ATLANTA - Award-winning chef Joël Antunes' highly anticipated restaurant, Joël, a 128-seat, 12,000 square-foot brasserie located at the Piazza at Paces at 3290 Northside Parkway is a chic yet simple French brasserie featuring Mediterranean and Asian influences. The restaurant includes a 65-seat tapas bar/lounge, two 16-seat private rooms and Joël patisserie, a gourmet to go shop offering fresh pastries, sandwiches and light meals.

Joël's menu reflects Chef Antunes' extensive culinary experience in Paris, the South of France, Asia, London and, most recently, as executive 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). Signature entrées include roast lobster with fried vermicelli, snow peas and Thai sauce, braised beef ribs with tamarind and rutabaga and baked seabass with tomato lasagna and tapenade.

Chef Antunes has recruited an international team of his friends and associates including Philippe Buttin, sommelier, formerly of Mirabelle in London; Robert Guillou, sous chef, formerly of Chevre d'Or in the South of France; Philippe Givre, pastry chef, formerly of Paris' Fauchon; and Frederic Serol, general manager, also from Mirabelle in London.

Designed by The Johnson Studio (Canoe, BluePointe and Aria), Joël features a clean and sleek design including high windows and classic materials complementing the Italian-style architecture of The Forum building in which Joël is located. The space is minimal and contemporary with refined intricate details. Color is used sparingly to give it a dramatic, international feel. The lounge area is highlighted with a glowing bar surface, wood floors, 16-foot ceilings, banquettes and custom lighting. The lounge flows into the restaurant space, which houses tall banquettes upholstered in soft leather, two glass-enclosed wine rooms, a brightly colored glass tile wall and wood floors.

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.