This is the saga that never ends, Changians. Elusive chef Peter Chang just keeps stirring up trouble in our restaurant-heavy ’ville. While he has indeed leased the former Wild Greens space with the intention to open his own restaurant (tentatively named Peter Chang’s China Grill, as noted in an ABC license request), recent news indicates he may not settle here full-time. Here’s the story:
Back in September, Restaurantarama dispelled rumors that Chang had leased the former Asian Buffet building on 29N. Then we cited a report from Atlanta Cuisine that stated Chang’s plans to open an eatery down south instead. A few weeks ago, we received confirmation from Stuart Biel, the leasing agent for Federal Realty who handled the Wild Greens deal, that Chang planned to open his second Charlottesville spot in early 2011.
Recently, Access Atlanta published an interview with Chang himself, during which he clears up some rumors about where he’s opening his next restaurant. He says his involvement in Charlottesville’s restaurant will be limited to training its staff. “I will not physically be in Charlottesville,” he tells AA, “but consult student chefs there and impart techniques to them.” He says he’ll return a few times a year, but that he’s working on opening three more restaurants in Atlanta. Sounds like he’s singing a familiar tune: As followers of this story know, Chang opened Taste of China early this year, then left suddenly after the operation was up and running.
Atlas, mugged
Good things come in small packages. At least, that’s what you’d have to believe if, like Ruth Ellen Outlaw and her three business partners, you were about to open a coffee shop in a 400 square-foot space. Atlas Coffee, which should be open mid-January if all goes according to plan, is an extracurricular project for Outlaw, who owns a local design company.
Located next to Guadalajara in the former Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service space, Atlas will resemble a European espresso bar, with special drinks, natural sodas and locally baked pastries.
Down in the dumplings
There’s one Downtown, one on the Corner and, says owner Dragana Katalina-Sun, Marco & Luca has opened a third location in Seminole Square Shopping Center. Situated behind Hampton Inn at 176 Zan Rd., the new spot is a bit larger and Katalina-Sun says her husband, Sun Da, plans to have live music and entertainment and is toying with the idea of adding Dim Sum to the restaurant’s offerings. Is your mouth watering yet?
Enoteca update
Two weeks ago, Restaurantarama hinted that enoteca would undergo a shift come 2011. Says the restaurant’s general manager Julian Belvedere: That’s not just a rumor. Enoteca is “definitely changing concepts,” he says. “New Year’s Eve is our last night.”
Belvedere says said concept is yet to be determined, but that it will remain a people-oriented restaurant scene.