Anchored by the Lindbergh MARTA station, Uptown Atlanta has not too long ago been present process a interval of intense redevelopment. The 47-acre mixed-use space has seen a number of closings prior to now few years, together with Longhorn Steakhouse, 5 Guys, Taco Mac, Seep, Wait Willis and Jimmy John’s, whereas main workplace tenants equivalent to Cricket Wi-fi are additionally shifting in. 26 Thai goes sturdy, and a few new eating places and retailers like Jouvert Caribbean Kitchen—which opened in April—are serving to to revitalize the area. Developer Rubenstein Companions, which purchased the property generally known as Lindbergh Metropolis Heart in 2019, introduced that El Gordo Taqueria, Bene Korean Steakhouse and Roundhouse Kickboxing, White Windmill Korean Bakery, Madre Selva Latin Restaurant and Commodore Barbers will be a part of the fold. Store to observe.
The Fats Man
From the household behind Barria El Gordo in Marietta comes a contemporary taqueria. The 75-seat restaurant, which opened in July, serves biriya made with proprietor Nestor Pineda’s household recipe. That is the beera that introduced fame to Beera El Gordo 4 years in the past. It is made out of scratch with a 25-ingredient dry chili marinade. The meat is boiled for 3 to 4 hours, then strained. It’s served in a scorching tortilla with melted cheese (quesabiria) together with cilantro-stuffed semolina.
However birea is only one ingredient in El Gordo. Specialty tacos embody the al pastor, minimize straight from the spit, and the picapiedra (“Flintstones” in Spanish), a hunk of pork stomach chicaron with guacamole, salsa, radishes and microgreens. “Specialty tacos are consolation meals in our household,” says Pineda. Burritos, tostadas, and sides like avenue corn and beans spherical out the menu.
The bar can be a spotlight, with a program constructed round cocktails utilizing Mexican whiskey, rum and agave spirits. Anticipate six flavors of margaritas with house-made juices. Even classics like quaint are “enhanced.” In El Gordo, it is made with corn liqueur and a twig of mezcal for a smoky taste. Beer and wine choices are restricted, with blended drinks taking precedence.
Meals and drinks will be ordered from the desk through QR code or on the bar. Come 10 p.m., a restricted late-night chew menu is offered with counter service and a DJ performs on weekend nights.
The area options daring murals and pure textures, in addition to hand-painted tiles imported from Mexico. Inside designer Liz Chinchilla was impressed by a visit to Guadalajara in 2021. “We wished to seize the texture of the stylish, industry-driven, energetic metropolis, bringing custom to the restaurant however giving it a contemporary twist,” she says.
Ben’s Korean Steakhouse
Lisa Kim lived in Korea for the primary 12 years of her life—and it made an impression. After shifting to america, he determined to develop up and share his tradition with Atlantans. He began his profession because the proprietor of a standard Korean restaurant in Doraville. Lately, he wished to provide Korean barbecue a extra upscale really feel. Bene Korean, which can host a grand opening celebration on August 10, is impressed by Gangnam Seoul. Kim describes it as fusion, because the chef, although Korean, additionally studied French delicacies. The result’s a primarily Korean barbecue menu with a twist on some atypical objects. For instance, there is a caprese salad with a candy soy glaze as an alternative of balsamic vinegar.
The 5,000 sq. foot restaurant has 25 tabletop grills in addition to 20 common tables. Those that don’t need meals ready at their desk can order from the kitchen and it will likely be served in scorching stoneware. A separate lunch menu that includes bibimbap contains kimchi, corn salad and rice for $9.99.
Kim mentioned the bar affords an “in depth” wine listing in addition to Korean and imported beers. The cocktail makes use of Asian components equivalent to yuzu and lychee. Hallabong (which tastes like candy orange citron) is pureed and served in martinis and highballs.
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