How Atlanta Is Becoming A Foodie Destination, According To Randall Cook Of Method Co.

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.