Atlanta - May 11, 2006

A New Nut to Crack

The Pecan Opens

“Good Southern fusion — in this city?” you’ll ask.

“Why go and mess with a good thing?” mom will chime in.

“Over my dead body,” grandma will conclude.

But The Pecan, opening today in downtown College Park, may just prove you all wrong. Executive chef and GM Tony Morrow (Pano’s & Paul’s, Kyma, and 103 West) promises satisfying portions and spot-on seasonings for his take on upscale Southern dining.

Pecan sour cream biscuits, soups spiced with curry and ginger, and an in-house pastry chef rolling out items like white peach Grand Marnier souffle and sweet potato crème brulee all seem a promising start (and ending) to a full stomach. Cloisters of red damask and velvet accents — small but noticeable changes to the space where Oscar’s used to be — guarantee an eyeful to match.

“Will there be fresh-squeezed lemonade?” grandma will sniff.

“Do they serve Sunday brunch?” mom will pipe up.

“Yes and yes,” you’ll reply. “Though Mondays are for private events only.”

“Well, okay,” you’ll strain to hear from them both.

So nice to go with their blessing.

But reservations won’t hurt, either.

The Pecan, 3725 Main Street, College Park (404-762-8444).