For Every Action There is a Reaction: Great New Spots to Dine In Atlanta

Recently I have been thinking alot about the cause and effect factor that helps to stimulate and create a demand for new business and the exciting new products and services that result. For the purposes of this piece, Iam referring specifically to the hospitality industry (restaurants, bars, hotels, etc...). Many people reject large Corporations and prefer to do business with only local producers and service organizations. That is all well and good but we cannot forget what large Corporations or Franchisors do for the communities that we live in. The presence of calculated, formulated operations that provide a repetitive dining, drinking or lodging experience are what allow independent, "Mom and Pop" organizations to thrive. The more we are inundated with chain operations and their, somewhat, mundane experiences we are presented with fresh innovative ideas. The increased production of these large operations spurr a desire out of us to find unique, one of a kind experiences that we can enjoy and make our own. There are two great examples of this in Atlanta right now that I think people will truly enjoy.

1. Dinner Party Atlanta
Brought to you by the same guys who operate Top Flr (a great spot to enjoy some interesting cuisine and cocktails located off Ponce on Myrtle St.) Dinner Party allows its patrons to experience unique one of a kind cuisine. You can expect a fantastic five course menu created by an Executive Chef that blends French and Vietnamese flavors. The most interesting part about this dinning experience? Its completely exclusive. They don't operate out of your typical brick and mortar establishment. The locations change for every dinner and some of these locations have included airplane hangars, empty office buildings, barns and locations for the future will include the Federal Reserve building off of Peachtree Street (tentatively). The only way to experience this supper club is to get on their waiting list on the website (click on Dinner Party Atlanta at the top of this section). The dinning experience is fantastic because the locations are constantly changing, a sommelier is present at every event and you can meet people you would have never met otherwise. A great example of the entrepreneurship that stems out of a response to the mundane corporately owned experience.

2. Lunacy Black Market
A creation of Chef Paul Luna, Lunacy Black Market offers affordable food in a unique space full of antiques and local art (that is actually available for purchase). The space looks like an average family room of an "artsy" speak-easy type of house but the eating experience is fresh and exciting. As Thrilllist reported this week the menu has items such as "Asian-style pork w/ ginger soy sesame sauce; chicken w/ spinach, tomato & goat cheese; braised beef w/ roasted peppers and Ricotta". This is just another great way to break of the normal, boring dining experience and get into something new. Plus it doesn't hurt to support your local entrepreneurs and idea starters.