Every Friday Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series called Foodie Friday.

I don’t have a lot of restaurants to report on this month, but what I have to talk about is a potential game changer in the Alpharetta/Milton restaurant scene.

Grand Champion BBQ – Crabapple

This strip mall barbecue joint in east Cobb (with a Roswell address) has managed to catch a lot of attention in the short time they’ve been open. Many put them among the best barbecue in all of metro Atlanta. And based on the few times I’ve made the trek down to Shallowford Road, I’m not going to argue. These guys are selling barbecue that is almost competition caliber.

Grand Champion will open their second location at 12635 Crabapple Road, in the same shopping center as Sip and Erwoods. Their arrival will rock the Milton/Alpharetta barbecue scene. If you think ‘Cue, Swallow at the Hollow or Smokejack are good then you really need to try these new kids. Look for an opening this summer. Follow them on Twitter (@GCBBQ) or their webpage www.gcbbq.net.

Kabab & Wraps – Milton

It didn’t take these guys long! They officially opened on May 9th in a strip mall at the corner of Webb and Morris Roads in Milton. Look for cheap Indian/Pakistani food in a buffet setting.

Alfresco – Alpharetta

This family-operated pizzeria has finally opened. Look for them on the corner of Main Street and Old Milton Parkway near downtown Alpharetta. Seems like some nice folks running the shop here. I’ve only been once and need to return to sample the rest of the menu. If you’ve tried Alfresco, leave me a comment and let me know what you thought!

AMC Theater – North Point Mall

AMC Theaters will be moving their North Point Parkway theater to the vacant Parisian space in the mall. I’d heard rumors that it would be them but it became official this week.

It will be interesting to watch the south end of North Point Parkway over the next few years. AMC’s departure will leave a big hole. There is vacant restaurant space where Champps used to be and Regal is moving to Avalon.

Harry’s Farmers Market – Upper Hembree

With Avalon’s approval it seems that Alpharetta will get a new Whole Foods at the development. The company plans to close their Harry’s Farmers Market location on Upper Hembree Road and convert it to offices and a distribution facility.

Grecian Gyro – Johns Creek

This will be the first franchise location for this small chain of gyro shops. They’ve got stores in Hapeville, Tucker, Forest Park and soon this location in the mixed-use development of Johns Creek Walk. Check out their decent little blog with updates on the buildout.

Haiku Sushi Steakhouse – North Point

Haiku from Roswell
where Yamato used to be,
but is this space cursed?

Restaurants Coming Soon

Meat and Potatoes Kitchen & Bar - Johns Creek in the old Rio Bravo/Star Diner space.
The Velvet Note - Tiny food and music venue coming soon to Old Milton.
Joe’s NY Pizzeria - Buildout has started for their location at 1605 Mansell Road.
Pollo Tropical - Alpharetta’s Planning Commission recommended denial of their proposed drive-thru restaurant at Haynes Bridge and the mall entrance. The city council will ultimately decide, but it isn’t looking good for these guys. However a Johns Creek location is still in the works.
Uncle Madio’s Pizza - I’m moving this to “rumor” status. Someone close to the restaurant chain told me they were looking at the old K-Cafe location on Windward. But I’ve seen no other activity with this new restaurant.
Tassa Carribean Express - Old Milton Parkway in the Brookside area.
Chipotle - Coming soon to Haynes Bridge between the mall and GA400, next to the proposed Pollo Tropical.
Blind Murphy’s Beer - Growler store coming to Main Street in downtown Alpharetta.
Romeo’s NY Pizza - Opening in the old Pizza Vito location in Crabapple.
Mirko Pasta - Opening in Johns Creek, State Bridge and Medlock Bridge.
Carrabbas - Construction has started on their new location at the Avenue Forsyth. Look for them on an outparcel between Chick-Fil-A and Red Robin.

Retail Coming Soon

Cutters Cigar Emporium - Coming soon to Windward next to Qdoba.
Walmart Neighborhood Market - A new grocery-only version of Walmart to open at 11770 Haynes Bridge Road behind Alpha Soda.
Regal Theaters - Moving from North Point Parkway to the new Avalon project.

