ATLANTA (August 27, 2001) - While Chef Joël Antunes is thrilled to unveil his chic and simple French brasserie with Mediterranean and Asian influences this fall, his favorite feature will remain behind the scenes: according to Antunes, the 62-foot stainless steel stove, manufactured by French supplier Chaudronnerie d'Isere (CDI) is the longest in a stand-alone kitchen in the United States.

If his claim that bigger is better holds true then his stove's stature and self-contained construction will surely fit the bill. Having worked for more than 25 years in nearly 20 kitchens in cities around the world, Antunes confidently states that the CDI stove will help him run the most organized kitchen in the United States. Subscribing to a unique and structured kitchen philosophy, Antunes plans to have each of his 12 chefs focus on the preparation of three or four dishes from start to finish ­ and each will have his own cooking area along the massive stove.

The stove features a chrome "plancha" (a self-cleaning, smokeless griddle), a water-cooled electric grill, a continuously rotating bain-mairie (a recessed well in the cook top used for gentle warming of sauces), a salamander, six ovens, five cook tops, a deep fryer and under-mounted sauce and plate warmers.

Set for a fall opening, Joël will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant will feature a 65-seat tapas bar/lounge, two 16-seat private rooms and a gourmet to-go shop offering fresh pastries, sandwiches and light meals. Chef Joël Antunes plans to offer a more relaxed and casual dining experience than that of his former kitchen at the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. Reservations are now being accepted by calling 404/233-3500.