Umi opens in Buckhead
Umi, the new Japanese spot from Fuyuhiko Ito, former executive chef at MF Sushi, is opening softly May 20 at Two Buckhead Plaza. Ito’s culinary background in both traditional Japanese and classic French restaurants will be featured in an array of starters, soups, salads, sashimi, nigiri and specialty rolls. Ito’s wife, pastry chef Lisa Matsuoka Ito, will offer equally creative desserts, including her signature green tea souffle. Look for a diverse beverage program with Japanese whiskeys and craft cocktails. 3050 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite 1. 404-841-0040, umiatlanta.com.
Zocalo’s new menus, decor
Richard Sandoval, chef-owner of Richard Sandoval Restaurants, has added Zocalo in Midtown Atlanta to his international restaurant group’s more than 30 locations. On May 4, Zocalo debuted new upscale Mexican food and beverage menus, plus new decor and tableware. Executive chef Lucero Martinez-Obregon will continue to head the kitchen, a role she’s filled since her family opened Zocalo in 1995. Since 2009, Martinez-Obregon also has been chef de cuisine at Sandoval’s Pampano in New York City. 187 10th St. N.E. 404-249-7576, richardsandoval.com/zocalo.
Big changes at P’cheen
Big changes are underway at P’cheen, the long-running neighborhood spot in the Old Fourth Ward. Georgiaville Food Co. (P’cheen, Bone Lick BBQ, Vesuvius, Edgewood Speakeasy) has partnered with restaurateur Jeff Myers (Top Flr, SoundTable), with the idea of creating a concept similar to Octopus Bar in East Atlanta. Renovations are bringing a new look, and there’s a new menu from chef/owner Alex Friedman, who recently appeared on the TV show “Chopped.” Look for midsized, sharable plates priced at $4-$12. 701-5 Highland Ave. 404-529-8800, www.pcheen.com.
Seven Hens beer pairings
Seven Hens, the battered-and-fried, schnitzel-style chicken concept in North Decatur Plaza, has a new craft beer-pairing program created in a collaboration with owner Michael Gurevich and Atlanta-based beer blogger Dennis Malcolm Byron, aka Ale Sharpton. Find Georgia beers from Red Hare, Terrapin and Wild Heaven, paired with international schnitzel flavors of “The French,” “The Italian” and “The Mexican.” 2140 N. Decatur Road, Decatur. 404-633-3000, www.7hens.com.
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