Have a tip about a restaurant opening or closing or other dining news? Contact Bob Townsend at btownsajc@gmail.com.
Rio Bravo is reborn
Taking over the former Tasty China II space in Sandy Springs, Atlanta favorite Rio Bravo has been reborn as Ray's Rio Bravo. Ray Schoenbaum, the original owner of Rio Bravo and founder of Ray's Restaurants, hoped to be open by Cinco de Mayo 2015. But the return of the beloved Mexican restaurant and its famous tortilla press, "The Machino," finally happened on Aug. 4. "Everyone over the years has always said, 'Why don't you bring it back, I remember going there when we were kids,' and I'm thrilled to do that,"Schoenbaum said via email. Guests can expect the same recipes for cheese dip, guacamole and other Rio Bravo favorites. 6450 Powers Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. 770-612-2829, raysriobravo.com.
Tavernpointe in Midtown
Drew Van Leuvan, executive chef and owner of Seven Lamps, and restaurateur Billy Streck (Cypress Street Pint & Plate and Grain) have opened Tavernpointe in the former LPC space in Midtown, near the intersection of Peachtree and Spring streets. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner and brunch with Van Leuvan's takes on "elevated American cuisine" and an atmosphere inspired by classic community taverns. The redesigned and remodeled space features repurposed pine from a Georgia warehouse and reclaimed brick from a South Carolina textile mill and includes a 2,500-square-foot patio and a private dining room with a second bar. 1545 Peachtree St., Suite 101, Atlanta. 404-549-3954, tavernpointe.com.
Wesley True to the Optimist
Atlanta chef/restaurateur Ford Fry (JCT Kitchen, No. 246, King + Duke, St. Cecilia, the El Felix, Superica, Marcel) has announced Wesley True as the new executive chef at his Westside seafood destination, the Optimist. True will take over for executive chef Adam Evans, who opened the Optimist in May 2012 but recently resigned. Adding to the chef shuffle drama, True recently parted ways with Concentrics Restaurants and stepped down as executive chef at the Spence. Before that, he took time off from the Spence to film an upcoming season of "Top Chef." 914 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. 404-477-6260, theoptimistrestaurant.com.
Bar Margot at Four Seasons
And there's more Ford Fry news. On the heels of his newest restaurant, Marcel, a French-inspired steakhouse in the former Abattoir space in the Westside Provisions District, Fry is slated to open Bar Margot at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta in Midtown on Sept. 28. Offering lunch and dinner daily, the menu will be a collaboration between Fry and Four Seasons chef Robert Gerstenecker. "Atlanta needs a cool hotel bar with high-service standards, big-flavor food, and zero pretension," Fry said in a press release. 75 14th St., N.E., Atlanta. 404-881-9898, fourseasons.com/atlanta.
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