An inviting upscale urban eatery, Haven is a true breath of fresh air in the Atlanta dining scene. With a wine library and unbeatable Sunday night specials of any bottle on the list a mere $29, you know Haven is a hot spot for the successful professional 35+ crowd. Their menu changes seasonally to reflect fresh market buys, popular appetizers include Smoked Salmon Tostada and Pomegranite Glazed Short Ribs. Entrees as creative as Oxtail Agnolotti, and Lobster-glazed Halibut showcase a unique twist on Nouvelle Continental cuisine. The owners are hands on and often found seating guests. Service is prompt yet unobtrusive. This is one of my regular haunts as only a mile from home!

Haven
1441 Dresden Drive, Suite 160
Atlanta, GA 30319

“The Black Dahlia” -
Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, Hilary Swank

I actually turned this off about 2/3 of the way through. The sets and costumes were rich but the story line was pathetically tragic. Alone Eckhart is a true talent, Swank is one of the finest, and Johansson has promise, but Hartnett is way out of his league. I couldn’t follow this at all, and lost interest quickly, the star given is obligatory. Entirely missable even for home viewing.

“Notes from a Scandal” -
Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Cate Blanchett

One woman’s secret is another woman’s opportunity, how true. Dench is frighteningly brilliant in this, calculating, resourceful, conniving, and desperate in every sense. She is destined to win at any cost and feared enough never to be stopped. Blanchett is tragically pathetic, yet winsome, and truly likeable (essential for a heroine), Nighy is the perfect choice for her husband. He seems almost famous, very artsy, yet with an amazing capacity for heart and truth. I knew early on the challenges that lay ahead with the wanderings of a young teacher (Blanchett) with a host of hot blooded and even hotter headed young lads. There is something devilishly attractive about alleged innocence coupled with false bravado. Beware those you share your secrets with, it gives them so much power…

Voted Best American Bistro by Atlanta Magazine, Chef Kevin Rathbun has crafted a true dining establish for Modern American Cuisine. From the converted warehouse loft with exposed brick to the open kitchen exposing the inner workings of culinary talent, the design is another Bill Johnson success story. The food is unique with such delights as YaYa’s Eggplant Fries with Powdered Sugar, Mediterranean Mussels on Sourdough Toast, and Monkfish Picatta with Crispy Capers. Entrees, otherwise known as Big Plates, include a diversity such as Pan Sauteed Lemon Sole, Tarragon Roasted Chicken, and Braised Brisket in Smoked Tomato Jus Poblano Quesadillas. A well designed wine list compliments and showcases new and worthy opportunities. I’ve had the privilege of dining here with one or five and always had a great experience.

Rathbun’s
At the Stove Works
112 Krog Street, Suite R
Atlanta, GA 30307

“The Architect” -
Anthony LaPaglia, Viola Davis, Isabella Rossellini, Sebastian Stan, Paul James

When a disgruntled tenant shows up in his classroom, Architect Leo Waters (LaPaglia) has a first hand opportunity to learn about how his architecture failed its intended inhabitants even as it answered the dictates of low income housing. As the movie unfolds, Waters learns that his entire life is built on suppositions and theorems rather than closely studied reality and relationships. Rossellini is an odd choice in casting for his wife, they seem ill paired from the get go, but perhaps that was the intent. The story that truly steals the show is between Waters son (Stan) and a black tenant resident the same age (James). It is powerful to have a view of what an exterior and interior environment can truly summon forth both the good and evil. Interiors shape individual interiors!

This charming neighborhood bistro boasts a seasonally refreshed menu with a distinct Mediterranean influence. Operated by partners Mike Burdick and Robert Dreeshch (a fellow Cornell alumnus), this is one of my favorite spots any night of the week. They have a welcoming colorful atmosphere, a decadent bar with divine martinis and an extensive wine list. The menu is broad and delicious loaded with tapas such as Kibbeh – Moroccan Style Lamb Sausage with Roasted Garlic Hummus, Marinated Tomatoes,Grilled Flatbread and Cucumber Yogurt Sauce and Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio with Olive Truffle Tapenade, Grana Padano. Entrees include Tandoori Tilapia with Coconut Scented Rice, Yellow Curry, Scallions, Vine Ripe Tomatoes, and Lemon Mint Satsiki and Pan Roasted Australian Rack of Lamb with Red Bliss Potatoes, Artichoke Hearts, Haricots Verts, and Rosemary Infused Sauce. Conveniently located off Maple in the heart of Buckhead, they also have an inviting patio that is popular in warmer months for dining with friends, family or business associates.

Mosaic
3097 Maple Drive
Atlanta, GA
404-856-4722