Watershed restaurant, an award-winning Southern-inspired eatery that pioneered the Decatur dining scene when it hung its shingle on a converted gas station 13 years ago, is re-locating to The Brookwood, a 219-unit, mixed-use condominium community located on Peachtree Street in the heart of the historic Brookwood neighborhood. The move will empower owners Ross Jones, Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers and Chef Joe Truex to realize their dream of growing the business with private dining, a patio and a wealth of parking.

They plan to maintain the integrity of the Watershed brand, including the inspired cuisine of acclaimed Chef Truex, while updating it with a modern sensibility reflective of the new location. Diners can expect to see General Manager Jones on the floor and Chef Truex in the kitchen of this Smith Hanes-designed 175-seat jewel. If you look at the photos above, the restaurant will be located on the right corner of the building. Click Here for More Photos & the Rest of the Feature

The wait is over! About a week ago, I went to TOMO Japanese Restaurant on the first night it was open. I couldn’t wait any longer! The restaurant is in the “soft opening” stage, but you will not be able to tell any difference. It feels like they have been open for years, and they have! (Just not at this location.) The new restaurant is slightly larger in size and now has a full bar and outdoor terrace, two things the last location lacked. It was definitely a good move to Buckhead!

The restaurant is located at the base of the new Ritz-Carlton Residences Buckhead. A gorgeous new condominium project just steps away from Atlanta’s best shopping! TOMO is a welcome addition to the Buckhead restaurant scene, so be sure to check it out. I think it’s the best sushi in Atlanta. Click Here for More Photos & the Rest of the Feature

I’ve been very patiently waiting for my absolute favorite sushi restaurant in Atlanta (TOMO Japanese Restaurant) to open at the new Ritz-Carlton Residences Buckhead. And finally we have some solid news regarding the transition from the current, soon to be previous, Vining’s location. Looks like we can expect a late October opening at the new location. Awesome!

This is the best kept secret for sushi in Atlanta. Everything TOMO serves is ultra-fresh, delicious and looks like a work of art (including their desserts). They have a really terrific saki menu as well, including a wonderful organic bottle which I have tried many times.

The last day you can dine at the Vining’s location is October 1st, so make sure you go before then. After TOMO moves out, a new owner will take over the space and open his own Japanese restaurant.

Check back here for updates!

Atlanta no longer plays a part in Tom Colicchio‘s restaurant plans. According to multiple sources, Craft & Craft Bar will close on February 14th. The chef still has Craft locations in Los Angeles, New York and Dallas.

“The restaurant’s agreement with the original owners of The Mansion on Peachtree, Mansion Centre Development LLC, was not assigned to the property’s new owners, 3376 Peachtree Rd – Atlanta LLC, when they took possession of the property in February 2010.

While efforts have been made by both parties to negotiate a new agreement, unfortunately, Craft and 3376 Peachtree Rd – Atlanta LLC could not agree on terms. The restaurant’s chef/owner Tom Colicchio is disappointed to be closing the doors and remains extremely proud of the Craft Atlanta team and all they have accomplished..”

There are a number of changes going on at the Mansion on Peachtree and the outparcel restaurant just seems to be another casualty. Inside the building, the former bar area has now been turned into casual dining. NEO is long gone and has been replaced with a large bar and stage – soon to get larger when they expand into the next room and enlarge the bar (drinking has become more popular and profitable).

Why would the new owners give the boot to a celebrity chef like Tom Colicchio? Seems like it would be to their advantage to have a notable chefs’ restaurant on the hotel property. Maybe the restaurant wasn’t very profitable? Maybe the space was too large? Challenging location? Why isn’t it moving to another Atlanta location?

It should be interesting to see what will take Craft’s place. It is a prime piece of Buckhead real estate and there are many people who drive by each and every day.

What are your thoughts on Craft and it’s pending closure?

The St. Regis Hotel Atlanta brings the year to a close with a really great selection of holiday offerings. Why not take some time to enjoy the hotel with your friends and family? Click Here for More Photos & the Rest of the Feature

Bistro Niko opened on November 5th at the base of Sovereign, the luxury condominium building with prices start at $1,000,000. Trying a new restaurant the first week it opens is always challenging, but I thought I would give it a try. Bistro Niko did not disappoint in service, interior design or the quality of food which was being served. I’m a tough foodie to impress and I don’t have much patience for bad service or so-so food. Click Here for More Photos & the Rest of the Feature