ATLANTA (November 14, 2001) - Chef Joël Antunes, chef and owner of Joël, Atlanta's hottest new French brasserie with Mediterranean and Asian influences, will indulge diners with special holiday dinners Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. And while the restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving Day, guests can order dinner from Joël patisserie in advance.

WHAT - Chef Joël Antunes will prove that bigger is better when he fires up his the 62-foot stainless steel stove for the holidays. His Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve prix fixe dinners are sure to delight and are a great reason not to cook.

WHEN - Christmas Eve: Chef Antunes will serve a four-course seated dinner on Monday, December 24. New Year's Eve: On Monday, December 31, Chef Antunes will serve two options, both with a complimentary Kir Royal aperitif: an early three-course seating and then starting at 8:30 p.m., Chef Antunes will serve a four-course prix fixe dinner. Guests can also reserve one of two 16-seat private rooms.

COST - $65 per person for Christmas Eve and $65/$85 for New Year's Eve.

WHERE - Piazza at Paces, 3290 Northside Parkway

Joël will be open for regular dinner business both Sunday, December 23 and 30 but closed on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Day and Wednesday, January 2. Joël serves lunch weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 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.