ATLANTA (November 8, 2001) - Joël Antunes, chef and owner of Joël, Atlanta's hottest new French brasserie with Mediterranean and Asian influences, unveiled his tapas menu Wednesday, October 31. The menu is available exclusively in the restaurant's 65-seat tapas bar/lounge area that features 16-foot ceilings, a glowing bar surface and upholstered banquettes.

Tapas range from the traditional to the imaginative and include such offerings as Gougères with Béchamel and Mikado Olives, a Rillette of Salmon and Dill, Terrine of Venison with Red Wine Pears or an Escabèche of Fresh Organic Vegetables.

Joël has also amassed an impressive list of Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados and Port to complement the small bites. Also available at the bar are specialty cocktails with fanciful names such as "Butterfly Flick," "French Connection," "the Joël," "Martini Rouge" and others. The bar list caters to every patron's fancy with offerings of everything from Grappa to Single Malt Scotch as well as an extensive list of Champagne and wine by the glass. Additionally, the restaurant will begin serving lunch on November 13.

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.