Every Friday, Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series I like to call Foodie Friday.

Another year of Taste of Alpharetta is behind us. The weather was perfect, much cooler and less humid than in years past. The downtown setting was also neat at the beginning of the event. It was nice to stroll the streets of downtown at a leisurely pace. I saw some homeowners along Old Roswell Street sitting on their porches for some people watching.

But by 7:00 the event was crazy. Milton Avenue was elbow to elbow and almost impassable. The narrow streets of downtown couldn’t handle the crowds that were accustomed to four lanes of Old Milton Parkway. But nevertheless the event went off well. Kudos to the city for all their efforts.

I tried to hit newer restaurants this year along with a few favorites. Here are my notes from the evening. Leave me a comment and let me know what you thought!

Bite

They brought a short rib taco, something I don’t think is on the menu. It was pretty good but a little wet and mushy. And as I had hoped, the mole braised pork made an appearance. They served it as a sandwich with cole slaw and a pickled onion. Delicious stuff.

Breadtime

It was great to see a crowd in front of their booth. They offered a lot of variety last night which should drive some business their way. I had, as the Germans call it, weisswurst or white sausage. I’ve eaten this stuff in Munich but never in the states. I didn’t care for the curry sauce on top but it was still very good.

Wildflour

Disappointing. They had spot number one, right as you walk in. Yet even with this prime space they were an hour late setting up. Once they did they only had chicken salad and cookies. I expect better from these guys.

Miltons

I’m also a little disappointed in this Taste of Alpharetta favorite. They were offering fried chicken but couldn’t make it fast enough. I went back several times but they never had any.

Alpine Bakery

For only three tickets folks were walking away with huge slices of cake including red velvet. I dropped two tickets on a cheesecake sample but was underwhelmed. If you’re expecting a dense cheesecake, don’t look for it here.

The Counter

They were set up real close to competitor Smashburger. I liked the grilled slider I tried here. Bursting with flavor, juicy and FAR cheaper than what you’d pay at their over-priced restaurant on Mansell Road.

Madras Chettinaad

The former Minerva Indian buffet doesn’t get enough attention at this event. They always cook a lot for Taste of Alpharetta as their cuisine lends itself well to an event like this. I found my mango lassi to be a refreshing drink towards the end of my evening.

Every Friday, Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series I like to call Foodie Friday.

Alpharetta’s humongous restaurant festival is almost upon us. On Thursday May 10th the city’s population will expand (as well at its waist) as tens of thousands of foodies descend upon downtown. And yes, I said downtown! This year the event has moved from the Will Park area where it lived for several years. I suppose with all the attention on reviving Alpharetta’s downtown scene, bringing the city’s biggest festival down there wouldn’t hurt.

I usually write this article ahead of the event to highlight a few restaurants I want to try. This year I’m going to focus on new restaurants that have opened since this time last year. I’m happy to see many of them planning booths at the festival. Here’s where I would spend a few tickets.

Breadtime - This mom and pop German bakery is going to time their grand opening to coincide with Taste of Alpharetta. Smart move. I’m a huge fan of this place and it’s killing me not to write more about them. They asked me not to write a review until they officially open.

I’m not sure what Breadtime is bringing to the event. But whatever it is I’m sure it’s worth your tickets. Their sandwiches are awesome as is their pasta.

Dal Cuore - It took owner Jon Agri a few tries to find a restaurant concept that fit here. Dal Cuore has attracted a loyal following with their “humble” cooking in a city awash with above-average Italian restaurants. If you have not tried this small restaurant then you ought to try a sample at the festival.

Bite - If you followed me on twitter (@rootsalpharetta) during last year’s event then you know what I’m about to talk about. A popular item at Taste of Alpharetta has always been braised pork in a taco or slider. It’s everywhere and rather boring. However, if Bite chooses to make this then you should buy two of them. Their mole-braised pork taco is amazing – by far my favorite item on their menu.

Seven Seas Mediterrean Café - I’ve not yet tried this small restaurant on Devore Road. Quite honestly, if I’m in the neighborhood then I’ll be at Breadtime across the street. But they might be the newest restaurant at Taste of Alpharetta this year. That alone is worth a try.

