"Atlanta" news and stories

Atlantans who have developed a craving for the signature Hen-of-the-Woods mushrooms at Tom Colicchio's Craft will soon be left to forage for themselves. Colicchio has announced that he will close the Atlanta outposts of both Craft and Craftbar in early 2011 -- reportedly on Valentine's Day, no less.

The restaurant titan and head judge of Top Chef expanded his empire to Atlanta's tony Buckhead area just two years ago, and the city enthusiastically embraced Colicchio's philosophy of celebrating "the very best local and artisanal ingredients prepared simply and executed to perfection," which he had debuted at Craft's first incarnation in New York in 2001. Craft Atlanta received raves from local critics, including four-star reviews in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Alas, this must just be another of those casualties of a bum economy, right? Not so, according to the Journal-Constitution's website. It seems the bald and burly chef was no match for his new landlords, and the two sides couldn't reach an agreement to keep Craft and Craftbar in their current location, across from the Mansion on Peachtree hotel.

It may be more of a loss for Atlanta than Colicchio. After all, his burgeoning empire still includes New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Las Vegas. Who knows where he'll pop up next?

Photo: theporterbeerbar.com

A weekly look at the draft selection in beer-friendly bars across the country.

When Molly Gunn and her husband, Nick Rutherford, served their first pint at The Porter fifteen months ago, they had done more than just open a new beer bar and restaurant: They were opening up a new part of Atlanta, GA, to delights of craft beer and microbrews.

"We're very lucky there is another bar near here called The Brick Store that is super committed to craft beer and small beers," says Gunn. "They paved the way for us, but they are in a totally different neighborhood."

Realizing the growing demand for great beer throughout the Atlanta area, The Porter seemed to fit a niche in their part of town. A number of local bars featured a few crafts on tap, but none offered a selection as robust as theirs, featuring over 30 taps and 300 bottles.

The response has fit their expectations: "It's been great. We've definitely found that beer is recession proof. People still want to drink and it's a less expensive option than wine." Then, with a laugh she adds, "You still want to drown your sorrows."

Though the words "African food" might conjure spongy, expanding-in-the-tummy Ethiopian bread or the heavy bobotie that resembles a creamier version of moussaka, it's not all like that.

Indeed, gaze upon the malva above: Similar to a milky tres leches cake-- sweet, with a puddle of creme anglaise -- the traditional South African dessert made at Brooklyn, New York's Madiba is every bit as delectable as it looks. It's a fine way to raise a fork to South Africa's Freedom Day -- their 15th anniversary of democratic voting.

Other eateries featuring the country's cuisine include Los Angeles' sporty mini-chain Springbok and Atlanta's sexy-looking 10 Degrees South, where diners indulge in what one reviewer declared "perfectly spiced ostrich." So although that bird -- perfectly-spiced or otherwise -- may not be what you're craving this spring, who could resist a slice of this cake? Not us.

The Waffle House, a bastion of cheap breakfasts and surprisingly great waffles, now has a reason other than tasty food to be in the news. Musician Kid Rock got a little rowdy in an Atlanta-area Waffle House Saturday night after a show, beat up a male customer (with the help of five of his groupies) and got sent to jail for his actions. Apparently the man they bloodied knew a woman who was with Kid Rock's party. They exchanged words, it got heated and Kid and his friends just got involved in order to defend her virtue. Or something like that.

Let's hope this doesn't sully the reputation of the esteemed Waffle House, as they really do serve of one of the better chain diner breakfasts available. I recently ate one in Hellertown, PA (the morning after a very raucous wedding reception) and was delighted by the awesomeness of the food.

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Fans of Paula Deen will no doubt be excited to learn that she plans to take her show on the road, quite literally, as she kicks off a national tour this summer.

The show, Paula Deen Live, will be broadcast in 2-hour segments and is scheduled to visit Shreveport, Charlotte, Nashville, Dallas and Atlanta beginning this summer.

As always, Paula will cook some of her favorite Southern recipes, as well as answer questions and share tips about getting families involved in the preparation of meals.

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