Author: Ligaya Figueras - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In addition to its natural appeal for the shared-plates crowd, the two-month-old restaurant’s timing is superb, as it joins buzzy restaurants nearby that include Tio Lucho’s, Southern Belle, Fishmonger and Colette Bread and Bakeshop. Ela is very much a neighborhood spot, but the food, drink and seasoned service also make it worth a drive.

Chef Kevin Gillespie has kept a tight lip about his forthcoming restaurant concept, Nàdair, since announcing it last December. Now, the venture is one month away from a targeted May 8 opening to coincide with the 11th anniversary of Gunshow, Gillespie’s celebrated restaurant in Glenwood Park.

Leslie Cohen and Shaun Whitmer of Firepit Pizza Tavern in Grant Park may be two gringos running a Latin restaurant, but with the lively atmosphere, diverse scratch menu and speedy floor staff at their new neighborhood restaurant Birdcage, they’re well on their way to creating an oasis for everyone.

Even though the team at Bovino After Dark in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood sometimes overly complicates dishes in the pursuit of deliciousness, the exciting thing about this venture is the unorthodox approach to a prix-fixe menu with no theme, the ad hoc nature of the endeavor and the fact that the rest of us are invited to experience the culinary arts in real time.

At a time when the walkers, joggers, strollers and scooters that clog the Eastside Beltline have more bar and restaurant options than ever, Dos Burros’ slow, steady approach to building a menu might enable it to become a regular stop along the trail.

Demetrius Brown and business partner Brandon Blanchard began hosting Heritage Supper Club, their Afro-Caribbean pop-up, in the evenings at Bread & Butterfly in Inman Park. By August, they had assumed ownership of the French bistro. Only six weeks into dinner service, the evolution from pop-up to grown-up is one to savor.

These days, the area west of Midtown is buzzing with high-quality restaurants where meals are like a performance. Little Sparrow has the potential to fly high, right alongside them.

Breaker Breaker has been open for just two months, but this Florida Panhandle-inspired fish shack and watering hole feels like it’s been a pit stop on the Eastside Beltline in Reynoldstown for much longer. You’ll find that chef Maximilian Hines has created a smart menu of snacks, fried platters, salads, sandwiches and house specialties that should appeal to both adults and kids.

The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena have announced chef, author and TV personality Gerry “G.” Garvin as the venue’s chief culinary officer.

New Summerhill restaurant Southern National, from Duane Nutter and Reggie Washington has a menu that features flavor-packed, globally inspired dishes with strong Southern roots.