Quick Bites: Woodfire Grill closing, chef changes at Last Word, and more

Atlanta restaurant news roundup

By Kate Abney Friday April 24, 2015 01:02 PM EDT

Photo by Matthew Smith Photography
Woodfire Grill will close on May 20.

Woodfire Grill will close next month at 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road, following more than 13 years serving Atlanta foodies. Though it has not attracted a sufficient number of patrons in recent months to support the cost of business (says owner Nicolas Quinones), its kitchen has played host to an array of top culinary talents, among them Kevin Gillespie, Tyler Williams, and Matthew Weinstein. The final dinner service will be held on May 20.

While co-chefs Matt Palmerlee and (the Four Coursemen supper club founder) Eddie Russell have both departed Old Fourth Ward restaurant Last Word (701 Highland Ave.), a new cuisinier has already come along to take over the kitchen. Departing Fred’s Meat & Bread and Yalla at Krog Street Market to assume her new executive chef role on April 28, Layla Walk brings with her extensive experience at such acclaimed eateries as King and Duke, Bella Cucina, and The Optimist. Look for her personal twist on Mediterranean cuisine in the coming weeks.

In case you missed it, the namesake of Ann’s Snack Bar at 1615 Memorial Drive, Ann Price, died last week at the age of 72, Atlanta INtown Paper first revealed. As the home of Atlanta’s infamous “ghetto burger”—named the best in America by the Wall Street Journal in 2007—it was equally renowned for its two-hour wait times. Have details about what will become of the burger joint or the real estate? Let us know in the comments.

Italian favorite Lavazza will reportedly open a cafe downtown at 200 Peachtree St., in a building also home to the Braves All-Star Grill and Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint. Marking only the third Lavazza outpost in the U.S. and slated to open by June, it should serve as a special treat for coffee fiends who live, work, or play downtown.

The Edgewood Kroger at 1225 Caroline Street will soon have its own on-site Starbucks kiosk, What Now Atlanta reports. Interestingly enough, the neighboring Target store also offers a cafe for Starbucks beverages. A timeline for opening has not yet been set. Details as they arise.

Chama Gaucha Brazilian steakhouse is now open at 3365 Piedmont Road (H/T to What Now Atlanta), replacing the much-talked-about Modern Bar and Restaurant that shuttered there two years ago. Visitors can enjoy a variety of skewered and grilled Brazilian meats like ribeye, “piranha” sirloin and, filet mignon, plus antipasti items like charcuterie, cheeses, and smoked fish.

Miso Izakaya and Le Fat chef/owner Guy Wong has plans to open Ponce City Market (675 Ponce de Leon Ave.) ramen, yakitori, and beverage bar, Ton Ton, by mid August. It will also serve signature cocktails and bottled beverages like beer and sake that patrons will be able to walk around the property. Additionally, Wong will open a simpler concept on the other end of the same food hall. The Ton Ton Sushi Kiosk will deliver a sashimi raw bar and sushi menu primarily suited for takeout. Meanwhile, Wong continues to work on Big Boss Chinese, his forthcoming Decatur restaurant at 312 Church St., plus a Mongolian grill and bubble tea cafe in the former Chow Baby space at 1016 Howell Mill Road.

Editor’s note: This post has been updated to correctly reflect the location of Last Word. The restaurant is in Old Fourth Ward.