Representatives from Michelin’s famous guide presented the first Michelin stars to restaurants across Atlanta on October 24, 2023. Atlanta’s Michelin Guide joins just six other U.S. Guides- New York City, California, Colorado, Florida, Chicago, and Washington DC. Chefs and diners around the city have been buzzing since the announcement that the guide was coming, and there was a palpable sense of excitement leading up to the announcement.
Michelin Guide Experiences and Communications Director Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin described how Michelin’s anonymous restaurant inspectors were “amazed” by the quality of the restaurants they discovered in Atlanta. She said they felt “this spark Atlanta has- The one which makes the difference, and attracts international travelers looking for a very special journey.”
45 restaurants were recognized during the event. The selections were all inside the perimeter, but Michelin says they may expand beyond the perimeter in the future. 5 Buckhead restaurants were recognized, including Atlas winning a coveted Michelin star. Other hot spots around the city include the West Side, East Atlanta, Decatur, and Chamblee/Doraville.
The Michelin Guide began as a way to help motorists plan trips across France. The Michelin brothers figured that more driving trips meant more tire sales, and they were right! The guide included maps, instructions for changing a tire, where to buy fuel, and more. The guide began to include hotel and restaurants in the 1920s, and the now famous restaurant inspectors began to visit and review restaurants anonymously. The first Michelin star was awarded in 1926, with 2 and 3 star ratings added five years later. The Michelin Guide now rates over 40,000 establishments across three continents.
There were several awards handed out on October 24, but perhaps the one with the most culinary weight is the coveted Michelin Star. A star in the Michelin Guide means a restaurant is “High quality cooking, worth a stop!” Michelin’s restaurant inspectors judge a restaurant on quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, personality of the chef reflected in the cuisine, and consistency of food and service between visits. A Michelin star (or two or three) recognizes a chef and a restaurant among the best in the world.
Atlas and chef Freddy Money were awarded the first Michelin star in Atlanta’s history. Anyone who has dined at Atlas is not surprised by this recognition. The inspectors found Atlas “snuggled inside the St Regis” and called the restaurant “impossibly elegant.” Of winning Atlanta’s first Michelin star, Chef Money said, “Very humbling. Awesome experience and shows the dedication and hard work of our whole team, so we’re very proud.”
THE CHASTAIN was the first Buckhead restaurant to be recognized during the Michelin Guide ceremony, and they ended up with three awards on the night. THE CHASTAIN’s Juan Fernando Cortés won the first Michelin Sommelier of the year award in Atlanta. Michelin inspectors said that Juan “puts care and thought into each and every selection, and that he’s not afraid to think outside the box.” In a testament to his commitment to his craft, Juan was not in attendance to receive his Michelin award because he was working at the restaurant.
THE CHASTAIN was also awarded one of two Michelin Green Stars in the city. A Michelin Green Star is awarded to acknowledge a restaurant at the forefront of sustainable practices and ethical environmental practices. The inspectors were impressed with the way THE CHASTAIN goes “above and beyond organic.” THE CHASTAIN and fellow Green Star recipient Bacchanalia join just 21 other Green Star restaurants in the U.S.
General Manager Emilee Durrett said the Michelin Green Star recognizes a big part of what THE CHASTAIN has been working toward concerning sustainability. “When we set out to do THE CHASTAIN, a big goal of ours was making an impact not only in a neighborhood, not just in Atlanta, but in the southeast as a whole.” Durrett said the team at THE CHASTAIN, including Executive Chef Christopher Grossman, has been dedicated to, “changing what it could look like to have relationships with local purveyors, farmers, and independent businesses, and really making a choice to do that, despite the challenges.”
The Michelin Guide chose 30 restaurants for their first Recommended Restaurants selection in Atlanta, including THE CHASTAIN, Storico Fresco, and Tomo. Bib Gourmand recipients are recognized by the Michelin Guide for high quality food for a reasonable price. 10 restaurants made the list in Atlanta, and we are going to claim Heirloom Market BBQ as Buckhead’s winner on the list.
We would like to congratulate all of the restaurants recognized in Atlanta’s first Michelin guide. Check out the full list of winners below, and support your local chef!
