Main dish
Farm-to-table restaurant to open in Grayson
A new restaurant, Graft, will open this month in the former Still Waters Restaurant space in Grayson. This farm-to-table spot is named after horticultural grafting, the joining of two plants. Owner Ashley Clemence says at Graft Restaurant they hope to unite, or graft, food, wine and community.
The kitchen will be headed up by chef Blake Hargroder, who has worked at Two Urban Licks and with chefs including Richard Blais, Kevin Gillespie and Scott Serpas. Hargroder will rely on produce from local farmers to develop a seasonal menu, which will change about every three weeks. Initial offerings will include items like Brasstown Beef hanger steak with chorizo hash, Atlantic porgy with grilled scallops and citrus gremolata and a double-cut pork chop with white bean puree and snow peas.
In an effort to unite the food and wine, as the restaurant's name suggests, wine pairings will be offered for menu items. Clemence says she has curated a wine list that will help diners "re-experience their palates" with unique varietals and new food pairings. Graft will also offer house-infused cocktails and a select list of local craft beers at its copper-topped bar.
The 100-year-old structure which houses the restaurant has been renovated over the last eight months, exposing original wood and removing interior walls to create a larger dining space. Graft's side patio now seats close to 35 people and overlooks its edible landscaping, which includes a large fruit and vegetable garden.
Clemence says Graft is designed to be a "value-driven community restaurant" that offers Grayson an alternative to the franchise eateries that dominate the local dining scene.
4:30-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 4:30-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. 516 Grayson Parkway, Grayson. 770-338-9001, www.graftrestaurant.com. $$.
Bites
Chef Lance Gummere joins Bantam & Biddy team
Chef Lance Gummere recently vacated his post at The Shed at Glenwood to run the food and beverage program at Bantam & Biddy, Shaun Doty's upcoming fast casual chicken concept. Gummere will also manage all day-to-day operations at the new restaurant. Bantam & Biddy is slated to open in early October at Ansley Mall. www.bantamandbiddy.com.
Burger 21 locations coming to Alpharetta and Buford
Burger 21, a new concept started in Florida by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., will soon have locations in Alpharetta and Buford. The two franchise units will serve the concept's 21 burger combinations with burgers made of beef, chicken, shrimp, tuna and more. Burger 21 offers a range of gluten-free options developed in cooperation with the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). The restaurant's menu also includes a variety of signature shakes and retro floats. www.burger21.com.
Gravy
Celebrity Waiter Night ... STK, www.togrp.com
On Monday, Dan Uggla of the Atlanta Braves will host a celebrity waiter night at STK to benefit Uggla's Diamonds in the Rough Foundation, which helps provide resources to families in need. Be served by Braves players including Uggla, Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann, Martin Prado and more. The meal will include four courses with wine. Purchase tickets online: www.danuggla.org. $250. 7 p.m., July 16.
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