Here to Serve is Closing Shop

Restaurants owned by the Here to Serve group have suddenly ceased operations.  All of these include:   Coast Seafood and Raw Bar, Noche, Prime, Shucks, Smash, Strip, and Twist. The company previously closed Shout, Goldfish, and Aja in the last year.  This is apparently related to rental disputes with Phipps and Lenox.  Unfortunately hundreds are without jobs suddenly.  Restaurants around Atlanta are opening their doors to potential employees from Here to Serve. Many jobs are being posted on Twitter with the hashtag #H2S2WORK.

*Update 10/9/15 Former employees file lawsuit and get partial paycheck

Zagat's 10 Best Happy Hours and Drink Deals in Atlanta

This list from Zagat was published on Monday.  Pronounced "Za Gawt".  The Pinewood that was mentioned here yesterday made the list for their "Whiskey Wednesday's".  I think the Ra Sushi specials sound like a good deal and with so many people working in Midtown there should be a crowd.  3-7 every day but Sunday.  Can you think of any other good ones Zagat forgot?

Here's the list:  Zagat List

Neighborhood Discounts? Yay it's about time!

Mason Tavern is a new restaurant owned by Concentrics Group (The Folks behind  ONE. midtown kitchen, TWO urban licks, TAP, PARISH, The Spence, Lobby Bar & Bistro, ROOM at TWELVE located in Decatur.  It's not in Decatur Square but more Emory area by N. Decatur and Clairmont.  It's been on my list to try out and they also apparently have Trivia Night on Tuesday.  Love the 10% off for locals!

Pinewood's Whiskey Wednesday

Something worth checking out tomorrow is the Pinewood's Whiskey Wednesday.  Follow them on Instagram as well for yummy food and cocktail specials. This is an example of what some of their drinks are like for their whiskey Wednesday. The "Goonies Never Die" is phenomenal. Has a ginger candy in it!  I'm hoping that they still do their taco Tuesdays too because that was yum as well. I'll be here more now that it's getting cold out. Something about whiskey and that Bolognese. See you there.

More info:  www.pinewoodtr.com

Decatur Restaurant Week October 4-8

It's started people!  My favorites are Iberian Pig, The Pinewood and 246.  There's a few new ones I want to check out too.  See the full list, along with their special menu here.  Click the link below each restaurant icon:

http://www.decaturrestaurantweek.com/

Princi Italia

This new spot in Midtown has only been open a month or two but I have already hit it up A LOT for lunches.  The address reads 77 12th street but it is really facing Crescent Avenue across from Ri Ra the Irish pub.  Quaint little bar, really bright and airy, great decor.  Apparently they are affiliated with another Princi out of Texas.  I have tried numerous items on the menu and these are my favs through trial and error:

• Bucatini Arrabbiata spicy tomato sauce, pancetta, parmesan, basil & chilies
• Spaghetti Bolognese classic bolognese sauce, reggiano parmesan, basil 
• Lemon Sole Piccata (special) crab meat, stewed tomato & zucchini 
• Wood Oven Shrimp baby greens, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, balsamic
• 3 Cheese Flatbread goat cheese, gorgonzola, reggiano  (not too cheezy)

Never tried this for dinner but I can see it being a hit with it's location.   Good service, parking validated (bring in ticket, the garage is attached and is on 12th).

Good news at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall

As an "Intowner" I love anything on The Beltline.  I was so excited to see this place open because you can bike there, it's close and they allow dogs on the patio.  It's located on John Wesley Dobbs which is a side street off of Sampson.  It's walking distance from Krog Street Market.  The service and food needed some kinks worked out.  Well I am happy to report I finally had a yummy meal here!   Check these out sometime (highlighted straight from the menu):  
smoked bbq wings / served with blue cheese
spinach & crispy ham / pine street ham, candied nuts, imperial blue, white balsamic
roasted cauliflower / artichoke heart, marcona almonds, beet puree
patatas bravas / smashed potatoes, cayenne, smoked paprika, creme fraiche

BTW Large TV at the bar for football fans