Quick Bites: Fox Bros [almost] gets robbed, A Mano to open in Old Fourth Ward, ‘Food Grails’ comes to ATL and more

More fresh pasta is coming soon to Old Fourth Ward. A Mano, meaning “by hand” in Italian, opens this Friday at the corner of Glen Iris and Ralph McGill Blvd. (587 Ralph McGill Blvd.) Owner George DeMeglio recently posted the liquor license on Facebook, and promises a menu of classic Italian pasta and Southern-inspired dishes. Salute!

Fox Bros Bar-B-Q has been stealing our hearts with their smoky BBQ for years. Last night, a trio of thieves tried to steal the spoils of the popular Dekalb Avenue business. At 3:56 a.m., criminals entered the restaurant with a crowbar, went straight for the very heavy safe, and pulled away with it in their car. Luckily, a neighbor called in suspicious activity and by 7:15 a.m., Zone 6 APD had recovered both the safe and the vehicle in Zone 3. It was back in the restaurant by 7:30. The same car was used in attempted break-ins of Fox Bros twice over the last couple of months. “We are VERY thankful to APD Zone 6 as well as Zone 3 for their quick work this morning and retrieving our safe and hopefully working towards catching up with those responsible for this crime,” Jonathan Fox told Creative Loafing by email.

There is a new top toque at Midtown’s Ecco. Fifth Group Restaurants appointed Brent Banda as executive chef. Banda comes with previous experience at Lure and La Tavola. As he puts his twist on the menu, be comforted that the fried goat cheese balls remain.

First We Feast’s popular YouTube series “Food Grails” explores local culinary specialties that represent the true spirit of a city. Next Weds., July 12, the finale episode finds music journalist Miss Info chowing down on the Atlanta phenomenon of lemon pepper wet wings with rappers Rick Ross and Waka Flocka and writer Rembert Browne at local gems like J.R. Crickets and Magic City.

If you’re looking for BBQ in Westside, you’ve got a fresh option. Florida-based 4 Rivers Smokehouse is now open at 822 Marietta St. NW, serving brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, burnt ends, smoked turkey and all the fixins.

Ever wanted to groove to the sweet sounds of Spiller Park’s morning buzz mix after drinking your latte? You are in luck! Ponce City Market has launched its own music channel on Spotify. Playlists are free for users. CL staff might currently be dancing to the sweet Latin grooves of El Super Pan’s “Placita” playlist.

Tomorrow (Thurs., July 6) is National Fried Chicken Day, says whoever invents these holidays. Chef Linton Hopkins is celebrating with mini fried chicken cones dressed with frim fram sauce. Pick up complimentary offers during lunch and dinner at Ponce City Market’s Hop’s Chicken. Find more local offers and events here.

In other fried chicken news, opening night is right around the corner for Chef Marc Taft’s FEED Fried Chicken + Such at the Battery at SunTrust Park. This joint will serve fried chicken and savory sides in a fast-casual atmosphere.

Buckhead’s Southern Art and Bourbon Bar (3315 Peachtree Rd.) has revamped its menu for summer, including a ros̩ themed wine and cocktail series. Chef Joseph Trevino’s menu showcases regionally sourced ingredients including croque madames, Southern fried lobster tail, coconut key lime cheesecake, grilled honey peaches and a pink gin fizz.

There is a new brunch option in town. The Buckhead outpost of Eclipse di Luna begins brunch this Sun., July 9 at 11 a.m. serving Spanish-style tapas ???til 4 p.m. Huevos Benedicto with poached eggs, crispy Serrano ham and saffron hollandaise and Spanish-style French toast are served along with live Latin music, half-off bottles of wine and bottomless mimosas beginning at noon.

Four bartenders are vying for the title of International Bartender of the Year at next month’s Tales of the Cocktail and one of them is Umi’s Creative Director Shingo Gokan. The winner will be announces July 22^nd at the spirits conference held in New Orleans.

Taco Mac knows how to celebrate summer with friends. New 60-ounce pitchers of cocktails for sharing are available now through September at all locations for $29.99 each. Our food crew is ready to stick straws in the Sail Away Typhoon with spiced rum, Solerno, black cherry, pineapple juice and fresh squeezed lime.