Omnivore - Where to dine when you’re downtown and terrified

• http://stonemountain.patch.com
• Karen Patton

Stone Mountain Patch.com reports on the soon-to-open Sweet Potato Cafe. Chef/owner Karen Patton’s restaurant will seat 49 and feature farm-to-table cooking...including a helluva lot of sweet potato dishes. Check the menu on the restaurant’s site...

How exclusive is Angus beef?....

Ouch. The News-Leader.com’s latest travel column includes a head about visiting downtown Atlanta and its restaurants. The writer cites Neighborhood Scout’s inclusion of four Atlanta neighborhoods among the most dangerous in America last year. And what does he recommend for dining downtown? No comment:

One thing I would recommend in Atlanta is the Sun Dial Restaurant, on the 73 floor of The Westin Peachtree Plaza, 210 Peachtree St. You’ll need reservations for dinner, which is very upscale. Every table in this rotating restaurant offers panoramic views. Check out their menu online: sundialrestaurant.com

There is also a bar, so you can stop in for a cocktail, listen to live jazz and see amazing views of the city. If you just want a drink, call in advance and ask when they are least busy or go on an off night.

The Knoxville News Sentinel recently featured a story about Hector Santiago of Pura Vida, in anticipation of his participation in a Sept. 23 food event. He talks a good bit about his experience as a Top Chef participant and his decision to walk away from the offer to participate in season four.