Once a tiny community at the end of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, Atlanta has evolved into one of the most prominent vacation destinations in the U.S. South over the past two centuries, with no shortage of world-class museums and hotels to explore across its limits—and all of these attractions have fostered a thriving food and drink scene throughout the city. A top spot for both innovative New American cuisine and traditional Peach State fare, Atlanta dining options continue to grow with each passing year, with FORTH being one of its most promising new additions. Developed by renowned hospitality company Method Co., this grandiose structure comes complete with a wellness center, boutique hotel and four unique drinking and dining concepts, each one acting as a tangible reminder of Atlanta’s culinary prowess.

For Forbes, Method Co. CEO and Co-Founder Randall Cook provides insight into some of the top drinking and dining destinations to explore across Atlanta both at FORTH and across the city.

What sets Atlanta apart from other U.S. cities in terms of its food and drink scene?

There’s such a vibrant culinary and drinking scene because the city has such a diverse and growing population—so you can enjoy anything from Southern classics to excellent Asian food to world-class Italian and French cuisine. The city also has an emerging cocktail culture. And because Atlanta is growing so much, there’s been this influx of emerging foodie neighborhoods fueled by all these young culinary creatives.

Could you tell us about what kind of culinary concepts are available for guests at FORTH?

There’s a nice range of restaurants at FORTH, so both our hotel guests and locals can dine with us several nights a week and try something different each time. Elektra is our airy Mediterranean spot that offers all-day dining from a light breakfast to mezze platters to grilled fish in the evening. Bar Premio is our cafe-turned-wine bar where guests can come for a quick coffee, a late afternoon aperitivo or sit down with a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine in the evening. Il Premio is our flagship Italian steakhouse that serves up all the classics you’d expect like oysters on the half shell, New York Strip and branzino all washed down with the perfect martini. Of course, you can top it all off with a nightcap at Moonlight, our rooftop cocktail lounge.

What does the cocktail scene at FORTH look like? Are there any drinks that have been particularly popular for visitors?

I would describe it as vibrant, eclectic and seductive. There is a perfectly crafted cocktail for literally everyone with each venue at FORTH offering its own distinct spirits angle. We put a lot of attention, time and detail into a spirit-based cocktail menu, but we also put a lot of focus on our non-alcohol program, as we’ve noticed a growing demand for this. In particular, the Ghia Paloma made with Ghia N-A aperitif, grapefruit, lime, agave and seltzer has been our most popular N-A order.

A few other cocktails that have been hits so far are the Pina Americano made with Cappelletti, pineapple-infused sweet vermouth, Kalani Coconut Liqueur and club soda served at Bar Premio, and likewise, Il Premio’s Martini made with olive oil-washed Belvedere vodka, Fords Gin, Acqua di Cedro and dry vermouth. Elektra’s Illumination has also proven to be a perfect poolside drink, made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Pallini limoncello, lemon and Fever Tree ginger beer. But truly, Moonlight is the property’s gem for cocktails, and the Street Lights made with bourbon, sorrel, Campari, crème de pêche and piment d’Espelette is a must-order.

What are some of your favorite restaurants and bars to visit across the city outside of FORTH?

I am a big fan of UMI, a sushi restaurant known for its fresh seafood and Japanese-inspired dishes, and Staplehouse, a fine-dining spot featuring seasonal ingredients and an excellent tasting menu. There’s great Mexican food here: I love Muchacho for their tacos and tequila and then a place like Copalena, which is offering a bold, modern take on Mexican cuisine. For the cocktail scene, Bar Margot offers an impressive selection of drinks and Banshee is another innovative spot for both unique cocktails and dishes. When we were opening FORTH, I loved exploring all the options at nearby Ponce City Market, which has a great variety of food stalls and restaurants.

If you could recommend just one dish for anyone visiting FORTH, which specific dish would you choose?

It’s hard to pick one, but the menu at Il Premio (our Italian steakhouse) has a bunch of crowd pleasers from the 22 oz. Dry Aged Ribeye to the Strozzapreti al Granchio made with king crab, uni butter, brodetto and basil. These dishes embody Il Premio’s celebratory and refined approach to hospitality as well as our culinary team’s belief in using the best ingredients, which has made the restaurant one of the city’s most exciting openings of the year.

Falcons Have Several Starters on Injury Report Before Facing Cowboys – Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated

Injuries are also an issue for Atlanta this week.

The Atlanta Falcons’ first injury report before their Week 9 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys consists of several key players.

Three players did not participate in Atlanta’s practice Wednesday, headlined by All-Pro right guard Chris Lindstrom. The Falcons were also without a pair of rookies in second-round defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro and fifth-round linebacker JD Bertrand.

Lindstrom suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s 31-26 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Falcons coach Raheem Morris said postgame he was cleared to return. Lindstrom said in the locker room afterwards he expected to be fine for the Cowboys.

