John Kessler Awards Tomo Three Stars

Lead dining critic for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, John Kessler, reviews the newly relocated Tomo Japanese Restaurant, awarding it three stars. He notes his fandom of chef Tomohiro Naito from the days of Tomo's former location in Vinings, but goes on to say that:

"Now, in this space, Tomo must prove itself as a different kind of dual-nature restaurant. On the one hand it remains in the small club of top-tier local sushi bars; on the other, it has given up its cozy suburban mall vibe for a shot of big-time glamour."

Kessler compares the transition to the rise of "Nobu, the iconic Japanese restaurant with multiple locations in world hot spots," mentioning Naito's training at the Las Vegas outpost. After numerous "wow" moments ("benchmark uni" and signature dishes including "foie-gras-like" monkfish liver terrine with ponzu jelly and lobster a la musso) and a few missteps (grilled yellowtail collar, underdeveloped wine list, and a slow omakase experience), Kessler closes with a hope for chef Naito and his restaurant's "lofty goals," saying:

"He's still figuring things out, growing into his role as a big deal. I think Tomohiro Naito is an Atlanta treasure, and I suspect this move will let him spread his wings."

THE ELSEWHERE
Also at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jenny Turknett reviews Wildflour in Alpharetta and Bob Townsend takes a First Look at Cardamom Hill. Cliff Bostock of Creative Loafing also takes a First Look at Cardamom Hill; and Brad Kaplan checks out the most recent BATON Supper featuring Danny Bowein from San Fran's Mission Chinese Food.

THE BLOGS
Chow Down Atlanta also goes to the BATON Supper series. ATL Food Snob stops by the Super H Mart food court and revisits Tasty China.