Flip Burger Poncey-Highland soft opening
In August, chef Richard Blais' Poncey-Highland fancy hot dog restaurant, HD1, closed while construction commenced to convert the space into the fourth Flip Burger Boutique. Last week, a soft launch unveiled details of the project, which Blais and owners Barry Mills and Ron Stewart call "a fine dining creation disguised as a burger joint." As at other Flip locations in Atlanta and Birmingham, Ala., the atmosphere is lively and loud, and the menu is focused on Blais' signature burgers, but there are several HD1 hot dog holdovers, too, including the Red Haute and Marguez. Look for a new rooftop deck to open when weather permits. 664 N. Highland Ave N.E., Atlanta, 404-815-1127, www.flipburgerboutique.com.
Nikolai’s Roof closes for renovations
Nikolai's Roof, which opened on the 30th floor of Hilton Atlanta in 1976, is now closed through the end of the year. The iconic downtown fine dining restaurant is set reopen with a brand-new look in January 2014. A press release set the cost of the renovation at close to $1 million "to refresh and update the over 7,500-square-foot restaurant and bar space to a more contemporary design that will accentuate the cuisine and elevated view." Chef Stephanie Alderete is renovating the menu, too, with her modern American fare, though Russian influences will remain in signature dishes such as piroshkies and borscht. 255 Courtland St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-659-2000, www.atlanta.hilton.com.
Ria’s Bluebird reopening on Dec. 3
After the sudden death of its beloved owner Ria Pell on Nov. 24, Ria's Bluebird restaurant in Grant Park temporarily closed for memorial services. Besides being a well-known chef, Pell was a presence in Atlanta's dining and gay and lesbian communities, and in 2012, she won the $10,000 grand prize on the Food Network's "Chopped" competition. A recent post on the Ria's Bluebird Facebook page announced its reopening on Dec. 3 "with the same integrity you've come to know and respect. As always … No substitutions." 421 Memorial Drive S.E., Atlanta. 404-521-3737, www.riasbluebird.com.
MetroFresh closing at Atlanta Botanical Garden
What Now Atlanta reports that MetroFresh will close its Atlanta Botanical Garden location after the holiday season, and that restaurateur and actor Mitchell Anderson plans to focus on his flagship location at Midtown Promenade, open since 2005. Located in the Garden House, which was the former entry to the Botanical Garden, MetroFresh in the Garden opened in spring 2011, offering visitors breakfast, lunch and snack items to eat in or carry out. No word, yet, on a replacement restaurant. metrofreshatl.com/mf-in-the-garden/daily-menu.
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