Coutdown to Kevin Rathbun Steak is On!

While I was too slow to react to get a reservation for Opening Night, I will be checking out Kevin Rathbun Steak tonight. I hear the design is outstanding, and hopefully, any kinks from the Opening Night will have been worked out for tonight. Will report this weekend.

Kevin Rathbun Steak to Open May 30th

The much anticipated Kevin Rathbun Steak formally opens its doors to the public on Wenesday May 30th. I have called for reservations, and as you can imagine, seating is very limited for Opening Night. There are some openings after 9pm and they do take walk-ins. You can get more info at www.kevinrathbunsteak.com.

Hot Off the Press: Steakhead Enjoys Meal at French Restaurant

True foodies probably shake their head at me when I say I rarely eat French. But the truth of the matter is, sometimes French cuisine something just tries too hard. And for a simple Steakhead like me, it just gets lost. But I am always up for trying to expand my horizons, and after reading about the Mother's Day brunch at Pastis in Historic Roswell, I thought this may be as good an opportunity as ever to give the French another chance.

It was a learning experience all around for me. Let's start with Roswell, which is a town I was not very familiar with. Not only did I not know Roswell had an historic square, but I was surprised to learn there are actually two squares in Roswell. Neither is a square in the true sense (like the four-sided variety in Marietta), but both feature old buildings, adjacent green space and are home to several restaurants and art galleries.

The two-story building that houses Pastis dates back to 1813. There is a balcony upstairs that looks out onto a small park across the street. The inside reminded me a New England or Pennsylvania farm house with beautiful wide board hardwood floors. The house and décor alone is reason enough to visit Pastis, as you just don’t find houses like this very often in Atlanta.

As for the brunch, it was a nice spread for $24/pp. A buffet was set up in the bar area, which is the main area on the first floor immediately inside the front door. For the seafood lover, fresh smoked salmon, oysters on the half shell and chilled and peeled shrimp adorned the bar. Fried calamari and mussels in a tomato broth were also available. A carving station featured hot roast beef and ham. There were even a few traditional French staples like French toast and chicken fingers and French fries for the kids. Dessert included crème brulee and chocolate mousse (they sound French). Seriously, though, we thought the brunch was a great value.

So, even though my profile says I rarely eat French, I did enjoy my visit to Pastis. I would like to make a trip back one night to experience the regular menu (I was pleased to see the vodka smoked salmon is a regular offering, and I would definitely have that again). Perhaps take a stroll by some of the galleries, and then sit at one of the balcony tables that overlook the square. Who knows, maybe foie gras will be next.

Mother's Day Brunch Ideas

Mom's big day is coming up and I hope all you sons, daughters and husbands have plans in place to treat her well. If not, it's not too late to make the day special for the person who works tirelessly to take care of her family. I am a big fan of the Mother's Day brunch for a great way to start out the day. Check out this compilation of various Mother's Day brunches being served around the ATL this Sunday (courtesy of Melissa Libby & Associates).

Mom will be treated like the queen she is at Bonefish Grill, where Kate's Halibut, a delectable combination of artichokes, fresh basil and Bonefish Grill's signature lemon butter sauce, will be offered as a special just for Mother's Day. The restaurant will open at 11 a.m. on Mother's Day, giving the entire family the luxury of not having to rush to the restaurant. Photographs and a recipe are also available should you wish to recreate their Bonefish Grill experience at home. Bonefish Grill is located at 11705 C Jones Bridge Road, 770-475-6668. www.bonefishgrill.com

Einstein's will be serving its renowned brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Menu items include crab cake Benedict -- jumbo lump crab, lightly poached eggs, toasted bagel, diced tomato and hollandaise sauce ($13); and classic French toast made with thick sourdough bread ($7). Also, enjoy the restaurant's create-your-own Bloody Mary bar - complete with a plethora of mixing options. Reservations are accepted. 1077 Juniper Street; 404-876-7925. www.metrocafes.com

Treat your Mom to a feast from across the world. Fogo de Chão will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. Mothers will enjoy being served 15 savory selections of meat, traditional Brazilian side items, and a wide array of fresh vegetables and salads at the unique salad bar. Lunch is $38.50 per person and dinner is $46.50 per person. Fogo de Chão is located at 3101 Piedmont Road, 404-266-9988. www.fogodechao.com

Culinary talent may not be genetic, but guests can prove to their mothers that an appreciation for good food is. Garrison's Broiler & Tap (Perimeter Mall and Duluth) will offer an exceptional Mother's Day brunch buffet including assorted salads, imported cheeses, grilled salmon, pastas and a selection of breakfast breads and desserts for $25 for adults and $8 for children. Both locations will be serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Garrison's Vinings will offer its regular à la carte brunch menu from 10:30 a.m. 3 p.m. Garrison's Duluth: 9700 Medlock Bridge Road; 770- 476-1962. Garrison's Perimeter: 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road; 770-350-0134. Garrison's Vinings: 4300 Paces Ferry Road; 770-436-0102. www.globeatlanta.com

If Italy is out of the picture this weekend, take your Mom to La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia- Highland, then stroll around the area's quaint streets. Here, authentic Italian dishes are a hit with the whole family. The cozy, neighborhood gathering place will open an hour earlier for Mother's Day Brunch at 10 a.m. Brunch is served until 3 p.m. 992 Virginia Avenue, N.E.; call 404-873-5430 for reservations. www.metrocafes.com

On Mother's Day, Rainwater in Alpharetta will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving a unique brunch buffet for $45 per person, including tax and gratuity. Children ages 4 -12 are $25; children under 3 eat free. 11655 Haynes Bridge Road; 770-777- 0033. www.rainwaterrestaurant.com

Mom can savor a taste of the islands this Mother's Day at Roy's. Roy's will open from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a special Mother's Day brunch. Roy's will re-open at 4 p.m. and serve the regular menu, so that mothers can enjoy Roy's signature Hawaiian fusion® cuisine, such as the Hawaiian style misoyaki butterfish or Roy's classic roasted macadamia nut mahi mahi. Don't forget to end the Mother's Day with Roy's melting hot chocolate soufflé! Roy's in Atlanta is located at 3475 Piedmont Road in The Marsh Building, 404-231-3232. www.roysrestaurant.com

SAGA in Midtown will be offering a special a la carte menu in addition to its regular brunch menu from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu items include Springer Mountain chicken breast with Anson Mill grits and broccoli rabe ($16); candied orange French toast with housemade orange challah, fresh fruit and maple syrup ($11); grilled ham Benedict - poached eggs, toasted brioche, hollandaise sauce ($8); and shrimp and grits ($16). SAGA is located at 1100 Crescent Avenue. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 404-872-0999. www.sagamidtown.com

Sala - Sabor de Mexico offers a culinary trip South-of-the-border-no passport required! Check out the new warm colors and décor (moms love to do that kind of stuff) as everyone delves into Executive Chef Jeff Smedstad's rustic dishes, such as a country ham quesadilla with two sunny-side up eggs and salsa verde, or Kahlua-spiked French toast with piloncillo syrup, whipped cream, caramel and almonds. The upscale Virginia-Highland restaurant offers a new Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1186 North Highland Avenue NE, 404-872-7203. www.fifthgroup.com

A modern Southern belle? South City Kitchen unites old South classics with new South flair and timeless Southern hospitality. South City Kitchen Vinings extends its Sunday brunch hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to mark Mother's Day. 1675 Cumberland Parkway; call 770-435-0700 for reservations. South City Kitchen Midtown lets mom sleep in a little longer, offering Saturday and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1144 Crescent Avenue; call 404-873-7358 for reservations. www.fifthgroup.com