La Casa Italian Grill - Go say hi to the super nice folks behind downtown Alpharetta’s newest restaurant. I’d wait to see what these guys are offering before giving up a ticket. In my opinion, Alpine Bakery or Dal Cuore are better choices for Italian food at the event.

Burgers - Something we don’t see a lot of at this event. Smashburger is on the list of restaurants as is The Counter from Mansell Road. My pick here would be The Counter. And spending an inexpensive  ticket here might not be a bad idea as burgers at their restaurant are pretty pricey.

Sweets - If you’ve got leftover tickets that you need to blow, why not take home some sweets? M Chocolat might not be a bad idea. They are Alpharetta’s newest chocolate shop on Old Milton Parkway. Another might be Heavenly Gourmet Popcorn. And while this isn’t a new restaurant, Wildflour has won past awards at Taste of Alpharetta for their cookies.

The entire list of restaurants can be found on the city’s website along with a lot more details. Here are the vitals:

What: Taste of Alpharetta
Where: Downtown Alpharetta
When: Thursday May 10th, 5-10pm
Cost: Free to get in, food samples range from $1-3

Every Friday Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series called Foodie Friday.

I’m happy to report on a few new retailers opening shop in downtown Alpharetta. I hope to see this trend continue as Alpharetta moves forward with their downtown plans.

Pollo Tropical – Haynes Bridge

Last month we talked about this Caribbean chain and their plans to open in Johns Creek. Looks like they also have their eye on Alpharetta. They’ve approached the city about opening on the corner of Haynes Bridge and North Point Drive. This would be at the entrance to the mall right next to the proposed new Chipotle I also reported on last month.

Kabab & Wraps – Milton

These guys are building out in a strip mall on the corner of Webb and Morris Roads in Milton. This space has been home to several small restaurants of various international flavors (extra credit if you can name them all). Kabab & Wraps promises Indian/Pakistani cuisine featuring Halal/Zabihah meats. They’re on Facebook and Twitter @KababNWraps.

Pizza Vito – Closed

I wasn’t a huge fan of this small pizzeria in Crabapple. Seemed the owner lived out of the area and wanted to sell. He’s done just that as Pizza Vito is being transformed into…

Romeo’s NY Pizza – Crabapple

Wherefore art thou, Romeo? This Johns Creek pizzeria is expanding fast. They’ve got a Lawrenceville store now. This Crabapple location is next followed by Canton and Emory. I’ve never tried a pie here. Are they any good?

Mirko Pasta – Johns Creek

This pasta chain is also expanding rapidly through franchising. They plan to open what will be their largest store yet near State Bridge and Medlock Bridge. If you like Figo Pasta on North Point then you’ll probably like Mirko. Their founder is a Figo alum.

Blind Murphy Craft Beer Market – Downtown

Alpharetta made big news this month in passing a growler ordinance. Blind Murphy is poised to become the first Alpharetta store to offer the jugs of brew. Look for them building out at 52 South Main Street in downtown Alpharetta. Check them out on Facebook and twitter @BlindMurphyBeer.

One Star Ranch – Demolished

Their former location at 732 North Main Street in Alpharetta was demolished this week. While I most certainly didn’t like One Star’s barbecue , I secretly wished a dive bar/restaurant would emerge here. Ain’t gonna happen.

Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse

They quietly opened this week on Old Milton Parkway. It will take a great deal of willpower on my part not to write a review of this place in verse.

Restaurants Coming Soon

Alfresco - Pizzeria on Main Street and Old Milton.
Meat and Potatoes Kitchen & Bar - Johns Creek in the old Rio Bravo/Star Diner space.
The Velvet Note - Tiny food and music venue coming soon to Old Milton.
Joe’s NY Pizzeria - In the planning stages for 1605 Mansell Road.
Pollo Tropical - Coming soon to Medlock Center in Johns Creek.
Uncle Madio’s Pizza - Windward Parkway where K Cafe used to be. Still no signs of life in this space though.
Tassa Carribean Express - Their request of the city was approved. Look for them on Old Milton Parkway.
Chipotle - Coming soon to Haynes Bridge between the mall and GA400.

