John Kessler Awards Decatur's No. 246 Two Stars

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's lead dining critic, John Kessler, reviewed No. 246 this week and awarded the restaurant two stars. Kessler says the restaurant is "a huge success and an immensely likable spot." However, he does portray 246 as more of a neighborhood place that he has "to stop just short of recommending it as an across-town destination." The review highlights the wine list, the pasta dishes, and calls co-owner Drew Belline "a master of refinement." [AJC]

Besha Rodell, Creative Loafing's dining editor and restaurant critic, also reviewed No. 246 this week and awarded it three stars. Rodell calls it a "restaurant that seems too good to be true and so therefore probably is."

She also comments on the sound level of the restaurant:
Loudness is not a pet peeve of mine, and because of this it took me a while to figure out where my slight annoyance at eating here was coming from. One night, the clue came when my throat began to ache from screaming at my dining companions. Another, I realized that my family and I had not uttered anything all night that hadn't required a, "Huh? What did you say?" Which is too bad, because most of what we were saying were expressions of enthusiasm for the food placed before us.

Bill Addison, the dining editor and critic for Atlanta Magazine, published his review online of Johns Creek French steakhouse, Viande Rouge. Addison awarded the restaurant two stars and calls it "one of the most daring restaurants of the year" for "re-creating a near-extinct era of luxury." [Atlanta Magazine]

THE ELSEWHERE: Bob Townsend of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution takes a "first look" at Cibo e Bive. Creative Loafing's Brad Kaplan calls LeRoy's Fried Chicken "flat."

THE BLOGS: Fried Chicken Lips reviews Slacks and 5 Napkin Burger. Chowdown Atlanta makes the trek to Buttermilk Chicken in Dahlonega. She also provides some snapshots of Cakes & Ale's new lunch service from David Sweeney. Adventurous Tastes goes knee deep in balls at Figo's new meatball bar. Eat It Atlanta continues his recaps from his recent honeymoon in France and Spain.