Atlanta, GA
Piastra transforms into a community‑driven grocery called Asher & Rose
Courtesy of Asher & Rose
After more than 10 years serving lasagna and bolognese in Marietta Square, Piastra has closed its doors. Come January 22, it will reopen as Asher & Rose, a specialty grocery and cafe shaped by local sourcing, prepared foods, and the same hospitality the restaurant was known for.
The name reflects the middle names of mother-and-son ownership team Betty Bahl and Greg Lipman. They had been contemplating a second concept when Burger’s Market shuttered nearby. The arrival of multiple new restaurants on the Square encouraged Bahl and Lipman to reimagine the space.
“Marietta Square is a food desert. There’s not a grocery store within a little over a mile,” Lipman says.
Renovations were minimal, as they kept the bar, maintained the private dining room for events and meetings, and even left some of the local artwork on the walls.
Courtesy of Asher & Rose
The eight-seat bar will shift from Italian-focused drinks to about a dozen craft cocktails, plus rotating beer taps, and a strong zero ABV lineup. There are 109 wines on the menu, with each available by the glass (with a two-glass minimum).
“When was the last time you went grocery shopping with a martini in your hand?” Lipman exclaims. “We’re taking the Disney philosophy for our business. When was the last time you had fun grocery shopping?”
Patrons can dine at the bar and ring up their groceries there, too. “We’ll still be serving food; it just won’t be Italian,” he says. Bottled beer and wine will also be sold on the retail side.
A counter-service cafe will serve house‑made pastries, including croissants and cinnamon buns, as well as local eggs, sausage, pork, and stone‑ground grits. A separate “all‑day menu” will feature Piastra favorites like spaghetti bolognese and rigatoni, as well as vegan roasted tomato soup matzo ball soup, muffaletta and miso salmon on house‑baked Japanese milk bread.
Courtesy of Asher & Rose
The grocery will continue the restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing, from cheese and chicken to beef and pork. Lipman says prepared foods comprise at least half the offerings. Items range from mushroom ravioli to meatloaf, beef stew, lamb shank, fried rice, and dumplings, each with heating instructions. A Whole Foods-style prepared foods counter will offer fresh eats, in addition to the refrigerated and frozen sections. A variety of gluten-free offerings will be available with advance notice.
Lipman, who served as executive chef at Piastra and previously worked in pastry at Alon’s, will continue to lead the kitchen. Piastra general manager and lead bartender Jessica Lakos will fill those roles at Asher & Rose, too.
The team will collaborate with the Marietta Square Farmers Market through a weekly chef’s stage. The store will also host monthly “meet the maker” events to showcase local farmers, producers, and artists.
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ATLANTA – From live music and theater to family-friendly festivals and immersive exhibitions, metro Atlanta and North Georgia are packed with ways to get out and explore this weekend. Here’s a look at some of the best things to do around the region.
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Fulton County (Atlanta)
Arnez J
Feb. 5–7
City Winery Atlanta, Atlanta
Comedian Arnez J brings his high-energy stand-up to City Winery, following his run as host of BET’s Comic View and the release of his comedy special Not Gonna Stop.
Romeo and Juliet
Feb. 7–March 1
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, Atlanta
The Atlanta Shakespeare Company presents its 23rd anniversary production of Shakespeare’s tragic love story of feuding families and young love.
Virginia Highland Mardi Gras
Feb. 7
Virginia Highland, Atlanta
Virginia Highland launches its first Mardi Gras celebration with a festive parade followed by a party featuring live music from Wasted Potential, vendors, face painting, beads, and food and drinks.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 in Concert”
Feb. 6–8
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta
Justin Freer conducts the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performing Alexandre Desplat’s score live as the full film is shown in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.
DSC Convention & Sporting Expo
Feb. 6–8
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
Discover innovative outdoor and sporting gear while connecting with a passionate community working to protect wildlife and support conservation, education and advocacy efforts.
Atlanta Oyster Festival
Feb. 7
Park Tavern, Atlanta
Atlanta’s popular oyster festival returns with fresh oysters, craft cocktails and live music at the Midtown beer garden.
