ATLANTA - Chef Joël Antunes', Joël is a 128-seat, 12,000 square-foot brasserie located at the Piazza at Paces at 3290 Northside Parkway. Joël not only serves Chef Antunes' Mediterranean- and Asian- influenced French fare, it features the unparalleled design of The Johnson Studio (Canoe, BluePointe and Aria).

The drama unfolds as diners walk through the entryway and into the 65-seat tapas bar/lounge area, which features 16-foot ceilings and a glowing bar surface. The lounge opens into the main dining room, furnished with tall leather banquettes - all offset by a brightly colored imported Italian glass tile wall. Original works by various artists, including David Baerwalde, Michael Dupont, Kay Hwang, Homare Ikeda, W.C. Richardson and Oliver Smith decorate the walls. Lighting by noted designer Chris Moulder illuminates the space. Two private dining areas are available with advance reservations: the 16-seat garden room with a sloped ceiling and the wine room, with its glass-enclosed wall holding 5,000 bottles of wine. Overall, the design is contemporary but clean -- tall windows, classic materials, refined details and sparingly used color - lending an international feel to the restaurant and complementing the exquisite cuisine.

A massive 62-foot long stove, manufactured by French supplier CDI, dominates the kitchen. The main kitchen's windows look out on the street and afford wandering diners a look at the behind-the-scenes action of the fine dining experience. Separate pasta, pastry and prep kitchens will aid Chef Antunes in producing his culinary masterpieces.

Joël serves breakfast weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., lunch weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and dinner on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; the restaurant is closed Sunday. Joël patisserie is open from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday and 5 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. Reservations are recommended but not required by calling 404/233-3500.