Retail News

Nordstrom Rack – North Point

They opened yesterday following a well-orchestrated social media campaign. Look for them where Linens-n-Things used to be on North Point near Target.

I tried out the store this week and was impressed with the friendly staff. I also like their use of technology. Rack employees can checkout your purchase anywhere in the store using iPhones. Zap a few bar codes, swipe a credit card and you’re outta there. A receipt will appear seconds later in your email. Follow them on twitter @Alpharetta_Rack.

Goodwill – McFarland

If Nordstrom is out of your price range, check out the massive new Goodwill thrift store on McFarland. They opened this week next to the RBM of Atlanta Mercedes dealership.

Karen’s Fabrics – Downtown

They’ve been open for a little bit but they celebrated their grand opening this month. They’re at 23 South Main in the heart of downtown Alpharetta. Check them on social media – Facebook and Twitter @KarensFabrics.

Dress Up Boutique – Windward

Alpharetta is the fifth location for this women’s boutique started in Dahlonega. They opened exactly one week ago on Windward near LA Fitness. Here’s their Facebook profile.

Retail Coming Soon

Northpoint Mall Theater - Still no word on this new theater. Will they ever build it?
Cutters Cigar Emporium - Smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em! Coming soon to Windward next to Qdoba.
Walmart Neighborhood Market - A new grocery-only version of Walmart to open at 11770 Haynes Bridge Road behind Alpha Soda.

Disclosure: I received free merchandise from Nordstrom Rack during a promotion. My disclosure policy can be found on my about page. It exceeds that of even the City of Alpharetta!

Every Friday Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series called Foodie Friday.

Back in January I wrote a column about some very big and very vacant restaurant spaces for sale. Today I’ll give you some existing restaurants that are for sale. But this post has a twist, something that proved to be rather fun when I stumped my twitter friends with it last week.

There are a handful of restaurant brokers in the Atlanta area with website listings. But unlike the vacant restaurants that are available, the existing restaurants don’t exactly want to advertise their names to the world. Their listings are deliberately vague. For example, it won’t say “For Sale: Joe’s Bar and Grill, $150,000″ but rather they will describe the concept and general location. Interested buyers can contact the broker and get more info but not before signing a non-disclosure agreement. Non-disclosure agreements are not my bag.

If you’re eaten your way through Alpharetta then you stand a reasonable chance at guessing who these restaurants are. And that’s my game this week. I’ll throw out a few restaurants that are for sale in my coverage area. I’ve got my ideas as to who they are but I’ll let my readers take their chances. See how many you can get right by leaving a comment!

Restaurant #1 is a pizza and pasta restaurant in proximity to the best neighborhoods in Alpharetta. This restaurant measures in at 4554 square feet with dual dining rooms. It’s busy for lunch but not dinner. Check out the listing webpage as the picture is a dead give away.

Restaurant #2 is a tavern, part of a group of restaurants, and is located in a lifestyle center in south Forsyth. A fortune was spent on buildout and would be a turnkey opportunity for an Irish or British pub. Nearby restaurants include pizza and Mexican. Here’s the listing.

Restaurant #3 is also a tavern in south Forsyth. They are an end-cap on a stripmall with a national supermarket chain and close to GA-400. Strong lunch business, full-service bar and outdoor dining. Here’s the listing.

Restaurant #4 has Chinese, Thai and sushi all on the menu. They are in Alpharetta in a Publix-anchored shopping center. It’s a smaller place with 112 seats and a beautiful interior. This one was easy to figure out as it is close to where I live. Here’s the listing. For only $145,000 it can be yours!

Restaurant #5 is in Johns Creek. We kicked this one around on twitter a good bit and I think my initial guess may have been wrong. This is a sports bar with tons of TVs, pool tables and darts. 3350 square feet has 100 seats and a patio. They are on a busy road with ample parking. Listing suggests that they are not open for lunch during the week but that could be a mistake. For only $95,000 it is yours. Guess what sports bar this is and I’ll buy you a beer.

