Atlanta food enthusiasts need wait no longer for the return of Nutter and Washington to the City’s dining scene. After racking up numerous accolades, including multiple James Beard nominations, the team behind One Flew South in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, departed the city to open Southern National in Mobile, AL. Now they will bring the refined Southern National concept to a prime location in Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood starting June 29th.
Southern National will feature Nutter’s unique culinary range, which reflects his time spent in different regions of the country. Look for hints of Creole (Louisiana), Bourbon Country (Kentucky), and Asian-fusion (Pacific Northwest) along with the influence of famed Olympic (gold medal) culinarian and mentor, Darryl Evans. “My menus and my journey as a Chef are pretty much one and the same,” remarked Nutter in a statement. “I like to say we’re Southern in feel, National in flavor, because I’ve been inspired by every place I’ve ever lived and worked.”
Joining Nutter and Washington will be another award-winning duo, Greg Best and Paul Calvert, who will direct the cocktail and wine program, and who are also partners in the venture. The drink menu will feature elegant, classic-leaning cocktails and an extensive wine list with an emphasis on Champagne and age-worthy, old-world reds. “We couldn’t put our cocktail program in better hands,” explained Washington, “to ensure the beverages and bar service are on par with Chef Duane’s food.”
“While the addition of Greg and Paul to the partnership may come as a surprise to many, they were the driving force behind our cocktail program down in Mobile. This is a proven team!” Chef Nutter added.
Look for the opening menu to feature some fresh new dishes, such as the Creole Cured Salmon & Potato Blini with pineapple mascarpone, cucumber, mustard seed vin and caviar, the Fried Lobster Tail with black eyed peas, bok choy, and Szechuan chili sauce, the Berbere Spiced Fried Chicken Thigh with coconut milk and jalapeño maque choux, plus a few of Chef Nutter’s greatest hits, like the Mussels and Collard Greens with shiitake mushrooms, baguette, and grape tomatoes.
The partners plan several soft opening events for friends, family, and members of the local media in the third week of June. The restaurant will open to the public, starting June 29nd with reservations starting in early July. Southern National is located at 72 Georgia Avenue in Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood. The restaurant will initially be open Thursday through Monday, while the team fine-tunes the operations and puts a final polish on the guest experience.
