Simply Buckhead July/August 2019

FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

BY:

Claire Ruhlin

Zesto has been serving favorites such as soft serve and chili dogs for seven decades.

Classic Comfort Zesto rings in its 70th anniversary with special menu items and deals

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fixture on Piedmont Road in Buckhead since opening 70 years ago, Zesto Atlanta began its legacy with a menu comprised exclusively of soft-serve ice cream that was designed to compete with Dairy Queen. In the mid-1950s, as a move to boost sales, owner John Livaditis added hamburgers as an option and began selling Christmas trees in the parking lot during the winter (an operation Atlantans now

recognize as Big John’s Christmas Trees). Four additional locations and an even more diverse menu later, Zesto has become a longstanding Atlanta destination, known for its classic comfort food.

“Step into any Zesto and you’ll notice we’re not a cookie cutter or corporate environment,” says John’s son, Jimbo, who now owns Zesto along with his wife, Leigh Ann Livaditis. “We’ve stayed true to our

roots from 1949, serving real ice cream and handmade milkshakes, malts with real fruit flavors and signature food offerings cooked to order.”

Jimbo also attributes Zesto’s enduring legacy to its ability to evolve with the times, “from walk-up windows to curb service to drivethroughs,” and from serving only ice cream to experimenting with trends such as nonfat frozen yogurt. “I think a touch of nostalgia helps, too,” says Jimbo. “Where else can you get a Chubby Decker [burger], a footlong chili dog, a gyro, a banana split, chocolate malt, a Nut Brown Crown [soft serve covered in chocolate and nuts] and so much more?”

In honor of its 70th anniversary, Zesto has introduced celebratory discounts and special menu items, so stop in soon for a taste of tradition. n Zesto 2469 Piedmont Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.237.8689 zestoatlanta.com

Chef Nick Anderson designed SweetWater’s new menu to pair with the plentiful suds on tap.

WHAT’S BREWING SWEETWATER’S RENOVATED TAPROOM REVEALS NEW MENU OF BEER-FRIENDLY DISHES SweetWater Brewing Company fans now have the option to dine while they drink. The taproom recently debuted its highly anticipated renovation, which includes a new menu from executive chef Nick An-

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derson, formerly of Canoe, Rathbun’s and Ormsby’s.

The options include both large and small plates, as well as “hefty sides” and snacks, many of which were made using SweetWater beer, or are designed to pair

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

perfectly with the brews on the menu. Using local ingredients is another priority, and produce is delivered to the kitchen weekly from local farms. The resulting fare includes items such as 420 boiled peanuts, spentgrain chicken tamales, G13 caramel corn and Big Green Egg beer-can chicken.

“Most people come to SweetWater to enjoy the brews, and now we’ve made it easier for them to enjoy delicious, high-quality food with those brews,” says Anderson. “Our staff can easily

point customers to what beers pair best with which food items so they get the ultimate taste experience.”

Anchoring SweetWater’s new layout is a center bar, where guests can order food and choose from 36 different beers. Large-scale, roll-up doors open up onto a patio, while glass windows provide views of the main brewery, allowing patrons to watch the brewing process as they drink and dine. n SweetWater Brewing Company 195 Ottley Dr. N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.691.2537 sweetwaterbrew.com

FOOD NEWS n City Springs in Sandy Springs recently welcomed 1920s-inspired restaurant The Select. Driven by Dave Green and David Lester, the team behind Paces & Vine, and executed by executive chef Matt Rainey, the restaurant’s menu takes inspiration from both American and European cuisine, as well as fresh, farm-to-table cooking.

The bar menu highlights seasonal craft cocktails, local beer and wine. theselectatl.com

Chocolate Bouquet from The Select n Mexican food and margaritas have arrived at Northside Parkway’s Whole Foods Market 365. Onsite restaurant Loteria Grill serves all-day breakfast, as well as lunch, dinner, coffee and other beverages.

Signature dishes include breakfast chilaquiles and tacos made with handmade tortillas. loteriagrill.com

n Atlanta’s popular fast-casual concept Gusto! is bringing its fresh bowls and wraps to Chamblee this fall. The new location, which will be situated on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard near Whole Foods Market, will also be the first to offer a drive-through. whatsyourgusto.com