Restaurant #6 is also a sports bar in Johns Creek. It’s with a different broker so it possibly could be the same as restaurant #5. The listing says it has been around for 30 years in the same location but the owner is absentee. The space is 5000 square feet.

Photo credit: Serena Epstein (creative commons)

Every Friday Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series called Foodie Friday.

I have a handful of new restaurants to announce. Despite all the vacant restaurant space in town, most of these guys are choosing new construction or to use space not designed for an eatery. Go figure.

Tassa Caribbean Express – Old Milton

Tassa Roti Shop is a Caribbean restaurant on Powers Ferry Road in Marietta. They specialize in cuisine from Trinidad and Tobago served buffet-style. Tassa has Alpharetta in their sights for a second location to be called Tassa Caribbean Express.

What’s odd about this proposed new restaurant is the location. They’ve identified a space at 4005 Old Milton Parkway not terribly far from Caribbean Fiesta, a restaurant certainly to be a competitor. But even that isn’t as bad as the building they’ve picked. This office building adjacent to Simon’s Chinese isn’t set up to host a restaurant. Their kitchen would be limited to simply reheating food, presumably brought in from their Marietta location.

Additionally, Tassa will have to go before the city to obtain a master plan change and variance to allow a restaurant in this space. This is an unusual political hoop for a new restaurant to have to jump through.

Reheated food, close proximity to an established competitor and political hurdles make for an uphill battle for this newcomer.

Uncle Maddio’s – Windward

Welcome to Moe’s Uncle Maddio’s!

Uncle Maddio’s will open their first Alpharetta location at 5215 Windward Parkway in the space formerly occupied by K-Cafe. If you’re not familiar with this concept, I’d describe it as the Moe’s of pizza. That’s not an accident because a Moe’s co-founder is behind this idea. They build a custom pizza right in front of you, much like a burrito… or a sandwich… or a cup of yogurt.

The company tells me they plan a May opening. I’ll bet you a pizza with extra anchovies that doesn’t happen. Too ambitious. Look for them this summer.

El Molcajete – Milton

This small chain of Mexican restaurants has finally opened their Milton location at 14155 Highway 9 in the old Zola Bistro space. I haven’t tried them yet but trusted sources are not giving me good reports. Speedy Gonzalez is on the menu. Need I say more?

Chipotle – Haynes Bridge

This national chain of burrito joints has big expansion plans for 2012 and Alpharetta seems to be on their list. They want to open a second Alpharetta location on Haynes Bridge Road. I don’t know where exactly it will be but my sources tell me it will be new construction. I hope to know more soon.

Update: I’ve learned that Chipotle will be between GA-400 and the mall entrance, across the street from Best Buy.

Pollo Tropical – Johns Creek

Matthew Quinn at the Johns Creek Herald wrote a good piece on these guys. This is another Caribbean restaurant but with an emphasis on grilled food. They want to build a new restaurant on an out-parcel at Medlock Center, 5805 State Bridge Road. And just like Tassa, this will require a zoning application to pull off.

DA Butcher – McGinnis Ferry

Remember the New York Butcher Shoppe? They closed their Alpharetta location a few months back to concentrate on their other store in Dunwoody. Well it seems an independent butcher shop has quietly opened in the same space. Look for them at 5354 McGinnis Ferry next to Never Enough Thyme. Also check out their active Facebook page.

Restaurants Coming Soon

Alfresco - Pizzeria on Main Street and Old Milton.
Meat and Potatoes Kitchen & Bar - Johns Creek in the old Rio Bravo/Star Diner space.
Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse - I’d been calling these guys Ipamena Grill but this seems to be the real name they’re after. Look for them on Old Milton where Chip’s used to be.
The Velvet Note - Itty bitty food and music venue coming soon to Old Milton.
Joe’s NY Pizzeria - In the planning stages for 1605 Mansell Road in an old Starbucks space.

Retailers

I’m considering expanding this monthly column to cover new Alpharetta retailers. I know, this is Foodie Friday. I come across a lot of these guys while researching restaurants, so it’s a natural fit to include a few.

