Rathbun's, Atlanta - WSJ.com

Rathbun's, Atlanta - WSJ.com: "

Rathbun's, Atlanta

By JESSIE KNADLER
September 29, 2007; Page W4

Rathbun's is one of three Atlanta restaurants owned by chef Kevin Rathbun. Located two miles from downtown amid the million-dollar Victorian homes in upscale Inman Park, Rathbun's serves a varied assortment of what it calls modern American cuisine. It draws area residents with its "second mortgage"-size plates of lobster tacos and a small-plate dessert menu on which nothing tops $3.15.

Recent Sightings

When actor Will Ferrell was offered a complimentary shot of tequila after dinner at table 60, he opted for port. Country singer LeAnn Rimes dined at table 91 after a recent concert. Christopher Klaus, founder of online security provider ISS Worldwide, talked with guests at table 52 about his social-networking site, Kaneva. Indigo Girls' Emily Saliers, who co-owns the Watershed Restaurant in Decatur, Ga., sat with a group at table 43.

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The Regulars

Bruce Levenson, co-owner of the NBA/NHL holding company Atlanta Spirit, often is seated for dinner before the restaurant opens at 5:30 so he can attend his teams' home games.

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H. Jerome Russell, chairman of H.J. Russell & Co., an Atlanta construction firm currently involved in a $5 billion expansion of Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson airport, hosts clients at corner tables 96 or 101 once a month.

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Actor and producer Tyler Perry, who recently opened a 60,000-square-foot production facility across the street, sits in the bar area or at table 96 when he comes in for lobster tacos.

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Turner Entertainment Networks President Steve Koonin comes here twice a month, often for meetings. Recently he met with Tyler Perry to discuss Mr. Perry's TBS show "House of Payne."

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Tony White, CEO of Applera, the parent company of Applied Biosciences and Celera, stops by for dinner, usually at table 91 or 96, whenever he's in town.

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The Power Tables

Floorplan Key: Red=A ++ List; Yellow=A+ LIST; Blue=A LIST

Booth 91 is the prime vantage point for taking in the scene at the bar without actually being part of it. Corner tables 96 and 101 offer the best overall views, and some VIPs prefer to sit with their backs facing the room so as not to be noticed. The core schmoozing tables are in the middle of the dining room: tables 52, 53, 60 and 62. Chef's table 50 looks right into the open kitchen; those who sit there are treated to complimentary amuses-bouche.

Rathbun's, 112 Krog St. NE, Atlanta; 404-524-8280; www.rathbunsrestaurant.com

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