What’s new on metro dining scene
Oak Steakhouse coming to Alpharetta
Lauded as "one of the best and most distinctive steakhouses in America" by critic John Mariani, Oak Steakhouse has become a Charleston, S.C., destination, helmed by executive chef/partner Jeremiah Bacon. Now the Indigo Road restaurant group plans to open a sister Oak Steakhouse in fall 2014 in the new Avalon mixed-use development in Alpharetta. Bacon will aid in the search for a chef to helm the new restaurant, which will serve a mix of classic steakhouse items, plus seafood and vegetarian dishes. oaksteakhouserestaurant.com.
Yum Bunz closed until 2014
Yum Bunz, the quick-serve Chinese concept from Mike Blum, founder of the Real Chow Baby, and Guy Wong, chef/owner of Miso Izakaya, finally opened in July after a long series of delays. But on Dec. 11, the "Dim Sum Fast" spot on Atlanta's Westside announced via Facebook that it will be closed "for the rest of the year." Are bad reviews of its signature steamed bao (buns) to blame? There was a buzz when it was discovered that the buns were being made in an off-site factory, shipped frozen, and reheated in the restaurant. facebook.com/YumBunz.
Toscano open, Little’s closing
After closing on the Westside earlier this year, Toscano & Sons Italian market and sandwich shop has reopened at 1050 N. Highland Ave. in Virginia-Highland. The Cabbagetown grocery and grill, Little's Food Store, will close at the end of the month, according to its Facebook page, citing problems including building repairs, its 2014 retail alcohol license and "sales tax obligations" as causes. facebook.com/LittlesFoodStore.
Team Hidi 2.0 tickets on sale
Team Hidi, founded a year ago when Atlanta chef Ryan Hidinger was diagnosed with cancer, announced that the follow-up to its inaugural event will be a benefit for the Giving Kitchen Initiative, a 501c(3) charitable organization created to assist restaurant workers with unanticipated hardships. Scheduled for Jan. 26, 2014, at King Plow Arts Center, Team Hidi 2.0 will feature more than 30 Atlanta restaurants and farmers, some of the city's best bartenders, a live auction, and music by Yacht Rock Revue and Big Mike Geier. thegivingkitchen.org.
