Ligaya Figueras Prefers the Scenery Over the Food at Linton’s

Atlanta Journal Constitution food editor Ligaya Figueras reviews Linton’s, the new Atlanta Botanical Garden restaurant from local James Beard winner Linton Hopkins. Figueras takes issue with both the service and cuisine and assigns a “good” rating of one out of four stars:

But, maybe I’ve got it all wrong. You’ve come to the garden to stroll the grounds and happen to find yourself hungry. If it’s lunchtime, Linton’s fresh salads, soups and sandwiches will sate you. It isn’t fast food. And. I guess that’s progress for a cultural institution. If it’s nighttime, enjoy the glow of Chihuly sculptures. Don’t expect fireworks from the food.

Over at Creative Loafing, Jennifer Zyman visits The Mercury, the Ponce City Market venture from the team behind The Pinewood Tippling Room. Zyman awards two out of five stars and says the restaurant has the potential to great, but isn’t there yet.

The Mercury has the foundation to be something beyond steaks and cocktail roadies, but right now, it lacks finesse. You could make a meal here, if pressed to dine, but a destination this is not. It seems that the trio got too far away from its original vision and lost in an ambitious concept.

THE ELSEWHERE AND THE BLOGS: The AJC’s Wyatt Williams says it’s best to skip the entrees and stick with drinks and appetizers at Yebo Beach Haus. Fried Chicken Lips is disappointed with the Neapolitan pies at Vero Pizzeria. Hot Dish Review enjoys a meaty feast at The Cockentrice. Burgers, Barbecue & Everything Else plans on returning to Waikikie Hawaiian Barbecue.

• All Week in Reviews [EATL]