Avalon’s Retail

North American Properties has announced a few retailers for their proposed mixed-use development. They include:

Whole Foods - This will be an important part of the development and a welcomed addition. I think it also explains why there is so much surface parking at Avalon. But the question on everyone’s mind is… will Whole Foods close the old Harry’s location on Upper Hembree once the Avalon store opens?
Regal Theater - Another anchor that’s important to Avalon.
Chick-Fil-A - They didn’t come right out and say the name of this place but rather referred to a very popular fast-food restaurant – with a drive thru – that isn’t open on Sundays. Look for them in one of the Old Milton out-parcels at Avalon.

Other New Retail

Northpoint Mall Theater - I’ve heard a few rumors about which theater is coming to the mall but I’m not ready to say. I’m kind of surprised the mall hasn’t come forward with a name by now.
Cutters Cigar Emporium - Building out in the old Schakolad Chocolate location on Windward next to Qdoba. Long ashes, fellas.
International Gourmet Foods - Coming soon to 222 South Main Street in the rundown stripmall behind Bank of America.
Dress-up Boutique - This small chain of women’s clothing stores started in Dahlonega three years ago. They are building their fifth store on Windward near LA Fitness.
Walmart Neighborhood Market - A new grocery-only version of Walmart to open at 11770 Haynes Bridge Road behind Alpha Soda.

Every Friday Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series called Foodie Friday. Today feature sa guest post from Mike Christensen. Follow Mike on Twitter @SCSA31274.

Every March 17^th,  people get together and celebrate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, commonly known as St. Patrick’s Day.  All over America, the beer flows green, shamrocks are everywhere, and all people are Irish.  This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday, so party goers will be out early and often with no worries of being late for work the next day.  If you’re not able or willing to drive to Savannah to join 400,000 of your closest friends in dyeing the fountains green, numerous places in Alpharetta  have much to offer to tickle your Blarney Stone.

Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub – Crabapple

Certainly one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Alpharetta.  They open Saturday at 10:00 AM and close “when the Guinness is gone or 2:00 AM, whichever comes first”.  I’m guessing 2:00 AM.  They will have live music all day.  There is a $5.00 cover charge to get in and tickets will be sold that can be redeemed for food and beverages outside on the patio.  Inside, cash and credit cards only are accepted.  Food is served from a limited menu consisting of burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, and corned beef and cabbage.  Traffic in the area will be extremely heavy, so come prepared.  If the Olde Blind Dog is too crowded, head across the street to…

Erwoods Kitchen and Keg – Crabapple

Erwoods is hosting the “Ain’t Patrick’s Day” party Friday and Saturday.  According to their Facebook page, they will have a special menu as well as 24 kegs ready to go.

The Firkin and Crown – The Avenue Forsyth

Food specials all week long along with an all day party on Saturday with an outdoor bar under the big tent.  Live music and prize giveaways starting at 6:00 PM.  There is no cover charge and plenty of parking.

Crafty Draught – The Avenue Forsyth

The newest addition to the beer scene in south Forsyth is offering a special St. Patrick’s growler to go along with a whole selection of beers pouring on the growler wall.  Some of the beers special for this weekend include Smithwick’s (Irish Red Ale), Harp (Irish Lager), McSorley’s (Irish Black Lager), Magners (Irish Cider), and Brooklyn Dry Stout (Dry Irish Stout).  They will be closing a little early Saturday at 9:30 PM.

Tilted Kilt – Windward

Don’t forget to wear green all day Saturday for live music from 2:30 PM on in the outdoor tent area.  There will also be DJ’s spinning music on the inside.  VIP tables are available in advance, so call soon.

Scottsdale Farms – Birmingham Hwy, Milton

For those who want to exercise your green thumb for St. Patrick’s Day, Scottsdale Farms is open on Saturday.  WSB radio’s Lawn and Garden Show host Walter Reeves will be on hand at 11:30 AM to answer your gardening questions.  After 2:30 PM, free green mint milk shakes will be given away.

Whatever you end up doing this weekend, drink responsibly and either have a designated driver, or call a cab.  Do not drink and drive.  The police will be out in force, and a DUI is not the way St. Patrick would have wanted your weekend to end.  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Photo credit: Sami Keinänen (creative commons)