News You Can Eat

 George's in Virginia-Highland is celebrating its 45th anniversary. Originally opened in East Point by George Najour, the bar and grill moved to Va-Hi in 1961 and has been a favorite watering hole for students and residents alike. Their big, juicy burgers are constistenly ranked as some of the best Atlanta has to offer. (Photo by Rob Felt)

The future of Seeger's in Buckhead is still uncertain. Owner and chef Guenther Seeger had planned to close the restaurant in August, but outcry from foodies and fellow chefs -- not to mention full bookings every night -- have caused Seeger to rethink closing his five star restaurant.

No Mas Cantina is now open at 180 Walker St. in the ever-growing Castleberry Hill district near Downtown. The menu includes more than 36 tequilas, a Mexican-inspired menu that includes tampique“a (seasoned skirt steak), camarones alambres (jumbo shrimp on a sugarcane skewer) and sopa de tortilla. Not only is food on the menu, but so are the art and furnishings, which come courtesy of No Mas Hacienda, also new to the Castleberry district. Both the restaurant and shop are offshoots of No Mas Productions on Huff Road. (404) 215-9708 or www.nomascantina.com

The Garden of Eatin’: A Taste of Decatur is set for Saturday, Sept. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select, 130 Clairmont Ave. Nicola’s, Patries-A-Go-Go, Publix and a dozen more eateries to be announced. The event is sponsored by Decatur Cooperative Ministry, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and services to the homeless and at-risk families. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. For more information, call (404) 377-5365.

Steinbeck’s Oyster House is now open in Decatur’s Oakhurst neighborhood at 659 East Lake Dr. The menu features Creole/Cajun-inspired seafood and is open seven days a week. Lunch and dinner is served from noon to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and dinner is served from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday. (404) 373-1116.

The Redeemer Lutheran Church and the German Church of Atlanta will hold Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m at Redeemer, corner of 4th and Peachtree streets in Midtown. The event will feature authentic German/Barvarian food and drinks, as well as games and activities for children and adults. The Gootman Sauerkraut Band will provide musical entertainment, featuring alp horn playing, yodeling, alpine bells and a singing saw. Admission is free. For more information call (404) 874-8664, ext. 239 or www.redeemer.org.

Eno will host a VIP preview party for Harvest Midtown on Sunday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. Harvest Midtown is an annual October street party – held on 5th Street between Peachtree and West Peachtree streets to benefit the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Tickets to the preview party are $35 per person in advance, $40 at the door. A $100 ticket is also available that includes not only the preview party, but also a VIP ticket to Harvest Midtown on Saturday, Oct. 7. Tickets are available at www.HarvestMidtown.com or by calling (404) 685-3191.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank is hosting a series of Charity Cooking Classes in conjunction with The Cook’s Warehouse. On Sept. 12, join chefs Elisa Gambino of Via Elisa Fresh Pasta and Gerry Klaskala of Aria at the Brookhaven location of The Cook’s Warehouse (4062 Peachtree Rd.) for “Late Summer in Sicily.” The chefs will show how to prepare fresh pasta dishes, and there will also be a wine tasting. The cost is $65 per person. On Sept. 25, Ritz-Carlton chefs Yves Samake and Eric Chopin will host “Putting on the Ritz” at the Warehouse’s Midtown location (549-1 Amsterdam Ave.). The chefs will share their secrets to preparing seared scallops, short ribs and more. The cost is $75 per person. Proceeds benefit the Food Bank. Visit www.acfb.org or call (404) 892-3333, ext. 1444 to register.

The Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier holds its 10th anniversary celebration dinner, “An Escoffier Evening,” Saturday, Sept. 30, at 103 West in Buckhead to celebrate the legendary leader in popularizing French cuisine. The event will offer an elegant opportunity to taste an Auguste Escoffier-inspired menu prepared by Dames chef Hilary White. A reception will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a multi-course dinner with paired wines highlighting Les Dames Atlanta’s 10 successful years in the community. Space is limited, and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. (404) 255-6298 or e-mail genaberry@aol.com. Tickets are $150 per person.

QUICK BITES: Restaurateur Bob Amick and chef Scott Serpas (TWO.urban licks) will open a new restaurant in Inman Park in century-old warehouse space across from Fritti and Soto Soto. A concept or name for the restaurant had not been announced at press time.... Figo Pasta is opening two new locations: in the old Pad Thai space on Virginia Avenue in Virginia-Highland and the Edgewood Retail District on Moreland Avenue. These join locations in Buckhead, West Side and Decatur.... Marlow’s Tavern, a Chicago-style pub, will open early next year at the Plaza Midtown condo complex on Spring Street.... The owners of Imperial Fez have opened Ibiza, a Spanish tapas bar, at 2285 Peachtree Rd. (next door to the Fez) in Buckhead... .Karim Sharif has been named new general manager of BED restaurant, while Nico Romo, formerly of the Cafe at East Andrews, takes over as executive chef.... Speaking of the CafÈ at East Andrews, new executive chef Diana Watkins has revamped the Buckhead favorite’s menu with new offerings like roasted salmon and duck, as well as implementing a new Sunday brunch.... Brian Murray is the new chef de cuisine at Emeril’s Atlanta, after serving as executive chef at the Miami Beach location.... Former Spice chef Drew Van Leuvan is now at Woodfire Grille as chef de cuisine... Quatro has opened at the corner of 12th and Piedmont in Midtown (next door to Willey’s) offering Italian favorites such as pizza and pasta.... Despite recent closings and controversy, one Buckhead bar has stood the test of time. The Pool Hall on Irby Avenue is celebrating its 60th anniversary.... P’cheen on Highland Avenue in the Old Fourth Ward has hired Amanda Thomas (formerly of the Food Studio) as its new pastry chef.... Jeremy Lieb, formerly with Le Cirque in Las Vegas, will head the kitchen at Bob Amick’s new Trois restaurant at the 1180 Peachtree building when it opens this fall... .Catering company A Legendary Event has promoted Lincoln Stevens to executive chef.... Manuel’s Tavern, long known as a watering hole for politicians and reporters in Poncey-Highland, celebrated its 50th anniversary last month.... California chicken chain El Pollo Loco, which prepares flame-grilled and marinated Mexican-style chicken, is exploring opening restaurants in the metro Atlanta area.... Agave in Cabbagetown recently celebrated its sixth birthday.

NOW CLOSED: Oz Pizza in Decatur, Staley’s Grace on Crescent Avenue, Fabiano’s Deli on Monroe Drive, the Subway sandwich shop at the corner of Spring and 14th streets in Midtown and The Underground Atlanta location of Mick’s.