Chef Art Smith Makes Atlanta Debut with Southern Art and Bourbon Bar

ATLANTA, Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclaimed chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Art Smith will open Southern Art and Bourbon Bar, his first restaurant and bar concepts in the Southeast, on Monday, September 26, 2011. Smith's highly anticipated debut in the heart of Atlanta's sophisticated Buckhead neighborhood will combine a hip, urban eatery with classic Southern charm, offering Southern-inspired cuisine and cocktails in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110817/CL54001 )

"I am excited to bring Southern Art to Atlanta, which has become a very progressive culinary city," said Smith. "Southern Art will embrace my heritage and utilize fresh ingredients from local farms to celebrate the South."

Smith is the executive chef and co-owner of Table fifty-two in Chicago, Ill., Art and Soul in Washington, D.C., and LYFE Kitchen in Palo Alto, Calif., and served as Oprah Winfrey's personal chef for 10 years. He has made several television appearances, is a contributing editor to O, the Oprah Magazine and has authored three award-winning cookbooks.

The menu at Southern Art blends Smith's Southern cooking heritage, love for Southern comfort food and commitment to serving traditional classics with his light, modern approach. An artisan ham-and-charcuterie bar will showcase the craft and traditions of regional country hams, and a vintage pie table will offer house-made Southern cakes, pies and desserts.

The Southern-inspired Bourbon Bar will highlight a well-cultivated selection of American bourbon distillers, focusing on small-batch producers and featuring select bourbons only available at Bourbon Bar through exclusive agreements. In addition to more than 70 bourbon offerings, guests can enjoy cocktails showcasing distinctive twists on American classics from the pre-Prohibition era.

Southern Art will combine a hip, urban eatery with classic Southern charm. Vibrant glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling along with a collage of suspended artwork reflecting Atlanta's diverse imagery. The juxtaposition of chair styles and patterned textiles adds personality and character. An outdoor terrace provides seating along Peachtree Road in the heart of Buckhead's business district.

Southern Art is located at 3315 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Ga., 30326, and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week and Sunday brunch. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/southernartbourbonbar or call 404.946.9070.

SOURCE Southern Art