The Optimist closed by fire
The Optimist was forced to close last week after a grease fire started in the kitchen's ventilation hood. The wildly popular Westside spot owned by Ford Fry was named among the best new U.S. restaurants of 2012 by both Bon Appetit and Esquire. Fry said he hoped to reopen the restaurant this weekend, but that's pending repairs and city inspections. In the meantime, diners are being directed to his other Rocket Farm Restaurants, JCT Kitchen & Bar, No. 246 and King + Duke. rocketfarm.tumblr.com.
Salt Factory Alpharetta opening
After a series of delays, restaurateurs Hicham Azhari and Fikret Kovac of F&H Food Trading Group and culinary director Bob McDonough are set to open the Salt Factory Pub in downtown Alpharetta on Nov. 4. The second location of the popular Roswell bar and restaurant will feature a large patio with a bocce ball court and serve lunch and dinner daily. Look for an oyster bar, 24 draft beers and an extensive scotch and bourbon collection. 102 S. Main St., Alpharetta. 770-998-4850, www.saltfactorypub.com.
Bell Street Burritos news
Bell Street Burritos' Irwin Street Market location has closed and will soon be replaced by a new fast-casual concept called Bob, from Jake Rothschild of Jake's Ice Cream. The new eatery will serve kebabs and other skewered items. In the meantime, Bell Street has opened a new location in South Buckhead in the former Huey's space at 1816 Peachtree Road. For updates, check the Bell Street Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Bell-Street-Burritos/136200996455740.
Miller Union anniversary prix fixe
On Nov. 9, Miller Union will celebrate four years in business with a special prix fixe menu by chef Steven Satterfield. From 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., guests will enjoy a complimentary cocktail followed by a selection of seasonal items, including a choice of soup or salad, sandwiches, and signature entrees such as Satterfield's vegetable plate, plus a piece of Miller Union birthday cake baked by pastry chef Pamela Moxley. $30 per person, plus tax and tip. Reservations: 678-733-8550. www.millerunion.com.
Eddie Hernandez’s hot tamale win
Eddie Hernandez, executive chef of Taqueria del Sol, won the top celebrity chef award for the Hot Tamale Cooking Contest at the recent 2013 Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville, Miss. Hernandez served three kinds of tamales, including pork, fresh corn and a dessert tamale, filled with blueberries and golden raisins. Both the pork and fresh corn tamales will be dinner specials at Taqueria del Sol's Georgia locations the week of Nov. 4. www.taqueriadelsol.com.
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