?? Writing @ Le Bon Nosh

Finally February

Feb. 1?— Today is the first day of Black History Month, which originated as a week-long celebration in 1915 and was formally recognized as a month-long national observance in 1976. The theme for 2024 is "African Americans and the Arts."

?? Mostly sunny and 59° today.?

???A bill adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s?definition of antisemitism ?was signed into law yesterday by Gov. Brian Kemp.

?? Preliminary work on the bridge at North Druid Hills Road and North Fork Peachtree Creek is expected to begin on Mon., Feb. 5.

?? The Brookhaven City Council held an off-site meeting on Jan. 27 to set the year’s agenda, which focuses on stormwater management, city communications, and other city amenities.?? Georgia Republicans have shown some willingness to explore other options for Medicaid expansion in the state.?

ELSEWHERE

???? European Union leaders overcame resistance from Hungary and unanimously?agreed to provide €50 billion in new aid to Ukraine.

?? All major U.S. stock indexes were down yesterday as the Federal Reserve held rates steady, but indicated future rate cuts could be coming. Stock futures are up this morning.

?? White House senior adviser John Podesta will replace John Kerry as U.S. special climate change envoy.?

???? Universal Music Group said it will not renew its contract with TikTok , meaning music from?artists such as Taylor Swift and Drake may soon be unavailable on the social media platform.

?? Here's what's in today's newsletter:? Chop Shop to become Pure Quill Superette

? 'The Regulars' @ Le Bon Nosh

? Downtown heroes?

? Affordable housing permits

AND?

? Quick Bites

Have a good day,

Collin & Sammie

1. Exclusive: Chop Shop to become Pure Quill Superette in Edgewood?

?? Rising Son?and?Whoopsie’s?chef Hudson Rouse will open?Pure Quill Superette?next month, taking over the butcher shop?and market Chop Shop on Memorial Drive in Edgewood. The building next door to Pure Quill will become a bar later this summer.??

If you’re not familiar with the term “superette,” think of it as a petite supermarket. In other parts of the country, it might be referred to as a bodega, mini-mart, corner shop, or even a country store.?

The term “pure quill” is an old phrase used in rancher and cowboy circles out West meaning “authentic” or the “real deal."

?? Read more about the new market in Beth McKibben's exclusive report.

2. How widower and author Gil Frank found community and inspiration at Le Bon Nosh

Welcome to?The Regulars, where we explore what it means to be a frequent restaurant patron. In this series, we’ll introduce you to everyday Atlantans and colorful local characters who have found a sense of belonging and community at restaurants and bars around town, and what keeps them coming back for more week after week.

? Four shots of espresso.

That’s?Atlanta author ?Gil Frank’s go-to coffee order at Le Bon Nosh in Buckhead. He’s been a near-daily customer at the?French-style bistro ?and wine bar since it opened on Irby Avenue in 2021.

A native of France and retired nonprofit executive who also co-founded?Historic Westside Gardens , Frank turned to writing to process losing his wife to breast cancer in 2020. After attending a virtual writing workshop with grief expert David Kessler just a few months after his wife’s death, Frank realized he had an actual story to tell.

?? Read the first edition of 'The Regulars' here .

3. CAP honors Downtown heroes

?? Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District presented their annual awards yesterday honoring the people, places, and businesses making an impact on the central city.

Honorees included Craig Jones, Atlanta Police officers Ayesha Abdul-Hakeem and Ariel McDonald, Bem Joiner, William Lawson, Lorne Coleman, Rodney Wolfe, and Georgia-Pacific.

?? Notably, longtime CAP marketing leader Wilma Sothern is retiring after more than two decades with the organization, and was honored with a resolution recognizing her service, along with a cartoon from the AJC's Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Mike Luckovich.??

??Find out more about the 2024 honorees here.

4. Atlanta to launch new permitting process for affordable housing projects?

?? Affordable housing projects in Atlanta could be built more quickly under?a new permitting process set to be implemented this month.

Mayor Andre Dickens announced on Jan. 30 that the city will launch Welcome?H.O.M.E.?(Housing Opportunity Moves for Everyone), a?“transparent and streamlined approach” ?to permitting affordable housing projects.

Welcome H.O.M.E. will be launched during Atlanta’s?“Affordable Housing Week” set for Feb. 12-16 . The process will include a pre-submission program and a dedicated coordination team to assist customers to ensure a more efficient permitting process.

?? Learn more about the new process here.

5. Quick Bites

VIA SIDE DISH, A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | SUBSCRIBE HERE

???With the advent of February, it’s time to gear up for Steamhouse Lounge’s Annual Oysterfest on Feb. 24 and 25 .?Get ready for roasted oysters, chargrilled oysters on the half-shell, Steamhouse's legendary lobster bisque, and fried oyster po' boys.?Featuring live music, the street party will benefit?the?Atlanta Leadership Club ,?Shell to Shore , and?Giving Kitchen .?Reserve your tickets?here .??

???Grant Park’s?Eventide Brewing ?is celebrating its 10th?anniversary on Feb. 10 starting at noon. Stop by to sample the re-release of the coveted Cosmic Daydream Hazy IPA, and enjoy raffles and games until 10 p.m.?

???Farm Burger?–?known for locally sourced, grass-fed burgers and other sandwiches as well as fries, milkshakes, and sides?–?has closed its Grant Park location after six years . Georgia eateries in Decatur, Dunwoody, Virginia Highland, and the Whole Foods Market in Midtown will remain open.?

???Anticipating Valentine’s Day??STK ?(pictured) will release a “Feed Your Fantasy” menu starting Feb. 12. Look forward to options like Australian wagyu, caviar, chocolate?lava marshmallow cake?served with raspberries and vanilla ice cream, and?Dom Perignon by the glass.??

???If Galentine’s Day is more your speed, the?St. Regis Atlanta is hosting a Mad Hatter tea party ?on Feb. 10 and 11 featuring teas, pastries, and specialty cocktails. You can also opt for champagne and caviar service.??

OPENINGS?

???Eden Smoothies ?will open a second location at Madison Yards in Reynoldstown this spring.??

???Grindhouse Killer Burgers will open its eighth restaurant in the?Underwood Hills ?neighborhood later this year.??

???Two?CraveWell Cafe ?locations will open in early February in Upper Westside Atlanta and in Sandy Springs. Both eateries will serve organic cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, and bowls in addition to salads, sandwiches, and wraps.?

????According to a recent Facebook post,?26 Thai will open a new location ?at Ashford Lane soon.?

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?? Today's newsletter was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.