Juan Fernando Cortes, THE CHASTAIN
The Chastain
Storico Fresco Alimentari
Heirloom Market BBQ
Bacchanalia
Hayakawa
Lazy Betty
Mujo
Bacchanalia
Neil McCarthy, Miller Union
Jason Furst and bar team, BoccaLupo
Chef Jarrett Stieber, Little Bear
Antico
Arepa Mia
Banshee
Bomb Biscuit
Busy Bee Cafe
Estrellita
Fred’s Meat and Bread
Fishmonger
Little Bear
The Alden
BoccaLupo
Chai Pani
The Deer and the Dove
Delbar
Food Terminal
The General Muir
Georgia Boy and Southern Belle
Gunshow
Han Il Kwan
Home Grown
Kamayan ATL
Kimball House
LanZhou Ramen
Lyla Lila
Marcel
Miller Union
Nam Phuong
Poor Hendrix
Snackboxe Bistro
Talat Market
Ticonderoga Club
Tiny Lou’s
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
The White Bull
Xi’an Gourmet House (Midtown)
Canterbury Court has been an integral part of the Buckhead community since it opened in 1965. The recently expanded campus will be home to over 500 senior adults, nearly double the previous capacity, in what is referred to as a Life Plan Community. With multiple restaurants and myriad amenities, Canterbury Court feels more like a resort than a retirement community. The fact that Canterbury Court refers to internal sections of the campus as neighborhoods speaks volumes about the culture of the staff and residents.
The connection to the greater Buckhead community is an important aspect of life at Canterbury Court. President and CEO Debi McNeil said, “More than 60% of our residents come from [the Buckhead] area and have lived here most of their lives.” She continued, “It means a lot to be part of the city, to be in the heart of it. Not to be isolated. People want to be near their families, they want to be near the things that they know and love, and to be part of that same environment they were always in.”
McNeil says the expanded medical facilities in the new Monarch Tower allow Canterbury Court to have “state of the art, healthcare, and spaces that people want to be a part of that still feel home-like and residential.”
Residents enjoy independent living in 323 apartments across 4 residential towers. When their needs change, they can seamlessly transition into the assisted living and skilled nursing facilities on-site, including 42 assisted living apartments, 40 Skilled Nursing apartments, and 21 memory support apartments.
Independent living and healthcare are in separate neighborhoods, but everything is still connected and integrated. Healthcare residents are encouraged to participate in activities in the main buildings, but there are separate activities and events in the Monarch Pavilion. McNeil said the path from independent living to healthcare is not necessarily a straight line. “We tell people just because you go to HealthCare doesn’t mean you’re never coming back.”
The grounds are an important component of life at Canterbury Court. The 14 acre campus includes lush gardens with over a mile of walking trails, along with a recently added state-of-the-art greenhouse and residents’ private garden beds. A new 8,500 square foot landscaped terrace known as the Overlook has expansive garden views, a bocce ball court, putting greens, and more. A 10,000 square foot secure therapeutic green space was recently added for the exclusive use of the memory care residents.
Frank Player and Margaret Hancock conceived the idea for a new retirement home, and asked rectors of Atlanta’s All Saints’ Episcopal Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to sponsor the project. From the Canterbury Court website, “Their idea was to create a community where older adults could live and share a joyful lifestyle, with a continuum of care to meet changing needs.” Their dream was realized when Canterbury Court, Atlanta’s first Life Plan Community, opened in 1965.
The original Club Tower is still recognized for its striking mid-century modern architecture. The Peachtree Tower opened in 1991, and the Vermont tower in 2005, both echoing the style of the original tower. The latest additions to the campus are a departure from the original design, while still visually integrating with the existing buildings. Debi McNeil said of the Garden Tower and the Monarch Pavilion, “I always like to say they’re not twins, but they’re definitely sisters.”
The Garden Tower and Monarch medical Pavilion represent the largest expansion of Canterbury Court to date. The new facilities add 133 independent living apartments and more than 40 apartments in the healthcare neighborhoods. The expansion doubles both the square footage and the number of residents.
Dedicated memory care apartments and the 10,000 square foot private memory care garden are important additions to the Canterbury campus.
Board Chair David Aldridge says discussions about expanding Canterbury Court began in 2016, “We came away with aggressive goals, not just to have adequate health care facilities, we want it to be best in class.” Aldridge continued, “We needed to reach a higher level of operating efficiency, and that meant we needed to expand our independent living campus alongside our healthcare. These two go together like hand in glove.”
The next project for Canterbury Court will be adding to the green space. After purchasing three adjacent homes along Vermont Road, Debi McNeil explains, “We are going to be working with the Neighborhood Association and the city through the zoning process to take those homes down and add another 1.3 acres to our green space.”
Canterbury trustee and chair of the Enrichment Project Oversight Committee Larry Lord spoke at the grand opening of the Garden Tower and Monarch Pavilion. His remarks summed up the impression we got from all of the residents and staff we spoke to, “Our campus is truly a testament to our commitment to progress, the enrichment and bettering our residents’ lives and to the bright future that lies ahead for Canterbury Court. May the Monarch Pavilion and Garden Tower along with our existing facilities continue to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of community and pride to all those who call Canterbury Court home. May the winds of inspiration and hope forever grace the halls of Canterbury Court.”
