Chef Matthew Jones is young, but he’s got big goals.
“I want to be the best chef in Atlanta, and the first Atlanta native to be awarded a Michelin star,” he told the AJC in an interview last week.
The 26-year-old is already putting in the work, overseeing the kitchen at Blackbird, which opened last month in downtown Atlanta in the building previously occupied by event space Studio 7.
Credit: Jacari Jones
Credit: Jacari Jones
Owned by Asa Fain, who also owns Apache Cafe and Murphy Park Fairgrounds, Blackbird seeks to "bring fine dining to the everyday person's level," said Jones, who previously worked in the kitchen at The Optimist in West Midtown and 10th and Piedmont and went to culinary school in Europe.
His French-influenced menu reflects his European training, with some German and Italian influences sprinkled in. Dishes include smoked cheese grits, breakfast sandwiches, rabbit au vin and pan-seared halibut.
The restaurant recently got its liquor license and is running a full bar for dinner plus mimosas, brunch cocktails, beer and wine for breakfast and brunch.
Jones said in addition to his personal goals, he also wants Blackbird to be considered the best new restaurant in the city.
The restaurant started out serving breakfast, lunch and brunch, and launched its dinner service last week. Late night hours will be added soon with drink and food specials at the bar, as well as weekday happy hour specials.
Blackbird’s hours are 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
393 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta. 404-993-5328, blackbirdatlanta.com
Scroll down to see the menus for Blackbird:
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