Georgia Boy and Southern Belle by Joey Ward Bring Back Childhood Wonder

"In the back of the building, Georgia Boy channels Ward’s grandfather and his own upbringing as rare native Atlantans to deliver creative, technique-driven food that still feels like home and storytelling about Southern-grown products. I found the menu intentionally playful and nostalgic: Autumn Leaves (a pile-of-leaves presentation made of local sweet potatoes to evoke playing in fall), Foie Gras Candied Apple (foie gras with an apple-pie–filling center glazed with North Georgia apple cider), Georgia Beef (six different bites representing different Georgia ranchers), Hot Dog Ice Cream (a slaw dog–style ice cream made from Georgia all‑beef hot dogs served with house fermented chow-chow, crème fraîche, sturgeon caviar and a hat from The Varsity), Olive Oil Candles for the bread service, Spring Salad (varied textures with edible flowers and a pollen made from Georgia olive oil), a garden-hose–like Sorbet that moved a diner to tears, a one-bite Tomato Sandwich that tastes like granddad’s tomato sandwich, Vietnamese Chicken and Waffles, and a popular summertime smash burger; overall the experience aims to make guests smile and leave with memorable moments like seasonal theatrical touches (for example an edible snow globe at Christmas)." - Michael He