What’s New

Sun Dried Restaurant & Lounge has opened on Sandy Plains Road in east Cobb County. The restaurant's mission is to serve "world cuisine" with "local seasonal produce and regional ingredients," said Cameroon-born chef/owner Alain Njike, who recently relocated to Atlanta from Chicago. Njike's background includes stints at Charlie Trotter's and the Peninsula Hotel. In 2012, Njike partnered with Israel Idonije, then with the Chicago Bears and now with the Detroit Lions, to open an African-inspired restaurant, Alain's, which closed its doors after only a few months in business. 2635 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 10, Marietta, 678-540-6642, sundried.us.

Chef David Sweeney leaves Cakes & Ale

"I've described my departure from employment with Cakes & Ale as peaceable," Sweeney said. Sweeney had been in charge of the lunchtime offerings at the Bakery at Cakes & Ale since chef/owner Billy Allin and his wife, Kristin, moved the restaurant to its current Decatur location in 2011. And recently, he initiated a small-plate menu at dinner Wednesdays-Saturdays. But on Sundays, you can still find Sweeney at the Grant Park Octane Coffee, where he presents a weekly menu of farmer-friendly "Fresh Market Bites." 437 Memorial Drive, Suite A5, Atlanta, octanecoffee.com.

Bantam Pub soft opening

Bantam Pub is set for a soft opening this week, co-owner John Osman said. The super small, bantam-size neighborhood bar and restaurant is located in a free-standing building on Ralph McGill Boulevard in the Old Fourth Ward. Like the space, the menu will be a little different, Osman says, with items such as pork “wings” and a shrimp hot dog. Look for plenty of craft beer and specialty cocktails, too. 737 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta, 404-223-1500.