Stylish live/work townhome in the heart of Brookhaven has lots of space in a perfect location, and this thriving neighborhood is only getting better! Fernwood Park and the Brookhaven Public Library are right next door, and Parkside Park is around the corner. This spacious 3 bedroom home is an easy walk along the sidewalk-lined streets to shops and restaurants at Village Place Brookhaven, including Savi Provisions, Verde Taqueria, The One Sushi+, J. Christophers, and much more. Two blocks away on Peachtree Road you will find Total Wine & More, Walgreens, Kroger, and more great restaurants.
The City of Brookhaven is building a new City Hall at the current location of the large MARTA parking lot along Apple Valley Road. The City shared preliminary designs for the new building in January 2023, and the project is expected to break ground this year. The project includes an attractive glass building with an atrium, underground parking, and rooftop green space, with proposed amenities like a cafe and coffee shop. The Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA rail station is conveniently located across the street from 1262 Apple Valley Rd.
The street-level office space is a convenient place to run your business, and the property is zoned for commercial and residential use. The current layout of the over 800 square foot space has a private office, studio space, a half bath, and a break room. A retail parking lot in front of the work space provides easy access for clients.
Resident parking is found in the 2-car garage that is accessed from the gated driveway behind the home. The garage has a large workshop space adjacent to the parking area.
Up one flight of stairs, the main level features an open concept layout and space for entertaining. The bright fireside family room is a great place to gather with family and friends, and the patio extends the living area even further. The rear patio features built-in seating for a large dining area AND a spacious outdoor living area.
Stylish black cabinetry and a large pantry provide plenty of storage in the kitchen. At the center of the home, the kitchen has access to the family room, dining room, and cool built-in shelves with an attached desk.
The dining room occupies the entire front of the home. Large windows admit tons of natural light, and a glass door leads to the front balcony. The long balcony has all new weather-resistant floors.
Upstairs you will find the primary bedroom suite, with a generous walk-in closet and a full ensuite bath. The main bath features a soaking tub, separate shower and double vanities. Two additional bedrooms, the laundry area, and a second full bath are also on this top level. The laundry area has new built-in storage and a custom live-edge counter. The upper level also has new carpet throughout.
Historic Brookhaven has been a popular neighborhood for over 100 years. Developed in 1910, it has evolved today into a bucolic destination. Residents are a short walk or quick drive from Phipps Plaza and Lenox malls, restaurants, and countless other amenities. There are countless other options for shopping and dining along Peachtree Road, Dresden Drive, and more.
The discerning buyer will appreciate the quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail at 4111 McClatchey Circle in North Buckhead. The meticulously landscaped front yard, Circa gas lanterns, and copper gutters are only the beginning. Everything inside the classic brick facade has been upgraded over time. You’ll discover carefully considered details throughout the home, such as Lutron smart dimmer switches, solid cherry doors, and custom hardware. Other highlights include a whole-house water filtration system, tankless water heater, April Aire filtration system, and dehumidification system.
Nature lovers will appreciate the outdoor spaces. A screened outdoor living room overlooks the generous wooded lot that slopes down to a creek on the property. The serene view is like having a private nature preserve.
The entry foyer leads to the formal living room on one side, and the formal dining room on the other. The custom cherry French doors allow the living room to function as the perfect private home office. The dining room features built in corner cabinets, and provides access to the gourmet kitchen.
The kitchen contains solid cherry cabinets and granite counter tops. The chef in your home will love the Viking gas range and microwave, SubZero refrigerator, and Miele dishwasher. The bright breakfast room leads to an additional wine room/bar with cherry cabinetry and double wine cooler.
The family room has a cozy fireplace, and provides access to the outdoor living room and the open-air deck. These outdoor spaces are sure to become some of your favorite parts of the home.
Upstairs you will find the main bedroom suite, along with three additional bedrooms and a full bath. The main bedroom features a gorgeous ensuite Waterworks bath. The heated Carrara marble flooring, Kohler tea-for-two bathtub, and Toto toilet give the suite a decadent, spa-like feel.
The additional upstairs Waterworks bath also features Carrara marble, Toto toilet, and high-end fixtures.
The daylight terrace level provides 500 additional square feet of finished space! This lower level includes two large rooms plus a full bath, featuring a Jacuzzi tub, and the outdoor entrance leads to the backyard.
North Buckhead blends quiet, walkable neighborhoods with easy access to some of the best amenities in Buckhead. This diverse neighborhood includes multiple access points to PATH400, great outdoor activities at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve and Little Nancy Creek Park, and the Buckhead Village District and Chastain Park are right around the corner. The active North Buckhead Civic Association hosts numerous events throughout the year to help residents stay connected and engaged. North Buckhead is a great home base for active Buckhead families!
