Chai Pani street food
The Asheville-by-way-of-Mumbai Indian street food shop Chai Pani opened in Decatur last week in the former Watershed space. Meherwan Irani, who grew up near Mumbai and learned to cook from his mother, is the executive chef behind the concept and the menu. Meherwan’s wife, Molly, is in charge of the front of the house and the creative design. Look for signature dishes such as seasoned okra fries and spicy turkey “Sloppy Jai”, and a vibrant atmosphere that evokes Indian street scenes.
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Native in Decatur
Billed as “A Local Joint,” Native launched with a soft opening last weekend and a grand opening on Monday. Located in the former Garlic Thai space in Decatur, the menu is “classic seasonal, regional, American comfort food.” At lunch, that translates to soups, salads and sandwiches. At dinner, there’s stuffed flounder and “drunken brick oven duck.” The atmosphere is casual and homey, with cafe tables, a mosaic of repurposed cabinet doors on the walls, and a front porch facing Ponce.
Woodfire eat-and-great
On Monday, Woodfire Grill is hosting an "eat, meet and greet" event to introduce new executive chef Tyler Williams. Williams, who is taking over the kitchen where Top Chef favorite Kevin Gillespie came to fame, will prepare a five-course tasting menu and chat with guests during dinner. Highlights include duck fat-poached halibut, pheasant with root vegetables and lemon confit, and strawberry carpaccio with shaved foie gras. $70, plus tax, gratuity and wine pairings. Reservations beginning at 6 p.m. 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road, 404-347-9055, woodfiregrill.com.
Max Lager’s turns 15
Max Lager's, Atlanta's oldest brewery restaurant, is celebrating 15 years of business this week. The festivities include 1998 pricing, retro menu items and beer dinners. On Saturday, the 15th Year Beer Bash features live music by Jango Monkey, cask specials, complimentary appetizers and birthday cupcakes, and brew master John Roberts tapping his special anniversary creation, 3X5 Gran Cru. 320 Peachtree Street, 404-525-4400, maxlagers.com.
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