Quick Bites: Mason Tavern opening, The Pig & The Pearl's new chef, and more
Food news round up
- Dustin Chambers/CL File
- KILLER CONCOCTIONS: This year's Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival raised more than $80,000 for the Giving Kitchen and Georgia Organics.
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Helmed by executive chef Jason Hall, formerly of Max's Wine Dive, and in collaboration with Concentrics Restaurants, Mason Tavern will open by the end of this month at 1371 Clairmont Road. Located in the space once occupied by the short-lived Scoreboards Bar and Grill, Mason Tavern’s menu will feature neighborhood tavern fare like chicken pot pie and an American cheeseburger with Russian dressing on a brioche bun.
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Chef Brian Carson, formerly of 4th & Swift and Gunshow, has taken over as top toque at The Pig & The Pearl.
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Ford Fry’s team shared some deets from last Sunday’s Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival: More than 900 attendees raised over $80,000 for The Giving Kitchen, a non-profit that aids restaurant workers in crisis, and Georgia Organics. Judges’ Choice for Best Cocktail went to David Durnell (Bocado, Amer) for the Cherry Bomb while Judges' Choice for Best Dish went to King + Duke's EJ Hodgkinson and 5 & 10's Jason Zygmont for their smoked tomato tartine. Eduardo Guzman (JCT. Kitchen & Bar, The Optimist, Marcel) won People’s Choice for Best Cocktail with his Cherokee Purple concoction, and Adam Waller of Bocado won People's Choice for Best Dish with his Acapulco tomato and rock shrimp cocktail.
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J&J Bourbon Bar and Grill (772 N. Highland Ave. N.E.) is now open in the former Belly General Store space. J&J offers a spread of 100 whiskeys, breakfast and lunch service, and a late-night menu served until 3 a.m. on weekends.
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Under the Cork Tree, a "wine-centric Mediterranean inspired restaurant” featuring Tangine, a wood-fired oven, and sous vide prepared cuisine, is slated to open later this year. Under the Cork Tree will occupy the space of shuttered Japanese steakhouse Joli Kobe at the Prado in Sandy Springs
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More brew news from Athens. Pauley’s Crepe Bar, a popular Athens hangout spot for UGA students, is opening a resto on Atlanta’s Westside at 935 Marietta Street next month. Located on the same strip as acclaimed restaurant Le Fat, Pauley’s will have 170 rotating craft beers, with 30 of them on tap, as well as a robust wine selection and classic cocktails.