“Riverdance”
Feb. 6–8
Fox Theatre, Atlanta
The iconic show marks its 30th year with refreshed choreography, costumes and cutting-edge lighting and projection.
SCAD TVfest
Feb. 4–6
Midtown Atlanta, Atlanta
Go behind the scenes of television with panels and conversations featuring actors, writers, directors and producers at multiple Midtown locations.
“BLKS”
Through Feb. 14
Out Front Theatre Company, Atlanta
This play explores the lives of three 20-somethings navigating identity, friendship and love as queer Black women in New York City.
Serial Killer: The Exhibition
Opens Feb. 7
Pullman Yards, Atlanta
A research-driven exhibition featuring certified artifacts connected to serial killers worldwide, offering insight into criminal psychology and history.
Blazing Light: Photographs by Mimi Plumb
Feb. 6–May 10
High Museum of Art, Atlanta
More than 100 photographs explore environmental, social and political change across the American West.
F1 Arcade Grand Opening
Friday–Sunday
F1 Arcade Atlanta, Atlanta
Race family and friends on state-of-the-art F1 simulators (ages 7 and up), with food and drinks available. Guests under 21 are welcome until 7 p.m. daily.
Gwinnett County
Atlanta Brick Con
Saturday–Sunday
Gas South Convention Center, Duluth
Celebrate everything Lego with fan-built creations, hands-on building zones, games, speakers, character meet-and-greets and a 125-foot Lego RC off-road course to race on.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Feb. 7
Lawrenceville Arts Center, Lawrenceville
Aurora Children’s Playhouse hosts a Lunar New Year celebration featuring traditional Chinese music and dance by the Atlanta Chinese Dance Co., with opportunities for kids and families to participate.
Cobb County
The Ultimate RV Show
Feb. 5–8
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta
Explore more than 150 fully staged RVs, a kids zone, on-site pet adoptions and the latest camping gear and show-only deals.
Love Is King Tour with Gregory Porter
Feb. 6
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta
Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter brings his soulful sound and acclaimed catalog to the stage as part of his Love Is King tour.
DeKalb County
Pajama Concert – Musical Bedtime Stories
Feb. 6
Michael C. Carlos Museum, Atlanta
The Emory Chamber Music Society invites families to a cozy evening of music featuring bedtime stories set to works by Vivaldi, Debussy and Dvořák, performed by the Vega Quartet and pianist William Ransom. Hot chocolate and marshmallows are served before the concert, and pajamas are encouraged.
Emory Jazz Fest
Feb. 5–7
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, Atlanta
Emory’s annual three-day jazz festival features artist demonstrations, a jazz clinic and concerts, with acclaimed vocalist Denise Thimes headlining.
Planet Ice at Fernbank
Feb. 7–May 3
Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta
Travel through Earth’s chilling past in this immersive exhibition exploring how ice has shaped landscapes and driven remarkable adaptations that allowed life to survive in an unforgiving world.
“Peter and the Wolf”
Feb. 8
Decatur Presbyterian Church, Decatur
The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra presents Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” featuring dancers from the Decatur School of Ballet and narration by Robert Shaw-Smith, along with selections from Grieg, Mozart and Beethoven.
Fulton County (Sandy Springs)
Toast & Jam Jazz Brunch
Feb. 8
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Sandy Springs
Pianist Joe Alterman’s jazz brunch series continues with guest singer-songwriter Jesse Ruben.
Fulton County (Alpharetta)
Alpharetta Symphony
Feb. 6
Innovation Academy Auditorium, Alpharetta
The orchestra celebrates America’s 250th birthday with Revolution, featuring works by Elgar, Holst, Copland, Gershwin and Bernstein.
8th Annual Alpharetta Polar Bear Plunge
Feb. 7
Wills Park Pool, Alpharetta
The Rotary Club of Alpharetta’s Polar Bear Plunge brings together local groups to raise money for charitable causes.
Cobb County / Marietta
Movies at the Strand: “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Feb. 8
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta
Watch the classic film starring Gregory Peck, with a free Mighty Allen Theatre Organ preshow beginning 30 minutes before the screening.
