The final stroke of 2016 is almost here, and Eater continues its year-end survey of Atlanta food writers. We’ve already covered the best restaurant newcomers and standbys, the biggest dining surprises and saddest shutters, and the best meals of the last 12 months. Now, it’s prediction time. Local restaurant gurus look into their crystal balls to forecast what news 2017 will bring.
Angela Hansberger, Creative Loafing contributor
The return of gluten!
_____ announces hot chicken ramen mash-up pop-up.
Inside the shocking revelation that pricey bone broth is the stock your mom makes.
Cocktail omakase! Veggie omakase! Food on sticks omakase! Dessert omakase! Oyster omakase! (I'd probably go.)
Cackleberry, serving up foods cooked only on Big Green Eggs, opens.
Staplehouse wins a James Beard award.
D. Geller and Son removes signs so people can park near Jinya Ramen for lunch.
Jarrett Stieber's Eat Me Speak Me opens in its own brick and mortar spot.
Brad Kaplan, Thirsty South founder and Creative Loafing contributor
Higher rents and heavy competition make it even harder for intown restaurants to stay afloat.
Beth McKibben, Eater Atlanta contributor
In booze: Apple and peach brandy on the rise. Madeira's big comeback. Beer gardens. Culinary-inspired cocktails. Classic cocktails stop getting twisted and start getting real again.
In food: Grain bowls are the new kale smoothie, vegetable-forward dishes (because Atlanta's chefs know their veggies), and the continued exploration of southeast Asian cuisine and street food.
Chris Fuhrmeister, Eater Atlanta editor
[Big-Name Chef/Restaurateur] Announces New Concept at [Mixed-Use Development]
[Longtime Favorite Intown Restaurant] Announces Its Shutter
East Lake and Kirkwood Emerge As the Hot Dining Neighborhoods
Steven Satterfield Finally Wins the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast
• All Year in Eater Coverage [EATL]