The Ritz-Carlton’s Atlanta Grill rebrands, and Manuel’s Tavern reopens after a months-long refresh

AG’s Baked Alaska

After 17 years of traditional steakhouse service, Atlanta Grill (now AG) in The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta is shaking things up a bit. Don’t worry; they didn’t do anything crazy. You’ll still get a menu of USDA prime grilled steaks and fresh seafood, but Executive Chef Josh Fryer did spice it up a with dishes of roasted bone marrow, a smoked brisket sandwich and a Southern fried chicken doughnut. No steakhouse dinner would be complete without a beverage.

Sommelier Brian White has curated a wine list that’s complex and deep, and Diego Gentili’s new cocktail program is banking on the classics made with the best ingredients and a high-tech ice program with different varieties—think crushed, infused and carved straight off the block.

AG
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
181 Peachtree St., 30303
404.221.6550
ritzcarlton.com

Photo: Sandra Platten

It’s been just shy of a year since the iconic Manuel’s Tavern closed its doors for a major overhaul and renovation. But the beer is flowing again, and doors are open for the first time since December 27, 2015, just in time to celebrate 60 years as a Poncey-Highland mainstay. Regulars weren’t so sure this day would come after Green Street properties purchased the bar earlier this year from owner Brian Maloof, son of late founder Manuel Maloof. But the long closure was worth it; the much needed facelift added new bathrooms, fine-tuned the layout, leveled out the floors and exposed the original ceiling of the 100-plus-year-old building.

What remained intact is the charm. Much of the original memorabilia— those signs, paintings, posters and buttons—are all back in their original spots. So are the old booths. And Manuel’s cremains are again behind the bar. For sure, the one thing that will always stay the same is the legacy of this place. It’s a longtime favorite of political junkies and heavyweights such as President Barack Obama and, most recently, Bill Clinton, who stopped by while campaigning for Hillary. It’s as if nothing changed. Almost.

Manuel’s Tavern
602 N. Highland Ave.
30307
404.525.3447
manuelstavern.com

Food News

Edgar’s Proof and Provision in the Georgian Terrace Hotel named James Wampler (above) as its new head mixologist in early September. Wampler was previously head bartender, lead mixologist and manager at Muss and Turner’s hidden bar, Eleanor’s, where he worked for three years.
Edgar’s Proof and Provision
659 Peachtree St., 30308
404.897.5045
proofandprovision.com

Chef Deborah VanTrece is moving her Decatur soul food restaurant, Twisted Soul, to West Midtown. The restaurant also is changing its name to Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours when it opens, slated for late November.
Twisted Soul
Cookhouse & Pours
1133 Huff Road, 30318
deborahvantrece.com

Lure has added a new quick-service “Catch & Release” lunch menu for the busy working crowd in Midtown. Dishes of smoked trout salad with pecan vinaigrette, shrimp and crab gumbo, the Lure patty melt and skate schnitzel are all $12 and include a soda, tea or coffee.
Lure
1106 Crescent Ave., 30306
404.817.3650
lure-atlanta.com

Just in time for more alfresco-friendly temps, City Winery’s outdoor patio is now open at Ponce City Market. The laid-back area is available to dogs and their humans after 5 p.m. daily for food, live music and cocktails.
City Winery Atlanta
Ponce City Market
650 North Ave., 30308
404.946.3791
citywinery.com/atlanta

STORY: Sarah Gleim