Olivia Wakim

Food and Dining Reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Food and dining reporter @ajc. Formerly @mdjonline and @redandblack [email protected]

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Articles

26 Thai team aims for ‘edgier and more experimental’ in new concept

2 days ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

The team behind 26 Thai, the fast-growing Thai restaurant chain founded by Niki Pattharakositkul, is adding a new concept to its portfolio with an Asian tapas and cocktail bar in Midtown. Blackjack Bar Tapas opens Wednesday at 1080 Peachtree Street NE near the 1010 Midtown residential building. The concept has been in the works since early 2024, Pattharakositkul said in an email. With Blackjack, she’s excited to step beyond the 26 Thai brand she created in 2016.
The essential guide to metro Atlanta wine bars

5 days ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

Wine bars offer a range of dining experiences, from a romantic date to a solo afternoon with a book or a night out with friends. Metro Atlanta is bursting with wine bars. Many specialize in unique wine styles or production methods, and they offer a variety of food, with price points to match your budget. Check out these wine bars across metro Atlanta. Barcelona Wine BarThis Connecticut-based wine bar has locations across the U.S., including in Inman Park and the Westside Ironworks development.
Who were the winners of the 2025 Flavor of Georgia contest?

6 days ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

A baked good company making “Gritscuits” took home the grand prize at the 2025 Flavor of Georgia contest, a food product competition held Thursday in Athens. The annual contest, begun in 2007, is organized by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Food Science and Technology.
Side Saddle Wine Saloon opens wine bar and coffee shop along the Southside Beltline

1 week ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

The team behind coffee shop Finca to Filter is set to open a wine, cocktail bar and coffee shop this month in the Boulevard Heights neighborhood. “Pampered without pressure” is Side Saddle Wine Saloon’s tagline. It means providing a fine dining-level experience without the “arrogant and dusty atmosphere,” said Side Saddle’s general manager Flemming Love.
Take advantage of the warmer weather at these open-air spots in metro Atlanta

2 weeks ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

After a long winter, Atlanta area residents can’t be blamed for craving a cocktail and a view. Here are some rooftop or open-air patios around the metro area. Italian restaurant Capolinea, in the Signia by Hilton Atlanta, has a fourth-floor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer skyline views of Mercedes-Benz Stadium that are photo-worthy.
Acai bowls, paninis coming to Terminal South’s Switchman Hall

2 weeks ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

A stall serving paninis, acai bowls and toast is slated to open in Terminal South’s forthcoming food hall Switchman Hall. Staxx, a fast-causal restaurant dedicated to serving healthy and fresh food, will join the lineup of 18 stalls coming to Switchman Hall. The food hall has an anticipated opening set for this summer at the new development, which will be on the Atlanta Beltline’s planned Southside trail.
With new American South guide, Michelin highlights Atlanta – but not Georgia | Chattanooga Times Free Press

3 weeks ago | timesfreepress.com | Olivia Wakim |Ligaya Figueras

The Michelin Guide announced Wednesday that it will debut its first North American regional guide. The American South edition, to be released later this year, will include Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and the pre-existing Atlanta guide. The rest of Georgia will not be considered for the guide. Travel South USA, the Atlanta-based destination marketing organization for the southern U.S., has partnered with Michelin to bring the guide to the South.
With new American South guide, Michelin highlights Atlanta - but not Georgia

3 weeks ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim |Ligaya Figueras

The Michelin Guide announced today that it will debut its first North American regional guide. The American South edition, to be released later this year, will include Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and the pre-existing Atlanta guide. The rest of Georgia will not be considered for the guide. Travel South USA, the Atlanta-based destination marketing organization for the southern U.S., has partnered with Michelin to bring the guide to the South.
With new American South guide, Michelin highlights Atlanta - but not Georgia

3 weeks ago | macon.com | Olivia Wakim |Ligaya Figueras

The Michelin Guide announced today that it will debut its first North American regional guide. The American South edition, to be released later this year, will include Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and the pre-existing Atlanta guide. The rest of Georgia will not be considered for the guide. Travel South USA, the Atlanta-based destination marketing organization for the southern U.S., has partnered with Michelin to bring the guide to the South.
April food and drink events around metro Atlanta

3 weeks ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

Try Peruvian pisco, attend a dinner and a movie and make your own ranch water this April in metro Atlanta. Lagarde pop-upExperience a monthlongtiki bar pop-up at Lagarde American Eatery featuring tiki-themed cocktails and decor. The April 28 grand finale will include live music and food specials like Hawaiian pork belly sliders until 11 p.m.Through April 28. 5090 Peachtree Blvd., Chamblee.