Quick Bites: Craft Izakaya set to become Makimono, Bullgogi opens in Decatur, and more

Food news round-up

Photo credit:

Craft Izakaya, one of Krog Street Market’s anchor restaurants, will become a “fast-casual, take-away sushi bar” named Makimono. Craft will close this Sun., Jan. 15, and open in a much smaller footprint as Makimono on Wed., Jan. 18. Executive chef Jey Oh will stay on and offer eight chef-driven sushi rolls — made by two sushi roll machines, customizable sushi rolls, rice bowls, and Japanese and Korean ice cream bars. The dining area will become seating for the market, and

Second Self is bringing its cocoa and vanilla Valentine’s Day brew, Bleeding Heart, back for a third year. The red velvet cake-inspired beer can be found on tap and packaged at local bars, restaurants, and shops from mid-January and through February.

The former Seven Hens on N. Decatur Road is now Bullgogi, a Korean street food spot. Bullgogi (2140 N. Decatur Road) features Korean and poke rice bowl dishes. The concept is the brainchild of James Baek, who developed Teriyaki 101, Sumo Hibachi, and other Asian-centric eateries.

Mani Roy, owner of 90s star magnet Touch of India and most recently Desi Spice, has sold Desi Spice and is retiring from the restaurant business, according to the Saporta Report. Roy became known around Atlanta for serving celebrities and politicians, including Janet and Jermaine Jackson, Ted Turner, Jane Fonda, the Rolling Stones, Diana Ross the DaLai Lama, and Desmond Tutu. The new owner of Desi Spice will keep the same name, menu, and chef.

Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, one of Atlantic Station’s OG restaurants, closed earlier this month.

Cast Iron has hired a new beverage director. Michelle Louise Bird has replaced opening beverage director Bradford Tolleson at the new O4W bistro. Bird has had previous bar gigs at Kimball House, Leon’s Full Service, Empire State South, and Revival.

CPA Lewis Jeffries has filed plans with the city of Atlanta for an “upscale, southern-themed social club” with 10 local craft beers on tap and classic cocktails at 660 Irwin St. CL previously reported that Jeffries would be opening Lingering Shade, a beer garden, at Irwin Street Market. He told the Atlanta Business Chronicle things are “not quite ready and still under development.”