DeKalb County / Avondale Estates
Nigel Wearne
Feb. 6
Commune Wine Bar, Avondale Estates
Australian country blues and Americana-noir singer-songwriter Nigel Wearne performs an intimate set at the wine bar and listening room inside Olive & Pine.
Fulton County / Roswell
Dad’s Garage BlackGround
Feb. 7
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
Atlanta’s Dad’s Garage brings its all–African American comedy troupe to Roswell for a hilarious, culture-forward show imagining what Black characters were doing behind the scenes of classic movies.
COMING UP
Giselle
Feb. 13–15
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta
This classic ballet, last performed by Atlanta Ballet in 2022, tells the enduring story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.
Hearts and Harmony Gala
Feb. 13
Atlanta Athletic Club
The annual Hearts and Harmony Gala kicks off the symphony’s 19th anniversary season with live music, dining, dancing, raffles, and an auction.
The Princess Bride
Feb. 13
SCAD Atlanta, Midtown
Join SCADshow for sweet treats and a free screening of the beloved classic The Princess Bride.
Lunar New Year Festival
Feb. 14-March 1
Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a drone show, parades, cultural crafts and dance exhibitions.
Broadway Sideways
Feb. 15
The Breman, Atlanta
Voices of Note presents a lively concert that joyfully upends traditional casting, gender roles, and expectations on Broadway.
If you would like to submit an item for a future list, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.
The city of Decatur is outlining the steps it’s been taking to boost security at schools.
This spring, the school district says it is launching a new reporting system and placing a deeper emphasis on students’ mental health through wraparound services.
The district says it’s responding to national trends in school incidents and working to align with standards set by the state legislature.
“Any student in grades 4 through 12th grade, if they see something and they want to say something, 24 hours a day, there is someone on the other end of that line that will be able to walk them through those next supports,” said Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker.
“I like that there’s a plan in place,” said Sarah McFarland, a parent in the school district. “I think that when crisis hits, a lot of times, people go into fight or flight, and I think it’s very valuable that they have their steps in place.”
The district says it is prioritizing students’ psychological safety along with their physical safety through its latest measures. Its new reporting program is inspired by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, is being implemented so the district can be in lockstep with other sizeable school districts throughout the state also installing these reporting systems.
Parents and the district say concerns over security are heightened because of the political climate.
“I want to make sure that children are able to receive education and not feel threatened because it is their right to have an education in this country,” McFarland said.
Decatur’s police and fire departments are partnering in the reporting program. The district also revived its school resource officer program this school year, placing two SROs at middle and high schools.”
MILTON, Ga. – Atlanta rapper Lil Jon’s son has been reported missing in Georgia, according to local police and a member of the son’s management team.
What we know:
The Milton Police Department issued a missing persons alert around 4 p.m. Tuesday for 27-year-old Nathan Murray Smith, who performs under the name DJ Young Slade. Police say Smith ran out of his home around 6 a.m. and has not been seen since.
Authorities say Smith did not have his phone with him and may be disoriented or in need of assistance. Police stressed there is no threat to the public, but family and friends are concerned for his safety.
Earlier in the day, the police department notified the community of “police activity” in the Mayfield Park area. At the time, they only said it was part of an “active police matter.”
Smith is described as 5-feet-9 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds.
The backstory:
DJ Young Slade has been building his own career in music, following in the footsteps of his father, Lil Jon, a Grammy-winning artist who helped define Atlanta’s crunk sound and rise in the early 2000s.
Lil Jon joined FOX 5 Atlanta’s Good Day Atlanta in March 2025 to talk about MTV’s reality series”Family Legacy.”
DJ Slade on following the ‘Family Legacy’
The popular docuseries ”Family Legacy” is back with more stories from the kids of some of the most influential musicians and bands. DJ Slade, the son of Lil Jon, has made quite a name for himself in the music industry, and he sat down with Alyse Eady to talk about being featured in the series.
TMZ reports it has reached out to Lil Jon for comment but has not yet heard back.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milton Police Department at 678-297-6300.
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