2021 was another fantastic year for Buckhead real estate! Not only was a new record set for the highest-priced home sale ever (more on that below), but the overall demand has remained strong and steady. The overall inflation story in the economy and demand driven by the Covid-induced “Great Relocation” are the top two driving forces.
Here is a look at average sale prices and total number of sales over the last 4 years:
| Year | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
| Number of Homes Sold | 1,048 | 1,137 | 1,244 | 1,437 |
| Average Single Family Home Sale Price | $1,127,676.17 | $1,156,070.17 | $1,211,784.08 | $1,358,109.42 |
| Average Condo/Townhome Price | $364,608.50 | $404,225.33 | $373,275.00 | $407,598.42 |
Not only did the average single family home price in Buckhead jump to $1,350,000, but the total number of sales also saw a substantial increase. Meanwhile, Buckhead condo prices made a full recovery from their 2021 dip.
Are you thinking about buying or selling in Buckhead? Now, more than ever, you need the top Buckhead Realtor in your corner to help navigate this market. The expertise, marketing, and personalized service that I provide led me to over $115,000,000 in Buckhead home sales during 2021. I also sold four of the top ten sales for the year, no agent sold more. Contact me directly HERE.
Enough statistics, you probably came here to see the top home sales! Without further ado:
This home set the record for the most expensive home sale in Atlanta history! It sold off-market, having never been listed publicly. More details here.
Valley Road in Tuxedo Park ranks among the most beautiful streets anywhere, so no surprise that #1 AND #2 on our list share the same street. This home at 165 Valley Road closed at $8,375,000
You may have toured this 4.5 acre Mediterranean estate when it was the 2020 Showhouse. It landed #3 on our list at $7,150,000
This home in Historic Brookhaven is a one-of-a-kind design, offering some truly unique features. Click the photo below to see for yourself! Closed at $7,107,531
Some lucky buyers that I was fortunate to represent were able to snag this home in an off-market transaction. The home features a dream yard on a double lot just a block or two from the Buckhead Village. Closed at $6,800,000
Arguably one of the most beautiful homes in the Paces neighborhood. I sold this home in record price territory, not once, but TWICE in 2021. Closed at $6,700,000
This home had all of the bells and whistles needed to break into the top 10, having been extensivly upgraded since it was built in 2017. Closed at $6,500,000
This new home on Knollwood was sold before completion, making it the third home in Tuxedo Park to make our list this year. Closed at $6,400,000
This home, designed by William T Baker 20 years ago, still pulls off a timeless English manor look with a stone beautiful exterior that won a buyer’s heart at $6,375,000
The St Regis residences continue to reign supreme among Buckhead condo sales.
Mayor-elect Andre Dickens’ inaugural weekend schedule includes a New Year’s Day cleanup at a small Buckhead park.
That’s in advance of his Jan. 3 inauguration at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.
The Little Nancy Creek Park cleanup is one of only three such in-person events on a schedule that also includes the likes of Piedmont Park. There’s no mention of the Buckhead cityhood controversy, but the political touch is obvious as Dickens has promised to pay better attention to the neighborhood than incumbent Keisha Lance Bottoms as a way to stave off the secession.
The lead-up to the inauguration begins with the “Community Service Day” on Saturday, Jan. 1, which has many virtual and do-it-yourself options as well as a few organized, in-person events. The cleanup at the 5-acre Little Nancy Creek Park at 4012 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road in North Buckhead is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other in-person events that day include assembling personal hygiene kits at the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center in Southwest Atlanta and “community Wiffle ball games and outreach activities” at Midtown’s Piedmont Park.
That evening, 5-7 p.m., a community reception and block party will be held at Pullman Yards in Kirkwood.
On Sunday, Jan. 2, a virtual “Interfaith Prayer Across Atlanta” is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Then comes the swearing-in of Dickens and the gathering of the new Atlanta City Council on Monday, Jan. 3 at 1 p.m. Attendance will be limited.
All in-person attendees will have to wear a mask and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test taken within the previous 24 hours. For full details, see the inaugural website at MovingATLForward.com.
The spirit of Buckhead heads forward. This is the way it has been, and perhaps this is the way it will always be. The spirit of Buckhead points forward. You see it in the way we work, and you see it in the way we play. The reach is always extending further. The search is for excellence and beauty and grace and vibrancy.
We are a community of individuals. We are diverse, we are dynamic, and we are discerning. We are builders. We are connected to one another with a common bond. A common dream. A common quest. Pointing life in one direction. Forward.
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