Quick Bites: Bon Ton remembers bartender Patrick Kuhen, Simon’s prepares Midtown debut, Miss Gogi and BlueTop now open and more

Food news round-up

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Photo credit: Chris Watkins
OYSTERS AND MORE: Simon's Restaurant opens Sept. 1 in Midtown.

Bon Ton celebrates the life of head bartender Patrick Kuhen on Mon., Aug. 28. Kuhen was killed last week when a driver who may have been impaired crashed into his motorcycle at a stoplight. The Bon Ton team says in a statement, “His generosity of spirit, and conscious honesty, obvious passion for life, and open nature inspired all of us. We were so very fortunate to have known him, even for such a short time and had looked forward to witnessing his evolution both professionally in the industry and personally as an amazingly alive human being.”

Heads up, Midtown. Simon’s Restaurant is set to open Fri., Sept. 1 at 793 Juniper St. N.E. Executive chef Allysa Storms will serve up Southern takes on American classics like grilled flank steak, pecorino fries, fried brie, chopped salad and grilled oysters. “The vibrant atmosphere and innovative menu are a natural fit for Midtown’s eclectic dining culture,” said Simon Guobadia, owner and CEO, in a press release. “The stylish culture and people coupled with the exciting evolution and development of the area are a great match for Simon’s Restaurant. We look forward to providing our guests with a memorable multi-level dining experience in this blossoming community.”

We’ve got some new Q in town! Loyal Q and Brew in Marietta (4880 Roswell Road) in in a soft-opening phase with a grand opening planned for Sept. 26. They’re serving lots of smoked meats from their two Texas smokers (called Harry and Lloyd) to go along with 23 beers on draft and a collection of 50+ bourbons. Executive chef Dan Nielson also has a lengthy list of salads and grain bowls.

And some old Q worth celebrating: Ten years ago this week, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q opened their doors, serving up Texas-style smoked goodness to the ATL masses. We’re going to celebrate with Frito pie and hope it’s burnt ends day. Congrats to the brothers, Justin and Jonathan Fox!

Korean barbecue concept Miss Gogi is now open at 6035 Peachtree Road in Doraville. Here, you can cook your meats DIY-style on angled, jade-covered grills that drain away fat for healthier feasting.

Goodbye, friend. Southern comfort food spot M572 on Tucker’s Main Street is closing its doors after brunch service this Sunday. The restaurant, named for the historic militia district where it stands, opened two years ago.

Thank you sir, may we have another? Fish Bowl Pok̩ is opening not one but TWO new locations. Restaurant veteran Mylinh Cao will expand in November to Toco Hill Shopping Center near Publix and open another location at the 12th & Midtown development: a dual Fish Bowl and Dua Vietnamese Noodle House that will serve pho, poke and other Vietnamese delights in the former Max’s Wine Dive space.

And another? Poke Bar, which opened its first location outside of California in Sandy Springs, signed its 12th Atlanta-area lease and will open soon in Inman Park (870 Inman Village Parkway).

Monday Night Brewing is about to turn six, and will mark the occasion with the debut of its brand new barrel-aging and souring facility in West End, dubbed the Garage. The new space will open Sept. 23 with a mega grand opening celebration stretched over two days and featuring a Nappy Roots concert, live bluegrass all day, games, tours, food carts and of course an extensive beer lineup.

Fast-casual concept BlueTop is now open in Chamblee at 5362 Peachtree Road. Executive chef Matt Marcus, formerly of Portofino, will be cooking up contemporary spins on American classics, like lobster corn dogs and confit sloppy joes.

Need to get groceries but don’t feel like leaving the house? You’re in luck. Grocery delivery service Instacart will expand throughout the Atlanta area this week to serve an additional 495,000 households throughout Dekalb County and beyond. Residents will be able to order from retailers like Publix, Whole Foods Market, Costco, Petco and CVS, with items delivered straight to their doorsteps in as little as one hour.

Aug. 27 is National Burger Day and many Taste of Atlanta restaurants are gearing up to celebrate. Try 5Church’s Lamb Burger, Seed Kitchen & Bar’s Merchant Burger, the General Muir’s Burger Stack or Public School 404’s PS Burger to gear up for the big Taste of Atlanta event, Oct. 20-22.

Gunshow’s Sept. 10 Hired Guns event with “Top Chef” alumni Kristen Kish is sold out, but tickets are still available via live auction. Opening bids start at a hefty $250, but all proceeds benefit Boston-based charity Future Chefs, which prepares youth for culinary careers.