FIRST LOOK:
Photo: Tyler Oxford
SOUTHBOUND
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t’s been nearly six months since Southbound opened in Chamblee’s folksy antique-shopping neighborhood, which is adjacent to Brookhaven. Here, we look at what’s happening now at the industrial hotspot: THE PLAYERS:: An eclectic cast of characters make up the team at farm-forward Southbound—owners Mike Plummer, a Midwesterner with an unexpected background in construction and winemaking, and Dennis Lange, who hails from 5 Seasons Brewing and Yakitori Den-Chan, costar alongside dinner chef Ryan Smith (you may recognize him from Watershed) and wine director Maggie Meroney, who founded Atlanta’s own Nectar Wine Consulting. THE LOOK: Buckhead tends to be all about the newest, shiniest restaurants, but there’s something to be said for buildings with a story to tell. Southbound calls a former Masonic lodge from the 1800s home, and it’s got the exposed brick, train track views, industrial lighting and sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows to prove it! THE FOOD: It’s no surprise Southbound’s fare has a Southern lilt—traditional, heavy plates of shrimp and grits make an appearance, as does a Fred Flintstone-sized short rib. But it’s the fresh, reimagined dishes that truly shine. Go for the smoky wood-grilled octopus with green tomatoes or the cherryglazed duck served over a bed of farroto (farro cooked risotto-style, read: earthier than its conventional counterpart). Equally impressive: the wine list, which features hard to find natural wines (made with minimal chemical and technological intervens Southbound’s shrimp s Southbound’s wine list tion), such as Sicilian and grits with crispy features under-the-radar, Frappato and Spanish smoked pork belly, natural wines. Godello, at a price you tomatoes, leeks and herbs. can actually swallow. THE VERDICT: Southbound is truly a diamond in the rough in the underserved neighborhood of Chamblee, yet one that can hold its own with other Buckhead bigwigs.
Handmade pasta, perfectly cooked steaks & fresh seafood expertly prepared using the �nest ingredients.
For reservations please call 404.844.4810
Southbound 5394 Peachtree Road Chamblee 30341 687.580.5579 www.baconsnobs.com
November/December 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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