Chef Joey Ward’s debut concept Southern Belle has officially opened its Plaza on Ponce doors, according to a press release Wednesday.
The restaurant, named as a nod to the “strong-willed Southern women Ward knows and loves”—including his wife and restaurant co-owner, Emily— is connected through a secret passageway to his second restaurant concept, Georgia Boy, which opens on November 20.
Georgia Boy will offer a separate, 16-seat tasting menu by reservation only.
Ward’s team includes Chef de Cuisine Spencer Gomez, Pastry Chef Billy Cole, and General Manager and Sommelier Cate Hatch.
Southern Belle’s menu, which features “multicultural flavors of the ‘new south,” include small plates like the Ceviche with Local Sweet Potato, Fermented Chilis, and Leche de Tigre; Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Chicken Ham, Bama White Sauce, and Fried Chicken Skins; and Beef Short Rib Braised in Dr. Pepper with Warm Spices, Fermented Black Bean, and Dried Plum.
The restaurant’s cocktail program, designed by Greg Best and Paul Calvert of Ticonderoga Club, is an ode to Southern distilleries.
Alongside cocktails ranging from a classic Vieux Carre to the more modern Long Way Down (O4W Gin, Lemon, Benedictine, and Angostura Bitters), bar selections also include a number of zero-proof cocktails, local craft beers, and a wine list.
Dessert options include Warm Sticky Toffee-Coffee Pudding for Two with East Pole Coffee & ASW Bourbon Toffee Sauce.
This pudding is paired with Biscoff Cookie Ice Cream churned tableside on an authentic Delta galley cart, an homage to the Atlanta-based airline (pictured above.)
Every Sunday afternoon on its 40-seat patio, Southern Belle will host “Sunday Fundays” with live music.
In addition to Southern Belle’s regular food and beverage offerings, the restaurant will offer specials prepared on a Big Green Egg, which will change each week.
To kick off the series this Sunday, November 17, Chef Ward will offer a Platter of Grilled Oysters with House-pickled Garnish and House-made Andouille Sausage.
Southern Belle’s visual identity was executed by Atlanta-based Square Feet Studio including a neon blue sign that says “Bless Your Heart” anchoring the bar.
Southern Belle seats 45 guests inside.
One Response
Dr Pepper correctly written has no punctuation.
This is how the soft drink company managed to avoid any suits brought against them: not a Dr.
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