Bertrand (concussion) and Orhorhoro (ankle) also sustained injuries against Tampa Bay. Orhorhoro exited the game in the third quarter and did not return, and his status for Sunday appears bleak, according to Morris.

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“We’ll have to see a little bit more, see what’s going on in the day,” Morris said Wednesday. “Not looking great.”

Atlanta had seven players limited. Some, like safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) and linebacker Troy Andersen (knee) were expected, as they’ve been battling pre-existing injuries for multiple weeks and did not play against Tampa Bay.

Others, however, are a touch more interesting to monitor.

Linebacker Kaden Elliss injured his knee vs. the Buccaneers, and while he returned the following drive, he was limited Wednesday. Nickel cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. has endured a back injury for several weeks — he was active against Tampa Bay and “made it through the game fairly well,” Morris said.

The Mailbox: Keeping the faith in Younghoe Koo and finding pass rush help – Will McFadden, AtlantaFalcons.com

Atlanta has something Dallas doesn’t have… questions about their kicker.

Will S. from Summerville, Ga.

Should we be worried about Koo?

Will: It’s a fair question to ask after the normally reliable kicker has missed four kicks in the Falcons’ last four games. Having talked to Younghoe Koo several times over the years, I can assure you he is one of the coolest customers I’ve ever met. He is never too high and never too low, and that’s exactly the type of even-keeled nature I’d want in a kicker. Matt Bryant was that way, too.

It’s worth pointing out that all four of those misses were from beyond 40 yards, including two from at least 50 yards away. Those are obviously going to be a bit more difficult. It’s also worth noting, though, that this year Koo set a new career-high with his 58-yard, game-winning kick against the Saints. His previous best was 54 yards, a distance he’s connected from twice this year already.

Koo has also done a great job articulating different elements of his kicking process and he is a bonafide expert at breaking down the mechanics. That all leads me to believe he knows the corrections to make. Again, I get the question, but at this point I still have plenty of faith.

3 Roster needs the Atlanta Falcons should address ahead of NFL trade deadline – Nick Halden, BloggingDirty.com

Taking a look at positions the Falcons could pursue at the trade deadline.

1. Edge rusher

The Atlanta Falcons have known they needed an elite edge rusher for the last two years. If the team believed they were true contenders, you needed to add at least one consistent edge rushing option. Instead, the team used their first round picks on two positions already filled and focused their free agent signings on continuing to build the offense.

2. Linebacker

The argument against making a move here is the hope a healthy Troy Andersen returns and fixes your problems. However, that is the same logic offered to Nate Landman returning to Atlanta’s lineup. Since his return, it has been clear that something isn’t right with the Atlanta starter. He appears to be a step slow and isn’t finishing plays as well as he was prior to the injury.

3. Receiver depth

Atlanta’s starting trio has been great with Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud all playing far above expectations. Still, the Falcons should be considering adding depth to a unit that would struggle to deal with an injury. KhaDarel Hodge and rookie Casey Washington are the team’s current depth pieces. Washington is yet to take the field consistently and Hodge is a career special teams player.

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Though to be fair to Hodge, when the receiver was put in one of the season’s biggest moments, he delivered with a touchdown catch and run to beat Tampa in their first matchup. Still, the Falcons have reason to feel they need to improve the position and add a veteran that could step in and contribute rotating with McCloud.

You don’t want to take his speed off the field consistently but having a capable veteran able to step into that role would be a wise move. It protects the Falcons from injuries to the position as well giving much-needed depth. It isn’t going to be high on Atlanta’s priority list but considering the low price of receiver trades around the league it is at least worth serious consideration.

The Atlanta Falcons have revealed their injury report from Thursday’s practice ahead of Sunday’s game vs. the Dallas Cowboys.

Atlanta received positive news surrounding several starters, including safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) and linebacker Kaden Elliss (knee) being full participants. Both players were limited Wednesday, as was backup nickel cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr., who’s battled a back injury for several weeks.

Elsewhere, starting right guard Chris Lindstrom’s status was elevated from out Wednesday to limited Thursday. Lindstrom suffered a knee injury in last Sunday’s 31-26 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and did not play in the second half, though he was cleared to return. He said postgame he expected to play against Dallas.

Four others were limited, though only two — linebacker Troy Andersen (knee) and center Drew Dalman (ankle) — were injury related. Tight end Charlie Woerner and linebacker Nate Landman were both on the list due to rest purposes.

Yet while the Falcons’ injury report is mostly positive, two rookies appear to be facing an uphill climb to play Sunday.

Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro and linebacker JD Bertrand have missed each of Atlanta’s practices this week. Bertrand is in concussion protocol, meaning all four of Atlanta’s linebackers are contending with injuries.

On the defensive front, Orhorhoro sustained a knee injury against the Buccaneers. Morris said Orhorhoro’s injury is “not looking great,” and his practice availability — or lack thereof — supports that.

The Falcons (5-3) and Cowboys (3-4) will kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.