Award-Winning Chef's 128-Seat Restaurant Set to Open This Fall

ATLANTA (June 13, 2001) - This fall award-winning Chef Joël Antunes will open Joël, a 128-seat, 12,000 square-foot brasserie located at the Piazza at Paces at 3290 Northside Parkway. Joël will offer Atlantans a chic yet simple brasserie featuring French cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavors.

Chef Antunes' creations are influenced by his extensive culinary experience in Paris, South of France, Asia and London. In addition, he has already begun recruiting an international team including Philippe Buttin, sommelier, formerly of Mirabelle in London; Robert Guillou, sous chef, formerly of Chevre d'Or in the South of France; and Frederic Serol, general manager, formerly of Mirabelle in London.

Chef Antunes was formerly the chef at the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead (which, under his leadership, remained the state's only Mobil Travel Guide five-star and AAA Five Diamond award-winning restaurant). Offering something completely different, his new brasserie, Joël, will be casually chic, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a gourmet to-go shop with fresh pastries, sandwiches and light meals. Future plans include off-site catering and patio dining.

Designed by The Johnson Studio (Canoe, BluePointe and Aria), Joël will have a 65-seat tapas bar/lounge with 16-foot ceilings and a glowing bar surface, two 16-seat private dining rooms (including a glass-enclosed wine room), tall banquettes with soft leather upholstery and a brightly colored glass tile wall. Overall, the design will be contemporary ­ featuring high windows, classic materials, refined intricate details and color used sparingly that lends an international feel and complements the cuisine.

Antunes will indulge Atlantans throughout the summer with intimate tasting events leading up to his highly anticipated opening. Interested diners can call 404/233-3500 to be placed on the mailing list for the fall opening.