Quick Bites: Communion Cantina closes to public, Bluetop opens in Chamblee, controversy over the former H. Harper Station building and more

Communion Cantina, the outdoor beer-and-taco garden behind Kevin Gillespie’s Revival in Downtown Decatur, is now open exclusively for special events. According to a press release, “an increased demand for parties at the outdoor space coupled with this summer’s unpredictable weather frequently caused the restaurant to be closed to the public.” By transitioning to private events, which guests can book by contacting the restaurant directly, Gillespie hopes to maximize use of the space and “alleviate disappointing guests who could not depend on a set schedule.” The space will also host regular Terminus City BBQ pop-ups.

The wait is over for Matt Marcus (Portofino) and Andy Lasky’s hotly anticipated “Americana fast casual” restaurant in Chamblee. Bluetop is set to open this week next to ZenTea (5362 Peachtree Rd.) The backyard patio looks inviting and we hear meats will be cooked up on KUDU grills. Cooler still is the use of a retrofitted 1969 Global Van Lines trailer as the kitchen.

The recently white-painted fa̤ade of the former H. Harper Station building in Reynoldstown has garnered some serious gripes on social media from local residents. New owner Michael Lennox of Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall plans to turn the space into two new restaurants, a “workingman’s tavern” called The Golden Eagle and a West Coast inspired quick-serve dubbed Muchacho. “Our decision to paint the exterior of the building was motivated by the intent to tell a clearer story with the overall space, while aiming to become a lasting gathering place in the community that can stand the test of time,” Lennox told the AJC in an in-depth piece covering the ongoing controversy.

Anthony Sanders, chef/owner of the Downtown diner Atlanta Breakfast Club (249 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW), will open a second restaurant this spring, called Good Food & Company, serving breakfast and lunch with a commitment to local growers and producers.

If you’re a local foodie, you may need to download a new app. Reserve, a table management and restaurant reservation technology platform, debuted yesterday, July 31, in Atlanta. Hot spots like Aria, upcoming Linton Hopkins steakhouse C. Ellet’s, Canoe, Double Zero, all Kevin Rathbun concepts and Noble Fin will now use the new service.

The St. Regis’ Atlas has a new menu for these hot summer nights. The three-course seasonal offerings are made from fresh ingredients sourced from local farms, and include items like summer melon gazpacho with seared scallops, pecan grilled rack of Border Springs lamb and raspberry hibiscus donuts with a pair of ice creams. Sit inside the dining room or on the outside patio for a $65 appetizer+entr̩e+dessert from executive chef Christopher Grossman. Wine or cocktail pairings are also available.

Jeff Myers and Travis Carroll of Oakhurst’s Dish Dive are “getting close” to opening their lastest concept, Dive Market, according to a recent Instagram post with a picture of the new signage. The Reynoldstown restaurant cum convenience store is expected to open by the end of the summer.