To share a tip about a new restaurant or other dining news, write Bob Townsend: btownsajc@gmail.com.
Common Quarter launches in east Cobb
Local Three partners Chris Hall, Todd Mussman and Ryan Turner have opened a new restaurant in east Cobb with Muss & Turner's operating partner, Chris Talley. Common Quarter, located in the former Chepe's space on Johnson Ferry Road, features a covered front patio with a fireplace and modern-meets-rustic bar and dining areas created by Atlanta design firm ai3. On the coastal menu, look for the likes of a Georgia shrimp cake sandwich at lunch and almond-crusted Gulf flounder at dinner. 1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta. 678-809-4040, commonquarter.com.
Renovated Taco Mac reopens in Decatur
Taco Mac in Decatur, which closed for renovations on Aug. 4, reopened this week. Taco Mac CEO Bob Campbell said that after 12 years, it was time for a refresh and redo. That job fell to Atlanta's ai3 Inc., the company behind the design of fine dining spots such as Miller Union, 4th & Swift and Holeman & Finch. Look for a new patio along Ponce de Leon Avenue, an expanded bar area with 100 draft taps, new, more comfortable seating, and upgraded LED HDTVs throughout the restaurant and bar. 240 W. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-378-4140, tacomac.com.
Union Hill Kitchen opens in Chamblee
Chef Alexis Hernandez, a former contestant on "The Next Food Network Star," has softly opened Union Hill Kitchen in Chamblee. The restaurant is open only for lunch, so far, and the website is still under construction, but it contains this explanation of the concept: "a celebration of New American Cuisine thoughtfully prepared, often playfully interpreted." Early online reports say service is fast casual at lunch, with sandwiches such as egg salad and grilled chicken on the menu. 5336 Peachtree Road, Chamblee. 770-458-6252, unionhillkitchen.com.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams free preview
Join Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 23 for an open-to-the-public preview party at the new Atlanta's Westside Provisions District location — with free ice cream. It will be the first Scoop Shop in Atlanta, with the full menu of built-from-the-ground-up ice creams that's been called "the best in America. The first 50 people in line will receive a limited-edition poster commemorating the event. 1198 Howell Mill Road (next to Star Provisions). 404-367-0356, www.jenis.com.
