite.com. $90

-- Jenny Turknett

FULTON

Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Co.

The Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Co. is preparing to open its second location on Peachtree Road at the end of January. The new boutique will offer a number of customizable items, including bean-to-bar chocolates, hot cocoa and espresso. The space will seat 10 people and will be available for showers and birthday parties. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2815 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. No phone available yet, www.cacaoatlanta.com. $

-- Jenny Turknett

Rio Nuevo Cantina

Chef Jose Montes has taken over the Northpoint spot that was previously Famous Dave's BBQ, offering enticing fare such as a steak burrito with farm-style beans or a seafood enchilada plate with shrimp, scallops and crab. Creative margaritas made with tamarind or organic jalapenos are concocted by bar staff that keeps the drinks flowing until 2 a.m. on weekends. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m./2 a.m.(bar) Fridays-Saturdays. 6400 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. 678-240-0909, www.rionuevocantina.com. $-$$

-- Gene Lee

Truffles Cafe

Truffles Cafe opened in early December near Lenox Square mall. The South Carolina-based chain, with locations in Hilton Head and Bluffton, S.C., offers a diverse menu featuring specialty dishes from crab cakes served with wasabi mayonnaise to pork tenderloin prepared with a mild chili rub and apricot glaze. The menu, with prices ranging from $5 to $29, also features a choice of soups, salads and sandwiches. 11 a.m.-11 p.m daily. 2245 Lenox Road, Atlanta. 404-364-9050, www.trufflescafe.com. $$

-- Jon Watson